I grew up in a small (and I mean small) town in Ohio. I was definitely an active outdoor type of child. As the youngest of seven children, I was left with plenty of time to myself to explore and play. Can you believe I actually had a pet calf named Charlie and three pet sheep? Not to mention dogs and kitties galore.
This little tomboy started to grow up a bit and before long my time was spent dreaming of the day that I would become MISS AMERICA. My imaginary world was so much fun. I spent hour after hour in my room with my sister’s prom dresses, high heels and bikinis, practicing.
Many personal tragedies in my life caused me to grow up much sooner than any young girl should have to. There were far too many sad and difficult experiences, including my mother’s terminal illness, Lou Gherig’s Disease. After losing my mother, I also lost one of my beautiful sisters to cancer, my son was born 3 months premature and my marriage completely fell apart. It was just one thing after another after another.
My life was constantly filled with so much loss…the loss of my childhood, the loss of my family, the loss of my self-esteem. But the toughest loss of all was that I lost myself. I had put on so much weight (60lbs to be exact) that when I looked in the mirror I no longer recognized the woman looking back at me. I no longer knew who I was, physically or emotionally.
It wasn’t until the horrible disintegration of my marriage that something within me snapped. I was going to change my life and take control. I was going to work on me, from the inside out. Just the little things, like reading a self help book, painting my nails or curling up in front of the fireplace and making little changes in my diet did so much for me. I started growing stronger on the inside.
At this point, I made the decision to take it further so I started training for marathons (yes, me!), and I ran two of them. Again I took off more weight. Now I was fueled for more. I hadn’t really lifted weights but started to incorporate them into my workouts and I loved the nice well rounded look I was getting.
In July 2005 my whole life changed. I had gotten results on my own and 50lbs were off of my body but I wanted more. I attended the 2005 Bodyrock to watch a friend compete. This is where I met a man that turned my world around. He is amazing and has taught me so much about myself; none other than Kim Oddo; owner of Body By O, Training and Nutritional Guru. Mr. O and I talked and made a plan right then and there to take my physique to the next level. After a 12 week transformation program with him I moved right into my first contest prep.
In March 2006 I stood on the stage for the very first time, over 70lbs lighter, eyes shining and a smile from ear to ear.
A great dream came to reality…I finally felt like MISS AMERICA!
I placed 1st in Masters and 2nd in the Class C. I then returned to Bodyrock 2006, but this time not as a spectator… it was my turn to shine. I had done it, come full circle.
Today I am excited about life, excited for the future, loving the new me and loving the journey of life!
