| I was "normal" weight through high school (105-110lbs &
5’-0"), but never developed an interest in sports or fitness (not even PE)
due to my vision. Due to my blindness, I grew up with the kids constantly
teasing me, which led to very low self-esteem. This all led to me gradually
gaining weight.
Nov. 1995
By the time I reached 31 (1995) I had reached a weight of 185lbs. All from a
combination of fast food, no exercise, and depression. For many years, all I
thought was that exercise and diet didn't work. I felt all the people that
looked good had always looked that way. I never tried any form of dieting.
At the end of 1995 I decided that there must be a better way. So my aunt and
I joined a gym. I knew that if I was going to do this that it had to be an
all or nothing attempt. I knew I had to change my diet, lift weights with
proper form, and do cardio.
2000
I lost some weight through 1996. In 1997, I was unable to go to the gym but
maintained my loss. In March of 1999, I decided that since I could not go to
the gym, I would bring the gym to me. So I bought equipment for my home
and began hitting it hard. I would get up at 4:30am every morning before
work to get my workout in. I also made another major change in my diet; I
consumed six small meals (instead of three large meals) a day, and began
using supplements (protein powder, meal replacement, etc).
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Sept. 2004
I was born legally blind, so I do not have the luxury of being able to
drive myself anywhere. I must either rely on friends or family, but most
often I had to take the bus and/or walk. Going to work for me would have
been a 30 minute drive, but on the bus it was three hours one-way.
I did this all with training, diet, and over the counter supplements. Alot
of people have said there is no way to have accomplished this naturally but
I have. It was slow going but the pounds gradually came off and the
underlying shape came through.
In March 2002 I competed in my first body building contest at age 38. I got
2nd novice light weight and 3rd in masters. I also competed in April and May
of that year and got a couple more trophies. March 2003 I competed again and
got 3rd in novice light weight.
I am parent of a wonderful 16 yr old daughter. And engaged to
a amazing man.
March 2006
See the pictures
as I progressed
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