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Q: Can you describe the moment you decided to compete in your first NPC show?A. Since I had started training at an MMA gym, I was usually the smallest in the classes and sometimes the only female. I began lifting weights to become stronger. A friend who had helped me in the gym was a competitor and suggested I had the structure to compete. I laughed at the idea, but I attended my first NPC show to see what it was about. I looked at the females on stage that day and realized I could do that too.Q: What was the most challenging part of prepping for your first competition?A. I had the excitement and work ethic to prep, but I had very little knowledge of what it truly took to win and be competitive. I remember hearing other competitors talk about their cheat meals or refeeds, and I had none%u2014I didn%u2019t understand why. I didn%u2019t grasp the level of conditioning a person could and should achieve to win. I wasn%u2019t lean enough. I thought I looked good but had no idea what true conditioning was.Q: Earning your IFBB Pro card in under three years is no small feat. What%u2019s your secret?A. As I mentioned before, I was in a phase of challenging myself. I was very goal-driven, and I had the work ethic to match. I had a coach who believed in me and pushed me. I took every prep seriously and every improvement phase seriously. I worked year-round to improve my weaknesses. I never made excuses on tough days%u2014I just did the work.Q: What do you love most about bodybuilding and competition prep?A. I love being able to say, %u201cIt was hard, but I did that!%u201d It%u2019s empowering to participate in a sport and lifestyle that only a small percentage of people can withstand. It takes a strong mindset to say no to instant gratification and face each uncomfortable day head-on, week after week. Q: What motivates you on days when you feel like giving up?A. I don%u2019t sit well with excuses. I%u2019m a problem solver by nature. I wouldn%u2019t look at myself with pride if I gave up or gave in. When I%u2019m struggling, I take each task one by one and one day at a time. I remind myself that I am strong and capable. My motivation comes from proving to myself that I can do it. Prep is very intrinsic for me. My coach is also my husband, so he%u2019s always there. I can%u2019t slip up or he%u2019ll know. Haha.MOSTMAGAZINE38 MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 63