Why did I start training? Several reasons. But none of those reasons actually got me to start. What got me to start was reading Laura Kline's story. If you have not read it, dig deep into the archives of this blog and find Laura's first interview. At the time I learned how she had lost a lot of weight and planned to compete in Figure. Inspired me. Flash forward to now, and Laura won her class and the overall in her first show, the NPC Oklahoma. WOW. Winning and NPC overall in your first show. She went on to compete at Jr. Nationals. No, she didn't place, but really, I don't think a win in this case had anything to do with her place. No, I believe she won because she was on that stage. Her story is very inspiring and she is deserving of all the success she has achieved and will achieve. I was very proud of her and will continue to be proud, because the reason I will be on stage one day and hopefully do well, is because Laura Kline did it. So her is an interview with Laura, so you can all get to know the amazing woman I know.
Q: Laura, thanks for taking the time out to do a second interview.
A: No problem, happy to do it :)
Q: For those who may have missed the first interview, can you tell a little about yourself.
A: Quick and to the point: Grew up overweight, started exercising/dieting at 17, lost an initial 40-50lbs and fell in love with fitness. After graduating college I wanted to take it to the next level since I was just maintaining a skinny-fat body and I was not satisfied with that so I started training and dieting with Jeff Dwelle for my first figure competition. Competed at the NPC Oklahoma Championships and won first in my class and the overall!! That was AMAZING! Then I went to Jr Nationals 2 weeks later and didn't place. I am now on an off season plan and our focus is to keep my body fat in check and grow me some thicker rounder prettier muscles for my next national show!!!
Q: First lets talk about the NPC Oklahoma. Winning your first show and taking the overall. How did that feel?
A: Surreal. I trained so hard and dieted down for so long this was like the cherry on top of a very long cooked cake! The peanut butter m&ms were delicious too! :)
Q: Did you think winning was realistic going in?
A: Yes at that point I did. I was tuned in really well at Oklahoma.
Q: Then we move to Jr. Nationals. Obviously that is another level of competitors. Was there ever any self doubt about doing that show so soon or did you know "hey I earned it I belong on this stage"
A: Other than how small I was I had no self doubt. I love being on stage, it is fun and I had a blast!!
Q: As a show itself what did you think of it?
A: It was so well run I loved it! And to see all of the competitors that I know from facebook and other social network sites was great because a lot of those girls are my supporters as I am theirs!
Q: Did the power outage and delay have any effect on you?
A: Well the day I was supposed to fly in, Thursday, my lay over flight in Memphis was cancelled so I got stuck there overnight. Then I had to book a flight with another airline in the morning and my luggage was also lost which had my food in it. I actually felt my body physically shrink in response to the stress on Thursday but on Friday once I got to Chicago (and got my luggage and food!) I felt like I was filling back up.
Then it was go time and there I am sitting backstage in our meeting and boom, the lights go out. I laughed a little because it was just another bump on top of the other ones I had to go over to get to that stage. It made me more determined to get out there! I was pretty small and flat by the time the power came back on but I honestly just wanted to go have fun and get up there already!
Q: After pre-judging how were you feeling about your chances?
A: I had no chance to win but I was with my other girlie and she was doing bikini so I stayed with her and kept her smiling until it was her turn to go up!
Q: How did you feel about the overall package your brought to the stage?
A: I was extremely happy with my package except for my size. And I need to wear a different color blush n lipstick.. I liked how my hair looked best pulled back. I really learned a lot while I was there which I am so thankful for!
Q: What part of your physique would you say was the one you have improved the most?
A: My back.
Q: Was there one aspect of your physique you thought could have been better or you want to improve on?
A: Bigger shoulders! I'm obsessed with my shoulder boulders!!
Q: Did your prep go as smoothly as hoped for?
A: Hehe, are those words allowed in a sentence together? Smooth prep.. haha :D :D
Q: Is there a point in the prep process where you say "O.K. I am ready"?
A: Yep, I said that probably 1,000,000 times and drove my coach crazy :)
Q: Anything about the prep process that you can say you want to do different next time?
A: Not be so impatient with my dad :) I loved my prep though, it was the first of many to come and we learned SO much during it so the next one will probably be a little easier since we know exactly what works.
Q: After a show like that, are you mentally drained at all?
A: Hell yeah! I was completely exhausted physically and mentally and emotionally. I had a meeting with my coach a few days after getting back though and that helped me mentally level out. I like to have a plan so we determined what our goals were and he sent me my new plan at the end of the week.
Q: The week before a show like that, what were you thinking about? Nervous or excited, or what?
A: I was thinking about how I was going to ship my food lol. I was making sure all the little details were taken care of so that things would run smoothly come show time. Can't control the airline industry though. Boo on them!
Q: How about those last 5 minutes before you hit the stage, what were you thinking about?
A: My pre-stage thoughts: Are my lips shiny enough? Should I pump a little more? I don't have any peanut butter m&m's, where will I buy some?
Q: When you are on stage did you try and read the judges reactions at all or just focus on what you are doing?
A: I just smiled and checked everyone out as they checked me out, it was fun! Like a little dance!
Q: Whats the first thing you ate once it was over?
A: More peanut butter as I was waiting for my friend lol. I LOVE PEANUT BUTTER!!
Q: Was there any other competitors you noticed who really impressed you?
A: One of the girls I know from FB and siouxcountry was there, Stacy Wright, and her package was AMAZING!! She is a fitness competitor and she was just gorgeous and perfectly tuned in. So proud of her!!
Q: Anyone you got to meet or see for the first time that you were excited about?
A: I finally met Adela Garcia, I had seen her at other shows but we hadn't met yet. She is from TX too and she was a complete sweetheart. She helped me with my suit and how to wear it correctly, gotta love advice from an Olympian!
Q: How important is support from family and friends at a show like this?
A: I think support from anyone is important at a show like this. I was blessed to have another one of Jeff's girls there competing with me and hanging out with me. We kept each other occupied and laughed a lot! And we also tried to eat a huge ass deep dish pizza together, we each only ate one piece then brought the rest to the bodybuilders lol :)
Q: Have you decided when you will be on stage next?
A: Probably not until the first national show next year! I'm excited to grow and get back on stage though, I love it!
Q: Anyone you want to thank for helping you in the process?
A: Jeff, his wife Elizabeth, my dad, you, everyone on facebook and siouxcountry that has supported me, my dog Nina for putting up with me and anyone else's path I came across. This process is never ending and I will always be thankful for all of the support, it is amazing and inspiring!!
Q: Anything you want to take this time to plug or promote?
A: You and your website, you give a voice to all the hard working women out there that deserve to be heard!! Thank you Jason!!
I also want to promote hard work, patience, honesty and dedication. Without these nothing worthwhile is possible.
And 1 M.R., thank you for helping me kick my ass. lol.. :)
Q: Laura again congrats on winning the Oklahoma and for how you looked at Jr.'s. I was so happy for you. Any last words before you go
A: Got any peanut butter m&m's?
:) Thank you :)
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