Stacey Lucas Interview

At first I was interested in a Stacey Lucas interview because I find someone competing for the first time and looking so great in their forties an inspiring thing. I had no idea there was so much more about her that is inspiring. She kicked some very bad habits, has an incredible determination, and continues to prove that she will keep getting better. Stacey is someone you have to root for.




Q: First Stacey I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.

Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself.
A: I am 48 years old and was born and raised in southern California. I moved to Michigan in 1996 with my 5 year old son. I had chosen Michigan because two of my siblings, from a previous marriage of my dads, whom I had never met lived here, after my father died I wanted to come meet them. Opportunities presented themselves and I decided to stay. I got married in 2005 to my husband Steve Lucas; I have a 21 year old son, and two beautiful grandsons. The youngest 9 months I see most often. Being a grandma is the best thing that ever happened to me.
I went back to college in 2006 after deciding to pursue a new career. I chose Occupational Therapy and am currently working on my degree. It's been a wonderful journey thus far.

Q: Before the gym were you an especially athletic person? Play any sports or
anything?
A: I have always been athletic however never played any sports in school. I became acquainted with the gym back in the 70's ocean front board walk, San Diego California, "The All American Gym", it was right on the walk. I remember hanging out with all the muscle men as a young skater on the beach, us younger girls would always head there if we found ourselves in any trouble. These men were like Olympian lifters, I remember being quite intrigued.

Q: What initially led you into the gym?
A: I quit smoking in 2000 and did not want to put on the pounds; I have always enjoyed exercise and figured this would be the perfect time to get started. So I joined a local gym and racquetball club here in the area.


Q: Was training something you picked up fairly easy? How long before you started
to see results?
A: In the beginning my training was just 5 days a week, I worked on some programs like "Body for Life" and did some video training for a few years. There was no question I was getting addicted to this stuff. I could see results within the first year. By the time I got serious about working out my addiction to the gym was on. Over the years I had been faithful, but was getting board with nowhere to go with the new drive. I started asking questions at the health food store where I get my supplements and it wasn't but a year later I was finally connected.

Q: What made you decide to compete for the first time?
A: I was so bored with nowhere to go.. I had done all this work and no one to show it off to. When I made the acquaintance at VIP here in Flint then the passion really started because I was around like minded individuals. The fever just kept coming.

Q: Is competing something your family and friends supported?
A: Yes it is for sure. Both my husband and my son have been very supportive and encouraging for sure. My friends have all been wonderful. Always encouraging me.

Q: Was competing what you expected or did anything surprise you about it?
A: I had no idea what getting on stage was going to be like. Of course my first show I am the first one to have to go out on stage, and without question I screwed it up and went the wrong way after my presentation. What made me feel better is everyone is nervous. What I didn't expect is how awesome all the women are who do compete in this sport and how dedicated everyone of them are.


A: Can you share your contest history.
A: I have only competed in 2 shows.. The Northern Michigan & the Peggy Sue Classic. I took 2nd place in Grand Masters and 6 place in short class open.
This year I competed in the Flint Natural and took 5th place in Grand Masters and once again 6th place in short class open.

Q: As far as body parts, what do you feel is your best one?
A: I like my arms.

Q: Do you have a part you most like to train or favorite exercise?
A: I like to train shoulders --favorite exercise is Arnold presses

Q: What is your normal training routine and diet like and how do you alter it
for contest prep?
A: I train 6 days a week, sometime I do body parts by the week and other times I do a circuit. Either way, I figure it out before I get to the gym. There is nothing worse than going in without a plan. My diet on off season is close to the same as during prep but with extras. During training however cut the liberties and just more frequent meals. The week before show diet changes again with the addition of different meats and veges.


Q: When someone sees your physique or hears you compete for the first time,
what is the most common reaction? More positive or negative?
A: I think initially it is negative, especially with the women. Some wall goes up or something, it's very discouraging. On the other hand there is always someone who is willing to say something positive. When I get that reaction I run with it and do whatever I can to help motivate and inspire the person who is inquiring as to what I do. All in all the reactions are positive.

Q: When they see it that first time, what is the one question or comment you
are most sick of hearing?
A: This one is easy, if they see me during contest prep time for the first time its always "your so thin", until they really have a look. I HATE THAT!

Q: What is the biggest misconception about women who train and compete or the
one thing you wish people understood?
A: Their attitudes. I think at first sight the cover might say more than the book. From the outside the girls might look unapproachable, on the inside, most of the women I have met over the last year have been amazing. Most are warm and kind and are for the most part just like me, very passionate about what they love, including the gym.


Q: What is the best and worst part of training for you?
A: The best part is weight lifting - I love to lift and work hard till I can't lift anymore. The worst part is some of the idiot men who work out in the same gym as I. NO RESPECT downright rude. Wish someone would come and clean house for me.

Q: Do you have any favorite competitors or any you admire?
A: Pam Soper was the first women competitor I had seen. I saw a picture of her at VIP and I knew I wanted to do what she did. The next person I connected with is Peggy Sue Barber she was my trainer for the first show and was amazing. Nicole Wilkins is also one of my favorite, local Michigan girls. I have been watching her progress. Tanji Johnson is also most inspiring; at 48 I want to do a fitness competition. I have gymnastic back ground. If I lived closer to her I would be at her club get training now.

Q: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
A: There might be a few, Blue Cheese, peanut butter and chips and salsa.. this is just about how bad it gets.. not too bad.. I don't like junk food it makes me sick, and I don't eat sweets for the same reason, grease hurts too.. so my favorites are actually good for me.. which makes this lifestyle quite easy to adapt to.

Q: Do you think its becoming more common to see women using the weights in the
gym as opposed to just doing cardio and things?
A: Weightlifting is becoming more common at the gym where I train. I have seen quite an increase in women lifting. They are finally overcoming the fear of bulking up.

Q: Outside of training, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: During the summer I enjoy mountain bike riding, swimming, boating. Winter time in Michigan keeps us inside where I like to make jewelry and craft with leather and beads. I enjoy doing volunteer work at the church or where ever I might be needed. I like working with the kids.

Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Stacey Lucas.
A: My day starts at 4:30 most every day. The first thing I do before I do anything is get into God's Word. I spend about half hour each morning doing a daily bible study. It helps me stay focused on what my life is really about. I am usually off to the gym by about 5:30 or so and work out for about 1 hour. Two days a week I am in school from 8am to 6pm. The other 3 days I am busy doing homework. I quit my job last year to pursue my career.

Q: Describe Stacey Lucas in five words.
A: Tenacious, Assertive, Loyal, Honesty, Passionate

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A; I am a DRY alcoholic 21 years, and clean 16 yrs methamphetamine addict. I also quite smoking 10 years ago. I beat them to date, still clean and dry.

Q: If another woman told you she wanted to start training, what is the one
piece of advice you would most want to give her?
A: You must be willing to sacrifice! You must train hard every day, your food is most important. You must give 110% everyday, have fun! It could work for both

Q: Any set plans for the near future as far as competing or anything else?
A: Yes, I am prepin for a show in May here in Grand Rapids, then in August I am going to go to Stateline NV to do the Tahoe Show with another wonderful woman I met here in Facebook. It is going to be an amazing adventure.

Q: Anything you want to take this opportunity to plug or promote?
A: Yes, I would like to encourage any woman out there who is considering competing. Come on and just do it. It will offer so many opportunities for growth and change within yourself, you will be so happy you did. Don't wait.


Q: Are you looking for sponsors? If so how can they reach you and what are they
getting in Stacey Lucas the athlete and competitor?
A: I would very much like to have a sponsor. I considered writing some letter last month to see if I could get anyone board. I would love to show the world their products and help advance their company in this industry. I can be reached via email at slucas8605@aol.com or on face book.

Q: Stacey, again, I thank you for taking the time to do this. Any last words
before you go?
A: Just thank you for the opportunity to get myself out there in hope maybe I can locate a sponsor. I wish you the best in your fitness career too. I will be watching your progress. Thanks again