Tracy Allen Interview

Q: First, Tracy, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.
A: You are very welcome, Thank you for the invite :)

Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself.
A: I am a 43 year old married mom with 2 small boys. I was born in Sheffield, England and left home to move to Dubai when I was 23yrs to work for Emirates Airline as a flight attendant.I was there for almost 9 yrs before moving to Hawaii where i married my husband who was in the Navy at the time. We have now settled in San Diego, I'm currently setting up my own business with nutrition and fitness and feel very rewarded to help others reach their fitness goals. I am am currently involved in weight training, karate (red belt), boxing, running….. I love all aspects of fitness, and I love to get creative in the kitchen.

Q: Before the gym were you an especially athletic person? Play any sports or anything?
A: Yes very athletic…..I started in gymnastics at an early age of 6yrs and played in just about every team sport going, I was part of the track and field team and also was on the swim team.

Q: What initially led you into the gym?
A: When I finished high school I joined my local gym and started lifting weights, I was addicted and loved the changes I could see, it also totally boosted my self confidence.

Q: Was training something you picked up fairly easy? How long before you started to see results?
A: It as an easy transition from gymnastics but a different feel, I became good friends with the instructors so joined in most of the classes, but it was the gym floor and the weights that I loved the most and the challenges that we set between each other.

Q: What made you decide to compete for the first time?
A: I had a few friends in the gym who had competed then one of my trainer friends said he would compete in the same show and we could motivate each other through the lead up to the show….. I was intrigued :)

Q: Is competing something your family and friends supported?
A: Yes totally, at first my friends thought I was crazy to follow such a strict diet but when they saw how serious I was everyone was so supportive, my husband even bought me a stair master for my early morning cardio…….couldn't thank him enough for that :)

Q: Was competing what you expected or did anything surprise you about it?
A: I wasn't sure what to expect, I just knew I'd tried my hardest each time with the prep for the show, so the show days was all about having fun and meeting so many amazing people.

Q: Can you share your contest history.
A: I can't believe that it's only just coming up on a year since I competed in my first show, I had a lot of support come to cheer at my first show in San Diego, I loved everything about it. A friend who's a trainer at the gym said he would compete in the same show, just for support……I was a great experience and of course now I'm totally hooked.
*2010 NPC Border State Championship - Figure Division, C class 3rd
*2010 NPC Border State Championship - Figure, Masters A class 35+, 3rd
*2010 NPC Excalibur Championship - Figure Division, C class, 3rd
*2010 NPC Excalibur Championship - Figure, Masters A class 35+, 1st
*2011 NPC San Diego Bodybuilding - Figure Division, C class 1st
*2011 NPC San Diego Bodybuilding - Figure, Masters A class 35+, 1st
*2011 NPC LA Bodybuilding & Figure - Figure Division, class C, 2nd
*2011 NPC LA Bodybuilding & Figure - Figure, Masters A class, 1st
*2011 NPC USA National Championships - Figure Division C class 16th


Q: As far as body parts, what do you feel is your best one?
A: I always felt my shoulders/arms where my strongest part, but since I switched up my training I love leg day :)

Q: Do you have a part you most like to train or favorite exercise?
A: Legs & glutes are my favorite parts to train, squats get me every time! I like to be pushed by my trainer.

Q: What is your normal training routine and diet like and how do you alter it for contest prep?
A: I get up early and do my Stair Master cardio in my garage before I have to get my kids up for school. I pack all my food and after dropping them I head to the gym for my weight session. My diet remains clean, with a refuel meal once a week. When its prep time for a show the diet get's tightened up as the weeks pass. I also start to pick up the cardio to twice a day during that time.

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: Positive mostly….. people I hardly know will ask for advise and how I fit it in around my busy family life. I love to share my story to help encourage others that no matter what age or how busy we all are, there's still time and goals to reach if you want it bad enough!

Q: When they see it that first time, what is the one question or comment you are most sick of hearing?
A: I get fed up of hearing people say, "oh it's all your genetics'……..like it has nothing to do with my extreme training schedule

Q: What is the biggest misconception about women who train and compete or the one thing you wish people understood?
A:I wish people would understand that it's a competitive sport just like any other sport, and that women are just as serious about it. It's about dedication and hard work and putting the time in to get the results you want to see. It's not about the quick fix or a 12 week plan, its a lifestyle

Q: What is the best and worst part of training for you?
A: The best part of training is how I feel during and after completing a session……having a goal to work towards is a big motivator for me. Worst part is finding the rest time in between :)

Q: Do you have any favorite competitors or any you admire?
A: Huge admiration for my coach Gina Aliotti :)………..also Cheryl Brown, as a mom of 2 young boys myself, I admire her dedication and commitment to achieving her goals and dreams, with having balanced family life too.

Q: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
A: If its my refuel day I would rather have a steak with a couple of glasses of red wine, over a dessert…… love the nut butters too :)

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: I would ask if she is mentally set to make the changes for herself? Also that there will be ups and downs along the way. When it comes to following the nutrition plan……..preparation is key to the success of her goals, don't be afraid to ask for help :)

Q: Do you think its becoming more common for women to use the weights as opposed to just doing cardio and things?
A: Yes, I think it's the misconception of women lifting weights equals getting big and bulky that stops them from entering the weight room. Most women also seem to just need a little guidance around the floor, I think that once they know there is as support system near by then most are willing to give it a shot.

Q: Outside of training, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: Yes, I love to run, I'm also a red belt in karate, I'm working on the black belt goal :) I love to get creative with food,also spending time with my family and friends.

Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Tracy Allen.
A: I get up to do my morning cardio at 5.30am before I have to get my 2 boys ready for school, Once I drop them off I head to the gym for my weight session. I usually try to get in a couple of hrs study time (Nutrition Certification)
Pick up my boys from school them head to activities for the day with them. Homework, playtime and when they are asleep, if I have a show coming up I'll head into the garage for 2nd session of cardio. Sit down to chat and eat with my husband….

Q: Describe Allen in five words.
A: Motivated, Determined, Multi tasker :) Fitness fanatic, Busy Mom :)

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: I became a US Citizen after living in the US for 11 yrs so I could compete in the National shows (also my boys talked me into it :)
I'm very approachable, I think people get intimidated in the gym, I love to help and motivate others by sharing my story and helping put in any way I can :)

Q: Any set plans for the near future as far as competing or anything else?
A: I'll probably do a show here in San Diego in March of 2012, then wait for the NPC National's in Pittsburgh or maybe the USA's again in Vegas….. will see what the new year brings…..

Q: Anything you want to take this opportunity to plug or promote?
A: I would like to thanks my sponsor for supporting me and providing me with all the supplements I need :), www.betterbodiesbychemistry.com
Also special thanks Gina Aliotti, my Nutrition/Lifestyle Coach for my mental state of mind :)) hugs!! www.ginaaliotti.com
Thanks to Ryan Corder (my trainer) at www.blackopshumanperformance.com for pushing me to my limits every time! Photographers: OAMG, Holly Ireland, Nga Azarian, Ron Avidan.

Q: Are you looking for sponsors. If so how can they reach you?
A: I would love to do some fitness modeling, promotional work you could find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/tracy.a.liversidge
or my website at www.onefitbrit.com
My email is: tracyallen1@me.com

Q: Tracy, again, I thank you for taking the time to do this. Any last words before you go?
A: I appreciate you asking me do the interview, also for any women out there who are on the fence regarding competing……give it a go, challenge yourself! support is all around. Thank you, for the support for women in Fitness x