difficult . I took a short leave of absence from March 2024-June 2024 to take care of me and after all the guilt I felt for taking this leave , realised that I needed to do it and it was the best decision . I worked out hard . I had about 16-20 weeks to lose 35 lbs while maintaining muscle . I had a plan to compete in both the Barrie and Natural Canadian Championships and figured / hoped I had enough time . I wrote a note and placed it in my waist pouch that read , “ I will win both the Barrie and Natural Canadian Championships !” It was taking a long time for the weight loss to kick in but I continued to track , make adjustments and trust the process . Finally , the weight was dropping and I was getting excited . I love shows , being on stage , being with other inspirational men and women . I decided to compete in bodybuilding and physique , as well as figure . I missed the routine portion and all the posing that comes with the physique divisions . I chose two songs which spoke to me , were upbeat , fun and I couldn ’ t wait !! I was also competing in the same show as my former 22 year old student who was in my weight training class . That was so special !
feeling so happy , so proud of myself . I did it . I fulfilled my own prophecy at 52 years of age ! My brother Rob , would have absolutely been in that audience , not only to see the ‘ big guys ’ but to cheer me on and be proud .
I look forward to living up to my own expectations , “ Doing MY best , inspire ME to do it again !” as well as living up to the card awarded to me ! Thank you !
At the Barrie show , I was very proud taking home 2 gold , 2 silver and a bronze .
Now , it was the Natural Canadian Championships one week later . Again , coaching myself I went into the week not knowing exactly what to do , but just examined my body . I wanted to come in leaner and felt I needed to go hard this week . I felt tired , but great .
The end result , I won Open and Masters Bodybuilding , Masters and Open Masters Physique and 4th in Masters Figure ! I won the incredible IFBB PRO CARD in Women ’ s Physique and held that card up