An Interview With Figure Pro Alicia Harris

Alicia: Ya know, I knew it was going to happen as soon as Green Bay won to get in the playoffs.

I had the thought in my head--I didn't want to believe it but I knew the Packers were going to come back and beat them.

A: I did a photoshoot with OAMG and threw on a bears shirt and some Bear bottoms 'cause I thought it was cute the picture turned out great so I was just sending it in to some of the Bears personnel that I knew from when I did some marketing and customer service stuff with them. I was just showing them how I represent my home team.

Then he said, "OK well I'll send it to the pro shop merchandise peeps." It ended up working out and there I am.

View The Chicago Bears Online Store Here.

A: I actually liked the indoor 600 meters. I still hold the record at Eastern Illinois University. But the 400 was still my race.

A: Yes, I know I could still hold my own in a race.

A: Yup, I sure do! [Laughs] Confidently!

A: After my collegiate track days were over I had nothing to get into. I went to a [physique] show with a co-worker and saw the girls and I said to myself, I can do that! So I did!

A: My time as an athlete in high school? I guess in general my experiences throughout the years play some roles in my mentality and how I approach different workouts.

I did tear my ACL in high school so that was a reality check and a motivational factor to prepare my mind that life and everything done in it is work.

A: The struggling time was just life getting to me. It motivated me that I didn't want to fall back into how I felt preparing for that first show.

It is a struggle every time I prepare but cold weather and gloomy days and sunken spirits really mess with focus when your trying to stay disciplined.

A: I keep in my head that I refuse to feel the way I did preparing for it last year. Honestly it's not the best prep but it's way better than last year.

I could tell you a bunch of excuses why I am not in the best condition but the beginning show this early show just doesn't work well with me.

I am doing my best though and praying my way through this.

A: They have a casein chocolate peanut butter protein and I think it is my favorite. I can blend it with some ice and water with a small piece of banana and it tastes wondermous! Yes, wondermous!

A: I'm loving one of the newer products the AmiN.O. Energy. It's a light energy and it has a great taste.

A: Boring fish and veggies [smiles]. I drink some tea and try to go to bed so I don't think of food.

A: Five or six.

A: Right now, two sessions of 45 minutes. They might be a little longer or shorter depending on whether I do intervals.

A: Two hundred meter sprints on an outdoor track on hot days.

A: Probably better control on my diet. My training is always good but the diet is always the hardest and dealing with everyday issues and trying to stay balanced.

It's hard work but God sees me through someway.

A: I grew up in the church but went to college and got away from it a bit. After college is times when confusion sets in--frustration about what path to take.

A good friend of mine took me to a Bible study and I started getting motivation and encouragement to just capitalize on every opportunity.

A: I enjoy being on a structured schedule with the diet and working out but pressure sets in when you have to prance around on stage.

I enjoy movies, I enjoy dancing (xboc dance central is the best), and I love to travel and get away and find a beach to just sit on peacefully. And walks in the rain ... not really but seemed like it went along [laughs].

A: My goal is to capitalize on every opportunity that comes about. As I am going on these personal journeys with all the events in the industry I have been involved in, I have had the opportunity to come across others that I have inspired.

To continue to work for the greater good and find my true purpose for my success in this industry and use it for the greater good would be a goal of mine!

A: It's very important to utilize outside eyes, for accountability, for support, for help to get through the prep and leading up until the show.

I honestly say I don't utilize my coach enough, but it is a lot of self discipline and inner strength.

A: When looking for a trainer, make sure it's someone who is working for your best interest. Someone that will be brutally honest on changes but also a support that will be needed when times get hard.

A: My favorite workout shoes to run in are [made by] Nike and Asics. I do want some of the wrestling shoes to weightlift in but have not yet purchased them.

A: I am a hat-on, earphones-on, hoodie-on girl in the gym. I will speak but hopefully they don't get offended when I am not making eye contact and I go about my workout and answer the question in between sets.

Talking to me on cardio is okay, just as long as it isn't my morning cardio. I am barely awake when I start!

A: Well, honestly, I am still trying to figure that out!

Preparation of course, as far as having the food measured out and available to just grab and go. Lots of spinach and salad to make it feel like I am eating a lot. Still trying to find that balance!

It is an ongoing battle, for each preparation is different.

A: I put garlic on everything, in my spinach, on my eggs, garlic powder on my chicken on my fish.

Red Wine always helps with the salads and getting that fish down. Like my meats burnt and well done as well!

A: I would say all the mothers that compete. They have so many responsibilities yet they juggle their lives and still step up to the challenge and discipline themselves even though their lives are still heavily devoted to their children!

I could probably pull a little inspiration from each of them. All of us have our own battles going on and our own challenges when preparing for a show.

A: Number-one goal is to get better placing than I did last year [laughs]. But I am just trying to better myself in all areas that lead up to getting on stage.

It's a whole process for me and each time I do the Figure International I learn more about myself because it is the hardest prep usually.

A: Facebook, BodySpace, Optimum Nutrition Ripped Academy, or any expos I attend.

Back To Top