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 By: Kate Stewart
Name: Kathryn Stewart (Kate) - BodySpace
I grew up in a small (and I mean small) town in Ohio. I was definitely an active outdoor type of child. As the youngest of seven children, I was left with plenty of time to myself to explore and play. Such a tomboy! This little tomboy started to grow up a bit and before long my time was spent dreaming of the day that I would become MISS AMERICA. My imaginary world was so much fun. I spent hour after hour in my room with my sister's prom dresses, high heels and bikinis, practicing. Many personal tragedies in my life caused me to grow up much sooner than any young girl should have to. There were far too many sad and difficult experiences, including my mother's terminal illness, Lou Gehrig's Disease. I lost my mother and within a year I lost one of my beautiful sisters to cancer, my son was born 3 months premature and my marriage completely fell apart. It was always one thing after another after another.
  Click Image To Enlarge. Kate & Son Nick. My life was constantly filled with so much loss... the loss of my childhood, the loss of my family, the loss of my self-esteem. But the toughest loss of all was that I lost myself. I had put on so much weight (60lbs to be exact) that when I looked in the mirror I no longer recognized the woman looking back at me. I no longer knew who I was, physically or emotionally. It wasn't until the horrible disintegration of my marriage that something within me snapped. I was going to change my life and take control. I was going to work on me, from the inside out.
I started with just little things at first like reading a self help book, painting my nails or curling up in front of the fireplace and making little changes in my diet. This all did so much for me. I started growing stronger on the inside. At this point, I made the decision to take it further so I started training for marathons (yes, me!), and I ran two of them. Again I took off more weight. Now I was fueled for more. I hadn't really lifted weights but started to incorporate them into my workouts and I loved the nice well rounded look I was getting.
 Click Image To Enlarge. I Was Fueled For More. I had tried everything in the way of diet from Atkins to Weight Watchers and even South Beach. It wasn't until I tried Body For Life that I really got an understanding of the weights I was lifting and the nutrition timing that I still utilize today. In July 2005 my whole life changed. I had gotten results on my own and 50lbs were off of my body but I wanted more. I still had not gotten the physique I was seeking. I attended 2005 Bodyrock to watch a friend compete. This is where I met a man that turned my world around. He is amazing and has taught me so much about myself; none other than Kim Oddo; owner of "Body By O", trainer and nutritionist.
Mr. O and I talked and made a plan right then and there to take my physique to the next level. After a 12 week transformation program with him I moved right into my first contest prep.
 Click Image To Enlarge. Body Rock: Oddo's Angels. In March 2006 I stood on the stage for the very first time, over 70lbs lighter, eyes shining and a smile from ear to ear. A great dream came to reality... I finally felt like MISS AMERICA! I placed 3rd in Masters and 4th in Class C. I then returned to Bodyrock 2006, but this time not as a spectator... it was my turn to shine. I had done it, come full circle. Today I am excited about life, excited for the future, loving the new me! Please continue the ride with me as I take on my next exciting journey. It's not over yet!!!
 Click Image To Enlarge. It's Not Over Yet!!! My mother often shared this poem with me. It is one of my favorites.
When you get what you want in your struggle for self...
For it isn't your father or your mother, or friend ...
Some people may think you're a straight shootin' lass,
She's the woman to please, never mind the rest,
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
 Click Image To Enlarge. Kate Stewart.
Cardio consisted of 6 days a week in the off season and 7 days a week during the contest season. Abs were done actually a little bit each day between my sets.
You have to believe in yourself. I am proof that you can do anything you want to do if you want it badly enough. If at all possible hire a really good trainer/nutritionist. It really takes the guess work out of the program for you and as long as you do what you are told you will see the results. Hiring my trainer/nutritionist is the best money I have ever spent. Be consistent and set a routine and follow it. It's really hard to get up at 3:30 to 4:00 am each day but after about a month you become accustomed to it and you won't be as tired. I had to make the time since I was a single mother to get my workouts in particularly while my son was still sleeping.
Realize there will be times when you fall down but you have to pull yourself back up. It's not falling down that makes you fail, it's the failure to get back up. I firmly believe in a strong support group and for me I didn't get much of that outside of the gym. I was fueled by my support group there and also a support group that I am part of online. My son and my boyfriend have also been strong forces and I have wanted to make them proud. I don't know how I could have done it without them.
Remind yourself each and every day that you are a winner and you can do this and that you are worth it.
 Click Image To Enlarge. Remind Yourself Every Day That You Are A Winner. Watch for me in 2007 because I totally love my new lifestyle and I have many plans for 2007!
Kate Stewart Recommend this article to a friend by e-mail here! Visitor Reviews Of This Article!
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