I had become interested in lifting around the age of 13 and would {attempt} to lift my dad's concrete filled weights in the living room after my family would go to bed in the summer. My knowledge and resources were extremely limited. I was also jogging and doing sit-ups everyday after school by 6th grade. I would lock myself in my room and do calisthenics for an hour each evening several times a week throughout high school. I found the 'high' I received from working out more gratifying than anything else in my life. The stronger my body became, the more empowered I felt. I have never been a very patient person so the fact that my body was actually responding rather quickly was an instant hook for me. We lived too far away from the city to join a gym so I worked with what I had. When I relocated in the middle of my junior year to live with my aunt, I finally gained access to a real training facility and went every chance I could get between multiple part-time jobs and school. When I left for army basic training at 17(one month after completing high school), I found great pleasure and reward in the physical training. I set goals for myself far beyond the military's standards. By 19, I was able to do (each under a 2 minute time limit): 84 pushups and 128 sit-ups. My 2 mile run time was also beyond a max rating. After I was released to reserve status I had more time to work towards my new goal; to compete in a bodybuilding competition. My 2nd year into my 1st marriage and at the age of 20, I discovered I was a mom-to-be and had to put this goal on hold. I competed in my 1st contest before my daughter turned 9 months old. I continued in bodybuilding and did 3 more contests. I placed top 2 in each.

After moving to San Antonio and separating from my 1st husband, I met Milo. He talked me into trying his sport, powerlifting. I trained half-heartedly for my 1st meet for about 5 months and totalled elite. I was hooked! Nothing had EVER come easy for me so I found the instant reward and success addictive. The new power training stimulated such muscle density that my weight shot from 150 to 161 within 6 months of converting from bodybuilding to powerlifting. My thighs and calves were always dominant on my physique. My back and glutes began to gain more density from the heavy squats and deadlifts and my pecs, delts, and arms also began to fill out. My muscles were responding much better to the new, heavy compound movements than the isolation stuff I had been doing for bodybuilding. By the end of my 2nd year of powerlifting my weight was 170-173. It has been relatively my consistent bodyweight since 1997. Strength gains have slowed (as the always do), but I continue to make progress every year. Since 1996 I have competed in 25 strength competitions, including all powerlifting and strongwoman competitions and have won all (except the 1st strongwoman comp, I ruptured a tendon behind my knee).

2001 and 2002 World's Strongest Woman

1997 USPF nationals champion(powerlifting)
2003 APF nationals champion(powerlifting)
2003 WPC world champion (181 lb class)
2004 "Strongest woman alive" champion, Riverside Ca

a few other titles include:

1997,1998,1999,2001,2003 Texas State powerlifting champ 2001 and 2002 Glamazons champ(Scotland)

I think the most important message I can send to anyone reading this is(if this applies).. No matter where you come from or what kind of a life you have lived, It is up to YOU to make the most of your life . One of my biggest petpieves is when I see a person wasting their life , using their misfortune as an excuse to sit around and feel sorry for him/herself.. We all have faced adversities. Stop making excuses and assume responsibility for your destiny. It isn't easy, but you don't have to settle. You just have to get off your butt and take action. Whether it is getting in the best shape of your life, or getting back in school, or opening your own business... I'm sending you the official 'kick in the pants' you need to get started!

Magazines I have been featured in-
Oxygen, Ironman, Ironman Japan, Health and Beauty (Asia area), ICE (Britain), B&K Sports(Scandinavia), Muscular Development, Powerlifting USA, MonsterMuscle, Powermag, Sports Illustrated (not a feature but a picture), Ladies Home Journal. Television- Oxygen- Freeride with Greta Gaines, ESPN, ESPN 2, BBC, Finland and Sweden tv coverage of WSW, Local sports programs on channels 12, 4, and 5. Also local show,Walton's Window and the morning show with Tanji Patton. Morning radio with Lisle and Hahn 99.5

registered massage therapist and personal trainer

professionally: To be a figure that represents all strong women. More tv work (commentating and other programs), guest appearances , etc... to remain healthy and have the ability to participate(an excel) in sports and exercise until the day I die. Personally: to be the best mom and wife I can be. To become more organized and make more time for volunteer work with children's programs and animal groups.

Likes-
time with Layla, Milo, and my dogs. Traveling, training ,competing (of course) and meeting new friends around the world, checking out the local music scene(there is no place like TX for sunshine, good music, easy going people, dancing, and cold beer)! Helping my clients accomplish their goals

Major dislikes-
people that mistreat children and animals, working through injuries, dieting,.......

Favorite cheat foods/drinks-
tortilla chips with salsa and margaritas , buffalo wings and beer

4 horses,5 goats, 2 potbelly pigs, 4 dogs, too many barn cats.

americana. I have very eclectic taste though. I have a very diverse collection, depending on my mood.

snatches, cleans, pushpresses /split jerks, squats

multivitamins, protein powders, and coral calcium.

moderately high protein, low-moderate carbs and fat.

Tuesday:
back and bis, cleans, deadlifts (or some variation),grip

Wednesday:
bench, light shoulders and tris

Friday:
legs (squats), light upper back,

Sunday:
heavy shoulders, speed bench and tris abs each workout and cardio 2-3 x a week

Tuesday-Saturday:

Work from 9am-6 pm massage and personal training.
Train from 12-1:30 tuesday,wed,fri.
Go home and work with my animals from 7-9pm/spend time with my daughter.
9-11pm cook, eat, shower and get housework done, then go to bed.

Sunday-Monday:

Off with family, sunshine,rest, and work around the 'Mill's sanctuary'

Dropping weight(160-165) and focusing on general fitness.
I've started jogging/biking and adding more variety to my workouts.
No contests in the near future

We have taken in a few senior rescue horses since aquiring our ranch in January.
I hope someday that I can find a way to pay my bills AND work full time with rescue animals.
I also want to get into roping

1) What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
2) COMMIT{mind, body, spirit 150%} and CONQUER

Now you know just about everything worth knowing about me...