Issue #8

Contents

Editorial
by Juan Carlos Lopez

Campeonato Selectivo Nacional 2005 San Luis Potosi

Campeonato Selectivo Nacional 2005 San Luis Potosi Review / Reseña

Cover Model Video Interview: Karen Zaremba

Close Grip Bench Press Article and Video
by Sandy Grant

20 Questions with out Cover Model Karen Zaremba

Pictorials
Karen Zaremba, Kristi Wills, Dawn Principe. Nancy Hirsch and Alia Anor

Video Interview: Sherry Smith

Fitness Power by Linda Cusmano

Video Interview: Cynthia Sharp

My Journey Towards a Pro Card
Katie Szep

Video Interview: Kristi Wills

Competition Journal
by Natalie Verges

Karen Zaremba IFBB Figure Pro

Team Universe Experience
by Karen Patten

Drinking Coke
Rossella Prunetti

My Team Universe Experience By Karen Patten


I guess 12 was my number for the weekend, although by no means was it my lucky number. I had dieted for 12 weeks, I spent 12 hours traveling, there were 12 competitors in my class, and after all was said and done, I placed 12th. I've always prided myself on being good at math, but even the world’s best statistician would be unable to interpret the numbers to make placing 12th out of 12 anything other than last place. Believe me, I've tried. I actually contacted 12 of the top ranking mathematicians in the country, and they all verified the results. Okay, that's a lie, I only called one, and she laughed at me and called me a loser, but I did call her 12 times. She wasn't laughing when she threatened me with a restraining order if I called again, but I digress. Even my contestant number was divisible by 12. Today is August 19, and as 12 days have passed since the contest, it seems an appropriate time to write about my experience.

Mind you, I've spent the last 12 days wisely. I've contemplated, critiqued, assessed, and evaluated. I've looked at pictures and considered things from every possible angle. I was faced with a very difficult decision and wanted to make the best decision possible, without reacting emotionally to a situation I have never had to struggle with before. After agonizing over my decision, I finally settled on mini-wheats for breakfast. Then, with a full belly, I spent some time reflecting on the show.

The thing about competing is that the work is done by the day of the show, so in order to figure out what went wrong, I have to look back in time. I've struggled to identify the critical point in my life that led to my loss, and keep coming up with the same conclusion; it’s all my parents’ fault. They didn't raise me right. I know blaming my parents is an 80’s thing, but I was raised in the 80’s (again, my parents’ fault), and anyways, retro is cool. So now that I know what went wrong, I've got to look to the future. I can turn my loss into a positive experience if I can learn and grow. I've certainly grown in the past 12 days (mini-wheats go straight to my hips) and I’d like to share with you what I've learned.

I've learned to rely on myself for approval, that external appreciation and acceptance is secondary to confidence and pride in oneself. I've learned to be kinder to myself, to speak to myself like a gentle parent would address a cherished child (I've also learned that if you speak to yourself like that in the grocery store, people look at you funny). I've learned that there's satisfaction in knowing that I worked hard and that I don't need a trophy to have a sense of achievement. I've learned that my children love me even when I don't win, and they probably love me just a little bit more for showing them how to lose with grace and dignity (honestly, I've been graceful and dignified the whole time) . I've learned that humility and determination combine to make the greatest motivator, and with a touch of stubborn pride thrown in, it’s a recipe for success. I have succeeded because I will not quit. I have taken something far more valuable than a trophy away from this experience. Although I lost at Team Universe, I am a winner, for I have learned what fuels me. It is because I love this sport that I will continue to compete, and there is nothing better in life than the chance to do what you love. In a way, I'm grateful that I lost. I've never faced losing before, and some part of me always wondered how I would handle it. I'm proud that I've been able to find a silver lining, and am confident that I will also learn something from the next show I do. From the bottom, there's nowhere to go but up.

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About the Author

I have always worked to maintain an active lifestyle. Whether I ran, took aerobics classes, or did sit-ups and leg-lifts in my living room, I have tried to do some sort of physical activity every day. Once my children were born, finding time to exercise became my biggest challenge, and all of my work-outs were in my living room, after the children had gone to bed! When my youngest was old enough, I joined Powerhouse gym in Anchorage, and started competing in fitness and figure. Last year, I competed in and won my class in all three of the Alaska shows, something never before accomplished by an Alaskan athlete. This year, I won the overall in both fitness and figure at the Alaska Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Expo, and decided to compete regionally. My first and so far only regional competition was the Emerald Cup in Bellevue, WA, where I took 2nd in fitness and 6th in figure. My next challenge will be to compete at Team Universe in New York in August.

The best thing about being an active competitor is that I have the chance to talk to lots of people about the sport. I love what I do, and I love sharing it with others. There is so much obesity in America, and inactivity seems to be the norm. I want to show people that a healthy lifestyle is possible for anyone, whether you're a new mom with no time for yourself, or a busy executive, a few small lifestyle changes can make a huge difference in your health, life expectancy, self esteem, and quality of life. There are infinite ways to incorporate exercise into your day; it just takes a little creativity and motivation. I hope I can help motivate others to reap the rewards of healthy living. Please feel free to contact me at KarenPatten@gci.net with any questions or comments about how you can improve your life! I also have a new website up and coming; visit me at www.karenpatten.com

 
 
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