Never in a million years did I ever think I would compete in something like this. I always had confidence as an athlete, but I never saw myself in a situation where my figure was going to be judged on stage. Steve joined our personal training team at TFC and I started taking interest in the girls he was preparing for figure, fitness and bikini shows. I was intrigued, but not convinced. I still enjoy competing in sporting events and I didn’t want anything to interfere with that. Furthermore, I wasn’t sure I had the time and dedication to get to that level. What if I failed? Back in May, I finally came around when Steve, after helping me get into bikini shape for vacation, convinced me to give it a try. I mean, I was already down to 13% body fat, what was there to lose? Worst case scenario, I get in the best beach-body shape of my life. Best case, I win. He hooked me up with a diet and we discussed my needs for strength and cardio, assigning me a few kick-butt cardio workouts to do in addition (bring on the sweat!). As a trainer, I was already accustomed to following a dedicated workout routine, helped along with the guidance and support of Steve and the entire TFC team. What a trip - everyone was amazingly encouraging! Two weeks out and just back from my vacation, it was time to kick it into high gear: double-duty workouts and a diet to bring me to sub-10% body fat. We were in the home stretch. Steve walked me through the entire process. I was to wear sweats during cardio workouts, followed by posing in my custom (tiny) competition suit. We’d meet 1-2x per week for workouts to failure. I experienced with amazement how everything was falling into place. Looking back, I’d say the hardest part was the water deplete in the last couple days. Since this was show was being organized through the North American Natural Bodybuilding Federation (NANBF), I had to drop the water weight without the aid of prescription diuretics. Furthermore, I had to be polygraph- and urine-tested in order to check for the use of banned substances. Another first! Now all I needed to be ready was to get the paint on. Steve tirelessly painted six layers on me over the course of the next day (amidst me begging for water and carbs!!). Paint, pose, sleep. When it came to showtime, I felt amazing. Since this was my first show, I tried to keep a check on my expectations, but I was hopeful that I could walk away with a trophy. And I did. First place in Women’s Open and Ms. Oklahoma. Amazing thanks go out to Steve, who believed in me all along and kept my spirits high. To my friends and co-workers at TFC, and of course my husband and kids, thank you for being faithful supporters of all my crazy endeavors! Kim Shepherd, NSCA-CPT Ms. Natural Figure Oklahoma 2009009