Category you compete in: Bikini
Date of Birth: August 14, 1983
Hometown: Houston, TX
Career:
I work for an Oil and Gas Company where I acquire land and mineral rights in order to sustainably produce our Natural Resources. I recently completed my Master’ Degree in Natural Resources Law and Policy with a specialization in Energy Development.
If you could change into a superhero for a day who would you be and why?
I would be Rogue from X-Men. I have a pure white strip of hair just back from my hairline and I like to think I identify with her character. She’s a Southern belle who can absorb other people’s powers. That’s pretty awesome!
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport?
I was always an athlete, playing high school and collegiate tennis, but after college I completely lost my way. I was stuck in an office and had never had to watch my diet when I played sports. I didn’t know what a diet was. I had grown up devoted to tennis with someone telling me where to be and what to do and when to train…so within a few years I suddenly found myself tipping the scale at 170 lbs. I was diagnosed as insulin resistant and ‘pre-diabetic’ in my early 20’s.
It didn’t take me long to get it together. I entered a 2 month weight loss competition at my local gym and won losing 15 lbs and then another 20 over the next 6 months. I settled into a healthy lifestyle and workout regimen and never looked back. But the ‘type-A’ voice in the back of my head always wondered what else I could do…how far could I take my renewed enthusiasm for this lifestyle?
I wasn’t a performance athlete anymore, so I struggled with the question of ‘why’ I was working so hard at the gym. I lacked purpose, but still wanted to look and feel my best. Last year, my best friend and now training partner, Lauren Atkins (Miss Colorado Bikini 2013) and I found ourselves bored with our regular boot camps and wanted to do something different. This is what we decided to do! Four shows, three wins and less than one year later…here I am!
What approach do you take to dieting…carb cycle…keto?
I have tried it all! My trainer, Adam Bonilla, and I have found that I am fairly carb sensitive and that I respond the best to a lower carb, higher healthy fats nutrition plan. We progressively cut to competition. I recently carb cycled for a few weeks and had great response, however, with my work schedule, I have found that a more consistent nutrition plan works the best for me so I don’t have to think or plan to much and don’t go into a carbohydrate coma at my desk on reload days
I also generally stay far away from artificial sweeteners. They can destroy your digestive system. My trainer, Adam Bonilla, and I have come up with a completely whole foods program where even my pre and post workout is whole foods. I encourage everyone to try new things. You have to find what works best for you. Don’t forget… you can’t out exercise a bad diet so make sure you are educated about nutrition and your bodies’ response to different programs!
What is your most embarrassing childhood memory?
I had to have my left kidney removed in 3rd grade as well as surgery on my bladder due to a severe infection. When I came back to school after recovery, I still lacked the appropriate “controls”. My mom was constantly dropping fresh clothes off at the nurse’s office or sending me to school with extra clothes. They don’t make pull ups for 3rd graders – and I would have probably refused to wear them even if they did. I pee’d my pants over 50 times (I’m not kidding) in 3rd grade. They called me ‘Leah Pee-ah’. I can’t believe I am admitting this right now, but 3rd graders are evil!
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about YOURSELF during your contest prep?
The biggest lesson that I have learned about myself throughout the contest prep process is that it has to be 100% for yourself. We all have our own reasons for getting into this industry. I’m sure many can agree, though, that if you are doing this for anything or anyone’s approval other than your own, it’s a futile effort. This process takes pure grit and the ability to dig deep and just clench that jaw and buckle down. What we see on stage is the end result of a process of finding your inner strength and ability to execute on a singular goal and letting nothing else get in your way.
Who do you look up to and admire and why?
My parents are without a doubt my biggest source of inspiration. They have always encouraged me to reach for the stars but never missed an opportunity to give me a reality check when my head was stuck in the clouds. I am blessed to be the daughter of the two smartest, most dedicated, hardest working and fun parents around. They’ve been married for 42 years. They offer me real 
world guidance in love, life and my professional and fitness aspirations (even when I don’t ask for it).
Competition history:
June 2013: Steel City Championships: 1st in Class and Overall
July 2013: Tokyo Joes Colorado State: 1st in Class
October 2013: GNC Natural: 1st in Class
November 2013: Nationals: 4th Call outs
Next Competition:
I am looking forward to June when I will compete at Junior Nationals in Chicago this year!
Favorite Motivational Quote:
Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day-in and day-out. ~Robert Collier
If you're going through hell keep going. ~Winston Churchill
Who would you like to thank?
I would like to thank Lauren Atkins for being the best training partner and friend I have ever had. I would like to thank Allison Ault owner of Show&Tan for doing my makeup and tan EVERY SINGLE SHOW. I would also like to thank my amazing trainer Adam Bonilla for answering every obnoxious late night freak out text and question ranging from subjects such as glycogenesis, spillover and p-ratio to ‘is this bracelet to sparkly’. He has a level of patience and understanding that I didn’t know existed.
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