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Published on Wednesday, 28 November 2012 21:59
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Written by Michon Leddy
Spotlight On IFBB Bikini Pro: Michon Leddy
Category you compete in: Bikini
Date of birth: Oct 1
Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
Career: Medical Professional
Competition History:
2011:
NPC Missouri State- July 2011 4th master’s 2nd open
NPC Battle of Champions, Davenport, IA- Nov 2011 2nd master’s
2012:
NPC 1st Phorm, St. Louis, MO- March 2012 2nd master’s 5th open
NPC Iowa State Champions- April 2012 1st master’s 4th open
NPC Muscle Mayhem, Kansas City, MO- May 2012 1st master’s 2nd open
NPC 1st Phorm, Omaha, IA- June 2012 3rd master’s 2nd open
NPC Team Universe, New York, NY- July 2012 13th master’s 16th open
NPC Master’s Nationals, Pittsburgh, Penn- July 2012 1st place- Pro-card earned
IFBB St. Louis Pro Bikini, Sept 2012 10th place
IFBB Ft. Lauderdale Cup Pro- Oct 2012 8th place
IFBB Council Bluffs Pro Bikini- Nov 2012 9th place
Next Competition:
Resting now from the 2012 season... and thinking over strategy for the 2013 season!
In your opinion, how important is motivation and confidence when aiming to accomplish a goal?
Confidence is a by-product of proper preparation and experience.
Motivation for me comes from wanting to show continued improvement each time I step on stage.... I am determined to show my hard work. Confidence can only come from knowing that I have done absolutely everything down to the last detail in preparing for that moment on stage. When I can walk on stage knowing I followed my diet and training to the absolute best of my ability, I then have complete confidence, with no regrets.
Motivation has to be as great, or even greater than my dream. I compete in a fully voluntary sport, yet cannot short change any aspect of my preparation.
In your eyes, what combination of hard work and natural ability is needed to reach the top?
Genetics can never be underestimated in any athletic endeavor! Simply put, some girls just have a natural God given physique that only needs fine tuned. Others, have to work harder to develop certain aspects of their physique, and learn how to maximize them through their display on stage.
As a master’s level competitor, I have to not only work harder, but smarter. Must do the right things right all of the time!
What are some motivational strategies that have or currently work for you?
Getting up, taking that day and conquering it alone. Not worrying about the next day until I get there. Prioritizing in life.... making a daily schedule helps me to fit in each aspect of training along with life’s responsibilities. Sometimes, some things just can wait to be done the next day.
Give me some examples from life where confidence has helped you to achieve?
Competing is like taking a test.... If I were to show up to take a test without studying, I would not have confidence to pass the test. Competing is the same, if I take diet and training seriously in preparation, I have confidence to walk on stage. How I place isn’t what makes me a winner, it’s the journey that does, and ultimately grows confidence.
What do you find most challenging about competing?
Likely the same details that all competitors struggle with- trying to balance real life responsibilities, work, and training all at the same time. Sometimes off season is harder for me- I have two speeds in life, either OFF or ON! Knowing when to listen to my body and taking a rest when needed is hard for me to do.
What are your top 5 key strategies for success?
1. Putting my faith in the Lord first, family second, work and training are third.
2. Making a daily schedule, and sticking to it.
3. Knowing that some things in life simply can wait- eventually all things get done!
4. Sticking to my nutrition, and training plan exactly as written by my coaches- they know best! When they say “jump”- I need only ask “how high”?
5. Not wasting time on things that are incompatible with my goals.
What is your favorite protein powder? Why do you like it?
NNW Healthy Whey protein.
I like it because it is flavored with stevia.... and only has 5 ingredients. Not to mention the Vanilla Carmel is like a dessert ice cream when blended with ice!
Favorite Inspirational Quote?
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit”
-Aristotle
In closing, who would you like to give a shout out to?
The Lord for blessing me with a healthy body and ability to compete.
My coaches- Shannon Dey, and Rob Rosetti of Bombshell Fitness!
My wonderful family- for supporting my dream in becoming an IFBB Pro Athlete!