I am currently preparing for the the lightweight division at Nationals in Miami. I have yet to "take a ride on the wild side." And I refuse to ever do so. I already didn't get a pro card in figure, so I have nothing to lose by remaining natural. Instead, I have everything to gain, especially if I can convince other women that bodybuilding can be done naturally and you don't have to be huge to make an impact. I weigh 110 lbs. at five weeks out...not much different than I did with figure, except I'm leaner, fuller, and more balanced.
I have no expectations for this show except to have fun! My birthday is November 8, so this is my present to me, and I'll get to see a ton of my friends, flex a bunch, and act a fool on stage.
I do think that because we are already a group of athletes and individuals with a mindset that more is better and nothing is ever good enough, it's easy to keep trying to reach that next level. But sometimes that next level doesn't mean size. It can mean a refinement in the details--the conditioning, the shape, the balance, the overall look and appeal of a body.
Bodybuilders need to return to the idea that they are artists, and they have a piece of clay with which to sculpt and present.