An Interview with April Cain
by Joel Dela Cruz
April Cain, orginally from Indiana, have been fortunate to call Guam home for the past 4 1/2 years. She is the proud wife of a submariner, a mom of two amazing boys (11 & 9), and a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor.
On November 05, 2011, she competed in her first competition in the Michelob Guam National Bodybuilding and Body Fitness Championships and was awarded the overall champion. Shortly afterwards, she competed in Hawaii's Paradise Cup where she was awarded second place. In the following Interview, she talks about her most recent competition on Guam.
GBB:How did you get started?
I first had the idea to compete in July. I love setting goals for myself and challenging myself in big ways. I knew this would be one of the greatest challenges I had ever set out to conquer. Once I commit to a training regiman, I don't quit, so I took a few weeks to think about it and to determine if I had the courage to start the training. Although I am a personal trainer, I had zero experience with this sport, so I contacted Steve Oshiro. He trains winners and I fully trusted his experience and knowledge.
GBB: What motivated you to start competing?
My best friend, Sheila Litty competed in Guam Nationals in 2009 and 2010. Seeing the dedication she put into her training, the physical transformation she made, and the sense of accomplishment that she felt from it all was definitely inspiring! The energy at the shows was motivating in itself, but being able to be backstage and feel the energy of the athletes was amazing! Like I said, I love to challenge myself physically and mentally. After completing two marathons in past years, I was ready for a different type of challenge.
GBB: Please describe the lifestyle changes you had to go through while preparing for the Nationals.
First was my diet. I had never "dieted" or restricted myself in any way, so having to think so much about what I was eating was a big change.Secondly my life became very regimented. Everyday, I woke thinking about what and when I was eating that day, what workout(s) I would be doing and how that fit into the rest of the week. There was a mental clock ticking down to showtime.
GBB: How has your experience affected the quality of your personal and professional life?
On a personal level, this experience has only boosted my confidence in myself. It is a very rewarding feeling to see a training program through from start to finish. The amount of support and encouragement I received from friends, family, co-workers, and even strangers was so overwhelming. I was so humbled and motivated by all of the support! My husband and kids were probably my biggest supporters despite the time I spent training, cooking and talking about "the competition".
GBB: Please describe your training regimen.
My workout regiman didn't change a lot for my training. I enjoy going into the weight room splitting up muscle groups, lifting heavy and pushing myself physically. However, there were some killer leg work-outs that Steve put me through! Legs were definitely a challenge for me, so I would train them hard twice a week. Cardio varied depending on how lean I was getting.
GBB: How did you manage to stick to a strict diet and not quit? What was your diet like? Did you enjoy the food?
My diet consisted of a lot of lean protein, lots of green veggies, healthy fats, whole grains, and LOTS of water! The diet didn't include anything that I wouldn't normally eat and I was eating so often that it wasn't as bad as I expected. It got boring at times and I had my moments (sometimes with tears - hahaha), but staying focused on the goal is what got me through. I knew any sacrifices I was making wasn't forever. Did I enjoy it? Hmmm...I enjoyed feeling good after eating a meal. I never left a meal feeling sick, overly full, disappointed in myself, guilty, etc.
GBB: Were you ever tempted to cheat during your contest preparation?
Was I tempted? Yes, and no. Of course I was tempted by the smell or sight of certain foods, however, never to a point that I feared I may slip. I wanted the satisfaction of knowing that on show day, I had given 100% to my training. I wanted to be able to say that I had done EVERYTHING I could to be my best when it came to showtime. I didn't want any "Ifs" or regrets! That included not cheating on my diet and not skipping any training sessions. So, yes,I was tempted to the point of drooling and dreaming. haha I found having a cup of hot tea, decaf coffee, or just chewing sugar free gum were great distractions during these times.
GBB:What were your expectations for the Nationals?
I didn't go into the competition expecting to win, but I certainly went in wanting to win! I am very competitive, but you never know what the other athletes will bring to the stage. I had to focus on what I did know and that was myself. I know my body and I know where my strengths and weaknesses lie. During the training, you focus on those weaknesses and during the show, you play up those strengths! Sheila had told me that no matter what happened, I would feel like a winner the day of the show. She was absolutely right. Knowing that I had endured 12 weeks of training and had given it all I had, I felt like I had succeeded. That feeling allowed me to enjoy being part of the show.
GBB:What was your reactions when you were selected as Guam's 2011 overall champion?
Overwhelming happiness and satisfaction. That moment made every sacrifice I'd made the previous 12 weeks worth it 10 times over! It was an absolute honor to stand on the stage with such amazing, experienced champions like Flo Burke & Rich Rosette.
GBB:Did you feel nervous at all stepping on that stage for the first time?
Nervous doesn't even do it justice. I was shaking uncontrollably!!!! My adrenaline kicked into high gear and I could not control the shaking in my legs. I was so afraid of stumbling or tripping in my heels! By the time the night show came around, I had calmed down a little bit and just tried to have fun on the stage. I was replaying the voices of all that had coached me and helped me with posing, stage presence, etc. (Thanks Sheila, Desiree, Flo, Steve, etc!)
GBB: You were qualified for another competition right after the Nationals. How did you do?
Two weeks after Guam Nationals, I went to Hawaii and competed in the Paradise Cup. I placed 2nd in my height class which was enough to qualify for a NPC national level competition, so I was very happy.
GBB: What was the hardest part of your contest preparation?
The hardest part of the training other than the diet were the days that I had to get a weight workout in or a 2nd cardio session in despite feeling low on energy and motivation. We all have those days, but during training, that is where the mental toughness kicks in and you do it anyway.
GBB:What do you do away from the gym life?
Believe it or not, I love to cook and bake! It seems very counter intuitive to training, but it is actually relaxing to me. I love being at home with my husband and kids. To me there is nothing better than a weekend where we all just chill out together.
GBB:What is next for you?
Our family will be moving from this beautiful island this coming summer. I plan on competing before the year is over, but not sure where/when yet!
GBB: What wisdom would you like to share to our readers who is looking at competing?
First, seek the advice of a trainer who is experienced with this sport! More importantly, trust your trainer and follow his/her direction!
Second, don't let your fears or insecurities stop you from achieving your goals. Find your inner confidence and believe you can do this. Don't allow self doubt or insecurities take over.
Third, be confident, yet humble yourself enough to take the advice, help and direction of those who have gone before you.
Last, but not least - have fun with it! You'll make some great friends with whom you will always share the experience!
Please visit the 2011 Photo Gallery for more Photos of April Cain
