What a Year it has been

**Ta7250081** · 11-13-2013, 02:13 PM

My name is Tara Ramos. I am an Nationally qualified NPC Figure Athlete. I started my competition journey this past April of 2013. I decided when my daughter was just three months old that I was going to step on stage within a year of her birth. I did just that, and competed in my first Bikini show at the Jax Physique. I took first place in Open Bikini tall. From that moment I was hooked. I have always loved lifting weights and eating healthy. But after having two kids, I knew I wanted to prove to moms that "we can get back in shape after children". Too many women let themselves go after having kids and make too many excuses. With the right plan, balance, and support, anything is possible. I went on to compete in two more bikini shows, successfully. But decided I wanted to really challenge myself and switch to Figure. Within two weeks of my last bikini show, I stepped on stage in the Mid-Florida Classic and took 3rd place in Open Figure Tall. Four months later I competed in the Southeastern USA's and took first in both Open Figure Tall and Over 30 Figure, qualifying myself for Nationals. I never thought in my first year as a competitor that I would be going to Nationals. But that reality is here and in less than 2 weeks, I will be taking stage in Fort Lauderdale, FL in the Figure F class. My husband and my two children (ages 19months and 3 years old) are my biggest supporters. I also work full time as an Operating Room Nurse in a pediatric hospital. With so much going on, I am a huge planner and try to stay extremely organized in order to remain balanced. I feel like I have found my "so called" groove, and I am just getting started! I am so thankful for the NPC, allowing me to show my hardwork and inspiring other women that "we can do this". My journey is just beginning.

I am going to do my best to keep up with this journal. I am hoping other moms will see how I manage work, kids, husband, household duties and of course training and contest prep.