I was in contact with Susan even before I moved to Winnipeg. Once I arrived it took us a while to connect, but since then every photoshoot we’ve done has made some fantastic images. During our photo sessions, I’d discover a bit more about her, and how amazing she’s made her life. She’s transformed herself and life to become a fitness competitor, a single mother of 2 boys, and the owner of Keebo Sports Supplements (St. Mary’s Road, Winnipeg). This blog will share some of that and her motivations with you.
November 9, 2010 was the day that I decided that I had to make some major changes in my life and lifestyle. It all started with an annual exam. I was called back to the office a few days later, I walked into the office, Dr came in with my file. I will never forget the words, “Susan, I reviewed your results. You have been gaining 17 pounds a year, your blood pressure, cholesterol & sugar levels are high, diabetes runs in your family, I am worried that you might be borderline diabetic.” She looked at me, “Susan, I can’t do this for you, you need to dig deep and WANT to change. Do you want to see your 2 little boys grow up? Do you want to one day attend their weddings?
None of us are exempted for the inevitable however; we can do things to prevent death and disability sometimes. If you continue down this path you might not see your 50th birthday.” My Dr pulled out a chart and charted my age and height, at my age of 30, 5’8 and 257 pounds, I was now considered “Morbidly Obese.” morbidly obese, to me was those people who were confined to their beds and couldn’t get out of the house, how can it be me? I thought of my boys, Marco 7 and Davio 4. “They need me, I need them, WHY did I do this!!??” I said, that’s enough, I am either going to try or die trying.. I called in sick, walked into Weight Watchers and GoodLife and signed up!!! I got home and threw out everything in the pantry.
I was starting from scratch, I sat on the floor, my old pictures of a sexier me in my hands and I knew what was coming! My transformation journey was an intense process that required me to become regimented and dedicated. My family and friends were supportive. I remember my first day at the gym. I kept looking around and seeing all these fit people. I jumped on the treadmill, Wow was I outta shape. Week after week, month after month I worked out 3-4 days/week; I attended my meetings and slowly dropped weight. I finally got to 200 pounds. I started training with PT at Goodlife 3 days/ week. I kept stretching my goals. I was RT training, PT training, attending group classes & boot camps. 4 years later, I was down to 145 pounds!
I thought hard about what I want to accomplish Workout after workout. Meal plan after meal plan I trained and hit the stage in 2014 as a Bikini competitor. It was euphoric. I placed 3rd in Novice & Provincials. It was such a high. I accomplished what seemed impossible and I wasn’t going to STOP THERE. I am getting ready to jump on stage again…7 days away only this time as a FIGURE competitor. With the help of Darren (FREAK Fitness) again, I have brought an even bigger and more chiselled pkg! I never would have thought I would do this. I am working harder than I ever worked in my life! My diet is so strict, There are days that I feel like I am going to die but I am one stubborn girl and I won’t give up, I won’t give up on myself or my friends, my family or my FREAK FAMILY.
I love shooting with Dano because he is very creative and always has very unique ideas. Shooting with Dano is very easy. He is great at critiquing and he knows how to angle a body in just the right way to make that image Incredible. I have worked with Dano for over 3 years and have always felt comfortable, so comfortable in fact that I even did a nude shoot with him. His level of professionalism and integrity far surpassed any other photographer that I have shot with.
So many cool and creative looks that we’ve been able to work together on! I’m sure there will be many more in the future! Look out for Susan, and there will be more updated photos in her model profile on this site. Thank you so much Susan for being a great supporter and friend!
