Welcome to 'What Now?' - a look at our Alberta competitors OFF the stage. I'll be interviewing four athletes per issue: Fitness, Figure, Bodybuilding Female and Bodybuilding Male.  Get to know these talented people – outside of the competition world!!!

Brandi Burns

Spectators' last chance to see Brandi Burns on stage was at Muscle Beach 2004.  And it was much more than a journey than a destination for this Edmonton native.  "I think I learned more about myself physically, emotionally, spiritually in those 18 weeks than in all previous years combined….  I'm simply not the same person I was this time last year.  In hindsight, of course, there are some things that I will do differently.  Of course, living it, and seeing / unwrapping yourself for the first time is just amazing, shocking, there are no proper words." 

Lucky for her fans, Brandi will be hitting the Muscle Beach stage again this November.  "My goal in the off-season this year was to put on some size…. I've done alright with that.  My trainer, Raejha Douziech, predicts my stage weight to be 118 lbs. this year, which is a 9-lb. increase from last year.  I really have my hopes on winning a bi to provincials.  So through this show, I'm hoping to compete in provincials 2007 (as a heavyweight!)" 

How does Brandi fill her time in the off-season?  "I've spent a great deal of time reading up on the subjects of bodybuilding and athletics.  I hope to be able to have the lingo to bounce ideas off my trainer, to be somewhat self-sufficient.  I think it helps in establishing a level of communication with your trainer if you educate yourself a little bit." 

And don't think that Brandi sits around doing nothing all day long… "I keep myself very busy.  Besides bodybuilding, I always have at least 2 other sports on the side.  I have studied Taekwon-do since I was 19.  Of course my job is all consuming.  Everything revolves around the job.  I work with a great group of people, and there is never a dull moment." 

Egomaniacs and power trippers are among Brandi's pet peeves.  "Lots of people have low self-confidence, but when it manifests itself in such a way that it is harmful to others, I get really annoyed." 

Self-described as original, Brandi is ultimately inspired by her grandparents.  "They symbolize exactly the kind of person I wish to be in terms of truth, loyalty, generosity, love, responsibility and endless youth."  Brandi's stepfather, Bryan, is also an inspiration to her.  He was the first person who introduced her to weightlifting at the age of six!  "My Aunt Mary, such a patient and tolerant soul, has the ability to completely understand individual perceptions, and does so without any judgment." 

In the wide (he he) world of bodybuilding, there are several people who have motivated Brandi to succeed.  Lisa Bavington (for her thoughtful and hilarious articles) – "Besides having a stellar physique, she has the courage to say what everyone else is thinking.  I totally admire that quality."  Brandi has also been guided and mentored by Matt Clary and Jody Wald.  "I'm always learning something new with these guys, and just when I think I've got it figured out, I get blindsided with something else.  It's unreal.  Matt and Jo are really the epitome of kindness." 

"Of course Raejha – even though I haven't known her for very long, it seems like longer.  I've never met anyone who could simultaneously give 100% to something and at the same time not worry about the outcome.  She's a positive vibrant spirit and I'm hoping it's contagious!  Thanks, Smurf, for keeping me grounded!"

Jackie Montain-Vos

Jackie Montain-Vos was born in St. Albert, but was transplanted at the age of three to a little town near Fernie, BC, where people drove their snowmobiles down the streets, and nobody had to lock the doors.  So how did she end up as a Figure competitor years later?  "I try to gather little bits of inspiration from everyone I meet.  Of course, we all look up to family members, sports pros and celebrities; but when inspiration comes from someone you see on a daily basis, it's right there in your face all the time." 

And it's that inspiration that brought Jackie into our spotlight.  Her very first competition was in November of 2004, at the Sandra Wickham Fall Classic, in Burnaby B.C.  And what a first show!  Jackie placed 5^th out of 17 Figure tall girls!  "I was stoked, and definitely ready for more…" 

Like many other competitors, Jackie solicited feedback from the show's Head Judge, and took it upon herself to work on the specific areas that needed improvement during the off-season.  "While I might not have had the time required to make major muscle gains between these shows, I've put a lot of effort into my posing and stage presence.  I think this is something that I didn't appreciate quite so much the first time around – I think this might be a mistake that many newbie competitors make." 

You can see Jackie this year at the Alberta Provincial Figure competition (June 25^th in Edmonton), and "very likely at the World Qualifier in Regina two weeks later."  As much as she'd love to try fitness or compete in Figure again at the Sandra Wickham Fall Classic 2005, Jackie knows that she needs to take a long off-season to put on some serious quality lean mass.  "I'm really looking forward to a fall and winter of heaps of food and NO CARDIO!"  And she's thinking about broadening her spectrum.  "After the past weekend at Southerns, I wonder if I might try to add Women's Bodybuilding to my repertoire next year…" 

What a go-getter!  And it doesn't stop at competing!  "My husband, Dave, and I have had this really big project on the go for about a year and a half – our house!  We worked with our contractor from the initial design stages, did a lot of construction and finish work.  Installing hardwood floors is the best butt workout around!  I love doing the decorating inside – slipcovers, curtains, flower arrangements and all that girly stuff… just call me Martha Stewart!" 

That being said, Jackie and her husband don't have all that much time to just hang out together at home.  "While my career as a lab instructor in the Geography department at the University of Lethbridge is great and really fulfilling, I also have a wild alter-ego that bartends on weekends at a club!  Dave is a Civil Engineering student and also works part-time, so you can imagine how crazy things get for us!" 

What makes it all worthwhile for this busy couple is that they're also parents of a little Terripoo named Jif.  "Anyone who has trouble getting morning cardio in should get a dog… even just a little guy.  If we don't get up and outside with him every morning, well, we really regret it!" 

Jackie has found inspiration and motivation in motivational quotes.  "The one posted right next to my computer this season is from Muhammed Ali: 'Champions aren't made in the gyms.  Champions are made from something they have deep inside them:  A desire, a dream, a vision.'"  And it's clear that this multi-faceted talent has what it takes. 

Any shout-outs?  "A very special thanks to my family and friends, especially my husband Dave, mom Linda and my 'girls', Sue and Shari.  It's these people that listen to my endless chatter about protein/starch/fiber breakdowns and all those other intellectually stimulating topics.  I also wouldn't have been able to compete without the help of Michelle Berlando, another Alberta Fitness competitor here in Lethbridge who does my nutrition and workout plans and keeps me away from Dairy Queen!  As well, a big hug going out to Tanya Sheehan, who started me on this path about four years ago with my first BodyArt Transformation.  Finally, thanks to Asha Menon and David Ford for providing us with this great forum!" 

Jamie Senuk

This girl is one tough customer.  She last competed at the CBBF Fitness and Figure Nationals, placing second by ONE point.  "I am very happy with the outcome as my primary goal this year was to have a solid routine… this is the first time I've ever competed and watched the video without being totally embarrassed!" 

Although Jamie has been swamped with training, starting a new job and helping friends prepare for Provincial Fitness, she's decided to compete in Provincial Figure on June 25^th.  WOW!  Sounds like a lot of work!  "My trainer (Raejha Douziech of Peak Fitness) and I completely overhauled my training and diet to change my physique….  Depending how that (Provincial Figure) goes, I plan on doing Nationals again next year, although at this point I'm not sure if it will be in Fitness or Figure.  Ideally, I'd love to have a Provincial title… however, my main goal for doing Figure Provincials is just to see what dieting is like without the routine and how much I can change my conditioning." 

Jamie describes herself as driven, and as a close friend of hers, I couldn't agree more.  Born in Edmonton, Jamie finds inspiration in many people.  "A lot of other athletes inspire me.  Watching people overcome obstacles like cravings, injuries and fatigue to achieve their goals motivates me daily.  My friend and trainer, Raejha, inspires me by not letting me put any limitations on my abilities.  I'm also inspired by people that I've influenced to lead a healthier life or challenge themselves by competing." 

She is definitely serious when it comes to training and competing, but Jamie's a lot of fun, too.  Her idea of fun is shopping, eating, outside activity, gymnastics and reading.  "The most enjoyable time for me on-season is when I'm training…  Lately it seems the only things I do are cooking, sleeping and cardio!!" 

Any shout-outs?  "First, I want to thank you (Asha Menon) and David Ford for giving your time to this site and all of the great athletes in this province; it's appreciated!  I have to thank Raejha for her guidance, for pushing me and for being a great friend.  I also want to thanks the 'Tuesday Night Girls' (you included, Ash!) for being the best dieting support ever!  Also thanks to my roommate, Shawna, who is an amazing friend, for her continual support.  I also want to thank anyone who's ever offered me words of encouragement… it means a lot!" 

Rob Chalifoux

Edmonton-born Rob Chalifoux is definitely a bodybuilder to be reckoned with.  His last competition was the 2000 Alberta Bodybuilding Championships, where Brian Logue helped prep him to win the light heavyweight category.  "I didn't pull out the overall, and I didn't like that outcome.  Dan Fedeluk won the heavyweights, and if he had won the overall, I would have been a lot happier.  I didn't like some of the stuff I saw at the show, but I am over it." 

Rob traveled all over the world as a professional wrestler after the 2000 show.  "I have been living life.  I realized after the 2000 show that there is more to life than chicken and rice, and I wanted to explore other avenues for a while.  I taught some wrestling and have just been busy working, training, and enjoying my life and the people in it." 

Speaking of the people in it, Rob finds his most enjoyment in talking to his new wife!  "I have been dieting for ten and a half weeks and I'm starting to forget what it is like to have fun… lol!!"  But, after my next show, I plan on doing some traveling and just messing around and enjoying life!" 

Rob Chalifoux is a passionate man, and you're going to get a chance to see that in his next competition.  He'll be competing on June 25^th at the Alberta Bodybuilding Championships to re-qualify for Nationals.  "My goal is to win the overall; that would make me very, very happy.  But what I'm really after is re-qualifying for Nationals and really making a mark in 2006." 

This champion is fortunate to have had many sources of inspiration throughout his life.  "My father inspires me to help and support the people that I love unconditionally.  My wife inspires me to keep my eyes open and learn.  A couple of guys that really inspired me to start competing again are Dan Fedeluk and Ron Partlow.  They really supported me last year when I was prepping for a photo shoot.  They both told me I should do another show.  And here I am – only weeks away from the Albertas!" 

Rob also wants to send out a "thank you" to a few other people that motivated him to get back into bodybuilding:  Jessica Oscroft, Mike Spencer and Tennille Barber.  "Without their support, I might not have done another show.  They also inspired me with their work ethic as well as their physiques, as do Big Ron and Pro Dan."

Lori Merk - Photo by David Ford

I feel VERY fortunate to have caught up with Lori Merk to find out what she's been doing!  For those of you who don't know Lori, she's had a whirlwind of success since the beginning of her competition career.  Her first competition was at the Northerns in 2003, where she placed 1st in Masters, Light Weight AND Women's Overall!  But that's not it!  Just a week later at the Provincial show, she placed 1st in Light Weight and took the Women's Overall again!!  "It was like a dream come true!" she says, "I was completely surprised and really blown away to do so well in my very first competition and then to repeat it at Provincials…I'm just very grateful that my whole journey was so blessed, right from the dieting to the show, it was all amazing and truly so much more than I ever imagined… I wasn't thinking past each moment because you train so hard for so long and it's all over in an instant and I didn't want to miss a thing!" Will we get to see her on the stage again?  "I haven't really decided what's next for me.  Maybe Nationals next year in Vancouver or maybe I'll switch gears altogether and try Fitness or Figure… I admire the transition Debbie (Leung) has made to Figure Pro – so who knows?"

Born in Grande Prairie, Lori has spent some of her 'off' time as a statistician at a few Alberta shows, and plans to do it again this year for Northerns and for Muscle Beach.  "I had to take some time off from the gym due to a rotator cuff injury I sustained four weeks before Provincials and that took a very long time to heal completely.  Lately, I've just been training and making up for lost time (and tempers) with my husband Darin." 

Speaking of your husband, Lori, what's home life like?  What do you do for fun?

"Darin and I love to travel to beautiful, warm, exotic places, but when we're not on holidays I'm a very relaxed and private person at home.  I spend lots of time taking long, hot bubble baths, watching movies and hanging out with my husband and our baby… she's our 1 year old American Bulldog named Caesar.  I dote on her and she takes up a lot of our free time but I'm thankful she has such energy and personality because she pretty much kept my butt off the couch all winter!"  Self-described as positive, Lori says that out of her 'many' pet peeves, the one that gets her the most is "people who drive too slow in the fast lane (on the highway and in life)."

Where do you find inspiration?  "I find inspiration in many people – from my Dad who taught me to believe in myself to Emily Dickinson who reminds me with her thoughtful words to "dwell in possibility"; but my most powerful inspiration comes from Darin, who is my absolute biggest fan and the best part of myself!  He always helps me see the good in everything.  (I'd like to give) Huge HUGS & KISSES to Darin and Caesar xoxo for being their loving, accepting, goofy, awesome selves!  Thanks to my coaches, Brian and Donna Logue, for their unwavering belief in my potential and then helping me realize it.  All the hard cores at Hardcore Gym and all the athletes who encouraged and supported me – Best of Luck to each of you in all your pursuits!  Thanks to David Ford for offering such a wonderful forum and for continuing to flatter me, by posting my photos on his excellent websites; and last but not least, thank you Asha for this opportunity." 

My pleasure, Lori… thank YOU! 

Erin Halward - Photo supplied by Erin

Born and raised in Calgary, Erin Halward is a face you're going to see a lot in the future of Figure.  Her first show was the 2004 Alberta Provincial Figure competition, where she placed 14th out of 21 girls in the short class (tough competition!!).  How did you enjoy the experience, Erin?  "I think the outcome was so exciting and I was very proud of myself for making it on stage.  My goals last year were not to win, but to do my best and prove to myself that I could do it.  I went beyond my expectations and it was such a wonderful experience to meet such supportive people and know that we all worked very hard to get up there." Watch for Erin at this year's CBBF World Qualifiers (Figure) in Regina on July 9th.  "I'm very excited because I have a lot of support and I have made some big improvements since last year.  I know what to expect this time around, the dieting is easier and my body is reacting very well to my training.  I am just going to continue to work hard, stay positive and know that I gave it my all."  What a great attitude.

It's no wonder, then, that Erin's pet peeve is "people who try to bring others down because they don't have the strength to try and reach their goals on their own.  If you are not happy with something, change it, because no one is going to change it for you.  Don't criticize someone else's aspirations because you don't believe in them; instead you should learn from those who have been successful and use it to build your own success."  I couldn’t agree more, Erin.

Erin has spent the majority of her off-season time doing volunteer work for a cause that is very close to her heart.  "It takes a lot of time and dedication outside of my normal daily life but I believe it is worth it in the end.  I'm also in the process of putting together my application for the Calgary Police Service."

Erin's infectious personality lends itself to an action-packed life.  "I am kind of a tomboy when it comes to my idea of fun.  I love to go offroading and work on my Jeep when I can find the time.  I am a very outdoorsy person and my happy place is definitely in the backcountry, whether it be camping, fishing, hiking or just having a picnic.  I am also in the process of getting my firearms license very soon to learn how to develop my accuracy and learn proper handgun safety. (look out boys).  My home life is hectic.  I don't have much time outside of my volunteering, career, sports, cooking, friends and training.  If I have time to sit down at home, I know I could be doing something else more important."

When I asked Erin about her sources of inspiration, she had a tough time answering.  "…For me it depends what it is I'm being inspired with.  I find inspiration mainly through challenge and hard work and I also find it in people every day.  If I had to come to one answer I would have to say that I continue to inspire myself just by accomplishing my goals and following my dreams.  No one can control my life but me, so I strive to be the best that I can and am very passionate and dedicated towards the things I really believe in."

Any shout-outs?

"I wanted to thank Debbie Leung for dieting me for the next show and sticking by me for the last 2 years to help me along the way.  I'd also like to thank Terry Miller who has graciously taken me under his wing (quite a muscular wing, I might add!) to work beside me in the gym and push me harder than anyone has ever pushed me before.  Last but definitely not least, I would like to thank my boyfriend Cory and my friends for being such wonderful motivators and supporters throughout all of this and everything else in my life. I couldn't do it without you and you all mean the world to me."

Thanks Erin. 

Maranda Lessard - Photo supplied by Maranda

Maranda was last seen on stage at the 2004 Provincial Fitness show (at Northerns) in her birthplace of Red Deer, Alberta.  A very fiery competitor, she placed fifth in the short class with a great package.  "I was pleased with the changes I made with my physique and the way my routine came together." Maranda has been training hard since last year, aiming at adding some upper body size.  "This year I found an awesome gymnastics coach.  After suffering a few injuries, it has been 12 years since I have trained in the sport.  This left me with a fear for tumbling which I'm slowly overcoming."  We can't wait to see her on stage!  When will that be?  Maranda's scheduled to compete at the 2005 Provincial competition (with Southerns in Calgary).  When asked what her goals are for this show, Maranda said, "Most importantly I want to come in better shape with a stronger routine, and of course I want to place first in my class and take the overall, but I would still be happy with top three."

And what about 'real' life?  What does she do for fun?  "I love anything that's active.  I love being on the go!  Home life is my husband and I hanging out with our two cats and puppy, friends and family, watching movies and traveling."  That high-energy attitude must be the reasoning for her pet peeve, 'slow drivers in the fast lane'.

Is there anyone you'd like to thank?  "I would like to thank you for the interview, David Ford for his exposure and great contest pics.  My husband, Pat, for his support and constant motivation through my contest prep.  There are days that I don't want to train, and he keeps kicking my butt in gear!  And to all the supportive friends, family and clients, thank you!"

Thanks Maranda!

Pat Lessard - Photo supplied by Pat

I just love profiling couples – and what a GREAT couple they are!!  Pat Lessard (Maranda's husband) has become a household name in Alberta over the last year.  Competing in 3 shows in 2004, Pat won the Bantamweight Class and the Overalls at Northerns.  Editor's note:  although wife Maranda was born in Red Deer, Pat was born in Montreal.  "Yes," says Pat, "I'm a frog… Maranda says I turned into a prince after I married her."  A week after Northerns, Pat took the Bantamweight Class at Provincials.  And that's not all!  He went on to win the same class again at Canadians nine weeks later.  NINE WEEKS?  "It was a long road… 28 weeks of dieting with ONE CHEAT DAY in the whole process, but it was all worth it!"  Kudos to you, Pat.  I'd prefer 28 weeks of cheating with one diet day, which explains my current 'softness' factor. Self-described as laid back, it doesn't seem that anything gets under Pat's skin, which is pretty admirable considering his workload.  "Maranda and I put in some pretty long work weeks (on top of both our training schedules) so when the weekend comes, it's a much welcomed opportunity to just relax and hang out…. We really just enjoy each other's company and re-charge for the following week.

If we're not at home, then we're probably out spending the weekend at a B&B in Jasper, a hotel in Banff or traveling to visit family or friends.  We've also been bitten by the travel bug.  We've been to Cuba twice in as many years and plan on going to Hawaii some time this winter."

Pat struck it big after his Canadians win.  "I was approached with a sponsorship opportunity from PVL Nutrients (which of course I graciously accepted), so I've been working on getting things together for their website.  I've also been putting a portfolio together and brainstorming for my own website.  I'm also getting a few people ready for the upcoming shows in June."  Does that include you, Pat?  "I'm taking this season off to try and put on a little more muscle and work on a couple of body parts that I feel are a little behind (even though Maranda is trying to convince me to do the Nationals again in September!).  Ultimately, I would like to come back as a Lightweight in 2006 and see if I can do some serious damage at the Albertas and again at Canadians."

Pat finds inspiration in many sources.  "My wife, my family and my friends inspire me to do my best at being a good husband, son, brother, and a loyal friend…. The 'smaller' pro bodybuilders like Lee Priest, (all-time favorite) Dexter Jackson, Franco Columbo, Frank Zane, and the 'smaller' local guys like Gary Dalton, Jimmy Mah, Tim Connah and Ray Jewan are all guys that I consider to be fierce competitors and fantastic examples for us little guys to look up to!"

Finally, is there anyone you'd like to thank?  "I want to thank you for considering me for this interview.  A huge thanks goes out to David Ford for all his contest coverage over the past year.  I want to thank Cabel McElderry for taking my physique to a place I previously thought was unattainable (the guy is a genius), my two major sponsors, BodyFit Fitness Center and PVL Nutrients for their financial support, my family and friends for standing by my side and my wife Maranda for pushing me to be the best that I can be.  Best of luck to everyone at the upcoming shows this spring!"

Thanks, Pat!