Making a Dream Come True by Traci Redding

Traci Redding

As I sit here and write this article I am filled with such emotion.  My goal is to pass on my story so that you may recognize how to accomplish your goals and achieve your personal dream.  For me, one of my dreams and goals was to gain IFBB Pro status.  This was a very challenging road filled with many obstacles and disappointments.  I started on this path back in 2003.  For three years I competed in many shows, in fact 7 national shows.  I was an NPC Figure Competitor for 3 years placing anywhere from 16th to 6th from one show to the next I would do well and then not so well.  I would listen to critique from judges year after year trying to desperately obtain a physique that would earn me IFBB Pro status.  After three years of going from show to show from the East coast to the West coast, I had decided that competing in the NPC just was not for me and I would need to move on and do something else.  Due to the emotional and financial drain that was placed on me I was discouraged and extremely disappointed. 

Traci Redding

After taking months off and reevaluating my situation and trying to devise a way to be a part of the fitness industry I realized that competing was not just a hobby, it was in my blood flowing throughout my body, it was a deep God given passion and I could not retire.  I knew that I did not want to go back to Figure and I did not want to do Bodybuilding so my only other option was Fitness.  This was funny to me because it had been over 12 years since I had done any kind of gymnastics, cheerleading or dance and I had not done the splits in over 15 years.  As far as the mandatory moves such as one-arm push-ups and the press holds, I could not do any of them and never had done them in my life.  After talking to my trainer Isaiah Nelson and my dear friend Susan Groshek IFBB Pro I decided I would give it a try.  My training started in April in which I started stretching and attempting to do the mandatory moves.  This was not a pretty site and in all honesty seemed unlikely.  After 2 solid months of training, practicing with a gymnastics coach and an amazing choreographer, I had developed a fitness routine and I was ready to give it a try.  So as Jr. Nationals approached I wanted so many times to quit and walk away, but my passion inside me to compete would not allow me.  In June 2007 I stepped on stage and won 1st place in Fitness Tall Class, this was the most amazing feeling!  But, my obstacles and disappointments were still not over. 

Traci Redding

I competed in July at the Team U and once again I was discouraged taking 6th place, not even placing top 5.  I was once again tested and wanted to again retire and move on.  Winning was important to me, but it was about something deeper and I could not back down when I felt so close.  So after deep prayer and consultation from trainer and friends I decided to compete at the Nationals in Dallas my hometown.  I had 4 more months to fine-tune my routine and work on flexibility and strength as well as my physique.  After months of rigorous training and dieting I returned to the National stage as the under dog and claimed what I felt was mine for so long.  By the grace of God I obtained IFBB Pro status.  It was without question my greatest personal victory.  All of my hard work and dedication paid

Traci Redding

off and my dream came true.  So many times I wanted to give up, I wanted to back away, pursue something easier, but I stayed, I fought and I overcame!  I say this with conviction… when the road gets rough and when it seems impossible if you remain strong and faithful greatness will follow.  Easy, no it was not easy, and it will never be easy.  When one feels as though they cannot go on and they cannot do it if they kick it into over drive and attack the obstacle face to face, you will be rewarded in more ways than one.  For me it is so much more than IFBB Pro card, it is about accomplishing what less than 1 yr ago seemed impossible.  Follow your passions and follow them with all you have and you too will accomplish your dreams.

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