Spotlight On: Stephanie "Wicked" Mule

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Published on Friday, 13 May 2011 22:17

Written by Stephanie Mule

Spotlight On: Stephanie "Wicked" Mulé

Category you compete in: Bikini

Date of birth: December 19, 1982

Hometown: Originally from Staten Island, NY; Currently in East Brunswick, NJ

Career: For the last 9 years, I have worked at a private biotech company. I advanced from a front desk receptionist to an assistant, and currently work within the business development group. I am also in the process of returning to school. I would like to obtain my Associates in Exercise Science.

What is your favorite contest prep recipe? Protein pancakes! 5 egg whites, ½ cup oats, stevia and cinnamon (to taste). Cook like a pancake, drizzle with blueberry Walden Farms syrup, and enjoy... yummm!

What part of your physique are you currently working on? Hams/glutes will always be a challenge for me. I have also made shoulders a priority this past year...

Name one piece of nutrition/fitness advice that has stuck with you. What works for one person, may not work for another. Through experience with diet and training, my coach, IFBB pro Tammy Patnode, and I have learned what my body responds to and what I have to do to elicit the results we are aiming for. It's a science for sure, but one that I enjoy experimenting with.

If you could compete in one other event (FBB, physique, figure, fitness, bikini) which would it be and why? All of them! If I had to pick *just* one though, at this point, I would say fitness. I took tap, jazz and ballet lessons growing up and always looked forward to performing in my dance recitals. Plus, they get to rock fun costumes!

Why NPC:I had attended NPC shows before I competed and wasn't familiar with any other organization. Not to mention, there are ample opportunities for members in the NPC to compete each year.

What do you like best about competing? I have made some incredibly amazing friends that I would never have met if it hadn't been for competing.

What are your goals for the future? I would like to improve the body parts mentioned above, while increasing strength and lean body mass. Also, I am working hard in hopes of earning my IFBB pro qualification.

Competition history:

2009 NPC Suburban ~ 4^th place
2009 NPC Garden State ~ 1^st place
2010 NPC Garden State ~ did not place
2010 NPC Jr Nationals ~ 1^st place, Bikini Class A
2010 NPC Team Universe ~ 3^rd place, Bikini Class B

Next competition: NPC Jr USAs on May 21, 2011

Hobbies: Experimenting with new diet-friendly recipes, UFC, shopping, travel, seasonal activities (ice skating, sunbathing beach or poolside), concerts, etc.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned over the years when it comes to competing? When I was dieting for my first contest, seasoned competitors told me to "enjoy the journey". I did, but I couldn't fully appreciate what that meant until the night of my show. I think that's an important element to remember. We spend so many weeks and months dieting and training for "show day", that we can easily forget to value each day of the process.

Another thing I learned is that your placing at a show doesn't define how good you look or how hard you worked. Your physique may look amazing, but that is not enough to earn a trophy. Everyone looks incredible and the judges have difficult decisions to make. The smallest details could be the difference between 1^st and 6^th place. Take the time to perfect the finishing touches for a polished look and presentation, including hair, makeup, tan, posing, etc. And never forget to smile and have fun!

What is your favorite contest prep supplement? ALR Industries' HUMAPRO (protein) and Chain'd Out (BCAAs). I make myself a slushie with them every night. It's my happy little treat without all the calories!

Favorite Quote:

"A person with a determined heart, frightens problems away."

Best thing I've ever read that came out of a fortune cookie...

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