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Published on Saturday, 05 December 2009 01:58

A few weeks ago, at the IFBB Ft. Lauderdale Pro, while was watching the Pro Figure girls, one particular competitor truly stood out.  I kept thinking, why don't I know who she is? I was baffled that this girl was in the first callout and looked so amazing, yet I'd never heard of her or seen her before.  Ironically, the guy sitting next to me was an obvious fan; in fact, it turns out, he was her trainer. After a few key questions, I figured out pretty quickly why I'd never heard of her before....

RX: Candice, I usually try to do a little research before I interview people, but I couldn't find very much on you. Let's go over your contest history.

CK: Last year I did the 2008 All-South Figure Medium Class and I won my class and the overall. That was a National qualifier and Nationals was only 2 weeks away, so I decided to give Nationals a try. I competed in Figure Class C and took 1st place in my class and earned my pro card.

RX: Wait a minute...you competed in one amateur show and then earned your pro card at Nationals?

CK: Yes.

RX: Well that explains why I couldn't find much history on you! How long did you train for your first show?

CK: A friend of mine at the gym was into bodybuilding, and I became more and more interested in it. I thought I'd like to try a contest and I felt like it was really something I could do well at. I didn't really take too long to consider it, I just asked my trainer if he'd get me ready for a show.

RX: So you were already working with a personal trainer?

CK: Yes - Jamie. He was just training me to get in shape. We weren't working toward any shows or anything. So I told him I'd like to do a show and he was like, "okay."

RX: And when you won and wanted to go to Nationals?

CK: Oh, Jamie told me I didn't know what I was getting in to. He tried to tell me that the competition would be unreal. So I just figured I'd go and learn a little and gain a little experience.

RX: I bet he was ecstatic when you won your class and earned your pro card.

CK: Yeah - he was like, "Are you kidding me?!?!?" haha....

RX: Well, that's a definite success story. So what shows have you competed in as a Pro?

CK: The Orlando Europa Show was my first show. I placed 6th right behind Erin Stern, so I was pretty happy with that. Then I prepped for Dexter's IFBB Jacksonville Pro and I actually went all the way to backstage at that show, but I think that my body decided it wasn't meant to be. I just started my own business and I had been up until like 3 in the morning the night before and the exhaustion just set in and I couldn't get my body to cooperate with my mind. I really wanted to do that show, but I just felt like I was going to collapse. I never made it onstage. That was very disappointing. Then I did the New York Pro and placed 12th.

RX: And then the Ft. Lauderdale Pro, where I met you, right? That's a lot of shows in your first year as a pro, not to mention in your first year competing at all!

CK: Yeah, I placed 4th in Ft. Lauderdale. I'm enjoying a little down time right now, but I'm getting ready to start my prep for the new Phoenix Pro Figure coming up in February.

RX: So in your down time, have been able to enjoy a cheat meal or two?

CK: Yes...my first cheat meal was a burger, I think.

RX: What's your favorite cheat?

CK: Peanut butter....definitely, peanut butter! I always liked peanut butter, but since I started contest dieting, my love of peanut butter has become unmatched! Hahaha...

RX: How long do you typically diet for a show?

CK: Typically, about 8 weeks. But I'm going to start prepping for Phoenix a little earlier -  it's going to be more like 11 weeks this time. I have been enjoying my off season a little bit, so I want to start a little earlier. It's going to take me a couple of weeks to get through my cravings anyway.

RX: What is your off season weight?

CK: Well, this is actually y first off season, so I'd say it's about 140 lbs.

RX: At what weight do you step on stage? And how tall are you?

CK: On stage I'm about 123 lbs and I'm 5' 5".

RX: How much cardio do you do during contest prep and in your off season?

CK: During contest prep it just depends on where I'm at during the prep. I just do what Jamie tells me to - but I've gotten up to two hours a day, split in to two sessions.. When I'm not prepping, I probably do 45 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

RX: You mentioned that you started your own business. What kind of business?

CK: Well, I'm going through the trademark and patenting process, so I don't want to say too much, but I have created a great tasting supplement that is a meal replacement cake. Each cake has complex carbs and 25 grams of protein and comes in several different flavors.

RX: How did you brainstorm your protein cake creation?

CK: Really, I wasn't looking to create anything that would turn out to be marketable and sell it. My Dad was a chef for 20 years, so I'm comfortable experimenting with recipes and food. I was just trying to come up with something that wouldn't be so boring to eat during contest prep. I actually experimented and "discovered" it at the Europa Super Show.

RX: When do you plan to launch your product?

CK: Next year some time. I have to trademark it first, and I'm looking for potential investors so that we can package it and market it correctly.

RX: Candice, thank you for your time. Do you have a website for your new fans to find you?

CK: My website is under construction right now, but I have a MySpace and a Facebook page.

RX: And any words of encouragement or advice that you can give girls who are looking to step on that pro stage with you one day?

CK: Always have a positive attitude and surround yourself with positive energy. It will show in every aspect of your life.  And never give up!

CANDICE KEENE PHOTO GALLERY

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