Shannon MeteraudJust a week before the coming Figure Olympia competition, I've met Shannon Meteraud. A super busy mom and a little carb depleted right now, this fitness star has recently won the prestigious 2007 Europa IFBB Super Show. In our interview she tells us about her passion for fitness and the formula of looking so young for ever.Author: Jonathan.L - owner Models Observer October 2007 | |
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* Shannon, how are you? How are your preparations for 2007 Figure
Olympia going?
Fine thanks. Just a little tired as usual with preparations Everything thing is going well with the prep work. I'm ready to roll! * After a year off, you've returned to compete and had a blast, winning the 2007 Europa IFBB Super Show. To what would you attribute your phenomenal success? I guess you burn more calories running after 2 kids instead of 1! Really I just work hard and I'm dedicated. We (me and my husband) were determined to come in the best that I have ever come in. I guess it also helps to have a full gym in my home so I have no excuses. All I have to do is walk down the hall to train. * What is your current training program, and how does it differ from previous programs? Shannon Meteraud: Right now I have no "set in stone" time that I train. I train whenever the girls allow me to. In the past I trained at a specific time. This year I do it whenever the baby is down for a nap or down for the night. I train 5-6 days a week and cardio every day. |
 Shannon Meteraud. A symbol of youth, health and fitness. |
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* How would you describe your diet both off season and pre-contest?
How do you eat right for your best performance?
Shannon Meteraud: I guess I'm lucky in a sense my husband cometes too and he eats clean all year. So my diet just fluctuates with carbs. If I'm off season I'll eat more carbs tham if I'm getting ready for a show. I eat 6 meals a day. Incorporating protein in every meal. Some days are higher in carbs and on the low carb days I substitue a good fat source-usually peanut butter. * In a poll published in Bodybuilding.com Fitness was chosen as the division that requires the most energy. Second was Bobybuilding and third was Figure division. What do you think about the results? Shannon Meteraud: I can totally agree with that. Since I used to do fitness I know what it takes to succeed at it. You have to work out, do cardio, and practice 2 routines---all while dieting! Bodybuilders also have to practice posing and a routine. We do everything they do without the routine. * What has been your greatest competitive experience and why? Shannon Meteraud: Probably my first Pro show - the 2000 Fitness International. I was the 1st competitor on stage and the nerves and adrenaline were awesome. I also won the physique rounds! * You also do fitness modeling. How is this going? What are your Goals in this area? Shannon Meteraud: I really don't have any goals with this. I just think it's a good way to showcase that moms don't have to be frumpy. We can be just as fit as we were before children. * Watching your photos, it's hard to believe you gave births to two girls and still look that fabulous. Any tips for women on how to look so well, fresh and young? Shannon Meteraud: Well make up does wonders! J/K I think that having a goal keeps me that way. If I didn't have a goal to hit I don't think I would work this hard to look this way. I think women need to have some kind of "light at the end of the tunnel". If they want to look and feel a certain way by a certain date than they have to be held accountable to what they are doing and eating. Plus it's (health) something I want to pass on to my children. * How do you divide your time bewteen motherhood and fitness career? Which challenges do you have to cope with and how can you devise a strategy to overcome these? Shannon Meteraud: My children alwasys win. They come first. That is why I am just finish my workout and cardio and 10:30 at night when they are in bed. I try to get it in when they are occupied with something else so I can devote my time to them when they need me. The biggest challenge is wanting to do it when I want to go to bed too! * What do you like to do in your free time? Shannon Meteraud: Nothing! I like to just be by myself for just a few minutes and listen to the silence. Take a bath and pamper myself. It doesn't happen often. * What are your long-term goals in Figure? Shannon Meteraud: I compete fo the fun of it and to stay in shape. I dont' expect much from it. What is important to me is my family. When it starts to interfere with family is when I'll stop doing it. Shannon Meteraud site: www.ShannonM.com. Contest prep site: www.contestshape.com, and supplements site at www.nutritionalunderground.com. | |
