In his bestselling book The War of Art author Steven Pressfield discusses the concept of resistance. He reminds us that resistance is an integral part of our growth. It molds us. It shapes us. It provides us with the catalyst for greatness. And nowhere are the effects of resistance more apparent than in the world of bodybuilding.
When she earned her pro card at the 2013 Masters Nationals after nearly a decade removed from the stage, Dre Dillard came face-to-face with resistance, stared it in the eye, and did what anyone who's ever dared to challenge greatness has done – embrace it.
Recently Dre and I had a chance to catch up and talk about all thing life and bodybuilding, and you can read it all right here, in this RxGirl exclusive interview.
Q.) I'd like to start by talking about life before bodybuilding. You discovered the sport a bit later in life than most competitors. Tell us what it was that led you to bodybuilding.
A.) My first encounter with bodybuilding came when I was a 2LT in the Army. I have always been an athlete but once I started lifting weights every evening my biceps really started to grow. This guy that I was going out with said "Wow your arms are bigger than mine, and they don't fit in your uniform anymore. I don't want you to have big muscles... "So, me being "young and dumb", I stopped. I was in my early 20's.
Q.) Prior to beginning your training and competitive career, did you have much prior knowledge of the sport?
A.) I have been an athlete since junior high School – back then I was a sprinter. I used get to leave school early to go to the high school for track practice.
Q.) What was it that initially sparked your interest in training? How soon after you began training did you consider competing?
A.) I have always had an athletic background. I have been weightlifting since 9th grade. It is my passion. I guess I was interested in competing as an adult after I hired a trainer and saw how my body was changing
Q.) Once you did make the leap into the waters of competition we saw have a tremendous amount of success very early on, highlighted by your overall win at the Junior Nationals in 2003. Did you surprise yourself by how quickly you were able to progress and become one of the top amateur athletes in the country?
A.) lol...I worked my ass off so I don't look at it like that. Back then the competition was so incredibly deep - there were 40 competitors in my Heavyweight class, and they all looked amazing!
Q.) After that successful 2003 season where we saw you look your best ever up to that point, you stepped away from the game for over a decade. Tell us a bit about why you decided it was time to walk away.
A.) My son was born in 2006, and that's when I decided to stop. I am a single parent, so all of my money went toward making sure he had a good life, and that meant not spending it on me.
Q.) What made you decide to return to the stage?
A.) I was tired of getting competitors ready on stage, and helping them looking amazing, so I decided to get in shape myself. Short afterward they when they came out with THE PHYSIQUE division, and it was perfect for me because I was always told I wasn't big enough as a bodybuilder.
Q.) Take us back to Masters Nationals last year. You're preparing to step back onstage for the first time in ten years, and for the first time as a Physique competitor. Was there any part of you that doubted your ability to bring your best after so much time away?
A.) OMG YES! I was afraid that I wasn't going to look as good as I did back in the day. I was afraid that my glutes weren't going to look right because I trained with a pulled glute and hamstring for THE ENTIRE PREP.
Q.) Describe your thoughts and emotions after hearing your name announced as the winner and raising l realizing that you just became an IFBB pro.
A.) My knees buckled! I just threw my hands up and thanked Jesus. I was nervous because I was coming back after over a decade, I had a baby at 42, and I was competing against some great looking women. I was very humbled and grateful for the win.
Q.) One thing most fans may not realize is that you juggle a number of roles on a daily basis as a single mother, athlete, and in demand personal trainer. How do you manage to successfully handle all of your responsibilities on a daily basis?
A.) The ONLY answer is GOD... he makes my path... without my faith I am nothing. Don't get me wrong... I have trials and tribulations just like everyone else, but at the end of the day I can honestly say that they made me a better person.
Q.) What experience did you take away from making your pro debut earlier this year at the Tampa Pro?
A.) Where do I begin? I am going to be quite open and honest on this one.
Again, I was battling with a torn glute (yes again). It was difficult this time with training. I had an off season that put more muscle on me, and let's not forget my roots as a bodybuilder. My body loves muscle. My genetics are crazy when I turn up the gas. I get crazy muscle. I have to tone it down
My former coach did what she was supposed to do in the off season, but fell short going into the show.
I am not going to sugar coat shit right now. As I got closer to the show, my support from my coach got scarce. I am a trainer. I know what it takes to get someone ready for a show. The support was there in 2013 but not 2014. When I hire someone I allow them to take complete control. I make decisions ALL DAMN DAY, so when it comes to my Coach, I want them telling me what to do. Well my physique showed that I was not in condition when I got to Tampa. Without going into too much of the details. I looked great a week out, but when I landed in Florida it started going downhill. Through it all, I am still happy for the experience.
Q.) Tell us what's next for Dre Dillard.
A.) The biggest event of my Fitness Career is approaching - The Dre' Dillard Classic in Irving TX January 31, 2015. This just might be my calling - besides Guest Posing OF COURSE. I have been working my ass of for this show. I am totally excited about this. I'm so grateful that my Chairman Lee Thompson has given me this opportunity to be a NPC Texas Promoter, and I will not let him down.
Q.) If you could give one piece of advice to someone who looks to you for inspiration what would it be?
A.) Never let ANYONE tell you that you cannot accomplish your dreams. If they try... get them out of your life.
Q.) If someone would like to find out more about you, or contact you for potential sponsorship or training inquires, what's the best way for them to reach you?
A.) They can email me at [email protected]
The Dalai Lama once said "The enemy is a very good teacher."
But, more often than not, the greatest enemy of our success is the resistance we apply to ourselves. The more difficult a task is, or the more resistance we feel toward it, the more important it is that we see it through.
Now, just days away from making taking a new challenge head on and making the transition from competitor to promoter once again Dre finds herself staring resistance in the eye yet again. And just as she's done time and time again she'll handle it the only way she knows how – by embracing it.
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