I was raised to believe that I should always be working toward a goal. That making plans to meet this goal would provide structure and excitement in my life, and that the accomplishment would bring me energy and inspiration for the next. And though there is no feeling quite like a personal victory, I will admit that I get crazy affected by watching others achieve their goals. Inspiration keeps me buzzing—it is my drug. In honor of the New Year, I would like to share a conversation that I hope provides you with some inspiration to take a chance on something new and test your limits. You never know what you are capable of, until you take that first step. I was introduced to Jamlen Frondoso through an online athlete’s group that connects people for motivational support, accountability, and active outings. A mutual friend thought that two driven, petite Queens girls into mixed martial arts (MMA) and lifting should meet, and he wasn’t wrong. We hit it off right away. JANUARY 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 43 HAYLEY: First, tell us a bit about how your training became an integral part of your life. JAMLEN: In late 2012, I lost my brother in an accident and was going through a breakup. While working full time and continuing my graduate studies, I thought I would lose it—and probably did at some level. The gym was my main escape. It made me feel better and allowed me to put one foot in front of the other. I would come in a mess, and my trainer would say, “No tears here. Put on your gloves. It’s game time”. MMA/Kickboxing training with him allowed me an entire hour where my focus and energy was on something else. My late brother was my inspiration for fitness. He ran two NYC marathons, obtained his personal trainer certification, and kept an overall active lifestyle. He was the one in the family who really used physical activity to involve everyone—from kids to hesitant adults. I wanted to carry on his fitness torch when he passed. I wanted to make him proud. So, I kept pushing myself. Always thinking and knowing he is right beside me through each challenge. Not exactly sure what, when, or how, but all I know is that I hope to inspire others in the journey and eventually reach my purpose. HAYLEY: A figure competition is quite a departure from powerlifting and MMA. How did this come about? JAMLEN: I reached a plateau in my fitness results, and I wanted to break it. What better way than having a competition to prep for? The training and diet was a complete shift. My coach, Diana Becker—of Anchored Fitness—is very sweet and supportive, and tailored all of my workouts and a meal plan for me. HAYLEY: Describe how approach, motivation, and support played a part in this process. JAMLEN: My approach was to take it literally one day at a time. I told myself, “get through today’s plan.” For example, five minutes into my cardio or food prep, I started thinking about what I had to do the next day, and immediately got flustered and thought about stopping. I had to focus only on what I needed to do in the present moment. I do not have control of what will happen in the future, so worrying about it in the present won’t make it better or worse. Motivation comes from the family/friends/acquaintances who are proud of my journey, and look to me as an inspiration for their own goals. I don’t want to let them down. I don’t want to let myself down. I want to show them that I won’t quit, so they shouldn’t either. My support system is what ultimately got me through this—my boyfriend, my coach, my friends and family. I am truly humbled by their encouragement and guidance. HAYLEY: How did it feel to step on stage? JAMLEN: My legs and face were shaking! At first, I told myself, “just have fun with it”. Then I walked center to face those bright lights and judges. I didn’t even know my smile could shake from the nerves. Hearing and seeing my support system in the crowd kept me going. When judges were calling my number during the line-up, I had to be instructed to move by someone else on stage. I was so dazed that I wasn’t hearing well. I got off stage, and my coach said I made first call outs—which meant I was in the top 5 or 6. It was during Finals that I found out I placed 3rd. It was quite the experience for my first show. HAYLEY: Any more shows in your future? JAMLEN: During the hardest moments of prep, I said, “heck no”. I’m guessing that was due to hunger or lack of dark chocolate? I want to see how I do in my off-season, discuss a little more with my coach, and do more thinking before I commit to another competition. There’s always room for improvement, and my body will always amaze me with what it can do with proper diet and training. HAYLEY: How did achieving this goal affect you? JAMLEN: I am much happier and more content with where I am in my life. Sometimes, even in my 30s, I feel like I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. I gave my best for this more-mentalthan physical challenge, and I conquered it. I believe I truly can do whatever I set my mind to. Although I don’t know what the future has in store for me, I will take it one day at a time, and once I find my calling—or a different challenge—I will kill it!
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