DEB HAIRSTON Deb Hairston, all 5'1" and 112 lbs of her, is committed to living life to the MAX, believes age is just a number and it is never too late to begin something new in your life, which she did in 2002 when she found powerlifting! While cheering for my trainer at a fitness comp, I noticed on the sidelines a powerlifting meet going on, I thought I could do that and not have to pose in a swimsuit like the fitness girls do! A month later, Curt St. Romain was doing a pl move and i said, "I'm going to do that when i grow up"..he encouraged me to begin as i had the strength and body structure for it. WOW, a sport that is actually ok to be a "shorty." I was ready for this new adventure. First meet May 2002-three months after my new beginning. Age 48, wt 107 total 506. My best advance was from Jan-03 to May 2003 i added 100 lbs to total 700 at the May meet along with the help of new Titan gear and a new program. I also believe nutrition, rest, along with a smart training cycle and tenacious drive towards my goal are key elements. My 6th meet was this Jan Women's Nationals where I won 4 first place medals. A spot on the World Masters Team-meet in New Dehli,India, October 2004. Set the American Masters Deadlift Record at 326. Placed First in the 114 wt class ages 40 thru 50 with the nearest master competitor 99lbs away. Ranked 4th out of 15 lifters overall in the 114 wt. division. Honored with a sponsorship from the Titan Company and a place on TEAM TITAN. Elected Athletes Rep by the Women's Committee On the local level helping to organize a powerlifting team out of Lubbock,TX-Texas Tech Iron Raiders. Promoting USAPL Powerlifting everywhere I go. I have worked at our family business, Spade Trucking, Inc., an ag realted freight and commodities business as secretary for 13 years. Previous interests were selling my original artwork and my catering business..aerobics and captaining women's and mixed doubles tennis team for 15yrs. I live in Spade, TX and my drive to the nearest gym in Lubbock is 35 miles away. I workout 4 times a week: SQ-Monday; BN-Wednesday; DL-Friday; Speed BN-Saturday morning and DL if I didn't on friday. I love this sport and tend to overdo it by staying there from 6:00 to 8:30...some of that time is spreading the good word about powerlifting and nutrition. I said at the beginning "age is just a number"...I would add except after SQUAT night...when I feel every bit of 50 yrs old which i turned on Feb 14,2004. I have a great life and I'm thankful to GOD for giving me this strength and tenacity to persue my dreams. I appreciate all the shared knowledge and encouragement from my new friends, lifters and coaches...you are all my heros! contact me at: debrox469@hotmail.com