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Another day, another loss for the Chicago Cubs. Their effort Friday (May 11) against the Brewers in Milwaukee was nothing if not entertaining. Or painful, depending on one’s perspective. To ease that pain, the editorial staff at ElliottHarris.com is happy to provide a photo of Cubs fan Erica Hall, who recently had a photo shoot with Don Bersano, a friend of this site.
Erica Hall ought to be able to get Cubs fans from focusing on another loss. Cred: Bersano Photography
Erica even submitted to an email interview in advance of her participation as a figure competitor Saturday. She is taking part in the NPC 2012 Illinois State competition at the Gateway Theatre (5216 W. Lawrence) in Chicago. The evening portion of the program begins at 6 p.m.
When your correspondent told her there would be no math or science involved in the questioning, she said she really was good at math. When Don sent over Erica’s photo in Cubs attire, it gave a whole new meaning to a ballpark figure. If things go as hoped for (and occasionally they do), I will make it to the NPC event and tape some interviews. For now, however, a Q&A from earlier in the week will have to suffice:
1. How did you become involved in figure competitions?
I have always been health and fitness focused. I heard about them a two years ago and recently thought….”hmm…I bet I can do that!”. I put my mind to it and have been 100 percent focused since I started training 17 weeks ago. Now here I am…only a few short days away from the big day!
2. What is your workout regimen?
That is a loaded question. That has evolved since Day 1. I began with solely lifting weights, zero cardio. Over the weeks it transformed into HIIT (high intensity interval training) cardio, with PHA (peripheral heart action) workouts to Tabata training. They’re all a form of interval training. All of which keep your heart rate going and can incorporate lifting. I’ve lost a lot of fat, and zero muscle thanks to these workouts.
3. What is your food regimen?
That, too, has evolved. Simply put, it’s six meals a day, focusing carbs earlier in the day and protein in every meal. Veggies, veggies, veggies. Can’t get enough of those! The last week I am eating solely chicken or tilapia and sweet potatoes. Sounds weird…but it keeps my muscles full and my fat very minimal.
4. How far in advance do you figure out what you’re going to wear onstage?
There is only one option: a figure bikini! About two months is appropriate to find the suit you like best.
5. What are your goals in the figure world?
I want to win at everything I do. I’m a tad competitive. I hope to move to a national level competition from here. Hopefully it takes me into the health and fitness industry as a career, as that is my ultimate goal!
6. What was it like shooting with Don Bersano? That was your first time posing, correct?
Don was amazing! I have never done a photo shoot before and he made me extremely comfortable and helped me show off my best assets that I’ve spent months working on. Can’t thank him enough 
7. How did you become a Cubs fan — and is there a cure for that?
I live in Wrigelyville… 
8. What do you think so far of the Theo Epstein era?
Hey, if he can increase the “W” ratio, I’m all about him. It doesn’t hurt he’s easy on the eyes!
9. Will the Cubs reach a World Series in your lifetime?
Yes.
10. Will the Cubs win a World Series in your lifetime?
Yes. I have a solid 50+ years left … that gives them plenty of time … right?!
In a figure competition of another variety, here is more of Playboy Playmate of the Year Jaclyn Swedberg:
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