Dee Levine works out with trainer Steve Amsden
Dee Levine, 59, promises to be the most motivated competitor in the contest.
“I had followed the contest the first two years, and it was an easy decision to enter this year,’’ Levine said. “I got the paper at 5 a.m. and had my entry in by 6:15 that morning. I knew it was something I wanted to do.”
Levine is a nurse at Sherman Hospital, and she is in charge of inspecting car seats for new parents as they leave with their brand-new babies for the first time. But at her size (5-4, 247 pounds) she said sometimes it is difficult for her to squeeze herself into the vehicle to complete the inspection.
Levine has a huge support team; her husband Al, her three adult children and Al’s two adult children from their previous marriage. She, too, has a wedding to get ready for, and she wants to be able to go for lengthy walks with Al, who is retired and enjoys his daily exercise.
She also has a mantra she uses to maintain her motivation — S.T.I.
“That’s ‘shirt tucked in’,’’ Levine said.
Levine’s father, a World War II Army veteran injured in the Normandy invasion, suffered lower body paralysis and spent 50 years confined to a wheelchair. He gave her the advice that she plans to use for the next three months.
“He taught me if there is something you want bad enough, put your mind to it and you will succeed,’’ Levine said.
GO DEE!!!! You got this. You rock!!