Interview with Natalie Pennington

Natalie Pennington is not your average dentist. She happens to also be a professional fitness competitor who currently competes in the bikini division of the International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB).

This Korean/French Washington state native is making great strides as a professional fitness competitor. Since beginning competitive training about two years ago, she has already gained her pro card last August after only four amateur shows. She qualified and is currently training for the Bikini Ms. Olympia in September.

We are pleased to present this interview with the multi-talented Natalie Pennington.

Please note that HalfKorean.com comments/questions are in BOLD.

Background on Natalie Pennington

Can you give us some background on your upbringing and where you were born, raised and currently reside?
I was born in Renton, Washington in 1978 and grew up around Seattle. I moved to Korea from 4th to 6th grade. We had a sort of traumatic event happen and my mom needed to get away so I moved with my mom to Korea. We moved back to Washington and I finished middle and high school in Federal Way. My mom put me through private schools up to high school and gave me music lessons. I played piano for 10 years and violin for 6 years. I was in a symphony for 4 years. I did all the typical things that Korean parents put their kids in. My grandmother lived with us and since my mom was working she was home with me. I was blessed to be able to speak, read and write Korean due to my grandmother since she didn’t speak much English. I was forced, in a good way, to only speak Korean at home and English at school.

I went to college at the University of Washington. I minored in a science and got my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. The science was basically all the requirements for dental school. All my life, even now, I’ve always done two different things at the same time. I feel like it is a subconscious thing to have balance in my life. In college I did the business and science classes. Now, it is dentistry and also my fitness thing.

In 2002, I moved to San Francisco and went to dental school. I went to the only 3 year, year-round, program in the nation and the University of the Pacific and I graduated in 2005. I did a residency at Nova Southeastern University in Miami, Florida. So I got to experience Miami for a little bit.

I’ve been practicing for about 3 years now in the San Francisco Bay Area. I’ve been at the same practice for a little more than 2 years in Fairfield, California.

I originally planned to move back to Washington but my mom decided to move to Hawaii. She lived in Hawaii first after she immigrated from Korea so she has friends there. She also moved for health reasons due to the climate. So, I decided to stay in the Bay Area.

How did your parents meet?
You know, one thing about Korean moms is that they are very secretive about their lives. I’ve never met my dad before. I don’t even know where he is at. On my dad’s side I’ve actually met some half brothers and sisters about 4 years ago. I’ve been an only child up until that point when I found out I had these three half brothers and two half sisters all from different moms.

So, I think my mom and biological father were never technically together and I was just conceived. I think it was my grandmother who told my mom when she found out that she was old enough and had to have the baby (me).

So you mentioned that when you were growing up you were able to speak Korean. Are you still fluent in Korean?
I’m pretty fluent. It always takes a day or two to get back into it but I am fluent. I might misspell some words here and there but I can definitely read it.

What is your favorite Korean food?
Probably kimchi-jigae. My mom makes the best kimchi-jigae. And also dukbokki.

Did you grow up around other half/mixed Koreans (or people of mixed heritage)?
There were two families that had half Korean kids but most of the other families were full Korean.

Did you ever experience any identity issues while growing up?
Yeah, a little bit. It was kind of weird but I never felt like I was white and felt I belonged with the Korean community. I felt like I was Korean since I grew up as a Korean child.

When I lived in Korea I was actually teased a lot by the Korean kids because I was half white. They would come up to me and make fun of me and tease me, which was hurtful. I remember this one time when a Korean school bus came by and this little boy shot me with a BB gun. That was really traumatic.

But, that was the only time I really experienced racism in Korea against me. I never really felt like I belonged anywhere but I always felt like I was Korean because that was all I really knew.

When was the last time you have been to Korea?
The last time I went back was when I was in 7th grade. I really want to go back. Me and my mom have been talking about it and maybe going in the fall next year. It is so beautiful in Korea in the fall. Hopefully it will work out. I do want to go. It would be cool to go back as an adult to see what has changed. I have such great memories of Korea. The little things and experiences of living in the city, Seoul, such as walking by myself to the little grocery stores and outdoor markets where they sell different fruits and vegetables, fish and all that. Just walking through all the neighborhoods to see how much it has changed from what I remember to what it is now.

What do people who meet/see you think your ethnicity is?
They think I’m Latina or Native American. Those are the top two.

Professional Fitness Competitor & Dentist

What made you decide to start competing in fitness competitions on a professional level?
Well, it had been in the back of my mind for about 8 years. Maybe even longer. Finally, I was about to turn 30, about 6 months away. It was a turning point in my life and wanted to do something. It was either now or never. I always wanted to do it so I decided to go for it. I did my first show before I turned 30 and ended up placing first. That was really motivating for me.

I think being mixed definitely helped and played to my advantage. I had an exotic look with the Asian/French mixture. My physique is European and I have the long legs and athletic physique, which I know I didn’t get from my mom’s side, that was from my dad’s side. Those two together has really been a blessing to me and has helped to distinguish me from others in this sport

I have been doing it for about two years now and I got my pro card last August.

How many competitions have you been in so far (amateur or professional)?
I’ve done two shows since I’ve gotten my pro card and it took me 4 shows to get my pro card. Two regionals and two nationals. So I’ve done 6 shows total.

I understand that it only took you 4 months to get your pro card. Is that typical for someone to obtain their pro card that quickly?
There are a few girls who actually got their pro cards sooner than me but it is not that common to be able to get the pro card that quickly. I know some girls who I competed with last year are still trying to get their pro cards this year.

I think genetics and hard work definitely played a role in it. I was definitely blessed to be able to do it.

Were you nervous at all in your first few competitions? What is it like now for you?
I was so nervous. When I’m on stage, almost every time, my knees are shaky. You might not be able to tell but they are shaking because I’m so nervous. Beforehand, I usually have to say a prayer to calm myself down. I literally have anxiety attacks when I’m on stage. I’m always thinking I’m not going to make it but I make it through. I still get nervous now. Maybe a little less than when I started but I still get nervous.

How supportive were your mom and family in regards to your pursuit of the professional fitness competitor career?
In the beginning, I was a little bit shy to tell my mom about it. Because it is bikini and she is more conservative and Christian and would think, “What is she doing?” But, she knows now and she’s really proud of me.

She always told me that I should model and when I was older I thought, “I can’t do it now.” Maybe when I was younger or a teenager. When I was growing up, education was always number one with my mom. She now tells me to pursue this since I’m done with school and everything education-wise. She is very supportive and proud of me. It is nice to have that support.

You compete in the bikini division of the IFBB. Do you plan to ever try to compete in any of the other divisions at some point?
No, bikini division is totally me. I love it because it is feminine and muscular. I love the fact that you can pick out hot bikinis and wear that on stage. Women’s figure competitors are beautiful as well. It takes a lot dedication to their sport. I just feel that the bikini division is more me.

You are competing for Bikini Olympia in September of this year. How is your training going for that?
Yes, I’m training for that now. It is tough, especially with work, but it’s always mind over matter. I work out 6 days a week, lifting and cardio two times a day. There are certain areas I’m trying to develop and I’m focusing on those areas. My whole goal this year is to create a curvier, fuller, muscular look. I’m working together with my coach to get that package together by September. It’s a work in progress.

So you have a trainer or coach?
My coach is Kim Oddo and he coaches a lot of the top pro girls. He’s based out of Riverside, I believe. I send him pictures every week we talk often and he has me on a diet training program. He gets me ready for my shows.

Are there any competitions you will be entering between now and Olympia?
Yes, there is one on September 11 called “Tournament of Champions” in Culver City, near LA. It will be my first show before Olympia. After Olympia, I’ll be doing shows in Sacramento, San Francisco and “Border States” in San Diego.

How competitive does it get between the participants of these events? Do people get along well?
It is not catty at all. The girls are actually very sweet. But, everyone is definitely competitive at this level. I think each girl is more competitive within themselves than with each other.

Have you met any other mixed Korean/Asians in competitions? I’m assuming there are probably not too many Asians (in general, full or mixed) competing?
Not mixed Korean but I know one girl that I compete with who is also IFBB bikini pro. She is a beautiful half Asian and her name is Monique Minton. She is also going to Olympia.

How often do you go the gym/work out? Is the same regimen when preparing for a specific event as when not?
If not preparing for a big event, I probably work out 5 times a week and lift 4 times a week. I like to be healthy and I’m used to looking a certain way and maintaining that takes work, at least for me. I feel better when I’m able to maintain a certain weight range and plus I like to eat food so I have to work it off.

How do you keep your motivation level to train as hard as you do and also with your diet, etc?
Honestly, I’m a very visual person. I picture me being on the Olympia stage and how I want to look and I won’t take anything less than what I’ve determined how I want to look like. Again, it is mind over matter. I picture what I want and I go for it and nothing will stop me. When you have a passion for something and you are so motivated to get it you will do anything in your power to be driven and make sacrifices in order to make that happen.

Do you allow yourself “cheat” days?
I don’t any more. If I’m craving something I might have a little bit here and there. I think because I’m so used to eating healthy that good healthy food makes me feel better. If I have something bad I usually don’t feel good after. My main thing is cupcakes. I will admit that on 4th of July I did have a red velvet cupcake.

How do you balance the training required for professional competitions while also doing your “day job” as a dentist?
It kind of balances each other out. I get up every morning at 5:20am and I eat something real quick and get to the gym by 6am. I do cardio and lift and am back home by 7am. I get ready for work and leave by 8:15am and am at work by 9am. I work until about 5pm. I come home and go back to the gym and do another cardio session. I get home and, if I have to, I cook food. I take Thursdays off from training and go to work a little later. So, I will cook food on Thursday mornings and Sundays so I will have food prepared for the next couple of days. That is how I do it.

We’ve talked mainly about your fitness career so let’s look at your “day job.” How long have you been a dentist?
I’ve been a dentist for 5 years.

What do patients and coworkers think of your fitness career when they find out?
I keep it on the DL and don’t really make it known to my patients. I guess, on the Internet, some people look me up. They are definitely surprised. At work I’m totally professional and obviously not wearing a bikini. I’m in a gown and my hair is up in a bun. I look so nerdy so they are surprised about that side of me.

My office staff is very supportive and the coolest part is, since my eating habits are so good, that I see myself motivating the other girls to bring lunches and eat real meals. I feel they follow what I’m doing and it’s really cute. It’s motivating for me too.

Would you ever leave dentistry to concentrate 100% on fitness competitions?
I don’t think so. My whole dream with dentistry would be able to do it pro bono in terms of dong mission trips and going somewhere and not having to get paid for it. If I won the lotto or something crazy happened. I would love to be able to do that. That would be awesome. With dentistry, part of it is that you get paid and that is part of the focus. But dentistry is also to help people.

So say I got this huge deal from some nutritional company or whatever then I can’t say no. I might take them up on it. But at the same time I wouldn’t give dentistry up completely. I would still use it as a skill to somehow help people. I may not get paid to do it but I would keep it around.

You mentioned how you influence some of your office staff with your eating habits. Would you have any advice for people out there who might be looking to get in shape and become more active?
I would definitely say plan your meals ahead of time and get organized. Eat small meals throughout the day. For myself, I think it is very effective when you know exactly when you will eat those meals. Set an eating schedule. Drink lots of water. I drink about ¾ to one gallon every day. Stay away from sugars, refined sugars and from processed carbs. Try to eat more slow-burning carbs like sweet potato and brown rice. Quinoa is very good too. Keep your protein and veggies high. If you have the munchies, what I do is have a bowl of veggies in the fridge ready so I can eat those if I want something quick. For sweeteners, stay away from all the artificial sweeteners like Equal and all the fake sugars. I would use the natural sugars like stevia. You can put it in anything you want to sweeten it up. Oatmeal is really great in the mornings. I always keep a little thing of protein powder and shaker with me so if I need something quick just in case if I can’t get a meal in. Just prepare your meals ahead of time. It saves you money to take your meals with you rather than buying out. It is healthier too because a lot of times at restaurants they are adding extra and you don’t really know what is going on with the food.

Do you plan to branch out into anything else, such as modeling or acting, at some point?
As of right now, no. I have not really thought that far yet. I did take some acting classes. I thought maybe I might want to have that for if I did future commercials or something like that. But, I haven’t really pursued anything because of my schedule.

What are some goals that you have set for yourself in the near future?
In the next 5 years, if I do stay in dentistry which I do plan on doing, I would like to open my own dental practice. I picture it to be more like a dental spa. Where people could go in and not be afraid of the dentist and a place of relaxation.

But, the whole fitness competing portion, I don’t think I’ll be competing in about 5 years. I don’t know. I might be. For over 35, they have masters for bikini and figure. I definitely plan to be in shape but I do want a family eventually and that would be my priority.

As of right now, I’ve been holding bikini seminars for people coming into this industry. Going forward I’m helping girls out with bikini posing, face presence and presentation and all that more so than actually competing.

Random

What is your current relationship status? Do you have any specific preferences/attractions?
I’m currently single. I was in a relationship for 3 ½ years, it didn’t work out and I’m on my own. I’m learning about myself. A lot of times when you are in a relationship a lot of the energy goes towards the relationship. So, I’m now just putting that energy towards myself and seeing how far it can go.

I’m pretty open and naturally drawn to individuals who have a mixed cultural background. I think I find a common background with them. I like someone who is very ambitious and wants to succeed. I find it attractive if they are driven and take care of them self. Loyalty and a good heart are definitely important. Also if they make me laugh is also important.

Do you have any hobbies or interests that you do to relax?
I love watching movies. I love going on long walks. There is a little park with a lake near my house that I always go walk my dog. I love to read. I read a lot of fictional books before I go to bed. It really helps my mind relax. I do the girl stuff. Hang out with my girl friends and go shopping or go get our mani/pedis. Stuff like that.

Anybody you respect/look up to?
Definitely my mom. That is for sure. She didn’t have it easy as a child or as an adult. She raised me by herself and had a rough life. She wasn’t perfect when she raised me but she did the best she could. I really respect her for being strong and I get a lot of my strength from her. I thank her for everything that I am now.

Do you like soju?
I haven’t had soju in awhile but if it is in front of me I will drink it. You have to. I don’t really like the taste of soju that much but it is a Korean thing.

What are some of your favorite websites to check out?
I’m on Facebook pretty often. Through Facebook, I was able to get the magazine cover, make some connections and get my name out there. It has been effective for me. Other websites, not so much. Well, HalfKorean.com now! Maybe bodybuilding.com and hardbody.com, which is a women’s bodybuilding site. I’ll go on there once in a while and check out articles. Mainly a lot of fitness sites.

Are you planning on setting up a website eventually?
I do. I actually would love to. I’m getting more pictures done this year around Olympia time. I was looking into it last year and was looking for a web designer but couldn’t find one in particular. But, I’m still looking for a web designer. Once I find a designer and get some more new pictures I’m definitely down to put a website up. If you know of any good designers let me know!

How did you find out about HalfKorean.com and what did you think about HalfKorean.com when you first saw it?
I found out about it when you contacted me. I felt really special that someone would actually take the time to put a website together that was actually about me and my culture. I could actually find people who grew up similarly to me. And not that everyone is the same because some people have dads in the military or different background stories. The point is that we all grew up with two different cultures in the same home. We lived in an American culture but also with the Korean culture. We all ate and experienced the same food. It’s just really cool to have that and have that connection with people out there and feel like you are not the only one.

Any words that you would like to pass on to the community?
I feel very blessed and honored to be one of the first half or full Korean women to compete in the Bikini Olympia and to be a part of the bodybuilding/fitness world as there is not a lot of us out there. But, whoever is thinking about doing this know that anybody can do this it just takes dedication, time and discipline. It is definitely open to anybody. If you are willing to do it, you are able to do it.

We want to wish Natalie good luck at the Olympias as well all of her future events! The 2010 Bikini Olympia (part of Olympia Weekend) will be on September 24-25 in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can also follow Natalie on her Facebook or on Bodybuilding.com.

Interview by: David Lee Sanders

Posted: 7/29/2010