Howard University Student Runs for Miss District of Columbia USA 2010

Echoe Malone was on her back, her legs extended and hands gripping each side of the workout bench as she struggled to complete the third and final set of 30 leg lifts.

“It hurts,” she said as she took a deep breath “I’m trying to get the energy to bring my legs back up.”

It was only 30 minutes into the hour-long workout session and she was already exhausted.  Her body was sore from the repetitions of sit-ups and leg curls and lifts. Physical trainer Joseph Neil, was stern.  He pushed Malone past her comfort level and ensured that she completed and properly executed each exercise.

With her stomach and legs burning, Malone finished the leg lifts only to move on to wall sits while holding dumbbells. She was in pain, but she knew she had to continue to better define the muscles in her abdomen and legs.

On Nov. 28 and 29 the 20-year-old will be vying for the title of Miss District of Columbia USA 2010 at the J.W. Marriott Hotel. Even as her schedule becomes more hectic and her training more intense, Malone exhibits a positive attitude and dedication.

Malone must stick to a rigorous workout routine and a healthy diet.  With just a month to prepare, it is time for her to buckle down. Saturday evenings she works out with personal trainer Neil in the gym of a suburban apartment complex.  He advises her to work out three times a week; limiting the amount of weights and focusing on repetition so that she can tone the muscles in her arms, abdomen, gluteus maximus, and legs without making her 5-foot-6, 122 pound body appear bulky.  Neil instructed Malone to eat lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and to drink plenty of water. 

After leaving the training session, an inspired Malone wanted to adhere to the advice, so she decided not to eat the vegetable pizza she had gotten before her session began. 

“I want to do this properly,” Malone said. “I don’t want to take away from the progress I make.”

On a typical day Malone looks like any other college student taking the Metro to get to the Howard University campus. Yet, even when she’s in a T-shirt and jeans, people notice Malone and the confidence and enthusiasm she exudes through her bright blue-green eyes and warm smile.  A man who noticed the poised Malone, offered her the seat he was about to take in a train car that was nearly empty.

Malone’s weekends are busy.  On Fridays, Malone takes the Metro to Silver Spring, Md. where she attends one of several training sessions that fit the theme “If it’s uncomfortable, it’s right.”  

From a toned physique to a graceful walk, Malone wants to be flawless.  Her mentor, Miss D.C. USA 2008 Chelsea Rodgers is pleased to help her in her quest.  One Saturday, for nearly two hours, Malone and Rodgers worked on all aspects of pageantry etiquette in front of the mirror and in the hall of Rodgers’ apartment.  They rehearsed the best way to speak, walk, pose, and turn.  She instructed Malone to stand up straight with her shoulders back and tighten her abs, glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves so that she could elegantly display her body.

Rodgers, fully aware that the positions were unfamiliar and uncomfortable to Malone’s body, even threatened to snap Malone with her bracelet if she forgot to contract her muscles while walking.  Ultimately, the training will pay off.  Rodgers said that as Malone continues to practice, the pose and turn will become effortless.