Wendi Wentzell aka Kat Von D'stroya

Name: Wendi Wentzell aka Kat Von D'stroya
Age: 28
Height: 5'5”
Weight: 150
Birthplace: Garden City, MI
Current Residence: Saint Clairsville, OH
Sports: flat & banked track roller derby

Teams: Ohio Valley Roller Girls All Stars (co-captain), Death House Dames, Team Legit

Awards: Qualified for Team USA, Team Legit is the current national banked track champion, MVP Blocker All Stars Vs Cincinnati, MVP Blocker All Stars Vs Morgantown, All Tournament Team - Disorder At the Border 2011, 2011 Most Feared, Stunt Woman, Triple Threat and All Stars MVP

Why did you become vegan?
I had been vegetarian for years and at 16, decided to take the plunge to be vegan. I gained a lot of weight because I didn't know how to eat properly as a vegan. My body rebelled and I became very sick. I went back to a high animal protein diet and dropped all of my weight (from 180 back down to 125). I was thin, but I couldn't continue to live my life consuming animals in the name of vanity. I decided that weight was not the most important thing and went back to being vegan after being inspired by my friend and teammate Debbie Scary. As a vegan I maybe a little thicker, (it certainly doesn't hurt in this sport) but I am much healthier and in a better place mentally.

When and why did you become interested in fitness?
I figure skated as a child and played soccer in high school but it was more to keep me busy and make me a well rounded person.

After a couple of seasons playing roller derby, I took 6 months off. When I returned, I decided I wanted to be the best skater I could be. Fitness and strength became very important to me because the harder I worked outside of practice the more results I saw on the track.

How would you describe your nutrition program?
I try to eat a higher protein, well rounded diet. Whole grains, fresh fruit and veggies. I am a sucker for a well made vegan sweet.

How would you describe your training program?
I have roller derby practice 2-3 days a week for 3 hours a day. In addition, I lift weights and run 2-3 times a week . When I have free time I enjoy crossfit classes, skating outside, hot yoga and running local 5ks. I plan to run my first 10k this November.

What kind of supplements do you use if any, and why?
I do use some Vega and Herbalife products. Ginseng for energy, digestive enzymes, myodurance and creatine monohydrate for long/intense practices.

What are some common misconceptions about veganism?
That vegetarians and vegans are the same and that we don't know how to properly feed our
bodies using only plant based sources.

What do you think the most important aspect of fitness is?
Being healthy and understanding that fitness comes in ALL shapes and sizes!

What do you like best about being vegan?
Being able to live my life without causing pain and suffering to animals.

What do you like best about being fit?
Muscle definition!

What are your strengths as an athlete?
Explosive speed, agility, mental toughness, accurate hits, and quick thinking.

What advice do you have for vegan athletes who are just starting out?
Buy Robert's book and take a nutrition class. Even if they don't teach anything vegan nutrition, you can relate it to plant sources.

What advice do you have for people who are thinking of becoming vegan?
Do what you have to do to become vegan, but don't think you can't jump right into it. If you eat a well rounded diet your body will never miss the animal products you used to consume.

What motivates you to continue to be a successful vegan athlete?
My supportive vegetarian fiancé Corey Cuc, my teammates, animals, biology and fellow vegan derby girls around the world!

How has the website www.veganbodybuilding.com helped or inspired you?
Just looking at the profiles of the athletes featured on this site keeps me inspired to push my body
to its fullest fitness potential.