Most times, the hunger is the most excruciating part. Cravings for lasagna or chicken pot pie eat at Kristy Scott as the day of judgment draws near. Sometimes, the 28-year-old wonders if she has the discipline to keep going. She wonders why on Earth someone would want to do this to herself. But it’s the hunger for competition that drives Scott the most.

On Friday and Saturday, the Ellensburg resident will compete in her second Emerald Cup at Snoqualmie Casion. The Emerald Cup, held annually each April since 1983, is among the most prestigious amateur bodybuilding competitions in the country. The winner of each division automatically qualifies for nationals and a chance to earn his or her professional bodybuilding card from the International Federation of Bodybuilding. More…