With a cumulative weightlifting total of 646 pounds among three events -- squat, bench press and dead lift -- she holds the World Natural Powerlifting Federation women's masters world record in the 120-pound weight division.

The World Natural Powerlifting Federation is an organization dedicated to powerlifting without performance drugs.

It all started in 1994 when Calais began commuting from her North Raleigh home to Columbia, S.C., to take care of her mother who was partially paralyzed by a stroke. She began working out on the advice of her mother's therapist who noticed that Calais was struggling to lift her mother.

"One day I was watching a very small woman lifting tremendous weight," Calais said. "It just fueled my competitive edge."

Calais has long been active -- Rollerblading, mountain biking and playing tennis.

"Once I went in and won a competition, I wanted to keep going. Winning just does something to you," Calais said.

She's training now for competition in the over-60 grand masters division -- but won't compete unless she thinks she can set a record.