Miss Hawai'i USA 2002 Juliet Lighter is ready to turn in her pageant gowns and high heels for workout wear and running shoes.

Lighter, a model who has entered a handful of pageants over the past six years, wants to switch gears and focus her energy on fitness.

"I definitely want to get into heavy training, as far as competing more in marathons and triathlons," the Kane'ohe resident said. "Maybe entering more surfing competitions."

Her first major challenges: training for the Dec. 10 Honolulu Marathon, then for the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in October next year in Kailua, Kona — "an ultimate goal," Lighter said.

Lighter's newfound ambitions stem from turning the "big 3-0" in January.

"When I turned 29, my body started changing," Lighter said. "I decided I need to start eating right and I need to start working out."

A family history of cancer and diabetes also was a big motivator for Lighter, who added that she wants to set an example for her younger cousins.

"It was like my whole perspective on life changed," she said.

Her fitness goals won't be just a short-term phase, she emphasized: "When I'm in my 40s or 50s, I want to feel like I'm in my 20s or 30s."

Lighter squeezes her workout routines between going to school and working as a freelance event coordinator, cable-show co-host and international model, among other things.

"My workouts are priority," Lighter said. "I always hear people say, 'I don't have time to work out' ... but if it means that much to you, you make time for it."

Lighter's new passion for health and fitness is part of her mission to reinvent herself. While she's proud of her pageant accomplishments (which helped her pay for college) — winning the Miss West O'ahu 2000 title, earning fourth runner-up in Miss Hawai'i 2000, becoming a top 12 finalist in the Miss Hawaiian Tropic competition and winning the Miss Venus Model Search — Lighter isn't just a pretty face.

"There's a lot more to me than what people just see," she said. "It's the worst when people stereotype you: 'She's a beauty queen, so she must not be smart or she must not have a good personality.' "

Lighter said she wants people to get to know her past her appearance: She's a strong Christian who cherishes her family and friends, and is in graduate school earning straight As.

After completing her master's degree in communications from Hawai'i Pacific University, Lighter wants to start an event planning company, and produce and host her own television show.

She also aspires to establish a charity program, "New Start," geared toward helping women who were victims of domestic violence, through self-esteem classes, career workshops and other resources.

"That ideally would be my ultimate goal," said Lighter, whose inspiration for the program came from her own experience of being in an abusive relationship.

To reach all her goals, Lighter said she believes it all comes down to being healthy and fit.

"When you feel good about yourself, everything else seems to fall into place," she said.

Reach Zenaida Serrano at zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com.