It has been a while since my last post. One big reason was I did not know what to write about then things just got crazy. Pete and I have been traveling the last 3 weeks to three different shows. It has been both good and bad.
The first show was the Night of Champions in Spokane WA. We had 6 competitors we traveled with-including Samantha. It is so fun to watch her excel and grow in the fitness world. I believe that the confidence she has developed over the past year and a half competing will help her develop into a confident young woman. When she first started I was worried about her being on stage and being judged. Fortunately I have seen her go from someone who was upset about not winning and feeling like she deserved to win just because she wanted to, to a competitor who understands that she wants to win, but everyone can't win and as long as she does better then last time she is a success.
The other 5 competitors where figure competitors. Natalie, Ruth, and Tonya all competed for the first time. It was so much fun watching them work through the nerves and using everything they had learned on stage to present their best package. Jen competed in figure for the first time in 8 years and you would have never guessed she has missed anytime. Linda competed and looked the best yet.
The next trip was the Olympia in Vegas. This was my first trip to the Olympia so I was excited- yet it was bitter sweat because this was the first time leaving both the kids over night. (turned out they were just fine.) We went down to work with Tanji and Gina Trochiano. It was fun to watch all of the athletes walking around and to see how even the pro's go through same issues the armatures go through- suit malfunctions, missing food, getting tan, hair make up done on time. You name it- does not matter what level you are pro or armature, bodybuilding or fitness you all have the same needs and problems. Tanji and Gina had the same prejudging-Friday morning. Tanji brought her "A" game with her new orange suit- she looked amazing and was in the first call out. (of course) Next was Gina, in a group of over 20 girls it is hard to stand out- she did of course. For those of you who do not know Gina turned pro at Team Universe in 2009 so her road to the Olympia stage was pretty short and fast. As you most likely know by now Tanji placed second- should have been 1st and Gina placed 14th- should have been in the top 10. But you know that is the joy of competing you do the best you can and wait to see what the judges think. I believe that both Tanji and Gina came away from the show wanting more.
The last show was the 2010 Ironman at the Snoqualmie Casino. It was a great experience. We had a team slumber party at our house- not much sleep was had by many. We had 9 people competing in fitness, figure, and bodybuilding. While no one won overall everyone achieved their goal of looking the best yet. Tonya competed in her first fitness show (placing 5Th). She also showed us how tough she is she by competing in figure also. Poor girl was rushing everywhere but she gave it all she had. In figure Ruth showed what she had learned since Spokane in the masters figures class. Nice smile Ruth. Natalie and Linda competed in figure- Natalie placed second still waiting on the numbers for that one. Linda place third looking the best yet (even with strep throat). Shaylen competed in her first figure competition looking regal and lean in class of over 15 girls. It is always amazing to me the changes people can make- she had to have her suit adjust twice because she kept on getting leaner.
Jenn changed course from the Spokane show and did ltwt bodybuilding. She was the only one so we were able to see a preview of the overall in the morning. She looked great and gave it her all. Jake and CJ both competed in the men's middle weight class. We tried to get CJ down to light weight but his body did not want to let go of 5 more pounds after loosing 50 pounds. Just weight until you see is pictures. Jake placed 4th (looking the best yet) and CJ placed 3rd. Not what we wanted but in this sport all you can do is accept what the judges say and get better.
Last but certainly not least is bikini. Our own miss Nicole, proud mother of two placed 4th in her class and received an inspirational award from the Craigs. It was great for to receive recognition for all of her hard work.
Now you are all caught up. I hope that this gives you some insight of how we work with competitors and how we feel about their hard work.
