MY EXPERIENCE AT THE ARNOLD CLASSIC

Hi Everyone!!
My experience at the Arnold Classic was a memorable one. I had such a great time. Dennis and I arrived in Columbus Ohio on Thursday March 3rd. We sat with Debbie Leung and her husband on the plane. It really made the time go by a lot faster. When we arrived at the airport, we were met by our shuttle driver. He took us immediately to our hotel and Dennis and I checked in. All of the athletes were provided with a hotel suite, and were given a beautiful basket filled with fresh fruit, water, supplements and an autographed card from Arnold and Mr. Lorimer...definitely a keeper! The athletes meeting took place early that evening. It was great to see everyone again. After the meeting, I went back to my room and applied my last coat of protan and went to bed.
FRIDAY MORNING: I woke up at 3:30am and was wide awake!! Great!!! I had my alarm set for 5am, but I couldn't fall back to sleep. I ended up getting up, eating and then started to get ready for the BIG day. We didn't have to be at the venue until 10:40am, so my morning seemed like it was taking forever. When we arrived at the venue, we were taken to our dressing room and started getting ready for pre-judging. At around 11:45am, we were taken by security to the Expo stage. The judging started. I really thought I had improved since the Olympia. I followed the 20% rule and I dropped at least 10 lbs. I thought I would have received better callouts. On to the second round.....This round didn't go so well. Right from the get go, I missed the first move and then I was playing catch up the rest of the routine. Of all my years of competing, this has never happened to me...I just couldn't pull it together. After pre-judging, Dennis and I went back to our room, ate and then tried to get refocused for the evening show. The show was scheduled to start at 7pm sharp. I was having a really hard time getting refocused. My hip and knee were really acting up and I could hardly move.(I had been dealing with this injury for a few weeks, but tried to work through the pain and thought I would get treatment when I was finished competing at the end of March). I was praying that I would just be able to get through my two minute routine. I ended up getting through my routine.....not the best routine, but I did manage to stay on my feet and complete a full routine. After my routine, I went and saw the athlete therapist, Dr. Ryan. He took a look at my injury, and ended up having to adjust my tailbone. It was really out of whack!!) The last round was our one piece round. Once again, I didn't receive the callouts that I was hoping for. The winners were announced and the overall Ms. Fitness International was awarded to Jen Hendershott. I was so proud of her. This was her first Pro win!!
After the show, Dennis and I went out with the Canadians!!! (Trent Hinde-My sponsor from Sportlab Nutrition, Doug Schneider-www.bodybuildinglive.com, Garry Bartlett-photographer from Musclemag, Stephanie Worsfold-IFBB Pro, Monica Kovacs-figure competitor, and Jamie from Sportlab Nutrition) I was really happy to be able to celebrate with all of them.
After dinner, I was just wiped out and really needed to go to bed and catch up on some beauty sleep!!
SATURDAY: Dennis and I had a great breakfast and than headed down to the Expo. I was working at the RAW POWER Booth in the morning and the BODYBUILDING.COM booth in the afternoon. I had a great day and spoke to many fans. It was great to meet everyone.
After the expo. Dennis and I headed back to our room and I totally crashed. We ordered in room service, ate and then fell asleep.
SUNDAY: Sunday morning I had a photoshoot with Herbiceps.com. We got in soooo many amazing shots and a lot of new video footage. I am really excited to see how they all turn out. After the shoot, Dennis and I headed to the airport. The flight home was great and I was happy to be home. I missed my son and my dog....it was great to see them again.

All in all, my first Arnold Classic experience was an amazing one. I will cherish this memory forever.

I want to thank all of my sponsors: Jason Wiggins, Trent Hinde-Sportlab Nutrition, Doug Schneider-bodybuilding.com, Karen Phillips-www.khpdesigns.com, Mike Watson-Watsons Fitness and Nutrition Centre and TEAMOBRIEN.
Thanks for believing in my and helping me fulfill my dreams!!

Love you all,

Mindi O
xo