The Gift Blog

It's almost one full week after the 2010 Arnold Classic and boy, I am still recovering hehe, as the competition was fierce! I flew into Columbus on Tuesday with my lovely wife Jen and we were very anxious to get the carb up going. Once my trainer/friend/slavedriver Hany "The ProCreator" Rambod arrived, we were riding on all cylinders, as he monitors my weight and overall look. As the carb up began, we noticed that my physique was filling up a steady rate, so we decided to train Tuesday through Thursday, to push these carbs into the muscle, providing what we call, a "fuller" appearance come contest time. The most shocking thing was that I was very fatigued throughout the day, which is normal, but once I walked into the gym, I was fueled with more strength that I actually trained with the same weight I used 3wks out.

Thursday's athletes meeting was very nerve-racking, as I hadn't seen many of my peers, along with IFBB officials, judges and lastly writers since the Olympia. I sat by myself, focus, yet more anxious than normal because I felt that the show is near and I was ready for battle. Once I received my number (#2) for the lineup of 13, I was even more anxious, as I have always been in the middle of the pack. We all left our meeting and did a 'walk-through' of the venue, getting instructions of the event. Each minute gone by left me with more anticipation, which honestly got me so fired up that I had to talk myself down haha.

I then met up with TEAM FLEX, to participate in an interview with Editor-In-Chief, Allan Donnelly along with IFBB PRO's, Dennis James and Chris Cormier. I was asked many questions pertaining to how I'm looking, to who I thought was a threat. I felt I handled my emotions well and spoke clearly while being my true self, confident and humble. It was awesome to be grilled by these guys because I have looked up to both of them while being an amatuer and while still being a fan, I couldn't help but to think, "wow, I'm being interviewed by 2 IFBB greats! Once I was finished, I then reported back to my room and had Hany take another look.

Friday came and I was very, I mean, very ready to rock as I will beginning to really fill up that we weren't sure when to shut down the fluids because I was drying out naturally. We decided to only drink water when I had problems with chewing my steak and potatoes. Try eating dry carbs and beef unseasoned with no water 8 times a day, its pretty tough lol. Our routine, eat-pose-rest-repeat, all throughout the day. I began to get a bit irritable, so Hany decided we go for a walk and that did wonders because I saw 2 of my favorite people in the world, my parents. They made the trip and I was so excited, as seeing your loved ones always make you forget the job for a few minutes and focus on family. We visited for about an hour and then 'visiting hours' were over because we still had work to do and needed to be alone. We continued to eat through the night and didn't goto sleep til' 3am.

I couldn't sleep because of the anxiety I was having, as I kept having nightmares of puking my guts out like I did at the '09 Olympia. It was really all in my head and Hany actually stayed in my suite until I finally fell asleep. Poor guy because I didn't really sleep until 4:30am and he was literally checking in on me like a father would on his newborn child. Sorry Hany, I owe ya big-time! I woke up around 7am and wow, I was so pumped because I finally nailed it, I was able to show the world my hard work. All we had left was just some more meals and getting on the bus.

On my way to the venue, I had many different emotions. Will I look good amongst the others, how's Dexter looking, what about Branch, Kai, Toney? I then decided to clear my mind with some good ol' rock music that I made specifically for this moment. Once I arrived in the pump up room, it was on and poppin'! The Prejudging was so intense that I couldn't help but to get excited. We all we ready, fired up and fueled with the aggression necessary to flex and flex we did! Once the prejudge was over, I was filled with positive thoughts, as I knew I brought forth my best effort yet. We decided to carb up some more so that I can really have some energy for the evening show.

The evening show was very calm, most likely because of everyone knowing that the contest is almost over and we finally get to pose to our own music. Walking on the stage that night was exhilarating as there was pyro-technics, along with the fans' reaction while posing made it a very memorable experience. We then awaited the top six and then did some more comparisons and I felt calm and collected, knowing that with each pose I was closer to victory. Once finished, we waited for about an hour for some other events to close and then it was time to see who would be the 2010 ASC Champ. As we walked out on stage, I began to really feel the heat, knowing that in a few moments, I would meet my fate.

Once Dexter Jackson was announced third, I began to get a bit excited because I have never beaten him as he's an amazing athlete. Branch Warren was announced third and now the HEAT was really on! I had to take a deep breath so that I could prepare myself for either outcome. I said a prayer, asking God to prepare me for whichever outcome falls my way, as I am grateful to be apart of such an event. Then, I took another breath and was announced 2nd. I wasn't sure if they announced me as the winner because of how they do at the Olympia, but I quickly realized that I was 1st runner-up. I then gave props to Kai Greene, as he looked fantastic and was now 2-time ASC Champ and later received my second place ribbon from Mike O'Hearn. I was disappointed, but happy nonetheless as I had achieved 2nd place twice at the Arnold Classic beating a great lineup of incredible athletes.

Walking backstage was quite difficult because I did feel that I failed, but then snapped out of it as many of my peers were happy for me. I later conducted interviews, met with tons of fans outside the venue and then took my TEAM HEATH CREW out for a well deserved dinner at "Hyde Park." Hanging out with my friends and family after such an event allowed me to sharpen my focus on what is most important in my life. Although I would have loved to win my first Arnold, I had won the respect and hearts of many overnight and that made me feel victorious. We later stepped out to Boma, for some dancing, cocktails and some relaxation with my friends but more importantly with my wife Jen, who now has her husband back...until the Olympia prep lol!

Sunday came and went, as I visited with tons of fans at the Met-Rx booth, which by the way was freakin' amazing! They really hooked it up, so props to Teresa Hartle and others for making our booth the best!!! I could only stay for 3 hours, as I had a photoshoot with FLEX Magazine's ace photog, Kevin Horton. I had a great time shooting for a covershot that will hopefully be released sometime soon because the pics I saw were pretty awesome...thanks Kev! Then we filmed my quad workout and later some free posing. It was awesome to do this shoot because I could relax a bit and then get serious without the pressure of being judged. Dexter Jackson was also shooting for FLEX and we got a ton of laughs at each other. He was making some good jokes about the lil' short-shorts I had to wear for the leg shoot. I actually had to laugh too because they were tight, whew lol! Once that was completed, I left for some real Italian food with one of my best friends from college, Hobbs Carter. Hobbs and I met up with my chiropractor, Dr. Keith Wagner and we had some awesome Italian cuisine. I couldn't help but to eat some calamari, pasta, chicken and even some bread pudding...hmmmm! Having great friends to eat with is where its at because we could talk about other sports and current events which helps deal with a loss.

Monday came and it was time to pack up and fly back to Denver. Hobbs and I got first class on United (1k baby!) and we watched "Up in the Air" with George Clooney. It was a good flick, I'd give it a B+. I then began responding to the fan mail that I received since the show and it was over 100, so thank God it was a long flight because I answered everyone one...thank you guys, you rock! We got back to Denver and drove back home and lemme tell ya, there's no place like home. I then decided to drive over to Armbrust Pro Gym to conduct my interview with Dan Soloman and Bob Chic on the ProBodybuildingWeely Radio show to discuss the ASC weekend. The questions were cool and I felt I answered them well and that was my ASC Week guys.

I want to thank God for giving me the strength, discipline, wisdom and intelligence to prepare for this show, as I was a true test for me and I succeeded! My Wife Jen, for dealing with my crazy butt, I know it wasn't easy so thank you! My family and friends who came out to see me compete and help out with the booth, you guys really make things easier for me. Hany Rambizzle, my brother, thank you for your hard work, desire, intellect and overall kindness, you are my boy for life! My Sponsors, Weider/AMI, Met-Rx and RedBird Farms for supporting me in everything I do, I hope I made you proud! The IFBB for giving a man like me an opportunity to find his niche in life, providing a platform for me to shine and provide others excitement to stay in shape. Lastly, the fans. Please know that you guys are a huge factor in what I do. Your emails, handshakes, words of encouragement, support of my merchandise and support of showing up at the shows and expos are what drive me to bring out more improvement for you...thanks!

Now, onto the next one!

THE 2010 OLYMPIA BABY!!!!