2008 Olympia, season wrap-up, and other tidbits….

Hey Everyone!

Sorry it has been quite awhile since my last update, but WOW, what a summer it has been.  I ended up placing 2nd at the Europa (which I was super excited about), and then it was on to the Olympia.  I knew going into the Olympia that I had to bring my absolute best, because I would be going up against the best women in this sport.  My goal was not a specific placing, but to go in looking the best I’ve ever looked, and to perform my best routine of the year.  And in all honesty, I feel I achieved that goal.  I really put my all into this show, which wasn’t easy those last 2 weeks, as I was working in the hospital at 6am everyday, and it was a one-hour commute (and if you do the math, that means waking up at 3:45am to get cardio done   Those last few weeks really tested me, and showed me that I am stronger than I had ever realized.

But overall, I truly believe I was the best I could have been for this show, so I am really, really happy and proud of the results and even my 10th place finish…..that means 10th in the whole world!!  Who would have thought, 2 years ago, when I placed 7th at the NPC NJ Gold’s Classic, that in 2 years I would be standing on stage at the Olympia!

The Olympia was truly an amazing experience, and I feel very honored to have had the opportunity to compete.  2008 was an exciting season, to say the least, and I can only hope to continue to improve as I have in the past 2 years. 

I would also just like to mention how saddened I am by the passing of Steve Stone.  I did not know him as well as many of the other competitors backstage, but he has expedited a few of my shows and always seemed to go out of his way to make sure the athletes had everything they needed.  He was truly a great person, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all those who were close to him.

So what’s next?
Right now I will be focusing on staying in shape and keeping my conditioning up for my guest posing at the NJ State Chmpionships on November 8th.  My boyfriend Jeff will be competing at this show, so I will be trying to support him as much as possible in these last few weeks.  Jeff has been my rock and biggest supporter for the past 2 years, coming to all my shows and keeping me sane, and just being there for whatever I need, so now its my turn to do the same for him.
In the beginning of September I started a clinical dietetics internship, which has me working in a hospital 8 hours per day.  It’s a lot of work, but a great experience, and once the internship is complete in May, I will be able to take the exam for my RD.
I have not yet decided what my competition plans will be for 2009, but I do know that I plan on making some changes to my physique, and I will definitely come back with new (and even better!!) routines.  I have enjoyed some time off from training and lots of good food this week, but as of Monday it’s back to business.  I’m determined to make 2009 even better than 2008, which will not be easy.  But I’m definitely up for the challenge!
I also just wanted to let everyone know that I am featured in the November issue of Oxygen magazine (for Houston Pro coverage); I am also being featured in the November issue of Muscular Development magazine (however I can’t seem to find a copy of this in stores anywhere, so if anyone can help….??).  And there will be a short little blurb in the Gymbag section of the December Issue of Flex Magazine about my strongman style training (the video i posted earlier this summer).

 I also managed to squeeze in a few photo shoots while in Vegas, so I will be sharing a few samples as I receive the photos.  Here is one sample from my shoot with Weiferd Watts:

pretty cool, huh?  And I’m sure he got a ton of shots that are just as cool!

Ok, well thats all for now.  I hope to have an exciting announcement to make soon, but you will all have to wait for that one! 
Thanks to everyone for all of the kind words and support, and I will try to update again soon!
Take care everyone!
Erin