IFBB Bikini Olympia (Part II)

Hello again friends :)

Today was a great day to blog, but unfortunately it was a pretty lame day to do anything else - chalk it up to "flu season" I think the bug got me. A sore throat and a feverish feeling sent me home from work at lunch- like a defeated puppy with my tail between my legs, who overeagerly chased after the neighborhood cat only to smack into the picket fence, not fully aware of my own limitations. Ugh. Fail. Well the good news is I have extra time to blog and sip a coffee :)

Let's pick up where we left off shall we? Ah yes, I was recounting the surreal weekend activities of the Mr. Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas 2 weekends ago. I had enough excitement and late-nights there to last me until the end of the year! I am not a late night regular, usually going to bed at 9pm :p but when the Las Vegas lights put me up to it, I found myself staying up until 3:30am. Yikes!

But you know that if I was up that late-it was for good reason! Lots of fun and friends kept the midnight oil burning. With that, I give you my Olympia Recap (Part II) !! ....

Right after the Bikini Olympia pre-judging I found my friends Kinjal and Annie who drove up from San Diego just to see me. (**Please excuse the ridiculous show tan in all these photos... I know, I look weird next to normal skin tone colored people)

Annie, Kinjal, and I

My Bombshell homegirl, and good friend Leslie
came by and supported me too. Thank you "Mr.
Bombshell" (Leslie's hubby) for filming me at
prejudging. It helped to see my replay.

The night show Finals were Friday night, so if you missed the recap of that check out my last post.

Me on stage at the Olympia. Can you believe I get to say that?!
I'm still in shock.

Friday night after the show I was free to celebrate and enjoy the town with Kinjal, Annie, Leslie, and her hubby Jeremy. Our mission? Silly fan photos and quesedillas :)

My gguuurrrrrllls!

After a full night of exploring we got home at - gasp - 3:30am!! Way past bedtime to get some shut-eye to work the Olympia Expo for Muscle & Fitness Hers/FLEX magazine.
Photos from the expo on Saturday:

Not too shabby for 4 hours of sleep, eh?

Bombshells workin' and lookin' fly

Just being my Baddass self :p

My girl Nicole and I working at FLEX. Yes, we are actually
both standing on the same level... I'm not wearing heels....
Yes I am 5'10" and look giant here lol.

POWER CRUNCH!
Shout out :) and thank you for the bars! I
loved them and so did my peeps at work.

Another shout out; this time to FitnessGurls!
Check em out: FitnessGurls.com
This was for #ABSolutelyFitBody :)

Even with all that excitement at the expo, I got some once in a lifetime opportunities too... Like judging the FLEX Bikini Model Search! Yes, the very show I competed in last year.
 See the 2011 Olympia recap post here: Blessed at the Olympia

The gorgeous Top 5 ladies

Not a bad job :) It's so inspiring to see these amazing ladies.

Winner! Miss Ana D absolutely deserved it.

An awkward ending while waiting our judges scores to be tallied...
the Mr. Puny-verse contest. LOL. No words.

Saturday night it was an amazing time with my friend, Bobby Black, and Michael Middleton (Jamie Eason's new man) and his adorable Southern parents. We had a great dinner and then Bobby, Michael, and I went to the Boddybuilding.con party to meet up with Jamie. The rest of the story is a long night of ..."What happens in Vegas".....

Bobby (grrr baby grrr!) and I



Baddass Nutrition owner, Kevin and I
Yes- we look like we're going to prom and we like it lol.
 

Goodnight from LV ♥

IFBB Bikini Olympia 2012 (Part 1)

Hi ya'll,

Today I'm back home to Bremerton, WA; crisp morning dew on my bicycle seat, an empty fridge, and an inbox full of messages remind me I'm back to reality after spending Thursday-Sunday living the dream. The dream of competing in the big kahuna of all fitness competitions: The Olympia.

 
Link to: Bodybuilding.com - 2012 Olympia Weekend Coverage

The word "Olympia" is plastered on inspiration boards, gallon water jugs, rubber bracelets, and the front of workout journals of Olympia-hopefuls all across the world as a constant reminder of what they're training for. Or at least what they hope to someday be training for! I am beyond blessed to be one of the few who can say, "I am an Olympian," and I have photos and a medal to prove it! The Olympia is the show that most only wish of attending, and few achieve the privilege and honor of competing in. With a 2nd place finish in my Pro Debut at the IFFB St. Louis Bikini Pro, I qualified for the last available slot to in the Bikini Olympia, a short two weeks after receiving my invite. Let me just say those last two weeks were 120% blood, sweat, and tears to bring my best. I got closer to my coach than ever, as she led me closer than ever to my fitness goals than ever. I went to the Olympia last year: Blessed the The Olympia blog post, but not as an "Olympian!"

Shannon and I post-show

. . . . Before I go any further, I must say "Thank You" . . .

The Olympia may have been in Vegas, but I know I'm not lucky- I'm blessed. A year and a half ago I entered a Bikini show at the suggestion of my then acquaintance, now dear friend- Jerika Allick. I loved it- so I googled "Nathalia Melo's trainer," found Team Bombshell and struck out on a journey to compete as an NPC athlete: hoping to inspire many, share what I was bound to learn about health and fitness, and e an example the dreams an the desires of your heart CAN come true. See where I started here: Going For it: My First Competition. How it went: Bikini Babay!!, And how I joined Team Bombshell: No Plan B - Joining Team Bombshell.

Today I look back in awe of how far I have come!! I am a Team Bombshell trained athlete, I have won multiple Bikini shows and an Overall title, become a Zipfizz sponsored athlete, earned my Pro card, signed with the elite Fitness Management Group (FMG), competed and placed second in my Pro debut, and qualified for Miss Bikini Olympia!  I even had the opportunity to do a 5 page spread for Muscle&Fitness Hers. See it! The trip recap: New York:  M&F Hers Modeling.

I can hardly believe how many blessings God has given me, lead me to, and helped me obtain. Or how many trials and tribulations He has faithfully lead me through; and how many times He provided provision and help when I needed it most. Often times, it was through the amazing people in my life. You may not think you made any difference in my life, but you all have touched heart in a special way- THANK YOU. You are an angel into my life and I will always remember your kindness :) 

Training for the Olympia is more than physical training- I would actually say it was more of a mental and spiritual workout to rise to the title of "Olympian" than it was a physical workout. I am a stronger woman and Christian than I was 2 weeks ago! You really get to know God when the stakes rise above your own control. And I'm glad they did.

 

 So, you get it- I trained hard and brought my best- You ask:
- "Was it worth it, was it fun, am I happy with my presentation?"
It was SO worth it, the most fun I have EVER  had at a show, and I definitely improved my presentation and strutted that stage with confidence and nailed my routine! 

- "How'd I place?" "Did I win?" I did not win. I know, maybe next time ;) No, out of the top 32 women in the WORLD: I tied for 16th place, aka the last place that is judged after the top 15 to save hastle to the judges from trying to decide 32nd from 31st. Tying with my inspirations and coaches, Vanessa Campbell, Diana Graham, and Sky Taylor among others. How awesome is that?! 

L to R: Skye, Vanessa. me

Me and Nicole Moener

Me and Nicole Nagrani

Me and Amanda Latona

In case you missed it, Nathalia Melo WON. A tough decision between her and defending champ Nicole Nagrani, it was sexy (Nathalia) vs. Cute (Nicole) for the win. This time sexy prevailed. Both girls, and 3rd place finisher, India Paulino (shout out to her and a huge thank you for doing my foundation/make-up base for the show! Thank you so much!) are Team Bombshell teammates of mine so of course I am ecstatic for their success!!

Bombshells again dominated the bikini stage :)



Nathalia and Nicole backstage before Finals

See all the action from the Friday's prejudging (Day #1) and Bikini Finals (Day #2)  ....
** TONS of PHOTOS and VIDEO REPLAY at the links below **

- courtesy of Bodybuilding.com

PHOTOS 

   ~ 2012 IFBB Olympia Weekend - Athlete Check-in Photos

   ~ 2012 Olympia: Women's Prejudging Report

   ~ Ruthie Harrison 2012 Bikini Olympia Prejudging Photos (*Me!!*)

   ~ Nathalia Melo Wins Bikini Olympia

Team FMG at Meet the Olympians

 

VIDEOS

   ~ 2012 IFBB Bikini Prejudging Replay, Part 1

   ~ 2012 IFBB Bikini Prejudging Replay, Part 2

   ~ 2012 IFBB Bikini Olympia Confirmation Webcast Replay  

Whew! So that covers my competing experience on Friday, next post will be about Saturday where I worked the Muscle and Fitness/FLEX magazine booth at the Olympia Expo, judged the FLEX Bikini Model Search (yes- the very show that I competed in last year!), "fun meal" dinner out :), and all the Vegas after-party festivities!!

 

Blessings,

Ruthie

 

"Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." - Psalm 37:5

In Print

Hey guys!

As of recently, I officially no longer blog for Montana Tech as a student life blogger. However, I still work for the school...but i an exciting new position: I am a health and fitness lifestyle writer for the school's paper, the Technocrat.

Read my latest work at the links below :)

• Avoiding the Freshman 15
• 5 Frugal, Healthy Tips

I apologize for not getting a "Sunday Share" up yesterday. It was a crazy weekend at the Olympia Expo filled with amazing memories, new experiences and new friends. BUT.. when it came time to leave Vegas had a different plan for me...

Take it from me, DON'T "Go green" at the airport. I thought I was being all eco-friendly by using mobile check-in, but it sure wasn't good for my world. My mobile check in code worked at the Delta check-in counter and to check my bag but NOT for the TSA security checkpoint. It took so long to sort it out I missed my flight home.

Not such a great idea...

Word to the wise: Print ALL boarding documents. Even in you want to use mobile check-in, use the paper ticket as a backup in case things don't go as planned. I got stuck in Vegas an extra night, had to get a hotel, missed class, and even got airsick on the connection flight from SLC to Butte on the way back!! The moral of the story is to never only have "Plan A."

Goodnight all + blessings,

~ Ruthie
    xoxo

Blessed at the Olympia

Here's a few photos from this weekend. It's been SOOO amazing here.

Highlights?

• Meeting Jamie Eason

Jamie has been one of my fitness idols for forever



SO excited!!

• Competing with incredible athletes like Yarelis Gonzalez (the adorable mini-sized winner)

Yes, I look like an Amazon next to her :p

• Getting MAJOR contacts in the fitness industry (waiting to see where this goes!!)
• Meeting Amanda Latona and talking to her for 15 min :)

Amazing Amanda

This chicka is awesome. So loud and full of life!

• Getting Top Ten in the FLEX Bikini Model Search

I got 10th out of OVER 90 competitors.

• Attending the 2011 Bikini Olympia Finals

The Bikini Pro girls on the Olympia stage

2nd Place in the world, Nathalia Melo (Bombshell !)

• Meeting Steve Cook + Jen Rankin and the whole Team ON

Steve Cook, winner of the Bodybuilding.com BodySpace contest, and I.

• Spending the entire time with my Bombshell teammates and Facebook (now real life hehe) friends Ami and Owen

Thank you so so so much to all of you for cheering me on, for the incredible support, and the loving comments and encouragement. I wouldn't be here without you :)

Have a great Friday night all!

~ Ruthie
xoxo

THE END

O-MG!!

Today I fly out from little Butte, MT to Las Vegas, NV to attend:

The 2011 OLYMPIA WEEKEND and compete in
Gaspari Nutrition and FLEX Magazine's Bikini Model Search Contest.

The FLEX show judging is on Friday at 1pm and then Top 16 get announced on Saturday at 1pm. Follow my Facebook for updates! Lord-willing I will light up that stage and do well :)

I am just stoked to be competing at the same venue as such amazing athletes as Gen Strombo, Vannessa Campbell, Natalia Melo, Nicole Nagrani and sooo many more amazing Bombshells, bodybuilders and fitness booth-spokespeople (Like Jamie Eason, Amanda Latona and Jenifer Nicole Lee)


Here's my "stage package" as of this morning:

My coach, Shannon, has been having me gain about a pound a week since I went to Bombshell camp to "smooth out my muscles" by lifting really heavy anf eating alot. Whatdya think, is it working? ;p I am definitely pleased with my progress.

My Bombshell teammates and I also have tickets to the IFBB Bikini PRO Championships on Friday night which will be so amazing. I'm a blessed girl to be able to attend :D

My flight leaves at 1:15pm so I gotta go do some final packing... please be praying for sucess and for my dreams to come true!

 

My friend sent me this reminder this morning:

 "Be strong & do not give up for your work will be rewarded.”

**II Chr. 15:7 ** Amen.

~ Ruthie
xoxo

I'm g-O-ing places

Ah Mondays... I am trying to ignore the blazing temperature in the office today by focusing my attention on where I will soon be :D ... I was waiting until my plans were nailed down, but now that it's legit... here's a couple exciting announcements of what's coming up in my future :) 


>> Exciting Event #1:
CREATIONFEST 2011

When: July 20-23rd
Where: Enumclaw, WA

I loved going to this last year and I am blessed enough to go again this year!
The concert is only an hour from my house in Port Orchard, and it starts next Wednesday night. It goes all weekend but I'm only going Wed-Thurs and giving my ticket to a friend for Fri-Sat (plus I'll be somewhere else on Saturday!) I am looking forward to soaking up God's love in one of the friendliest environments you'll ever find. Amazing things happen at Creation...
It's life-changing and I wouldn't miss it :)



Be sure to check out the website for CreationFest for a full schedule of preformers, speakers, events and more...then get your tickets so you can join me :)

>> Exciting Event #2:
BOMBSHELL Fitness Camp

When:  August 11-15th
Where:  Daytona Beach, FL

I don't know which of my plans I am most excited for.... but this is defintely close to the top of the list. I'll be flying down to Florida to spend the weekend at Bombshell Headquarters getting all the training I need to be an even better Bikini competitior, and eventually go Pro. Oh yes I will :)

We'll be working out as a team, attending fitness/nutrition lectures and motivational seminars, practicing posing in a mock show, getting advice from Momma Bombshell herself - Shannon Dey, and even having a "cheat meal" on pizza night at the Bombshell House (think of it as the Playboy mansion if all the girls could lift more than you, were driven, devoted, flawless athletes... and will only be taking their clothes off in your dreams!) I'll be staying at the Bombshell House both Friday and Saturday night for some team bonding... and maybe pillow fights ;)


>> Exciting Event #3: 
OLYMPIA Fitness Expo and PRO Show 

When: September 15-18th
Where: Las Vegas, NV

Oooo yeah I'm gOin' places babay!

The Olympia is one of the biggest fitness expos, sports conventions, IFBB pro bodybuilding, figure, physique and bikini shows of the year. It's HUGE and it's in Las Vegas, NV so how could it not be awesome :) ? What makes it even better is I will be traveling with one of my Bombshell teammates and a bunch of other teammates will be meeting us there. Watch out Vegas.... Bombshells are coming to town!



We're staying in the gorgeous, fabulous, and high rollin' Trump Tower hotel for all three nights, and during the day we'll be hangin' at the expo. I hope to do some networking with companies in the fitness industry and meet some of my heroes like Amanda Latona, Jamie Eason and Nicole Wilkins... and my Pro Bombshell girls Nicole Nagrani, Ali Rosen, Nathalia Melo, and Shelsea Montes, Candyce Graham and Justine Munro.

Amanda on stage at the 2010 Olympia

Amanda Latona competed in the Olympia Bikini competition FLEX Bikini Model Search several years, and eventually won it. She is obviously very talented and I love her energy and sass :)


That's what I've got in my future, what future plans are you excited about?


Off to the gym again!
~Ruthie