Arnold Sports Festival Archives

My Day at the Arnold

March 8, 2012 by Sara- Words to Run By Blog

Finally. I get to tell you about my day at the Arnold SportsFestival. But, before I say anything else, I would like to say a huge THANK YOUto the FitFluential Team and to GNC for the opportunity to go! It was a great day, and I am very thankful to be a part of such an active, supportive and motivational community.

After writing the release that was this post – in which you all responded with more love, kindness, compassion, understanding, encouragement and heartfelt stories of your own then I could ever imagine, thank you – I found myself actually excited to go to the Arnold. My planned eight mile training run didn’t go so well on Saturday morning due to my knee acting up so I ran a few errands instead and rushed home to get ready to head to the Columbus Convention Center. I was nervous, no doubt, and must have asked my husband about 5,000 if my hair looked alright. He kept saying yes, by the way, but I was still worried about it.

I don’t live very far from downtown and as I exited the highway to make my way through the maze of streets to get to the Convention Center (I was convinced if I took the alleyways, I would avoid traffic) and immediately ran into a wall of traffic. I inchedto the convention center and parked ($8, a bargain because I saw some spots for $40), arriving later in the afternoon than I had originally planned.

The wall-to-wall traffic turned into a massive sea of people as I made my way to the Media Room, where I picked up this exciting package:

I have to admit, I never felt so cool! The staff in the media room was so friendly and helpful, they asked what I was reporting on and when I clearly didn’t know that answer, they were all very quick to sit down with me and tell me about the events taking place and how to get to them. They also told me cell and internet reception was minimal to non-existent in the convention center and going outside had not proved to be any better.

I was pretty upset with that. I didn’t get to meet up with any of my fellow FitFluential Ambassadors because I had no way to contact them! I was thinking about you all day, though, ladies and scanning Media badges like a mad woman to find you.

I left the Media Room and headed out into the sea of people, trying to make my way to the GNC booth. I cannot even explain to you how crowded it was. You cannot move inside the expo, if you do, you are inching. Literally. I am not exaggerating. I have been to the Arnold before, but I felt like this year it was far more crowded than I remember. I really wish they would consider moving it to a bigger venue in Columbus. I feel that it has really outgrown the space at the Convention Center.

It is difficult to get up to the booths, let alone talk to anyone, but I eventually made it to GNC. I introduced myself to a few of the representatives there, but it was very hard to hear. I also did not get many pictures due to the crowds.

From GNC, I meandered around checking out vendors and fitness celebrities.

I saw Lou Ferrigno (better known as the “Incredible Hulk”), which was pretty cool. His arm muscles are GIGANTIC:

Lou Ferrigno.

Stacy Kennedy (Editor-In-Chief of Oxygen Magazine) and beautiful people everywhere:

I did feel uncomfortable around a lot of the competitors, models and vendors. Kind of like that feeling that you don’t “fit in” quite right. I couldn’t get to the main stage to watch any of the lifting competitions, but I couldsee the stage (Does that count for anything?):

Some cool dudes demonstrating Kardio Kraze (um, I wouldn’t make it in this workout, not a chance; I can hardly run normally on a treadmill):

And, I ran into my friend Kristina Grogan who was a Bikini Competitor and representing Max Muscle:

I did some networking, handed out some business cards and told as many people who would listen about FitFluential and Pace Per MileRadio!

I also got to watch some great events, ones that I do not get to see very often. I watched girls gymnastics (amazing that they are so little and they can flip like that), some martial arts (so dedicated) and lastly, fencing. Which I became enthralled with and wanted to try myself!

I even took a little video (Hint, hint: I have been experimenting with V-logs – yikes!) and no, I am not in it. I would show it to you here, but it is horizontal and should be vertical. Oops. Who knows how to fix that? Besides asking the whole Arnold to come back so I can try again.

So, all in all, I had a great time at the Arnold and I am forever grateful for the opportunity! I am just bummed that I did not get to meet up with my fellow FFAs or have the ability to move more freely in the expo. I did, however, make some great contacts and looking forward to hearing from or working with new companies in the future.

Have you ever been to the Arnold? If so, what did you think?

Until the next mile marker,

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Ohio’s Pace Per Mile Report for Week of March 05, 2012

March 6, 2012 by Sara- Words to Run By Blog

You can also listen to my report on Pace Per Mile, the 1st Place for Endurance Radio HERE.

This is Sara from wordstorunby.com reporting on the Ohio race scene for Pace Per Mile Radio. I was hoping to bring you a live report from the Arnold Sports Festival this past weekend, but it was extremely crowded and cell and internet reception was less than ideal inside the Convention Center. However, the sights and sounds were electrifying as Columbus hosted over 18,000 athletes and 175,000 fitness enthusiasts. Stay tuned to my blog for a recap of my weekend. While I have a few days to recover from the Arnold, it won’t be long until another great event comes to Columbus.

Me and Figure Competitor, Kristina Grogan

A weekend with Tim Catalano and Adam Goucher

If you are going to be in here this weekend, join Fleet Feet Sports for a great community event featuring Olympian Adam Goucher and Tim Catalano. On Friday, March 9 at 7:00 p.m. Adam and Tim will be speaking at Thomas Worthington High School in Worthington. All are welcome to attend. On Saturday, March 10, join Tim and Adam for a short run at the OhioHealth Westerville clinic at 8:00 a.m. and then head to Fleet Feet Sports for a Q&A session followed by a book signing of Running the Edge. Check out the Facebook Event Page for more details, including the Grand Opening Celebration at Fleet Feet’s new location at 1270 E. Powell Road in Lewis Center. I hope to see you there for this awesome event!

On Saturday, March 10the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Cincinnati will be presenting the Emerald Miles 5K Run/Walk. This scenic course starts at Newport on the Levee, crosses the Ohio River, loops through Sawyer Point into Cincinnati and then returns to the Levee. The race starts at 9:00 a.m. and the cost ranges from $15 – $30. Convenient parking is readily available in Levee’s garage for a nominal daily fee. While you are there, grab lunch and make a day of it by visiting the Newport Aquarium– it is wonderful! For more complete details and to register visit www.cincinnatiepilepsy.org/emerald-miles.

On Saturday, March 10 in Cleveland the St. Malachi Run 2 Miler and 5 Miler. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The 2 Miler begins at 9:00 a.m. and the 5 Miler begins at 9:45 a.m. The 2012 St. Malachi Run will begin and end at St. Malachi Church located at 2459 Washington Avenue in Cleveland. You can register online until 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 09 for $19. Race-day registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on March 10 for $25. Participants will receive a Long-Sleeve Customized T-Shirt and a Post-Race Party & Awards. Proceeds benefit the St. Malachi Outreach Missions, which help underprivileged youth, families and the terminally ill. Please visit www.hermescleveland.com for details and to register.

Until next time, you can find me at wordstorunby.com to share your race day stories or offer feedback. Thanks for listening to Pace Per Mile Radio and see you at the next mile marker.

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Ohio’s Pace Per Mile Report for Week of February 27, 2012

February 28, 2012 by Sara- Words to Run By Blog

You can also listen to my report on Pace Per Mile, the 1st Place for Endurance Radio HERE.

This is Sara from wordstorunby.com reporting on the Ohio race scene for Pace Per Mile Radio. It’s an exciting week here in Columbus as we welcome athletes from around the globe to the Arnold Sports Festival. Good luck to all the competitors this weekend! And, if you are going to be in town, there is still time to register for the Arnold 5K, which includes admission into the expo. Hope to see you there!

Slainte! Is Gaelic for “Good Health” and is used when drinking a toast over a frosty pint. Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the St. Patrick’s Day 4 Miler at Kinsale. The race is on March 10th at the Kinsale Golf and Fitness club in Powell, Ohio. The race starts at 6:00 p.m. and the fully-supported course is open for 80 minutes to accommodate all runner and walkers. The race is $45 through March 09 and $50 on race day if not sold out. All participants will receive a technical gender specific event shirt, Finisher’s medal, First beer (for those 21 and over) and a ticket to see the Reaganomics post-race concert and celebration. The Reaganomics are the Midwest’s most exciting 80’s dance and party band so you don’t want to miss out on this fun event. I’ve run this race before and it just keeps getting better every year. On March 10th, look for me on the course as a volunteer. Register at www.premierraces.com.

On March 17th, Flannagan’s Bar and Ultrafit-USA is hosting the St. Patrick’s Day 5K at 9:00 a.m. The pre-race breakfast starts at 7:00 a.m. Flannagan’s is located off the 270 outer belt in Columbus at Sawmill and Snouffer Road. The course winds through nearby neighborhoods and finishes up just in time for the biggest ALL DAY St. Patrick’s Party you have ever seen! All participants will receive a good bag consisting of a long sleeve technical shirt, EAS Nutritional product, race number, pre-race breakfast and an all-day pass to the Flannagan’s party. The entry fee is $38 or $45 on race day. The first 150 men and 150 women will receive a special beverage mug to recognize your accomplishment. Register at www.premierraces.com.

And Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio is gearing up for the Shamrock 15K and 5K races on March 11th at Woodridge High School at Noon. Both races are challenging and all finishers deserve a big pat o’ the back when they get done. And while race directors’ promise there’s no pot o’ gold at the top of the Northampton hills, many runners treasure the challenge of doing them. The 15K course is tough and ventures down into the Cuyahoga Valley then back up to finish. The 5K course has rolling hills and still presents a challenge to runners. Register today at www.active.com. Race fees range from $30-$35. All finishers receive a medal and post-race refreshments.

Until next time, you can find me at wordstorunby.com to share your race day stories or offer feedback. Thanks for listening to Pace Per Mile Radio and see you at the next mile marker.

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Celebrate Week #10: Cap City Half Marathon Training Report

February 20, 2012 by Sara- Words to Run By Blog

This week, Celebrate The Arnold Sports Festival!

Source

In two weeks, the Arnold Sports Festival will be coming to my hometown of Columbus, Ohio. I’ve been to the Arnold before and let me tell you, it is a weekend packed with sports, activities, events, competitions and fitness vendors from all over the country. I had no idea the magnitude of this event until I visited it a couple of years ago. It. Is. Huge! That doesn’t even describe it.

I’m planning to go again this year and I couldn’t be more excited. I am looking forward to hooking up with some of my FitFluential colleagueswho I know will be in town for the festivities. I have yet to meet a FitFluentialAmbassador in real life so I am jumping at the chance to do just that in just about two weeks! Not to mention, I get to explore the sights and sounds of the largest fitness expo that I know of. It’s going to be a crazy weekend, no doubt! Don’t forget, the Arnold 5K is on Sunday March 4. The Pump and Run is sold out, but you still have time to register for the run (through race day if it doesn’t sell out)!

My Weekly Training ReCAP:

WED 02/15 – 4 mile training run in 55 min; 13:41 min pace per mile.
SAT 02/18 – 3 mile MIT training run in 41 min; 13:29 min pace per mile.

It was a long week, not enough running. That about sums it up for me. What about you? How did your training week go?

Are you planning to visit Columbus for the Arnold Sports Festival? If so, let me know in the comments!

Until the next mile marker,

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Running

Ohio’s Pace Per Mile Report for Week of January 23, 2012

January 28, 2012 by Sara- Words to Run By Blog

You can also listen to my report on Pace Per Mile, the 1st Place for Endurance Radio HERE.

This is Sara from wordstorunby.com reporting on the Ohio race scene for Pace Per Mile Radio. Have you finalized your race plans for 2012? I think I have! Although I am racing light this year, I would love to see some of you at some of our local races. Check out my 2012 Race Schedule at wordstorunby.com and let me know if you plan to be at any of them too

Are you still trying to decide on a spring half marathon? Or maybe you are looking for a training race to keep you motivated to reach your goals? The Capital City Half Marathon taking place on May 5 is on record pace to sell out this year! Register now at www.capitalcityhalfmarathon.com. The entry fee is $75 until February 14, but don’t wait that long! Cap City also features a Quarter Marathon, 5K Run/Walk and Kid’s Mascot Chase. Cap City promises to be “The best tour of Columbus on two feet,” so if you’ve never been to Columbus or have lived here your whole life, this race is for you – there will even be champagne and chocolate for you at the Finish Line. You can also LIKE Cap City on Facebook to receive the latest race updates.

Get ready because the Arnold Sports Festival is once again returning to Columbus March 1-4. The 2012 Arnold Fitness EXPO, located at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, will feature 700 booths of the latest in sports equipment, apparel and nutrition and a stage that hosts unique, non-stop competitions and entertainment that combine to make the Arnold Fitness EXPO the heart of the Arnold Sports Festival. The EXPO is just $15 a day and offers non-stop entertainment.

And, of course, the Arnold hasn’t forgotten about us runners. Registration is still open for the 5K Run-Walk event that begins at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, March 4 at the north end of the Convention Center. Registration for the Arnold 5K remains open through race day. Cost is $30 until Feb. 24 and $35 between Feb. 25 and March 3. Find more information at www.arnoldsportsfestival.com.

Until next time, you can find me at wordstorunby.com to share your race day stories. Thanks for listening to Pace Per Mile Radio and see you at the next mile marker.

Stay Connected!

Never miss a state report again! FOLLOW Pace Per Mile and Words to Run By on Twitter. Plus, stay up to date on endurance news, giveaways, contests, tips and training advice. Also, LIKE Pace Per Mile and Words to Run By on Facebook.

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