A Weekend Away - The 2009 Arnold Classic

DAY 67 - March 8, 2009

We were headed to a parking garage on the last day of the Arnold Classic Weekend. They happen to be having the 5K run/walk at the same time through the downtown streets of Columbus. For some unknown reason we were allowed to turn down this street when we quickly realized the police escorts were coming and behind them LOTS of runners. Luckily all runners stayed to the left of the yellow lines. It was quite an odd feeling to be driving where it seemed we should not. At first we were afraid we would be in the way of the runners.

This was our last day to go through the booths at the Expo. We'd had a busy couple of days and were ready to make our last pass gathering up all the free samples, t-shirts, and water bottles we could. We headed home at about 2:00pm and were quite ready to see the boys!

DAY 66 - March 7, 2009

Do you know who this guy is in the NY hat and red shirt? If not, don't feel bad. We didn't either...Just in case you're wondering, it's 50 Cent the rapper. We were waiting to get into a VIP booth when we were held back because someone "very important" was obviously inside so no one was allowed in. We finally heard it was 50 Cent and, while I've heard the name and knew he was a rapper, I would have never known him had I passed him on the street.

Honestly, his attitude was quite the bit of fresh air as compared to my previous day's posting about Lou Ferrigno. As 50 Cent was making his way back out of the VIP area (more to come on that "VIP comment") he headed to the right and we were SURE he was not going to be coming past us but rather taken out a side entrance. No, what did he do? He went over to the fence and picked up a little girl that had to be about 3-4 years old so he could take his picture with her. He then continued to the entrance of the booth and we were about 2-3 feet from him. There was a man just behind me that was shouting "50, can you take a picture with my brother?". He got all kinds of "no's" from the police and escorts that were there. Well, Doug and I moved to the side so his brother could get closer on the chance he'd get to stand next to the rapper. Sure enough, 50 Cent stopped and the kid got in with him for a picture. Here they are together.

On an ironic side note, the entrance to this VIP booth was connected to the area where Lou Ferrigno was selling his things. Well, he wasted NO TIME trying to get into a picture with 50 Cent...50 Cent seemed happy to do it and DID NOT charge him $20!!

Now, on to that "VIP" stuff. No, we are not VIP's at the Arnold Classic but the owner of the gym that Doug goes to is a very good friend of Doug's. He's trained and worked out with Doug for more than 15 years. He is the one that got a VIP pass because he buys products from the company with the booth. He was at the expo for a few hours on Friday and then handed off his VIP pass to us to use throughout the weekend. Inside that booth they have food, water, drinks, and other supplements like protein drinks and bars all for the taking. It was nice to know we could pick up a free lunch or a bottle of water when we wanted. We happened to only be trying to get a bottle of water when we ran into the whole 50 Cent madhouse. It was a good time, even if I wouldn't have recognized him myself!

DAY 65 - March 6, 2009

Today was the first day of the Arnold Classic - a bodybuilding and fitness expo in Columbus, Ohio. It's been running for over 20 years and was started here and by Arnold Schwarzenegger because this was the location of his first major win in body building. Doug and I have been coming to the show for many years. Sometimes traveling over for the day, one night, or, like this year, getting away for the whole weekend. We had a great time.

Here is a regular at the Expo - Lou Ferrigno - the original Incredible Hulk! He's always there to sign posters, pictures, and t-shirts. The funny thing about him is that he WILL NOT sign anything or take his picture with anyone unless you purchase something from him. Even to have your own picture or t-shirt signed he charges $20.00. It was funny standing close by and watching the way he was with the public. Yes, he is 80% deaf so maybe there is some issue hearing fans speak. But, 9 times out of 10 he passed each fan on to his "manager of sorts" who was there with him to deliver the "bad news" that "Lou charges $20 for a signature" or "You need to purchase something to have your picture with him". It was a little sad to see 30-something dads bring their sons to the booth only to get told they can take a picture from afar but if they want a picture with him or a signature they'll need to fork out the cash.