Arnold Classic Expo - Days 2 and 3

As we rolled into day two at the Arnold, we were already tired. Exited yes, but tired. We had seen some friends the day before, so today was a day to take in some sites, and see what's new in the industry.

One of the first people I saw the day before was Dean Caputo. Not many people will remember him, but when I was 16 years old wanted to gain weight, I bought a weight gainer from a company called Callenge. He was the model on the label. I used to look at it and say I wanted to be like him. Well, I spotted him and asked for a picture. He looked perplexed. I told him the story and he smiled and his eyes lit up. He said not may people remember that or even believe he was a model on a supplement. I told him I did and he was an inspiration. He promptly hooked me up and gave me a jar of glutamine and a new whey powder his company makes, and said to give it a try. It was really cool to meet him and he was such a gentleman.

With Dean Caputo

Just around the corner was Randy Couture: UFC former champion, movie star, and former Roman-Grecco champion. He has been such an inspiration - winning MMA titles well into his forties, when most have retired. He was nice but had a kind of aura about him, an energy. He looked really tough with the scars and such on his face. It was an honor to shake his hand!

Randy Couture

As we walked around, we had to stop more than a few times for Kari and me to eat. Just because we were at the Arnold doesn't mean we skip meals, right? Especially with all these other fit people all around ... we gotta keep up with our physiques!

Feeding time!

We approached the Nutrex booth and I saw Mark Dugdale. He was at the show where Kari and I met in 2009. I spoke to him and said when I saw him backstage, I was really shocked at how big he was for a 202 competitor. We then talked about how Kari and I met. His wife came over and we all got a laugh about romance starting at a bodybuilding show.

 

Mark Dugdale and me

Also at the Nutrex booth was my favorite Pro Figure girl, Larissa Reis. I like her look because she seems strong, but has a real edge to her with her tattoos and body rings. She was very nice and explained to our friend she sold out all of her pictures. Not bad for being there only a couple of hours. She was very sweet despite her badass persona!

Me with Larissa Reis

I also got to see the two guys who were in a Carmax commercial with me last summer: Rob Youells and Brad Rowe. We shot the ad in July, and it is airing in different parts of the country. I'm the left front tire, Rob is the right front tire, and Brad is the rear right tire. Hollywood, look out ... here we come! It was good to see them and see they are doing well.



All in all, we had a great time and a great weekend! We left about 12:30pm on Sunday to head home. We are already planning on going to the expo next year ... maybe at a booth when Kari turns Pro!  :)

Right before we left, our friend, Kevin Levrone, invited us into the booth at the Europa and we took this picture ... ending our Arnold weekend.

Kari and me

Hope everyone got home ok, and see you next year!