I WON MY HEIGHT CLASS AT NATIONALS!!!!!! Oh my God, can you believe it? I placed 4th in the one piece round on Friday night, 1st in the routine round Saturday morning, and 3rd in the 2 piece round on Saturday night! I won the contest by a 40 point margin.....I was shocked to say the least. I had no idea where I had placed until we were told who was in the top 5 at Saturday's night show. I was relieved to have made the top 5, but I had no idea where the judges had scored my routine. (I knew approximately where I had ended up in the physique rounds due to call outs, but the routine was a total guess). Everyone in the audience told me my face was priceless as they announced that I had won, (I am sure I looked like a total idiot). As I look back at the pictures, I had the dumbest cheshire cat grin from ear to ear.....When I came off stage, I couldn't stop giggling and smiling. I really never expected to win (I knew I had it in me to do it, I just never thought the judges would agree:)

After the contest, I met with head judge Sandy Ranalli. She gave me an honest critique, which I so appreciated. She said I need more muscle (which I totally agree with), and I need a few more strength moves in my routine (which I also totally agree with). I had a great talk with Tanji Johnson, and we both agreed that I need to take the next 6 months to a year to put on more muscle in my upper body, and definitely tighten up my hams and glutes. I looked at some of the pics of my ass on Flexonline, oh my God! I had no idea my butt was that round! That is my first order of business- I am going to do light weighted squats till I can't walk! That thing has got to change.....

I would just like to say congrats to the other girls who got their pro cards. I have competed with most of them before, and they are all incredible women.....I have to say that I just love Lisa McCormick! She is one hot mommy, and so much fun to hang out with back stage! Corry Matthews is truly a wonderful person, and I have so much respect for her. I am humbled to win a class that she competes in......it won't be long, that girl will have her procard next year- just mark my words.

And last, but certainly not least, my best friend Karen Patten placed fourth in the medium class! She is one of the most incredible women I have ever had the priviledge of competing against. She is an inspiration to me, I could not have done these nationals without her! We giggled like little girls all 3 days we stayed together.....I love her like a sister. You can bet that I will be right by her side when she competes for her pro card next year at nationals. Someday we will perform our "Seinfeld" routine right Karen?

I was interviewed by the TV show "Road to the Pros" after the show....it will air in early spring next year. That was beyond surreal. Never in a million years did I think I would be interviewed for a TV show. Well, I need to get to bed, I must get my rest.....I start the injections on Friday for the bone marrow harvest on Tuesday of next week- I have to be in the best of health you know! I will write soon and tell you all where to go to see pics of nationals. Train hard and God bless!

Tami