Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman

I met 8 time Mr. Olympia winner Ronnie Coleman after his seminar at the 2005 fitness expo. Ronnie is now retired from pro bodybuilding. You can see from the picture that I weighed a lot more since this was back in my "hardcore bodybuilding" days. My cheeks were very chunky.

The expo was always held at the Pasadena convention center. Every year the event just got bigger so it was eventually moved to the L.A. convention center. Ticket prices have more than doubled since the first time I attended the event. This is all credited to MMA fighters and other sports athletes making appearances. If you want a quality expo, you have to pay for it.

I couldn't attend the expo this past weekend on January 23&24. A friend sent me a text message while he was at the expo that "girls were everywhere". I wish that I went! Hopefully I can attend next years expo so I can mingle with the fitness celebs once again.

www.thefitexpo.com
www.bigroncoleman.com

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Tapout Warehouse Signing

A big event was scheduled at the Tapout warehouse in Grand Terrace, CA. Many MMA fighters made appearances to sign autographs. Clothing was also being sold at the event but the autographs were free. When I arrived the place was jam packed. I missed some of the MMA fighters that made appearances earlier in the morning. Roy Nelson and Tyson Griffen were fighters that I wanted autographs from but had missed.

I made it in time for Kimbo Slice, Martin "Hitman" Kampmann, Mike "Joker" Guymon, and Punkass & Skyscrape of the Tapout crew. I was really looking forward to seeing Kimbo Slice. He was the main reason I went to the event. The MMA fighters took time to meet and greet all fans. Nobody felt like they were rushed in the autograph line.

Video of the signing.



After getting my autographs I left the event. I was walking on the sidewalk and noticed the Ultimate Fighter winner Roy "Big Country" Nelson signing autographs and posing for photos. Nobody really noticed him outside of the event. I asked Roy for a photo. He was very happy to pose for photos and sign additional autographs for the fans.

Video of Roy Nelson signing autographs and posing for pics.



Thanks to Tapout for this free event.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Nomar Garciaparra and Mia Hamm Signing

Former Dodger Nomar Garciaparra and his wife, soccer great Mia Hamm made an appearance to sign autographs. The event was held at a Sport Chalet in Torrance.

I was not planning on attending this event the night before since Torrance is an hour and a half drive for me. Also, Mia Hamm was going to do the signing alone. Then I got word from my people that Nomar was also going to join his wife at the event. After being told that I could not miss it.

Signing Recap:

  • People in line? I would guess over 250 people.
  • Items per person? 1 item with a chance to get back in line.
  • Giveaways? An extra autographed photo signed by Mia and Nomar.
  • Free Signing? Yes.

Video of the signing.



This dual signed photo was handed out as a bonus item.

Please visit the Mia Hamm foundation at http://www.miafoundation.org/. Thanks to Mia Hamm, Nomar Garciaparra and Sport Chalet for this really cool and free event.