TXPHYSIQUE'S DORM ROOM

Well, I finally made it back from competiting in the Europa Supershow on August 16th. It was an AMAZING show to say the least!! It ended up being the LARGEST show EVER held in Texas!! I was astounded at the level of competition and was super nervous on how it would go against almost 100 girls in the Figure Division. We started the Pre-judging show at 8:00am with our one-peice suit and I was the first call out from the line of girls. This is HUGE because only 5 girls are called out for a closer look and it was a great sign that I was in the top. Then we went and changed into our two-piece and I was called out again!! After this, we had to wait until 7:00pm for the final night show. We only had to wear our two-piece for this show since most of the judging had already taken place that morning. After getting our tans re-touched and all oiled up, we were wisked onto the stage. We walked out, did our model turns and poses and then walked right back off the stage. As we were walking off the pulled the top five to the side....AND I WAS ONE OF THEM!! We lined up and then walked back onto the stage. We started off with our front pose, quarter-turn, back pose, another quarter-turn, and then ended up on the front pose again. The MC on stage was telling us how the judges were having a hard time placing us because it was so close. We ended up standing on stage for a loooooong time and had to do our poses and turns about 3 or 4 more times. It sounds pretty easy to just stand there on stage...but believe me...it is a workout for sure! We have to stand there in 3-4 inch high heels, flexing every muscle in our body, smiling and trying to make it look effortless and natural all at the same time! But, in the end it was all worth it because I ended up placing 5th and got to bring home a really nice trophy!! I would have much rather brought home 1st place, but for this being only my 2nd show.....and the biggest EVER in Texas....I think I still came out on top! And, my friend Priscilla who came with me from Plainview got 10th!! This is totally AWESOME for her first show and I know she will be winning them in no time earning her bid to Nationals as well!
But, now I can take about a week off from my super strick diet and workout, get refreshed, and come back with new goals and aspirations of getting ready to compete for Nationals and earn my PRO Card!!

I also wanted to mention that the ON/ABB booth was AWESOME!! Unfortunately I didn't get to meet any of my fellow ON/ABB athletes, but I'm sure there will be more chances in the future!

I also got to meet and take a picture with the gorgeous and super-fit Jamie Eason! She is one of my fav's when it comes to fitness models and I was stoked to get to meet her and hug her little tiny neck!! :)

In closing, I just wanted to thank everyone who supported me through this whole process. It is not easy, and for those of you who encouraged me to keep working hard - I couldn't have done it without you!! Also, these competitions are not cheap, so a HUGE THANK YOU to: Epiderme Laser Hair Removal (they ROCK! ask for Karen), Season's Way Tanning, Jan @ Allure Salon, The Radiant Lilly, Susan Hurt, Lisa Davis, Ephraim Flores, Kenny Kernell, Dustin Boswell, My Parents -Margie & Roy Brigman, my husband Logan, Optimum Nutrition and American Body Building, and to all of my other friends out there--you know who you are!! (oh and to Lindsey Cates who brought me chocolate covered cranberries yesterday....yummy! Hey-I'm human too-- and she realized my need for chocolate!!! lol!!)
But for real, yall's support means THE WORLD to me and there is NO way on EARTH I could have done this with out each one of you! You have blessed me and I will never forget your generosity!
(and if I forgot anyone....please forgive me! Write me and I will acknowledge it!!)

P.S. I have had several people ask for signed pics for motivation and such, so if any one would like to order one, just message me at jrankin@plainviewymca.org or rankin.jen@gmail.com. I will send these out for a minimum $10 donation for competition purposes.

Thanks again and I hope to write again soon about future wins!!

Also, feel free to visit my myspace page at: www.myspace.com/jen_rankin
Add me and you can see contest pics!

Fitfully Yours,
-jen