The Clergy Wins!

This stomach flu has really laid me low over the past few weeks. Just as you feel like you're on the road to recovery, back you fall, stomach cramping, joints aching, bowels feeling like they are going to explode! It's meant a lot of staying in, laying on the couch, and watching TV. Well, at least it's winter!

Last weekend the 2006 Ironman Pro was held in Pasadena, CA. With no other plans, still feeling like crap, and already bored by the Olympics, I decided to watch the live online show hosted by bodybuilding.com. If you've never seen a bodybuilding show, you're really not missing much. Not a hell of a lot happens except that the boys come out on stage and pose for a few minutes to all the latest pop hits! I think it's hot, but it's not obviously everyone's' cup of tea.

Over the last few years the big boys, those weighing over 230lbs, have dominated the pro circuit. This year's Ironman was somewhat interesting in that 4 of the top 5 guys were all 5'6 or shorter and under 215lbs. Little big boys!

Finally breaking a 4-time 2nd place curse, Australian Lee Priest took home not only the 1st place trophy, but the fans' online champion prize, and the Vince Gironda Posing Award. Priest is a somewhat outspoken and controversial competitor, but at 5'4 and 209lbs he has to be one of the thickest and freakiest guys in the sport. This is only his second win in over a dozen years on the circuit, but he's been one of my favourites for years - probably 'coz he's a little guy!

Another of my favs, 5'6 211lbs family-man Mark Dugdale, came in an impressive 5th (up from 8th last year). Dugdale has come up through the ranks over the past few years, making good gains and he always manages to dial it in to show off impressive shredded cuts. However, Mark has since come down with a similar stomach flu to yours truly, and sadly won't be competing in the Arnold, the next big competition of the year.