UK-based Christina Alev has fulfilled a dream we all share as athletes: touring with someone like 8-time Mr Olympia Ronnie Coleman.
The Ronnie Coleman Official UK Tour in May 2012 visited 8 UK cities. Estonian-born Christina Alev, an overall bodyfitness champion who competed here in Estonia, took part in four of the stops:
24.05.12 Birmingham
25.05.12 Manchester
27.05.12 Cardiff
28.05.12 Watford
Christina Alev describes the preparations for the tour and how the events unfolded on her website: [url=http://www.lioness.ee/]www.lioness.ee[/url]
Fitness.ee has put together a brief summary of part I of Christina’s tour report. Read the full account on Christina’s blog, [url=http://www.lioness.ee/blogi/ronnie-coleman-official-uk-tour-may-2012-part-1/]HERE[/url]. Photos from the events are on Christina Alev’s Facebook page, [url=http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.369930913033130.104655.100000486740951&type=3]HERE[/url].
Ronnie Coleman Official UK Tour May 2012 – Part 1
The diet lasted no more and no less than exactly 4 months. During that time, I lost a little over 10 kg. A further change of -1 kg would certainly have improved how I looked at that point, but overall I was happy with my condition for the performances, especially as I wasn’t having my proportions judged against anyone else’s.
I took a chance and ordered my performance costume from ebay. Given that it had been put together somewhere in Asia, I could be sure the size I ordered would turn out considerably smaller than expected. And it did, but even so, I had to take the whole thing in several times. For the finishing touches, I used plenty of Swarovsky crystals in different colors. I picked up a mask and cape as accessories, because this wasn’t a competition routine; it was a show performance to present a trained physique.
As for the posing routine… Once we found suitable music, we put together a T-walk-style routine. The costume, tan, mask and cape rounded out the character I had dreamed up and the way she moved. I practiced enough—just enough to be able to look back and say I should have done more. What I can say, though, is that after the fourth show, I felt ready to make a fool of myself onstage another four times.
As for the stage tan… Although Jan Tana is lovely to apply, I preferred Pro Tan’s yellowish/golden shade and staying power. I’d describe it as a mini version of a spray tan that darkens over 3-4 hours after application. Applying several coats makes the color more intense and many times darker, and it lasts on your skin for 5-7 days. Pro Tan doesn’t turn green the way Jan Tana tends to, and sweating didn’t leave oddly shaped patches on my body.
24.05.12 Birmingham, Walsall Footbal Stadium Club
Meanwhile, Ronnie was working out at a gym somewhere by the stadium. With a few hours to go before the event, we met new people, chatted, joked, took photos and generally made ourselves comfortable. Only one thing put me on edge amid all that fun: the clock was ticking, and it certainly wasn’t going backward. It wouldn’t be long before I had to strip down and get onstage. There was nothing for it but to get ready backstage: costume on, makeup done, mask in place, oil applied, muscles pumped up with the dumbbells we’d brought along, and a smile on my face.
“I’m not sure” were the very first words we heard from the legend himself. … A buzz of conversation drifted out of the conference room. Clearly, the VIPs were inside, having their photos taken with Ronnie, shaking his hand and chatting face to face. After a while, everyone else was let in. Before I had time to get really nervous, an announcement came from the stage: “And here she is, Christina Alev.” What followed went just as it went. Experience has taught me that even when my nerves are more than a little frayed before I go on, all fear and uncertainty vanish the moment I’m onstage. The music played and I did my thing—something I couldn’t even put a name to myself. The final notes sounded, I took a polite bow and left to applause. Yes, done! My contribution to the evening was complete. The reception was really warm and welcoming. I think I’ve mentioned in my blog before that English people are very open and sincere, even when it’s a skill they’ve learned. They offer so many encouraging and motivating words, praise you when you do something well, and use that openness to do everything they can to make sure you never feel bad.
The seminar-style discussion with the audience turned out to be quite interesting. Ronnie had plenty to say and told his stories vividly. When we asked whether he ever had so-called “cheat days” during contest prep, his answer was unequivocal: “No—never.” When we followed up by asking whether he liked chocolate, Ronnie smiled and replied, “Oh yeees.” There was actually an ulterior motive behind the question: we’d brought a 300g bar of Kalevipoja chocolate especially for him, which we happily handed over after the event.
25.05.12 Manchester, venue: Hallmark Hotel
We were the first to arrive. Walking into the hotel’s conference room, we were a little taken aback: so regal, so beautiful, so much room for the audience, and, most importantly, NO STAGE. Oh, the horror! The routine I’d rehearsed—how and where was I going to perform it? A changing room? There wasn’t one of those either. Where was I supposed to get ready? When we asked about alternatives, the hotel staff simply shrugged and said, “Sorry.” There was nothing for it but to improvise. In an instant, the women’s restroom became a changing room, while the stage routine would have to take shape the moment the music started. A few minutes later, the rest of the gang arrived, apart from Ronnie. He was still in Birmingham, signing autographs at supplement shops.
Before we knew it, the VIPs were being let into the room. Although I was in good shape, I felt a little flutter of nerves inside; clearly, I was a bit worried about my performance. The clock ticked on and everyone was ready to go. The only person missing was Ronnie. Traffic jams on England’s roads delayed the start of the event by 1.5 h. I was a little surprised by how patiently everyone waited for him. And finally, he arrived! Everyone, including the organizers, breathed a sigh of relief. The obligatory part—photos with Ronnie—lasted about an hour, and my performance followed straight afterward. The music started and I began doing my thing, making it up as I went along. How I managed it, I honestly don’t know, but the fact is that everything promised was delivered. After a few other people had spoken, it was time for the star of the evening: Big R.
From there, everything ran smoothly. Once again, Ronnie shared colorful stories from his life, answered lots of questions and chatted with everyone. Rice with chicken breast was served during the break. The evening ended with a Show Me What You Got contest, inviting volunteers from the audience to show the progress they’d made in sculpting their physiques. Naturally, it was a simple, lighthearted contest, with Ronnie and the audience helping to choose the winner. After the event, Ronnie signed plenty of autographs, while I posed for photos with anyone who wanted one.
Two intense, eventful days were behind us. I’d earned a proper rest. We headed home, and the next morning I slept for as long as I possibly could. Bliss.
To be continued…
Author:Turg.Fitness.ee
Come and train! ArtGym
