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<< Previous   of   Next >> Jennifer Buchanan / The Herald  (click to enlarge) Eric Sailer, from Marysville, strikes a pose during the Washington Ironman Championships bodybuilding contest Saturday night. Sailer won the novice light division as well as the overall novice title. Jennifer Buchanan / The Herald  (click to enlarge) Erika Mott, with weights, prepares herself for the show as other competitors get ready before the Washington Ironman Championships body building contest in Everett on Saturday night.   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Sunday, October 5, 2008 Pumped, preened and primed for the public 100 amateur bodybuilders in Washington Ironman make first visit to Everett By Katya Yefimova Herald Writer EVERETT -- At one point in her bodybuilding career, Elaine Craig was known as the woman with the biggest biceps in the world. More than 20 years later, Craig, 50, of Mill Creek, doesn't compete anymore but it doesn't mean that she gave up on fitness. Together with her husband, Craig puts together Washington Ironman, an annual show for amateur bodybuilders. More than 100 athletes from all over the Northwest competed in the drug-free championship at the Everett Civic Auditorium on Saturday. The Craigs have been holding the Ironman competition for 28 years now. But this year's show is the first one at a local venue. With bodybuilders and fans everywhere, Craig said it is going to be "a shock to Everett." "This show really promotes fitness. It's very exciting to expose an entire city to it," she said. Lots of excitement was in the air as fans took their places in the audience, eager for the finals to begin. Behind the scenes, competitors were warming up their muscles, chatting and touching up their tans. Nathan Michel of Redmond said you can see the muscles much better on stage when the skin is tanned. Michel, who just turned 16, is the youngest competitor in this year's show. But he said he was just being himself when he decided to sign up. "I like to take care of my body, and I work out a lot," said Michel, who hopes to encourage other young people to lead healthy lifestyles. Nancy Pooler, 46, of Seattle, said it's her second nature to be active, and bodybuilding was just another element she wanted to add to her life. Pooler, whose husband is also a bodybuilder, was competing in the category for first-timers. Staying fit is one thing, but competing in a championship is a whole different story, Pooler said. She said getting into the show is a lot of work. "It's very hard, especially mentally, and the rules are very strict." She said bodybuilders training for a show have to work out and lift weights daily for at least three months and follow a strict diet. But the experience is worth the effort. "It's nice to have a goal out there," Pooler said. "Just getting here is a reward: I made it!" Another big reward Pooler said she was focused on would have to wait until the show is over. Since competitors are allowed to eat almost nothing during the last few days before a show, Pooler said she was dreaming about dinner. "It's going to be either pizza or a hamburger," Pooler said. "And cheesecake." Reporter Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452 or kyefimova@heraldnet.com. READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

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