The National ABC 2012 by C. Coronato, Animal Barbell Club Co-Chairman On Saturday, March 3rd, 6:45pm. We got to the downtown Columbus Metro Fitness early, straight from The Cage, and hustled to mix up a couple tables full of Animal Rage shots with the clock running and only the use of crude implements. The line of Animal-clad enthusiasts was forming and extending out the door as each minute passed. Each attendee was handed a cup in the lobby as they were ushered onto the main gym floor. Kicking off the ABC was G Diesel yelling, "Salut!" and the clanking of cups filled with a shot of Apple Jacked Animal Rage. Slamming it down, the 2012 National ABC was off to the races and everyone was hungry to train. Not only were The Legion there in droves as well as many Animal and Universal athletes, but in the building there were sightings of IFBB Pros like Derik “The Freak” Farnsworth, Roelly Winklaar, Guy Cisternino as well as Powerlifting legends Ed Coan and Stan “The Rhino” Efferding. All drawn there for the same reason—the love of training. These are individuals who have earned their spot of prominence in our subculture, yet were still there just slanging weights just like everyone else. All chasing after the same common goal--to grow and succeed. Teaching, learning, sharing, pushing each other to do one more rep. That is the true spirit of the ABCs. After more than an hour of sweat and effort, as the time wound down, the prepared food arrived. A fully catered meal, on the house, picnic-style… Because, after all, this is a celebration. This "breaking of bread", this cornerstone of all families is the backbone of our lifestyle is a critical part of the ABC experience. To share a meal, share stories, share life–that's what it's all about. These are the two things most important to dedicated lifters everywhere: training and eating. Here people sat and talked while getting in their catered post-workout barbecue grub or drinking their Torrent or taking their Nitro. For many, this was a time to reflect on the past year and to plan for greater progress in the future. Afterwards, many then say their goodbyes and parted ways, the end of a true family reunion for this might. Until of course next year, where it will all grow bigger and better yet again. 2013 here we come... From top to bottom, the National ABC is a genuine, heartfelt event that truly encapsulates the brand–no, the word "Animal"–as a whole. Hard training, good eating, learning, encouragement, respect. Certain people live and breathe it and are willing to wait outside in the cold in order to get a piece of the action. Every single person who attends an ABC around the country, no matter how big or small are all vital pieces of the puzzle that comes together to form the finished masterpiece at The National ABC each year in Columbus, Ohio on Arnold Sports Weekend. Without you, we would not be complete. We thank you for your continued drive and willingness to push the movement forward. Thank you for being the building blocks of Animal Nation. We hope to see you training hard at an ABC event in your neighborhood sometime soon and of course, we encourage you to join us next March, to help take the National ABC to the next level. Before I close, let me tip my hat to three people who have drastically made a difference in the growth of the Animal Barbell Club (ABC), especially here in the Midwest: ghost from Detroit, deanna7272 from Ohio, and Phil800101 from Chicago. This strong trio has remained resolute over the years and continue to push the ABC movement further and further locally. Without people like them, our national event would not grow every March. We took time to publicly recognize these three at The Cage, presenting them with chapter-specific ABC hoodies. Their contribution, like that of all those that push the ABCs in the trenches of the hardcore gyms their local community, is truly priceless.