DAY 337: RACE DAY

Oh my gosh, really... more rain today then any other day in the history of rain in Los Angeles. Are you kidding me? Let me be very clear with comments here.... the race was BRUTAL.

There are no words to describe what it is like to run for 6 hours in a DOWNPOUR of rain, wind, and very cold temperatures... and WET socks, shoes and clothing... I might as well of wrapped 10 pound weights around my ankles because that's what it was like to run today!

But let's start with the beginning... up at 3:30 a.m. Off to Dodger Stadium at 5:30 a.m. Thanks to gal pal Stacy Bell for the ride that early in the morning. Hubby Brian and gal pal Rebecca Simon were off to the Finish Line to reserve seating for a surprise cheering party for me... I didn't know that these two darlings were planning such a grand finale for me! Check out the adorable invitation and t-shirts that they designed for my cheerleaders!

I only wish their beautiful plans had worked out, but who the heck could have projected these torrential rains!

Here are Rebecca & Brian hunkering down to ensure a front row seat to view me coming across the Finish Line... I can't stand how committed and devoted they are to me! Thank you both from the bottom of my heart for making such a special plan for my special race day!


While these two were handling the end-game plans, my running partner Melody and I were at Dodger Stadium waiting for the sun to rise! Oh my gosh, I couldn't believe I was finally at the start line. A year long journey that was all on the line now...

For those who've been reading my running posts, you know what I have endured and here it was the moment I had trained for... I wasn't nervous at all, just eager to start running ... the organizers of the race deserve a failing grade for their logistics (that's a post for another day) and it started with the race beginning late!

Pictured here are my devoted fans standing in the pouring rain... my sons Harrison & Spencer, sisters Michele & Linda, nieces, Olivia, Esme & Sophia, brother Josh, gal pal Farrel, the organizers Rebecca & Brian...

Melody and I made our way out to the Stadium and on to the streets of downtown Los Angeles. We ran through Chinatown, past City Hall, through Little Tokyo, up Hill Street past Disney Concert Hall... and we just kept goin'.

The rain NEVER stopped. It was relentless, Mother Nature was pretty pissed and she was testing all 26,000 runners. No doubt fellow runners were hurting and many gave up... the weather conditions were more then most could take. Torrential rain, wind, and running in wet clothes is just not the way you want to run your first marathon ... but what could I do... I had to keep going. I was not happy. It was not a happy run.

Along the course fellow baseball Mom, Jennie Fahn came out to cheer me on, and dear friends Steve & Jenny Savitsky greeted us at mile 24... we needed their big hugs and encouragement to finish the last two miles! A big thank you to gal pals Cheri & Teresa and daughter Carrie, who volunteered at Mile 16 but who we missed as we ran by, but knowing they were out there to support us was awesome!

The BEST part of the entire course was heading up to the Finish Line and hearing my family & friends yell out "Robyn"... I was so excited to see their smiling faces and to know that I was steps away from the finish line, it was a euphoric feeling ...

I did it... Run Robyn Run!

Day 336: The Day Before the Race

Well, this is it kids. I've trained for an entire year to run in the Los Angeles Marathon. All the painful runs, the endless search for the best fitted running shoe, visiting the podiatrist to get fitted for orthodics, early morning runs before the sun was up, blisters, aches, pains, nauseousness, stomach rumblings, frustration ... I mean with all these symptoms it's a wonder anyone would go through with the actual run!

I'm not exaggerating when I say there were runs over the past year that were downright brutal. Intense pain to the point of excruciating. I just wouldn't let up. I want to run this race and finish and I can't let my mind, or my body be weak.

But today it is all about staying focused and being mentally prepared to face the day tomorrow. Go to bed early, wake at 3:30 a.m. and don't look back.

I remember telling my friend and trainer Melody Roset, "I want to run a marathon in honor of my 50th Birthday," ... that was a year ago... I couldn't even run one mile without being winded... I couldn't even visualize running 26 miles... couldn't comprehend it... but every week we ran one more mile, one more mile... I ran a 5k, then a 10k, then a half marathon.... I trained VERY, VERY hard.

I was focused, committed and goal driven. For those of you who know me well, you know that if I commit to something, somebody, I will follow through. I will not let you down and I will not let myself down.

Run Robyn Run!

Day 335: Shopping at the Marathon Expo

Today Melody Roset, my incredible trainer and soul sister on this running journey, and I headed to Dodger Stadium, the site of the start line for Sunday's LA Marathon. All runners have to pick up their registration & bib number prior to race day ... so off we went!

Very exciting to be around so many committed people to fitness and challenging themselves to this awesome feat of a marathon!

And can you believe it... I was one of the first 250 runners to register so my NAME was painted on a Honda ... check it out... so cool.... maybe I'll win a new car, since I know I'm not winning the race Ha Ha!

And to be around vendors, suppliers, products all geared to runners! So fun!

And of course Robyn couldn't resist shopping for all the fun accessories that accompany runners....

I mean a girl's gotta look good when she's sweating, right?

It was a great day to get even more energized for Sunday's run! Run Robyn Run!

Day 334: Pali High School Baseball

Spent the afternoon (once again!) watching the boys play ball at their school, Palisades Charter High School.

Today was a bit unique as for the first time in a very long time, I had both my boys on the field together at the same time!

Check out this photo... Spencer at 2nd base, Harrison on the pitcher's mound ...

Doesn't always occur. When they were younger it was a staple in games. Spencer at shortstop, Harrison at the mound ... and they were solid teammates backing one another up... and today I had that rare moment again to see the boys as teammates, brothers, and great ballers!

It was a sweet moment for the proud mama.

Day 333: Last Wednesday Workout

Today was our LAST workout in advance of Sunday's LA Marathon. WOW! What a year it has been .. all the pain, sweat, tears, aching bones & joints, endless pairs of running shoes & attire... it's all coming to fruition this Sunday as I run my first (and probably last) MARATHON. That's 26.2 miles baby!

This has been a long, long journey and a very challenging goal. I'm so close now and just need to stay focused, rested and healthy to have the best run I can have.

Thank you to all the people who have reached out to me with accolades and words of encouragement... your sentiments mean so much to me as there are many days I have wanted to end this ridiculous goal, but I haven't and you have helped me get here.

So THANK YOU for taking the journey with me!

Day 332: 50 for 50 ... Are you Attending?

Do you like me? Do you like to support women running for office? Do you like to socialize with cool people? Do you like a swanky venue? How about good food & drinks, do you like them?

Well my dear, if you have answered YES to these questions then I better see you on Thursday, April 14th for the 50 for 50 Celebration!

You say, what is the 50 for 50 Event? Well, my lovelies, it is a chance to raise a little dough for my favorite political organization, National Women's Political Caucus, while also celebrating my milestone 5-0!

So for 50 bucks you can be a champ while also having fun ushering in 50 more years for me! Not a bad deal I say! And if you are feeling flush you can even consider sponsoring the event for a little more contribution!

Click the link below for all the lovely details... Hope to see your smiling & supportive faces on April 14 !

http://www.punchbowl.com/parties/1889442-national-women-s-political-caucus-la-westside-present-s-50-for-50

Day 331: 202 Calendar Project is On Baby

I hosted our National Women's Political Caucus communications meeting tonight and it was very productive. Among the many issues we covered, the one I'm most excited to share is that the NWPC Women's Leadership Calendar is on!

For those of you who joined me for three years at our calendar event, you know it's a super inspiring evening and one that I, along with Board members, Jill Prestup and Rebecca Simon, birthed several years ago.

The Board opted to skip production of a calendar last year for various reasons, but this year we are back on! This is an event where we get to showcase 12 outstanding women leaders in our community.

We also get to celebrate the success of our LA Westside chapter by honoring our endorsed women candidates, acknowledging our partners in the community who work with us to elect more pro choice women to office, and to provide a fabulous socializing event for our membership.

If you are a NWPC member and want to be part of the event planning, for what will surely be another spectacular event, please contact me... the more lovely hands we have, the more we can achieve!

If you are not yet a member of NWPC LA Westside, what are you waiting for... visit www.NWPCLAwestside.org

Day 330: One Week From Today

Well, this is it... countdown time! One week from today I will be finished with my first (and only!) marathon! Whew! It's been a long haul and I'm visualizing crossing that finish line! I have chronicled my running journey throughout this Blog, including all my aches, pains and challenges.

This personal birthday challenge has not been an easy one.... throughout the past year during training I have often asked myself, "Why the hell did I pick this as my Birthday present? Why not a trip to Hawaii, or the spa, or something that is more pampering?"

Well the answer is I wanted a physical & mental challenge... something I have never completed before, but had always wanted to achieve.. and if not now, then when? So one week from today, it will be Run Robyn Run! Join me at the finish line if you can!

Day 329: Check Out My Boy

Sometimes Mama Bear just has to share news about her cub! Check this boy out... College boy Brandon is having a stellar baseball season and we're just gettin' warmed up!

So very cool! Makes my day... makes me happy and places a giant smile on my face!

http://www.willamette.edu/athletics/news/archive/2011/03/12_BSB_Linfield.php

Day 328: A Full Day

It was a long, productive day. Kicked off with a great workout at the park in the sunshine... then a very informative meeting with the California Forward folks... check this group out they are performing some really terrific work on behalf of moving our State's economy forward and suggesting we rethink the way we govern (because it ain't workin' people). Check them out at
http://www.cafwd.org/ideas/entry/framework-home

Join the conversation by adding your thoughts, comments & suggestions!

After this very cool exchange Brian and I headed out to Birmingham High School to watch Harrison & Spencer play ball. Great game, and some great playin'. The boys batted one right after another and both got hits... watching them both on base together was so sweet! Harrison pitched 5 innings and had 5 strikeouts. Sweet again!

Then we joined Lu & Ron Barzilli and their son Elliot for a yummy dinner. It was a great way to spend a Friday, busy & productive, but very rewarding.

Day 327: My Zoe

After a week full of campaigning, and loss, and heartache... it was refreshing to host my niece Zoe for dinner tonight. She attends Utah State University and is in town for Spring Break. I was so happy she could join me and the boys for dinner tonight.

Harrison suggested we make lamb. Gotta love that child. I mean really seriously how many 15 year old boys suggest lamb for dinner? So we ate a yummy dinner and laughed and talked and it was great.

Can't believe how the kids are all growing... after this week it was refreshing to have the distraction of teenager issues and forget about my "big adult" campaign drama, etc. And for a person who is really not a fan of lamb, I gotta tell you, it was pretty damn good.

Maybe all in the world is working out.

Day 326: The Day After

Well there is carnage, that's for sure. How could two of my women incumbents lose their seats? How I ask? Damn!

Beverly Hills City Councilwoman Nancy Krasne, a true champion for her constituents, lost her seat. Nancy was a great supporter of mine when I ran for LA City Council and I'm just heartbroken over her loss.

NWPC endorsed candidate Lili Bosse did prevail so I am happy to welcome her to the council and to elected life... I just wish she was going to be joining Nancy on the council!

West Hollywood City Councilwoman, Lindsey Horvath lost her bid as well. Damn. I wrote a lot about Lindsey's race and the ugly tone the campaign took... what a disappointment and loss for us all. I'm heartbroken for her too!

Incumbent WeHo Councilwoman Abbe Land did prevail so thank goodness we still have her voice on the council.

And as I wrote last night, my Marisa Perez, candidate for Lakewood city council lost her bid too. And we wonder why more women don't' run.

Let me tell you a positive story...

Marisa called me this morning to debrief the campaign and reflect on the outcome... during her campaign a professor from Long Beach State University had offered his government class students an opportunity to receive school credit in exchange for real life experience working on a campaign.

Some 60 students showed up to work on Marisa's campaign after she visited their class and spoke passionately about why she was running. They volunteered by walking precincts, making phone calls to voters, assembling & delivering lawn signs... it was real hands-on experience for these students.

The professor phoned Marisa today to say he thought she ran a positive, professional campaign and thanked her for her interaction and mentoring efforts toward his students.

He then gave her the best compliment a candidate could hear, which brought her to tears... He said, "Marisa, you gave my students HOPE ...."

I cried too when she told me this story. The truth is in life we get so few opportunities to really make an impact and a difference, whether it is in our community or with young people.

Marisa showed these students that a young woman with a family and a passion could launch a professional campaign and have class throughout it all.

Hope, that is a gift that continues to give whether you win or lose.

Day 325: Disappointed

It's been a long day and night. And a very disappointing one... several of my gals had bad nights at the polls ... more than anyone I know how a loss can sting, and it does... it really hurts.

My sweet Marisa Perez was a complete unknown and gave the Lakewood establishment a good run.... but she came up short tonight in her bid for Lakewood City Council. We worked all day calling voters and gave it our best, but in the end we couldn't pull it off.

The thing is though, Marisa will wake up tomorrow morning and still have her darling parents in town visiting from Texas, her supportive hubby Rudy, and her three healthy precious children. I'd say she wakes up a winner no matter if the voters of Lakewood elected her to office.

And in West Hollywood it's a tragic loss. Lindsey Horvath who was appointed to the council two years ago, lost her seat tonight. What an ugly, nasty election .... don't know why people have to be so negative. Who cares if she was appointed ... you had a chance to vote this time around, you didn't need to be nasty.

And in Beverly Hills, Lili Bosse was victorious, but incumbent Nancy Krasne's race is too close to call. And we all wonder why more women don't run for public office... it's a tough business, very personal, emotional, ugly, and that's just the campaigning part! I'm exhausted from the past few weeks... more tomorrow!

Day 324: Abbe, Lindsey, Marisa, Nancy & Lili ... You Go Girls!

Oh my fabulous West Hollywood candidates... what an ordeal it has been. What a battle they have endured... the endless attacks on ridiculous Blogs, Facebook postings with no merit, countless unsubstantiated articles... it has been quite a spectacle. And it is painful when the attacks are directed at people you love and admire.

Wow, I've said it before on my Blog, it brings up horrible memories of what I went through. I wouldn't wish it upon anyone... the campaign attacks are brutal. They can be mean spirited and hurtful.

These two women are accomplished in their own right. If you do not want to support them, don't. But don't stoop so low as to write untruthful material anywhere you can find a keypad... be productive and spend your time supporting your candidate.

Tomorrow is Election Day in Los Angeles county.

I've got two great women in Beverly Hills that I'm supporting, Nancy Krasne & Lili Bosse; I've got my Marisa Perez down in Lakewood running for City Council; and I've got my two girls Lindsey Horvath & Abbe Land making us proud in West Hollywood.

Do what you can to spread the word about these terrific women who will make a difference in their communities. You want them at the table making policy for you... I assure you, you do, so make it happen!