Well, my feet are still aching, and I haven’t fully recovered from a major lack of sleep, but my heart is full of love and pride from having the opportunity to meet so many of you this weekend at the Arnold Sports Festival 2013 in Columbus, Ohio.
My daughters, Rachel & Kiersten, drove down to Columbus on Thursday after a crazy snow storm here in Toronto. We arrived just in time for dinner and were joined by the hulk himself, Mr. Lou Ferrigno. He spoke at Robert’s memorial event last June in Santa Monica, and it was wonderful to reconnect with him again.
Friday we were off and running at the Robert Kennedy Publishing booth where Oxygen magazine, REPS!, Muscle Mag and The Eat-Clean Diet teams were off to the races meeting fans and hosting amazing Bob “Tough Love” Kennedy challenges. We had some incredible participants from young to old participating in push up, pull up, burpee and circuits on our awesome Rogue Fitness equipment.
The Eat-Clean Diet Ambassadors at the Eat-Clean Diet booth worked their butts off. Thank you dearly to Jill Holland, Chelle Stafford, Tracey Weaver, Marilyn Cooper and Allison Earnst for your hard work. It’s your ability to share your personal success that brings new people into the journey of Eating Clean. It was wonderful to celebrate with you on Friday night with a team dinner at Marcella’s restaurant. The stories we shared were remarkable.
On Saturday night my daughters and I attended the Men’s Final show where Rich Gaspari received his Liftetime Achievement Award. This was the same award Robert received last year – what a bittersweet moment. After the show we headed to dinner with the RKP team to celebrate in their accomplishments over the weekend, and to motivate them for one more day at the show.
Sunday saw a boost of activity with more incredible Bob “Tough Love” Kennedy challenge participants, more fans, more fitness models, and more fun. We went out with a bang when Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger himself stopped by the RKP booth to say hello. What a treat!
It was certainly difficult to be there without Robert in our lives any longer. I was brought to tears many times over the weekend by seeing pictures of Bob from the fans, hearing stories, and sharing memories. Somehow we managed through the weekend knowing he was there with us in spirit.
And now it’s back to reality, but maybe a nap is in order first!
Thanks for making Arnold 2013 a weekend to remember.
Tosca, sounds like it was a lovely weekend! And while Bob was not there, his spirit was. How awesome that fans were able to share his love for him with you!