Dani Dishes: I Am A Fighter
/On this episode of #DaniDishes instead of giving myself the I Am A Fighter speech while looking in the mirror ... I took it to youtube! :)
My First #NBGNO Experience Was Awesome!
/On Tuesday November 4, I attended my first New Balance Girls Night Out (#NBGNO) celebration in Boston.
My friend Susan and I met up at the Back Bay orange line stop at 5:45 to head to the Westin Copley in time for the 6pm kick-off time. Nothing like cutting it close... ;)
Big thanks to New Balance for the easy to spot signs to direct us to the right location, which was in a great room off one of the hotel's restaurants.
We checked in, received our wristbands for post-workout drinks and checked our backpacks.
Since this was a free meetup I was not sure what to expect, but the welcome board got me pretty darn excited for the night. PLUS, I was going to finally meet a few of my social media friends in real life!
We floated around the room checking out the sweet New Balance gear that Westin offers - for a $5 fee - to all guests to borrow during their stay. So adios "I forgot my workout gear at home" excuse when on the road...
There were also some PROMAX bars available. We calculated them at 6 Weight Watchers PPV each and decided to pass. I happily snacked on my 2 PPV mini Luna bar instead. ;)
Then I did a quick turnaround and there was the refueling station... the new limited edition Girl Scout Cookie Chocolate Milk from Nestle Nesquik were ready for us!! You know low-fat chocolate milk is my favorite way to refuel.
Thin Mint
Caramel Coconut
I had been itching to try the Thin Mint low-fat chocolate milk so I was psyched to see them on-site.
After a little mingling time, Caroline (@trendytrainer) and Sherri (@funfitflavor) gathered the packed room of ladies to go over the game plan for the night. Half of the group would be participating in a boot camp, while the other half headed out for a 3.8 mile run. Let's take a guess which option I picked. ;)
Caroline and Sherri
The run was being led by a pair of Run Westin concierges and stuck to a pace around 10-10:30. They said you could run faster if you wanted, but they preferred to keep the group all together. There was a guide in the front, one around the middle and two "sweepers" in the back. It was dark, but I made sure to bring my headlamp for extra light.
Thankfully we were sticking in mainly lit areas along the Charles River, but I was happy I brought my headlamp as well. It was a great chance to catch up with Susan some more (even though we had taken our 1-hour weekly walk earlier in the day).
Mile 1: 10:31
We stopped under the Longfellow Bridge to find the trophy wall. I had NO idea this was there. It is just a wall of trophies left by random people. The Run Westin concierge pictured actually left two of the trophies featured on the wall. She tried to leave a Westin cup there one day and it was removed because it wasn't a trophy.
Mile 2: 11:03
I took the opportunity to snap a couple of shots of this gorgeous city.
Mile 3: 10:30
For the most part the group did stay together, but there was some gapping happening between a few chunks of runners. We finished the run in front of the Boston Public Library for some group photos.
Final Time For 3.8 miles: 40:09
After a few photos, we headed back into the Westin to meet up with the bootcampers to refuel with some chocolate milk, enjoy some adult beverages and eat some healthy snacks. :)
O-M-freakitty freakin-G the thin mint chocolate milk was delicious! Mmm....
Once Susan and I felt properly hydrated, we headed to the bar to get some wine before gathering around Caroline and Sherri to learn how to stay fit while traveling. I was happy to hear many of the same tips and tricks I use myself.
New Balance raffled off a sweet NB luggage bag, but alas I did not walk away a winner. :(
So Susan and I opted to hit up the Photo Booth next. I mean any event with a photo booth is winning. :)
Of course I once again snapped a selfie. :P
Before heading home, I had to snap a selfie with Chris - aka @RunWestin. We had been chatting online, but as always it is great to meet an online friend in real life.
Can you feel his excitement over meeting me?
Just after 8, the #NBGNO celebration came to an end, but not before we got a sweet little swag bag.
I was sad to find out that this was the fourth and final #NGBGNO event in Boston for the year. Well, at least I made it to one. I can't wait to see what they offer in 2015.
***
In the meantime I could set up my own Girls Night Out meetups through their website.
GNO Meetup helps you create your own unforgettable Girls Night Out. Just map your route, invite your girls, and go!
CREATE YOUR RUN.
It’s as easy as picking a starting point, time and distance. Then share it with your friends, or set your run to ‘public’ so anyone else can join too.
FIND NEW ROUTES & DESTINATION OPTIONS.
Map your own route or find one recommended by other users. We’ll even help you pick a destination and suggest places you may want to check out after your run.
JOIN BUZZ RUNS IN YOUR AREA.
Get text or email alerts whenever new group runs are created nearby. Filter by location, time or distance to find runs that work for you.
***
Special thanks to New Balance and Got Chocolate Milk for a great evening!
***
Have you ever been to a #NBGNO event?
Joining Me Sunday At The Boston River Run 5k?
/The 3rd Annual Boston River Run 5k is taking place on Sunday, November 9th… and you will WANT to be there!
The Boston River Run 5K is a spirited, patriotic run that takes place Veterans Day weekend. The run offers a family-friendly course that welcomes runners and walkers of all ability levels. From first time 5k’ers to competitive running club enthusiasts, all are welcome.
The Boston River Run 5K was created to honor Sudbury’s own Corporal Andrew Narcus and is represented by all branches of US service men and women.
Whether Andy was being a loving son, loving older brother, a friend, a teammate or being a Marine he carried himself with the highest honor and respect. Sadly on December 19, 2002, Andy was killed by vehicular homicide during his travel home for the holidays. Andy was 21 years old. The person who killed Andy was never found and the case was never solved.
The race takes you along the gorgeous and iconic Charles River – one of my favorite places to run in Boston – and doesn’t require crossing any streets. Score!
With a 9am start time, the air should be crisp and one can only hope for a perfect New England morning. <<knocks on wood>>
Your $35 entry fee ($40 on race day) includes:
- Chip timing
- Digital time display at finish line
- USATF certified distance
- Long-sleeve technical race shirts for all registered participants
- Trophies for top 3 men and top 3 women
- Awards for top finishers in each age group
- Raffle prizes
- Free bag check
Okay okay they had me at long-sleeve TECH race shirt. That is a huge score for race swag lovers like me.
All proceeds benefit the Andrew Graham Semper Fi Fund Helping Students Succeed, which gives a scholarship annually to a Lincoln Sudbury Regional High School student annually.
Oh did you miss the part where I mentioned raffle prizes? As of 10/21/14, the organizers had over $12,667 in prizes donated from local sports teams (hint hint: Bruins) and other businesses. How about ten “try scuba diving” lessons (value $1,000) or a US rafting trip to Kennebunk, Maine (value $2,528)? I will definitely be buying some raffle tickets for those. Tickets will be available for purchase at the race via cash, check or credit card.
So before you lace up your sneakers to head out on your next training run or you are getting the iPad hooked up to your treadmill to do your walk, register for this sweet 5k for a good cause.
Hey if you are lucky maybe we will snap a mid-run selfie together at the race! 
***
Who is going to join me Sunday, November 9th at the Charles to support a great cause? You know you want to! Register today! Make sure to join Team Weight Off My Shoulders… 
Get Outside & Explore Your City With LÄRABAR Plus Giveaway!!
/And The Winner Is...
Congrats Sharon!!!
Thanks for all that entered and as a thank you use this LÄRABAR Coupon for $0.50 off a bar!
***
Trails aren't the only way to get out and enjoy nature. Us City Slickers can get outside and explore just like our friends from more rural areas.
I have the joy and pleasure of residing just outside Boston allowing me access to city, beauty, history and nature.
So how do I get outside and explore my city?
***
Here are my top 3 tips to enjoying your city:
1) Take a walking or running tour of the city. I've done the Freedom Trail Run, a run along the Freedom Trail in Boston offered to tourists and residents alike each day (value $40 per person).
The Freedom Trail Run is geared to all fitness levels and ages. It was such a cool and different way to explore the historical aspect of Boston and not be stuck on a trolley tour.
***
2) Take advantage of the amazing nature trails just outside of the city. While New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine offer glorious views and countless hills/mountains to climb, we don't always have the time to travel that far. One can go just 30 minutes outside of Boston to the Blue Hills Reservation.
Pack up your friends, your pups and your LÄRABAR bars and get out there!
Enjoy a breathtaking view or two.
Can you spot Boston out there in the distance?
***
3) Lace up your running or walking sneakers and just do it! I know it is a deep and brilliant idea, but it is true. And Cheap!!
Meeting up with friends? Take a walk around the Charles River!
Looking for a new date idea? Lace up your sneakers while your partner rides their bike.
Want to take your racing off the road and onto the trails? Check out the VERT Race Series - a great trail series for beginners!
***
Phew! Now I am working up one serious appetite thinking about all of these sweet activities. Thankfully LÄRABAR sent me this sweet LÄRAbag with bars and RENOLA. RENOLA is a grain-free, gluten-free mix of non-GMO fruits, nuts and seeds.
LÄRABAR the Original Fruit and Nut Bar™ features a delicious, gluten-free blend of unsweetened fruits, nuts and spices, with some flavors including coconut oil, chocolate chips or other simple ingredients. The bars are made from whole foods and each indulgent flavor contains no more than nine ingredients and at least ¼ cup of fruit or more.
For my Weight Watchers snackers, the 1.6oz LÄRABAR bars are 5-6 PPV each, while the single-serving RENOLA granola are 5 PPV. Definitely a manageable PPV for a snack, while being active on-the-go!
My favorite flavors for LÄRABAR are: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Chocolate Chip Brownie. Are we seeing a theme? ;)
***
Now in honor of National Take A Hike Day on November 17, LÄRABAR has been kind enough to offer me 16 LÄRABARs and RENOLA to give away to you amazing folks!!
So here's how to enter the giveaway (open to US Residents 18+):
Comment below with an answer to one of the following two questions!
1. Which flavor of LÄRABAR they are most excited to try and why?
2. Share your #getoutside story and why they would love to receive the LÄRABAR to compliment their outdoor adventures.
Winner will be chosen Monday November 3 at 10am EST.
Can't wait to know if you are chosen? Use this LÄRABAR Coupon for $0.50 off a bar!
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by LÄRABAR, but all thoughts are my own - ain't nobody got time for lyin'!
#RWHalf Festival Part 4: A Saturday Night In Bethlehem, PA
/Fun. Awesomely awesome fun. Have you gotten that vibe through my first three posts (Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3) recapping the sweet weekend at Runner's World Half & Festival.
So how does one celebrate a successful Five & Dime and carboload for the following day's half?
Well after a great lunch with Doug, Matt and Presley, we sent Matt packing to head home while the three of us took the opportunity to nap/rock some much-needed compression time.
I am sad that I missed some of the amazing seminars especially the ones with Bart Yasso and Mark Remy, but I needed a little rest. Plus I had the pleasure of listening to both men speak during the Heartbreak Hill weekend.
Once we were properly rested and refreshed, the three amigos headed out for a quick snack en route to the Expo for an evening of laughs and carbs.
But first let's take a selfie. I mean it is the Funhouse, where fun people meet and party! :P
I was psyched to hear Liz Miele's comedy set, but first David Willey graced the stage.
Liz was hilarious and got on to Runner's World radar because of this I'm A Runner video from 2010.
Also we did in fact get a shout out before she started the set. Go us!
Additionally I made friends with one of the pacer's for the Half and quickly we had Matt replaced. ;) I kiiiiid. But it was fascinating to learn more about pacing as it is something I've thrown around as a possibility.
After a great comedy session, we caught up with the Runner's World PR team of David and Beachy. Presley and I asked Beachy to take a photo for us and this happened.
After a selfie session, the real picture was finally taken.
I am so thankful that David and Beachy invited me to be a part of Heartbreak Hill weekend and the Runner's World Half & Festival.
(Note: Runner’s World did sponsor my participation in the RW Half & Festival, but all comments are my own – ain’t nobody got time for lyin’!)
Before heading to the pasta dinner with the Runner's World Editors, Doug, Presley and I stopped by the Altra Running booth to ask founder Golden some questions.
Prior to heading to Runner's World weekend, Altra was nice enough to send us each a pair of sneakers to test out. Well I liked the sneakers I had, but they were a little too minimal for me - I needed a little more stability.
So I was able to grab Golden's ear on the subject and he said I was in the wrong shoe compared to what I normally wear. He switched me from the One to the Paradigm. I immediately noticed a vast improvement and cannot wait to try out the new shoes when they arrive.
Since the Expo had actually shut down awhile back, we invited Golden to enjoy some pasta with us and he agreed to join us. It was great to chat with him further about his running career and philosophy on running. We also met some great people at our table who were also participating in the Half the next day.
The pasta and salad was delicious and straight out of the Runner's World Cookbook.
Thanks to Golden for throwing signs with us before we retreated back to the Comfort Suites bar. This night turned into an early night once an unruly bar attendee ended up having the cops called on him. Ummm yeah that was our cue to head upstairs and be asleep by 10pm.
Overall it was a great day with friends and lots of laughs! :)
***
Up next? #RW Half Festival Part 5: The Half.
#RWHalf Festival Part 3: Five & Dime
/Want to run a 5k? Sure! Want to run a 10k? Absolutely!
Want to run them on the same day? Umm... sure thing!
Hello Five & Dime. :)
Apparently Runner's World Half & Festival was more than just getting together with bloggers and checking out Bethlehem, PA - there was going to be running involved. :P
If you want to catch up on the first two days at the #RWHalf, check out these posts: Day 1 and Day 2.
(Note: Runner’s World did sponsor my participation in the RW Half & Festival, but all comments are my own – ain’t nobody got time for lyin’!)
Once again the alarms were blaring at 6am so that Presley (my roomie) and I could hit up the Comfort Suites free breakfast area/the Comfort Suites bar/where the karaoke magic happened before heading to the race. I opted for an english muffin with butter.
We met up with Matt and Doug at 7 so we could head down to the races. Thankfully the Start area was less than a mile for our hotel so we had an easy warm-up walk before running. We recanted the amazing karaoke fun and came up with our game plan for the actual races. We planned on running both together. No matter the pace we would stick together and have fun. This would be my first time having three people to run with and make sure to capture in my mind-run selfies.
The weather was chilly, but I was happy to show off my Runfellow t-shirt! Representin' Somerville baby!
We stretched and loosened up with a little pre-race dancing... Taylor Swift "Shake It Off" anyone?
The crowd was pumped up and ready to run. We were ready for a fun run!
I also opted to bring my pink sparkly microphone prop from the previous day's Amazing Shakeout Run to interview some fellow runners along the course.
We crossed the line and were off.
As we made our way through Mile One, I heard the other runners discussing the upcoming hills along the course. Oops should've looked at a course map pre-race. Eh we like surprises. :P
And my fellow participants weren't kidding about the inclines. I was really happy to not be fighting for a PR that day.
Mile 1: 10:34
There was a sweet DJ along the course mixing some tunes, as well as other local high school bands, polka music and more. They were setting us up to dance our way through the race.
Mile 2: 9:32
Without even knowing it we were picking our pace up and approached negative splits.
I started interviewing Presley and Doug to get their thoughts on the race.
We made our way back towards the Start line and I wasn't sure what the path back would be. It was become the final stretch for all three races.
We ran parallel to the Finish Line before taking a loop around the block, which brought us right past the Casino.
Mile 3: 9:00
We used the last 0.1 to come up with our Finish Line photo pose. We opted for using something Altra Running founder Golden Harper taught us to correct our posture during a run - think of reaching towards the Sun!
Unfortunately I didn't get a good photo of it, but I heard it was a hit with the Altra team.
Final Time: 30:29
With one race down and one to go it was time to refuel with water and a banana. The 5k began at 8am with the 10k to follow at 9:30. This left ample time to hit up the restrooms and catch up with friends between races.
Hey sexy bloggers!
Sarah from SparklyRunner
After catching up and refueling it was 9:17am and time to head back to the Start Line for Round 2. We rocked some more sweet dance moves to loosen up and it was GO time.
The 10k started the same way as the 5k, but thankfully avoided one of the bigger hills from the beginning of the 5k by sending us left to cover more ground. Since the race announcer did remind us the 10k would be double the 5k. Oh right.
As we made our way through the first couple of miles, we fell into a nice running groove. It was interesting to run with Doug and Matt who are two mainly ultra marathon trail runners, while Presley and I mainly stick to road racing. It was nice to hear about their racing experiences in ultras compared to those on the road. The more laid back style seems to be the biggest.
Mile 1: 9:59 Mile 2: 9:55 Mile 3: 9:40
We made it through half of the race before someone - Presley - needed a bathroom break. Once she hopped in the port-o-potty we all decided to stop. I don't think I have ever taken the time to have a bathroom break during the 10k, but the quick break was nice.
We were making sure to utilize all the water stops and powerade when available.
After tackling yet another short climb we headed into Bethlehem's historic residential district, where the streets are tree-lined, flat, and wide.
And that is where we saw Editor-In-Chief David Willey running with participants. I saw him running back and forth with runners that I wondered how many miles he was actually logging during the races.
Of course I asked him for a selfie...
His response: "Sure I've already done 10 so far this race." :)
Then the group HAD to be included.
Thanks to David for letting those "bloggers" be selfies #11 and #12.
Mile 4: 10:31 (port-o-potty stop mile)
The crowds were out in full force with handmade signs and tons of high-fives. I would like to say I was 5-for-5 with high fives. Yeah little kids like my style. Haha.
As we wrapped through the Bethlehem neighborhoods, the quaintness of the town really started to show through on that Saturday. The vibrant Fall colors were gorgeous to run through.
All parts of the town were out to cheer on the runners, local churches singing, Lululemon employees out with their witty signs, local high school teams manning the water stops. It was a great vibe.
I need to thank these three for making this race fun and for dealing with my "Guys get over there and take a picture" requests over and over again.
Mile 5: 9:12
During the final mile, we caught up with marathoner and comedian Liz Miele, who would be performing that night before the pasta dinner. It was great to chat with her before her set. We were also hoping it would get us into the act. *Fingers Crossed*
Runner's World gave her a STAFF shirt to wear, which led to many runners to believe she was a writer for Runner's World rather than a comedian. Haha.
Mile 6: 9:04
With yet another Finish Line on the horizon, we needed a game plan. This time we would go for a jumping Finish Line photo. Again I didn't get a good shot of it, but will tell you all it was EPIC.
Runner's World website did a great way describing the Finish Line:
The finish lies under a flaming arch in the shadow of the massive Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces, the first of which went into operation in 1863. From these massive structures, the rail lines that traverse our nation, the Navy ships that fought in both World Wars and countless steel I-beams that serve as the skeletons of many of our nation's iconic skyscrapers were born.
Final Time: 1:1:11
And the Five & Dime was ours!!!
Overall they were beautiful courses with some climbs/hills. I loved the energy of the crowd and the eclectic music along the route. I do wish the time between races was a tad shorter. I know you need to leave ample time for everyone to finish the 5k, but it was tough to have almost an hour between races.
Thank you to Doug, Matt and Presley for keeping me laughing the entire time and reminding me how much fun running with friends can be.
After the races, we stopped by the Expo one more time to snap another Runner's World cover so you could actually see my phone at the top - the previous one was blocked by the title.
We went back to the hotel to clean up and grab some lunch before Matt deserted us to avoid the half spend time with his wife for their anniversary.
***
Next Up: #RWHalf Festival Part 4: A Saturday Night In Bethlehem, PA!
#RWHalf Festival Part 2: Amazing Shakeout Run, Altra Running Fun & Expo!
/Alarms starting blaring at 6am on Friday morning - also known as Day 2 of the Runner's World Half & Festival weekend. Presley from Run Pretty and I blindly started hitting snooze on our iPhones before realizing there was no time for snoozing! Day 1 of the #RWHalf weekend brought us to Runner's World HQ and the Comfort Suites Bar. Since Day 1 set a high bar, I was excited to see what Day 2 would bring.
(Note: Runner’s World did sponsor my participation in the RW Half & Festival, but all comments are my own – ain’t nobody got time for lyin’!)
We headed on downstairs to meet the rest of the bloggers to see what this "Amazing Shakeout Run" the Runner's World PR gurus David and Laura had concocted.
In case you haven't picked up what I am laying down - our "let's take it easy because we have 22.4 miles to run this weekend" shakeout run turned into a "it's Amazing race and I need to win" 4-mile all-out sprint.
Let me back it on up for ya.
We huddled together in the Comfort Suites lobby at 7am on a Friday morning ready to get the 411 from David and Beachy (otherwise known as Laura). They let us know we would be breaking into 4 teams of 4 (each team would be joined by a member of the Altra Running staff).
It was captain time and guess who got picked.
ME!
That's right. Apparently the PR staff thinks I am a tad competitive.
Saayy whhaa?? Not sure where they got that. <>
So I had my power team of Matt from No Meat Athlete, Sarah from Picky Runner, Beth from Shut Up And Run and Brian from Altra.
Please pick a team name. Done.
TEAM DOMINATION
We headed outside behind the hotel to get the first clue, which was sponsored by Skirt Sports. Our Altra rep stood by 4 bags of costumes to help each of the bloggers grab a costume, change and run back to tag the next blogger. Once all 4 bloggers were dressed, you snapped a pic and received your first clue.
Since we were the second team done, we had the added bonus of adding a second Altra employee - yay Ashleigh - to our crew. We bound out of the parking lot.
Now we probably should've stopped and figured out where we were going before leaving the parking lot, but we were ready to roll. That led to a little extra mileage added to our total. While in the moment we regretted, but thankfully didn't hurt our overall performance.
Since this was a group of bloggers we had to Instagram and tweet our locations each time we figured out a clue. Thank GOODNESS I have mastered the art of running and IGing. :)
(Note: This is where my friend and Zelle Editor Elizabeth's son asked her if I was Katie Perry. #DayMade)
As we made our way through the first two clues, the third was sending us to the Sands Casino. Yes for the first time ever I can say I have sprinted through a Casino.
It was JUST before entering the Casino that we made our move from second place to third! Take THAT Team Wombat.
After texting in our final pic to the Runner's World PR team, we received our final clue and headed back to the ArtsQuest building. We were a quick crossword puzzle away from first place.
That's right - WE WON!
Did y'all expect anything less from me? :P
Each Team Domination member will receive a $100 gift card to Altra Running!
Once the other three teams returned, it was breakfast and story time.
While enjoying strawberries and yogurt, Budd Coates spoke to us about his book Running On Air. He was talking about the proper way to breathe while running. He did some exercises with us where I learned I cannot follow directions. Ha.
Following Budd was Golden Harper, creator of Altra Running AND the current marathon record holder for a 12-year-old with 2:45. Yeah you read that right.
It was fascinating to hear more about the Altra Running story. I had no idea the company was so new on the market - about 3 years.
After getting a sneak peek at what Altra is coming out with in 2015, it was time to hear more from iFit.
Prior to #RWHalf weekend, each blogger had been sent an iFit Tracker to test and I had really gotten hooked on mine. In addition to testing out the trackers there was a small competition amongst the bloggers put on my iFit.
And. Guess. Who. Won. :)
MEEE!!!
And I won a...
TREADMILL!
I am BLOWN away and psyched. This will benefit not only me, but my entire family. My mom had her knee replaced this past summer and had been wanting a treadmill. Now we have one. :)
After hearing more about the iFit products, including a membership where you can link google maps to your treadmill and basically run anywhere in the world. I mean really? Wicked cool.
Once I was officially pumped from my win! It was time to get a quick "learn to run" session with Golden before Yoga for Runners.
Yoga for Runners was HILARIOUS. The noises of agony we were making were loud and unanimous.
Since this reiterated that I need to do more yoga, the yoga gear they hooked us up with will come in handy at home. The instructor told me to start with easy poses for 15 minutes a couple of times a week and build up. I let her know how bored I get in yoga classes, which is why she suggested starting small.
After so much activity and winning :P, it was time for lunch. The chefs created another delicious meal out of the Runner's World Cookbook, while we listened to Elizabeth from Zelle and Sean MacMillen from Team RWB.
It was finally time for me to grab my selfie with Bart Yasso! #TripMade
With a happy stomach and an inspired heart, it was time to head back to the hotel, clean up and sneak in a nap before the evening began.
I ended up heading to the Expo with Matt (NoMeatAthlete), Presley (RunPretty) and Doug (RockCreekRunner) for some fun!
We headed to pick up our bib, t-shirt, hat and socks (we got all three since we were doing the hat trick) before heading down to the Expo floor. I made sure to thank our sponsors before gunning for the "Pretend you are on the cover of Runner's World" booth.
Yes folks those covers you saw on social media were in fact fake. Womp womp! :P
Then Presley and I wanted to be recognized on the cover for our selfie taking skills.
What the photog caught
What we caught
Doing a cover shoot was fun. <<Hint Hint Runner's World Hint Hint>>
I made sure to head right over to the Sparkly Soul booth to see my girl Pamela and pick up some of the latest headband designs.
Awesome!
With the Expo officially owned, it was time to do some carbo-loading ... Casino style.
While I personally do not gamble, I am really good at WATCHING other people gamble. ;)
Presley hadn't gambled before so Doug and Matt were going to be the mentors.
The gambling didn't go well so we grabbed salad wraps and headed back to the Comfort Suites for some karaoke. The locals had the place packed so we did our best to grab a table and blend in. Well as much as we could being about 35-30 years younger than the rest of the people in attendance.
Adorable duet from Matt and Doug.
Even Pamela joined in on the fun.
After closing down karaoke (it's how we roll), we all headed upstairs to bed with visions of not one, but two Finish lines dancing through our heads.
***
Up next? #RWHalf Festival Part 3: Five & Dime!
#RWHalf Festival Part 1: Runner's World HQ Tour & S'mores
/When one gets invited by Runner's World to hang out for a weekend of racing and other fun running-related fun, you clear your schedule and jump on the next plane to Emmaus, Pennsylvania! So that is EXACTLY what I did!
Fine you all are on to me. There wasn't much on that calendar anyway, but let this girl dream. Okay?
The Runner's World Half & Festival took place in Bethlehem, PA October 17-19. I, and 14 other bloggers, invaded Bethlehem on October 16 to get a head start. :)
(Note: Runner's World did sponsor my participation in the RW Half & Festival, but all comments are my own - ain't nobody got time for lyin'!)
I headed out to Pennsylvania on a Noon flight on Thursday, but first enjoyed a pre-flight Harpoon IPA. Cheers to a fun weekend!
Once I arrived in Bethlehem, we headed straight out for a fun night at Runner's World HQ.
That's right. This girl got to go to Runner's World mecca. Pretty sweet.
On the ride from our hotel to RW HQ, we were able to get to know each other. I knew a handful of the bloggers, but was excited to meet the rest of the crew.
Here is a list of who was in attendance:
- Matt from No Meat Athlete
- Katie from Ms Fit Runner
- Kristen from Fit Bottomed Girls
- Sarah from Picky Runner
- Ali from Ali on the Run
- Presley from Run Pretty
- Katie from Runs for Cookies
- Jamie from From Couch To Ironwoman
- Beth from Shut Up And Run
- Lauren from The Foodie Runner
- Charlene from FAB Running
- Dick from Better Cheaper Slower
- Aliah from The Get Fit Diva
- Doug from Rock Creek Runner
After enjoying a delicious dinner straight out of Runner's World Cookbook, it was time to have a personal tour of HQ led by the amazing Mayor of Running Bart Yasso and Editor-In-Chief David Willey.
The first stop on the tour was the Kiva. A Kiva is a room used by Puebloans for religious rituals. The writers and editors go in to think, brainstorm and find possible clarity. I tried to bottle up all the positive energy I could from the room. I will be selling it on eBay later. ;)
We continued upstairs to see the actual offices.
As soon as you made your way through the first set of cubicles, you enter an area covered in pictures of Runner's World covers from around the world. In the middle you will find a large table, a standing desk with treadmill and a stationary bike.
A spot where employees can do their work and work out at the same time.
Just around the corner we saw THE wall. The place where the next issue of Runner's World was being drawn up.
Along the top you could see every Runner's World cover since January 2010. David Willey and Bart Yasso shared their stories of their favorite covers. It was fascinating to hear, which they loved more. I wish I had taken down better notes during that time, but I was secretly trying to write Dani and Weight Off My Shoulders on the blank pages of the storyboard for the next Runner's World.
Yeah it didn't work. Darnit!
Then it was time to enter the magical place known as Bart Yasso's office. I cannot put into words the inspiration that room exudes to the people that walk into it. I really did try to harness as much as I could before having to vacate so someone else could get in.
The party continued down the hall to David's office.
David has been the Editor-In-Chief for 11 years and go toe-to-toe with Bart when storytelling. Seriously, I could've listen to those two swapping running stories all night long. I have a lot of reading from Dr. George Sheehan to do based on recommendations from David.
Photo of Dr. George Sheehan hanging in David's office
After a quick visit to the bike room, where the Bicycling Magazine test bikes hang and commuters leave their bikes, it was S'mores time.
Woo! S'mores. I can't remember the last time I had a good S'more. It was great to finish the tour with sugar. :P
Anyone notice Mark Remy totally photobombing my pic? I knew he wanted to get mentioned here on my blog.
After bidding the RW Editors adieu, we loaded on the bus to head back to the Comfort Suites. There was a killer DJ turnin' beats at their bar and we couldn't miss our opportunity to hear some sick tunes!
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Next up? #RWHalf Festival Part 2: Amazing Shakeout Run, Altra Running Fun & Expo!
Terrific Tuesday: Contest Win, Got Chocolate Milk Delivery & A LÄRABAR Announcement
/Whenever I come off a major race weekend - like I just did with the Runner's World Half & Festival - there is always a sad period. It can last a day, a few or even more than a week. So you can guess that yesterday was a blue Monday.
But it all changed today.
Today became one TERRIFIC TUESDAY!
Not one ... not two ... but three amazing things happened today.
Without further ado I need to share it!
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1) I won...
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I will wait here until you watch the video!
Did you watch it?
Don't lie to me.
I will not write anything else until you do.
See!
Hearing the excitement in my voice was worth the watch, right?
I am freakin' psyched. I cannot wait to pick out the treadmill and change the lives of my entire family.
Thanks again iFit and Runner's World!!!
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2) My new Got Chocolate Milk gear and $500 sponsorship money arrived!
I am in love with the new gear! I chose the Triathlon option of the three I was offered. I guess that is really hooking me in to triathlons for the 2015 year, huh? :P
I really did love the sprint triathlons I have done so far and would love to test out some Olympic distances, but I am not sure another Half Ironman will be on my radar. For now at least.
I think I let you all know that the $500 sponsorship money will be used to fund my first Ragnar Relay experience in 2015 - Cape Cod in May with Team Running Down A Dream. Our team is made up of 12 weight loss success stories, who have combined to lose 1300 pounds.
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3) I am excited to be working on a new sponsored campaign with LÄRABAR!
But I am not the only one that is going to benefit. Be sure to tune back to the blog on Friday when my post goes live about my experience with LÄRABAR and the giveaway opens.
Did you catch that? I will be GIVING AWAY a bag complete with assorted LÄRABARs and RENOLA.
Are you getting excited? Well see if you can contain that excitement until Friday! ;)
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Isn't this one sweet sweet way to turn around my post-race blues?
