This weekend I have the great opportunity to spend time with one of my best friends, Meg! She and I have been friends since sophomore year of college but we’ve become even closer over the last three years. She was one of my bridesmaids back in November and I get to grace her side at her May 8th wedding this year! I’m so excited for she and Spencer. They are a fabulous, happy couple who even share their career passion, Chick-Fil-A. They met through Chick-Fil-A and have definitely had some amusing experiences as a work couple over the last year. In fact, here is a picture of the happy couple dancing at our wedding. *sigh*

I’m excited that tomorrow night she and I get to connect and catch up. We always end up drinking one too many glasses of wine and enjoying hours of couch conversations in our pjs! In fact, I was suddenly motivated to find the oldest pictures I have of us through the years. I love Facebook for that reason! Here is a photo montage to our amazing friendship. As you can tell we’ve definitely evolved over the years through good haircuts, boyfriends, and campus activities. But the laughter keeps on coming and I think our complexions balance each other out quite well in pictures. 🙂 I can’t believe all we’ve been through in 7 years!

 

 Saturday we’re meeting the rest of the girls at Chateau Elan, a winery and spa in northeast Georgia outside of Atlanta. I’m trying to balance my traning plan with the trip. While I should be fine for the half since we ran 11 miles last week and I often don’t run more than 10 before an event, I would like to get more runs in before the half. I’m going to do 5 miles tomorrow morning and hopefully do at least 4 miles Saturday morning. In advance of my quick trip down to Atlanta I thought i’d provide a few healthy travel tips i’ve learned from 4 years of business traveling and some other travel savvy ladies like Meghann, Tina, and others.

1. Never travel empty handed. I always carry my beloved Sigg with me so I can keep hydrated constantly. Flying dehydrates me almost as much as a long run and therefore I try to avoid alchohol and soda. The air is very dry (and recycled) when you fly, and alcohol, which has its diuretic effects, can be much more potent. Either compensate with more water, or reduce alcoholic intake. Otherwise, headaches and bloating may become your unwelcome travel partners.

2. Always carry some “emergency food.”  I can’t stand wasting money in airports. One small bag of nuts or chips and a bottle of water can put me back $5! Therefore, i’ve already packed a few snacks in my purse for this weekend’s trip. I’m taking 2 Glo Bakery bars and an apple.

3. Wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes. I love walking around the airport while i’m waiting. If I have a carry on bag I roll it behind me while I powerwalk the airport. This is a great pastime when my flights are delayed. In addition, I’ll download a podcast before my trip so I can listen to a book while walking.

4. Wear socks! If you don’t want to stand barefoot on the floor at the security checkpoint make sure to wear socks or tights. In addition, due to swelling which takes place during a flight it’s far more comfortable to slip of your shoes during a flight.

5. Pop your vitamins before flight! Fresh air is a foreign concept on flights, and in such confined quarters you may be susceptible to air-borne infections or diseases.

 

See you tomorrow for the Rudi’s Giveaway winner!!