Macy’s Passport Glamorama Event

Last night, I had the opportunity to celebrate the 13th Annual Macy’s Passport Glamorama event in Chicago with my team. Glamorama brings high fashion and musical performances together in the beautiful Chicago Theatre for one night benefiting the area Ronald McDonald House charities! IMG_3916 (478x640)Each year there is a different theme and musical performance. This year’s theme was Artrageous with performances by Far East Boys and Cee Lo Green!   IMG_3918 (478x640)After a full day of work, I had two hours to go from business casual to “artrageous chic.”

IMG_3892 (478x640) The week’s travel was finally catching up with me and I had zero energy by 4pm. Therefore, I indulged a bit with a blowout at Studio 110 and a makeover at Bloomingdales, both of which were conveniently located across the street from the hotel.

IMG_3867 (640x478) When traveling, always take advantage of your hotels concierge. The Westin concierge was able to quickly book me an appointment at Studio 110 and secure an “out of town” discount. The salon was very shabby chic with chandeliers and fun pops of color abounding between long plush lady chairs.

191551_10150163142826011_69975056010_8595581_2101055_oForty five minutes later, I went from the wet bun look to a blow out filled with volume and even a few teased strands!

IMG_3899 (640x480) Next stop, the Bobbi Brown counter at Bloomingdales! Within minutes, I enjoyed a natural makeover and discovered a new to me makeup line whose artists can truly make the natural look beautiful. I can’t stand the “tramp” or “vamp” look and was therefore elated with this more natural look.

IMG_3904 (640x480) My outfit for the evening has been my go to travel cocktail dress this year, frequenting Miami, 21st birthdays, Las Vegas, and now Chicago!

IMG_3905 (478x640)It was so nice to enjoy two hours of pampering and relaxation, for only the price of the blowout, versus rushing around trying to do it all on my own. Only having to slip on a pair of heels, brush my teeth, and walk into my dress was a nice change of pace.

Next up was the big event, the Glamorama!

IMG_3915 (478x640) The Chicago Theatre was amazing inside!

IMG_3919 (612x612) IMG_3922 (640x478) IMG_3923 (640x478)Packed to the brim with people in the season’s hottest fashions and heels to die for, it was a wonderful night of fashion, on and off the stage.

IMG_3961 (640x478) The designers featured in last night’s show included Tracy Reese, Jean Paul Gaultier, Karl Lagerfeld, and Marc Jacobs to name a few.

IMG_3924 (640x478) IMG_3928 (640x478) IMG_3944 (640x478) IMG_3942 (640x478) IMG_3945 (640x478) IMG_3946 (640x478)IMG_3951 (640x478) Even better than the fashion was the entertainment in between the fashion!

There were adorable and talented dancing youngsters.

IMG_3929 (640x478) IMG_3932 (640x478) Followed by two musical guests, Far East Movement and Cee Lo Green. Check out the fun videos I captured!

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I loved when they did like a G6!

Far East Movement rocked the house! I loved each of the songs they did and wanted to immediately add them to my running playlist. Their dance moves were equally as skilled as their music and the crowd energy was high the entire time due to their engagement. IMG_3962 (640x478) IMG_3965 (640x478)

However, I was very disappointed in Cee Lo Green, who was wearing jean shorts and a polyester too tight shirt. He seemed frustrated on stage and not excited. It wasn’t until he finally did his hit “F*ck You” that he was pumped up, animated, and dancing around.

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A Perfect Scenic Chicago Run

Good morning from Chicago!

It’s hard to believe that I’ve run in New York, San Francisco, and Chicago this week! It’s been a whirlwind week for sure.

Yesterday, after a morning of meetings, I had an early afternoon flight to Chicago. The flight was uneventful and the morning’s long run meant that I was able to sleep for a a solid four hours.

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Upon arriving in Chicago, I was craving one thing: deep dish pizza. Even though I spent a wonderful weekend here last summer for Healthy Living Summit, I never had the opportunity to try this local treat.

Luckily, my manager was craving the same thing! Within minutes, we’d left our hotel in search of a local deep dish restaurant. Our concierge recommended Lou Malnatis, a local pizzeria located less than a mile from our hotel.

By 8:30, when we arrived, there was no line which resulted in quick, wonderful service!

Lou Malnati's Shines!

 

 

 

 

 

After studying the menu for a few minutes, we decided to share a medium Lou.

The "Lou"
A pizza so good we gave it his name!  Fresh spinach, mushrooms and sliced tomatoes covered with a blend of mozzarella, romano and cheddar cheese. No substitutions please.

The Lou did not disappoint!

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A slice and a half later I was happy and full! This was the perfect way to begin our quick trip to Chicago and fuel an easy morning shake out run.

Our hotel provides a perfect running map for runs in the area.

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My legs and hips were tight this morning but I knew an easy run would help loosen them right up!

The views were amazing and the other runners were inspiring as they sprinted past me on Lake Shore Drive!

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What a fabulous way to start the day in Chicago! If you’re looking for a flat and scenic route while visiting Chicago I highly recommend this 3.4 mile path.

Happy Friday!

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San Francisco Long Run

 

Good morning from cool but beautiful San Francisco!

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This morning I woke up 45 minutes later than planned, at 4:45, not knock out my long run.

I am proof that business travel doesn’t have to ruin your workout schedule!

Running in a new city, especially completing a long run, does take some extra planning. Before flying out to San Francisco, I referenced Google Maps and Twitter to find a perfect running route. I knew that I needed something relatively flat and that I wanted to see the San Francisco sights.

Luckily, multiple Twitter followers responded with suggested routes and tidbits of information.

In addition to figuring out a route, I also packed a few items that normally wouldn’t make it into my suitcase.

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  • Camelbak
  • Luna Bar to eat pre-run
  • A Gu packet
  • Garmin AND Garmin charger
  • Multiple layers since the weather is cool in San Francisco
  • Pepper Spray and a whistle for safety

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By 5am, I was out the door and ready for a slow and steady run. My goal was to keep my pace around a 10:30 today since I knew that 6 hours of travel yesterday and the time change had taken a toll on my body. I also decided early on to focus on the sights and sounds around me and actually ran without music for the first half of the run!

I captured some of the views so you could enjoy the sights of San Francisco’s Embarcadero and Ferry district. I only wish you could smell the fresh Sourdough Bread!

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Oh wait, who’s that you ask? Well, the beauty of Twitter and the blog world is that Katherine and I figured out that we’re both out in San Francisco for work this week! Even though we only live a few blocks apart in NYC, we’d never met. It was the perfect way to get to know someone, power through the last few miles, and enjoy the sights. She joined me for the last 3-4 miles which really helped as my legs were growing tired after the hills around mile 6-7.

My final time today was 2:06 which came to a 10:24 pace. While it isn’t quite as fast as I’m hoping to get, it’s definitely a pace I’m proud of considering that I spent 6 hours on a plane yesterday, didn’t have the best pre long run dinner last night, and only slept a few hours! In addition, it was a great way to see San Francisco!

Question: What city do you dream of touring on foot? I really want to tour Italy via bike someday but I’d love to run through Paris in the Spring!

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