ashleyd /

A Walk Down Memory Lane…

This morning came early as our alarm went off at 4am. Bo and I had 45 minutes to shower, pack, and get dressed before heading out the door for the airport. As you may recall, we are spending the weekend in South Bend, Indiana to be with family as we celebrate the life of my grandmother and uncle both of whom recently passed away. It is a bittersweet weekend walk down memory lane as I was supposed to be in Meg’s wedding this weekend. But, at the end of the day, family comes first and that is what this weekend is all about. Spending the day with my family meant so much to both Bo and me as the day progressed.

Luckily, our travels were smooth. This was the first connecting flight I’ve taken in ages. There are very few direct flights to South Bend from NYC so our options were far and few between when we booked the flight two weeks ago. During our quick 20 minute layover in Detroit Bo and I were able to snag breakfast. We were craving something healthy yet substantial as we knew we wanted to squeeze in a quick run when we arrived in South Bend. I was apprehensive when I saw that Einstein’s Brothers Bagels was our only choice. However, I was pleased to see their advertisement for the new bagel thins.  I enjoyed a Bagel Thin sandwich complete with egg whites, spinach, and tomatoes. It needed some salt and ketchup but was otherwise a delicious carb and protein mix.

As we were boarding our plane it started to pour! I was worried that our flight would be delayed but luckily these ugly clouds didn’t keep us from reaching South Bend!

After arriving, I made good on my promise to Bo and took him on a tour of Notre Dame campus via a 4 mile run. It was a tough run for me as it was my first outdoor run in the last couple of weeks. But, I finished it and will do it again tomorrow. Hopefully after a few days back on the pavement I’ll feel more confident about my upcoming half marathon. Regardless, campus was absolutely gorgeous and Bo felt the beauty and magic that I felt on this campus growing up.

After our run we met up with my family and aunt for a walk down memory lane. It included some of my aunt and dad’s favorite old places in South Bend.

Blog Pictures 2010 149The State Theatre downtown which was showing Casablanca today only!

Blog Pictures 2010 162Blog Pictures 2010 161

My close friends and family know that during football season my heart is split between two teams, UGA and Notre Dame. I was a Notre Dame cheerleader for FIVE Halloweens in a row and grew up singing the fight song every Saturday as my dad and his entire family grew up in South Bend and their lives revolved around Notre Dame. Blog Pictures 2010 148  Random gorilla sighting? It turns out the owner of a local chocolate store thinks South Bend needs more outdoor art and this gorilla is the first of many sculptures. Interesting article here.Blog Pictures 2010 157Blog Pictures 2010 151 Blog Pictures 2010 153 Blog Pictures 2010 154 Blog Pictures 2010 155 My dad and his family grew up with this bakery. Every single birthday cake, Saturday treat, etc came from the hallowed walls of this buttercreamed filled bakery. Dad and Rusty indulged on a few delicious petite fours this afternoon. I must admit, this was the best petite four I’ve ever had.   Blog Pictures 2010 160  As you can see from my aunt and father above, this weekend is all about family and being with loved ones. I am so blessed that Bo and I are able to share this. It is truly helping him understand more and more about my roots. The walk down memory lane continues later this evening with dinner at Roco’s, South Bend’s oldest pizzeria and the place they grew up with. In fact, this friendly face served them a fresh slice every Friday night for over 20 years! Delicious pizza here I come! Hopefully this will be the perfect treat before a long run tomorrow morning.

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ashleyd /

A Picture Ode to Meg and Healthy Travel Tips

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!
 
<—This is our OLDEST picture! This is my 20th birthday and the Bulldogs were a new addition in downtown Athens!!
 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!!



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Eating healthy on the go, three questions, a shopping gal’s favorite site, and some special arrivals

Happy Thursday!
What a day it has been already and it’s only 2:30pm! I had to be up and out the door before the sun this morning to drive the 3 hour trek to Harrisburg for my weekly meeting. Unfortunately today’s drive was dark, rainy, slow, and gloomy. But, I did enjoy some quality car dancing and singing thanks to Brittney, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and DMB. I am so glad that this only has to happen 5 more times before I start my new role which will be based out of our NYC office! Every week I drive to Harrisburg at least once and that means having my breakfast and lunch on the go. Therefore, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to provide some tips for eating healthy even if the only option you have is a gas station!
1) Always be prepared! The night before, I put together my breakfast, snack, and lunch so the next morning all I have to do is grab my lunchbox and head out. Normally my on the road breakfasts are either a) greek yogurt, frozen fruit, and kashi b) whole wheat english muffin, 3 egg whites, 1 piece cheese c) refrigerator oats. These are pretty easy to eat while driving especially if you’re not in stop and go traffic. In addition, I always make sure to pack plenty of napkins, a Tide pen for any mishaps, and an extra fork and spoon. My favorite snack is an apple because it’s neat and I can just throw the core out when i’m done. Lunch gets tricky sometimes because I don’t know how long I’ll be in meetings but normally a sandwich, carrot & celery sticks, and a bag of Popchips or Soycrisps will keep well in the car and hold me over quite well.
2) Okay I forgot to prepare ahead of time- now what? Okay, so you overslept or you were too exhausted to pack the night before. In this case you have to be creative and a bit flexible. The best option is often a Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks. Even the gas station Dunkin Donuts offer their breakfast “lighter” flatbread option which is less than 400 calories and provides a healthy mix of carbs and protein. I love Starbuck’s oatmeal value meal which allows me to enjoy a latte and oats for less than $4! If you are watching calories stick to just the oats and some of the nuts as the sugar and dried fruits can be calorie dense. If they sell bananas you can grab that for some added nutrients and flavor. If your only option is a gas station or train station almost EVERYWHERE sells some type of fruit (apple, orange, banana), protein (nuts), boxed cereal, or bar. If you go the bar or cereal route make sure you check out the nutritionals. Your goal is to find something that will give you at least 200 calories, some protein, and not too much sugar. A few of my favorites that are normally available in the dingiest of rest stops are Cheerios, South Beach Bars, and good old fashioned Nature’s Valley granola bars. While I realize these are not all natural and have more chemicals than I’d like to imagine they will do the job if you are in a bind. If it’s lunch or dinner time and you’re on the road you can almost always find a fast food restaurant that has a salad. This is your best option IF you leave the high fat dressing 50 miles back and go with a no or low calories dressing and do your best to add some protein. During long road trips, Bo and I have ordered 2 salads and 2 chicken sandwhiches from McDonalds only to throw the bread away and cut the chicken up to eat with our salad. Another option is a baked potato with vegetables as long as you avoid butter or “special” sauces. Health Magazine has a great article regarding America’s “Healthiest” Fast Food Restaurants that is very eye opening! I highly suggest reading this for more ideas!
Okay, thanks to Kristin’s idea i’m going to join in Three Questions Thursday. I’d love to see your responses as well!
If you could have one super power, what would it be? Would you wear a cape?
Ashley: I’d be able to twinkle my nose and arrive at my destination. My hips and butt are so sore from long car trips!
Bo: I’d be able to read people’s minds but only when I wanted to have the ability. It definitely needs to be able to turn off and on. 
What ’s your favorite “guilty pleasure” show?
Would you believe me if I said that Monday night, while Bo was doing work, I laid in bed catching up on 90210 on www.cwtv.com?
Bo: Star Trek!? (Yeah so 5.5 years and I HAD NO clue he ever watched it!)
What would you choose for your ideal last meal on earth?
I would travel to Savannah and enjoy a dinner at home with my family and friends that was catered by Elizabeths on 37th for the appetizer, my dad’s ribs for the meat, my mom’s sweet potato casserole, and then her amazing yellow cake with choclate icing.
Bo: (Bo thinks it can only be one thing/place..so boring) Le Bernadin or Per Se. 
Also, if you’re a girl who loves shopping and getting great deals then I highly recommend joining Ideeli. Click this link www.ideeli.com/invite/aerudolph to join!!
Last but not least, THANK YOU to all the wonderful folks who sponsored Bobbi (NHerShoes) for the San Diego Marathon! We earned the last penny today and she is signing up tonight!! Thank you goes out to Monica, Kristin, Melissa, Leslie, Sara, Jennifer, Lacey, Janetha, Shannon, and Danica!

This afternoon I was greeted with a package from Pop Chips and Newman’s Organics and can’t wait to sample the products! Our cave is getting very full, very quickly!! A thorough review will come later this week!

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