Five Miles Along Lake Michigan

If you’re new to my blog, then I guess I should let you know that running in a new city is one of my favorite things to do when I travel, whether with Bo, friends, or work. It’s a great way to appreciate the city from a different vantage point and feel like a local.

This week’s work trip was no exception and therefore I was looking forward to my five miler in Chicago as soon as I landed! The weather was supposed to be pretty perfect for August, a cool 70 degrees at daybreak, and super sunny.

Tuesday night, upon checking in at our hotel, I chatted with the front desk to verify my planned route that I’d put together on Map My Run. I highly having locals review your route if you’re in a new city to ensure that it is safe. 

Due to this planning, I was able to wakeup and head out quickly Wednesday morning for five miles along Lake Michigan before my breakfast work meeting. The sight that greeted me as I exited the hotel was breathtaking.

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I took the pedestrian tunnel under the highway over to the Chicago Lakefront Trail along the lake and Navy Pier area.  This path is a runner’s paradise as it is 18 miles long (hear that NYC?!) , paved, and includes amenities such as bathrooms, frequent water fountains, storage lockers, and restaurants.

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As soon as I exited on the other side I was greeted with the beachfront and a scene of swimmers heading into the lake for their morning run along with throngs of runners and bikers. It was inspiring to see so many other people out this early, enjoying the wonderful weather.

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I put in my headphones and just started running along the water, enjoying the scenery and my legs’ unexpected freshness and energy.

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I even saw a runner carrying a large American flag around mile 2.

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I turned around when I saw 2.5 miles pop up on my Garmin, right along a beach area where there were people doing boot camps, taking yoga, enjoying sand personal training sessions, and swimming in the water. While I love running in Central Park, this area of Chicago is pretty amazing and offers so many different fitness options.

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How great would Sun & Moon Beach Yoga be for a Thursday happy hour option after a long day of work?

A kind woman offered to snap a picture of me as she noticed me taking pictures at my turnaround point. A NYC runner enjoying a great Chicago run!

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My views running back towards the hotel were even better as I had the sand and lake to my left and the skyline in front of me.

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Five miles done bright and early before a long day of meetings! I especially loved the negatives splits during this progression run including my last mile at 9:36! Have I mentioned how ready I am for cooler, Fall weather in New York City? My marathon training will be forever thankful if it comes earlier versus later.

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What is your favorite running city?

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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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