Two States, One Run

Good morning from Cincinnati!

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Yesterday brought another day of travel and a new city!  Luckily, Delta was kind enough to upgrade me to first class so I could work in comfort during the flight!IMG_4067 (640x478)

Per many of your recommendations on Monday’s post, I’ve spent the past two days trying to knock this cold. I’ve been drinking lots of water, taking my vitamins, eating fruit, washing my hands, getting extra sleep, and cut back on my cardio. Yesterday morning I did workout with my trainer but we did a heavy weights day versus doing cardio intervals. IMG_4069 (478x640)

Luckily, I woke up this morning feeling like my normal self because I had a running date with one of my colleagues, Erin! Erin reads the blog daily so when she mentioned that she was also in Cincinnati I knew a short run would be the perfect way to catch up, answer some of her running questions, and enjoy Cincinnati. Believe it or not, this was the first time I’ve run outside during a visit to downtown Cincinnati even though I come here for work at least 4 times per year!

My hotel provided us with an easy to read running map so we didn’t have to think about our route.

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I highly recommend asking the front desk of any hotel you’re visiting for a running map before you head out. They can point you in the right direction to ensure your safety and enjoyment. It makes running in a foreign city a lot easier!

You see that thick blue line on the map? That’s the Ohio River which separates Northern Kentucky from Ohio! We immediately knew we wanted to do that run since it would allow for some great views and hill work on the bridges.

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The 3.1 mile run took us over two bridges and through the newly renovated Newport on the River area. The run was done before I knew it due to the great company and constant conversation! Before I knew it we were back at our hotel with burning quads and smiles on our faces!

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This was the perfect way to shake out my legs before tomorrow’s long run!

Question: If you run when traveling to new cities, how do you find walking or running routes?

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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.

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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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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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