FitBloggin_Honesty

In all honesty…

It shouldn’t have been so damn hard toΒ getΒ to the fitness/blog conference (FitBloggin’) in Savannah from Connecticut, but it was. Β After hoping a puddle jumper to DC, I sat there, delayed for an hour before getting on another puddle jumper, where we were told the following:

What the pilot said: Β “This aircraft is restricted to flying with the landing gear down so we’re waiting on a new flight plan.”

What I heard: “This plane has malfunctioning landing gear, is old, crappy and we may not make it to Savannah alive.”

There were several additional issues with the plane (obviously since it’s not safe for flight!) and twoΒ hours later we were in a different terminal, on another plane, and finally arrived in Savannah about 9 hours after I left CT. Β Did I mention how much I hate to fly? Β This was not a good start.

The actual text messages I was sending to my husband who was trying to talk me off the ledge...

The actual text messages I was sending to my husband who was trying to talk me off the ledge… This is pretty much the only one I can post without A. being reported for foul language and Β  Β  Β  Β  Β B. Sounding more like a complete lunatic.

 

In all honesty…

I couldn’t have been more excited to see my blog friends and do shots:

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Ok, so they were not shots but samples of fruity, slushy drinks we were trying out. Β It was still so much fun to see Nellie (Brooklyn Active Mama), Cassandra (Losing It In The City), and Kimberly (Manifest Yourself) even though they had to walk me home early so I could get plenty of sleep before my 5am wake-up call for Boot Camp!

In all honesty…

Erin’s (Dig Deep Play Hard) Boot Camp was the best class I went to at the conference. It was everything I love in a workout – challenging, disgustingly sweaty, outdoors, original and moving every muscle. Β Huge props to Erin, who had her husband helping out while also watching her infantΒ daughter, who she brought to the conference. Β Can you say “SHERO?” Yep.

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I know it looks like we’re in a ghetto, but it was actually a gorgeous park right down the street from the host hotel. PHOTO CREDIT: Carrie D. Photography

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Of course we became fast friends (pun intended) and went for a sweaty, sweltering run the following afternoon. It was great.

 

In all honesty…

I would not have made it through the conference without Melissa Burton from the ValentineRD. Β She was my marketing manager, calmer of fears, planner of meals and point person for the who-is-who of fitness conferencing. Β Melissa, you know I love you and I could not have made it through the conference or my IgniteΒ speech without you. Β I also wouldn’t have gotten so much loot and eaten so well. Β You are an angel from heaven…or um, Brooklyn. I cannot wait to see you again!

Me and my girl. If I look nauseous, it's because this was taken moments before my Ignite speech. Yikes!

Me and my girl. If I look nauseous, it’s because this was taken moments before my Ignite speech. Yikes!

 

Get 'em while they're hot!  VEGA bars!  Fuel is delicious and nutritious.

Get ’em while they’re hot! VEGA bars! Fuel is delicious and nutritious.

 

My favorite things - food and much deserved adult beverages.  Ahhhh.

My favorite things – food and much deserved adult beverages. Ahhhh.

 

In all honesty…

I was scared shitless to give my Ignite speech about my journey from small town duathlon race, to Spain for the World Championship. Β Alcohol, lots of rehearsing and the sheer support from all the attendees at the conference, led me to actually being calm during my delivery and excited to share my story. Β It was awesome. I’m hoping to have an the whole thing on good quality video at some point (I know you’re all just dying to see the whole thing) but right now, this is all I got. Β You know who to thank too – Melissa!

 

In all honesty…

I loved meeting celebrities at FitBloggin’. Β When I found out that Arian Foster was going to be there, I freaked! Β For those of you who don’t know, he’s an all-pro running back for the Houston Texans. Β I did not mention I am a Green Bay fan. Β That would have just been rude. Β Instead I took a selfie with him. Β And so did everyone else there. Β Seriously.

PHOTO CREDIT: Carrie D. Photography

PHOTO CREDIT: Carrie D. Photography

Why was he there? Good question. Β He’s invested in an amazingly delicious company called Health Warrior who make (among other things) Chia Bars. Love. Β A lot more about them in upcoming posts…

And then this guy showed up for a morning run on Sunday…

Jeff Galloway. The man. The myth. The walker through water station God of running.

Jeff Galloway. The man. The myth. The walker through water station God of running.

I can (in all honesty) say that Jeff and his wife were two of the nicest people ever. Β If he’s tired of meeting and energizing new runners, he didn’t seem it. Β Also, in case you’re interested, he had black coffee, eggs and lots of fruit for breakfast. Β If I were you, I would have what he’s having.

In all honesty…

You must read these blogs. Β After meeting these women in person, I couldn’t wait to read what they wrote on their blogs and how they inspired their readers. I wasn’t disappointed. Β If you haven’t checked them out – just do it!

Jesica – rUnladylikeΒ  (She runs for BrooksΒ and we don’t.Β ’nuff said.)

Sarah – Β RunFarGirlΒ  (you won’t believe what happened toΒ her at the conference!)

Melissa – MelissaRunningItΒ (she showed me how to take a better selfie…and where the milk for my coffee was. Genius!)

Danielle – T Rex RunnerΒ (You know you want to know why she calls herself that. Β I dare you not to find out!)

Lauren – Breathe Deeply and SmileΒ  (I only met her briefly, but it was on a 6 miler. Β She had already done 6 alone before it. Β READ!)

Selfie with Jes of rUnladylike - on a HUGE bridge, for a 6 miler on our last day in Savannah.

Selfie with Jes of rUnladylike – on a HUGE bridge, for a 6 miler on our last day in Savannah.

Action shot! Coming down the home stretch from that 6 miler.

Action shot! Coming down the home stretch from that 6 miler. From left – Jesica, Me, Lauren and Sarah. Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β PHOTO CREDIT: Carrie D. Photography

 

In all honesty…

I could go on and on and on about the conference but I think this is enough for one day. Β I’m completely aware that I didn’t even touch on the classes and presenters. Β I’m saving it (like a decedent piece of dark chocolate) for another post. Β I will say that the conference had me spinning. Β This was my very first bloggingΒ eventΒ and it ran the gamut from amazingly engaging and interesting, to completely and utterly overwhelming and unexpected.

On my last day, I was able to find some quiet time for a leisurely stroll down a perfectly named street:

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And I’m happy to report that I had a very uneventful trip homeΒ and,Β upon arrival, I was tackled with hugs and kisses. It’s always good to come home…

Finish my sentence – In all honesty…

Have you been to a work conference lately? What takeaways did you have?

Have you ever been to Savannah? Β What was your favorite food?

 

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