There’s nothing like four days in sin city to put your health in perspective. From the alcohol and smoking to outrageous food choices and overall indulgence of pretty much everything, it’s the place to be when you need a break from say 30 inches of snow. The weather was warm, the company was fantastic and the entertainment was non-stop. I was able to get a lot of my workouts done without interfering with any of the fun and activities. After all, there was a 40-foot Brittany staring at me each morning from the Planet Hollywood casino across the way telling me to “work bitch” with her eyes. Yes, she was.
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 23, 2015
RUNNING: I started off the week with two more treadmill runs (shocking!) and then flew to Vegas to once again run on the treadmill. Really? The gym in my tower at Caesar’s was awful. There was a view of the top of an adjacent building, the TechnoGym treadmill was super annoying because of the delayed response of the touchscreen, the lever to change your pace and a constant error message display that I had to keep hitting “ok” to, all while doing speed work. But the sun was streaming though the window so really, how could I complain?
After the less then stellar gym experience, I decided to run out on the strip the second day. I was a little nervous so I made my husband take note of the time and the outfit I was wearing. He did and I set off. It was a pretty pleasant experience overall and more like obstacle course running with all the stairs, street crossing and people. I treated it like a Spartan race and had the splits to prove it. My poor Garmin was all over the place with my pacing but I managed a 7:40 overall and 6 miles total. Not bad for a Friday morning in Vegas.
Since I was flying all day yesterday, I had to push my long run out until today. We also have another 6 inches of snow on the ground so I haven’t yet figured out how and when I’m getting 14 miles in but, where there’s a will…
Clearly I need a giant Brittany staring at me for some motivation.
Total miles: 25 with 6 on the vegas strip!
Me against Shalane in the Nike store at Caesar’s Palace Forum Shops. I think I can take her!
CYCLING & SWIMMING: Due to the buses not being able to start in my town on the morning I teach spin, class was once again canceled. The Y follows the school schedule so there’s was a lot of confusion that morning since there was no snow. Good times. I was able to ride my bike trainer at home and went to the gym later on to get my swim done! I pretty much felt like I was working out all day.
FUEL: If there’s one thing there’s no shortage of in Vegas it’s drunks, flicker cards and food! I was happiest eating my salted pretzels at Gordon Ramsay’s pub, drinking a Basil Vodka concoction at the steakhouse at Caesar’s and indulging in tiny little truffles left by my bed each night.
Don’t worry, I had shrimp and grits with this bloody Mary. It was amazing!
THINGS I LOVE: Vegas baby! I don’t think I’ve actually ever gambled one single dollar in Las Vegas. Of all the times we have been I just have fun relaxing, shopping and eating and drinking with whatever group of friends happen to be on the trip. I also just love alone time with my husband. Your life changes when you can return to being two adults again, with no kids and no one and nothing else to worry about but yourselves, if only for a few days. It was exactly what we needed and we took full advantage of it!
Hot pants and a hot date. What’s not to love?
THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH:Â A chatty pilot. It’s bad enough we had to fly home into a snowstorm, I don’t need the pilot telling me the following, before we took-off from Charlotte:
“We’re delayed at the gate here because one of the deicing valves isn’t working properly.” (this makes me think we’re going to die)
“We have to sit on the runway for about 3 minutes here to burn off some fuel because we’re overweight for take-off.” (this makes me think we’re going to die on take-off)
Literally just after take-off: “Well, it’s snowing pretty good in Hartford and visibility is decreasing. We’re going to try to get you in there but if we have to be re-routed there’s no airports to be re-routed too so we’ll have to come back here.” (this makes me want to kill the pilot)
By the grace of God we landed safely in Hartford, there were plows all over the place, and it took us another hour to drive home. Given the state of the roads on the way home, it’s obvious my state has said “F**k it” and is no longer making an effort to plow. I was never so happy to see my bed!
This is not the view I wanted although I was just happy to be on the ground in Hartford! All those lights are plows clearing the runways.
READING: One of my most favorite things was sitting poolside and reading. I honestly think I could do that everyday for the rest of my life…after my run of course…and never get tired of it. I finished The Husband’s Secret which I absolutely loved and started The Girl On The Train. It began a little slowly for me but got extremely interesting very quickly. I cannot wait to see how this one ends!
Just looking at this now makes me want to cry.
MUSIC: It’s non-stop in Vegas and I love it! One of the best bars for music at Caesar’s was Fizz. It’s owned by Elton John and has all these very, very cool photographs on the walls.
The drink menu had my sister-in-law in heaven since they are mostly champagne based. There were also a lot of choices with egg whites in them. Weird yes, but somehow made me feel like it was part of my training. #Rockystyle #Icanjustifyanything
Egg whites and alcohol? Yes please.
TV: Do you think the Dr. Phil show is a good choice for the television at a spa? Neither do I. I was beyond excited to have a massage and manicure at the Qua spa and it was completely relaxing until I went into the waiting room and started watching Dr. Phil. I don’t think I knew talk shows like this existed anymore. Are these people for real or is this like wrestling where they fake it for a pay day? I’m going with the latter.
Luckily I had this view during my manicure. I can’t wait to start doing dishes again so I can ruin it.
RANDOM QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Vegas brings out the dumb in me.” – my husband, after spoiling not one but two of my upcoming birthday surprises. Vegas has been known to scramble the brain.
And, just for the record, the damn dress is WHITE AND GOLD!
How was your week?
Have you been to Vegas?
What are you reading?
What fun! I haven’t been to Vegas in forever. Great memories!
It’s a constant party and I just love it. Not the best for fitness but… 🙂
Sounded like a great time was had all around but how could you not, I mean it is Vegas! But still so glad you did and love how you ended this with that damn dress! 😉
Hahaha!! Thanks Janine!
SO JEALOUS!!!! But one question….what makes running in vegas so bad? Just cars everywhere? I have never been, but hope to go. I cannot imagine running on the treadmill, but hearing about your jumpy pace run makes me worried! Looks like you made the most of the moments you had there in the sunshine. Bet it was just the refresher you needed to take on the last of the winter 🙂
I was stuck to just running on the strip. The issue is that, because so many people have been hit by cars there there’s no straight line sidewalk. There are tons of stairs that lead to overpasses or into casinos making it impossible to run in a straight line down the sidewalk. There certainly aren’t any running trails and it’s too dangerous to run off the strip. Unfortunately there’s a lot of homeless people and tons of drug use so it’s just not safe, especially for women. However, I’m sure there are gorgeous running trails outside of the Vegas strip, I just didn’t have a car or the time to drive out to them. The view of the mountains from the casinos is amazing and I’m sure the running is great too – if you can get there!
Oh honey bunches. The dress is obviously blue and black. (Hugs for your eyes) lmao
Dr. Phil at a spa?! Dr. Phil has become the Maury show and it’s so so horrible.
I would be scared to run on the strip too!! Smart move letting hubby know your wardrobe because I’ve seen many datelines that start (and end) in Vegas!! Lol
That pilot would have made ME nervous and I don’t mind flying. Geez!
OMG my husband is in your crazy camp when it comes to the dress!!! hahahaha
It was a little scary on the strip but the sun felt so, so good that it was totally worth it. But, you know I was playing a CSI version of my run in my head the whole time! It helped me pick up the pace!!
The woman next to me on the plane was the same way. She was like “geez, I wasn’t afraid until he started talking!!” I mean really.
As I sit here waiting to catch a flight, I hope and pray our pilot is not chatty like that. If we are going to die, let it be a surprise. Please and thank you. The sunshine, pool and everything looks divine. I could use some of that right now!
Seriously! Now I know how newbie runners feel when we say things like “easy 10 miler” or “I screamed in the shower from chafing.” I know it’s just another day in the office for a pilot but keep it to yourself!!
Love this and I’m so incredibly jealous. So glad you had an awesome time. I was locked indoors, again for another 18 miles on the treadmill…so over it, I need to go to Vegas ASAP.
I just read that and I know how awful it can be! That’s exactly why I just HAD to run on the strip.
I also just finished a snowy and windy 14 miler. It sucks to be home.
When I was in Vegas, I would run the strip so early in the morning that I would be dodging the drunks still stumbling out of the casinos. They were hilarious and pathetic all at the same time. We share the same winter weather so I cannot fathom why you allowed yourself near a treadmill for any reason when you had warm sun to run under. Other than that, your trip looked fantastic. Glad you had fun! And, yes, the dress IS white and gold.
Oh yes, they were out in full force! I went a tad too far (past Circus Circus) and quickly turned around and headed back!!
So glad you know the true color of the dress 🙂
I read the husbands secret too Allie and I loveddddd it! 🙂
I seriously had my hand to my mouth during one point and just couldn’t believe it. I love a good plot twist!!! Did you read Big Little Lies by the same author? It’s equally fantastic.
Sunshine! I need that so badly right now! Glad you got all your workouts in- I missed my 20 again because my body just said no, and I spent Sunday in bed instead. Starting to feel better today but still weak and not myself. Back on track soon, I hope!!
Oh no!! I’m sorry to hear that Laura. There’s a lot of sickness going around since this winter is just punishing us. At least you can rest and recover and still have many weeks before Boston. Take care of yourself mama!!
Sounds like a fantastic time. I have never been to Vegas but really want to go some day. If nothing else to get out of this shit weather. Fun rundown!
Exactly! Vegas was certainly not my first choice but it could have been ANYWHERE that was above 60 degrees.
Oh the sun and the pool!!!!!!! I am SO ready for warm weather and this again brings me to the question…why do I live here??????
So I am curious now, what are your surprises that your hubbie ruined?
I would definitely not appreciate being so informed of the problems that the plane or pilot was having!
Nope, never been to Vegas.
This is the first time in almost 40 years of living here (besides a three year stint in Los Angeles) that I have seriously questioned living here. If it weren’t for both of our families I think we would have moved after this winter!!!
So the spoilers were that he invited some of my friends to our already planned ski weekend on my birthday. It started with one slip and that led to another and now I pretty much know about the whole weekend and who is coming. I’m REALLY excited but I know he wanted to have some surprises for me. That’s what happens in Vegas.
It sounds like you are having an amazing time. I have been to Vegas when I was younger and really enjoyed it. I hope you are soaking up the sun!
I soaked up every last bit since I have no hope of being warm again until I go to Florida in May. *sigh*
I love Vegas and enjoyed seeing your pictures during the weekend.
So glad you had nice weather while you were there. Looks/sounds like y’all had a good time – hooray!!!
It was so much fun!!!…as you know. I hope you’re doing well my friend and that you’re back to running again soon!
Glad you had a great trip! I just finished The Girl on the Train today and really liked it. Last time I was in Vegas I woke up super early the first day (like 5 am) so I went for a long walk on the strip. I starting passing all these women, who I figured out were call girls calling it a night. Nice. 🙂
Yep, that’s the strip in the early morning all right. It’s a whole different world!
Now that I’m home, it will take me a lot longer to finish the book but I can’t wait to find out what happened to Megan.
Reading the Girl on the Train right now!!! Loved Big Little Lies – WOW!!
Used to go to Vegas once a year or so before kids (to see a show mostly), but now I haven’t been in so long! sounds like a super fun weekend!!
You are going to have an amazing birthday!!
Looks like we share great taste in reading 🙂 Can’t wait to see how GOTT ends!
Thank you Natalie!
where was my invite?! Love the Brit motivation!
You must have missed it because you are always invited 🙂
Ugh, and more snow tonight!
I’m laughing because I don’t drink or smoke ANYTHING and even I get weird in Vegas. Examples include buying an $85 shirt and aggressively playing BINGO. How do you aggressively play BINGO? You almost get your table kicked out of the casino for yelling swear words when other people win.
What happens in Vegas..
Flying into Bradley last month was hard. From Orlando. Ugh. It was a 60 degree drop!
Also… Team White & Gold.
OMG I cannot picture you doing that but I love it!!!! I have to say that I didn’t even come close to getting kicked out of anywhere so I’m losing my touch 🙂
Yes to team white and gold! I knew we were soul mates…
Can we have just one more night at Fizz please!? 😉 Can’t wait for round 2 in Miami, hang onto those party pants!!
I seriously didn’t know how much I would miss it. I told Mike I want that picture of the Versace sisters for my birthday.
Trip sans children? Looks and sounds awesome!
I don’t even know what you will do with yourself if you’re not with at least some of your kids!? Any trips planned??
i LOVE your hot pants!!!
I’ve never been to Vegas but the Hubs and I need some child free time badly. The little guy is such a time suck (but he is cute!0.
Thank you! They are one of my most favorite things and so appropriate for Vegas.
You will get there!! Not sure where/how you will find sitters in Brazil but, like everything else, you will figure it out 🙂
Looks like you had a great trip! And a chatty pilot? No No No! I hate that but glad you arrived home safely.
Me too! The runway was actually a lot better then the roads on the way home. I’m so over this snow…