What We Did in Chicago

Last week, I’d said I wanted to *enjoy* my time in Chicago. Enjoy the time off, enjoy a different city for a weekend.

And I’d say we did the weekend right. Here’s the highlights of our time in Chicago.

These days, unless I know people at the booths, I feel like I’m pretty fast at expos since I have any piece of running gear I want.

OK, except THIS. Had to have it. I regret nothing.

Saucony put us up in the Downtown Renaissance Chicago. Loved my room, MY BED, and the bacon & egg sandwich at the breakfast bar downstairs.

I didn’t get a photo, but we went to Second City, and it was amazing.

Causal Saucony photo shoot/shakeout run

Some fun behind-the-scenes

After the run/photo shoot, we returned to the hotel for a team breakfast. 

Sharon Barbano, VP of PR for Saucony, and general badass (she ran in the 1984 Olympic Trials.) She gave an amazingly inspirational speech, talking about how we were all meant to soar. I can’t even convey it without it sounding cheesy, but I got serious chills. 

Afterwards, Heather and I took a boat cruise with the Chicago Architectural Society. I’d done that *five* years ago with my mom after the marathon, but it’s also an awesome day-before activityto keep you off your feet.

The massive four million square foot Merchandise Mart building.

Willis Tower, which I visited in 2010 when I was in Chicago for the marathon!

A gorgeous fountain

Hanging with some fun ladies in the hotel lobby

Courtesy of Alex’s Snapchat…but by the time I got back to work on Tuesday, I was casually stretching without even realizing it. #caught

What was your favorite race-cation? Or what do you love about Chicago?