Coming Soon: A Stylish Chicago

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All in favor of vacant property on Mich Ave being filled up by adorable boutiques from across the pond, say “Ai”.

Ai.  So ai.

All Saints Spitalfields, coming soon to 700 N. Michigan Avenue.  Taking the place of that eyesore that was the old Chicago Place Mall, between Saks and Zara.  Good one!

Here’s hoping that “coming soon” means “by the time Chicago hits legit Spring” because I’ve got my eye on this little number.

The Brits are invading Chicago- between Topshop and All Saints, I predict seeing a lot more style walking around this city.

Ai, ai, ai!

Dear New Running Shoes,

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Dear New Running Shoes,

I know it’s time; I figured my days were numbered when my sides started ripping a little and my treads were so worn that they were nearly smooth.  I am sure you are perfectly good shoes, in a brand new, shiny, not a speck of dirt on them sort-of-way.  I know you will do things for Nina that I can’t do anymore, like give her proper support so her knees don’t hurt.  I bet you also do not smell as bad as I do. Let me just give you some insight into your new job.

Nina laces her shoes too tight when she sets out for a run so get used to making a stop about 5 minutes in to do some re-tying.  Her favorite run in on the Lake Front Path so you are in for some spectacular views.  She’s also a pretty friendly runner so you’ll be saying hi to lots of shoes that are running past- work on your “I’m doing my job but how-do-ya-do” smile.

Keep in mind that you are in Chicago so while some runs will be on impossibly beautiful days, just as many will be cold and filled with puddles.  Oh and about the puddles- sometimes, Nina thinks that running makes her rugged and hardcore.  This leads to giving no regard to tromping you through mud or puddles.  Don’t worry- she is not actually rugged (at all) so you will get cleaned up right when you get home so that dirt doesn’t get in the apartment and so you look nice for the next run.

You’re in a pretty important position because you get to be a part of the days when Nina has great runs (high five!) but also the days when pounding the pavement is the last thing she wants to do.  You’re both working toward some fun races this summer and the Big Kahuna in October.  Be good to each other and don’t forget- I’m in the back of the closet if she goes all crazy and decides to do one of those Mud Buddy races.  No need to dirty you up for that.

Love,

Nina’s Old Running Shoes

 

Just a Chi Town Girl’s Race RUNdown

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It gets warm for a few days, I have a few great runs along the lake and I’m already excited about what is (nearly) upon us: running season!

Just looking at this picture reminds me why I love running.  Whether you are pounding the pavement with 45,000 runners and over a million spectators or a just handful of people on the Lake Front Path and a cheering section of one (aka the voice inside your head telling you to keep going!) there is nothing quite like running in Chicago.

This year, I’ve decided to take advantage of some road races preceding the marathon for some training runs.  More community, more commitment and frankly, more fun!  There are SO many that there’s no reason why I can’t be at the starting line for a few.

So here it is: my race RUNdown of the races you need to tie your laces for.  If you have any favorites that I did not list and absolutely cannot miss, for the love of Gu– let me know!

April 10: Shamrock Shuffle

April 16:Race to Wrigley 5k (starts AND ends in Wrigley Field)

May 7:Cinco de Miler 8k (3 cheers for the clever name!)

May 28: Soldier Field 10 Miler (ends ON Soldier Field.  Unless the Bears recruit me, this is most likely my only shot at getting anywhere near that 50 yard line.)

June 4:13.1 Chicago (Lake Front Path, my friend)

August 4:Terrapin 5k (Who doesn’t love tie-dye?)

August 11: Elvis is Alive 5k (Who doesn’t love Elvis?)

August 14: Rock N Roll Half Marathon (Hotter than hell…and I was only working a water station.  Ryan ran it and loved the bands that are positions every few miles.)

September 18:CARA 20-Miler (allegedly a great way to get in your last long training run before the marathon on a fully supported course.  I say allegedly because last year I opted for going it alone…which meant frequent 7/11 stops for Vitamin Water and Cliff Bars.  Maybe I’ll leave long run support to the pros this year…

October 9:Bank of America Chicago Marathon!

Happy Running!

Singin’ in the Rain Sunday

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This rainy Sunday morning has consisted of:

  • Sleeping in- definitely the latest I have in months
  • Staying in bed even longer playing with Luna Bell
  • Pouring a second cup of coffee even though it is past noon
  • Coming up with a plan to save the world as Ryan and I watched the news
  • Getting off our high horse and changing channels to watch basketball instead
  • Catching up on some of my favorite blogs.

Between the lazy morning, the rain and the concept of the first day of Spring, I’m feeling, well, a whole lot better.

My purple wellies are by the door, just begging me to go splash in some puddles.  Perhaps on the way to Grahamwich?

Happy Sunday!

 

W Hotel City Center, Vino and Vinyasa

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I spent last night with 120 yogis getting our vinyasa on at the insanely gorgeous W Hotel City Center.  Oh and there was wine involved after the yoga.  Can we say “perfect combination”?

If you ever find yourself down on Adams St., stop in and have a drink in the W’s unbelievable lobby.  You might see me- I am seriously considering moving in.  Pink lighting, disco balls that make the walls sparkle with flashes of light, the perfect mix of modern luxury with old school Chicago architecture…totally my kind of place.

Wednesday Walking

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I had a breakfast meeting at 9am this morning in Lincoln Park with two lovely ladies from my company.  I have just been itching to enjoy being outside in my city again so with 50+ degrees in the forecast, I set off to start my day with some Wednesday Walking.  I saw so much on my little 3.2 mile walk!

LSD. Cars in the road, runners on the lake path.  All is well.

8:15am: A little Abe Lincoln action.  Morning, sir!

Gold Coast lovin’- this city really is an architectural goldmine.  So many gorgeous homes, ripe for “someday” dreaming...

Also to be noted, I also saw a dog in Lincoln Park West.  A dog that was not so much of a dog as it was a coyote/wolf.  Who jumped the fence into the petting zoo.  Yikes.

There is so much to be said for a Wednesday Walking edition that requires sunnies and the removal of my scarf…

 

 

 

 

 

Fun Fact

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“Laughing for 15 seconds adds 2 years to your life span.”

I have no scientific evidence for this factoid but I heard it today and am choosing to take it as the truth.

Who am I to argue with some easily earned years?

Laughing my way to forever sounds like a fabulous plan.