2010 August 13

The Healthy Living Summit has officially arrived!

Woo hoo!!!

What a Day! What a Day! What a Day!

To say planning a big event like this is stressful, is a complete understatement. There were a few minor fires that needed to be distinguished today that had everyone on edge. But, honestly seeing that sign and meeting over 200 bloggers and readers this evening made it all 100% worth it. It should be all smooth sailing from here, right?

Let’s back track a little first.

A gang of us met for lunch earlier this afternoon for what we were hoping would be a quick bite to eat The plan was to head out of the hotel and find a cute local cafe to dine at. Unfortunately our quick bite to eat turned into an hour long scavenger hunt for a lunch spot.

After a few failed attempts at various restaurants, we were directed to the Berghoff Restaurant for a true Chicago food experience.

At first we weren’t sure this restaurant was ‘us’ It has a old, historic feel that seemed a little elderly for our taste. However, we were all starving and willing to eat anywhere.

The table started with bread.

I had a few bites of the crunch garlic flat bread thingy and a piece of rye bread.

Tina and I split the seasonable Octoberfest house beer.

It was the perfect treat on a hot summer day.

You’ll never guess what six out of our table of seven ordered.

Roasted Sweet Potato Panini? Why, I don’t mind if I do.

I loved the concept of the sandwich, but wish it had been served on other bread. I was also wondering where the fig confett was or the goat cheese? But, let it be known none of those things stopped me from finishing the whole thing.

I also did my fair damage on the chips. I love fresh chips, especially the soggy potato-y ones.

A hot day needs cold yogurt

small tart with chocolate chips, strawberries, and kiwi

The best part about dining with bloggers is that no one is afraid to share.

early check in at the summit began this afternoon at 3:00.

Kath, Tina, Heather, and I had so much finally putting some faces to the names we have been studying for the past couple of months. It also felt good to give all that swag away! I saw some tweets in the #HLS stream and happy to hear everyone has been enjoying their swag.

Then it was time!

The Healthy Living Summit kicked off with the official OpenSky 2010 Healthy Living Summit Cocktail Party at LaSalle Power Co in downtown Chicago.

What a whirlwind of new people to meet and greet! I felt like a little stalking tweeter randomly walking up to people and saying ‘I know you!’

It was also great to reconnected with bloggers I haven’t seen in what feels like too long!

Like the reunited DC crew! ‘Run Bloggers Run’ :)

MELISSA!!! (Whom, I attacked when I saw on the stairwell!)

EVAN!

There were drinks (I had a dirty martini)

There was food

I had a little bit of everything (LOVED the Turkey burger sliders)

There was even a photobooth!!

I think it’s safe to say the party was a huge success!! Woo hoo!!!

Many Thanks to OpenSky for sponsoring the cocktail party!

Thanks to Sabrina for creating the wonderful party play list

And Thanks to Jenn for finding the location for us.

Like my shoes?

You can have them. After 3 hours in the heels I think my feet were ready to revolt. All I can say is OOUUCCCHHHHH.

It was a long day, so I called it an early night and returned to my room when the party ended (shoes in hands )

Chocolate was obvious missing from my life this evening. Good thing I had one of Val’s Chocolate Macaroons stashed in my bag for a midnight treat.

mmmmm… perfection.

Tomorrow is the big day of events. Eeekkkk!!!

And here we go…

GOOD NIGHT!!!

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Let’s do this thing

This morning I took my very first run around Chicago. No, I didn’t run anywhere near the marathon route (at least I don’t think so?) BUT, I did have some incredible views of Lake Michigan and the city along the way.

Sarah and Leslie met me at the hotel lobby early this morning for a quick 6 mile out and back. And thanks to a million suggestions from the wonderful Chicago locals (this city rocks!) we knew there was a lake trail basically right out our front door.

The run by the water was beautiful! It reminded me of my runs in Long Beach last year. There was a nice breeze coming off the water, the trail was full of like minded fitness focused individuals, it was hard to get lost, and there were water fountains every so often – score!

PLUS, you can’t beat running with two inspiring beautiful ladies who have no problem keeping the conversation constantly flowing during the run. I think we could have easily kept talking for miles and miles. Love these girls!

Big thanks to Leslie for all the above photos that I bribed from her (Hope you enjoy the Oh Nuts swag! ).

We took the 6 miles easy and averaged a little less than 9:30 minutes miles.

After the run I quickly grabbed my camera and met a gang of HLS friends at the Corner Bakery a couple of blocks from the hotel.

HLS attendees: be on the look out for Sabrina! She’s giving out adorable bags and she’s as sweet as pie.

My breakfast

I had purchased a raw Carrot Cake Muffin from the Chicago Raw restaurant last night and saved it for breakfast this morning.

It was very dense, fruity, and a little dry. At first I thought it was just ok, but then Kath shared some of her peanut butter to pair with my bites. The addition of the peanut butter brought the muffin from so-so to yum. But, doesn’t PB make everything better?

Looks can be deceiving and this muffin packed a big punch – I could only eat about half and saved the rest in my bag for little nibbles through out the day.

To go with my muffin I ordered a yogurt & berry parfait from the counter.

Kath had researched a few hot yoga studios in the Chicago area and had invited anyone along who wanted to join her for a 75 minute class.

Core Power Yoga is a BEAUTIFUL studio atop a parking garage structure. The location looks funny on the outside, but the views inside the studio are gorgeous!

We had the reflection of the Chicago skyline facing us for the entire class. How amazing would it be to have that beautiful view every time you practiced? Amazing!

The people at Core Power Yoga were great. Thanks to a Free week of yoga deal they have our class was completely free. They also threw in complimentary lockers, yoga mats, and towels – nothing but the best here!

Side note: I <3 Emily! I’m so happy to finally meet her in person! I remember when her blog was still called Marathon, Marrying, and Milestones and I was raving about her in one of my follow Fridays posts. She’s all grown up now!

The class itself was a little different then I was used to. It was slower and not flowy. I missed my vinyasas and quick changes, but it was nice to get the feel of another form of hot yoga in my system.