Chicago is such a cool city! It’s just after lunchtime, but I’ve already done so much today. I’ve loved every minute!
With my growing excitement for this weekend, I was up and ready to go by 6 this morning. Since most sane people weren’t up yet, I decided used my HLS guest pass to check out X Sport Fitness. I ate a Vega chocolate decadence bar as a pre-workout snack:
Love the ingredients and stats on these!
Morning in a new city!
The gym was massive and super nice- there was no wait for any equipment, despite the popular weekday-before-work hour!
I hopped onto the adaptive motion trainer (a cross between an elliptical and a stair climber) for twenty minutes, and then used the free weights for some upper body exercises. Workout accomplished, I hurried back to the hotel for breakfast!
Kath organized a group outing to the Corner Bakery Café, where I ordered a toasted 8-Grain bagel. It was just what I wanted- I’ve spent far too many years neglecting these circles of carby deliciousness!
Blog friends!
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| Hilary, Courtney and Tina |
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| Diana, Sheila and me |
After showering, I met up with Katy, Gracie and Megan of MegaNerdRuns to explore the city. Why not take advantage of such a cool location?
Narcissistic photos were necessary at the bean in Grant Park:
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| The four of us! |
Even more necessary was a Starbucks run for iced teas- it was sweltering by 10 am!
We meandered down to Navy Pier, taking multiple stops to pose like dorks:
Victory!
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| Megan, Gracie and I |
While the other girls went off in search of authentic deep-dish pizza (which I can’t wait to try tomorrow!), I made my way back to the hotel. Diana is hosting a Zumba class this afternoon, and I wanted to cool down and relax a bit before dancing my booty off J
Desperate for something nutritious and yummy, I popped into Cosi on my way back for a hummus and veggie sandwich with baby carrots and a Granny Smith.
Hit the spot- minus the random piece of turkey I found lurking in the hummus. What’s up with that?!
Gotta run- I'm craving something sweet before Zumba J
When you’re on vacation, do you prefer to have a set schedule, or to just see where your feet take you?
Have you ever found an unpleasant “surprise” in restaurant food?
17 comments:
Sounds like you're having a great time! And all of that raw food yesterday looked delicious.
When I travel I like to have a few things in mind that I want to do - museums to visit, beach trips, restaurants to try, but I like to be spontaneous too, and not have everything planned. On our last trip we didn't even know where we were camping each night, which was loads of fun. (Actually, that happens to me a lot, making for more adventure.)
Ahh - looks like you are having such an amazing time! Jeaaalous! I have to plan to go to the next HLS.
With traveling, I usually have a few things in mind - but I always find that it's the stuff I don't plan out that is the most memorable (plus, it makes for a more relaxing vacay, imo).
Looks like you're having a great time so far! I'm jealous!
Wish I was there :( But it looks like you're having an amazing time girl! I have to live vicariously through you haha ;)
Can't wait to see if they found the perfect pizza :p
I hope that turkey was clean xD
Looks like you had a WONDERFUL time! I need to get to chicago.
I love working out on vacation! Especially when there is a nice gym. :)
I love staying in hotels too but I can't explain that one.
Enjoy the rest of your trip!
I bet the zumba class is going to be such fun! Jealous. I really wish I could be there. Tell everyone I say hi!
I love exploring new cities through a combination of random walking and planned outings; that why I get the best of both worlds.
Have lots of fun this weekend girlie!
Found your blog from Meghann. Ohhh my lord. I had to visit and comment because YOU are wearing the best dress ever!! Where is it from? Is it new? I'm in Canada, so I doubt it'd be available annnnnywhere.
I like your blog! I'm adding it to my google reader! :)
I definitely prefer to have a schedule. I'm actually going to Virginoa tomorrow my family and we have no plans for the full week we will be there. I am already feeling an urge to pull my hair out, lol.
I'm glad you're having a good time in Chicago!!
Wow that is such a nice gym. I was totally up at 6 this morning too! I'm just so used to waking up immensely early for work.
That gym looks great! Even though sometimes waking up early sucks, I love when I wake up early and feel energized and spontaneously go to workout.
For vacations, I like to have a mix. With my family, we usually have a few things we definitely want to do, but I am completely content just chillen at the beach all day. Have a great time at HLS!
I like to just go with the flow on vacations! I have also found a bug in lettuce before. Meh, it happesn.
soooo happpy for you that you're taking advantage of the glory of chicago! chicago is awesome about 2 mos a year weather-wise and despite it being super hot,enjoy. the other extreme is -20F and windy. not so fun!
you look awesome in all the pics...so summery, carefree, just awesome!
HAVE FUN!!!
That looks like a nice gym! I always get really excited about working out in new gyms. :P
I like to have some scheduled plans when I'm on vacation, otherwise I'll feel like I won't be making the most of my time there! But I also like to have some unplanned time to make room for any spontaneous activities!
Have fun today! :)
i'm sorry...i'll have to take a break from your blog for a few days. it's just making me too damn JEALOUS.
(just kiddin. i couldn't stop reading if i tried!)
Next time you're in Chicago stop by LVAC. They have a rooftop pool and there are amazing dual shower heads in the locker room :)
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