Saturday, December 14, 2013

Chicago Running Bloggers Holiday Party and a Winner

Quick post today. I am departing early tomorrow morning to head to Maui, and am trying desperately to get a few things in order before then.

This morning I attended the second annual Chicago Running Bloggers Holiday Party. It consisted of a group fun run (where many of us dressed in holiday-themed attire), followed by a potluck brunch and a gift grab bag.

We got several inches of snow last night and all day today, which unfortunately knocked out a few of the planned attendees. However, it was still fun (albeit challenging!) to go running in the freshly fallen snow. There were only six of us that went running, and we felt super hard-core taking on the elements!

Here are a couple of pictures (both courtesy of Maggie):

L to R: Lauren, me, part of Anne, and Maggie

L: me, and Anne
NOTE: We got some comments from passing cars about our sweet matching green socks. =D

Erin hosted the gathering for the second year in a row. After the run we all headed back to her place, where several others had arrived, to share in food and gifts.

One of the things that I love most about running blogger gatherings is that the potluck food selections are always super healthy! Lots of fresh veggies, salad, bean dip, hummus, kale chips, salsa, quinoa muffins, and vegetarian chili were just a few of the many options available. Delicioso!

The gift exchange was fun, too. Not surprisingly, many of the gifts were running- or fitness-themed like handheld water bottles, GU, Luna bars, running gloves and headband, running ID, and a yoga mat. I received a two-pack of Vapur foldable water bottles and a Salted Caramel GU (which I have never had before and will finally get to try!)

As usual, it was great to see and catch up with so many fellow bloggers. We took some group pictures which I haven't gotten a copy of yet. I will definitely post them when they become available!

Finally - thank you to everyone who entered the holiday headband giveaway from earlier this week. Congratulations to Amy for being selected the winner via the following entry:


Amy, please email me at eeseto@gmail.com by Friday, December 20 and I will get you set up with your prize.

Happy holidays, everyone!!!

6 comments:

  1. Sounds like a fun party, bummed I missed it and can't wait to see the group again soon! Have fun in Maui!

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    1. Thanks, Katie! I am bummed that you weren't able to make it, too, but that snowfall was certainly not keen for traveling. =( I hope to see you again soon, too!!!

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  2. It was fun hanging out with you today! Glad we could catch up a little on the run! :) Hope you have an awesome time in Maui, can't wait to hear all about it!!

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    1. It was great hanging out with you during the festivities, too! I am glad we had a chance to catch up during the run, as well - and thanks again for the Maui travel tips. They were super helpful!!! =)

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  3. Ah - so jealous that you're going to HI. Did you know it's been pretty much sub zero in Minneapolis for the last two plus weeks?!?! Blech!

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    1. It's been pretty much sub-zero in Chicago, too. Blech indeed! It's always around this time that I question my sanity for living in places with such brutal winters. You too?

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