Friday, September 2, 2016

Coffee Talk - September edition

Fall is definitely starting to come to town! There's a cool breeze shifting through the air, the days are noticeably shorter, and my eyes and throat are starting to itch from my seasonal allergies. The body knows!

I will be linking up with Coco and Deborah for the September edition of the Ultimate Coffee Date.
The link-up asks, "If we were having [insert choice of beverage here] together, I would tell you..."

Today's post is going to be short because...

It's vacation time!
Tonight, Adam and I are catching a flight to eastern Europe. We'll be visiting Budapest, Prague, and Vienna. Adam's been to Prague before, but I've never been to any of these three cities. I am really excited to be able to experience each of them for the first time. My travel bug has been biting me like mad for several months, so this trip couldn't come fast enough.
While there are certainly plenty of amazing sights to see, I would also be plenty content with just hanging out at sidewalk cafes, absorbing the atmosphere, and watching the world go by.
Side note: I probably won't be blogging much, if at all during this trip. We'll see how things shake out during my down time.

Chicago Local and Hyatt Centric Explorer
On the flip side of vacation, I've talked at length about how much I enjoy exploring all the nooks and crannies of my hometown Chicago. I absolutely love sharing the discoveries with friends, family, and visitors. Therefore, I am so thrilled to be working with Hyatt Centric on a program to provide local arts and culture recommendations to their hotel guests. What a great match!

If anyone needs anything, I am here to help!!!
Getting my running legs back
After undergoing a mobility assessment a few weeks ago, I've been working with a fitness instructor to target some of my weak points. I think it's helped, both physically and mentally. I've learned a few new strength exercises, which has helped shake up the routine and alleviated some rising boredom. My hamstrings, while still chronically tight, are not the daggers they used to be. The slowly expanding range of movement is like a huge breath of fresh air. I'm ready to boogie!
This past Wednesday, I knocked out 5 miles on the treadmill. Normally, 3 miles is about the max I can comfortably tolerate on the treadmill before I start to lose my mind. Forgetting even about the treadmill, this was the best-feeling 5-mile run I've had in months.

All in all, I'm starting to feel like my old self again, and it is wonderful. Thumbs up in all directions!!!
Happy Labor Day weekend, everyone!!!

23 comments:

  1. Hooray! Congrats on feeling better!

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  2. Wow, you certainly have some adventures ahead of you! Have a great time and be safe!

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    1. Thank you so much - I really appreciate it!!!!!

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  3. Have fun on your trip! Looking forward to the recap.

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  4. Yay trip! I am looking forward to hearing about it when you get back. Also, I'd love it hear more about what the fitness instructor recommended. Plus, congrats on the partnership with Hyatt!

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    1. Thank you so much, Erin! We'll have a lot to catch up on the next time we get together. I am looking forward to this mermaid swim class - thanks again for thinking of me!!!

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  5. That trip sounds amazing! I love visiting Chicago! Most of my business trips don't leave much time for exploring, but that program is a great idea! Thanks for joining us for coffee!

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    1. Thanks so much, Coco!!! Anytime you ever find yourself in Chicago, please do not hesitate to get in touch. =) How much business travel do you get to do? Thank you to you and Deborah, as always, for hosting the link-up!!!

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  6. Wow your trip sounds fantastic! Have a wonderful time and travel safely. Thanks so much for joining us for coffee today great to have you

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    1. Thank you so much, Deborah! As always, much appreciate you and Coco hosting the link-up!!!

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  7. A mobility assessment sounds really interesting !
    I LOVE Prague, I have been several times. So walkable and soooo pretty. Have a great vacation. We are having wonderful weather here in Europe !

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    1. Thanks Karen!!! The mobility assessment was very eye-opening - it revealed that my range of motion could use some lateral strengthening focus, particularly in my inner right leg. Who knew, right?

      Ahhhh, I hear constantly rave reviews on Prague! I am glad to hear you've enjoyed your travels there so much. =) Thanks again, Karen - and cheers to the gorgeous weather in Europe!!!

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  8. congrats on feeling better and enjoy that vacation!

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    1. Thank you so much, Mary Beth!!! Really appreciate it!!!

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  9. I am loving the cool breeze - especially for my morning runs!! I would love to travel the world :) Your trip seems amazing! I have many weak spots...I could use a major assessment! Sounds like you are doing amazing!

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    1. The cool breeze is the best, isn't it? So refreshing and makes you feel so alive!!! Thank you so much, Lindsey - and I can relate because I have a lot of weak spots, too. I think it's very typical for us runners to develop them since we target the running muscles so much. Running is great but it is very much a forward motion, yes? Happy Labor Day weekend!!!

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  10. Ha, I am catching up on reading blogs and saw this today. But this morning I saw you posted a picture on Instagram and I was wondering why were you in Budapest??? :-) Have a GREAT time!!!

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    1. LOL - it would seem kind of random, right? =) Thanks so much, Zenaida!!! =)

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  11. Thanks so much, Karen! The instructor is having me do isometric holds on the leg extension machine, he says it helps balance out some of the muscles opposite the hamstrings that are making my hammies pull more than their fair share of the load. I didn't think I had issue with those muscles, but the exercises are working so leave it to the experts, right?!?!?

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  12. Ahhhh I'm literally going to the EXACT same cities as you next week! Except we're traveling in reverse: Vienna --> Prague --> Budapest. I'm loving seeing all your photos, it's making me so excited for my upcoming travels! Hope you're having an amazing trip!!

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    1. Thanks so much Irina! OMG, that's amazing that you're going to the same three cities!!! You are going to have an awesome trip. Is this purely vacation for you? I am super excited for you and likewise, cannot wait to see all of your pictures and hear about your experiences, too!!! It'll be so fun to compare notes. =)

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