This is my first of many upcoming posts of my epic weekend adventure to run the ASICS LA Marathon. There was so many fun and memorable events that occurred, that I am finding myself needing to spread it out over a few posts. So today’s recap will be of my first day: Friday.
The day started like normal, running around taking care of the kids and doing chores. The main difference was I was packing and double checking to make sure that I had everything I needed for my trip away. It turns out that I was over prepared in some areas and forgot many key items as well. That always seems to happen when I fly.
I sported my I Love Running shirt that I created a few months ago. I figured if I saw anyone who I knew at the airport or while in LA, I would be easy to spot. I received many compliments on it throughout the day. Some even asked where I bought it. Hmm maybe I should think of creating a shirt of my own to sell?
The flight was a quick one from Sacramento to LA. I sat next to an older gentleman who preferred to sit in silence and not make eye contact. I let him enjoy his ride. While on the flight I enjoyed their peanuts and a tomato juice (this seems to be my drink of choice when I fly). Tasty.
When I landed in LA, my driver… my driver!?!… called me to let me know that he would be outside waiting for me. I must admit, I was really wanting a gentleman holding a sign up with my name on it as I came down the escalator. But alas, a gentleman in a nice suit greeting me at a black suburban was nice too.
As he was loading my bag in the trunk, I asked him where I should sit. He said anywhere. I decided to sit in the front with him and enjoy the view. He had to adjust my seat and remove some items (because apparently that is not normal behavior). Woopsie. I didn’t know! We had a nice chat on the way to the Fairmont about LA, his job, and the amazing people he gets to meet each day.
The hotel was amazing. My first impression was of this amazingly large fig tree that stood out in the middle of the drive way of the hotel. It was by far the most beautiful tree I have seen in a long time. I just wanted to climb its webbed limbs, but just stared in awe.
After checking in, I went to my room and instantly wished my husband was there to experience the weekend with me. It is not often we get a chance to escape and enjoy the finer pleasures of life. But I sucked it up and enjoyed the experience for myself… instantly texting him my view and room.
After unpacking my bags, I met up with Jamie from FitApproach and Brian of Pavement Runner. I love when I meet people and I feel an instant connection of friendship. Conversation was easy and not forced. These two people are amazing and real. I pretty much hung out with them (or tried to) the whole weekend. They are my new BFF’s… they just don’t know it yet (unless they just read it… so now they know).
We walked the Santa Monica pier and enjoyed people watching, the waves crashing, and getting to know each other better. It was a gorgeous afternoon.
After exploring the area and browsing a few shops in their massive outdoor mall, we found a great local restaurant to have an early dinner. We decided to eat at the Blue Plate Taco, which had a great view of the beach and board walk (for people watching).
You all know that I am not a foodie, but my meal was presented super pretty and it was uber yummy. Chicken enchiladas for the win. Can I call this pre-race carbo-loading fuel? Or just a yummy meal out with friends.
After our meal, we headed back to our rooms to get ready for the big event. The VIP ASICS Party at Greystone Manor. This was the event that I had been stressing over all week. A VIP event, cocktail dress attire, at a club that (naughty) celebrities frequent… I was so out of my element. But I was going to enjoy and take it all in.
For those of you following me on facebook and instagram, I decided to go with dress #4. I felt very comfortable in it and felt that it flattered my curves at the same time. I also decided to go for the coral shoes. Super cute… but oh by the end of the night not so kind on my feet (two almost blisters were formed).
I was ready. The time had come to enjoy the event. I met the 2014 ASICS LA Marathon blogger team downstairs (many of the first time) . I am bummed that I did not get a shot of everyone dressed up before we left, we all looked fancy. Below are some photos that I took with my camera (I didn’t take as many photos of the event as I had hoped, but you can check out my teammates recaps for their recaps and photos).
* Brian – PavementRunner * Jamie – FitApproach * Anne – FANNEtastic Food *
* Monica – Run Eat Repeat * Beth – Shut Up and Run * Ryan – Set the Pace *
* Kristen – StuftMama * Mark – Marathonomy *
* Michelle – NYCRunningMama * Jess – Race Pace Wellness
We traveled in style to the event in a large bus complete with flashing strobe lights, colorful disco lights and thumping music. The energy was high and everyone was excited to let loose for a few hours. We arrived at the VIP event and the room was decorated with style and class… complete with ASICS motivational phrases and logos everywhere.
It was a great event to chat and get to know the team, meet some of the ASICS staff, enjoy a glass of wine and relax and enjoy the moment. We even enjoyed trying to spot the celebrities and Olympic athletes. That was a super fun game because it seemed everyone there looked the part… and many were.
Many of us had been waiting on the side line for the perfect opportunity to meet and chat with Ryan Hall and Josh Cox. When the opportunity happened we jumped in for a photo. Yes, we are nerds. I even embarrassed myself by telling Ryan that I met him briefly when I lived up in Redding and almost ran over him while I was riding my bike on the trail. Woopsie. I get flustered with my words when I am star struck… and it happened a lot this weekend!
Photo from left to right: Me, Michelle, Josh Cox, Ryan Hall, Beth and Brian.
I was amazed at how nice and down to earth everyone was. I had come to the realization that these amazing athletes are just normal people (like me and you)… they just ran crazy fast!
The first shuttle left to go back to the hotel, but Jamie, Jackie, Brian and I decided to close the club down. We are crazy like that. We hopped in the photo booth for some goofy photos. Check out my amazing water chugging skills. We be crazy!
Oh yes, I had to hop in there myself. I couldn’t miss out on the opportunity. However, it was already way past my bedtime… and my creativity was low. But this pretty much sums out how this mama felt that night… Woot! Mommy Runner Gone Wild! Just kidding, I still kept it pretty tame.
We closed the place down. Literally. The staff at Greystone Manor repeatedly told us that it was time to go. When we headed out to get on the bus… the door to the bus wouldn’t open. The poor driver looked panicked and stressed. It was almost comical, poor guy. The four of us ended up catching a ride back to the hotel with Whitney, an amazing new friend from the ASICS team.
Once back to my hotel room, I saw the gift box from the VIP event in my room. In the box was a super cute LA Marathon edition ASICS shoes, a LA 26.2 miles hoodie and socks.
Super tired and doing my best to come down after a fun night, I showered, rehydrated with some Nuun and attempted to get a few hours of sleep before the morning adventure of a shake out run with the team and a few elite athletes.
I had a restless nights sleep. There was a bachelorette party on my floor and I kept waking every hour thinking I was going to oversleep. I also had trouble getting comfortable… but that is just me sleeping in a new bed and area. That always seems to happen to me when I travel. I just think I was super excited about the morning run with the team. Memory making all weekend.
Please check back throughout the week for more updates (and photos) from the weekend.
Ashley @ Brocblog says
This sounds like such a fun night! My friend is a cocktail waitress at greystone and ohhh the stories I hear about that place. Also blue plate taco is pretty delicious!
Rachel says
haha! I can only imagine! It looks like a place where many people get in ‘trouble’. 😀 But then again the cocktail waitresses there were dressed very … um… tempting for men if I do say so myself. 🙂
Amanda M (@mommygorun) says
I can’t wait to read more! Someday I’ll be an awesome blogger and get to party with the cool kids 🙂
Katie says
I tend to fumble anytime I meet someone new, haha. Not the best at first impressions. So glad you had a great time. That black dress is stunning!
Rachel says
Thank you… and YES! I tend to do the same thing. I WANT to sound articulate and formulate my thoughts… but then studder and total gibberish comes out of my mouth! 🙂
Janice says
If I could whistle at you I would, but alas I’m a horrible whistler. You look fantastic! I met Brian this past Spring, and yes, he is awesome – very down to earth and a great listener. It sounds like you had a great weekend! The running star I most want to meet/go for a run with is Paula Radcliffe – I want to pick her brain about how she balances motherhood and running. How does she keep the motivation to train at such a high intensity when family life requires so much mental toughness too? I once got to do a phone interview with Dean Karnazes – that was really cool and inspiring.
Rachel says
Thank you <3 It is nice to get dressed up. 🙂
Paula Radcliffe AND Dean Karnazes would be awesome to meet too! There are so many amazing athletes who I would be jazzed to meet as well! 🙂
Ashley @ Snow Cream and Syrup says
What a fun trip! Can’t wait to hear more. Looks like Asics really put you guys up in style! Your quesadillas look delicious.
STUFT Mama says
YOU are too cute. It was a blast hanging out with you!!!!!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
Oh wow! Fun!!! That tree is gorgeous and meeting everyone…so cools. I wouldn’t have been able to sleep either!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
I love reading all these recaps- look like you guys had SUCH a fantastic time!!
Maureen says
So fun! What a gorgeous landscape to the front of the hotel…very fancy! 🙂 LOVE the dress you picked {and the shoes, of course}!
Kelly @ Cupcake Kelly's says
Your dress was gorgeous! Looked like such a fun time, I can’t wait to read the rest of your recaps!
Kat says
Hey girlie I just found you through Hutch’s IG feed – congrats on an awesome race and experience that was for SURE fabulous! – @KatrinaElleP
Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness says
Awesome awesome recap so far! The running community is simply amazing. You can meet a runner for the first time in real life and feel like you’ve known them forever.
One day we should meet in real life 🙂