If you follow me on any form of social media, you know I spent the weekend running around Bethlehem, Pennsylvania as a Social Media Influencer for Runner’s World. While we only ran 26.2 official miles, there were multiple little runs and a lot of walking. This is one of the few times I wish I had a step tracker LOL.
So much happened this weekend that I’m going to have to break it into multiple posts. And I’m sure that even with that, I’ll miss some of the amazing pieces.
Thursday, I was late getting out of DC (no surprise there), but I made it into Bethlehem with a bit of time to relax before our trip out to Runner’s World Headquarters. I, of course, took that time to check out our awesome gifts from the sponsors. So much stuff!
Shortly after that, we boarded a bus out to the headquarters. We had a little intro session to get to know each blogger and I (mostly) was able to remember who was who for the rest of the weekend. Upon arrival, they fed us. Do you think someone told them that bloggers are always hungry?
Then I got a new pair of shoes from Altra! There was a mixup in sizes, so the shoe they brought me was too big. I was bummed, but they suggested I try one of their stability shoes for the trail race the next day. I normally wear neutral, but Golden (the founder of Altra) insisted that their technology was different than most stability shoes and that I would like them. I decided to take a leap of faith and got a pair of the Impulse to use on the trail. (Short story: I liked them and they served me well. Race report and shoe review coming soon.)
Then it was time for the part we were all waiting for: the tour of headquarters with Bart Yasso! That place was amazing!
After some s’mores for dessert, it was time to head back to the hotel because we’d have a busy day the next day. I stopped in the bar with the other bloggers for a quick (and yummy) pumpkin beer, but headed up shortly after that to get some sleep.
Day 2 started early and chilly with a trip out to the trail race location. Bart Yasso gave us a preview of the course and I knew I was in for a challenging race. The trail seemed pretty technical to me (I’ve only run a handful of trails EVER).
After a quick run around the trails (which felt like miles and miles but was probably less than a mile total LOL), we headed back to ArtsQuest for breakfast and some short seminars. On the way, we stopped by Bart Yasso’s house and totally invaded it! I know, right? He’s such a fun guy!
Once we got back to the ArtsQuest, we heard some presentations from Altra, had a breathing lesson with Bud Coates, and then learned about some of the upcoming products from iFit. (More details on Altra later).
Then it was time for one of the highlights of my weekend: lunch with Deena Kastor. I tried not to go all fangirl on her, but she’s pretty awesome. She talked about how it took her a while to learn how to balance mommyhood and running and, while I would not wish a rough time on anyone, it was nice to hear that even professional runners have trouble balancing it all. She also mentioned how her training for Chicago wasn’t perfect, with missed runs due to allergies and kid needs. The fact that she then ran a masters’ record gives me hope that I can at least finish Marine Corps Marathon LOL.
Oh, and the food was awesome too! It was all recipes from the Runner’s World Meals on the Run cookbook.
Then it was time to head over to the trail race!
The rest of the weekend was a blur of races, events, and crazy fun with my new RBF’s. So much to say, but I’ll share more as part of my race recaps and other topic specific posts.
This past weekend was an amazing experience AND I ran all four races with no pain! Huge! (Of course, after jumping in my car right after the last race, I’m so sore today I can barely walk LOL).
Huge thank you to Runner’s World for including me in the fun event. It was definitely one of the best things that’s happened to me as a blogger.
{I’m linking up with HoHoRuns and Misssippipiddlin for Weekly Recap.)
Super fun!! Glad you had this experience. By the way…I love that leg lamp! We have one the my husband puts up for Christmas! LOL
Maureen recently posted…Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Bone Broth
how fun! i love you got to do this. and bart’s house??? awesome!
courtney @ eat pray run dc recently posted…Marine Corps Marathon Race Goals
I’m just more than a little jealous of this adventure! How fun that you got to do all this AND meet all these other bloggers….
Now take it easy on yourself this week!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…The Hangover: marathon recovery
So did either company offer you a job? Will the picture be on the magazine’s cover?
Wow! Sounds like so much fun and such great information! I am not so secretly jealous. Glad you had a great time and look forward to reading the rest of the posts on the whole experience.
Cristina recently posted…Integrating American Lamb To Your Weekly Menu
This event looks SO cool! I’m more than a bit jealous. Glad you made the most of it.
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…New Zealand Recap – Auckland, Waitomo Caves & Hobbiton
How awesome!! And just popping in Bart Yasso’s house?! UH, cool! It’s nice to know the pros struggle with juggling it all too. Looks like an amazing weekend!
Kate @KateMovingForward recently posted…Bacon Cheese Baked Ziti
How exciting!! I was there too….only not for the full weekend of events you had planned! I ran just the half marathon. Had there been different circumstances, I would have really enjoyed the race. Well that’s not totally accurate, I think they did a fantastic job at the race. I’m really jealous of all the cool things you were able to participate in! Lots of running for sure! Can’t wait to hear more about it.
Annette @ Sweating Through Life recently posted…Runner’s World Half Marathon – Race Recap
Wow! It looks like an amazing time! So many of my blogging friends were there. I’ve never seen so many pictures of Bart Yasso in one weekend! 🙂
Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs recently posted…Double Chocolate Brownies: Vegan & Gluten Free
How much fun!! Sounds like they treated you to a really amazing weekend! I can’t wait to hear more about all the races 🙂
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Pumpkin Kale Smoothie + The Casual Veggie Launch Party!
Looks like such a great opportunity! So jealous. That race weekend is on my bucket list for sure.
Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Peanut Butter Oatmeal Protein Bars
Sounds like an amazing weekend! Glad you got through all the races pain-free!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Recovery – Week 1 Done!
This looks like such a blast! I’d love to be able to go one of these years.
Marcia recently posted…Run10Feed10 Race Report
Sounds like an incredible weekend! I’m a bit jealous of all that time that you got to spend with Bart Yasso, and at his house nonetheless.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon Training Log – Week 6
This sounds so amazing and a complete whirlwind of events. Are you tired? Also, I’d be walking around starstruck and unable to speak to the “pros”. I’m glad to hear you ran all of your races without any pain. I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts about the weekend. I appreciate you linking up with us!
HoHo Runs recently posted…My New Normal (WW # 11)
What an awesome experience! I don’t think I can imagine anything more fun!
Absolutely love Altras. I don’t run in them, but they are so comfortable for work and walking around. I’m glad you liked yours!
You’ve totally got MCM!
Jenn recently posted…week in review: 10.11 â 10.17
OMG, I was total fan girl over all of everyone’s social media posts and soooo jealous! Looks like such an awesome time! Can’t wait to hear more!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…MCM Training Recap Week 15: The end is near
Great recap! What a great event! I would love to attend one year. Amazing that you got to hang out with Bart Yasso and Deena Kastor. I can’t wait to read more about what you think about the Altra trail runners!
Sandra Laflamme recently posted…Spandits! Review. Awesome tights for every runner!
I”m so sad I had to miss it this year. Looks like as much fun as I remember!
What a great event! I would love to do something like this one day! I’m always so jealous of those of you who live in bigger cities and can meet fellow bloggers and have great events! How neat you got to meet Deena! I love the fact that the pros juggle things just like us! Looks like a great weekend! I’m so glad you linked up with us too! Hope you have a great week Erika!
Tricia@MissSippipiddlin recently posted…Who Inspired You to Start Running
Thanks for sharing your experience!! That sounds like an amazing weekend and I kind of just lived it through you 😉 And hooray for no pain between all those races!!
Ariana recently posted…Featured Blogger: Farrah
What an amazing experience and race weekend!! It sounds like SO SO SO!!! much fun!! 🙂
rachel recently posted…I Ran
Sounds like a great weekend! I’m from South Jersey and came out last year and had such a blast at the races and going to all the seminars. I really wanted to come back this year but I decided to do the Baltimore Marathon instead. I would love to do the trail race that they just added this year. Looking forward to reading your race recaps from all the races!
Scott Partenheimer recently posted…2015 Baltimore Marathon Race Recap
So great to meet you, Erika! Can’t wait to read about your races!
Karla @ Run, Karla, Run! recently posted…Ready For The Runner’s World Half & Festival
The more I read, the more I want to go back and do it all over again! Great first recap and looking forward to reading more 🙂
Allie recently posted…RW Half & Festival – Altra and My Virgin Trail Race
It was great to meet you and you are hilarious. My favorite part was Barts house I think.
I’m glad you had no pain…injury free races are the way to be!
Hollie recently posted…Runners World Festival 5k (18:56)
Looks like an amazing weekend of running, good people, and fun times! can’t beat that!
Laura recently posted…Chicago & Saucony 26 Strong
Looks like a blast. Definitely a “bucket list” item for runners.
Hollie recently posted…Kids & Sports: The Right Time
It was great to finally meet you this weekend! I wish we had more time to catch up, but I’m sure our paths will cross again soon. Enjoy MCM!
David H. recently posted…100 races and counting
I loved reading your weekly wrap up. How awesome that you and other bloggers got to spend the weekend with Bart Yasso! Also, so neat that you got to meet Deena! Good luck at MCM!!
Debra recently posted…Gulf Coast Half Marathon Mandeville, LA
That is so cool! Very jealous but glad that you got that great experience.