This past weekend I was speaking at a race in Chicago. Being on a pretty tight budget I had to rely on the kind friends I have in the area. I spent each night in a different place. One morning the train left by 2 minutes, making me late for a meeting. One day one of my bags didn’t make it to my next “host home”. Then the last night I spent in ESPN Zone and the airport. All of these things were about to make me go crazy OR teach me some kind of lesson.

A lesson in going with flow. Or maybe breathing. Or taking time to be thankful for what I do have. Sometime is so easy for me to think of what I am going through at the present moment instead of being grateful for what I have.

Yeah, spending the night in the airport might not have been the greatest time of my life. But hey, at least I had a roof over my head:)

What can you be thankful for TODAY?

Photo by James Jordan

Whoa! 2:30am came WAY to fast!!! Wiped the sleep out of my eyes, ate a quick breakfast, Phil came at 3:30am. Quickly loaded up my truck w/ all the gear and we were off to Dulles.

Parked in the lot, aka, land of no return. Then it was time for the moment of truth. My BIG bag weighed in at 49lbs. OMG!!! I just made it!! That was great news.

On to flight. 6am flight to Denver first. Apparently I was pretty tired. I was in the middle seat, asleep and Gregg accidentally hit with his arm. I never moved.

Landed in Denver. Had 10 min to make the connection. No time for Jamba Juice. Sigh. On a little prop plane to Rapid City. Short flight. Hello South Dakota! 35mph winds! 65 temps. It was cold! Whoa!

Got picked up by Casey’s Car Rental. Drove into town. Had a nice lunch at Colonial House. Then we went over to Safeway for more last minute food. I wanted my red grapes I always crave on runs!

Spent a little time in the city. Checked the local running store. Of course!!

Then it was on to Mt. Rushmore! My first time seeing it live! So cool!

Since I was the pilot (aka driver) my 2 passengers took a nap while driving into Hot Springs. Sigh. Perhaps I will get a nap tomorrow. Passed Buffalo. Kind of funny seeing the creatures right on the road. If you hear a scream Saturday you’ll know why:)

Passed some really cute shops. WILL be back!

Finally arrived in Hot Springs. Checked in at hotel. Then went down to check in for race! Race number 102 baby! It’s feeling very real now.

Then back to the room to get some work done. Didn’t get to bed til 11pm. It’s been a LONG day.

Night all!

Photo by dean.franklin

Last day in Chicago. Sigh. I always have so much fun here with my best-est friends! Kate, Meaghan, Pete you all rock!

Got to run with Deon this morning. Another nice morning. I felt pretty sore the whole time, but it was great to run with a friend. Nice Lake Shore route. Lots of runners. Lots of cyclists. I again had bike envy!

Ran 6 miles in an hour. But I was able to run, so I am thankful!

Said goodbye to Kate. Then I had breakfast with Pete. More goodbyes. Quickly packed up and headed to airport via the bus & train.

I was a little fearful of flying back today given my flight in. But I am happy to report that my flight to Atlanta was good. Flight to Richmond was also uneventful! Thank god!

Nathan picked me up, went back to his & Meg’s place. Chatted for a bit, then I hit 95 North. It was already 9pm. Thankfully I had some friends to keep me awake on the drive home. Thanks Alex & Lewis! I also have to thank WaWa. For a gas station, they are a great place to stop at!

I got home just before midnight. Unpacked. Did a load of wash. Fell into bed. I get to cycle in the morning!!!!

Photo by mysza83

WHOA!!! What a fun morning+afternoon+evening that was! Got to see David Beckham play. Toured Nurtilite Laps. Meet & greet at Beverly Hills Ritz with AC Milan. Awesome.

Woke up t the bright beautiful sun. Gloirious morning! Glad to be alive!

Had 14 miles to tackle. I knew my route. Nice to know where I was running! I must say I LOVE this weather. Sun. NO HUMIDITY. Rocks. Saw 2 whales. Did take a quick second to dip my feet in the sand. Ran 14 miles in 2:19.

Quickly hit the hotel pool. Only had time to swim 500 meters. BUT. I got a really great tan. Good thing I didn’t have any more time. I might have sacred everyone when I come home tonight!

Quickly shot some videos. Packed. Sunburn pain slowly fading. On way to airport. Layover in Denver. Back in DC at 1 am.

Thanks for having me Long Beach. I will be back!

Photo by CLF