Category Archives: Los Angeles

Running updates and Los Angeles Marathon

Posted on by

Just popping in for a quick hello…

I haven’t been running too much since the Bronx 10 Mile. I was sore for a couple of days and then with schedules, I wasn’t able to fit a run in again until we were in Pittsburgh last weekend visiting family. I did a run/walk with Josh’s parents, his dad is training for his first triathlon and I’m helping coach. We ran/walked some pretty steep hills in the neighborhood and it felt really nice to get out there.

This past weekend, I was able to fit in a Wet Barre (Cardio!) class on Saturday morning. I’ve taken this class a couple of times postpartum and it really kicks my butt. Yesterday, I even managed a 2 mile run on the treadmill before heading to a baby shower. Let’s see how long I can keep up this routine for.

img_4525However, the most important running news as of late is that I signed for the Los Angeles Marathon in March. We have been toying with the idea of me running the Tokyo Marathon (it’s a World Major and a big bucket list race for me) in February but after much back and forth decided that such a big trip was likely too much with a 7 month old. I really wanted a goal race to train for post-baby and a vacation, and decided on Los Angeles. We loved our trip there earlier this year and are excited to go back. The course, from what I read, is somewhat hilly in the beginning but I am excited to run from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica. Now I just need to find a way to start running consistently and the time to train for a marathon – wish me luck!

In other exciting news, I have been coaching my cousin for his first marathon and he ran his first half this weekend. Despite the crazy weather in Staten Island and being sick, he rocked it out there with a great time! I’m so excited for him to tackle NYC in a couple of weeks. And a BIG congratulations to everyone who raced this weekend – Staten Island Half, RnR Brooklyn Half, Twin Cities Marathon, Long Beach Marathon, Chicago Marathon and I’m sure a ton more that I am missing.

Los Angeles in Pictures

Posted on by

We’re on our way down the coast of Southern California to San Diego. We just spent four nights in glorious Beverly Hills at the Montage Beverly Hills. We absolutely loved our time in the Los Angeles area and wish that we could spend more time there. To recap the first part of the trip, here are some photos from the iPhone. These are most definitely not the best ones or even close to all the highlights but definitely a good start.

img_4503

We enjoyed an amazing rooftop lunch at the Montage on our first day in Beverly Hills. I think we were pleasantly surprised by how cool the weather was the first couple of days.

img_4511-1

Traveling is not complete without a run through the neighborhoods. It’s one of the best ways to explore. I came back from my morning run in Beverly Hills ready to move there! Who can complain about the amazing weather and gorgeous scenery.

img_4514

I love breakfast foods! After the run, we enjoyed a great breakfast at Walter’s Cafe.

img_4516

Followed by a really yummy salad at True Food Kitchen in Santa Monica. I love all the fresh and healthy options in California.

img_4520

We didn’t just eat the whole time. We did take a nice stroll in Venice Beach. I don’t have a picture of it here, but Muscle Beach Gym right on the Venice Beach boardwalk was quite entertaining and intimidating at the same time.

img_4525

The sunset at Santa Monica Pier was right out of a movie. I guess it probably was used in a lot of movies.

img_4524-1And of course a picture of the famous Beverly Hills shield is a must. This shield stands at the entrances into the city and the logo is everywhere around the city.

img_4529-1

We enjoyed a tour at Warner Brothers Studio in Burbank. I was like a kid at a candy store when we got to see the set of Supergirl and Lorelai’s house and Jeep from Gilmore Girls.

img_4551

I especially squealed when I got to walk around the set of Central Perk from Friends!

img_4550-1

And since they had a real Central Perk café, I had to buy a drink.

img_4535

We saw so many props and sets on the tour but the highlight was definitely that from Sex and the City.

img_4554-1

We enjoyed our last evening in Los Angeles with dinner at Ink. Ink is Michael Voltaggio‘s restaurant. He is the winner of Top Chef Season 6 and of course that means I needed to try it. I am so glad we did. Ink was one of the best meals we’ve ever had and the dining experience will definitely rank in the top of our all-time favorite list. Unfortunately most of the pictures of the dinner will not do the meal justice. I especially loved the non-alcoholic mule in the a copper mug.

img_4559-1

And the mango, coconut, sticky rice with chocolate dessert! The entire dinner was incredible and I highly recommend it.

We’re sad to leave Los Angeles but excited to experience San Diego. More to come on our trip!