Luv What You Do

The tapering continues this week…hooray!

This morning, I only had to run 3 miles.  It felt strange to have my run over so quickly, but it gave me time to make Challah French Toast for breakfast.  The BOY has been requesting it for days and who doesn’t love thick, sweet bread drenched in cinnamon and vanilla egg batter for breakfast?!

I decided to head into the city today to play.  It was another beautiful, warm fall day, and I had made an appointment with Jessica from CHEW Chicago to chat about nutrition, specifically during endurance training.  If you remember, I met Jessica when the Ya-Ya’s and I did the Wellness Tour downtown last month.  I have read so much conflicting information about healthy eating that I thought it would be good to check in with a professional. 

It was a clear day and the leaves were starting to change all around me.  I was looking forward to a quiet ride downtown  on the train to catch up on some reading.

I made it into the city just before 2:00 and had some time to burn before my appointment.  I walked through a few stores browsing, but believe it or not, I wasn’t in the mood for shopping.  I know…I wouldn’t have believed it myself.  But, I was truly enjoying walking around outdoors, window shopping, and people watching.  I did look around Top Shop though, which is new to Chicago.  I haven’t been since I was in London in 2002.  The clothes are just as cute as I remember!

I strolled down to Lake Michigan for a few minutes before making my way to the Hancock building.

I had a wonderful hour long meeting with Jessica.  We talked about different food choices, my history of stomach issues, and my goals and concerns.  Mostly, how I can fuel for intense workouts and stay energized throughout my long work days.  She had some good suggestions for me, like adding more fish oil to my diet and eating farro and amaranth, both good sources of protein.  It was an hour well spent, and I look forward to incorporating some of her suggestions into my daily routine building upon the healthy lifestyle changes I have already made.

I was supposed to meet a girlfriend for coffee, but it fell through last minute.  I took a nice walk down Michigan Avenue, taking pictures (coming soon!), and playing tourist in my own city.  A few of the marathon banners were hanging, which definitely got me excited!

I decided to continue walking towards Union Station (as opposed to taking the “El”).  On my way, I saw a bakery with a bouncer.  I kid you not, there was a line outside of this bakery and a woman letting people in one at a time.  I had never heard of the bakery but had to take a picture because it’s not every day that one sees a line for baked goods.  Plus, I thought it would be a name worth remembering!  Has anyone every been here?  What is the deal?

I had just enough time to grab an ARGO Tea latte and finish my book before meeting the BOY at the train station.  ARGO is one of my favorite places that I discovered when I lived in Evanston.  I only get there when I am back in the city (or at O’hare) to enjoy my favorite red tea latte with SF vanilla and skim milk.  It may sound odd, but it is FABULOUS!  They also have an amazing Pumpkin Chai for you pumpkin lovers out there.

I met the BOY at Union Station after his school day and we commuted home together.  It was fun to chat about our days and I shared my fun explorations in the city.  He said he was jealous that I got to play in the city all day while he sat in class.

When we returned home, we found Emmy delving into some nutrition reading of her own.  After making dinner, I decided to join her on the couch for a relaxing evening.