Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Travel Plans!

It's hard to believe that I fly out for Vancouver, BC 2 weeks from today! Holey moley this trip snuck up on me. But I am SO excited for it! Especially since I get to finally meet Amber and Lauren!

So here is a little break down of my travel plans!

I arrive in Vancouver, BC on Wedneday, October 6th. Amber is picking me up from the airport and will be my Vancouver tour guide! I can't wait to check out the city and run along the seawall - with Amber! We're planning to meet up with some Vancouver bloggers for dinner on Thursday night.

On Friday morning, we'll make our way south to Seattle, where we'll spend one night. I know we will not be in Seattle long enough to do this city justice, so I'll definitely need to return to this city in the future. At a minimum, we want to visit the original Starbucks, check out the Pike Place Market, and see the Space Needle (most likely just from the outside). I have heard nothing but great things about this city so can't wait to check it out1

On Saturday morning, we'll continue south to Portland. Time permitting, we might stop at Snoqualmie Falls. I have wanted to visit this park since seeing it on the Bachelor a couple of years ago (yes, I used to watch that show... *hangs head in shame*). We'll arrive in Portland in the the early afternoon and plan to check out the Marathon Expo. If you want to get a feel for the buzz that surrounds a marathon, I recommend checking out a marathon expo. There are tons of booths with free product give aways - and the nervous energy of the expo is pretty darn contagious! I went to the Twin Cities expo last year and walked out thinking, "yep, I definitely need to do a marathon in 2010." After wondering through the expo, we are hoping to get a chance to check out Powell's Books, which is only a block from our hotel. It's one of the largest books stores in the US and covers more than a city block - so it's basically heaven on earth for a book lover like me! After checking out that store, we'll meet up with Lauren and her boyfriend for some carb loading! It turns out that Portland is very gluten free friendly so we had multiple options to choose from, which was a huge relief for me!

On Sunday morning, Amber and I will rise early and head to the start line of the Portland Marathon. In week 18, I'll be telling you more about my goals for the race. Depending on how I feel, we'll hopefully do a bit more walking/exploring on Sunday afternoon. I definitely want to try to keep moving as much as possible... last time I ran a marathon, I took a ginormous nap and woke up in excruciating pain so I really don't want to repeat that experience.

On Monday morning, Amber will drop me off at the airport and I will return to Minneapolis. I am praying that I am not too sore - but at least it is a direct flight!

Here's where you come in!

1. Have you visited Vancouver, Seattle, or Portland? We won't have much time in each city but are always up for recommendations for things that we must see or must do!

2. Any marathoner out there that have traveled to run a marathon? Any words of advice? What should I expect for the plane ride home on Monday?

As always, thanks for your input!!

25 comments:

Kyla Roma said...

You're going to have the most amazing time!! :) I have two recommendations for Seattle:

- Le Pichet for perfect French food & ambiance that's affordable and extremely good! It's right down town, about a block from the market. It could be a good preview of February :)

- Molly Moon’s Handmade Ice Cream is otherworldly! Everything from the cones to the ice cream is done in the shop & the flavours are incredible. They could add to Amber's 'pictures with ice cream & gelati' collection :)

Charbelle said...

You're going to have such an amazing time!!! I'm so excited for you!!!

Emily Jane said...

Oh wow this is so SO exciting!! I've never been to any of those places but if you get a chance to take in some live music in Seattle, please do - some of my absolute favourites come out of that city and I know they produce really great artists :)

Mandy said...

I'm so excited for you and jealous that you're getting to meet Amber. You all are going to have a wonderful, whirlwind of a time. A book store thats a city block long? Be still my book loving heart. Please promise to take lots of pictures.

ShutUpandRun said...

I was in Portland for the Hood to Coast Relay last year. Such a great city with an amazing vibe.

For my first marathon I travelled from Denver to Phoenix. The plane ride home was only 2 hours and I wore my medal the whole way. Brag much? My legs felt fine. I was just sure to walk (and dance) a ton the night of the marathon to work out the kinks.

Abby said...

Sounds like such a fun trip! And it's not *too* jam-packed where you'll be exhausted on Sunday! How fun! I have always wanted to see that part of the country.

I've never flown after a marathon. But I will say even the 5 hours drive from Minneapolis to Grand Forks right after my marathon was pretty rough. I got nauseated, felt uncomfortable, and just rough. However, the next morning I was a new person! So I'm glad you're not traveling the day OF your race!!

I can't believe how soon it is coming up!! Very very exciting!! I'm so glad Portland is a "GF-friendly" city. I was worried about that!!

Nora said...

I have no suggestions since I've not been to any of those cities (sadly, but some day!). I just hope you have an amazing time and promise to give Amber hugs for me, k? I really wanted to fly out there for the race as a surprise but stupid tickets were expensive so I won't be there but I'll be there with you in spirit!

Leigh said...

It sounds like you and Amber are going to have a great time!

I have been to Seattle, but didn't stay long enough to recommend anything to you. A pretty city for sure!

Becky said...

Ahhh, so excited for you! I have not been to any of those places but I want to go to Vancouver and Seattle so can't wait to hear your recommendations!

Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks said...

I've been to both Vancouver and Seattle .. but neither recently enough to give you recommendations.

I traveled for 3 out of my 5 marathons. I think the big thing for you to consider is the flight out there and the time leading up to the race. HYDRATE like crazy ... the flight works against you in that matter. Also, as exciting as it will be to visit new cities, don't do too much walking around ... you want to save your energy for the race. Finally, after the race, you hit the nail on the head ... walk, walk, walk! It really does stretch out your leg muscles and will help with how you feel over the coming week. And just be prepared ... the flight home won't be all that comfortable, but you can remind yourself that had you run in Minneapolis, sitting at your desk at work wouldn't be that comfortable, either.

Allison Blass said...

Powell's Bookstore is definitely #1 on my list. I also recommend getting some coffee at Stumptown or Peet's. They are both within walking distance from Powell's.

There is also the Saturday Market, which is down by Skidmore Fountain, which is down by the river. It's open both Saturdays *and* Sunday, but only until 5pm. If you can make it, it's really fun! Since you know someone in Portland, I'll let them guide you for food, especially since it sounds like you need gluten-free and I am completely unfamiliar with gluten-free restaurants.

I hope you have a great time and that it's nice and sunny for you! :)

abbi said...

I haven't been to any of those cities so I won't be of any help! You guys (girls) are going to have an amazing time though!

Kellie said...

I've never been to either city, but would love to visit!
As for travelling on Monday, you're going to be sore. Getting up after sitting on a plane is going to be hard, but you can do it!

Lauren @ Sassy Molassy said...

Sounds like a great trip! Can't wait to see you guys!

Amber said...

I am SO EXCITED for our roadtrip!

Love all these tips :-)

Jolene - EverydayFoodie said...

Your trip sounds like it will be so much fun!!!

I have been to Vancouver, but I don't remember it much because I was a kid, and I was busy with gymnastics the whole time I was there.

Kelly (She Wears a Red Sox Cap) said...

I am SO exciting for you guys! I have never been to any of those cities but absolutely have to go in the very near future so I can't wait to hear all about your trip and the marathon itself!

I am no expert but I would say get up a lot on your plane ride home :) Sitting still for too long seems to be a bad thing!

Stephany said...

Ohh, I'm jealous that Amber gets to meet YOU and that you get to meet AMBER! This sounds like SUCH a fun trip!

I have no tips, though. I've never ventured past the East coast, blegh. I need to remedy that.

J said...

So exciting! Can't believe it is almost here! I have never been to Seattle or Vancouver but I so want to go!

Cherry Blossoms said...

This is going to be such a fun time for you! Seattle is great. Def try and go up in the space needle!! Its super cool

crystal said...

Seattle??!?! I know its a short trip, but Im here if you want to meet up :) The market is one of my favorite places ever! Even though I walk through there at least monthly, Im still in love with it :)
As far as other Seattle recommendations, Elliot Bay Book Company is a pretty awesome book store. Its right in Pioneer Square, so if you have time to head that way. Its just a 10-15 minute walk (or 5 min free bus ride!) from the market.

Nicole said...

It sounds like you're going to have such a wonderful time! I'm so excited for you! Unfortunately I have no advice or recommendations for either the area or running.

Amber @ A Little Pink in the Cornfields said...

That trip sounds so amazing, you're going to have so much fun! I cannot wait to hear all about it annnnnd see pictures! You better take lots! :)

Shoshanah said...

I went to Seattle back in middle school, so I remember some parts but not enough to give you any good suggestions. I do know we went to Pike Market, and to a Mariners game, but besides that I don't know. Although I'm sure whatever you do you guys will have a great time!

Lisa said...

Be sure to leave plenty of time for Powell's! It takes HOURS. :)