If three years ago you would've told me I'd be active in social networking {twitter and blogging}, my running would take me to so many amazing places and introduce me to such wonderful people, and that I would be running Hood-To Coast with NUUN and 20+ bloggers from across the country, I probably would've called you crazy! But two year ago I set out to pursue my running dream of running Hood-To-Coast with NUUN, and is has been a phenomenal 2 years, with "NOs" that have been some of the biggest blessings, and a YES, with perfect timing!
From the moment I stepped off the plane, I was in my element and felt like I was walking the NUUN red carpet. I met up with Jesica and Kimberly, hugs and "so nice to final meet you's" were exchanged, and the adventure instantly began. After touring Seattle by foot {aka walked to Pikes Market, grabbed a Starbucks, took a quick photo and then raced back} we headed back to the NUUN HQs and were off to bowling! The conversation felt like we had been friends forever, and we just picked up where we left off!
We arrived at bowling, and the much anticipated hugs were exchanged and it felt more like being reunited with friends, than meeting them for the first time. It was so fun to laugh, share stories, get to know each other more, and share the excitement of running Hood-To-Coast! I LOVED that while we all had RUNNING in common, we were all so different, with our own, fabulously unique stories...from a mom with 9 children, career moms with only one child, single, engaged, introverts, social butterflies, bloggers with a large following, elite runners, an amazing weight loss story, to a sports psychologist. The love, energy, and excitement in the room was so contagious. What I LOVED more was that no matter what each individual person's story was, when we came together what really mattered was the genuine, loving, caring nature of each person. It's so easy in the social networking world to get wrapped up in the game of "who's who"...who the big time bloggers are, who the fast runners are, but it was SO nice and refreshing to be able to get to know all these amazing women for who they truly are, and realize we are more than the number of followers we have or the time on our garmin watch. The ladies and the evening far exceeded any expectations I had coming into it, and I went home that night with 30+ new friends.
Question: Am I the only who makes up my bowling name!? For some reason its just not as fun when "Holly" flashes across the screen when I get a strike...so that night I was Leteisha!
I can't believe this is the only photo I took while bowling...well, my phone was charging, and I was too busy mingling and perfecting by bowling stance {its all in the kickback, right Casey!?}!
Thursday morning we were up early and on our way to Greenlake for a run, Starbucks, and visit to the Oiselle HQ. And of course, more pictures...
The lady behind it all...Sally Bergesen. What a privilege to hear her share about her passion for running and the running community. I don't remember the exact wording, but she talked about the uniqueness of the friendships and relationships formed within the running community... I left feeling blessed, inspired and motivated.
Us crazy birds couldn't resist a jump shot in front the Oiselle sign.
And the ride back...this is how bloggers communicate!
Later that day we all loaded up in the vans again and headed out on a tour of Seattle #onaduck! The pictures say it all...SO.MUCH.FUN!
The night concluded with dinner and van decorating at the NUUN HQ.
I can't say enough about Mason and his team at NUUN! Their love, support and understanding of the sport of running and runners is truly remarkable!
And for some fun...van decorating...
Which wouldn't be complete without modeling!
Trucker Hats For The Win!
L2 {Team Lemonade Van 2} ready to roll...
Next up, "When Life Gives You Lemonade...Run Faster"
You are a beautiful writer. It was a wonderful experience and being there with you made it that much more amazing. You're my rock #teamhollyroberts love you so much!
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