Fitbloggin Conference

 Where to even start about the awesomeness that was Fitbloggin 12!?!?!   The idea for a badge decorating party to gather was so fun & a great way to personalize our name tags.  The opening performance by Susan of Food Food Body Body was incredible- it was a free live show & so inspirational.  I also hooked up with a fabulous roommate Coco from Got 2 Run 4 Me – another runner & we had a blast exploring Baltimore at night together.

This was my second “event” in Baltimore & I’m so glad I got to spend it on the Inner Harbor. Our hotel was just a few minutes walking from tons of great restaurants & a fabulous boardwalk that many people took advantage of for their long training runs & our 5K on Sunday morning.  I enjoyed sitting outside for dinner & watching the calming waters.

  I was so lucky to meet Janet of Because I Can & Dawn of Fixing Myself Happy on our first night- Coco & I had a lovely dinner with them, where we really got to know each other & shared some fabulous stories.  Janet has an incredibly inspiring story about coming back to running after a life-changing tragedy & she’s even running the NYC marathon next month too.  

There were tons of exciting workout so people could try new exercises, and sadly I missed the Jump Sport trampoline class & the Zumba class by Mrs Fatass.  I was originally going to room with Sue & was so bummed when we had to move things around, but THRILLED when I realized she was just across the hall- celebrating her 39th Birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY again!).  She’s one of the sweetest, funniest, and most vivacious people I’ve met- I will NOT miss Zumba next year

The Friday night keynote was an incredible presentation format called Ignite, where 14 people each gave a 5 minute educational, funny, and inspiring presentation.  I got to meet some great people, laughed a ton, and learned about roller derby while watching my fellow Fitbloggers show off their stuff.- much thanks to Kia of Bodhi Bear for moderating.

The swag bag was incredible (hello Reebok gym bag & new shoes), the food was amazing & delicious, and the people were so mind-blowingly friendly & welcoming.  My favorite aspect was the community discussion room, where we pretty much had a community dialogue & conversations on a variety of topics.  To say there hundreds of laughs & tears shed in this room is an understatement, and I highly recommend reading some of the live-blogging posts, especially the one on Self-Acceptance.

I got to meet Mara Glatzel, whom I’ve had the privilege of working with & am excited to keep working with her on Grow Soul Beautiful.  Another favorite person I was excited to meet was Amanda of Run to the Finish- she’s also running NYC marathon & we went on a long, fast, beautiful training run around the harbor on Friday morning.

 I had such a blast at Fitbloggin& just adored the whole vibe- so much loving & encouragement, so many people in every shape & size and place on their personal journey.  I was so honored that Roni let us do a Yoga Photo booth for Grow Soul Beautiful.  All the informational sessions were great & I learned tons of good bloggin information while having a blast with amazing people.

I wouldn’t really consider myself a “health & fitness” blogger since I don’t really post about food or my training schedules, only marathon re-caps.  I didn’t know many people at all before I arrived, and was a little nervous about going alone.  I was welcomed into the community & everybody was so kind and supportive.  I’ve already got Fitbloggin ’13 on my calendar & I’m so stoked to be heading to Portland with this fabulous group of people.

GOOD NEWS OF THE DAY: Friends GTG tonight to celebrate a birthday!