WOW what a whirlwind weekend! I was looking forward to it for so long, and now I feel like I blinked and itโs over! I canโt wait to share with you some of the amazing experience I had all courtesy of the amazing folks at Asics. They truly went above and beyond to make our stay special. I want to back track and start from the beginning, Friday morning!
I headed to the New Orleans airport early because it was foggy and pouring rain. I parked and made it in quicker than I thought so I had a long time to wait. A lot of folks have asked why I fly out of NOLA as opposed to Jacksonโฆ3 reasons: 1.) No direct flights from Jackson. 2.) No southwest in Jackson so flights are more money. 3.) When I fly from NOLA I get to spend time with my parents the night before I fly out. ANYWAY, I was ready to get going and we finally boarded the flight!
I scored an exit row seat so I had more legroom which was nice. I was able to take a nap, but by time we landed in LA it was almost 2:00 and I was starving!
I was met at baggage by my driver who was holding up a card with my name on it (so cool!) and he took my bag and we headed to the hotel.
I was staying in Santa Monica, at the gorgeous Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows.
I had to hurry and check in and get to the hospitality room so we could get to the expo. The sweet girl in charge of us was taking Nathan and I since we had earlier flights. My room was amazing and so was my view!
Way in the distance in between the trees you can see the Santa Monica Pier. Also, the finish line of the race was just a bit down Ocean Avenue to the right of this picture, right in front of the hotel.
I headed to the hospitality suite, and I was starving. I had only had a smoothie at the airport and was getting woozie. Thankfully, super sweet Noelle with ASICS had gone to Whole Foods and gotten us sandwiches. Food has never tasted so good! I scarfed down my sandwich and an adorable ASICS cookie almost too cute to eat (almost folks, I may have had a few over the course of the weekend), and we headed to the convention center.
We made it to the expo! Time to shop and get my bib!
We headed back to the hotel with just enough time to change before happy hour at the hotel and then the VIP party. When Nathan and I got back to our rooms (they were side by side) we both realized our AC was not working. Yikes! I was sweating getting ready for the party, and I called maintenance as I walked out the door, crossing my fingers it would be fixed by time I got back.
We got to hang out outside and have a drink or two with the Kastors, some of the ASICS crew, and the other #TeamASICSLAM folks before our bus came to get us for the party.
Forecast for that night was BRIGHT, but we were ready. 
Stay tunedโฆ..
QOTD: Do you bring food to the airport with you?
Isn’t it so much fun to get to LA and ‘earn’ all of these hours in the day?? ๐
Yes it was nice…except on the way home haha!
I always travel with food. Usually I bring granola or trail mix. I get the shakes if I don’t eat on a schedule. Just the other day, I had to grab a sandwich at my grocery store while shopping because I hadn’t eaten all morning. I was walking throughout the store chomping down on a cuban while I shopped. <— I got lots of stares. lol but I felt better instantly.
Sounds like a great start to the trip!! ๐ I do usually bring a granola bar or something along with me for plane rides…just incase! I love the NOLA airport….don’t care for the drive, but love the airport and the prices of the flights! ๐
I can always find breakfast at the airport but since I prefer to fly out early, I more likely than not pack a lunch.
Sounds amazing so far Heather! Can’t wait to read more about your trip!
Wow, looks like so much fun already! Love the view from your room!