J.Crew Shirt (on sale), Rag & Bone Denim, MIU MIU Pumps (similar here and here), Chanel Handbag, Michael Kors Watch
In the days leading up to the marathon I struggled to find the motivation to get out of my sweatpants. My legs were achy, my body was spent and I was so tired. Thank goodness for easy outfits and fabulous accessories, and it was this particular formula that got me through that last week leading up to the big race. Ripped jeans, an oversized button down and a fab pair of flashy pumps is all one needs to portray a ‘pulled together’ look. Insert small golf claps here.
I said goodbye to 31 and welcomed 32 in a truly spectacular fashion. Months earlier my brother had been seeking out a race for his 10th full marathon, and when he asked me to run it with him, there was no hesitation in my agreement (I think I was tipsy). He was the one I ran slightly behind alongside for my very first full marathon, and the one that got me and my girlfriends over the finish line for my second full marathon. We looked at many options, but the idea of heading out to sunny LA, on my day of birth no less, fit the bill. We proceeded to sign our entire family up for the 5km race that took place the day before the marathon, because this was a working vacation people.
2015 marked the 30th year of the LA Marathon, and it was hands down the most organized, efficient and well-operated run either of us have done. The Stadium-to-Sea Marathon starts in downtown LA in Dodger Stadium and finishes alongside the beach in Santa Monica. I have never experienced the tremendous sense of community and support that we received throughout the entire 26.2 miles in any other race I’ve run. Families, friends and community members setting up water stations, handing out ice chips, oranges, and pretzels, and encouraging us runners with signs, cheers and salutes. Seriously, it was amazing.
No one expected records temperatures of above 30°C for mid March, even in Los Angeles, especially me. If you can imagine a slow moving turtle, in the desert, with five pound weights on each foot, that would be comparable to me running in the heat. I prefer warm weather while I’m lying down, on a beach (or sitting upright on a patio), cold drink in hand. So it was an extra triumph and personal victory for me to make it through the entire race intact.
It’s funny how things play out. But in the past year I’ve learned that physical pain doesn’t even touch the pain caused by the heart. I’ve learned that I can do anything I set my mind to, and I’ve learned that sometimes our downfalls can be lead to some of our biggest blessings. So while I’m grateful to leave this horribly rough, yet transformative year behind, I will be thankful for everything I’ve experienced throughout it. I open my arms and my heart to everything this year may bring with it. Let’s make it the best year yet.
All checked in and ready to go. Pre-race anticipation is similar to Christmas Eve pre-Santa anticipation. Except there’s no presents, just a lot of pride and a lot of pain awaiting you.
Post 5km race in unreal heat. Good grief I love these people.
Post race brunch took place at Bottega Louie, this was a small sampling of the decadent desserts on the menu.
TSN Turning Point – Popping in to say hi to our cheering squad (aka. the Fam Jam) and receiving amazing cooling towels that we wore around our necks for the rest of the race. I was legitimately worried I was going to pass out one mile prior to this. Jealousy was also high at this point as they had been having lunch and cocktails on the patio at the Beverley Wilshire approximately ten minutes before this picture was taken.
Post-race bliss. We checked in to the gorgeous Casa Del Mar Hotel by the Sea and spent the next two days exploring Santa Monica, biking along the water to Venice Beach, dining at delicious restaurants and playing in the ocean.
AIKO Sweatshirt (similar here), Rag & Bone Jeans, (also here) All Saints Leather Jacket, Gianvito Rossi Pumps, Loeffler Randall Handbag
In the weeks days leading up to the marathon my tired little legs have wanted to don nothing more structured than sweat pants. Of course, one can’t wear sweatpants, fashionably, more than once a week, so my boyfriend jeans have been earning their keep in the closet as of late. I love being able to jazz up a sweatshirt and denim simply by throwing on a pair of heels and a leather jacket. It’s truly a case where everybody wins.
Alice + Olivia Blouse, Diane Von Furstenberg Skirt (similar here and here), All Saints Leather Jacket (similar here), Wolford Nylons, Vince Loafers, Celine Handbag
As I’ve gotten older I’ve acknowledged a noticeable movement towards black in my wardrobe. While I still love and am drawn to colour, having a closet full of options that are guaranteed to play nice with everyone else is just so lovely. To avoid the pitfalls of having an entirely black on black wardrobe, I like to incorporate prints that have black in the pattern, such as my graphic DVF skirt, last seen here. Now, can we all agree that’s just some good clean fun?
Equipment Blouse (similar here), Vince Leather Pants, Valentino Pumps, Topshop Coat (similar here), Saint Laurent Handbag, Tiffany Earrings, Shinola Watch
It’s unbelievable to me how quickly time passes these days. One week today and I’m off to sunny L.A. to run the LA Marathon. It’s been a gruelling 4 months of training, but I’m feeling ready (well, as ready as I can be). Aside from the fact that wearing pumps sans tights has been commonplace this winter, it’s also allowed me to do many of my training runs outdoors, and that is truly a blessing. Whatever you may be doing this weekend I hope it’s filled with all good things. I’ll be taking it easy, perhaps some light packing, some heavy carb loading, and doing anything that takes my mind off my upcoming run.
