1. On Saturday about 20 members of the Chicago Running Bloggers got together at Erin’s to go for a 3 mile run, enjoy a potluck lunch, and participate in a gift exchange. I had more then 3 miles on my training schedule for the day, so I woke up early and knocked out 6 on the treadmill before heading to the event.
2. When I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to see that despite the rain, so many bloggers had showed up and were ready to run. We all dropped our stuff off and then got ready to head out.
(photo from Erin)
3. We took the run at a relaxed pace and I really enjoyed meeting other bloggers and chatting away in the rain. I also realized that I could really use a decent waterproof running jacket. I almost always opt for the treadmill when it’s raining but it’d be nice to have something to wear in the case that it rains during a race.
4. When we got back from the run, we changed into our holiday best and then helped the bloggers who didn’t run finish setting up all of the food. There were soo many goodies and lots of wine!
(photo from Kelsey)
5. We chatted lots, ate all of Kelsey’s special salad, had a Christmas costume contest, and then started the gift exchange.
(photo from Kelsey)
6. The gift exchange was like a white elephant except that the gifts were not gag gifts like they typically are in a white elephant exchange. Somehow one gag gift managed to make it into the exchange and Katie was the lucky recipient. She was a little bummed that nobody wanted to swap with her but I’m sure the pillow will look great with the decor in her Chicago apartment!
(photo from Kelsey)
7. I picked the last number for the exchange which meant that I could either pick the final gift or steal from someone else. I opted to steal and took the package of injinji socks and Mission Max Muscle Rehab roll-on gel. I was too nervous to try the socks on my long run on Sunday but I put them on Saturday night to see how they felt and was surprised by how comfy they are. I can’t wait to try running in them this week.
8. People started trickling out after the gift exchange but a few of us hung around for a little bit and chatted. Kelsey asked Kim to paint her nails and somehow I managed to convince Kim that she should paint my little stubs too. Bonding time!
(photo from Kelsey)
9. Overall, I had an awesome time at the holiday party. I got to put blog names to faces with many bloggers that I hadn’t met in person before and also got to catch up with the ones I already knew. There was also great food and lots of wonderful conversation! Thanks again for hosting, Erin!
(photo from Erin)
What fun holiday-themed parties have you participated in this year?
this looks like so much fun and i love your “holiday best”! you look great
molly @ heart, sole & cereal recently posted..what brings you here?
Thanks Molly
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Aw, this looks like SUCH a fun time! I really need to get myself to a blogger meet up
Sarah @PickyRunner recently posted..MIMM: Pins that make my life Marvelous
You definitely should, they’re so much fun!
Such a fun day!!! Have a great day!!!
Emily recently posted..Yoga Loft
Thanks, you too!
Lol I had to take one for the team…
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats recently posted..Weekend in Review
It looks like you’re making good use of it!
Oooh, a holiday party sounds like the best way to meet other bloggers! Sounds like a blast.
Jess @ JessieBear What Will You Wear recently posted..Shiny rings and things
If you’re in the city you should come to one of them!
I would love that! I’m in the city after the holidays for the rest of the school year!
Jess @ JessieBear What Will You Wear recently posted..Liebster Award
also totally random, but I nominated you for the liebster award
Jess @ JessieBear What Will You Wear recently posted..Liebster Award
Awesome! We have both a running blogger and healthy living blogger facebook group. Let me know if you’re interested in either and I can add you!
yeah I’d love to be a part of the healthy living blogger one! (I’m not actually suuper into running).
Could you send me the link? Or do you want the link to my fb?
Jess @ JessieBear What Will You Wear recently posted..Liebster Award
Looks like you guys had a fantastic day! Definitely jealous of the manicures…goodness knows my nails could use some color.
Bethany @ Accidental Intentions recently posted..Jingle Bell 5K Recap
I almost never paint my nails but Kim did an awesome job!
Excited to hear what you think about the socks! I went for a 10 mile run yesterday, and even when the rest of me was still chilly, my feet were nice and warm in my Injinji socks … I swear they are magic. And as much as I am pushing the socks, I was not the one who brought them on Saturday!
I’m glad they kept your feet warm! I get a lot of blisters between my big toe and my first toe so I’m really hoping they will help with that!
Why can’t we have a party at Erin’s every single day?
And eat special salad every day…wait, I already do.
kelsey recently posted..Blogger Holiday Partay
Mmmm special salad. Definitely having my own version of it tonight!
I havent participated in any holiday themed parties but I attended a 90′s themed party in the summer. I wore my overalls and got my grunge on! Good times, good times
. Looks like the party was a lot of fun 
Christina recently posted..In memorium
That sounds like so much fun- love me some 90′s grunge!
That looks like such an awesome day and glad you enjoyed it. Pretty sure I have a very similar ugly sweater vest that I purchased LOL.
HollieisFueledByLOLZ recently posted..Fig Pancakes
It’s pretty awesome!
Tacky parties are the best! I went to one this year – people get so creative! I love white elephants too. Your posts make me so excited to get back to Chicago on Friday!
Megan @ runnningonjava recently posted..I’m almost there: MIMM 12/17
You’re so close to being done!
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Love your recap! The party was SO fun! Of course, Kelsey would bring the one white elephant gift (except, I think she bought it? ha ha, anyway), love that girl!
I had SO MUCH FUN chatting with you more and loved painting your nails. Hope we get to spend more time together in the future
kilax recently posted..Totes is totally a word [37]
Me too!