Oh Canada!

I'm a bit behind in my updates, but I'm working on em! This trip was August 12th-18th, 2014.

A week off of school came at the perfect time for an already planned trip to Mont Tremblant, about an hour and a half from Montreal. I was needing a nature fix after just a couple of weeks of the city life and this place did the trick! 

It was quite cold compared to the summer weather I had packed 3 month's worth of clothes for. Needless to say I enjoyed it from the inside much of the time. 

These skies. I have been spoiled in every destination with amazing clouds! 

Same view, different day. (Yes, all from inside)

Why Mont Tremblant? For my first experience spectating an Iron Man event, of course! The little ski village was transformed into all things Iron Man. 

Thankfully this meant there was plenty of eating still happening in my adventures since I was surrounded by athletes needing to fuel for the big day. 

The area is known for maple syrup and it is sold in many forms. Post lunch treat...

Maple syrup poured over ice, then left to harden for 60 seconds...

You're given a Popsicle stick to roll the syrup onto...

Straight sugar never tasted so good!

I wish I had taken more pictures here, it was so gorgeous! 

I was sad to see how comfortable the feet were with humans. There was no zooming involved in this photo, she really was that close! Sad was how many people would try to get as close as possible. I understand how amazing this can be, but not many seem to consider the animals and that this is not how they are meant to live, feeding off of your human food. 

Stepping off my soapbox and into spectator mode...

The Iron Man is a crazy feat for humans; 2.4 miles swim, 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile (full marathon) run with not even a second's break between. 

Starting at about quarter til 7, the Iron men and women dive into the pool with their entire age group. This is one of the men's swim start. As a spectator...this is so stressful!!! Nearly 300 men are rushing into the water on top of one another, kicking and smacking anyone in their way. And this was just the start! 

Same view add swimmers! The weather miraculously cleared for the day which was such a nice treat for the athletes. 

After the swim, the racers rush out of the water and head to transition where they change for the next leg. The majority wear the "kit" or suit they don all day. This usually entails a tank and thinly padded (like, no padding) bike shorts. They wear this under their wetsuit, to ride their bike and to run a marathon in. I've been known to be quite the diva when running marathons and require all conditions to be just perfect. No way would I want to run in a wet short and shorts...aaaaaalllll day! Nope. Uh uh. Not happening for me. 

Anyhow...they rush out of the water and run about a quarter mile barefoot while simultaneously stripping off a wet wet suit to the transition tent. Once in the tent they scurry to get their bike shoes and helmet on, then rush to find their bike in the stands. They clear the gates and hop on their bikes to embark on their 112 mile ride. This is over an hour after starting only to sit in the saddle for 5-6+ hours: HOURS, people! HOURS! Ugh. Thankfully the scenery is gorgeous and I am sure helps them along. They are not allowed to accept any help along the way; no medical help or even passing of a coke from a bistander or they will be disqualified.  Can you imagine?!

Out of the gate!

After the bike they head back to transition and switch to running shoes. Then run. One. Entire. FULL. Marathon. Yeah, what the heck?! This can take minimum three hours unless they are not human. Well, I don't think these people are human anyhow. 

Crazy awesome skies when a brief storm came through during the run.

Nearing the finish, this was about a half mile from the finish.

To get a spot at the finish is quite the challenge as people are cramped to see their loved ones. 

In the end they spend at least 10 hours racing. This doesn't count the early rise of 3 hours before and that the average person averages at least 11+ hours. 

The Iron Man is crazy amazing to watch, but downright exhausting-as a spectator!! 

On a side note, one of my favorite moments (& a little de ja vu to Sorrento) was an epic fireworks show two nights before the race that was heard during dinner. This is tradition for the night of packet pick up. 

Always fireworks! 

Chicago

Home for the next few weeks is Chicago. I was a bit apprehensive coming here as I am not the biggest fan of cities. Chicago proved me wrong. It's gorgeous! And clean! 

The monsoon like thunderstorms provide the best skies! 

The beach at Lake Michigan has you fooled you're at the ocean. I spent a few afternoons running by here. It was the perfect backdrop to get back into my running habit that I had thrown tothe curb   after my last marathon. 

I visited the downtown farmer's market.

All from the market! I could do this every day.

The Chicago River is a main thoroughfare for transportation. This boat was gigantic! 

 A dime! If you know me, you know this is a sign from my Dad. I nearly sat right on it!

The flowers and greenery here is gorgeous! Reminds me so much of Vancouver, BC. 

Lake Michigan can be seen in the back right. 

Chicago is known for good food. I ate. A lot.

Homemade paella

The most delicious salad at Publican Quality Meats. Baby lettuce, turkey breast, radish, fried shallots, green beans, squash, eggs, all in a dill ranch. I'm salivating reminiscing about it. 

Another run view of the Chicago River

Since finding out I can't eat gluten I have not had a real donut in over 5 years. Chicago has gluten free donuts. Imma gonna get fat here! Do Rite donuts has the recipe perfected! Soooooo good! 

Had to stop at the Harpo Studios for a tourist picture! (No, I did not see Oprah)

Sunday lunch at Little Goat

Lunch is served. Roast beef on gluten free bread, topped with havarti, cabbage, guacamole, roasted peppers and so much more! Smoked fries and corned beef hash. So. Stinkin. Good. 

The restaurant has a diner feel as well as a little shop, bar, cafe, bakery and rooftop bar. I could not get over all of the cute! 

If only I could eat these! 

Coffee bar at Little Goat

Old town Chicago is darling. It is full of all kinds of shops and restaurants. This....

My favorite place of all! It's simply called "green". 

It's like walking into a thick jungle with hardwood floors and air conditioning. 

I want to just sit in here alllllll day long. Perhaps the little old woman running it wouldn't mind? 

Flower arrangements created in the back room

And if ever I am missing in Chicago, check green! 

No visit to Chicago would be complete without a visit to Wrigley Field. 

Yes, I went to a baseball game! The people watching was wonderful and the sudden rain storm created some fun memories. 

I had no idea what was going on. In the 8th inning I had to ask where to find the score. I'm such a sports fan! 

Saw David Gray on Northerly Island 

Ate gluten free cupcakes

Had homemade gluten free pasta! 

I forgot to take a picture before chowing down, but tossed with homemade pesto was beyond delish! 

Visited the Lincoln Park farmer's market...

All edible flowers! 

That's a mushroom that was at least 15" across. The most beautiful market I have ever been to! (The location had a lot to do with it)

These neighborhoods will steal your heart. (This is Lincoln Park)

Besides eating my way through Chicago I also did plenty of yoga and tons of homework. Finished up my second summer term at Arizona State, having a week break for another trip!