Another new month! This is going to be an exciting one as our Orangetheory Fitness Brownsville will be opening! I’m so excited for this new chapter. I’m ready to become fitter, faster, and stronger!

I can’t believe it’s been 3 weeks since we went to the Orangetheory Convention in San Diego, but I wanted to be sure to do a trip recap so I could look back on my memories later on.

This trip could not have come at a better time; this school year’s calendar gives us no breaks until Thanksgiving and I was getting antsy to get away for a little while. We flew out on Wednesday evening and arrived in San Diego around 6:45. Our taxi took us to our hotel, which was only about 3 miles from the airport, and Mike, Eddie, and Jaime got checked in for the convention. I was also able to check in and got my name tag and some nice swag bags too. There was a “glow workout” scheduled for that time, and those 3 got ready and went to the workout. I just hung out in the room and relaxed until they were done. We met up at the hotel bar and had some drinks and dinner and then hit the hay.

The next day we woke up still on Texas time, and I was dressed and ready to head out for a run by 7:30am. I had packed my running shoes, belt, and Garmin  because I knew the weather would be gorgeous for running, and I had my half marathon coming up in a couple of days. I’m so glad I took the time to run and explore because I got familiar with the area, and took note of places I’d like to go visit.

As I expected, my run felt amazing, and before I knew it, I was 4 miles out! I turned around and headed back to the hotel to finish a satisfying 8 mile run.

I headed back inside and Mike & his crew were already at their sessions. I showered, got ready, and figured out what I would do with my day ahead.

As I had been running, I noticed flags going up around the San Diego Harbor for an Extreme Sailing event. I thought that would be cool to experience, and I knew the location wasn’t too far, so I got an Uber and headed that way. When I arrived several tents had been set up as well and bleachers facing the water, but there weren’t too many people around. I asked someone when it would begin and was told this was a “soft opening” day and that the actual races would take place the next two days. I got myself a delicious chicken gyro wrap from a food truck and a craft beer and looked over the schedule of events.

I noticed that a kite surfing display was going to begin soon, so I found a nice patch of grass and settled in to watch.

As more and more surfers got out on the water, it was such an amazing sight to see. They looked so calm and relaxed and made kite surfing look easy (and I’m sure it absolutely isn’t)! Bucket list to try out for me.

I decided to start heading back to the hotel and figured instead of getting an Uber, I’d rent a bike. Great idea, because I had a blast cruising back and stopped to take several pictures.

Near the giant Midway ship was the amazing “Kissing Statue”. I had always liked that famous photo and to see this giant statue was insane!

Got back to the hotel and touched base with Mike. He had one more session left to attend, so I hung out in the room and started getting ready for our party that evening.

It turned out that our party was actually held on the Midway Museum ship. That thing is HUGE! Also, I got to experience just how many people were here for the convention, over 2000!

To close the party off was an orange fireworks show.

Rode a pedi-cab back to the hotel and passed out for the night.

I slept in a bit the next morning and decided to book an Orangetheory class at a studio nearby. My instructor was very welcoming as well as motivating. The class was fun and kicked my butt!

I had to make a decision on what I would spend my last day in San Diego doing. When I had researched previously, visiting the La Jolla sea lions looked like something I’d enjoy. I called an Uber and had him take me about 15 miles out to La Jolla Beach.

When he dropped me off, really didn’t know where to go. I took a little walk up and down the beach boardwalk and it was a little chilly and drizzling.

I realized this was not where the sea lions were and did some Google map research to find that they were at the La Jolla Cove, which was a 2 mile walk from where I was. I decided 2 miles isn’t too far, and started my walk.

I didn’t realize this walk was uphill a lot of the time, and that I’d be walking along a busy highway for about a mile! Oh well, adventures….FINALLY I made it to the cove. I knew I had arrived by the smell….haha.

But boy was it beautiful. I was blown away.

I climbed out onto the bluff to take some pictures but still hadn’t spotted the sea lions. Then I heard them! So excited, I found my cutie pies! They are hilarious to watch. They reminded me of my wiener dog Billy!

I was so glad I had made the trip to La Jolla, that town was beautiful. The homes around the area were absolutely incredible. I got lucky with my Uber driver back, and older gentleman who took me around for a little guided tour.

Got back to the hotel and hung out with Mike for awhile. He asked if I wanted to go and see the last big Orangetheory event, the “Dry Tri”. What a sight to see! Hundreds of extremely fit people doing an impossibly insane workout: row 2000 meters, 50 burpees, about 300 reps of body weight exercises, and then sprint a 5k on the treadmills. Good Lord.

That evening was the Awards Banquet. We got all dolled up and headed to the ballroom. This party was so over-the-top. Delicious food, great live music, and an MC that sounded exactly like Justin Timberlake, I swear.

A wonderful end to an amazing trip. I love San Diego and can’t wait to go back!

When we arrived home on Saturday, we picked up our race packets and proceeded to run the Brownsville Historic Half Marathon. Let me tell you….humidity at it’s finest! But we had an awesome crew representing OTF thanks to Ownway Apparel!

TRI WITH JOY!

Jenna