Best Layover Ever

on January 16, 2011

in All Posts

Waking up at 4:20 AM to catch a 6:35 AM flight is not my ideal way to start a vacation. However, when we’re in Scottsdale by 2:00 PM, I will be pleased!

I realized that I was awake for more than two hours before the sun rose. Ugh. I only do that for races! 🙂

In fact, we were both so sleepy before getting to the airport that I didn’t eat or drink a thing until we got through security. I was parched and hungry by the time we decided to get breakfast from Quinzo’s.

Egg, cheddar, and mixed veggies on a whole wheat sub:

I passed out during the first flight. When I awoke, I was in Atlanta and the sun was beginning to shine!

Since we had a three four layover, I planned ahead by locating the XpresSpa. Whoever thought of putting salons in airports was a genius.

I got a manicure and pedicure. Now I REALLY feel like I’m on vacation!

The Husband kind of moaned and groaned when I originally suggested getting my nails done, but he was won over by the massage chairs (and blankets). The ladies told him that he could lay there as long as he wanted for free. I practically had to drag him away when it was time to go!

I feel like I’ve entered a strange time warp with the time differences between Phoenix and Atlanta. I wanted to get lunch in the Atlanta airport, but we’re landing at 1:00 PM local time. So instead, I got a strawberry, banana, and OJ smoothie and a Clif bar for snacking. Should hold me over!

Hopefully, I can sleep through this flight, too!

Foot update: My left foot, which started to bother me after a 7.0-mile run on Thursday, is still really hurting. On a pain scale of 1 – 10, I would rank it at 7 at it’s worst. So it’s pretty bad. I’m trying not to freak out or think about the three Half Marathons that I’m signed up for. :( Instead, I’m going to enjoy time off and having access to a gym on vacation so I can do low impact workouts like the elliptical or cycling, which I don’t think will irritate it. I’m not going to the doctor due to some changes in my health insurance and knowledge that – odds are – they will just tell me to rest and ice. So hopefully, it will feel better with some rest, icing, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, like acupuncture. :) Keep your fingers (and toes) crossed! Injuries are the WORST.

Hope you’re having a fun Sunday!

{ 95 comments }

Jamie @ Food in Real Life January 16, 2011, 11:04 am
I really hope your foot feels better soon! Lots of ice, ibuprofen and rest rest rest!
Kristina @ life as kristina January 16, 2011, 11:05 am
LOVE airport spas-genius!! We were stranded in JFK for 9 hours once-I think we had close to everything listed so we wouldn’t have to leave!
Goodluck with the foot-fingers crossed!
Marie-Journey to Body Zen January 16, 2011, 11:11 am
Hope your foot feels better! Cute polish color!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) January 16, 2011, 11:13 am
I wish I had heard of those when I was in an airport for twelve hours!
Rae January 16, 2011, 11:21 am
three words: run injury protocl. Dont freak out! If you take your run time for the week (lets say its 15 miles and you run a 10 minute mile, so its 2.5 hours.) Spend half of that on the trainer and half of it water running (if you have access) until your foot is better! I used it for a month before ironman due to an IT band issue and it worked perfectly! Email me if you have any questions-you’re gonna rock these halves, sista!!
Stacey - The Habit of Healthy January 16, 2011, 11:22 am
It’s funny, I never mind getting up early for vacation. That is the one and only time I am quite willing to get before sunrise!
jen @ taste life January 16, 2011, 11:22 am
Poor thing! I hope your foot does get better with some time off. I think the idea of spas at airports is genius, too! Have fun on the rest of your trip.
Jenna @Eating Green, Staying Lean January 16, 2011, 11:22 am
I LOVE mani/pedis…sounds like a great start to your vacation! Next time I fly, you know where to find me 🙂
VeggieGirl January 16, 2011, 11:25 am
LOVE that nail color!

Ahh, I hope that your foot is 100% better as soon as possible!
Stacy @ Every Little Thing January 16, 2011, 11:27 am
That’s an amazing layover! I was reading your tweets and was super jealous. Glad your toes will look great in the sun!
Little Bookworm January 16, 2011, 11:28 am
Hope your foot feels better soon Caitlin!
Amber K January 16, 2011, 11:30 am
I hope you get a chance to RICE it!
Gill (snaxandthecity) January 16, 2011, 11:31 am
Time zones are so weird, aren’t they?!
Hope you have a great vacation, how exciting. And hope your foot gets better soon!
Caitlin G. January 16, 2011, 11:35 am
I hope your foot pain is nothing major! I trained for the Chicago marathon last summer only to pull the muscles in the arch of my foot at mile 17 of my 20 mile training run!!! I was so disappointed I couldn’t run the marathon. Be careful, foot injuries can be very tricky to deal with. Have fun on your vacation!
- Caitlin January 16, 2011, 11:21 pm
  Aww I’m so sorry. Injuries blow.
Katy (The Singing Runner) January 16, 2011, 11:39 am
Have fun on vacation!!!!

Hope your foot feels better!

I tell you, I think we have the same injuries at the same time. When your IT bands started acting up, mine did too. You hurt your foot, I hurt my foot the other day too….. weird!
Lacey @ Lake Life January 16, 2011, 11:50 am
Glad your flights are going well! I never mind getting up early if it’s the start to a vacation 🙂
Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) January 16, 2011, 11:56 am
You were in my neck of the woods…Atlanta! Looks like you enjoyed your brief stay here! I hope your foot feels better soon! Definitely take care of it, but I have no doubt you are in great hands with the hubs! Have a safe flight!
Lindsay M January 16, 2011, 11:59 am
I found this and thought it may help you. http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-241-286-289-12761-0,00.html Good luck!
- Caitlin January 16, 2011, 11:21 pm
  Thanks for passing this along! Very helpful.
Liz @ Tip Top Shape January 16, 2011, 12:01 pm
That is such a great idea for dealing with a layover!! And cute polish color 😀
Ann @ Day by Day January 16, 2011, 12:02 pm
A manicure and pedicure sounds like the perfect way to spend a long layover! A great way to pass the time and to rest your foot. I hope the pain goes away quickly!
Baking 'n' Books January 16, 2011, 12:02 pm
That is an un-Godly hour to be up. Enjoy the flight!
Maddie (Healthy Maddie) January 16, 2011, 12:03 pm
Airport spas sound awesome! Sorry about your foot, I hope it feels better soon.
Allison @ Happy Tales January 16, 2011, 12:14 pm
I <3 Pedicures!!

And I'm so sorry to hear that your foot is still ailing you. It really does sound like something I went through back in Sept… and I made a PROMISE to myself that I wouldn't run on it until I went two weeks pain free. And that's what I did. And I didn't run for the whole month of Sept. But when I finally got back into running in Oct. everything was fine and all back to normal and I ran two halfs within a month of each other… and things have been mostly fine since. My advice is to just do low impact until you don't feel ANY pain in your foot anymore!!
Stephanie January 16, 2011, 12:16 pm
How have I never known that Quiznos does bfast subs? That looks crazy good!
Shari January 16, 2011, 12:17 pm
Oooh, I love that nail polish color! Do you happen to know what it’s called?

Safe trip to AZ!
- Caitlin January 16, 2011, 11:22 pm
  Something with lilac in the title!
Evan Thomas January 16, 2011, 12:17 pm
I hope your foot is OK 🙁 It’s good that you’re playing it smart. I ran on mine twice after it started hurting and made it worse to the point where I took 6 weeks off of running. I’ve only been back to running for the past 2 weeks and it’s a little discouraging but I’m planning on playing it smart until the National Marathon.
Jess@atasteofconfidence January 16, 2011, 12:29 pm
I always have such issues eating when I’m traveling through time zones. I always want to eat lunch at like 10 am!

Sorry about your foot, I hope rest helps!
Camille January 16, 2011, 12:32 pm
Wait, I just realized… did you fly from North Carolina to Arizona to Georgia? Talk about the most roundabout flight ever!
Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat January 16, 2011, 12:37 pm
I hope your foot feels better!! I’m in the same boat with injuries–I actually haven’t been signing up for anything since the last two races I signed up for last year, I wasn’t able to complete due to injuries. Hope the foot feels better!
Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat January 16, 2011, 12:38 pm
I hope your foot feels better!! I’m in the same boat with injuries–I actually haven’t been signing up for anything since the last two races I signed up for last year, I wasn’t able to complete due to injuries.
Ashley January 16, 2011, 12:51 pm
I hope your foot feels better! At least your toes are painted pretty 🙂
Jessie January 16, 2011, 12:54 pm
Enjoy your vacation!

I get up at 4 or a few minutes earlier on days I want to run before work. I have a long commute, so if I don’t get up early and do it in the morning I find I won’t workout when I get home because my body is too tired. I’ve gotten used to it, but hearing the alarm clock go off before it’s light really isn’t any fun!
kate January 16, 2011, 12:56 pm
Just curious how the husband does the vegan thing in airports? I have so much trouble finding satisfying and healthy vegan fare when traveling if I don’t pack my own food–just wanted some ideas!!!
- Caitlin January 16, 2011, 11:23 pm
  Well, he does eat eggs occasionally so that makes it easier. He also drinks smoothies, bagels with hummus, and veggie subs without cheese. Oh, and starbucks oatmeal!
Jen January 16, 2011, 12:58 pm
Dude, you get injuries like I get yeast infections. Makes no sense! Have a wonderful vacay! 🙂
Madeleine @ Stepping to the Bright Side January 16, 2011, 1:01 pm
H’oooh yeah- spa + airport = match made in heaven!
Amanda @ JustAmandaJ January 16, 2011, 1:09 pm
I’ve never actually visited an airport spa, my flights have always been when they aren’t open, bummer it seems I’ve been missing out! Love the color you picked though 🙂

Good luck on the foot pain, resting it and doing low impact stuff does seem like the best idea. Don’t forget, you could always swim too ;P
Erin @ The Grass Skirt January 16, 2011, 1:17 pm
I love getting my nails done at the airport! It truly is genius. You picked a pretty color!
ashley@quasichick January 16, 2011, 1:19 pm
That sandwich looked yummy! And the polish color you picked is perfect! I am so into matte colors right now 🙂
annette January 16, 2011, 1:22 pm
I HATE waking up that early….good luck to you today 🙂 You deserve a nice, long vacay!!
Julie (Food & Other Things) January 16, 2011, 1:26 pm
Getting a manicure/pedicure sounds like a great way to spend a layover! I hope your foot feels better!
megan @ blackberries for jam January 16, 2011, 1:31 pm
Sending lots of healing vibes for your foot! I saw your tweet that you were concerned it could be a stress fracture and I thought “that is exactly my panic reaction whenever something starts to hurt!” But usually, scaling back as necessary and lots of icing helps. I’m sure it will start feeling better before you know it. I hear that manicures and pedicures do wonders for healing too.
Shelly January 16, 2011, 1:31 pm
I get up at 4am everyday to run or do yoga before having to be at work at 7am 🙁 I have a 30min commute. My foot starting hurting a few months ago and it ended up being a stress fracture in my heel. I was in a boot for 5 weeks and was out of running for 2 months. Hope your foot gets better soon.
- Caitlin January 16, 2011, 11:23 pm
  Bless your soul. 4 AM everyday would kill me.
sarah January 16, 2011, 1:33 pm
I’ve been tempted by the airport spas but have never tried one. Now, maybe i will 🙂 I hope your foot feels better. Ice and advil should help.
Caitlyn (A Spoonful of Life) January 16, 2011, 1:39 pm
Injuries are never fun. If seems like when we overcome one, another one occurs. Hopefully the acupuncture helps (something I have never tried!).

Toes are crossed that your foot recovers SOON!
Tiffany January 16, 2011, 1:58 pm
I live in Phoenix! You will love it in Scottsdale. It’s a very nice area. And the weather is so great! It’s 74 today and sunny and supposed to be 78 by Tuesday!
Stephanie @ Off the Eaten Path STL January 16, 2011, 1:59 pm
I hope your foot starts feeling better soon! I had the same sort of pain last November after I ran my half marathon. Turns out it was a stress fracture. :\
Anna @ Doing Good & Living Well January 16, 2011, 2:09 pm
I LOVE the Atlanta airport (cause it is my home town) — so much to see, do, eat, etc. Sounds like your vacation is off to a great start. 🙂
Halley (Blunder Construction) January 16, 2011, 2:19 pm
Agreed! Manicures/pedicures in the airport is a genius idea. Massage chairs, foot soaks, and a way to kill an hour or more during delays. So glad you got to enjoy, and I love the color you chose.
Katherine: Unemployed January 16, 2011, 2:23 pm
I saw my airport and was so excited! alas you were only laying over in my city of love. glad you had a good experience; most people hate hartsfield
Jazz January 16, 2011, 2:41 pm
You know I’ve always wanted to have a YOGA studio in airports. I should start a chain and make some $$!
- Sarah January 16, 2011, 6:35 pm
  I have a similar idea! I think there should be gyms in airports for people who hate sitting all day! They could have locker rooms with showers. It would be great!
  - Caitlin January 16, 2011, 11:24 pm
    omg… you all should do this.
  - Jazz January 17, 2011, 9:23 am
    Lets do it!
Megan January 16, 2011, 2:55 pm
I love the polish color! So pretty, but not your everyday reds and pinks, but not tacky either!
Hope you guys have a fabulous vacation!
Kristy @ KristyRuns January 16, 2011, 2:58 pm
You were in Atlanta!?!? I could have brought you a homemade green monster or something! 🙂 Looks like y’all did well either way…
rebecca lustig January 16, 2011, 3:01 pm
oh no, my fingers (and toes) are definitely crossed for you!
Jessica @ Dairy Free Betty January 16, 2011, 3:16 pm
A spa in an airport is really brilliant, I could always use a massage while travelling!

I LOVE that nail color, I’m going to have to go search for it!!
erica January 16, 2011, 3:27 pm
i’m seriously flying into all the wrong airports!!!
Lisa (bakebikeblog) January 16, 2011, 3:46 pm
hope the foot feels better soon! And a manicure / pedi sounds like the perfect way to start vacation 🙂
Maryann January 16, 2011, 3:54 pm
Hope your foot starts to feel better soon! Resting it is definitely a good idea, perfect time for a vacation!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss January 16, 2011, 4:24 pm
Sorry to hear about your foot still hurting. 🙁 But that’s really great about to good layover. I’ve seen spas in airports before but have never stopped in one. Of course, that’s coming from someone who’s too cheap to buy a sandwich an at airport.
Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) January 16, 2011, 4:34 pm
That DOES look like a great layover! Can’t believe you guys went to an airport spa- that’s SO cool! 😀

Fingers crossed that the foot heals soon!
Kelly January 16, 2011, 4:36 pm
So sorry to hear about your foot! I hate injuries, a LOT. I hope you have an awesome time in Arizona though 🙂
Dani @ Body By Nature January 16, 2011, 4:58 pm
What’s the name of the OPI colour? It’s gorgeous!
Lauren January 16, 2011, 5:08 pm
Have a safe flight Caitlin! 🙂
Mandiee January 16, 2011, 5:09 pm
I hope you have a wonderful vacation; it looks like you’re already off to a great start, minus the early wake-up of course. I can totally relate to the foot injury thing as I became badly injured as a dancer. However, I ignored it for a while, causing it to become even worse. All I can say is, please please PLEASE rest it and baby it a little. The best thing you can do for your body is just take care of it. My injury developed into something so much worse than it would have if I had just listened that I actually had to stop dancing (one of the hardest decisions of my life). I don’t want to scare you or blow this out of proportions, but it is extremely important that you rest. Workouts, races, and dance recitals are fleeting, bodies are for life.

Have a lovely day and feel better soon!
xox
- Caitlin January 16, 2011, 11:25 pm
  I promise to baby it!
Elizabeth@The Sweet Life January 16, 2011, 5:20 pm
Take good care of your foot! Sometimes plain ol’ rest is just what the doctor ordered.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin January 16, 2011, 6:49 pm
I didn’t know airports have nail salons. That’s genius!

Sorry about your foot! Hopefully a few days off running will do the trick. 🙂
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) January 16, 2011, 7:01 pm
Love your nail color! Very cute. 😀

I hope your foot feels better! I hate injuries. At least you’re taking care of it now before it can get worse. Sometimes a few days or a week or two is all the body needs.
Taylor January 16, 2011, 7:43 pm
Hi Caitlin,
I have never commented on your blog before, but I love it and check it everyday or two : ). I just wanted to offer some support/encouragement regarding your foot. I know how scary and frustrating it is! I was recently running on the treadmill and didn’t feel a think throughout the whole 3 miles. After I got off, however, my knee started hurting really bad. I have no clue what happened because like I said, I felt fine when I was actually running. Anyways, long story short, after freaking out that I would never be able to exercise again, would gain ten pounds, and would feel gross I realized that this was a chance for me to slow down and really listen to my body. I stopped exercising for a week (except walking to classes as I am a college student) and didn’t push myself. My knee actually recovered pretty quickly (knock on wood) and I can now do some light exercise on the elliptical. In a way it was actually a blessing in disguise and I found out that I don’t have to exercise 5 days a week to be healthy. Wow, this is a lot longer than I intended for it to be but I just wanted to let you know that everything happens for a reason and maybe you will learn something from this! Stay strong and don’t worry about it! Oh, and enjoy your vacation!
Taylor
- Caitlin January 16, 2011, 11:25 pm
  Thanks so much for this sweet comment 🙂
maria @ Chasing the Now January 16, 2011, 8:20 pm
Hope nothing major is going on with your foot, but if it continues to hurt I would get it x-rayed.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey January 16, 2011, 9:04 pm
I have never been in a spa inside of an airport but I’ve seen them before! I’ve always been so intrigued!
Paige @Running Around Normal January 16, 2011, 9:06 pm
Haha that does sound like a pretty sweet layover. Love the picture of the husband steady chillin’
I hope your foot feels better after some rest!!!
Jessica @ Jessica Balances January 16, 2011, 9:28 pm
I hope you enjoy a wonderful, relaxing vacation! And I hope your foot feels better soon. Maybe some yoga would feel good? xoxo
Allie January 16, 2011, 10:04 pm
Hope your foot feels better soon and that you have a great vaca, because you and your husband totally deserve it- you guys do so much and it’s all good stuff! 🙂
Jessica @ The Process of Healing January 16, 2011, 10:28 pm
Feel better soon! Injuries SUCK… and i’m the QUEEN of injuries!
foodandfarm January 16, 2011, 10:43 pm
Scottsdale is the best!!! Wow… will def do the salon thing the next time traveling!
Christy January 16, 2011, 10:44 pm
You really did live it up on your layover! I love the purple polish. 🙂 I really hope your foot feels better soon – it’s no fun to be laid-up like that.
Lisa January 16, 2011, 11:18 pm
Yep…..injuries SUCK! My IT Band injury has flared up again. Depressing.
Keren January 17, 2011, 12:17 am
Hi Caitlin, I am curious as to where this GOTR summit is? I live in AZ and would love to attend
- Caitlin January 17, 2011, 9:35 am
  Hey Keren!
  
  The Summit is in Scottsdale but registration is closed now. 🙁
Kathie @ Frugal, Fit and Fabulous January 17, 2011, 9:23 am
That is a BEAUTIFUL nail color from OPI!! You must tell me what color that was (if you can remember) heehee

I hope you enjoy a wonderful, relaxing vacation! And I hope your foot feels better soon.
Julie January 17, 2011, 10:22 am
Caitlin! Are you staying at Firesky? OMG! Isn’t that place AMAZING! My hubbs and I lived in Phoenix for a year and were SO close to getting married there! Enjoy your vacation there b/c it is beautiful! A fun place to check out in Scottsdale for dinner is a place called Il Postino. They have a great wine selection and great ambience!
- Caitlin January 17, 2011, 3:45 pm
  yes! 🙂 it is great.
DeAnna January 17, 2011, 11:50 am
Hi Caitlin! Just a quick request: would you mind including some of your husbands food occasionally? Especially when you eat out or in airports. I’ve been Vegan for awhile not but still sometimes struggle so I LOVE to get new ideas from other people. I’m always interested to see what you eat while you travel but also thought it would be fun to see what you husband finds. 🙂 Thanks!
- Caitlin January 17, 2011, 3:45 pm
  That’s a great idea- I will try to!
Mum January 17, 2011, 2:54 pm
I hope you are enjoying yourself even though you have a sore foot. Art says to ice it and rest it as much as you can, if you can go to a health food store and buy ruta graveolens 6X and take 3 times a day and buy traumeel and rub it in, this will help you. lots of love Mum and Dad Cushing
Cassie (The Family Jewels) January 18, 2011, 8:47 am
Hi Caitlin,

I happened to stumble upon your blog this morning as I enjoy a snow day off of work in upstate New York. I too suffered a foot injury. It’s a great thing that your smart enough to rest it now. I wasn’t, and I ended up with a severe case of plantar faciatis. I haven’t been on a run since November….bummer. But, on the up-side I took up swimming and spinning, which have definitly tested new muscles I never knew existed! You should definitly look into swimming while recooperating.

Take Care!

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