Hello from Portland!
I think it’s safe to say that I am in love with the Pacific Northwest. It’s such a beautiful part of the country and I’ve really enjoyed my time in Oregon so far!
FitBloggin’ is such a fun conference and I am so grateful to Reebok for sponsoring my trip out here. I arrived late in the afternoon on Thursday and since the conference didn’t kick off until the evening, I wanted to explore Portland while I had the chance!
I immediately met up with a group of blogging friends who arrived before me and when they mentioned their plans to walk to VooDoo Doughnuts, I was pumped!
A few months ago, I saw the doughnuts featured on Man v. Food and when the bus driver who transported me to the hotel from the airport talked them up again, I was sold. Tip: Bring cash if you ever visit VooDoo Doughnuts! I only had a credit card on me, but fortunately bloggers are a sharing breed and I enjoyed the most delicious Oreo and peanut butter doughnut.
When I woke up Friday morning and scrolled through my Instagram feed, I had to laugh when I realized that you guys made the photo I posted of that doughnut my most liked Instagram photo yet. Reason number 1,503,094 why I love you guys! (Sadie, on the other hand, has some serious words for all of you and feels very neglected.)
We ate our doughnuts outside by the water and it was gorgeous. We’ve been blessed with some fabulous sunshine ever since we arrived!
The rest of the night passed quickly and I had a good time at dinner with blogging buddies, both new and old!
Our group: Heather, Tina, Anne, me, Gina, Ericka and Bobbi. Kasey also joined us later!
FitBloggin’ Day One (Part I)
My first full day of FitBloggin’ began bright and early with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. I arrived with just enough time to eat eggs, fruit salad and bacon and down half of a cup of coffee before it was time to work out!
The workout on the agenda was a cardio dance workout taught by the incredible Patricia Moreno.
I figured I would struggle through this class since any dancing I do typically involves a cocktail and absolutely no choreography. The class format was ten times better than I thought it would be and though we repeated moves, the class felt more like kickboxing or aerobics to me. Much more my style!
One thing I was definitely not expecting from the class was to walk away feeling inspired. Patricia repeated a mantra in the class that was powerful and motivating. I loved it and made sure to copy it down to share with you guys. We said the mantra many times throughout the class and each sentence corresponded with a different exercise.
“You are powerful beyond measure. You are stronger than you seem. You are braver than you think. You are blessed with all you need. You are enough. You have enough. You are programmed for victory. Your persistence pays off. All negative thoughts stop right now. I am done complaining. I am now celebrating. I am inspired to be the best that I can be. And I now believe that I will succeed.”
There was something so cool about hearing a large room full of people saying such motivational words in unison while kicking, punching and sweating like crazy. I loved it!
In between sessions, everyone had the chance to chat with the various sponsors of the conference and those of us who came on behalf of Reebok made sure to spend some time with our friends who were working the event.
Everyone who attended FitBloggin’ got a free pair of Reebok Nanos and a Reebok workout top! Talk about some sweet swag! I selected the Who Made The Rules white tank top and love it. I already have it in pink and it’s so incredibly soft and comfortable that I jumped at the chance to get it in another color. It isn’t too tight and moves with you, so it was perfect to wear during cardio dance and the Zumba workout I completed at 9:30 a.m.
Zumba was a blast! Samantha, an awesome fitness instructor and blogger that I had the pleasure of meeting at FitBloggin’ last year, taught the class with Sue and did a great job. I had a good time shakin’ my booty and loved it when Gina popped up on stage to teach one song as well!
Last year at FitBloggin’, I was much more interested in the informational sessions, but this year I am seriously loving the workouts! They have been so much fun and I am already excited for CrossFit and a trampoline workout tomorrow morning.
Once the morning workout portion of the conference was done, a bunch of us headed back to our rooms and showered before lunch. After walking around like a sweaty beast all morning, it felt good to feel clean again!
During lunch we got to enjoy a fitness fashion show that a bunch of the attendees put on which was high-energy and lots of fun!
I loved it when a few of the models got really into it and decided to strike a fitness-inspired pose (like the warrior) on the runway. It was great!
Now this post is getting a little long and my eyes are shutting as I type, so I’m off to bed. I hope to pop in again with more Portland fun to share soon!
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Sounds like you are having such an amazing time! I so wish I could go!
That doughnut looks so incredible 🙂 No wonder it was your most popular photo on Instagram. Poor Sadie though!
Glad you’re loving Portland! Great weather for you to be here. 🙂 I heard Pip’s Original is much better than Voodoo–the locals favor it anyways, but I have yet to check it out.
That doughnut looks absolutely outrageous! I’m also so jealous of the swag you guys got. Those shoes look like they give the perfect amount of support- are they meant more for running or for cross training?
Glad you’re enjoying yourself! 🙂
The Nanos are great for CrossFit workouts or any workouts that have you moving different directions. I LOVE them for circuit workouts that incorporate exercises like squats, burpees, speed skaters, lunges, etc.
Love the turquoise and white dress! Also the new Reebok workout gear is amazing!
These conferences look like so much fun and the perks aren’t bad either 😉 I have never been to the Pacific Northwest but it is definitely on my bucket list! Zumba is my favorite exercise and since I have been dancing since I was 4 years old I hope to become an instructor soon!
Looks SO fun! Where is your skirt from in the group shot photo?
It’s Yumi Kim, but I got it on super sale through RueLaLa.com!
What an amazing time!! Those donuts sound fabulous and the workouts look like they were a blast. All the Reebok clothes are super cute!
sound like all of you had such an amazing time 🙂
SO fun! I was really hoping to make it this year but it wasn’t quite in the cards for my finances…bummer! But I’d love to hear any tips you’ve learned during any of the info sessions! 🙂
Hi Katie! If you’re interested in detailed recaps of the sessions, definitely check out the FitBloggin’ website. They have people “live blogging” the various sessions and sharing really detailed notes!
Awesome! That donut looks fantastic! I want one now! 😉
looks so fun!! i’m totally making my way to fitbloggin’ next year!
send me a doughnut 😉
Michelle and I are sad we could not make it this year. But looking forward to more recaps. Have fun!
Fitbloggin looks like so much fun so far! The positive words you all repeated during that class are especially touching. I’m constantly fighting with self-doubt, remembering those words would be a major boost!
you are definitely not alone. a handful of people actually teared up toward the end of the class after saying those words over and over again. it was a really neat experience.
Love this post. Thank you for sharing your experience. Viva Fitbloggin!
Ummm is that donut for real?! Where can I get one?! Haha! Also how do you like the Reebok Nanos??
Welcome to my home town! I had a feeling you would love the Pacific NW! Next time you head this way, make time to hit the Columbia River Gorge. So many fun sights, hikes, waterfalls, etc. Have fun in P-town!
The only time I can dance comfortably is after a few cocktails! One of my friends suggest Zumba to me one time and I told her flat out, I would have to have a drink before hand. Once the initial class is over, I’m sure I wouldn’t need one again but it would definitely help with the first class anxiety and my inability to dance. Lol
LOVE the shirt! and so would love to go to a conference like that!!! It was inspiring just reading your recap of it I couldnt imagine how awesome it would be to actually be there! Have fun!
I’m so jealous of your donut! 😉 I’ve seen that place on TV, too. I would love to check it out!
Looks like such a fun time so far!
Oh gosh, if I did zumba I’m sure it would be a hot mess. My dance moves aren’t up to par…maybe after a few drinks I’m all good, but I guess you don’t really do that before a fitness class 😉
Can’t wait to hear more about the conference.
OMG, that donut looks ridiculously awesome. I gotta ask, since I read a bunch of other bloggers that went to FitBloggin’… did you and Tina share a donut, because you posted the same thing, right down to the peanut butter blobs? I only ask because I think it’s important for bloggers to be realistic and honest in sharing what they eat, so that readers get a full picture and not a distorted view of what is “normal”. I don’t think you guys did it to be secretive or whatever, but it just kind of pinged my “Buh?” radar.
I wondered the same thing.
Gina also posted the same donut
That sounds like such a blast! I would LOVE to go there. I want to wait until I’m 21 though… just makes things easier 😉
Donuts are one of my favorite things in the world but I don’t eat them enough…that picture definitely had me drooling!!!
I love Zumba. My studio is so small though. That looks like a gigantic room.
What a fun event!! Loving the direction Reebok is taking when it comes to exercise gear, so cute. Did they give you the new Nano’s? I’ve heard great things about them!
Looks fantastic! This is inspiring me to look into going to Fitbloggin’ 2014! Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip. I can’t wait to read more about it.
An Oreo and peanut butter donut?? Holy crap! That sounds like pure heaven :).
Oh WOW that donut! I would dominate that thing. Best combination ever! Looks like you’re having lots of fun. I wish I could attend things like that. They look awesome!
You should definitely venture across the river! And while you’re on the eastside, stop by The Meadow on N Mississippi. 100+ kinds of artisan salt (lemon flake, black truffle, Murray darling, fleur de sel il de re) and an outrageous selection of single origin chocolates and bitters! The owner, Mark Bitterman, was just on the Portland episode of Bizarre foods. A definite place to stop into if you’re in that area and you appreciate artisan goods!
So happy to hear you’re enjoying PDX! I definitely miss my city and the Pacific Northwest. How did/do you get involved or invited to this conference and others?
It looks like you’re having such a wonderful time! Those classes look like so much fun and the donut looks divine!
It looks like you ladies are having so much fun! Also, now I want a donut. ha ha!
Looks like such a fun time in Portland. And OMG VooDoo doughnuts. I have heard so much about it and your choice looks DELICIOUS. I need to find a donut fast. The Dunkin’ across the street from me isn’t going to do.
I’m from Portland and was so bummed that I couldn’t make it to Fitbloggin’ this year! But I’m glad you ladies are having such a good time. I’ve had the Oreo donut and will concur how delicious it is. I also love the one with the Fruit Loops. YUM. I’m glad Voodoo Donuts isn’t out here in NY. Would be waaay too dangerous!
I am sure you brought this hot weather to the PNW from Florida! I hope to try to go to Fitbloggin’ next year! It looks like so much fun, and I am sure I’d learn so much!
That donut sounds INSANE! Those mantras are unbelievably inspiring – it’s difficult to find self confidence sometimes and words like that definitely help!
Just bought the tank top! Love it so much!
OMG. That peanut butter oreo doughnut. Speechless!! Looks like a lot of fun. I’ve been a reader for awhile now, always enjoying your fun creations! I am newly diagnosed Celiac struggling to find the diet that makes me “feel my best”, and I love getting inspiration from yours! Thanks for writing.
Portland is my Town!!! Too bad I didn’t know you were her I would have invited you out for the best happy hour in pdx at Nel Centro. My friend and I were celebrating finishing our second year at the National College of Natural Medicine. I think that you would love the school. I hope some day you will be back!
Portland sounds absolutely amazing. And I love the idea of mantras while working out. I’ve never done a dance aerobics class before, but that one sounds like a ton of fun!
Portland looks like such a beautiful city to visit! Adding it to my bucket list!
Hi Julie! I’ve followed your blog for a little over a year now – you’ve inspired to start my own! Just a thank you for motivating me to get started 🙂
Portland looks like a blast!
Well I could eat my weight in doughnuts, so I would have been in some SERIOUS trouble in that place. Looks like a wonderful trip 🙂
Wow! Looks like a perfect trip so far! I have a question, what shoes are the bright yellow ones you are wearing in the phone with the blue shirt on? I love those! Have fun!!!
That looks so fun!! love that mantra too
So much fun meeting you!!! You are even more awesome in person. Seriously. So thankful for this weekend!
VooDoo donuts started my kick of putting Cap’n Crunch on everything. I never knew cereal could go so well with donuts, and it makes a great froyo topping too!
Looks like a blast! How fun to get to be able to try lots of different types of workouts. Looking forward to hearing about Day 2!
Ooh have a marvelous time girl! You look gorgeous in all of your Instagram pictures!
When I heard about FitBloggin’ it was pretty much too late to sign up – but I really really really wanted to go! It looks/looked like so much fun! I know a lot of people who went! I am going next year for sure – It’s so fun to meet other bloggers! Finally meet them in person as opposed to just their blogs!! 😀 Thanks for the recap!