My Monday Motivator (Week 12): Getaways

Do you guys ever have the craving to just “get away”? Yah me too!

oahu_boarding_pass

I freaking love getaways! This doesn’t have to be anything extravagant.

When I lived in Minneapolis I absolutely loved getting away to my family cabin. Away from the city. Away from the crowds and hustle bustle. Away from work and other life stresses. Only an hour away was a tiny bit of heaven. Pure relaxation and fresh air!

Now that I live on Maui most would think it would be tough to get away. I mean we are on an island! But even this island has sooo much to offer. Between the resort area of Wailea to the fresh air of Upcountry to the remoteness of Hana – we pretty much have it all here! It’s nice to treat yourself every once in awhile or simply pack a few things up and go camping. There is still so much I want to explore right here on Maui. Oh boy!!

Since moving to Maui I’ve had the chance to actually leave the island twice and I have two more upcoming opportunities:

Kona, Big Island – Ironman World Championship

While I’ve already written a blog post recapping my experience at Kona for the Ironman World Championship, there is still so much emotion behind it! I based my move to Maui on being able to hop over to the Big Island in time for the biggest triathlon event of the year. I am on Team Coeur and many of our ladies were competing. Having the chance to finally meet a lot of them in-person was reason enough for me to “getaway”!

Coeur Team Brunch!

My Minnesota Girl!

Oahu – Last Min Hop

Last week I had a last minute opportunity to visit a friend on Oahu – so of course I said yes! Well – at first I said no, I have to work. But after getting further reflection realized it was a perfect time to make the getaway possible AND get work done without distractions. Two birds!

The first night we stayed in Waikiki, which is not particularly my cup o tea. Don’t get me wrong – the beach was gorgeous and I absolutely loved running along the ocean BUT it really reminded me of Los Angeles traffic meets Las Vegas hoorah. Not bad places. Just not my favorite “Hawaiian getaway”.

Running Waikiki Beach Path

Waikiki Beach

The next few days were spent residing in a yurt on an organic farm right across from the famous surf spot, Pipeline, on the North Shore. Did I just say that? Sure did! Now we’re talkin my language! North Shore Oahu is where it’s at. Although Maui has a special place in my heart it was really nice to getaway to another special spot on a different island. So much beauty to appreciate here and gets me excited to explore even more!

North Shore

Work from Yurt

San Diego, California – Social Media Marketing World

Today I leave for a dream event. Something I have been keeping my eye on for years and I finally get to attend – ahhh!! Social Media Marketing World is the IT of the IT for social media events. This is the world’s largest social media marketing conference with over 3,000 attendees and 120 or so pros! It is filled with workshops, webinars, parties, and did I mention the crazy amount of networking?! Holy smokes I’m already overwhelmed with social delight and I haven’t even caught my plane yet!

#SMMW17

So thankful for my employer, Skyline Eco-Adventures, for recognizing how valuable this conference is and trusting me to bring back all the knowledge goodies!! Gonna be consumed by #SMMW17 this week so if it interests you follow along as I tweet, snap (CFontana38), Insta, Facebook…you know how I do 😉

Big Island – Lavaman Waikoloa Triathlon and Skyline Course

After I get back from SMMW I will have less than a week to get re-organized and packed back up for the Big Island! The reason I initially set out on this trip is for Lavaman Waikoloa, which is an Olympic distance triathlon and something I am NOT prepared for. It’s been tough for me to find safe riding trails on Maui and have therefore let my bike slip quite a bit. Alas – I am still super excited as it seems like a really fun event! My body my hate me but hey – I can still have a good time!

Oh Boy!

Since I am already hopping islands for a getaway I decided to maximize my time on the Big Island. Since Skyline has a course there I will be meandering across island to check it out! Excited to meet the Akaka Falls team, zip over a waterfall, and do some fun social/blog posts for our sister course!