The Right... Travel Companion

Back in September I jetted off to Utah for my first ever trail race.  If you follow me on Instagram or Snapchat (rightshoesblog) you'll notice I've been doing a bunch of races this year.  I'm working on the 9+1 NYRR challenge for automatic entry into the 2016 TCS NYC Marathon (complete 9 races and volunteer for 1 and you're in!).  The race in Utah, however, was for the North Face Endurance Challenge and damn, was it a true challenge.  I did a marathon relay with some of my fitness girlfriends so in total we each ran a 10k (6.2 miles).  And it was rough - the heat (yes it was warm - an amazing 87*!), the elevation and the dry air seriously effected me which I was not expecting.  The climb was intense and on the first downhill I tripped over a rock and fell onto another rock (it took forever to get over that ridiculously large purple/black bruise...) and by the end I just wanted it to be over because everything hurt and I was extremely nauseous.    
  On the bright side though, it was hands down one of the most beautiful races I have ever run.  The trees were turning a beautiful golden yellow and orange and it was so peaceful and the views were insane.  I'm so glad I challenged myself with this race and I think I'd definitely do another trail run in the future (maybe in a little less higher elevation though!).      Growing up on the West Coast and in the mountains I never understood "dry" heat or cold but after living on the East Coast for over three years I quickly shrivel up like a raisin as soon as I hit the "dry" air out West.  Whether its traveling on a plane or just being in the element it gets pretty bad.  And Utah was particularly bad.  Luckily, my Evian facial spray arrived just in time for my trip so I tucked the travel size can in my bag and was on my way.  Mid flight (it was about 4.5 hours to Salt Lake City) I hit the restroom, spritzed the face and avoided a complete skin catastrophe when we de-planed.  I think I used the spray at least once a day for the rest of the trip!    

 
I highly recommend picking up a bottle for yourself (especially if you're a frequent traveler) because it's probably the best travel companion I've found!  I also used it a ton when I went home for an impromptu visit in October because it's seriously a skin savior.   

  Would love to know - what's in your travel bag?  What are you essentials?  

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This post was in collaboration with Evian.  As always, all opinions are my own.  Thank you for supporting all The Right Shoes collaborations!

The Right... Postcards from Italy Pt. 2

Vinci was the cutest little town

I promise I'm working on a full Euro trip recap (including the places I ate!) but time has not been on my side lately so for now my postcards will have to do!  

Obviously.  The leaning tower - I did a couple super touristy photos, coming to instagram soon!

  Day two in Florence was actually a group day trip through Tuscany - we hit up Pisa, Vinci, Siena and San Gimignano.  It was a long day but really exciting to be able to see so much of the area - and since it was dark when we go to San Gimignano I am definitely putting it back on my list of places to visit again!  

The most fascinating mask shop in Siena

 

San Gimignano at night

The Duomo in Siena

I'm telling you, Europe sure does know how to dress up for the holidays!

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The Right... Postcards from Paris Pt. 1

I'm officially back from my 9 day adventure in Europe and can't say I'm too happy about it!  While I love the USA and New York City, I have to admit that there's something quite amazing about Europe, and Paris in particular.  I've always read that Paris is magical and I couldn't agree more - and you don't quite understand it until you visit.  I'm already plotting a way to get back there ASAP (sorry Mom - yes I would move there but I know you'd hate me being further away!).    

View from the top of the Arch de Triumph

The houses along the way to the Eiffel Tower

  I left Europe feeling so inspired by the fashion, the lifestyle and just the sheer beauty.  It really has me thinking in a much more minimalistic mindset.  Here are some postcards from Paris - a combination of photos from my iPhone and my DSLR.  Over the next couple of weeks I'll be sharing plenty more photos (I took well over 1,000 while I was there), my foodie adventures and a couple of outfit pics.  I didn't take as many blog pics as I expected because I was so busy exploring and just soaking everything up.  

Details of the Eiffel Tower

  And I have to admit, it was really nice being disconnected from the interwebs (I think one day I went an entire 9 hours without using wi-fi/Facebook/Instagram and it was very liberating)!  Enjoy!  

Loved all the holiday decor around the city!

Pont de l'Archevêché

Fondation Louis Vuitton

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