Last week I attended FitBloggin' in Savannah, GA with several hundred other bloggers, and loved every minute of it. I flew into Atlanta on Wednesday and spent Wednesday night and Thursday hanging out with Jesica from Runladylike.com. When I first met Jesica "online" in 2012 she was one of those people who I instantly had a connection with. Once I knew I'd be meeting her in person (we first met at Hood to Coast) I had a feeling she would be a friend for life. And she is. She is a "kindred spirit", as Anne of Green Gables would say. I don't think we stopped talking from the moment we woke up on Thursday until the moment our heads hit the pillow Thursday night.

The introvert that I often am, I'm not sure I could have handled Fitbloggin on my own. It was a bit overwhelming at first (though the community is completely welcoming). I was so glad to have attended with a close friend.

Instead giving you a day-by-day recap, I've decided to share with you my top ten of Fitbloggin' 14.

10. The Food & Drink:

While in Savannah Jesica and I had the chance to try some pretty amazing restaurants. Our first stop was at The Pink House, where we encountered the nicest, most helpful waiter I've ever met. He served up delicious cocktails (Champagne, Elderflower liquor and honey!) and mouthwatering appetizers with a southern flair (like Southern Sushi: shrimp and grits wrapped in nori…amazing!). The next night we went to the Roof top Bar at the Bohemian, where I downed a delicious Blackberry and Jalapeño Margarita along with another sampling of appetizers. I would fly back for that margarita…it was amazing!

9. Running Savannah:

Running is probably the perfect way to explore a new place. So Saturday morning Jes and I got up early and went for a run around the waterfront. Savannah was every bit what I expected it to be: historic and hauntingly romantic.

8. Running Legends:

On Sunday I had the pleasure of meeting Jeff Galloway, who was a guest at the conference representing runDisney. He joined our table for a post-run breakfast and after we finished I had a chance to chat with him. We talked about running goals and PR's but our conversation quickly shifted to parenting as I brought up Sophia and her affinity for running and desire to be "just like Mommy." Jeff had more than just a "wrote" response to "keep up the good work." He cautioned me to be careful about the way I talk of my own discouragements and struggles in running in front of Sophia, noting that she absorbs everything; the good and the bad. It made me realize that I've been complaining quite a bit recently about my knee and my inability to run because of it. Jeff is passionate about running, but is clearly more passionate about people.

7. Content:

There were so many helpful sessions throughout the conference, everything from HTML/CSS code for bloggers to Pinterest to the legalities of blogging. And I wasn't just learning in the sessions, I was rubbing shoulders with bloggers who've been doing it a lot longer band were willing to share tips and tricks they have learned along the way. I walked away knowing a whole lot more and feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the information and how I would implement it.

6. Painless Running:

On Sunday morning there was a planned group run of 1mile, 5k and 10k. Originally Jes and had agreed to run the 5K mostly because of my knee and the fact that I haven't been able to run much more than two miles lately without discomfort. But when we started to get in groups to head out I realized that I really wanted to run the 10K. I started out cautiously and was surprised that when I hit the two mile mark I was still feeling strong. We went up and over the major bridge in Savannah, which yielded a great view of the city turned around and came back. I'm so glad I took the risk and went for it, it gave me the opportunity to chat with and get to know Lauren from BreathDeeplyandSmile.com. We were soaked in sweat when we finished, but I couldn't have been happier.

5. Workouts:

The workouts were one of the highlights of the weekend. It started on Friday morning with a bootcamp led by Erin of DigDeepPlayHard.com. She put us through a challenging workout that involved lots of jumping, running and planking. Erin had a fantastic energy and was so much fun to be around. On Saturday morning we joined Katy from KatyWidrick.com who taught a PiYo class. That was followed by Insanity taught by Kat from KatrinaElle.com. I've never done PiYo or Insanity before and both classes were challenging and fun. I loved having the chance to try new things in a fun environment.

Erin from DigDeepPlayHard.com with Jes and I after her power-packed bootcamp class.

PiYo and Insantiy. Photo Credit: KrisGetsHealthy.

4. Getting Out of My Comfort Zone:

On Friday night we all gathered at the hotel for a fun night of cocktails and presentations. The presentations were 5 minute TED-like Talks on various subjects. Some were funny and some were inspirational. After the presentations concluded, they asked for three volunteers. Jes practically dumped me out of my chair and I found myself walking up towards the stage along with two other unsuspecting individuals. At that point I was handed the microphone and instructed to give the talk that appeared on the screen. It was one of the talks I had just seen and I struggled to keep pace with the slides. Put a stranger in front of a slide presentation they didn't create and you're bound to have a good laugh. I never do stuff like this. I never volunteer. I always sit on the sidelines and watch. I was so glad that I got up there and out of my comfort zone.

Getting out of my comfort zone and Improving up on stage. Photo Credit: KrisGetsHealthy.

3. Connections:

Possibly one of the best things about FitBloggin' was the sense of community. Everyone was so welcoming and it was easy to make instant connections. I'm so grateful for the people I met and the new friendships I now have.

2. Friends:

When Jes and I first "met" online it felt like we were on the same page. And when we finally met "in real life" at Hood to Coast I knew that this was a friendship I'd have for a lifetime. There are few people I can talk to for 12 hours straight on any and every topic. Jes is an incredibly supportive and encouraging friend--a "kindred spirit" as Anne of Green Gables would say. Possibly the biggest highlight of FitBloggin was getting to know here better as a person and as a friend. She's a keeper!

1. Surprises:

Last Saturday was my birthday. It's the first time my husband and I have been apart on my birthday in the the 13 years we've been together. I wasn't feeling particularly sentimental about this birthday ( 32 big whoopdeedoo) and was looking forward to celebrating in Savannah with friends. So on Friday night when they paused the presentations and I suddenly heard my husbands voice I was understandably shocked:

If you're wondering why I'm in tears it's because THIS is what I was looking at:

It was all so overwhelming. I've never felt so incredibly special and loved. Photo Credit CarrieD. Photography.

Mark had stealthily coordinated with Jes and Roni (Fitbloggin' Organizer Extraordinare) to get the birthday message to me on the big screen…in front of everyone.

[video width="1280" height="720" mp4="http://runfargirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Fit-Bloggin-Surprise.mp4"][/video]

It was an incredible weekend and I enjoyed so many aspects of it. If you're looking to make connections and build your blog I'd recommend finding a conference to attend: FitBloggin would be a great one!

Have you ever attended a blogging conference? If so which one has been your favorite? Why?

--Sarah

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