Hello!! I am traveling to Israel today. Israel. Today. This is so crazy and exciting and scary and fun!!!?! Because I’m traveling alone and nervous and usually a spaz and forget something I actually made a packing list this time and didn’t wait till the last minute to get ready. Yayyy!!
I made a packing list and checked it as I packed. And since I’m traveling for a marathon I also had to make sure I had all my running gear. I wrote my running must haves on a gallon sized plastic bag.
Then, I checked the marathon course elevation. Uh-oh. This this is HILLY! I’ve read some race recaps and have heard the course is either up or down the entire time, there’s no flat. AND I read several accounts that this is ‘one of the hardest races I’ve ever run’.
I plan to take a lot of pictures and really enjoy the experience so I’m not worried about my race time, but I am worried about hiking some of those big hills while jet-lagged.
I got a backpack and filled it with books, snacks and my overnight flight necessities: eye mask, ear plugs, extra socks, neck pillow.
This morning I hit the sidewalk for a 9 mile run. It’s probably the last decent run I’ll do before the race. I might try to get in a shake out few miles before the marathon – hopefully the hotel has a good gym.
Follow me on INSTAGRAM // TWITTER // FACEBOOK to see what I’m up to over there.
I plan on blogging and updating social media while I’m gone, but I’m not sure about how much time I’ll have (plus RER’s admin stuff sometimes acts funny when I travel). I’ll try to recap each day’s activities and food (obviously) so stop by and see how it’s going.
Question: Where is the farthest place you’ve traveled to from your home?
Me: China. The food was amazing. I love food. Food food food.
Congrats!!! Have an amazing trip!
How fun!!! Good luck!! My husband and I are traveling to London next week for fun! We are so excited!
Have a great time. I’m so excited for you!!!
The furthest I’ve been would be San Diego of Banff.
I’ve wanted to travel to Israel for a awhile now. Have so much fun! The furthest I’ve traveled was when I backpacked through Europe. I started in Italy and ended in France. I went to seven countries in six weeks. It was amazing!
Enjoy your trip!!! I’m looking forward to hearing all about it! Safe travels!
Furthest I’ve ever been??? I was born in Spain, that’s probably it.
how exciting!!! good idea putting your checklist on a ziploc bag you were packing with! i always do a checklist but never thought of that before. i hope you brought an adaptor!!! thats the one thing people most often forget because why the heck do plugs have to be different in different countries?!? cant wait to see all the fun pics you post 🙂
Israel is amazing!! I have been 3 times now so if i can give you any tips, Eat allll the yummy food. BEST food in the world there. Oh and try Cofix- everything in the shop is 5 Shekel! And eat falafel and hummus because you wont get it better anywhere else!
Oh and good luck for your run!!!
Bon Voyage! Furthest I’ve been from home is Hawaii or Bonaire (not sure which is further).
Have a great trip!! Bali is my farthest trip. Total bliss!
this is so exciting and i can’t wait to read this recap! a few of my close friends have gone to Israel and it just seems like such an other-worldly, sacred place. hope you have an amazing experience and just enjoy every moment, and don’t sweat the hills too much. 🙂 hmmm furthest i’ve been from home (NY) is Hawaii, i believe, and i couldn’t possibly love it any more than i do.
Have a blast!
Hi Monica,
I really enjoy reading your blog and hope you take this feedback in the spirit in which it was meant – friendly! Please consider editing the sentence in your first paragraph to use a less offensive term, e.g. Because I’m a muppet and usually forget something.
Furthest I have travelled? To Japan from the UK and it was amazing!
What do you find offensive in the sentence? I re read the first paragraph several times and cant find anything offensive?
I apologize Rachel, I’m thinking the word spaz is offensive? I meant it like ‘absent-minded / spastic’ I didn’t realize some people find it offensive.
I was sure you didn’t realise where it comes from and was an innocent mistake: spaz is a shortened form of spastic which is what people with cerebal palsy used to be called and it has been also used as an insult for disabled people generally. I felt it was better to let you know, so you could edit and avoid any embarrassment in the future.
Have a great time in Israel!
Good luck, you are going to have a BLAST!!
Good Luck Monica!!! This is so exciting and I am sure you will rock the marathon!
The farthest I have ever traveled from home was to Greece. I also was able to go to Turkey for a day which was awesome. Seriously, the best experience of my life and the best food I have ever eaten. Ah, wish I could go back.
Will definitely be keeping up with your journey via the blog, insta, and twitter!
Samantha, I am planning a trip to Greece/Turkey this summer. Any recommendations? You can email me [email protected]. Thanks!!
I’m going to Israel today too!! Will you be in Tel Aviv at all?
This is so exciting! Can’t wait to hear all about it. Have fun!
I went to Europe (France) in my sophomore year of high school so from NYC I guess that is the farthest I’ve been.
Safe travels. Looking forward to seeing your posts/pics etc.
Wow! Have an amazing time!! I’m excited to see your travels.
The furthest I’ve traveled is Australia, I lived there for almost a year.
See you in Israel!!! This is definitely a race I’m doing just for fun
Have a great time too Amanda!!!