▲ 0 r/RunnersInChicago+1 crossposts

Celebrities / Influencers Running?

I saw that Anthony Rizzo and Jake Arrieta are running the Chicago Marathon this year, which is pretty cool! Curious if anyone knows of other celebrities, athletes, or influencers participating?

I feel like I heard Matt James, Joey from The Bachelor, and Jake Shane mentioned, but not sure if that's accurate. Anyone know of others?

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u/Witty-Elk1104 — 8 days ago

Complete Wedding Expo - vacation scam!!

Hi! Did anyone else go to the Complete Wedding Expo at the Hyatt in Lisle today? They announced that every bride attending would receive a free 5-day/4-night Cancun vacation through CancunCards. It was presented like this was an amazing free vacation we had won/received for attending, but after researching it afterward, I’m realizing there seem to be quite a few conditions that weren’t explained at the expo.

Has anyone here actually redeemed one of these? I want to hear from someone who has gone through the entire process.

What resort did you actually get? How much did you ultimately pay? Was food/drink included? Did you have to attend a vacation-club presentation? Were you able to upgrade to an actually nice all-inclusive resort, and if so, how much was the upgrade?

I’m also wondering how other brides feel about the expo promoting this as a “free vacation.” If there are substantial fees, restrictions, sales presentations, or costs required to turn it into the type of Cancun vacation most people would assume they were getting, I feel like that should have been made MUCH clearer when it was announced.
I’m trying to figure out whether this is actually a good deal with some strings attached, or whether I should be reaching out to the Complete Wedding Expo about how it was presented.
Would love to hear from anyone who has actually used it OR anyone else who received one today!

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u/Witty-Elk1104 — 25 days ago

Hawaii- Kauai and Lanai RESTAURANTS + Excursions

HAWAII RESTAURANTS - going to Lānaʻi and Kauaʻi in November for honeymoon- tell me your MUST GO TO restaurants, coffee shops and hidden gems and MUST DO Excursions!!!

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u/Witty-Elk1104 — 1 month ago

Kauai and Lanai RESTAURANTS + Excursions

HAWAII RESTAURANTS - going to Lānaʻi and Kauaʻi in November for honeymoon- tell me your MUST GO TO restaurants, coffee shops and hidden gems and MUST DO Excursions!!!

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u/Witty-Elk1104 — 1 month ago

Numbers are back to normal! Can I workout?

Hi! my levels are finally all back to normal- am i good to workout / lightly start working out? Also are you guys limiting your drinking ever since having rhabdo? I need to workout bc my wedding is coming up so im relieved my numbers are back!

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u/Witty-Elk1104 — 1 month ago

Assyrian Wedding Traditions?

Hi! My fiancé is half Assyrian, and we’d love to find a meaningful way to honor that part of his heritage at our wedding. I think it would be especially meaningful to his mom’s side of the family.

He isn’t very active in the Assyrian community in our city, so we want to be thoughtful about it and make sure anything we incorporate feels respectful and genuine rather than performative. I’m Italian/Irish and don’t know nearly enough about Assyrian wedding traditions, so I’d really love to learn from people in this community.

Are there any traditions you’d recommend incorporating, even if it’s something very small or subtle? It could be a song, dance, food, blessing, or another little nod to the culture. We definitely don’t need it to be a huge part of the wedding. We’d just love to honor his heritage in a way that feels authentic and would be meaningful to his family.

Thank you! 🤍

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u/Witty-Elk1104 — 2 months ago

Rhabdo- have wedding coming up - help

My wedding is coming up in a couple weeks and recovering from having rhabdo 2 weeks ago- how can i get rid of this asap? it was in my arms- my right arm felt completely fine after a week but the left arm i still feel like it has rhabdo symtoms. ive been drinking water like crazy not doing arm workouts and working out way less than usual. I eat healthy and am a personal trainer and always stay hydrated so very weirded out i got this in general but please help! last blood test my levels were down to 198 so back in the clear there but still feel it a tiny bit- my ck levels were only at 10k at the higest

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u/Witty-Elk1104 — 2 months ago

Best Bridal Fashion Influencers?

hi! trying to find more influencers to follow to help me find unique looks for my wedding! so far i follow little white looks and bridal look book but NEED more bc i want to find the most unique high fashion outfits for my reception dress and rehearsal / welcome party dress.

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u/Witty-Elk1104 — 2 months ago

SIMILAR DRESS? Looking to wear to my welcome party to my wedding!

Hi! I found this on etsy and looking for a similar dupe under 800 that snatches you in! can someone help me find?

u/Witty-Elk1104 — 2 months ago

Dupe for BABE Dress By Sarah Seven- 11/6/2026- USA

Hi! I am looking for a dupe for the BABE Dress by Sarah Seven and am in chicago. I cant find any pre-loved dresses. looking to spend under 800 ideally and ideally like spend around 300. I loved the way it fit me. I already have my wedding dress so this would be for either the rehersal or second look. wedding is 11/6/2026. THANK YOU!

u/Witty-Elk1104 — 2 months ago

First timer with Rhabdo - have some questions.

Hi everyone- I just got discharged from the hospital after experiencing rhabdomyolysis for the first time, and I’m looking for insights or shared experiences from anyone who’s been through this (especially fellow lifters/instructors).
Background:
Demographics: 33yo female, overall very healthy, lift regularly, and work as a fitness instructor.
The Trigger: Last week, I did an intense upper-body pyramid workout lifting heavy.
The Symptoms: Extreme arm swelling, inability to straighten or lift my arms over my head, and intense soreness.
Hospitalization: Ended up in the ER, where my Creatine Kinase (CK) levels came back at ~10,000 U/L (normal is usually under 110). Got flushed with IV fluids and discharged after stabilizing. left the hospital at 6k after 2 bags of fluids.
My discharge docs told me to take a full week off teaching/working out and emphasized staying hydrated with electrolytes before, during, and after sessions. However, I’m left with a few specific questions and would love to hear from anyone who has navigated this recovery process:

  1. Swelling & Range of Motion Timeline
    For those who had severe swelling (especially upper body), how long did it take for the "puffiness" to fully subside and for your range of motion to return? Right now, lifting my arms over my head is painful and restricted. Is this a 1–2 week recovery issue, or does tissue healing take longer?

  2. Recurrence Risk
    Am I more susceptible to getting rhabdo again now that I've had it once? Does the tissue remain vulnerable for a certain period during the rebuilding process, or does risk revert to baseline once CK levels and muscle tissue fully recover?

  3. Returning to a Normal Lifting Routine
    I know I need a slow, phased ramp-up, but what did your timeline back to high intensity actually look like? Did you stick purely to light cardio/mobility for weeks, or introduce sub-maximal weights slowly? (I teach classes, so managing my load while demonstrating moves is going to be tricky).

  4. Potential Hidden Causes
    I workout regularly, so I’m trying to figure out why an upper-body pyramid day triggered such a massive severe response this time. Aside from muscle exertion:
    Could a specific protocol like pyramid training (high volume/eccentric fatigue) be a primary driver?
    Are there under-the-radar factors I should consider (e.g., mild viral infection beforehand, heat, specific supplements/pre-workouts, NSAIDs, hydration gaps)?

Any perspectives from personal experience, physical therapists, or medical pros would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

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u/Witty-Elk1104 — 2 months ago

Four Seasons Lanai vs. Sensei for 33yo Honeymooners (Concerned Sensei might be TOO quiet?)

Hi everyone! My fiancé and I (both 33) are planning the second leg of our Hawaiian honeymoon after starting on Kauai at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.

We are trying to decide between Four Seasons Resort Lanai (beachfront) or Sensei Lanai.

We initially liked the idea of Sensei for the adults-only spa atmosphere after being on the beach in Kauai, but we are not planning on working out as its our honeymoon. I know both are very chill, relaxing hotels. My fiance isnt a big spa guy, but ill likely get a massage while he golfs. We want a place with good energy, some people around, and a resort vibe where we don't feel like we have to whisper.

For anyone in their 30s who has stayed at either property:

  1. Is Sensei actually "library quiet," or is there decent energy around the pool and Nobu at night?
  2. Which resort is closer to the golf, animals, etc.
  3. Does FS Lanai offer a better social environment and resort buzz while still feeling high-end and romantic?
  4. If you did Sensei, did you end up spending most of your time taking the shuttle down to the beachfront resort anyway for atmosphere?

Appreciate any honest feedback!

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u/Witty-Elk1104 — 3 months ago

Four Seasons Lanai vs. Sensei for 33yo Honeymooners (Concerned Sensei might be TOO quiet?)

Hi everyone! My fiancé and I (both 33) are planning the second leg of our Hawaiian honeymoon after starting on Kauai at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.

We are trying to decide between Four Seasons Resort Lanai (beachfront) or Sensei Lanai.

We initially liked the idea of Sensei for the adults-only spa atmosphere after being on the beach in Kauai, but we are not planning on working out as its our honeymoon. I know both are very chill, relaxing hotels. My fiance isnt a big spa guy, but ill likely get a massage while he golfs. We want a place with good energy, some people around, and a resort vibe where we don't feel like we have to whisper.

For anyone in their 30s who has stayed at either property:

  1. Is Sensei actually "library quiet," or is there decent energy around the pool and Nobu at night?
  2. Which resort is closer to the golf, animals, etc.
  3. Does FS Lanai offer a better social environment and resort buzz while still feeling high-end and romantic?
  4. If you did Sensei, did you end up spending most of your time taking the shuttle down to the beachfront resort anyway for atmosphere?

Appreciate any honest feedback!

reddit.com
u/Witty-Elk1104 — 3 months ago

Four Seasons Lanai vs. Sensei for 33yo Honeymooners (Concerned Sensei might be TOO quiet?)

Hi everyone! My fiancé and I (both 33) are planning the second leg of our Hawaiian honeymoon after starting on Kauai at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.

We are trying to decide between Four Seasons Resort Lanai (beachfront) or Sensei Lanai.

We initially liked the idea of Sensei for the adults-only spa atmosphere after being on the beach in Kauai, but we are not planning on working out as its our honeymoon. I know both are very chill, relaxing hotels. My fiance isnt a big spa guy, but ill likely get a massage while he golfs. We want a place with good energy, some people around, and a resort vibe where we don't feel like we have to whisper.

For anyone in their 30s who has stayed at either property:

  1. Is Sensei actually "library quiet," or is there decent energy around the pool and Nobu at night?
  2. Which resort is closer to the golf, animals, etc.
  3. Does FS Lanai offer a better social environment and resort buzz while still feeling high-end and romantic?
  4. If you did Sensei, did you end up spending most of your time taking the shuttle down to the beachfront resort anyway for atmosphere?

Appreciate any honest feedback!

reddit.com
u/Witty-Elk1104 — 3 months ago

Four Seasons Lanai vs. Sensei for 33yo Honeymooners (Concerned Sensei might be TOO quiet?)

Hi everyone! My fiancé and I (both 33) are planning the second leg of our Hawaiian honeymoon after starting on Kauai at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.

We are trying to decide between Four Seasons Resort Lanai (beachfront) or Sensei Lanai.

We initially liked the idea of Sensei for the adults-only spa atmosphere after being on the beach in Kauai, but we are not planning on working out as its our honeymoon. I know both are very chill, relaxing hotels. My fiance isnt a big spa guy, but ill likely get a massage while he golfs. We want a place with good energy, some people around, and a resort vibe where we don't feel like we have to whisper.

For anyone in their 30s who has stayed at either property:

  1. Is Sensei actually "library quiet," or is there decent energy around the pool and Nobu at night?
  2. Which resort is closer to the golf, animals, etc.
  3. Does FS Lanai offer a better social environment and resort buzz while still feeling high-end and romantic?
  4. If you did Sensei, did you end up spending most of your time taking the shuttle down to the beachfront resort anyway for atmosphere?

Appreciate any honest feedback!

reddit.com
u/Witty-Elk1104 — 3 months ago

HAWAII: Four Seasons Lanai + 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

Hi everyone! 😊 We're planning our honeymoon for this November and are seriously considering 5 nights at Four Seasons Lanai + 5 nights at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.

For anyone who's done this combo (or stayed at either resort), I'd love to hear your thoughts!

A few questions:
• Did you love this combination, or would you change anything?
• Which resort would you start with, and where would you spend more nights?
• Which room category is worth booking at each resort? Is it really worth it to upgrade our rooms? 
• Favorite restaurants, bars, and must-do excursions? Likely this is a Kauai question
• Any tips or hidden gems we shouldn't miss?

One thing that's important to us: we'd love a mix of relaxation and a little bit of a social atmosphere. We definitely don't need nightlife or clubs, BUT we'd love to have at least one fun night where we can grab drinks, meet people / not just be at the same place every night. Is that possible on Lanai or in Hanalei/Kauai, or are they both pretty quiet after dinner? Just dont want to only have the hotel bar as our option lol. Our logic was that these resorts seem to be amazing for honeymoon and if we come back with kids later in life we can always go to Maui and experience that. 

Would love to hear your honest opinions, especially if this ended up being one of your favorite vacations (hopefully). Thank you!!

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u/Witty-Elk1104 — 3 months ago

HAWAII: Four Seasons Lanai + 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

Hi everyone! 😊 We're planning our honeymoon for this November and are seriously considering 5 nights at Four Seasons Lanai + 5 nights at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.

For anyone who's done this combo (or stayed at either resort), I'd love to hear your thoughts!

A few questions:
• Did you love this combination, or would you change anything?
• Which resort would you start with, and where would you spend more nights?
• Which room category is worth booking at each resort? Is it really worth it to upgrade our rooms? 
• Favorite restaurants, bars, and must-do excursions? Likely this is a Kauai question
• Any tips or hidden gems we shouldn't miss?

One thing that's important to us: we'd love a mix of relaxation and a little bit of a social atmosphere. We definitely don't need nightlife or clubs, BUT we'd love to have at least one fun night where we can grab drinks, meet people / not just be at the same place every night. Is that possible on Lanai or in Hanalei/Kauai, or are they both pretty quiet after dinner? Just dont want to only have the hotel bar as our option lol. Our logic was that these resorts seem to be amazing for honeymoon and if we come back with kids later in life we can always go to Maui and experience that. 

Would love to hear your honest opinions, especially if this ended up being one of your favorite vacations (hopefully). Thank you!!

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u/Witty-Elk1104 — 3 months ago
▲ 3 r/honeymoonplanning+1 crossposts

HELP US decide between the three options!

Hi! My fiancé and I are planning our honeymoon for early November and we are stuck between three incredible options. We have about 450k Chase Sapphire Reserve points we want to use, and we're flying out of Chicago

Here are the exact resorts we are looking at:

  1. Hawaii: Andaz Maui (Wailea) + 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay (Kauai)
  2. French Polynesia: Sofitel Kia Ora (Moorea) + St. Regis (Bora Bora)
  3. St. Lucia: Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort

If you have been to these specific properties in early November, which one would you choose? Would love any insight on the weather, the overall vibe, or which one gives the best bang for your buck with Chase points. Thank you! 💕 the only hesitations we have with each one is lucia seems to be the most expensive, hawaii feels resorty but a good mix of chilling and doing stuff and french polynesia were worried we might get bored but it’s truly a bucket list place

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u/Witty-Elk1104 — 3 months ago