As a consistent runner, I work hard during training. Exhaustion. Aching muscles. Sweat on top of sweat on top of sweat.
So, as a treat to myself after long races, I decided to start gifting myself massages. Thanks to Groupon, of course. Budgeting is still very much a priority up in here.
The last half marathon? April. It is now June.
My roommate and I actually bought the Groupons for the massage sometime in March. We tried to get in near the end of April with no luck. First available appointment? June 7th. Seriously?
Nothing like delayed gratification.
So after work, the roomie and I put our fancy pants on and made our way down to the Gold Coast for a lil’ discounted pampering at Channing’s Day Spa on a Thursday night.
I love massages.
I do.
But it is really REALLY hard for me to relax. Find my zen. Chill. Mellow out. Find peace.
After thinking about it, this is probably why I don’t like yoga.
Anyway…
I can’t 100% relax because thoughts just keep sneaking in.
“Is that her stomach or mine?”
“This time it was definitely mine.”
“I wonder if she gets super tired doing this? I mean- is it like a workout to do this all day?”
“Oh God… is she going for the feet? Oh God… I forgot to tell her not to… Oh nooooo…”
“I wonder if she just saw the goosebumps go across my entire back.”
“Goosebumps… that was such a weird book series…”
So yeah. Maybe I don’t get as much out of a spa night as some. But that doesn’t mean I don’t walk out feeling pretty on top of the world.
And I learned something new! I learned my right foot is about 10x more ticklish than my left. My massuese is probably not as excited as I am to have learned this information.
Also, as she got ready to exit, she said, “Ok Amy, I’m going to let you get dressed now. Have a wonderful rest of the night and please take care of that neck, ok?”
Here I thought the knots in my back would be the most embarrassing part. Followed closely by my ticklish feet. Now I have my neck to worry about, too? This is how a complex develops, people! Gah!
Physically, though, I still feel pretty fantastic. We’ll call it a success. Thanks, Groupon!
Afterwards, the roomie and I meandered in search of food. We naturally gravitated towards a bar sign that claimed there were $2 bottles inside.
$2 you say? Sold!
Rarely do I get food at a bar that isn’t fried. But during an official “spa night”, you feel the need to order something sort of light (aka “grilled chicken”). 
And dare I say the California Wrap at McFadden’s is quite delicious? I could actually taste the avocado (they didn’t skimp) and the ranch wasn’t overwhelming.
But I’ll let you in on a secret… it was totally the bacon that put it over the edge. So maybe I failed on the “light” in that sense, but the salad on the side makes up for it. Totally.
I’ll let you in on another secret- don’t wear shorts after getting a massage. You’ll be slipping and sliding in your bar chair.
People raised their eyebrows at me, but I only had one beer. Promise!
All in all, a nice way to break up the end of the week. Now just 8 hours of work stand between me and the weekend. And THAT is a relaxing thought.
Happy Friday, kids!
JEEPERS CREEPERS! Now THAT was the name of the scary (ridiculous?) movie Justin Long was in. Another thought while on the massage table that I just couldn’t come up with the answer for…
Sigh… Don’t ask.
Filed under: Places to Eat, Places to Go | Tagged: Channings Day Spa, Gold Coast, groupon, McFadden's Chicago, relaxing spa night, treat yourself, using a massage as a race reward | 11 Comments »
