There is only one thing in the entire world that motivated me to get up out of bed at 6 this morning and that was to go make new running friends. Billy and I are staying with one of my friends parents until tomorrow (Billy has been here with them since Friday) when our apartment is ready. They are the absolute best! She invited me to join her and two of her friends for an early morning run and it made me so excited. They did 15 this morning (training for SAN FRAN MARATHON) and I did a total of 8.
It was absolutely gorgeous especially near the reservoir. For a while we were on a trail which was really fun because I am used to two surfaces: treadmill and street.
The temperatures were perfect and we climbed some killer hills (any incline kills me after solely running on the treadmill for the last little while). Running through the little town was also a highlight.
I talked with the cutest girl for most of the time and it is amazing how quickly friendships are formed when running with someone. It is so easy to open up when you are running. Coming back to this adorable face was a nice reward.
This note scared me. You see, I don’t do the whole green monster thing. I am more of a frosted flakes and a glass of orange juice kind of a girl in the morning. Since the person making this smoothie is a 2:38 marathoner… I knew I had to trust him.
It was actually really good and it gave me a huge boost of energy that for some reason frosted flakes doesn’t;) Maybe you guys are onto something with the whole ‘fill your body with lots of healthy foods’ thing. Don’t worry Mom, I haven’t already completely changed, I am eating sour gummy worms as I type this.
After a few hours of doing nothing productive (it is amazing how talented I am at that) I went to go fill out forms at my doctor’s office. Can we just take a second to talk about how I amazed myself by getting there alive, driving in California is a million times different than driving in Utah. On the way home I did take one wrong turm but I am convinced it was meant to happen… a Baja Fresh was just sitting there in front of me ready for me to come eat. Their salsa bar is one of the best creations on earth.
2 tacos, table for one and my iPad to keep me company.
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Do you drink green smoothies? What do you put in yours?
Do you have a running group that you run with? How often?
Do you have a lot of trails around you or do you mainly run on roads?
Ever been to Baja Fresh? Do you like fish tacos?
74 comments
shelly
I love Baja Fresh!!! I have one down the street from my work. Let me know when you’re settled and maybe we could meet half way (I’m in Sacramento)!!
Angie @ Pint of Goals
Green smoothies are awesome, just a little freaky looking. In mine I include ice, frozen banana, spinach, almond milk, and extras (more fruit, protein powder, peanut butter, or oats).
How great that you already found new running friends! I love running with other people and could not have trained for my first marathon alone.
Keren I.
Hi! I just moved to Boston a couple of months ago so i know how it feels to be the new person! But we are lucky that we are runners and already have a a “group” that we can fit in with, as well as a cool way to explore our new town!! I am training for the autism speaks half marathon in September; it will be my 3rd half marathon, and i am so excited!!
Right now i only have 2 people that i run with, but i’m hoping to meet more people the longer i’m here.
My favorite green smoothie is kale, spinach, strawberries and blueberries! The first time i had it i had to force myself to drink it, but now i LOVE it!!
Sending you warm wishes on all of your new adventures!!
Nicole
Hi Keren!
I’m in Somerville, and if you ever want a running partner (or a shopping partner, or anything!), hit me up! :) It’s always nice to make new friends.
I’m a green monster smoothie addict!
Nicole
Keren I.
Yeah!! Are you on facebook??
Nicole
Yup! Email me if you’d like. [email protected]. :)
Amanda
You are amazing Janae, 8 miles and full term? Wow. I love Baja Fresh. I also love Chipotle:-). I love running on trails. We have some great ones here in Arizona. Have a great day!
Khushboo
Ok I know California is known for their avocadoes but yikes- those slices on your salad are making me drool! Nice going on the run!! I love my greens…just not in a smoothie!!
Deirdre @ Oh Well Whatever
Welcome to CA!!! You are so amazing with all this running. What is the band that you use for your belly? I hope to get a few miles in today after work, need the stress relief big time.
I LOVE trails, trail running is so beautiful. I have run with several groups and loved it. Isn’t it amazing how you meet someone and the moment you start running you feel comfortable to have the most intimate of conversations? So funny.
Abby @ Change of Pace
Sounds like an amazing welcome to California!
I always run with my husband or alone, but I love it that way!
Grecia
I love green smoothies, my favorite is frozen banana, milk, chocolate protein powder, pb and spinach. Yum!
I am sure you’ll get used to driving in California. At least it’s not la, I am scared of driving. Maybe I should take a wrong turn and end up somewhere delicious like you. =P
Sonia the Mexigarian
Welcome to CA! I believe I recognize the running area and “little town” your in :) If you are interested there is a womens running group meeting next Tuesday at Road Runner Sports nearby at 6:30. We walk to the trail and run from there.
I drink green smoothies. i used to everyday but haven’t had time to make a smoothie in the morning in the pas few months.
Believe it or not I have not been to baja fresh even if there is one just down the street from my parents house. lol. I LOVE fish tacos though. Fell in love with the Rubio’s in Southern California :)
glad you had a great start to your Bay Area residency!!
TriGirlTri
It sounds like you are easing into living in Cali. I don’t make green smoothies, I usually go for strawberry, yogurt and Milk. I guess I could make it green by just adding in spinach or kale right?
Jen
We use a drink called Greens First, it isn’t too shabby. I can’t say that I love it, though! I want to invest in a juicer, I think fresh is best. :)
Tess
Janae, I know I have mentioned this before but seriously Girl, you are the only person I know that eats candy like I do. Every day, several times a day. Gummie Bears. Twizzlers. Skittles. (taste the rainbow)Starburst. Hot Tamales. Preferably for breakfast but don’t go thinkin’ I only eat it once a day. That would be so wrong and a waste of a perfect day.
Sneakers2Sandals
1. good run – check
2. friends – check
3. good food – check
looks like you are doing the best you can with this whole moving situation! you’re a rock star :)
Robin
Baja Fresh used to be my favorite salsa, but Poquito Mas gives it a run for its money.
Lindsey
LOVE Green smoothies! I use frozen blueberries, a banana, spinach, vanilla protein, flax and almond milk usually.
We have beautiful trails where I live, and I love running on them.
You are such a inspiration – still running and everything :)
Anna
I wish I had a running group but I am determined to build one. As long as I don`t have one I do however run on the trails, they don`t bore me as much.
I`m happy that you had great experiences so far after that not-so-happy post yesterday! Hope everything goes well for you all at this new stage in life!
Brooke @ sweats & sweets
I’m only used to roads and sidewalks. I sometimes venture out to our local park to run the trails, but I’m so clumsy that I become a danger to myself.
I’ve never heard of Baja Fresh, but I want that taco!
I like Naked’s Green Machine, its got spinach and good stuff, and you can’t taste anything but banana and fruits.
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats
I’m training with CARA, the Chicago Area Runners Association, so I have a big group run every Saturday. I usually run with one girl but she’ll be out of town the next few weeks on business :( I guess I’ll have to make new friends
Tina K
I have an amazing group of girls that I run with. We trained for a couple of marathons together and still meet weekly for ruling runs. Running with my favorite girls makes each run better! :)
We mostly run on the streets in our little town but it also has some trails that we sometimes include on our runs too.
MK
Sounds like a great first day! I LOVE Baja Fresh and green smoothies!
I had a baby a few months ago so I am still running on a treadmill mostly but have taken the BOB out a few times, too! Do you have a jogging stroller? Pricey but something tells me you will use it a lot! :)
Good luck with everything, Janae! I’m cheering for you. Change is SO hard and I’m going through baby boot camp myself…and potentially moving in a few months…but big changes usually bring better adventures and make you grow and evolve as a person. Hang in there and I just know you’ll be loving NorCal in no time!
Chels R.
Sounds like you had an awesome time on the trails! I love the serenity of running on the trail, wish I did it more often.
I love smoothies but don’t do them enough because usually in the mornings I am out the door in a rush after my run & shower headed to work. I am more of a chocolate almond milk girl after a run!
I love running with a group! It really is cool how fast you can get to know someone just by running with them.
Chris
It sounds like things are good already! I’m so happy for you.
I keep obsessively checking your blog for baby news ha ha. I will try to be patient :)
Angela
Janae! You’re in California!! Come run with me :) I’ve been reading your blog for awhile now I’m dying to meet you.
PS. You have to go to a legit Taqueria for some real deal Mexican now that you’re here!
cait
Sounds like a great day already!!That reservoir is gorgeous.can”t go wrong with trail running around here.I am just on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge from you so hopefully all of us Bay Area runners who read(and love) your blog can convene for runs and cupcakes sometime!!
Take care and welcome to CA!!!
Kayla @ Keep Moving Forward
I really like green smoothies – banana, milk, vanilla protein powder, chia seeds, lots o’ spinach, and if it was a really hard/long workout I will add some oats to help keep my full as long as possible.
I think that it is super awesome that you were able to head out for a run with some new peeps! I really want to get a group together in Portland and am trying to reach out to some other bloggers in the area! I love to run with my “teacher” friends and meet up with them at least once a week! :)
Erica
Your day sounds like perfection to me.
ashley
New running friends are always a plus! I love running with my guy though..he is such a motivator and makes me laugh. I am trying to convince him to dress like a girl for a half marathon here in nashville for only women in september..hhmmmm
angie on maui
Hi Janae,
It’s been a while since I’ve commented on your blog, but just know that I read every one of your posts! My felt such heartache for you when I read your post yesterday about saying goodbye to your family and heading out West. I’ve loved reading about the close relationship you share with your entire family, so I totally get how painful it must have been to hop on a plane and leave them (when my Hubs and I moved from CA to Maui, I cried the ugly-cry for almost a year). On the upside, I know you’ll be seeing a lot of your family because your ties are way too strong to let time pass…and besides, everyone is gonna wanna spoil the Hungry Runner Baby, right?
And speaking of CA, can I just say that for my own selfish reasons, I am so bummed you didn’t move out to CA sooner? My Hubs and I lived in Silicon Valley before moving here to Maui…it would have been so great to meet you, take a run with you and hit up FroYo stands galore! :)
I’m looking forward to reading more about your new adventures as a Mama!
Keep running and keep smiling!
xoxo
Kelly P
First day – first run – AND Baja Fresh! that’s a pretty good adventure!!!! :)
Stephanie
I love green protein shakes! I usually do 1/2 a banana, 1T peanut butter, 1 scoop chocolate whey, fat free milk and ice.
I used to run with a group of friends 4 times a week at 5am. Once I got further along in my pregnancy I wasn’t able to meet them as many times. Now it’s once a week if I am lucky since my baby girl tends to want to eat when they start running. I miss my 5am runs.
I have mainly roads but drive about 1 hour to a killer trail! It was ranked in RW’s top 25 best trails!!
I love Baja Fresh and fish tacos!!!
Kim@hungryhealthygirl
You are so spot on today!! Not only in my post today did I talk about running my magic 7, but I gave the recipe for my favorite green monster. Try it, you’ll love it. It’s almost as good as froyo. ;) By the way, that taco looks amazing!!
Anne
I ran solo for three years before moving to a new city. I joined a running group to get to know people, and even though they are all at least 15 years older than me I LOVE having people to talk to about fitness!
That way my friends my age don’t hate me for talking their ear off about long runs and whole grains :)
Lorena
Those tacos look soooo good! Too bad there’s no Baja Fresh around here :(
I’ve never tried a green smoothie hmmm…I’m curious and I will have to go get me one. I run alone. All my attempts to get my boyfriend to run with me have failed. So sad. Running group sounds fun! I can’t believe you are still running….8 miles. That is amazing!
Karina Powell
Oh my goodness that meal looks to die for! I want it! You are so close! ahhh!! you will be the cutest mommy ever! You go girl for still running that far! My husband started law school monday too! I totally know how it is! Keep yourself busy at nights while he studies:) ha luckily we will both have babies to keep us occupied in a couple weeks. yayyy. xoxo
Cathryn @ Myheartscontentblog
I’ve never had a green shake but I had a green juice the other week and it wasn’t’ as bad as it looked and I felt amazing afterwards.
I run mainly on roads as I run mainly alone and I’m too cautious to run trails by myself, but I’m DYING to run trails!!! And yep….I’m about 20 miles from Santa Clara and I’ll run with you any time you want, as long as you promise not to give birth!
Cathryn @ Myheartscontentblog
Actually…you should pick a time and a date, let everyone know and then any local readers can come and run with you – and then we can have brunch afterwards!! That would be fun!!
Morgan
Oh my gosh I love running in that area! Did you guys get a chance to run around Vasona lake? It is so pretty, and there is a little train and carousel for your little girl pretty soon :)
Beth @ Running with the Sunrise
Oh, I live for green smoothies! They’re such an easy way to sneak a little extra spinach or kale into my diet along with fruit and often some Omega-3s (I add flax oil to mine).
I’m glad you’re making running buddies and are enjoying your new state so far! I hope things continue to go well for you. :)
Tabaitha
Oh how I miss Baja Fresh!
Sarah
I love green smoothies. It’s the smell that gets me, so I add spinach, 1/4 cup of Orange juice (for the smell), 1/2 cup of almond milk, 1 cup of strawberries and 1/2 cup of pineapple. SOMETIMES if I’m feeling fun, I add some Greek yogurt. Good times.
Lisa @ Jogging on Coffee
So glad you made it to California safely and already have running buddies :) I normally run on streets or the treadmill but I got to do some trail running last weekend and it was fantastic!
Naomi M
I love green smoothies! I like frozen mango, kale, pineapple, and ice…its more a of a green slushy haha. Spinach and berries is good too! Or orange juice, carrots, and frozen mango…which is actually more like an orange smoothie. and now I’m rambling…..
I know what you mean by the difference between driving in Utah and California. It is so confusing and people drive so fast its hard to think straight. Thank goodness for a GPS.
Kristen @ notsodomesticated
OK, those tacos? Wow. I hope they tasted as delicious as they look!
Melissa @ runscootsrun
You’re going to make tons of friends in no time. Never had a green smoothie. I usuall just have my Shakeology. I run every now and then w a group but I like to be by myself usually,.lets me think or just get in the zone. It’s fun to switch it up though. Hope you’re doing well out there!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama
Love green smoothies! I really put everything but the kitchen sink in ’em but there are always 2 vital ingredients: peanut butter and bananas. Yum!
Running is such a great way to meet new people! I recently linked up with a group and have meet some fun new friends.
Karen
Welcome to California! The Bay Area has TONS of great trail races. Check out http://www.coastaltrailruns.com/ for a bunch of them. I wish I lived closer to all those wonderful races, but my area (Humboldt) has some great trails too.
Cari
What a gorgeous run! I’m jealous…Houston rarely has beautiful running scenery. I used to run with a training group when marathon training and it was awesome! Great coach and water stops…so worth it.
jayloh
I’m glad you have a couple fun days there before you have to unpack. To be able to wake up, in a new hometown, and run with new friends…you’re so blessed. :)
I make my boys green smoothies and hide all kinds of healthy stuff in there. They love them!
All of my running used to be completely solo. I finally convinced my sissy she was a runner and then I forgot how to run alone. Once she got pregnant and was unable to run, I broke down and joined a running group. It acutally ended up being a really good decision.
Jessica @ Busy Living Healthy
I do drink green smoothies! I usually just use almond milk, spinach, banana, blueberries, and some stevia. :) I really like fish tacos! Glad you made it to Cali safe! :)
Amanda N
I occasionally drink green smoothies, my fave combo is blueberries, lots of spinach, banana, greek yogurt, and a splash of milk.
I wish I had a running group. Or even a running friend. I am running-friend-less. :(
There are some amazing trails not that far from me. It’s so different than running on the pavement and it’s a nice change of pace every now and then.
Love that you found some running buddies and are enjoying Cali!
Nelly
That looks like Lexington reservoir in Los Gatos! A great trail to run indeed.
You can catch the Los Gatos Creek Trail right by there, which goes for 10 miles each way. A great trail.
It looks like the race already happened, but the Los Gatos Dammit run is a great tough 5 mile race that starts at Los Gatos High School. I’ve ran it a few times in the past.
http://losgatosdammitrun.com/LGAADammitRun/Welcome.html
http://www.sjparks.org/Trails/LosGatos/LosGatos.asp
I know your relocation from Utah to CA was hard, but CA is a nice place, I hope you like it here. And I think your sandwich from the last post was from Togo’s, I go there a lot, nice sandwiches.
Missy
Glad you made it to Cali without having the baby on the airplane! Looks gorgeous there!
susette
Knowing you ran on trails makes me uber happy! Also knowing that you are safe in California now with your cute best friend makes me even happier. Can’t wait for that cute little one to arrive!
lisa @ early morning run
You are amazing. Running 8 miles and pregnant?
I run mostly on roads now, but when I’m up in Central Park for a training run I like to stick to the bridle path.
Just found there’s a Baja Fresh in the city; definitely have to try it out!
Hope all is going well with your move!
Emz
Hi, my name is Emily & I’ve never had any drink w/spinach in it.
Must. Try.
natalie@ southern fit foodie
I’m so glad you enjoyed your run and had some good conversation! YES I love green smoothies, and I put everything in them. :)
luv what you do
I’m a huge fan of the green smoothie. I put in avocado, edamame, spinach, kale, banana (always!!!), cacoa, almond butter, and tons of fruit (mango is my favorite!)
Megan
Welcome to California!
Lauren C.
I heart fish tacos, but I’m from San Diego. Welcome to California!
MetaMo
Ah! That’s my hometown! Those are my mountains! You may have even passed my sisters out on the trail! Welcome, welcome to the Bay Area, you sweet soul! I live in the North Bay now, but my family is all down in your new stompin grounds! Janae, make your friends take you to Icing on the Cake. You probably ran past it. Tragedy. Seriously. I’m going to email you a link to my bestie’s blog. She’s a (former/future?) high school English teacher with a two year old and another on the way AND she’s gloriously goofy and wonderful AND she’s got the hookup on some fantastic new mom networks in the valley. Humongous welcome hug!
Jessica Engel
I WANT to love green smoothies, they seem to healthy and all that, but I can’t get over the looks yet, but you’ve encouraged me to try them! Also congrats on NOT having that baby on the plane :), now you can relax and know that you and your husband will most definitely be together when she arrives. And I’ve been mostly running on the treadmill because I tend to run late at night when both of my young children are asleep, but my husband also “made” me a trail at our home that I love to run on as well, it’s hilly and rugged and totally imperfect which makes it so much fun.
Desirae J. Barton
Dearest Janae!
Guess what! I live right up the road from you!! I live in Burlingame – just 30 minutes north from Santa Clara. So welcome to Nor Cal! You will love it here. Tons of things to do and the friendliest people in the world. I moved here when I was super prego with my first kido as well – so I know what you are going through right now. We MUST get together soon and catch up! If you need anything please let me know. Loves – Des
Kathee
I love green smoothies! Mine are usually more brown. I put berries and spinach with a banana, Greek yogurt, almond butter and almond milk. Usually the fruit or banana is frozen. If I do a long run I will add a scoop of protein powder.
I would love to find some running friends. At least my hubby runs a few miles with me once in a while.
Enjoy California. It’s hard to be away from family, but so good for you and your marriage. Something about having to depend on each other more. I am not sure. I had my son in Nashville and my family is in Utah. I wouldn’t trade the experience!
Lea
I love green smoothies. I pretty much just throw in whatever I can find in the fridge but one of my favorite combos is: banana, peanut butter, vanilla protein powder, soy milk, cinnamon and frozen spinach. So yummy.
Kari @ Running Ricig
I don’t do the whole green smoothie thing either. I can’t get on board with putting spinach in a smoothie, no matter how delicious.
I run with a group, but haven’t seen them in a while because of marathon training. They meet too late in the morning for me to run in this heat.
I’m glad you guys are already making friends!
Keri @ Blue-Eyed Runner
Yes! We love baja fresh! Did you get one of their frequent buyer cards? Free tacos/burritos!
Terri
Sounds amazing! I love Baja Fresh!
Brandi
I love green smoothies!! One of my favorite things to have. :) So glad you have some new running friends!
Kay
Yay for new running friends right after moving!
I’m super impressed you drove around just after getting there- I’d be so hopeless haha.
Kerry
Hey Janae .. I’m a California transplant to SLC. You’re gonna love Cali! Although like moving from there to here it will be an adjustment for sure. Just wondered whether you were going to post the recipe for that delicious smoothie??
Amanda
green smoothies– spinach, almond milk or regular milk, blueberries, banana.
running group– yes but not til I moved to CA, and I think it’s what helped me the most with our big move. I love my running group- I usually do a long run and speedwork with the group (who shows up to each run always varies), and then I see people again at the summer XC series one night a week, AND sometimes I even meet a friend or two from the group for breakfast or lunch.
trails– we have good trails but I’m a little afraid of large furry creatures like mountain lions – and rattlesnakes in this heat – so I save them for hiking or running with a friend.
baja fresh- still haven’t tried it but earlier this week I found a coupon and I’m going to go there tomorrow!