Happy Happy Happy Birthday to my most gorgeous sister TODAY and Happy Happy Happy Birthday to my little niece that I miss so dearly tomorrow!
2 important running matters.
1. It is monday. The day after a rest day. That means I am more than excited to run especially after I sat on my couch for 20 hours (literally) yesterday.
2. I just signed up for a very very very exciting race this month. I’ll talk about it in the next post, I haven’t been this excited for a race in a long time.
We had planned on stopping at six different towns along the way home from Southern California but that turned into three because we stayed way longer than we planned on in Santa Barbara and Solvang.
After we were thoroughly disappointed by the aquarium we walked around the pier for a while and once again let Yelp decide where we should go to eat. We wanted something cheap, close and delicious. Yelp told us to go to Taqueria Del Mar which was about 5 blocks away. On our way there is started POURING and poor little Brooke’s hairdo got all messed up.
Once again she loved the high chair, I don’t know how I feel about this. I was hoping she would prefer sitting in my lap while we eat until she is 12.
We started off with the mandatory chips and salsa.
All of the reviews for the restaurant told us to get the fish tacos and so we listened. Each taco had SO MUCH fish and the flavor was perfect. We may be making the 1 hour and 40 minute drive there much more often just for these $3 tacos.
Today we are working on organizing our life and doing all of the errands that we have put off for 3 weeks.
—————————————————————–
Are you excited for your run today? Not so excited or just a little excited? Was last week a good running week?
Who is running a race THIS month?
Hot, medium or mild salsa?
Be honest… are you afraid of sharks?
74 comments
Khushboo
Hot salsa for sure! So glad Mexican is in the menu for dinner tonight :-)
Jenn @ RunItMyWay
I wish I was running today, but I’ve had a pretty solid few days of running and ran a mountain yesterday so today has to be a rest day!!
BTW your sister is absolutely gorgeous, I’m very jealous of her beautiful hair!! Brooke looks like she’s got some cute little waves in her hair- maybe she’ll have adorable little curls like Curly!!
Have a wonderful Monday!
Elizabeth @ My Neon Running Shoes
Happy birthday to your sister!!! And my vote is the hottest salsa possible… And yes sharks terrify me!
Steph @ Water, Extra Ice
Aw, what a bummer that the aquarium was closed! I can’t say I’m that afraid of sharks. The water/ocean that the sharks swim in, however, is much scarier to me (I know, I’m a weirdo). I never learned to swim and while I love looking at large bodies of water, the thought of being in them freaks me out. Learning to swim is definitely on my bucket list though !
Sarah @pickyrunner
I love all of your vacation stories! I’m just going to pretend in living your life running, eating at good restaurants, (almost) going to aquariums, exploring new cities, and hanging out with family. You had such a long vacation! I can’t wait to hear what your race is. My races this month will all be track-related so I’ll be running the 800 and 1500 for a couple weeks. Then I’ll be back to the long stuff!
Deana (RockOrangeFive)
Excited to run this week! My two littlest guys are being nana-sat today & tomorrow so I get to do my run during the day and for as long as I want! Especially excited because I finally have worked out my laptop Netflix viewing with an extra speaker, to the perfect set-up for treadmill entertainment. This is very important.
Medium Salsa, like some heat – but not so much I can feel my tongue burning.
Sharks – like them from afar? yeah. Let’s go with that answer. :)
Nicole@TheKidlessKronicles
I am still nursing the quad injury so no running right now. Trying to be smart. Maybe later this week.
I am supposed to run a trail race on the 19th. But again, I have to see about the quad first.
Medium salsa. And yes, sharks freak me out.
The Kidless Kronicles
Abby @ Change of Pace
Happy Monday and happy birthday to your sis and niece!
Love hot salsa! We eat Mexican at least three times a week.
I’m terrified of sharks! When we backpacked Australia, we made the mistake of going to a shark movie. I wasn’t nearly as comfortable in the ocean after watching that!
Lauren
I always love running on Mondays, for me, after 2 days of rest. My legs feel so refreshed and recharged.
Brooke @ sweats & sweets
Terrified of sharks, I can’t go into any ocean water unless its clear and I can see my feet.
Mild salsa, I’m a whimp.
& I’m very excited for my run in a couple of minutes, however its 39° right now!
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries
I love how Brooke’s hair curls a little when it gets wet. It’s so cute! Glad you guys are home safe! As for salsa, I go for mild or medium. I don’t like salsa so hot that I can’t taste it or anything else that I eat it with. And yes, I am scared of sharks! I just try not to think about them because I love the ocean so much.
Julie @ Sweetly Balanced
I just finished my first race of the year!!! A Ragnar Relay from Miami to Key West!!
Erica
Is it a trail run race? I can’t wait to hear about it!!
Kari @ Running Ricig
I’m looking forward to running today, but also slightly scared. My legs are BEAT from Saturday’s long run and I have 10 on the schedule for today…I think I’d rather sit on the couch for 20 hours.
Katie @ msfitrunner
I’m excited to run today – I have a workout run, but I have to do it tonight, which is always tough, especially when it involves speedy paces!
I like medium salsa, and I love fish tacos!
I don’t have a race until the end of february, which is going to be 3 months after my last race!
Have a GREAT run today, can’t wait to hear about your upcoming race:)
Chelsea @ LittleOneRuns
no running today, but tomorrow i hopefully will :) last week kind of sucked since my left leg has been a pain and won’t stop hurting.
HOT salsa :)
no races this month, maybe feb, but for sure in march!
deathly afraid!
Karen @ Runner Girl Eats
I am a total wimp so mild salsa all the way but my BF is a hot salsa guy. This is always a fight at Mexican restaurants so we settle for medium and neither of us is truly satisfied lol I am running the Hot Chocolate run in Atlanta Sunday and can’t wait!
Kait - @runkaitrun
oh my gosh that pic of brooke is too cute! i’m running a 5k this weekend, testing to see where my speed is at after slowly coming back from injury…
Lindsey
It was a great run week last week, I got two outside runs in! It is hard with the cold and dark but the weather was nice so I got out on the weekend both times.
Mild salsa, I am a wimp.
Of course I am scared of sharks!
Love your little road trip, we did one summer 2011 down the west coast to California and I loved it!
Bri @ Back to Bliss
I eat my salsa medium, just like everything else with any spice involved.
I am not racing this month, I have to coach at competitions every Saturday this month, so I’m pretty tied up.
Definitely afraid of sharks. There is just something menacing about the way they stare at you through the glass in the aquarium. You can tell they are only thinking about eating you.
Yo Momma Runs
Definitely afraid of sharks by my feet (or any other part) in the ocean. Not afraid of them behind a glass tank. And I like all the varieties of salsa, as long as it is being shoveled into my mouth.
Brooke’s hair looks super cute after the rain. I wish I had that skill.
Emma Harris
The last race I ran was on Boxing Day (December 26) – it was -10 degrees and snowy! That’s Canada for you… we don’t have your beautiful weather right now! Not sure when my next race will be though!
Logan @ Mountains and Miles
Happy birthday to them! We just celebrated my sister’s birthday on Saturday, she turned 30!
I am excited for my run today but I’m not sure when/where it’s going to happen. My family is in town, which makes for more of a hectic schedule, but last week was a bit of a flop for me, so I am itching to get back out on the trails.
No races coming up this month, but my family did a 5k yesterday – it was my mom’s first race in decades. She used to be like you and ran 10 miles a day, even when pregnant (and was a runner even before running was normal for women), so I was so proud of her for training and running the whole three miles without stopping. We are trying to convince her for a half marathon next year around Christmas.
I like my salsa hottttttttt.
I’m not afraid of sharks, but my boyfriend is absolutely terrified of them. I was supposed to go shark cage diving in South Africa a few years ago to see the Great Whites, but the boat trip was cancelled due to bad weather =(.
cathy@1970kikiproject
happy, happy birthday to your sister and then to your little niece tomorrow. mine is wednesday so we are all almost bday twins (triplets?)!
excited to hear about your race! and enjoy this week off with billy (and brooke!).
Natalie @ Free Range Human
Happy birthday to those two special ladies in your life!
I absolutely love fish tacos. Those look so good!
Candice
It is currently 4 degrees outside… I will not be running a race this month… (I decided january is the worst month in utah-weather wise)
Medium salsa- favorite is the peach salsa from costco.
I’m probably afraid of sharks.. never been close to one though!
Elise @ Expeditions of Elise
I’m running a 5-mile race this Saturday! I’m excited because I’ve never run anything longer than a 5K race. Hoping it goes well.
Viv
Janae, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog! You are the best : )
And yayy, running the Miami Half Marathon later this month! I am especially excited because here in Maine the weather is way too cold and it will be a nice change to run in warmer weather :) best of luck for your race!
Corrie Anne
hot salsa! and i’m terrified of sharks!!! :)
Liz
You guys are such cuties! Looks like you are enjoying Billy’s time off…Brooke looks like she is enjoying it too! I have been to Santa Barbara and totally fell in love too! Enjoy organizing today…
Randi
Hot hot hot for my salsa. No races this month aaaaand yes, I’m afraid of sharks yet I still scuba dive with them. I am shrugging my shoulders on that one.
kim@hungryhealthygirl
Medium salsa and Brooke’s hair seriously looks so cute wet and fluffed! She may be setting a new hair trend. ;)
TorontoRunner
Happy Birthday to your sis and niece!
I took the day off running yesterday too, but I’ve had an awwwwwwwwful sleep and just feel so run down today..so, not exactly excited to run. At all. :(
Sharsti
Mild to medium salsa, I don’t like feeling like my taste buds are going to fall off. I eig I was racing this month, it would have to be an indoor race though, it’s way too cold outside for my liking:/
Amanda
I have 8 miles after work today which I’m pretty excited about, although I hope it doesn’t rain on me!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona
I’d definitely go with mild salsa.
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I’m the biggest wimp when it comes to hot food, so mild salsa for me. I’m also the biggest wimp when it comes to being in water with things that could eat me, so yes… very afraid of sharks. Actually, I’m afraid of being in water in general when I can’t see my feet.
Cathryn
I ran yesterday and my legs ache so today is a rest day. But i’m signed up for two races in the UK when I go home later this month – can’t wait!
Missy
What a fun trip you had. The giant cream puff on yesterdays blog looked amazing! I licked the screen.
I am super afraid of sharks. I love to surf and swim in the ocean. LOVE it. But sharks are always in the back of my mind and sometimes it kinda ruins the moment for me.
Darn sharks.
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats
Ugh I was supposed to run a race this month but I’m not allowed to run at all. Gotta sell my bib…
Kay
Happy birthday to your family members!
Mmm… salsa, mild to hot, more the merrier!
Andrea @ Andrea Out Loud
Medium salsa… and I am 100% TERRIFIED of sharks!!!
Christina
Santa Cruz is my favorite place on earth. ON EARTH. Coronado comes in a close second. Next time you are in the Monterrey area I highly recommend going to Phil’s Fish Market. It is kind of in the middle of nowhere but so worth it. Bobby Flay went there for a cioppino throw down and LOST that’s how good the place is. In Santa Cruz you and Billy would LOVE Las Palmas tacos. Best shredded beef tacos anywhere.
Sonia the Mexigarian
Try going to the Aquarium in the middle of the week. The majority of school kids should be back in class, so it will be less crowded.
Mild to Medium salsa. My stomach can’t handle hot.
Ran4.7miles yesterday!
And yes, afraid of sharks, though it won’t keep me out of the ocean. It’s just a fact of life.
Happy birthday to your sister and your niece!
Cynthia
I am so gutted that you guys missed out on the Monterey Bay Aquarium! It’s my favourite! The 3-story window looking into the kelp forest is amazing and the sea otters are beyond adorable. Granted, I haven’t been there since 1990, but I wrote a letter to some staff member once asking caterer advice (when I was in elementary/middle school) and they responded, sending me loads of information.
Cynthia
Whoops, I meant career advice! Definitely wasn’t asking the aquarium staff about becoming a caterer…
Caitlin @ This Bride's Joyride
Umm I really want to know about this race you signed up for!
I am terrified of sharks, but at the same time, I’ve always wanted to go cage diving with sharks or swim with sharks. I’ve heard certain aquariums let you swim with the sharks and seals (after a safety class and paying a hefty fee) and I’ve been trying to convince my husband it would be a great date day but he is NOT interested!
Lisa
I’m very much looking forward to my run today although I’m frustrated by the lack of support that I have. I had bariatric surgery last year and have lost 65 pounds so far. One of my goals was to become a runner because I know that my body can do amazing things and the thought of conditioning it and pushing it to the limits appealed to me. Last year I completed 6 5K’s and I was able to run the entire distance for 4 of them. That was such a big accomplishment for me and I loved the feeling of crossing the finish line every time. This year my first race is in May and I have decided to sign up for a 10K because I know I can do 5K’s and I want a challenge. However I’m lacking support. My family is pretty good about it. They are excited and go to races to cheer me on and sometimes my 2 teenage girls will race with me and my friends are happy for me and say all of the right things but they are not interested in running themselves so I feel completely alone in this process. I love your blog because of all of the positive things you have to say and you’re so much fun to read! The people that comment here are wonderful as well. I guess the point to my long comment (sorry about that) is how do you keep yourself motivated when you’re doing something new and challenging on your own? I don’t have anyone to chat with or compare stories/experiences with, to run with, or even talk to without their eyes glazing over because they have no clue as to what I’m talking about. I tend to stick to a schedule really well for a while and then I fall off the wagon and have to start over because I just get so frustrated sometimes. Any suggestions, comments, ideas at all by anyone would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much for your help :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
WOW!! Congratulations Lisa on losing 65 lbs. YOU ARE INCREDIBLE and your body can do amazing things. WOW…6 5ks, that is so awesome and a HUGE accomplishment. I am glad your family and friends are happy for you but that is hard to stay motivated when you don’t have people in your life to help you stay motivated. Some things that I do to stay motivated is sign up for races (like you are doing) that way you are always surrounded by a lot of other running obsessed people:) Blog reading is also a huge way for me to stay motivated. I also love goals and set up a reward system for when I accomplish the goals. I am ALWAYS here to email for support!!! Keep doing what you are doing, you are absolutely incredible!
cathy
LISA..You can email me at [email protected]..Maybe having someone with same interest and have someone to talk about it with!
Lisa
Thanks Janae and Cathy :)
amy
less than 6 weeks away from my first marathon…and I have hurt my knee! Probably gonna take this week off!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Your poor knee… I am so sorry!!!!!
Michele
I hope you’re watching Biggest Loser this season!! It’s crazy already.
Rachelle
Oh my goodness your family is so stinking dang cute. Seriously cutest family ever. Love ya and hope that all is well Janae. Come back to UT soon okay? :)
Amanda
LOVE Monterey.. It’s where my now husband took me for a weekend getaway and where we fell in love! Aw, I know. We ate at the same restaurant… Did you by chance find the hottest, freshest, yummiest cinnamon rolls in the morning?
Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More
I’m running with my oldest daughter today. That is always exciting! Last week was fab because I started running again. Yes!
Medium salsa. I like a little kick, but not a burn.
Kate
I’m not running a race this month but have a marathon in April… My first one! And OH MY GOODNESS how do you cope with the intense cravings??! They are ridiculous, as in waaaay more than the energy I’m burning! How do you know you’re not overdoing it on the food front?!
Mild salsa for me.
Not afraid of sharks, but the closest I got to one was at SeaWorld in Orlando… Lol.
Brooke is way cute :) You look like you’re doing a great job with her (and I’m totally in awe at your ability to run the miles you’re doing whilst breastfeeding and getting broken nights – it did me in when I was feeding!)
X
The Hungry Runner Girl
AHHHH you are going to rock your first marathon. Hmmm the intense cravings?!?! I GIVE INTO THEM!!!! It is hard to find the right balance of nutrients and calories when in marathon training. I am still trying to figure it out and not give in every time I want a gallon of ice cream! Thanks so much for your sweet words Kate!
Amy
I’m running a race THIS weekend!! Disney marathon!!
I ran an easy 12 miles this morning as I taper for Sunday. Hope your run rocked too =)
The Hungry Runner Girl
AHHHH GOOD LUCK!!! You are going to rock the Disney Marathon, I am so excited (and jealous) for you!
Steph @ Steph Stays Slim
This is my 3rd (and last) week off from work too and I haven’t accomplished anything productive on my “to-do” list. Why does this always happen?!
Annette@FitnessPerks
Medium salsa for sure! No race this month, but I am curious about yours….
Brooke is STILL adorable with wet, messed up hair!! ;)
Sara
Ah, tomorrow is my birthday, too! I have so many birthday buddies, it must be a day when spectacular people are born. :) I will be celebrating with a RUN in prep for my spring races!
The Hungry Runner Girl
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARA in just a few hours!! Best way to celebrate…… RUNNING!!!!
Mallory @ ifgravityhappens
haha mandatory chips and salsa! That’s a great way to look at it :) :) Can’t wait to hear about your race! Brooke’s hair is adorably curly when its wet!! Love her expressions :)
Renee
I’m super excited for my run today. I haven’t really ran in 2 weeks—rehabbing an injury and then I had the flu. I’m starting a new training plan that will hopefully keep me from getting injured and I have new shoes!!
The heat of the salsa depends…I usually tend toward a medium or sometimes mild salsa. I’m a huge fan of pico de gallo!
I think Brooke’s hair looks super cute wet! She’s growing so fast!
Potatoes and Pilates
Brooke’s little facial expressions just kill me! SO sweet.
P.S. When it comes to salsa, the hotter the better for me.
GreenGirlRunning
Even Brooke’s messed up hair looks super cute :)
Medium salsa for sure, no race this month and HECK YES I’m afraid of sharks! but only when actually in the ocean ;)
Andrea
Such a sweet post, made my day a little brighter and happy birthday to both your sister and niece! Monterey is so gorgeous I’m sad y’all didn’t get to enjoy it more. You should definitely head back one day and do a whale boat tour, they’re the best!
Sarah Elizabeth
Sandy Cruz (Santa Cruz ;) is the best! And so is the Monterrey Bay Aquarium. You will just have to go back!
Mollie
Happy Birthday to your sister!! I live in Chicago and babysit for an 8 month old like 5 blocks from the Shedd Aquarium. I like to take him there. He likes it too, I think….I am not afraid of sharks. I like medium salsa but love Salsa Verde the absolute most.
I just started running on Newton shoes so I have been slowly building up my mileage again. I ran the farthest I have yet in them today 2.5 whole miles (whoop!) and it was a glorious 2.5 . I am running a race this month, in fact on Saturday, I am running a 5K Polar Dash. Forecast is 56 and rain…extremely warm for January in Chicago, but I’d prefer 30 and snow than 56 and rain. Oh well. Can’t win them all.
Liana@RunToMunch
Hot salsa all the way! I miss California and Santa Barbara is the best!
Denise P.
I worked at the aquarium in Long Beach, CA throughout college and they closed at 5 too. Once the school kids cleared out by 2pm it was extremely quiet there.
No races this month sadly. Trying to save money and my stress levels by not overdoing it with races this year.