If this post makes zero sense it is because I am writing this at 2 a.m. while watching The OC with Bangs Friend and her husband.
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Note to self: Wear gloves when it is really really windy and cold so that you don’t feel like your fingers are going to completely fall off while you are running. Other than the whole fingers slowly dying thing my long run yesterday was excellent. This long run felt better than any long run has felt in a long time and I think the key to that was the fact that I drank water a few times throughout the run. Turns out that water is kind of important when you are running for 2+ hours.
Miles 1-3—> 8:30
Miles 4-6—> 8:15
Miles 7-9—> 8:00
Miles 10-12—> 7:45
Last 4 miles—-> 6:55, 6:52, 6:53 and 6:40
Brooke was extra snuggly on the airplane ride yesterday. I miss her a whole lot. Let’s just leave it at that.
Diet coke with lime and Bangs Friend in the back. Coping mechanisms at their finest.
These girls. I wish you could all get to know them because they really are the best.
We went and celebrated my good friend’s birthday last night at the place where each meal is at least 5 lbs of goodness (Cheesecake Factory).
The bbq chicken salad with onion rings on top…. I think we need to make it normal to put french fries on top of a salad too.
The beautiful bday girl and her new little one.
We all split that mountain of chocolate truffle cake. The best dessert I have ever had at the Cheesecake Factory.
After 2.5 hours in that restaurant booth we walked over to the MAC store to get some makeup lessons. Maybe someday I will convert over from Walmart makeup to MAC.
And then we all went over to Bangs Friend’s house for hours of talking and eating our second dessert of the finest combo of food:
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How did you spend your Friday night? Who did you spend it with?
Where do you buy your makeup?
Any other OC fans? Favorite character?
104 comments
Nina
You keep hanging tough, Janae. You’re doing great, even if it feels awful.
Heidi @ artistandathlete
I second that!
Allison (Ms. Whirlwind)
Don’t you know that you can put almost anything on a salad or atop greens and it’s automatically healthy?! Fries, donuts… the combinations and possibilities are endless!
HollieisFueledByLOLZ
Last night I spent the night relaxing and hanging out looking at houses and job listings. I am getting to be an old lady already. I like MAC makeup the best. I wear gloves before long sleeves and before pants. I absolutely hate my fingers being cold.
Janae, I probably have told you 1000 times but you are such an inspiration to so many people. It’s not a secret what you are going through and in the eyes of so many readers you have kept strong and true to yourself. You drink that diet coke and keep on keeping on.
Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs
Stay strong Janae — you’re doing a great job!
Looks like a fun evening, all things considered :)
Take care!
Abby Sparrow
Janae, I look forward to reading your blog every single day! I may or may not read it during Spanish class… I’m a 16 year old cross country runner and you help me remember that I need lots of fuel since I run a lot and you never fail to give me a good laugh. I admire you so much for your strength and ability to keep blogging through what must be a really tough time. I never used to want to do a marathon, but you make me want to some day! Half marathon #2 training begins the week after XC states! Actually, I have a meet in a few hours, so I should probably start getting ready for that…
Jen @ milesandblessings
Awesome long run and the best part was you felt good!!!! The school we taught at when we lived in IL had a volleyball tournament 2.5 hours from us so we went and watched!!!
Where else do you buy make-up…Target
Hang tight and enjoy your Diet Coke…you are super strong and you will get through this! You have lots of support and you are a super awesome mom:)!!!
Jackie
My makeup is a blend of target products and bare minerals.
Darrah @ life is better frosted
Me too!
Sarah Moses
Bare minerals is the best make up out there.
Lauren
Love your watch, that salad looks insano crazy awesome, and I also buy my makeup at Walmart! If you ever convert to MAC, please give us a full review so I can consider investing. <- Word used on purpose. But seriously I hear MAC is unreal amazing.
Liz @ The Girl on Fire Now
I really wish I could run like you … :)
Kelly
I want to try candy corn and peanuts sounds delicious!
Meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles
That is my most favorite meal – all time! I have eaten that salad religiously a few times a month for the last 12 years. I won’t order anything else lol. And the dessert? Yeah, tower truffle cake is fab. Although I usually go with the factory mud pie (it isn’t on the menu anymore but next time you go, order it. Tell them I sent you).
Lindsay
That salad is the best thing they have there (aside from avocado egg rolls), and it’s my go to everytime I eat at Cheesecake. So, so good
Sharsti@theblondehaiblueeyedrunner
I love the Cheesecake Factory! Those girls look like the best, so glad IOU have great friends to distract you this weekend:)
Marge
Janae,
I had a dream last night that I was running around at the start of a huge race saying, “but I’m gonna do fine, cause I know Janae!” OK it’s true, even in my dreams lots of people look at me weird…lol…anyway, keep hanging in there and know that even when life kicks you in the guts, you can grab it’s leg and kick back!
morgan
I love the OC.. good memories. Brooke looks so sweet on the plane- she’s turning into a toddler so fast!
That’s an awesome run Janae- that’s crazy to go so fast for the last few miles.. you must feel so accomplished after!
It’s great that you have so many cali friends to keep you company- cheesecake factory really is the best.
I buy my makeup at Target or Walmart usually.. unless I “borrow” my moms estee lauder stuff- which really is amazing.
Have a great Saturday Janae- enjoy your time with friends.
Emily
I feel for you (& hurrah for having good friends there for you).
I spent Friday night on the couch, in my PJs, reading. I am so exciting! Ha. The book is about writing and teaching, and has really captured my imagination, so I couldn’t put it down.
Michelle @ Running More Than Errands
I’m glad I’m not alone in the cheap makeup department! I usually get mine from Walgreens but I do have some bare minerals that I’m trying to use more. I’m trying to graduate to big girl makeup before I turn 30 in a year and a half. :)
Sarah @PickyRunner
You are amazing. And for the record, The OC is the best form of comfort TV. Whenever I’m going through a tough time I watch it on repeat. I’ve seen the entire first season at least 30 times now and can quote literally every word. That chocolate cake at the cheesecake factory is by far their favorite dessert and I would eat it every night if I could. I hope you are able to enjoy Bangs friend this weekend and I know Brooke misses you just as much as you miss her!
Lindsey
Hang in there! Today will go by fast and you will have that precious girl back in your arms tomorrow! I am inspired and I am going to make little candy corn/peanut treat bags for my coworkers! I am also going to drink some diet cokes along with you!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries
I’m glad you can be with your California girlfriends again!
I spent last night with my fam. We had a picnic, went on a walk, barbecued for dinner, and then watched the movie “Now You See Me” – except I fell asleep. No surprise there.
I’m a WalMart make up buyer too! Revlon foundation and eyeliner, and Maybelline mascara work perfect. ;)
Colleen
I’m proud of you! Stay strong lady!!!!!
Marie
Friday night was spent eating fish tacos and watching shark tank on tv. Aquatic theme?
Make up is from Ulta. I have never been a MAC girl, it’s too heavy for me.
I love The OC. I would have to say that Heather is my favorite!
Good to see you with your CA girls!
Sierra
I’m a big fan of bare minerals, but I also have my favorite products from certain brands. The mac store is always a fun stop and they are fairly affordable. I don’t purchase unless they teach me how to do it because I am a make up novice. I need lessons.
Friday night was spend eating shawarma with lots of garlic sauce, working in bed on the laptop, and watching Breaking Bad. Very exciting.
Katie
Amazing what some water can do when running! I am training for marathon 14 and focusing on hydration and what a difference it is making!! Also taking in calories is huge!
Your dinner looks awesome! Enjoy your friends!
Becky
It’s so funny that you put that picture of candy corn and peanuts on there. I just tried that combo for the first time yesterday, and oh my goodness I LOVED IT!! Actually, it was my first time to try candy corn. I see why people like it so much. :)
Macy
I spent Friday morning doing some solo trail running! I found one that didn’t feel too isolated or creepy to do alone and the quality time with myself was soo nice!
Then later my best friend came over and we watched the last Twilight movie (again, don’t judge mee) while eating pumpkin spice kisses (please try them immediately if you haven’t) and the candy corn shaped like pumpkins.
I typically never wear makeup. Not because I’m naturally beautiful, I am just way too lazy. And I feel weird when I do, like I am trying to hard to be something I’m not. I do put concealer on my breakouts. I buy my cover up stick at Rite Aid. Super fancy :)
I will always love the OC! Aw man, I remember being heartbroken when it was cancelled. I remember they killed off Marissa because they wanted a huge 3rd season finale to draw in more viewers but the opposite ended up happening. They should have kept Mischa Barton and it wouldn’t have gotten cancelled, I bet! Sorry, I still get a bit heated about it :) My fave character was Seth Cohen.
Lindsey @ Run by Faith
I was absolutely in LOVE with Seth Cohen!!
Chelsea @ A Fit LittleOne
Mine was spent doing homework then watching America’s Next Top Model, I know, I’m so crazy at night haha. Ummmm I think I know where I want to go next. And that would be the Cheesecake factory. Actually, I don’t know why I don’t go more often, I live close enough to it. But those fried onion rings look amazing!!! I agree, why not put french fries and onion rings on all salads, Come on Togos! Get with the program! I buy my makeup at Walmart ;)
Sara @ LovingOnTheRun
I am always a drug store makeup wearer and sometimes it switches, though recently I have been wearing Ulta foundation and I have really come love that! Enjoy your weekend – Brooke will be back to you very soon! :)
Monica
Janae I promise with all my heart that this gets easier. Until then-cry when you need to, run when you have to, and surround yourself with family and friends because you have to. Sending virtual hugs.
Laura
I buy my makeup at ulta and sephora. I love makeup!
Friday night was the usual–hanging out at home with kids. My life is boring, lol.
Love the Cheesecake Factory! Keep surrounding yourself with good people and you’ll get through this before you know it.
Elizabeth @ my neon running shoes
Glad your long run went well!! I’m getting so excited for you! Enjoy time with your friends in California :-)
Fizz @fizzsbizz
Awesome run! I’m so jealous. It’s been about 5 weeks since my last run. Injurieeeesssss blerg.
The OC is amazing. I still love it as much as my 16 year old self did. Summer has always been my fave – she’s so sassy!
Lauren
I spent Friday night watching Shark Tank while snuggling with Elmo and my mom. I buy my makeup from Target or Ulta, but I wish I could afford higher end makeup! I have the biggest crush on Seth from the OC. There’s something about his nerdiness. :)
Keep on getting by, Janae! One step at a time :)
Lisa @ Lisa the Vegetarian
I’m sure what you’re going through right now on this trip is extremely hard on you. Kudos for staying so positive and strong! You’re doing amazing with this tough time.
Crystal@TheFastFitRunner
I literally just texted my husband that we were going to Cheesecake Factory tonight or tomorrow so I could get that salad. Breastfeeding makes me the hungriest person alive.
Oh, and you look AMAZING in that group picture. Amazing!
april
the OC used to be my favorite show. so good! :)
i know you’re going through a rough time, but hang in there. you’re so strong! i’m glad you’ve got your girlfriends to help you through this. sending prayers your way <3
Cathryn
Thank you! I badly need make up lessons and didn’t know where to go. SO glad you are having some fun this weekend despite the circumstances! Hang in there, it’s going to be okay!!
Marissa
We went to an adoption party last night. It was amazing!
I really like bare escentuals foundation, but I don’t really care brand wise about anything else.
Miranda @ Lovely Wife Lovely Life
I tried Coke last night for the first time and yuck, I’ll let you have my share ;) Brooke is too cute! Cuddly babies are the best <3
MILF Runner
I liked using old cotton socks instead of gloves …they double as excellent nose wipers. I’m so glad you had a good run going into everything. Everything WILL be okay. Keep shining!
Keighty
Forward is a pace. You’re doing great.
Dorothy
Janae, you’re such a freaking beautiful person inside and out. You inspire me whenever I read your blog and I wish I could give you a million hugs and cups of frozen yogurt with gummy bears on top! Glad you’re having a good time with your friends and HELL YEA to the OC! Sethela Ezekial Cohen all the way ;) Much love always Janae xoxo
Bethany
I watch When Harry met Sally last night. Keep busy the weekend will fly by.
Christy
I loved Seth and Summer. Peanuts and candy corn are so yummy! They taste like payday candy bar.
I hope you are having a good day.
Crissi@ runninggirlrn
I spent my Friday night hanging out with my honey watching world War Z and eating spaghetti and meatballs… Yum!
I buy mine at Kroger! They actually have great deals. Clearance is great there!
Kristy
It IS normal to put French fries on a salad! We do it in Pittsburgh all the time, and it’s incredible. One million times better than croutons.
Alexis
My family is from Pittsburgh and when we go to visit, EVERY salad has fries on it! As a teenager is always be sure to insist on NO fries on my salad (if you don’t tell them that, they’ll arrive with a huge pile) but now that I’m an adult and not crazy body image obsessed… I welcome them:)
Also, throw some m&m’s in that peanut and candy corn mix! Those 3 mixed together was actually my sororities traditional snack at all sisterhood events. The saying for it was incredibly lame (“just like us, every piece is great on its own, but together it creates something amazing” uhhhh…) but it really is incredible! It tastes like a snickers bar if you have one of each all together!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated
I was going to write the same thing that Alexis did. I grew up outside of Pittsburgh, and fries on chicken salads (or steak salads) were a staple. You had to actually request NOT to have fries put on your salad if you didn’t want them. :)
Love ya, Janae!!!
Anne @ CandyCrazedrun.wordpress.com
When the weather begins to turn people always ask me why I am running in a sports bra and gloves… what can I say my hands get crazy cold easily haha!
I can’t imagine what you are going through tight now, just know that all of your readers out there support you!
Heidi @ Idlehide
Yum! I would never have thought to put those on top of a salad. Cheesecake Factory is so delicious.
I usually buy “Benefit” makeup and the Clinique liquid eyeliner. Mac is a tad expensive for me, but I’d like to try it someday
Lily
I spent my Friday night hanging out at Lazy Dog restaurant with some friends, but had to make it an early night because of this morning’s early long run.
Aw Janae, you are gracious and respectful in every way. It doesn’t surprise me that you have close friends wherever you go. You are awesome!!
Annette@FitnessPerks
French fries on a salad sounds amazing!!! :)
Hugs to you. <3
Amy @ Long Drive Journey
Haha I’m totally with you on Walmart makeup. I got my makeup done at MAC once, and while I’m sure it was beautiful, I thought I looked like a clown. I just don’t ever wear makeup and it was way too drastic. All of the people who work there really pull it off though.
Britt @ Fit Fit Britt Britt
OMG I always go for the bbq chicken salad at Cheesecake Factory! It’s so delicious!
My makeup is from all over… I have some fancy stuff and some drugstore things :)
Lacey
Janae, I found this recipe on pintrest and immediately thought about you! It looks delicious!!! It’s a dessert that includes peanuts and candy corn! I have to make this for fall!
http://www.justapinch.com/recipe/kimmi-knippel-sweet_memories/trick-or-treat-salted-nut-bars/cookies-for-kids#.T1EVvIf-omw.pinterest
kWm
You are so strong through all of this! I am going trough a tough break up as well and I can’t figure out how to get rid of the constant feeling of an elephant on my chest or that someone punched me in the stomach. Did this happen to you?
Laura
Aw, I know exactly how you feel….I’m going through a similar thing right now. Time will help with the physical symptoms, at least it did for me! I felt like I was able to breathe again after about 4 weeks. It will get better! Hugs :)
Katie
That salad looks incredible! Now I want to go to cheesecake factory. And I love getting makeovers at the MAC counter! Such a fun girl’s outing :) And I was the number one fan of the OC. LOVE it.
xo
Rachel
There are a lot worse things that people turn to drinking during hard times. You are so amazing. Turning to running and diet coke and a beautiful little girl is probably one of the most healthy ways I’ve ever seen someone cope. Keep on being super awesome!!
Leigha @ Minougirl
Walmart makeup always ;) last night I went to a football game (we got killed) and today I had a xc race! 2nd place! I’ve never been to the Cheesecake Factory but I want to go there so bad!
Lindsay
Janae you are so,strong and so good :). I’d be about two bottles of wine in by noon if I were in your situation. Stay strong lady! There is an army of people praying for all of you.
I spent the evening with my husband, I went to bed at 9:00pm because I only slept 4 hours the night before. So tired!
I actually buy my make up at MAC. Not brushes or mascara, but the other stuff. I’m bad. I never follow the recommendations on the ‘shelf life’ of my make up. I do wash my brushes regularly though.
I have never seen the OC. I might get on that.
Erica
I spent Friday night on a lifting weights date.
Keep focusing on the friends you get to spend time with, not the little girl you don’t.
MartinaNYC
Girls night outs are the best. It seems like you had a blast. I had a bachelorette party for one of the girls from our running team and it was so much fun. Congrats on your wonderful long run. Have a great Saturday.
Karen
I’ve tried so many different brands of makeup over the years but always stick with the same foundation – Lancôme. Some things look good in the store but once you get home, you realize what a mistake you made!
Speaking of mistakes, my girlfriends and I have an annual Mistake Party where we bring makeup, hair products, clothes, shoes, etc. and we lay it out on tables, draw numbers and take turns picking out what we want. Of course there’s food and drink involved. We take any leftover clothing items to the thrift store. It’s a great way to clean out your drawers!
Thanks for staying positive and being an inspiration to so many of us!
Michelle @ 3cheaprunners
Last night I got to go out for a dinner date with my hubby!!! After not really seeing each other all week/month it was a nice treat!
Amy @ Run Mom Run
I’m glad you have great friends to distract you during this difficult visit. You rock!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape
I loved the OC!! Not surprisingly, Seth Cohen is my favorite character on there. Also not surprising, he is 100% my dream man. He’s nerdy perfection!
Heather @fitncookies
You’re in my prayers this weekend. I loveee the OC!! Seth was probably my favorite.. he was just so funny all the time. I hung out with my friends last night and it was nice to just catch up!
Allison
Love the Cheescake factory, so yummy!!!
Praying for you girl! You are stronger, brighter, and more fierce that you know. Peace and blessings to you.
Zaneta
My friday was spent doing chores around the house… laundry, cleaning, etc… not too fun! lol…
I don’t wear makeup… but if i did it would be the most inexpensive kind I could find… I’m a cheapskate ;)
I started watching the OC one winter in college… I started from season one… i liked it but i never got to finish watching them all because I had basketball and school started back up! lol…
Breanna
We love you! I have been keeping you in my prayers, so happy you have so many gorgeous and amazing friends to help you through.
I saw a movie and got froyo last night with my boyfriend.
I have makeup from everywhere. I have some super cheap stuff from brands like NYC and Wet N Wild, other stuff like Revlon and Covergirl, stuff from MAC, Bare Minerals and many other brands you can buy in Sephora. I love makeup.
I used to like the show the OC but I was pretty young when it was on so I don’t really remember much about it or the characters.
Patricia @ iiitspatricia.com
Hang in there! You are an inspiration.
Abby
Pittsburghers love fries on their salads and sandwiches too. Google “primanti bros”. Yum.
I love Ulta’s makeup, even more when it goes on sale crazy-cheap and I have coupons!
Courtney @ CardioQueen
You rocked that run, girl! Awesome job!! Your hard work is paying off and you’re sure to get your sub-3 soon! I can’t wait until you’re back together with your little partner in crime! Also, that salad looks like perfection–to quote Chandler! :)
Rene Hall
I spent last night fulfilling my high school dreams and saw Depeche Mode in concert! Then I had my best long run in a long time (12 miles, negative splits, finished the last 3 sub-8).
I have drunk the MAC koolaid and now buy all of my make-up there. It lasts a long time for me so that’s how I justify the indulgence.
Amanda
Seth was my favorite ! I loved the OC.
I spent Friday night alone but Project Runway kept me company.
Good luck , Janae ! So good that you are surrounded by Love.
Nikki @ grab your kicks
I’m with you; get my makeup at Walmart. I don’t really wear a whole lot of makeup, so I should probably invest in some good stuff and go to an actual makeup store. Spent last night watching Shark Tank! Love that show.
Amanda
Oh and makeup from Sephora – Bare Minerals or Laura Mercier.
Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama
Girls nite @ Cheesecake Factory sounds like perfect remedy for whatever ails you! Keep those friends close! Would you believe that I own almost no makeup? Chapstick doesn’t count, of course!
Jen @ countryroadrunnerwi.blogspot.com
Friday night was our first night home with our new baby. We spent it having her big brother get used to her and resting. It was wonderful to be home :-) also watched a few episodes of Scandal. Seriously the best show! I’ve never seen the OC. As far as makeup I’m a Walgreens and target girl :-)
Lora
I have a two and a half year old and we have been almost inseparable since she was born so the rare times I do leave her are tough so I know you are probably having a hard time right now but it is good for both of you….I know the situation isn’t ideal but enjoy your “me” time….being a mom is a 24/7 job so try to enjoy these hours to yourself….drink a ton of diet coke, go in a store with breakable things, eat something super yummy and enjoy every bite of it yourself since you don’t have to share it with Brooke…..she’ll be back in your arms before you know it.
Kristi
Enjoy the time with your girlfriends!! You are doing amazing.
Anissa Angelosante
My Friday night was perfect. I got to spend it in Tuscon with the Xcountry team I volunteer with. They had a race. It was fun watching them run.
Nicole
Hang in there, girl!
Irene
How is it possible that your sweet baby girl continues to get more adorable every day? You must be a good Mom! Can’t imagine what you are going through right now but I am so impressed with your strength.
Shannon @ Mon Amour
You are seriously incredible. I cannot imagine what you are going through and I really respect you for being honest about struggling on the blog. It’s nice to know that despite your super human running abilities you are in fact still human. Hang in there girl :)
Laura
I used to buy Clinque…………………………….but Target’s ELF brand is incredible.. everything is $1-3 dollars. Try the bronzer, the stick with the cover-up on one end and the shimmer on the other, the lip-glosses, the compacts, the brushes.. BUY. ELF.
C
I’m glad you got to have fun with your friends! I bet Brooke is missing you just as much as you are missing her.
Why do you call your friend “Bangs Friend”?
The Hungry Runner Girl
Because she has awesome bangs:) thanks for your sweet comment! Have a great weekend!
Ashley
i’ve missed bangs friend — i can imagine you have a bit as well ;)
E
You and Brooke have been in my thoughts and prayers this weekend. You are are a strong, incredible woman raising a daughter with those same qualities. You are an inspiration and role model to so many, myself included. You both will get through this. Nothing can stop you. You are such a good momma to Brooke. She carries your love and strength wherever she goes.
You have my admiration, and my most sincere wishes for comfort and peace.
Therese
you are so strong. You can do this!
Ashlee
Thinking of you and praying for you. Love you Janae (and Brooke too!)
Kristen @ Medium Roast
The MAC store gives makeup lessons!? Sign me up! I have been using my drugstore makeup and trying to learn from tutorials online. I could definitely use a little professional help…and that salad looks great. Maybe I should start ordering some different stuff when I go out to eat at restaurants. I think I’m missing out!
Noemi
I just wanted to see if anybody else had mentioned that fries on a salad is completely normal in Pittsburgh– at least three other people have! Yay! I would always pick the fries off to eat them separately with extra salt. Mmm… fries…
Debbie @ Deb Runs
I’ve had that salad at the Cheesecake Factory and boy is it good!
I wear Lancome make-up and either buy it at Nordstrom or Macy’s depending on which store has a gift with purchase going on! :-)
Beth
Just so you know, here in Pittsburgh, PA it IS normal to put fries on salads! You can find ‘Pittsburgh Chicken Salad’ on the menu of any local place….think tons of veggies, chicken, mozzarella cheese, and a mountain of fries doused in ranch!
Come visit PGH and try the real deal!! :-)
Hang in there through everything! Your strength inspires me.
Beth
Now I see all the other posts about Pittsburgh! Glad our fame is widely know! :-)
Kari @ Running Ricig
I think I spent my Friday night watching tv and going to bed early. i’m pretty wild.
I love MAC eye shadow. I have a ton of expensive makeup, but I rarely ever wear it.
Kay
What a fun night with friends and food!