I first have to tell you about one of my favorite people. This is Gabby. Gabby was an incredible friend to me when I lived in California and she took great care of me.
This is a picture of her after finishing her TWENTY FIFTH marathon (her first one was just 3 years ago). She is such a strong woman and I really look up to her. PS a trail marathon makes me feel really tired and really sore just thinking about it. PPS it does make me want to sign up for another trail half-marathon because the one I did was one of my all-time favorite races.
Don’t tell Brooke but I went to Nickel City without her. Some friends wanted to go and how could I say no?!
Many games of air hockey were played and I am pretty sure I broke my thumb during the third game… I get really into it.
$15 of nickels —-> 859 tickets —–> A rubber ducky (for Brooke) and candy (for me).
Carbohydrates were needed before our next activities so we went to The Slab for dinner. My pizza is actually classified as healthy because it was served with salad on top. The ranch was homemade and so good.
PS I did almost have a nervous breakdown because I started going over to get a high chair at the restaurant and forgot I didn’t need one. 6 more days and counting. I have already come up with a list of all of the things we are going to do together once she gets home.
All you can bowl from 9-11 last night. My high sore of the night was a 91. Quite the talented bowler over here.
Running and pumping this morning. You can’t go wrong with that combination.
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Trail races- Ever done one? Do you ever want to do one in the future?
What was the last race that you did?
Bowling…. fan or not so much?
81 comments
Heidi @ Idlehide
I had pizza yesterday that had spinach on it, so it was totally healthy too:P
Never done a trail race before, although it is something I would like to do! The last race I did was a Santa Shuffle Fun Run. It was a fun way to start the Christmas Season.
Jefer
Just rode my bike up there this morning as well and notecid that both of them have been damaged. Such a bummer. I was thinking some shovels and sackcrete could solve that problem in the future.
Sarah@pickyrunner
The fact that the trail marathon is called Death Valley marathon makes it even more terrifying. I’d love to do a trail race one day but it would bring me back to my cross country days which I didn’t love. I haven’t done a race in a few weeks (last was a 5 miler in Baltimore) but I have one tomorrow morning!
Karen @karenlovestorun
25 marathons in 3 years?! That’s incredible.
I love to bowl! I’m not very good at it but I have fun :)
I’m glad you went with your friends and had a great time!
Karen @karenlovestorun
HollieisFueledByLOLZ
I’ve done a few trail races (flat trails though) but I would really like to eventually do a hilly trail race.
25 marathons is seriously incredible and what a great ending photo!
Kristina @ Fast and Foodiest
I’ve never done a trail race before- I love to run trails- but more for pleasure! I find trail running meditative- since you have to pay more attention to your feet and where you are going, you clear your head by not thinking so hard about everything. No races since November- but I might do one tomorrow! not sure yet :) Meh on bowling. I’m not great- and prefer to roll the ball in a super-professional manner from between my legs (like a little kid)- so I usually pass on those invites. Not that I am a sore loser or anything :p Brooke will be back before you know it!
Sanaz@ Run for Cake
Wow 25 marathons is amazing! I would love to do a trail race but down here in South Florida there are almost no trials. :(
I love pizza. Best pizza is homemade pizza made on the grill. It sounds strange but its delicious! I also tried Annie’s organic pizza from Wholefoods this week and it was pretty good for an organic pizza.
I used to hate bowling but lately I have had more and more fun the few times I go. It’s always a fun different thing to do with friends and family.
Have fun today on your last run of 2013!!!
Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More
I have never done a full-on trail race. The first race I did was a multi-sport relay race. My leg was a 5K run that was part trail, part road. I would love to do a trail race. Trails are my favorite!
Bowling is fun! I went just last month with a friend. I bet him barely the first game and then he demolished me the second. Good times!
Your pizza looks good! Reminds me of California Pizza Kitchen.
Cori @ olivetorun
I was just researching trail races the other day… I want to knock one off my list at some point so I was trying to figure out if I could sneak it in to 2014.
Hope the next six days flyyyyyy by!
Linda @running4two
Trail races scare me! With being so injury prone, I feel like I would hurt myself did sure. They do sound like fun though!
My last race was a half at the beginning of December. A PR!
You can’t go wrong with pump and and a run. :-)
Nikki @ grab your kicks
A trail run sounds pretty fun, except I don’t think I could hack a whole marathon on a trail. There’s a 10k trail run this summer I’ve been thinking about. I suck at bowling and am happy if I get over a 100. It’s more about being with friends and having fun than my actual score anyways!
Runner Girl Eats
I’m an awful bowler! But I still enjoy it :) my New Years plans involve hanging at home and watching movies. The weather will be nasty here so were skipping the big celebrations.
Wendy @ New Moms Talk
Trail races are my much preferred races. Trails work better for my body and mentality. The mix of uphills and walking, downhills and wondering, flats and flying, along with the beauty and aid stations are perfect!
I miss all of my days volunteering with the Virginia Happy Trails Running Club, and .. not-so-secret fact.. my hub and I married in the my favorite state park for running.
Beyond that, you, Janae, and all other Utah runners have access to some of the BEST trails and people out there. Check out the HUMRs.. aka Happy Utah Mountain Runners.
Also, consider running *any* race put on by Jim Skaggs. The Buffalo Runs on Antelope Island are the 3rd weekend of March and include a 25k option. Scott ran it last year, and I volunteered with Susanna (3.5 months) attached to me in the Ergo.
As a long-long time volunteer at trail races, I can tell you hands down and heart open that HUMR and Jim Skaggs races are some of the BEST I’ve ever seen put on.
All of this written from a woman who was running the Bonneville Shoreline Trail the day before I gave birth in December 2012 in Ogden Canyon.
Peace.
Bryan Kraham @ BSX Athletics
Last race I did was the Tru Tri Sports triathlon where I won my age group. yay me.
I would love to do a trail race, more so off road triathlon.
bowling, I find it cheap and fun entertainment every 9 months or so.
Katie H.
I’ve never done a trail race, but would love to try one. (I should probably start with a trail run once or twice, though, LOL.)
As a reader who fell off the bandwagon for awhile, I wanted you to know I looked back at your old posts to see what I had missed. I am praying for you and Brooke, and know you are always going to be a strong, positive role model to your beautiful daughter.
Meaghan
Last race I did was a half marathon in Central Park last weekend! I’m not a big fan of bowling unless there are bumpers…them I’m all for it :)
Happy new year!!
http://nyviewsnikeshoes.com
Emmeline @RunForThePizza
Yummy looking pizza! Totally going to try a salad on top next time. I did a trail 10 miler and loved the experience but it hurt SO bad, the inclines were crazy.
Last race I did was 4 weeks ago, a cross country race with a water crossing, mountain stairs, and all :)
Kasey
We could be bowling buddies! It’s a miracle if I break a hundred. And I’m equally bad bowling left or right handed.
I just did another trail race on Saturday- the HUFF 50k. There’s something magical about trails, and it love how my body never feels quite as beat up as it does after a road races.
Adriana @Laced Up With Lipstick
I love trail running but have yet to actually do a trail race. Every time I read Yo Moma Runs trail race recaps I always want to do one.
It looks like you had a fun night, air hockey is one of my favorite things to do when we are at an arcade. It’s also Izzy’s favorite game so I can’t really play competitively, I always let her win. I know how you feel about the high chair, Izzy’s been asking if today is the day we pick up Troy from the airport everyday since he left, she really misses him and it breaks my heart.
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona
I only go bowling once or twice a year, do I’m usually happy if I break 100!
Sara @ LovingOnTheRun
I have never done a trail race but I wouldn’t count it out. It looks like so much fun but is a whole different ball game!
That pizza looks DELICIOUS! I love thin crust pizza and I could go for some of that right now!
Sally @ sweat out the small stuff
I have done trail races but only 10k.
Last race I did was a 15k in Central Park a few weeks ago.
I love to bowl!!!!
That is a beautiful shot of your friend gabby.
Enjoy your running and pumping.
Angela@ Fit to Inspire
I have done a 10k that was half in the trail and it was so much fun! kept me distracted and before I knew it the race was done!
Kathy
I now have something FUN to tell you….I held and maybe still hold(? It’s not like they are going to notify me when its broken ha!) the record in junior high for high game bowled during gym class…. it was a 235!!!
Seriously, I did nothing different, just threw the ball and the pins kept falling…it was hilarious.
Side note….Only one other time did I even make it in the 200’s other than that I pretty much bowl around 130’s. ;-)
Lauren @Will Run for Boston
I would love to do a trail race but I think I would start myself off easy with a 5K or 10K. And a half-marathon is probably about as far as I would go!
Mary@RunWalkLift
We bowl maybe once a year. My husband always wins. Taking bowling in college pays off. I did a 5K a week ago. I like salad on my pizza too.
Elizabeth @ my neon running shoes
Cross country is the closest thing I’ve ever done to a trail race. And I’m totally wanting pizza after seeing your picture. Happy NYE Janae! I know 2013 was a challenging year but you handled it beautifully and I know there is so much good in store for you and Brooke. Love ya, friend!
Kari @ Running Ricig
I’ve run on trails, but never raced on one.
The last race I did was a 5 mile turkey trot on Thanksgiving with Mike and Bungee. It was a real family affair :).
Leah @ Running with the Hayneses
After my first trail race (a 50K), I never went back to road running! :) Now that I think about it, I haven’t gone back to marathons yet either after venturing into ultras. :)
Katie @ running4cupcakes
LOL – I totally think that when I have taco pizza, it is healthy because it has lettuce and tomatoes on it. I am glad I am not alone!! ;)
Becky
I love nickel game places! My parents used to take my brother and I to a place called Nickelrama! Have a good workout today!
Cyanne (RunStretchGo)
I’d love to do a trail race. I ran on trails often earlier this year when I was in Birmingham, and miss it. But I recently found an unpaved trail not too far from me so I can run out to it and run home too.
Maria
My first (and only) half marathon was a trail race in Winder, GA. It was really fun. I would definitely do another one!
Aimee - funfitgirl
I did a 10K trail race before…it was so hard but I would definitely do it again.
The last race I did was the Santa Stampede 10K …I actually came in first in my division!
Jessica R @ fromthekitchentotheroad
My last race was the weekend before Thanksgiving. I am anti the outdoors in this ridiculously cold winter we are having so I don’t think there will be any races any time soon. I love bowling! I am no good but I always have fun!
Megan @ Meg Go Run
I love trail running! I have run several ultras and shorter races on trail. I live close to several Appalachian Trail heads and one of my goals is to run the entire trail in PA. Not all at once, but in portions. There is about 260 miles of trail in PA. I think I may have already run 100 miles of it. It’ gorgeous!
Leigha @ Minougirl
Once I did a 15k trail race. It was different but I really liked it! It was around a really pretty lake.
I haven’t raced since thanksgiving! I’m itching to get back out!
I love bowling, but I am not good! I can never hit 100.
Gabby sounds amazing!!
Kristi
I love bowling, but I’m not that good at it. One time I was given a bowling pin for getting the most gutter balls.
Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs
Bowling is so fun — it’s even more fun when you’re not good at it (like me)! :)
Debbie @ Deb Runs
One of my all-time favorite marathons was the North Face Endurance Challenge Marathon! I also really liked the Appalachian Trail portion (first 17 miles) of the JFK 50-Miler, but then it turned onto the C&O Canal for the next 26 miles, and that got kind of boring. I’ve done a few other “trail marathons” that are pretty much just on old railroad beds, but they’re not as cool.
Tess
I just got back from California where I ran my last race of the year. It was my first trail race and it almost killed me. LOL. Being from Colorado, that’s pretty embarrassing. Holy smokes that puppy was hard. Kudos to Gabby for sure.
On the Brooke note: my baby is 16, almost 17. We do everything together because he’s our last one. But we left him here. It was like leaving our left arm. SO STRANGE. We missed him the entire time. I can’t imagine a whole week without Brooke, you are brave.
Chelsea @ A Fit LittleOne
I don’t think I would ever want to do a trail race, I have really bad ankles to began with, and the unsteady ground wouldn’t help them. I love bowling!! It’s been almost 6 years since I last bowled though, I really need to change that ASAP!
Jen@milesandblessings
25 marathons in 3 years is unbelievable!! I am just not sure how some people can do all those miles! 2 marathons in 2 weeks was my limit and I still have not managed to do any hard running since and it has been almost 2 months!
I am not a fan of trail racing…I like flat, fast road….but I do like to do pretty trail runs (I just don’t want to pay to race it, I would rather just enjoy it for free).
Bowling….I can take it or leave it
JinxyJen
I want to do a trail run so bad!
Bowling is a weird activity for me. I get super competitive, but I kind of suck, so its frustrating. And I always drink too much beer at the bowling alley.
Hey! Maybe we’ll go bowling tonight…
25 in 3 years is awesome, crazy, and amazing all in one :)
Shelly
Love, love, love running trails, enjoy it much better than the road! In fact last race was a trail 50k.
I enjoy bowling but am soooo bad at it.
Happy New Year!
Ashley @ Saving Money in your Twenties
I did a race that took place partially on a trail- does that count? I’m going to say yes :) I liked it… way more entertaining than just running on a boring road!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles
The name Death Valley for a marathon just sounds so ominous…and glad to see that you’re keeping busy!
MILF Runner
Done a lot of trail running but never been in a trail race. I have raced XC though, which was a blast. Sadly, my last race was a thanksgiving day 5k in 2012. It’s been a long time. OMG…I am a horrible bowler but it’s FUN! I never ever ever break 100. My grandpa was a champion bowler. He bowled a few 300s!
[email protected]
Last race I did was the Wolf hollow half marathon and it was COLD…my goal in 2014 is 14 marathons/half’s! I’m so ready for it!! :)
I’m not a fan of bowling, but I am a huge fan of your friend who ran 25 marathons!! That’s awesome! I would love to do a trail marathon, there’s not a lot of trail racing around where I live.
Lora @ Crazy Running Girl
I have a few trail races on my dream list… I would love to tackle one in 2014. We’ll see!
Kristina @ Blog About Running
I want to do a trail race so bad… I’ve never even done a trail run. Where I live the closest trail that is over 1.5 miles is 45 mins away at a park the opens at sunup and closes at sundown. Since I can’t go before or after work, my only choice is the weekends …. but it’s usually too hot to run when the sun is up here. I prefer to run before sunup or after sundown to avoid the heat so it’s a real problem … first world problem! haha
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats
I like bowling, but it depends on who I go with – gotta have an entertaining crowd! I haven’t been to an arcade in ages but I LOVE them! So much fun to collect tickets and get prizes.
Amy @ Rum Mom Run
It’s really bizarre that you talked about bowling. I went bowling with my family for the first time in about 15 years yesterday. It was a blast! My kids loved it!!
Liz @ Carpe Diem and Run
I love bowling, and I think my high is 91 too! :) And I hope you were kidding about breaking your thumb …
Bethany
Last race was the 12k’s of Christmas in Kirkland which was very hilly but fun. I love holiday theme races.
Laura
I am fairly new to trail running so I haven’t run a trail race yet, but it’s definitely in my future!
Last race was a small local Xmas 10k. I came in first female and won a plate of Xmas cookies!! Haha. My next race is the SF hot chocolate 15k next weekend. Can you sense a theme here…..running plus sweets equals sign me up!
I like to bowl even though I suck at it. It’s all in good fun.
Ashlee@HisnHers
25 marathons in 3 years…WOW.
That pizza sounds awesome! I love to dip my pizza into my salad, problem solved ;-)
Jenny @ simply be me
I ran my first trail race this year (a 10K) and can’t wait to do it again!
Jessica @ Pug-Run-Aholic
A trail marathon also makes me tired just thinking about it, well so does just a marathon. That pizza looks awesome!! I’m a sucker for good pizza!
Ashley
Bowling = SO fun, but I’m SO terrible! haha
Lis @ 26.2x2
25 marathons in 3 years?! Wow! I can’t even do 25 races in that amount of time! I would love to do a trail race in the future! And the last race I did was the Newport Half Marathon in Newport, RI. My favorite race ever!
Ganeeban
I did my first trail half marathon this year on a whim, but I LOVED it! The trail community is so great and eclectic. They have the best aid stations too. It’s such a great way to run, so different from road – even though it’s challenging, I’d love to do more this year!
Kelly
I’ve never done a trail race but I’d love to try! I feel like I’d face plant though so I’m not sure how I’d fare :)
Christina
I’ve done a 10k trail run it was challenging and so beautiful. I would love to do another. My last race was a 5k turkey trot. I’m going to attempt my first 15k in a few months to help motivate me to train. It’s a valentines run I’m doing with my sister and we get to dress up…lol should be some fun couple sis time!
Marilyn
I absolutely love all the games that I’m terrible at, which is why love bowling even though I would be lucky to get a 91. :) And I’m cheering for an awesome 2014 for you and Brooke. :)
Cierra
You’ve got this, girlie! Brooke is coming back in less than a week!!!
Christina@LiveDreamRun
I’ve done a 5K trail race, and surprisingly, it wasn’t as congested as I thought it would be given it was an out-and-back on a narrow trail. I definitely would like to run a trail marathon one day.
My last race was a one-mile Santa Sprint in 24 degrees. I learned something new that night: when you have long fingernails, your fingers freeze faster. It felt like someone stomped on mine. It was a lot of fun though, and I took home the second overall female trophy. :-D
I see you are indulging in my formerly favorite candy…I haven’t had them since June. How time flies…
Rachel Rinderknecht
I have never done a trail race before, but I think that it would be super fun to try one out! As for bowling, let’s just say I would rather clean my house all day hehe ;)
Leslie @ My Life Begins at 30?
I’m having pizza tonight. I’ll put some lettuce on it so it is healthy! :)
25 Marathons is amazing. I have read that the Death Valley marathon is gueling. What a great accomplishment!!
Happy New Year’s Eve…you can make it until Brooke comes back. So much fun to be had when she gets home.
Kristina
Wow, 25 marathons is awesome. I have read/watched some about the Death Valley marathon and heard how torturing it is.
I have never done a trail race. I run on trails here sometimes in Ohio but they’re really all that hilly or anything so it doesn’t really affect anything for me.
The last race I did was the Color Run 5k in June. My next race will be a half marathon in May unless I see a cheap (pricewise) 5k to do before then.
I use to be really good at bowling when I was a kid. I was in a league but then apparently I thought was too cool for it and now I can’t bowl for the life of me.
Happy New Years!
Lisa @ runningoutofwine
Considering I have never run at all on a trail I don’t know about racing on one! But I do wish I had trails nearby to run on…it would be a nice change of scenery and a great challenge!
Heather
Wow, that is an incredible accomplishment for Gabby! And an awesome pic :D
My last race was a Santa Shuffle 5k. Super fun :)
LOVE Pizza!!!! Had it two nights ago :D
Miranda @ Lovely Wife Lovely Life
WOW 25 marathons in 3 years?! I’d be impressed with 3 marathons in 3 years. So amazing!
Lisa
I went to the SLAB when we visited in October and I cannot stop thinking about it!! Happy 2014 Janae! It will be awesome!!
Here’s a great quote from Tommy Monson:
The past is behind, learn from it. The future is ahead, prepare for it. The present is here, live it.
LOVE IT!
Rock on!
Lisa :)
Brynne
I’ve done a trail half marathon and a trail 30K. I had a lot more fun in the 30K because I was a lot better trained for it.
Trail races are fun cus they’re way smaller and usually very well organized. I’d like to do more of them, but I’m such a number-oriented person – obsessed with paces and PRs – that road races are just my thing!
Shannon
That salad pizza looks to good to me :) Way to go for Gabby ~ 25 marathons and to have run in Death Valley? Extra awesomeness. My hubbie and i have driven through this part of the United States and it is so incredibly dry and hot, but beautiful too. Keep up being awesome and this week will be done soon and Brooke will be back home calling you Elmo:)
Sheena
My bowling skills hover somewhere around 100, so we’re about even.
I’ve only done one trail race and it was a half marathon (in September 2012) and I really want to do another one! It was beyond hot, no shade, I was dehydrated and it was all hills but it felt fabulous when I finally finished!
Kay
What a great day! And that pizza looks delicious!
Livi
hahah love that ‘healthy’ pizza!
Jennifer
I did my first trail ultra in 2013 and fell in love! It’s definitely a huge training commitment, but I can’t wait to do another one.
Niki
Sounds like quite the night! Those 6 days will go super fast and Brooke will be home before you know it!
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