Run tall and some of my favorite internet finds.

My running form is something I am constantly trying to work on. I am the queen of hunching over as my body gets more and more tired so my focus lately has been on running tall.  

What I do for this—>  as soon as I notice I am slouching as I am running along I reach my arms up as tall as I can and interlace my fingers (preferably without falling).  This helps me to really align my body and get everything nice and stretched out… 

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And what to do with the rest of your torso:

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We took my friend’s little girl to her gymnastics lesson today.  

The look Brooke gave me because she wasn’t allowed to play on the equipment while we waited.   

Those eyes convinced me to sign up for the mommy and me gymnastic class.  

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Some internet finds:

-Check out my latest article on Women’s Running!

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-Loved this— The Massive Fitness Trend That’s Not Actually Healthy at All. 

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Candice’s post on instagram today:)

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-I want to be in the middle of this square of puppies.

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-For those of you running the St. George Marathon this weekend, THIS post about pacing for this race is awesome!! I will take his advice and go for a negative split!

This article on proper technique while running hills!  I have a strong feeling that these tips are going to come in handy on Saturday!

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And I need your opinion on these two things:

1.  Are these good enough to buy?  I stood in the Target aisle for 4 minutes trying to decide whether or not to buy them.

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2.  Should I wear a hat at the race (worried about the heat because it is supposed to get into the 90s that day)!??!  I am thinking if there is ice along the course I can just throw a few cubes in my hat to keep me nice and cool:)  I think it will also be nice to block the sun out of my face.  

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The winner of the ShoeMint Giveaway!

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Anything really good you have seen on the internet lately?  LINK PLEASE!

Anyone take gymnastics growing up?

Parents reading—>  what sports/hobbies are your kids into?

On a scale from 1 to 10… how has your day been so far?

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96 comments

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Interestingly enough the culture of doing too much is part of what I blogged about today too! Must be in the air.

St George is so blasted hot. Good luck!

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I was actually thinking about you and your experience with the SGM the other day. Hope all is well and COME BACK AND VISIT SOON!

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I loved gymnastics when I was younger. I wish I could have stuck with it longer! Mommy and me class will be fun for both of you!!

I’m always slouching when I get fatigued during a run. I also apparently look like a bobble head because my head moves back and forth, but I don’t feel it, so its hard to fix.

I’ve talked about this before too! I don’t know why people think that relaxing and taking time to yourself means you are lazy. I am very active, but for me to be good at anything else, I need to be able to recharge my batteries and not having my schedule jam packed all the time. It’s ok to sit on the couch and watch TV. Ice cream may be mandatory for that time to be truly as relaxing as possible :)

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Oh! And go with the hat!

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LOVE what you said about recharging your batteries. My batteries also require ice cream.

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Wear the hat, especially if you don’t wear one with sentimental value. Get rid of it on course if you get done with it. Or if mom and Brooke are watching somewhere, hand it off to her if driving you nuts.

The day has been a 8. Love teaching geometry proofs(am a geek) and now baking pumpkin bread with my mom.

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Brilliant. I like the way you think. Glad your day has been so good and let’s make pumpkin bread together next time you are here!

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Thanks for the running tall tip!
I like to wear a visor for hot runs to protect my face.
And I’m having a pretty stellar day. I’d give it a 9!

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SO happy that you are having a 9 day! I need to find a good visor!

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My kids (13, 11, & 6) play soccer, guitar and drums. It gets quite loud here sometimes.
Definitely recommend a hat or visor…and maybe even sunglasses. You run right into the sun so it’s good to have that protection. :)

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Party at your house! Thank you Angie… I will add some sunglasses too! Have an awesome day!

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Good Luck! Do you get nervous before your races? I become an anxious mess!

Regarding the “Smore’s” cookies, it says “naturally and artificially flavoured” on the package…don’t fill yourself with those ingredients on a regular basis.

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Valid point… I should just make my own smore’s cookies! YES to anxiety when I am racing/trying to PR but this race I am just trying to finish alive so I don’t have a lot of anxiety!

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I didn’t say not have them…maybe just a ‘now and then’ :) I’m a sucker for sweets too but have been trying (note: TRYing) to keep it homemade.

Do you have a coach Janae?

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Max likes gymnastics, swimming, baseball and soccer – he also likes to think he is a track athlete from time to time

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I took gymnastics growing up! Wish I would have stuck with it. But then I may not have discovered my love for running. So really it all works out :)
I love that quote. I’ve been thinking lately that I’m much too busy. I need to cut things out of my life so I can enjoy it more.
Yes for the hat!! I wear my hat when I run in the sun and it is a life saver.

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firstly — hat: yes! i knew the race i was running sunday was going to be hot hot hot and i went back and forth all week up until race time, knowing that it it bothered me too much i could hand it off to my fan club 5 miles in. it kept me cool the whole run and never bothered me a bit!

internet goodies: http://www.dose.com/lists/15903/13-Dogs-Who-Look-Like-Anything-But-Dogs-OMG-Are-Those-Chicken-Wings
is there anything better than this?

gymnastics age 5 until 13 — honestly gave me an incredible foundation for all althetics i competed in both physically and mentally and still does (hello learning good running form at age 6)

today is a ten if you make it a ten right? going to log some miles now to bump that score up :)

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This little boy telling the little girl that she “poked his heart out” is actually the cutest thing ever: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sKdDyyanGk

I took gymnastics growing up and was SO uncoordinated. I think this is why I love running…both feet. on. the. ground. yes.

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I was very much into gymnastics growing up and now one of my daughters is too. My son also wants to do it (he’s 3) and hates when we take my daughter and he can’t play!

Great articles and info on posture, I have a problem where I tighten up my torso too much when I’m tired and wind up stiff and leaning back. It looks like my posture is too upright, kind of weird. Staying loose in the arms, neck and shoulders is something I struggle with. Great article on female athlete triad! So relevant to all female athletes and definitely not just runners.

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I’ll have to look for you in St. George. I’ll be down there cheering on some family members that are running!!!

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I do the same things with my Lululemon bag when I am on the treadmill! :) Wear the hat! I have done a few marathons with them, kept my eyes from getting so squinty from the sun, plus I didn’t get sunburned!

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S’MORES PRO TIP:

Get the Keebler fudge striped cookies (the ones with the hole in the middle), and then use them instead of graham crackers to make a s’more but sandwiching a toasted marshmallow between them. You’re welcome.

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I took gymnastics when I was younger but within the first year I got too tall for the class, so it became a struggle. They would have to put the bars up higher when it was my turn, and I could never really flip around like the shorter girls. I gave it one more year then decided it wasn’t for me. Good thing, because I ended up being pretty tall and I definitely would have never gotten very far in that sport!

Speaking of being tall, I find myself hunching all the time so I feel your pain. I’ve started doing an exercise my PT friend told me about to fix my posture- when you’re at home or work or wherever just chillin’, lean up with your back against a wall and make sure both shoulders are touching the wall. Then contract your shoulder blades together and hold for a few seconds each time. Over time, it strengthens those back muscles that hold you upright. I feel like I always hunch because all of my friends are shorter than me. Finally this year I was like screw it! I’m tall! And I’m going to be proud of it and stand up straight!

On a completely different note, skip the S’Mores cookies and go for the Keebler versions of Girl Scout cookies. It’s so wrong that they ripped of GS, but they taste so right… I just buy extra GS cookies when they come around now to make up for my cheating on them with Keebler the rest of the year.

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LOVE the exhaustion quote! That’s something I think we all need to hear.

I don’t remember where I read it, but I do the same thing too when I catch my form failing when I run. It’s helped me big time in races when I feel like I’m starting to slouch, and then I get a big spring in my step.

Also – going to need the S’mores cookies ASAP.

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I was not a fan of those cookies. The center is actually frosting and not marshmallow. Nothing’s wrong with frosting, of course, but it would have been awesome with the marshmallowy texture.

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I have that same Brooks hat! What a good idea to wear it during the marathon, I think I will do that too and use your ice cube plan if necessary! :)

Also those puppies…. <3

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I’m definitely going to try your running tall tip! I tend to slouch too.

You and Brooke are going to have so much fun in that gymnastics class :)

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I really liked your article on Women’s running. I thought it was so well written open and honest. Thanks for sharing Janae seriously.

We talk a lot about form in the running store (ie work). I think personally that your body has worked for you. Changing your form signficantly can result in injuries. That being said some people’s form just promotes injuries…I don’t know personally I think by in large most people’s form is what works most natural for their body.

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Brooke’s face in the gymnastics picture…could never say no to that!

Also this video of the “apparently” kid is my current internet obsession: http://youtu.be/rz5TGN7eUcM

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I really really enjoyed your article in Women’s Running. I sent your article to a friend who is struggling with calorie restriction/compulsive exercising. I appreciate your willingness to be vulnerable – Just like it’s a status symbol to be exhausted, I feel like there is also pressure to make everything look easy or never admit that we’ve struggled. When people are willing to be vulnerable, I find myself able to be as well. Loved this article!

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I get really hot running. So I always go for a visor. Also. Those cooling towels that are in sports stores work great. Cut some strips and tuck them in your bra or anywhere. They are golden and got a friend through st George 70.3 and were still cool while driving home. :)

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Oo those cookies look delicious! I think I’d take my s’mores bars over those though. My son isn’t old enough for sports yet but I can’t wait until he is! I took a few years if gymnastics and loved it. I think you and Brooke would have a blast doing it together!

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I feel like I would never be either flexible or graceful enough to do gymnastics.

I have three sons and it seems like their passion is playing video games. I’ll tell them to go play outside and I get “the stare”…the one that sends the message that I’ve just said the stupidest thing on the planet. When I tell them that I was always outside as a kid, I swear they think it’s some crazy story like when your grandpa told you he walked barefoot in the snow uphill to get to school (which now I realize he probably did). My oldest did decide to join band this year so that is a welcome hobby in spite of the fact he chose the trombone which may be the loudest instrument ever.

I appreciated your article. I get really upset when I see women runners keeping extreme calorie deficits. You cannot run high mileage and not fuel properly…it’s a recipe for disaster (as you brought up through your experiences). I’ll never have the elite runner body BUT I’ve found a happy balance that keeps me at a weight I feel good about. I’m the lowest weight that I’ve ever been but you’ll never see me skipping dessert :)

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I have the SAME issue with my kids. My mom even babysat for me for a few days and couldn’t believe how much drama came from making them go outside. She said when I was that age, she couldn’t make us come in!

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Is that a screen shot of her screen shot of your screen shot of my screen shot?

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I took gymnastics as a kid and LOVED it!!!!!!!!!!!!! I still love watching it! I kind of am already exciting for the Rio Olympics :)!
I would go with the hat…it will shade you and hep absorb sweat! My best advice to is to adjust your pace and start slow..the heat is no joke. I totally tanked a half a few weeks ago b/c of the heat. I even thought I was starting conservatively, but not nearly enough! I train a good amount at lunch time too so I thought I could handle it….no such luck. It was about 80-82 at the start with 100% humidity…by the end the sweat was sloshing it my socks and it was not pretty …definitely not trying to scare you…I just wish I would have started WAY slower!!!! I do some of my easy runs at a faster pace per mile than I did this 1/2

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I began gymnastics at the age of six and was competitive for many years. Then I switched to coaching. I can’t stress enough how great gymnastics is for young children to help with coordination, balance, and general motor skills! So happy to hear you joined!

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I always run with a hat, so it’s a no-brainer for me. It keeps my hair where it needs to be and keeps the sun out of my eyes. And yes, if you get it wet (or filled with ice cubes) it will help you stay cooler.

I saw Arianna Huffington speak this summer about our culture of “busy-ness” and how that somehow equates to our success. She said that when she woke up bleeding and with a broken jaw from slamming her head on the corner of her desk as she was blacking out from exhaustion — she realized that she didn’t think she could ever define that as being successful.

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I’m a big fan of the hat while running.. keeping the sun off the face and cutting glare when it isn’t even sunny! On hot days, I opt for the visor look.. let’s the head vent heat better. However, I’ve seen some of those Brooks caps and they look very breathable so it wouldn’t be too hot! Have fun and enjoy the run!

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Oh — and my kids have done everything from soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball, rowing, track, tae kwan do, capeoira, and roller derby.

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Definitely wear the hat! It will help keep the sun off your face and make you feel cooler. Also, I think those Brooks hats have the sweat guard on the top inside-bonus!

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I’m going to try stretching out when I start slouching during a long run! And I love that quote from the Dalai Lama, so true!
And omg that picture of those puppies kill me. I want one SO bad.
I say go for the hat, nothing worse than feeling the sun on a run!

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Loved how open you were in the women’s running article. It’s SUCH a hard balance between being the perfect racing weight and striving for something that is unattainable and may be unhealthy. Thanks for sharing such an incredibly personal and tough things with us girls. You’re the best. ;-) Ps crossing my fingers for a dramatic shift in the weather and the perfect cool temps for your race this weekend!

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I wish I could go back in time and do gymnastics. I only did it once for 2 weeks at a camp and it was one of the funnest things I’ve ever done.

By the way, is it hard to get to a good running speed base? I think you’re really fast!

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I say yes to the hat! It’s cute and it’s going to be helpful in the brutal temps.

I hope you and Brooke love your gymnastics class- I did gymnastics growing up and loved it but was never very good :)

Thanks for sharing your internet finds- enjoyed them all!

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I have never heard of the ice in the hat trick! Sounds like a genius idea – thanks! :)

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I always wear a hat/visor when running, protects from sun, wind, rain, snow, headlights.
I didn’t know you had disordered eating during your marriage, I thought it was before? Did you have stress at the beginning of your marriage? You seem healthy since I’ve been reading your blog.

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I loved gymnastics, soccer and dance as a kid! If I am ever able to have kids those are some of the things I look forward to doing. I can’t wear hats while running because I feel like my head gets too hot. I do put ice in my sports bra to cool off. I also throw crazy amounts of water on me. Good luck this weekend!! Can’t wait to read about it.

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I did ballet, tap and jazz when I was two and did it until high school and gymnastics too. I loved dancing and it’s been a big part of why I’ve maintained an active lifestyle into adulthood. My day started out as a 5 but professed to an 8. It’s not over yet. Could still be a 10!

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I love that quote about our eyes seeing souls, that is so spot on. Thanks for sharing! Brooke’s face is priceless :) xoxo, ganeeban

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Yes on the hat for ice and shade OR a visor (can dump water on your head, heat leaves your head but it’s in the sun). No on the cookies – home baked goodies might be worth it, packaged ones rarely are.

Love some of the quotes/links you’ve got today!

My day started as maybe a 3 or 4, but I nailed my run, which skyrocketed it to about a 9 or 10! Then getting Paleo goodies at Farmers Market kept it that high. All in all, a good one.

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Great article!

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ahhh haha brooke’s face in that picture– so amazing!

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If they do ice, or better yet–cold sponges, stick it down the front and back of your sports bra at every aid station. Works like a charm!

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Oh Lord that face. Priceless.

As for the cookies…I can’t have them but if I could I’d go for Malamars. (sp?). Don’t they actually have marshmallow in them? The frosting might be…dare I say it…too sweet. (I know, even I don’t believe that)

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#1 they are awful, do not buy them

#2 yes, wear it, it will help the sweat from running into your face

My Mr. 7 (aka V) did t-ball and swim lessons when he was younger, now he does swim team, soccer, and running. He ran his first 5k at 5 and his first 10k at 6 and his first kids marathon (where they run 25 miles during the summer and finish the last 1.2 as a group) at 5. He is a current 3 time marathoner.

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Ok I lost my response

#1 they are awful, please skip
#2 do it, it will help with sweat

My Mr. 7 (aka V) did t-ball and swim lessons when he was younger. He is now doing soccer, swim team and running. He did his first 5k at 5, his first 10k at 6, and his first kids marathon at 5.

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oh no, now it showed up. please delete this one

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hats always seem to make me hot! even the cooling ones, but if you keep ice in there that probably wont be a problem. and if the sun is strong it might be nice to keep the sun off your skin more than just sunglasses would do! I use hats only for keeping rain out of my eyes :)

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Wear the hat. Definitely.

And skip the cookies. Homemade s’mores > pre-made s’mores every.single.day.

You will do great this weekend!

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What hat is that on the Brooks site? Can you post the link? :)

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I thought the Keebler s’more cookies were very artificial tasting. I think you’d be better off making your own – whether you eat the ingredients cold like the cookie would be or heat it up in the microwave.

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I did mommy and me with my oldest son and we loved it. As he got older he enjoys team sports. Currently soccer then after that ends basketball. Then swim in spring for him. He is 9. My 6 year old is also in fall soccer but he actually wants to do gymnastics so he will do that this spring. My 3 year old daughter has done kids love soccer and music together.
I’m a hat runner all the way.

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Hat no. Visor yes! My head gets hot in a hat so I always run in a visor. Acts as a sweatband too.

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I loved this post about exhaustion! This season I haven’t been mentally satisfied unil I do 20 miles, because i am addicted to the exhaustion. So it’s 20 miles each Saturday for 3-4 months. Hmmmm.

Poor sweet Brooke! I’m amazed she didn’t have a tantrum like mine would! ;)

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I remember vividly wishing I had a hat or sun glasses when I ran the SGM, it was so early I didn’t think about it and then I got to one spot and BAM I was running in the sun. It’s beautiful but I would have enjoyed the view with a little less blinding effect! ;)

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Here is a review of those cookies from The Impulsive Buy … I always read that reviewer site!
http://www.theimpulsivebuy.com/wordpress/2014/06/27/review-keebler-original-smores-sandwich-cookies/

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I love that Dalai Lama quote!! It’s so dang true! <3

Def wear the hat–it's cute on, and it's so hot there. Good luck!!!

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Wear a hat and sunglasses race day, it’s going to be hot and I totally believe it saves energy for running if you aren’t wasting any on squinting. It’s science for me!

Reading that article about pacing for St. George made me get nervous butterflies and my heart started racing! I’m so nervous/anxious/excited. I have a ton to do tomorrow to get read, laundry, packing, playlist making. AHHHHH!!!!!

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Miss Zippy just posted a something about the same topic – I think she called it “outhealthing health”. It’s really a trend lately! I know that if I compared my mini mileage to many bloggers’ weekly totals I’d feel like I wasn’t doing enough.

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Those cookies are yummy but not as good as the Russell Stovers s’mores!

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Someone tell me the TOTAL ascent for SGM? (I can reassure you …….. ) Ridsx

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I was shopping with my Dad a few years ago and was going back and forth for about 10 minutes on whether I wanted this sweater that I was looking at. My Dad said , “Amanda, if it’s taking you that long to decide, then it’s probably not worth it. You probably don’t really want it.” This has been the BEST advice in purchasing all things – food, clothes, whatever! I think of it all the time when I’m debating on whether to purchase something now.

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I took gymnastics for a year, but I decided that I wasn’t really coordinated. Oops.
My day has been a 6. Crazy trying to get out the door this morning, but I know I’ll have time tonight to hit up the gym and that makes me happy :)

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Love the hat. I wear the same one (only in black) especially on hot/sunny runs — I’m a heavy, salty, sweater and the hat is perfect for soaking it up so it’s not running into my eyes.

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I’ve tried the smores cookies and I thought they didn’t deliver. So I’d say save the money and the calories and just eat the real thing. :)

The picture of Brooke was absolutely adorable!

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My daughter is currently in Brownies and skating. I also always keep her in swimming because I think it’s an important life skill.

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Go for the hat!! It’s so nice to be protected form the sun!

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Thank you for posting that article about “The Massive Fitness Trend…”. It was a very inspiring read and outlines exactly what I am struggling with right now. The line that really got me was: “too much yang, not enough yin; too much doing, not enough being; too much work, not enough play; too masculine, not enough feminine.” I think sthat will be my motto for the next few weeks as I tell myself I do not need to do everything!

BTW, Love your blog. Read it everyday! You are inspiring and motivating and I look up to you in so many different ways!

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I took gymnastics for a little while as a kid – I quit when they made me go on the top level of the uneven bars – I was afraid of heights!

My day so far has been a 10! Today is my birthday, my boyfriend made breakfast AND he got me a BOSU ball and an Athleta gift certificate :)

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love those sayings!
I can NOT wear a hat when I run-instant overheat. I have really thick hair, and I feel like my head is suffocating. I can do a visor, so that my head breathes, and the sun is blocked, but a hat would come off within the first mile (from experience!)

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that’s a great tip! i have terrible posture (it’s something i’m working on) and i also notice that i start hunching when i get tired.

yes to the hat! i don’t think i’ve ever ran in a hat, but if it’s in the 90s, it’ll (hopefully) keep you cooler and prevent you from squinting during the race. good luck on saturday! i’ll be crossing my fingers for you :)

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No no no to the cookies. Check out the added sugar & chemicals…… :/ Not something you want in Brooke :)

Yes to the hat!

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I read that article about hill-running technique right before bed last night and really tried to implement the tips during my run this morning (which begins up a long hill). So helpful! My form was much better during the rest of the run, too, after getting started on the right foot. Obviously your blog is a positive influence on my life. :)

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1) Definite NO to the cookies – I just tried one on Friday and it was awful. I only took one bite and didn’t finish it – bleh.
2) Visor! I hate having the sun in my face but I also hate having a hot head – thus, visor.

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I really loved the smores cookies but a traditional smore is much better! :)

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Definitely NO on the hat! I love hats, but every race I do…I end up regretting it. My head feels like it will explode from heat and I end up carrying the hat. (Because I love it so much and just can’t toss it. I would regret that even more!!!!)

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LOVE.THE.PUPPIES!!!! I vote wear the hat. I always wear a hat or visor in the summer because I don’t like running with sunglasses. The bill of the hat/visor really helps with the sun.

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I think the smores cookies are really good!! I say definitely buy!!! I always run with a hat because it really does help keep the sun/heat off my face, it also helps wick the sweat off my forehead so it doesn’t end up in my eyes. I have heard for really hot or humid races that a visor is better because the top of a hat traps the heat in. Best of luck to you! The heat will be a doozy!

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Visor! The hats keep the heat in. I live in FL and I can’t run without a visor unless it’s really cool/cold. I can’t stand when sweat drips in my eyes and makes them sting.

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I love the jewelry, my favorite month is May, it is my Mr. 7’s birthday month and the month when all of the trees have leaves.

I am also giving a giveaway for a Spartan race

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Wear a visor! It blocks the heat and lets your head breathe!!
Good luck this weekend! You’ll do great!

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I would DEFINITELY recommend to wear a hat – my last marathon, I opted to wear a headband instead of a hat and regretted it immensely!!! It was soooo hot out and the sun was beating down and not much shade on the course….as long as you have a breathable running hat to allow for venting….I will never make that mistake again :) GOOD LUCK, JANAE!! I know you are gonna have a GREAT race on Saturday!!!

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The hat looks cute and seems like it will be very useful!

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