When I went in to get Brooke from her room this morning I was already in my running clothes. She saw me and told me that she wanted to wear running clothes today too.
It was one of my proudest parenting moments.
I’m sure my mom has proud parenting moments each and every time I ask her to take a picture of me doing something random so that I can post it on the internet.
On the schedule for today was 6 miles @ an 8:20 pace. I hit up the trails because it was already hot outside and the trails usually have a lot more shade than the roads do. Added bonus is that my body loves the dirt.
I was pretty stoked about my first mile. On this specific trail the first 1 mile is all uphill. I don’t do a lot of uphill running so I usually have to take a break about half-way up and I usually finish in about 11:00 (not counting the break). Today I didn’t take a break and I was faster than normal with what felt like a little less effort than normal. Gotta celebrate the big and small accomplishments along the way in our training.
This is one of the reasons I love running—> it is so easy to track our progress and see improvements.
I have no idea if 383 ft elevation gain is really that much in one mile but yeah… it feels like I am climbing a mountain for the first mile of this trail.
PS does anybody else spend way too much time on Garmin Connect analyzing every aspect of their runs or is that just me?
After a run I have been trying to go straight to doing core work right when I walk in the door so that I don’t push it off until later in the day because then it never gets done. Brooke loves to help make my planks feel even more difficult than they already are.
My coach had me do these today too:
5 x 10 weighted lunges (5 lb weights)
5 x 10 weighted squats (10 lb weights)
My legs were officially toast by the end of my workout today.
I walked into my parents’ kitchen to get a glass of water and I thought the freshly cut and cold watermelon that I saw sitting on the counter was just a mirage. it wasn’t. It was real and it tasted so beyond good after a hot run.
A real quick lunch and then we stopped by the pool for an hour.
Brooke must be watching me flex in the mirror lately because she has been whipping out her guns quite often.
I came across this random Trader’s Joe’s fact today:
So that is pretty awesome… I guess we will be making a trip up to TJ’s pretty soon.
——————————————————————–
How often do you go out and trail run?
Is there anything at Trader Joe’s that you have tried that you didn’t like?
What was your workout today?
Do you ever wear jewelry when you run?
-Yes, only because I usually forget to take off whatever I was wearing the night before. I couldn’t get my rings off after my run this morning because my hands were so swollen ha.
60 comments
Sarah @ SarahRuns26
I can wear about any jewelry when I run except for necklaces. They end up driving me crazy and when my hair was longer they would get wound around my hair and I would have to rip it out. No good.
Not many trails in my area, so not very often!
I’ve got five treadmill miles today. I’m not going to attempt to run outside when it is currently 99 degrees and 23 mph wind! Yuck!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Ummmm yeah… there is NOOO way I would run in that weather. That sounds awful! Come run some trails in Utah with me:)
Sarah @ SarahRuns26
That sounds much more fun than hot, windy and flat…which is my only option right now in Kansas! :)
Suzy
Callum, my one year-old, climbs on top of me when I do sit-ups. He thinks it’s hilarious. I don’t run trails very often because I like “checking out” when I run. I need my brain to rest. But if I’m on trails, it feels like I’m working hard mentally as I’m watching my footing and stuff. Give me a long straight road, and I’m a happy girl.
The Hungry Runner Girl
I think that is why I like the treadmill somedays… just zoning out and not having to think about anything feels sooooo good somedays. Mmmm long straight roads.. such a great stress reliever:)
Bobbi
That’s so interesting because I have the exact opposite experience. When running on trails I can’t think about anything else besides where to put my feet and “ooh isn’t it so pretty here”. When I’m running long straight, don’t have to think about it roads, my mind will wander to less desirable “life” stresses and problems that need solved. Trail running is like going to a really good movie, you just focus on that and your brain doesn’t have room for anything else.
MK
Brooke is gonna get you supa fit!
I need to do more trail running. I love it, but getting to one takes time, and then it’s like 398,394 degrees outside!
Workout today was 1 hour on the elliptical + 5 x 20 squats with 20 lbs + stretching!
I wear necklaces a lot when I run, but they tangle in my headphones and end up strangling me hahaha.
Kris @ Canadian Girl Runs.
I never trail run but really need to! There are no trails super close to my house and it seems ridiculous to me to drive far to run so I end up hitting the pavement instead! My workout was amazing today. A nice quick 5k and then leg day at the gym where I bumped up my leg press to 388lbs for a set of 10. I don’t think I’m going to be able to walk tomorrow. ;)
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
I never trail run, although each time I see photos from a trail run I want to go and try it.
I only run in my wedding band – no engagement rings, necklaces, or earrings.
Today’s run was 9 miles with 6 at goal marathon pace. I love these workouts!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
I love trail running, but it’s so hot in Phoenix right now even if you do get up really early it’s still too hot for it. Ugh! I can’t wait to get back to running.
And that Trader Joe’s information? You just changed my life! I will be trying everything now.
The Hungry Runner Girl
hahaha seriously… when I read that I just imagined the chocolate aisle and testing everything;) I don’t know HOW anyone runs outside in Arizona during the summer. I would die!
Megan d
I always take my wedding ring off for that reason. Ross says it is because I want to get hit on. ..but seriously. My fingers swell when I run or when I get hot and then I have flashbacks to being pregnant and PTSD sets in.
I knew TJ did that. It makes me like them more. ..if that is even possible. I should have told you sooner #friendfail
Great job on your run today. Such an awesome feeling. You are getting stronger and will crush your goal this October
Jenny
That is amazing that you can do that at Trader Joes. We don’t have one in Provo, but I have heard a ton of really good things about them, this just makes me want one around here more.
I trail run a couple times a month. I wish I enjoyed it a little more. I’m sure I would if I did it more, but I get too paranoid about twisting my ankle on a rock or tripping in a hole haha.
No jewelry except for my wedding ring for me in running. I really want a Garmin now though.
Alyson Healing
I run a lot of uneven dirt roads, but I wouldn’t call them “trails” :) …sometimes they feel like it though! I have a trail run coming up this fall, and I am P U M P E D for the challenge!
Trader Joe’s = heaven. Nothing I don’t like, and I could probably eat their pico de gallo by the spoonful if it was socially acceptable.
Jewelry – does my RoadID count?!
I just ran a marathon on Saturday, so my quads are bit tired still. Stuck to a 30 minute 21 Day Fix DVD! It still kicked my butt.
ps- just ordered my Hungry Runner Girl shirt today!!! I hope it fits!
Kathy McElhaney
Anything > 100′ per mile elevation gain = a lot of climbing. My husband is a cyclist and they love doing “square rides” – 100 miles with 10,000′ of climbing.
I rode my mountain bike on the trail today and plan to run it tomorrow. Less than a mile from my house!
Runwright
No. I’ve read the signs at Trader Joes that said if you don’t like it, bring it back. I haven’t had reason to return anything. Ever! I was just posting on another blog about TJs Rosemary Raisin crackers. A year ago, I served those crackers with herbed goat cheese as appetizers at a party and although I had made a real fancy, time-consuming meal, people raved about the crackers all night.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Okay. Those crackers with the cheese… you have me drooling!
Nona @ RunningHigh
I’ll only wear earrings. Anything else drives me up the wall!
I trail run almost every day now! Luckily I have several options just outside my door. I’m spoiled!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona
After playing a few seasons of soccer I’ve gotten into the habit of taking off all of jewelry before working out. The refs were always sticklers to make sure no one had earrings/necklaces/rings on before games.
Natalie
I have a pair of small stud earrings that I wear all the time. I’ll leave those in during a run but no jewelry.
I had no idea about trying food at TJ’s! I will being doing that soon :)
And I love everything that I have tried there!
Love trail running. There is nothing like it and it takes running to a whole new level.
My workout today: Stationary bike, PT exercises and some core work!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul
I love getting to try new products at Trader Joes! Whole Foods too! And Brooke is so going to be a little runner!
Jessica @ VEGGIE RUNNING MOMMA
I only wear my wedding ring when I run. it’s too annoying to wear anything else.!
and I’ve NEVER been to trader joe’s before. I used to want to, and everyone always talks about it.. but now… ehh. maybe sometime I will :)
Nicole
long time reader, have never commented. my inner english major nerd is having a panic attack with your title. accomplishments is not spelled accomplsihments. your welcome :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
wow. huge struggle over here. thank you
cleo
Seriously you took the time to post that?
kdog
Ha, Nicole, it’s “you’re welcome” not “your welcome.” Unless your typo was an attempt at irony, maybe you should check your own grammar more carefully.
meredith @ Cookie ChRUNicles
Is it sad I had to think for a second what my workout this morning was? Ha. 5 miles and Pure Barre! I returned something recently to TJ because my son didn’t like it – corn tortillas. They took it right back which is great.
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine
I hate running with any jewelry besides my wedding rings! And I don’t usually run with them anymore because one time I fell and landed on my hand right where they would be (luckily I just happened to not be wearing them that day!)
I had no idea you could try things before you bought them at TJs! That sounds like alot of fun!
My run today was 6 easy miles and then this afternoon I did some core work and foam rolling.
Kate
383 feet of elevation gain is definitely a lot of climbing in one mile! Awesome pace for that much climbing, and all those hills are definitely making you stronger for your marathon.
I love analyzing my run data too! I have Garmin Connect sync to Strava which seems to have even more options for analyzing. :) It will even tell you a “grade adjusted pace” for each split to give you an idea of what a 10:14 pace straight uphill is equivalent to on a flat road. No idea how they calculate it/how much it actually means, but it’s good reassurance for when you see slower paces on a hilly run!
Laur
I would go into Trader Joes with different hats to pretend I never tried the cookie butter cookie sandwiches!
Jennifer @ JenChoosesJoy
Brooke is adorable!!!
I definitely over-analyze my data on Garmin Connect.
I typically trail run once a week, but if I’m training for a trail race,it’s more like 3 times a week.
Today I did a road/trail combo run.
I usually only wear my Garmin when I run. Sometimes I’ll wear stud earrings, but that’s about it.
Caroline
Brooke is just too cute!!! Seriously, how do you handle it?
I don’t run trails because I’m terrified of falling on my arse! Ha!
And I never wear jewlery for two reasons…the one you experienced with your ring today…and the fact that anything bouncing around annoys the life out of me!
Workout today: 75 minute am run outside / 75 minute hot vinyasa class / 2 hr run at track.
PS. Fresh cut watermelon after a hot run IS a gift from the gods! And it’s great for recovery!
kir
I was wondering where that bracelet is from??
workout today: horrendous 10 mile run then sat on the couch for awhile.. should foam roll later
The Hungry Runner Girl
Hey Kir! Thank you for letting me know that whole foods lets you sample products too!! Bummer about your awful 10 miler… I hope your next run is a million times better! The bracelet is from thoughtblossoms.com
kir
(also- whole foods will also let you sample products before purchasing them. I got a free chocolate bar one time out of this..!!)
kir
Thanks for the link! I am interested in purchasing a bracelet now! I was wondering if you wear it all the time and/or if it tarnishes or can be worn in the shower, etc?
Becky @ Ok, so here's the plan
I don’t get out on the trails as much as I would like. It’s much more convenient to just head out the door and run around my neighborhood. It’s pretty rural, so there’s not a ton of traffic and it’s very pretty.
Today’s run was 5 hilly, sunny miles. Running in the heat gets easier, right?
I don’t usually wear any jewelry when I run, I hate the sausage fingers when I leave my rings on!
Natalie
I haven’t run trails in so long, but I really want to soon! Right now a lot of them are flooded, though. :/
I found out that Trader Joe’s fact recently! I was trying to see if the Thai peanut dressing was too spicy, so they let me try it. (It wasn’t.) I love that about them!
My workout was just an easy run today. I waited until too late, and it was HOT. I will definitely be going earlier tomorrow.
I don’t wear jewelry typically. I don’t know how people run with necklaces. That would drive me crazy!
P.S. Brooke might be the cutest human alive!!!!
Carol
I’ve never commented either, but the “English major” should know that it’s ***you’re*** welcome! Love your blog!
Lucy
Amen! I noticed the same thing!
Lauren @ The Foodie Runner
I love that about Trader Joe’s! I first found out they did that by asking one of the employees which of two salad dressings was better and they opened two bottles and a bag of carrots so we could dip in each one and pick the one we liked better! So awesome!
Amanda B @ Cupcakes & Miles
I have a hard time with critters and things that slither, so trail running isn’t for me. But! I am working on my fears because I really hope to one day be able to conquer the trails!
And jewelry while I run? No! I don’t wear a lot of jewelry to begin with, but I always remove my bracelets, and sometimes remove my earrings (but I only ever wear studs).
HilJo
You are so inspirational to me for this simple reason: you work hard. Youve worked hard for years and you are where you are because of your hard work. It’s really cool to see and I really enjoy reading your blog and how you are a kind of case study for dedication, determination, and hard work.
If I ever get over this chronic osteitis pubis, going to try for a quarter of your dedication and hard work :) keep it up!!
Rachel @ Simply Rachel Nicole
I love the picture of Brooke flexing! That is awesome that Trader Joe’s lets your sample items! Just another reason for me to love them :)
Amanda @ Slimplify Life
I’m visiting my grandparents in FL and there is some Bikram Running going on down here <— i made this up but that's what it feels like, so yaaa.
I run as naked as possible. aka no jewelry!
Cathy
I don’t do much trail running in the summer because of the bears- lots around this year- but love being out on the trails in the winter. I, too, analyze my garmin connect info especially cadence data. And no on jewelry…I can barely tolerate my garmin.
Susan
I never run on the trails. I don’t know of any around here that would feel safe to me running by myself in the wee hours of the morning! Everything I have ever tried from Trader Joes I have liked (loved). For my workout I did my run, a cool down walk w/ my dog and some rowing. And I don’t wear any jewelry when I workout except for one tiny diamond stud in the second earring hole on my left ear. Everything else comes out and off before bed each night.
Hannah @ Will Run For Coffee
I’m actually keen on doing a lot more trail running. I did a half marathon which was entirely off road through woodland (I totally did not know this when I signed up….or even when I started the race) and love it. It had 750ft elevation over 13 miles, and it was tough….so 350 over 1 mile is INSANE. Well done.
I’m running 11 miles home from work tonight through two of London’s best parks for trail running. One is essentially a wood so I always get lost, but hey – it gets more miles under my belt! :)
Char @ Nutritiously Fit
That’s awesome about the first mile! Also, I am seeing that Garmin everywhere and now I want one. I think it’s fine to buy a new one every 5 years right?? I’ve done my service to it! haha
Valerie
LOVING your nail polish! Makes you look soooo tan. I’m all about that every summer.
What brand & color?
Katrina
She looks JUST LIKE CURLY in the flexing picture
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job
That’s magical about TJs. I had no idea! Thanks for sharing!!
Valerie
Awww. Brooke reminds me of that old SNL skit, “We’re here to PUMP. YOU. UP.” So cute ;)
Michelle
LOVE Brooke’s running outfit!! I love the trails, I’m much more scared of traffic than running into the occasional bear. And yay for the hill climb. It’s funny how they get easier if you do them more…
Princess
You would think that anything dried at Trader Joe’s is good… But apparently not the peaches! I didn’t like it at all..
Elle
I love your J & B bracelet! Where did you get that?
Melissa
-I try (try) to trail run once a week
-I ran 5 miles on the TM this morning before work.
-I usually wear my Garmin and a tiny gold elephant necklace that I am sure brings me luck!
Kay
Haha Brooke is too cute in these photos!
chrissy
Hi! I love reading your blog!! So amazing you make sure to incorporate hill training into your workouts! I try to avoid them at all costs but have been trying to add them in since the last marathon I did the hill killed my time and I missed qualifying for Boston by 8 minutes cause of it. That was hard to realize 2 miles could make me miss my goal so much!! It’s great to see you pushing through and seeing the 10 minutes isn’t the end of the world! lol If you have any good workouts I would love to try them to build up that kind of strength!! Also I was just wondering what brand sunglasses do you wear? I ‘ve been wanting to get some for a while!!! Thank you so much!!
Susie
love your blog! Following your blog has inspired me to take my running seriously (have since finished 2 five k’s, a 10 k, and 8 week ps of half marathon training) and start my own blog!
I too love watermelon and one of my first posts is dedicated to my love of the fruit!
https://pointfivekorean.wordpress.com/2015/06/28/watermelon-love/
Happy blogging!
^_^