Hello everyone!! We are back in Utah and I can’t thank you enough for all of the amazing comments on my race recap. My mom must pay you the big bucks to be my friend.
Time for some tangents!! I wrote this post originally thinking that today was Tuesday… looks like my brain is still off from what happened on Sunday:)
-Brooke had the time of her life in Arizona. She was with cousins, she stayed in a hotel (and jumped on the bed and ate M&Ms) one night and ran around all weekend long. If anything, the whole trip was totally worth it because Brooke partied hard.
-December weather in Arizona is ridiculous.
-This sweet nephew and I have always had quite the bond… probably because I am the one that set his parents up on their first date and so he knows he is here because of me;) Whenever we drove anywhere I was in the back with him on my right and he always put his little head on my shoulder as we drove around town. Heart melting.
-I thought I looked pretty hardcore in my sweats before the race. When I first started doing races I never did the drop bag thing because I was stressed they would lose my precious sweats. I now take complete advantage of dressing in my warm sweats until 2 minutes before the race when I stuff it all in the bag and put it on the bus.
-A failed attempt at a selfie right before we started. I’m sure this is just what you wanted to start your day off with:
-My family got donuts on Monday at my favorite Arizona donut shop (BOSAS) and I still couldn’t handle food… my first marathon ever without a post-donut-diet-coke-celebration. What is happening to my life?!? They sure looked pretty though.
-Thank you Monica for celebrating with donuts for me:
-The Brooks sock of the month arrived. I might not be running a ton this month but I will be wearing these a ton this month.
-People are going to stop texting me because I keep taking screenshots. My Kentucky brother sent the best text today. He rocked his 8.9 miles and made my day with what he said.
-Seriously. The best comments ever the last few days. Katie and Henry left two quotes that I am absolutely in love with and keep rereading.
-We did one of our favorite Christmas traditions yesterday! Barnes and Noble—> we go through every Christmas book they have and Brooke gets to choose one (although, somehow she managed to convince me this year that she needed two… that smile of hers is hard to say no to).
-My favorite boutique ever (ROOLEE) is giving a 15% discount to HRG readers!! Use the code RUNNER15 to get stocked up on all of the cutest winter things! I’m wearing this jacket and in love with this beanie!
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Ever had a really good blind date or have you ever set anybody up successfully?
-Set up my bro and his wife and me and my guy were set up on a blind date!
Any Arizonians reading? What part of Arizona are you from? Are you just loving the weather right now?
Have you done any Christmas traditions yet this December?
Do you usually use a drop bag at races?
77 comments
Sarah @ SarahRuns26
I tape a ton of Lifetime Christmas movies and watch them all thru December. I watched my first one last night and it was pretty awesome. Totally predictable, but still awesome! I love your Christmas traditions with Brooke!
I don’t usually drop a bag at races. I don’t really know why other than that I don’t want to stand in line to go pick it back up after the race!
Sarah @ SarahRuns26
Oh, and that Lauren Fleshman quote is one of my favorites! I have it up on my wall at work! :)
Hollie
If you want a really funny blind date story I have a good one for you (just not something I’ll post on the internet. It will make you LOL for days).
When I went to Arizona last February the weather was absolutely beautiful. I wanted to move out there right then and there.
If you ever come to Philadelphia we can go to Federal donuts. You would love it.
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
Love those socks! And even your failed selfies are cute. And I’ve never been on a blind date. Surely I’d have a panic attack!
Karien @ Running the Race
No doughnuts?? You’ll have to make up for that when you feel better!
LOVE the Brooks socks!
Kristina Running
I’ve never done a drop bag at a race because I always think it’ll be a hassle. If I lived in a cold weather state I probably would since I wouldn’t want to buy throw away clothes for every race. I definitely don’t have that problem down here in South Florida though :)
Those donuts look absolutely delicious. I’m sorry you weren’t able to have one after the race, but it’s in the bank for whenever you need one!
Margaret @ youngandrungry
Ooo I see your nails with your nephew picture. Was that a pre or post race treat? My friends and I all went to get our nails done the next day after St. Jude and it was a painful pedicure, but the manicure was fun!
I love a bag drop, but it’s usually way too complicated to get there either before or after. Luckily I only have to wear throw aways and ditch my sweats once a year and I don’t have any cool one like your bee so I don’t mind loosing them!
Lauren
I live in North Scottsdale and yes..the weather is amazing right now! Of course it’s going to get cold just in time for the holiday party we are hosting on Saturday night. OH well…out of my control:)
Read your race recap and I am beyond impressed that you kept going despite feeling pretty awful! You will get your sub 3 marathon–I have no doubt.
Sally @ sweat out the small stuff
I set up my friend Tara when we all worked at my dads drugstore. Well maybe the would have started talking without my meddling. They are married with three boys now. :)
I use bag drop mostly in winter when I can’t hack being sweaty when it’s 15 degrees out and I have to get to my car.
I met my boyfriend online but I remember our first in person meeting for coffee. I was pleasantly surprised he looked better than his pictures. And he remembers the zipper on my jeans was down. Ha. So embarrassing.
Courtney
Brooke with the 2 books she picked out is the cutest picture I have ever seen of her! I would’ve let her buy the whole childrens’s section with that smile.
The Hungry Runner Girl
HAHAH I almost did!! Thanks Courtney!!!
Robyn @ Robyn's Livin' Life
I have been on blind dates through friends and none of them were really awful. Just no “spark!”
I try not to do bag drop like you, but I am always tempted on smaller races since it is easier to get everywhere.
Annie R
I had a pretty good blind date once! It didn’t end up working out between us but we had a couple of fun dates!
And the day after Thanksgiving we usually watch a Christmas movie –> The Santa Clause is one of my favorites.
I don’t typically use bag drop at races, but I haven’t really had the need too often.
Gretchen | Gretchruns
I’m so happy to see you acting more like your normal happy self! It was hard to read your blog the past few days and see how upset and sad you are. I missed all the smiley faces and little jokes!
I’ve never been set up, but one of my best friends in college introduced me to his roommate, and then had us both stay at his place during band camp. He had no idea we would end up getting married, so I like to think he set us up :)
Lindsey
My husband and I were set up on a blind date!! Best date ever:)
My son’s smile always convinces me into extra like Brooke. Have an awesome day!
Katie P.
I set one of my friends in college up with my boyfriend-at-the-time’s best friend. They’re happily married, and my ex turned out to be a tool, but whenever I get bummed about wasting so much time on him, I remember my friend and her husband and am thankful that at least something good came of it. :)
Lisa @ Lisa the Vegetarian
Love those inspirational quotes. It’s true – when we aim high, it’s inevitable that we will fail once in a while. It’s the tough times that teach us the most and help propel us into victory later on. You are always an inspiration to us!
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
I only did drop bag once at a race. I get so cold right after a race that I have my husband carry my warm clothes so I don’t get the chills!
I hope your stomach feels well enough for your post-race donut soon!
Natalie
I’ve actually never even been on a date, so I can’t speak for being set up, but I have definitely helped get other people together! One couple even ended up getting married. :)
I’m not in Arizona, but in Texas we are in the 70s this week. I’m not complaining.
Sara @ LovingOnTheRun
I love love love those quotes! They are PERFECT! I hope you are enjoying your rest! You earned it!
Melanie
Thank you for the ROOLEE suggestion! I just ordered 2 of the hats you mentioned. One for my sister and one for me. We’re up in Michigan and fortunately it hasn’t been too cold yet, but we’ll need those hats soon!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh yay!! You will love them! SO comfortable! Hope you are having a fabulous day Melanie and stay warm!
Jenny
That weather makes me wish I was in Arizona.
I never did the drop bag thing until this year and it was totally worth it.
Morrigan
Not from Arizona, but I did live a part of my childhood in Albuquerque, NM. Fantastic winters, especially when compared to New England winters!
So many Christmas traditions already: cut down our tree the day after Thanksgiving, order pizza while decorating. Family Santa Clause Shuffle 5K (my 5 year old ran the whole thing (few walking breaks)) followed by a parade!
I have not done the drop bag thing yet, I probably should try it for the longer races to stay warm!
Dana
Hi from an Arizonian!
I love the weather we have know and we deserve it because we lived through the summer days;)
We’ve decorated the tree and are having our annual winter party this weekend. We still need to make Christmas cookies.
Never done a bag drop because there is always someone at the race that will hold my stuff, luckily!
Glad you are back home and get to enjoy the sweet Christmas traditions with your favorite girl!
The Hungry Runner Girl
SERIOUSLY!! You guys are troopers for surviving those hot hot hot months! Enjoy your winter party this weekend! SOUNDS like a blast.
Jill
Have you done any Christmas traditions yet this December?
We’ve got our tree up, our outside and inside lights (lots of lights in the windows), did our shoe-boxes-full-of-gifts for kids in other countries, and ‘Salvation Army’ gifts for local children, and watched several Christmas movies. We have our favourite one coming up – we drive around and pick our top 5 favourite houses for lights and decorations, and drop off a Christmas card to each one thanking them for making our drive home each day so awesome with their decorating. The kids love this one the most, and it’s been a fun way to meet people we didn’t know before.
Do you usually use a drop bag at races?
I’ve only done races where my support crew (family) can hang with me until the start, and then I hand over my extra stuff. Or the race I did this fall collected the tossed articles of clothing and donated it, so I didn’t feel bad leaving two sweatshirts on the ground :)
Jane @janerunswild
I used to never drop bags at races, but I did for the first time in my last marathon (MCM), and realized that it’s a lot more convenient than I had thought! That marathon’s drop bag was very organized, but I loved having a change of clothes as I hung around post-race with friends and family.
Thanks for your post- so happy that the runcation in AZ was worthwhile, regardless of the race outcome!
Angie @ Pace With Grace
That Arizona weather looks amazing! I don’t usually use the bag drop and have my husband carry my bag of clothes and other essentials post-race.
I love your Christmas traditions with Brooke!
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub
How disappointing you couldn’t have your post race doughnut, I’m sure you’ll make up for it when you’re feeling better!
Cynthia
I live in northern Arizona (Flagstaff) and the weather has been fabulous this week! In the mid 50s in the afternoons. It’s always nice that I can drive down to Sedona if it gets too chilly :)
Also…I’m obsessed with that hat in your last picture. And the Brooks socks!!
Arthi
I went to school in Arizona (not from there originally) and missing AZ weather right now!! It’s absolutely perfect this time of year! Considering getting back there in February for the Phoenix Marathon since Chicago will be a tundra at that point.
Nice job with the matchmaking! I’ve been on a couple blind dates … I had a blast on the first dates (I usually do!) but it’s everything after that which is the tricky part. Dating is hard!
Hope your recovery is going well!
Clark
I have the best (and longest) blind date story evah. I’ll spare you the long version. Here’s the Reader’s Digest abridged version.
A young lady who was a rising college senior was invited by her Dad to spend the summer with him in Germany. I was stationed in Germany.
My farm town landlord Hannelore meets this young lady and immediately tells her “I have man for you. He is officer in the military and comes from good family.”
A day or so later, my landlord tells me “I have girl for you, she’s an American who just moved into town for the summer, she is the ‘schones Madchen,’ ” – that’s German for ‘the prettiest girl.’ I tell her ok! If nothing else there will be other English-speaking folks in town I can be friends with.
A day or so later my landlord drags the young lady over to my place. I open the door and lightning hits. Game, set, match. I was done. Fortunately, so was she. Truly love at first sight. Hannelore stood by, smiled and watched as the magic took form.
We spent most of the summer together – even though she was supposed to be visiting her dad. A trip to Paris and I gave her a promise ring under the Eiffel tower. Two years after meeting I flew from Bosnia to California – two days earlier than expected – to ask her to marry me. Nearly 3 years after we met, we were married. Now 21 years later we have 3 lovely children. Our oldest is Hannah Laurel, named after my landlord.
We last spoke to Hannelore 5 months ago after our latest (and last) was born. We owe it ALL to her. (And God of course!)
The Hungry Runner Girl
Your story gave me the biggest goosebumps Clark. Your love story needs to be made into a movie!!
Liz
Haha – my wonderful husband and I were a blind date in high school. We’ve been married almost 30 years now! :)
Yes – lots of holiday traditions…I still get my grown children Advent Calendars (with the little chocolates inside)!!
I am spoiled at races because my husband is usually with me and holds on to my clothes until I’m done. He takes fantastic photographs while he waits for his slow-poke wife!! :)
Kali
First, I am sure you said this in a past post, but where are those sweats from? I’ve seen them in a couple posts lately and am obsessed!
Traditions-wise, we always spend the day after Thanksgiving going to a local tree farm and cutting down our Christmas tree. Then we turn on Christmas carols as we decorate the house. Much better than hitting the Black Friday sales (although I’d be lying if I didn’t do a little surfing that evening to see what deals were still available!)
I ALWAYS use the bag drop. Specifically, the Canyonlands half in Moab drives you to the starting line, which is literally 13.1 miles away from town, and in the canyon, you are in the almost-dark and it’s 20* (on a good year). The first year, I made peace with losing all my things, but it was literally THE most organized race I’ve ever participated in. Three races later I’ve never lost my stuff there! Most of my other races are either too small to deal with bag drops or too hot!
Great job again on your race. You’re a total inspiration daily.
Karrie
I love that you guys go to Barnes & Noble to read and get books! I do that a lot with the magazines!! Btw, there is no way I could say no to that smile either! She is too stinkin cute :)
I’m from Texas and am loving the 70 degree weather we have been getting during the day. In the early morning and at night it gets down in the 40’s! Maybe it will snow this year (keep your fingers crossed) ;)
Jen
Hubby and I were a blind date :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
YAYAYAYAYAY!!! LOVE IT!
Allison
Hope you are feeling better! You are such an inspiration and you will get your sub 3 and we will all come to Utah to celebrate. We all know how long the last miles can be when you have to walk, rest and enjoy not training for now.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Thank you so much Allison! I am holding onto the idea of you guys all coming out to Utah to celebrate! THANK YOU!
Krystal
My hubs and I were a blind date almost 7 years ago, all thanks to our best friends who knew we’d be a perfect match :-) Hope you’re feeling well! Love the Brooks socks, by the way!
The Hungry Runner Girl
That makes me so so so happy! Cute story Krystal!
Loribeth
We are going to look at downtown lights this week, that is a fun tradition! Where did you get that red and white shirt? It’s so cute!
Rachael @ Catch Me if You Can
that beanie looks so comfy cozy! too bad its too hot here to wear anything awesome like that. that is so cute your little nephew with his head on your shoulder, he totally knows your the reason he is here :)
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
I set up my best friend from high school with my best friend from college. They’re now happily married 15 years with 3 kids and I am “aunt” Megan!
Jane@50statecancuk
I haven’t done the drop bag thing about 10 years…not since that one time they lost mine…that had my car keys in it. And I had driven to the race from out of town. Brutal.
I once went on a blind date set up by mutual friends…it was awesome and we dated for a while…but we were at different stages in our lives and eventually went out separate ways.
Brooke melts my heart, too!
Mindy B.
Ah, yes. Christmas Traditions :)
Me and my family ALWAYS have Tamales on Christmas Eve. We do a pretty awesome Mexican food spread the night before! We are not Mexican but live in Texas so we take advantage of the food and culture! :)
Also, I watch NOTHING but a Christmas Story on Christmas Eve. Over and Over and Over again.
jade
Brooke looks like a puppy deliriously happy to be getting a new bone (or 2) :D
I love her Rudolph book and also that movie. The really old Drummer Boy movie always makes me really emotional as well. I’ve decorated my house and business and my kids (now in their 20’s), get chocolate advent calendars every year.
Jessie @ The Acquired Sass
I met my BF on the internet…does that count as a blind date?
But seriously, my Dad set his older sister up with his HS English teacher…got himself an A in class & they’ve now been married 30+ years. How’s that for a blind date.
Don’t live in AZ, but was there in the summer & loved it, a million degrees, but it really is “dry heat”, which is the best!
Taylor
I live in Dallas, TX and on my walk yesterday with my doggies it was 71 degrees!! I just can’t believe it. I used to live in Utah and I so do not miss those cold winter months. We have been watching lots of Christmas movies on repeat… can’t get enough!
Katie @ katiesfitscript
I haven’t read the recap yet, and am excited to catch up on your blog. I love your tradition with Brooke. That would be hard to say no to that’s for sure. I also am still terrified to this day to leave my stuff at the bag drop!!!! Maybe I should get some cheaper sweats so that I can stay warm before the race!
Devin @ FitMomJeans
I have just the thing to help your soul feel better. Comfort Food. I ruined dinner last night and threw this together, for some reason I was like this makes my heart happy and I bet it could cheer up Janae too. The recipe came from the grandmother who raised me, my Meme does comfort food right. Imagine cold Illinois winters coming home to the farm house and grandma cooking :)
5 Cup Ham Casserole
1 cup macaroni
1 cup milk
1 cup diced ham (I used the pre-diced from the store)
1 cup cubed velvetta cheese
1 can cream of mushroom soup
mix it all together in a casserole dish or pan, 375 degrees for 45ish minutes. I just empty the can first and use it for all my measurements because washing dishes is not fun. Put huge piles on plate with salt and pepper, then eat and repeat until gone.
Enjoy!
The Hungry Runner Girl
THAT SOUNDS AMAZING!! Thank you thank you thank you Devin! I am totally going to have to try that! Sounds easy and delicious! It will make my heart happy too!
Caroline
You and your nephew…so adorable.
I just set my twin sister up with someone through a friend…so in ever met him! They’ve been on one date…another one coming up. Fingers crossed! If I weren’t married, I might try to snag him!
I use the bag drop if I am alone because I FREEZE after races and need to change. If my dad is with me, he is sweet enough to carry my layers and layers of dry clothing and most importantly a pair of flip flops, coconut water, mascara and lip gloss!!!
Ps…hotel robes or towels make for great pre-race warmup clothes…but if you feel bad taking them or aren’t staying at a hotel pre-race, use heat sheets from former races (or you can buy them at camping stores like REI). Perfect because they double as ground covers (like when you sit on the cold, wet field prior to Boston).
Been to Arizona many times, always in July or August…and although its always >100 degrees, I absolutely love it! I’d move there in a heart beat!
The Hungry Runner Girl
BRILLIANT idea about the hotel robes/towels/heat sheets!!! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for your twin sister too… ps SO cool you have a twin!
Caroline
Thanks, Janae! I will keep you posted…he’s one of those guys that is almost too good to be true! And I might be biased…but she’s not a bad catch either. ; )
Kathy McElhaney
My house is decorated and I’m cranking the Christmas music non-stop. That’s about the only tradition we have.
I used a drop bag at my last race and wanted to hug the volunteer afterwards. She saw me coming, matched my bib to my bag and carried it to me, saving me about 10 precious steps!
Linda @ The Fitty
I love it that fellow runner bloggers are friends of each other. I hope to connect with you in person oneday. Did you meet Monica online before meeting her in person?
Meesh
I have used a bag drop only once or twice – I have been lucky enough to have someone waiting at the finish for most of my long races, and have bugged them to bring me an extra sweatshirt!
Janice
Love Arizona weather. So glad I made the decision to moved to the Phoenix area 4.5 years ago! Only downfall it never feels like Christmas because there is no snow. So when I run at night I go looking for Christmas lights on my run.
I don’t use a drop bag – too nervous about them losing it. I either have throw away clothes or occasionally when I have someone come to watch me race, they will hold it for me.
Catie B
I love the Christmas book tradition! What a great idea! So cute! She’s going to have such a great collection of books!
I don’t usually use the bag drop. I either wear throw away clothes or have a family member hold my stuff. I don’t really like waiting in line to get my stuff back! haha
Lisa @ TechChick Adventures
Christmas traditions are so fun! Every year I make a December Daily book at Shutterfly with the pictures from our season each day (mostly). We have about 6 years of them now and it’s so much fun to look back at the year’s past and see how much our kids have grown!!
Cassie G.
I remember a blind date (set up by one of my Hi-Stepper sisters) a year or two ago. We met at a Mexican restaurant and from the minute I saw him, I was like “no thanks.” He ordered for me before I could even sit down in the booth all the way. Then told me later on that I shouldn’t work out as much as I do (did back then). We hugged and that was it. He tried to talk to me at said Hi-Stepper sister’s wedding but I wasn’t having it.
And I don’t think I’ve been on a date at all since. It’s almost comical to be this age (28) and your younger sister is married with a house/planning kids and I still live at home with our parents dateless.
Send a blind date to Mississippi for me. :)
Rachel @ Simply Rachel Nicole
I’ve actually never been on a blind date or never set one up but I totally think that they can work! I think drop bags are awesome, especially because I feel like I am the coldest person on the planet ha!
Half Marathon James
That is such a strange thought about your nephew, but so true. It’s mind boggling how our actions can lead to the biggest things happening.. My Grandpa stepped on a landmine during WW2, and then met my Nan who was his nurse. He lost a leg, but if he hadn’t, I wouldn’t be here reading and commenting on your post! I’m sure your nephew is very grateful for you setting them up..
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me
Glad you’ve arrived home safely! Also, since people have shared their favorite quotes… I’m going to share mine!
“Don’t let perfect stand in the way of good.”
YOU RAN A MARATHON. That is freaking incredible. Regardless of the time. You are a one-of-a-kind person Janae. Your dedication and passion to the sport never ceases to inspire.
Hannah
I love your book tradition! One of my favorite Christmas traditions growing up was book-related. My mom wrote the names of our books on individual cards, folded them so they would stand up and put them on the branches of our tree. Each night, one of us got to pick a card and that is the book our mom or dad would read to us that night. She marked “Twas the Night Before Christmas” with a 24 so we knew not to pick that one and of course, read that one Christmas eve.
Becky
Love holiday books for children!
My amazing hubs and I were a blind date, set up by my best friend who worked as a teacher at the same school as him!
Nina
Weird, I thought today was Tuesday as well.
I have set up a few couples, one has been married for 17 years!
I will do a bag if I am no where near home or if the weather is cold. If I can leave the stuff in the car, I do that instead. (It’s possible at some of the smaller races).
We put up our tree. Not too many other traditions have been done yet, hubby was quarantined over the weekend. When he feels up to it we’ll go look at Christmas lights one night. I do look forward to some baking as well.
Becky @ Ok, so here's the plan
Our house is under construction this year, so it’s really limiting my Christmas celebrating! I don’t get a tree this year, but I am buying ALL the holiday ice cream and I bought chocolate advent calendars for me and my boyfriend.
I have only used bag check once or twice. I don’t really like to do it. Mostly because I hate standing in lines…
Michelle
Thanks for the Roolee discount, Janae! I’d never heard of that shop before, but what adorable things they have! I ordered the cream plaid infinity scarf as a treat for myself today :)
Hope you’re recovering well and taking it easy on yourself.
Lori
I’ve spent Thanksgiving week in Scottsdale the last 3 years with my family. Beautiful time if year.
Shelly
I live right up the hill behind the Hilton in Tucson. Love, love, love this running weather! So sad I couldn’t do the race!
Reese
Great selfie, lol. I’m scared of the drop bag thing.
zool
I’m new to this blog..
Hopefully I can learn especially on running tips
Kay
I love the Brooks socks!