First, and most importantly… Brooks is giving away the Seattle Collapsible Hat and a pair of the Drift Gloves to one lucky reader. To enter for these awesome stocking stuffers just leave a comment on this post with whatever you would like to say!!!
Second, and probably not important at all… 7 random things to tell you.
-Please tell me that everyone else wants to buy every.single.holiday.themed.food.item at the grocery store right now. Every time that I walk by any of the holiday themed food (even if it doesn’t look super good) I feel this strong urge to buy it because after Christmas it will be gone forever (or for 10 months…)
-I am pretty sure she is over the whole selfie thing.
-Who knew a pair of Christmas leggings could make a human so ridiculously happy?!
-My favorite part of gymnastics is just watching her running form. I can learn a thing or two from her.
-Cross your fingers for me that I win these. I enter a ridiculous amount of drawings (pretty much anytime I see one) and I have yet to ever win. I feel good about this one though.
-As I was writing this post Brooke came out dressed like this. Not bad.
-I found this clip hilarious. What was our world like before social media?
So what does the week after a marathon look like for me?
Zero running. That is what it looks like for me. I know some people jump right back into running after a day or two off but I’ve never been that person. It just takes my body some time to recover and most importantly my mind to recover. By the end of marathon training (especially an extended training cycle like this last one) I am more than ready for a break. I’m sure I will crave the run again soonish but until my body and brain want it again, I’m not going to be running. I have been doing some yoga and strength training today (we will talk more about that tomorrow) and a whole lot of resting. I’m not really sore but I think there is a lot of damage done during those 26.2 miles (even if you don’t feel it afterwards) that need time to repair before going again. After your next race remember to think long term. I obviously will lose fitness by taking time off from running (and running fast for awhile) but in the long run it will be so much better for my next training cycle to take some time off from running! And it will be good for my stomach:)
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Just leave a comment if you want to be entered for the GIVEAWAY!!!!! You can even just say hello to enter:)
752 comments
Beth M.
I also enter every. single. giveway. I come across :) I’ve gotten lucky two out of six million three hundred twenty-four thousand eight hundred twelve times–I won an Orange Mud double barrel water pack this past summer (which was pretty awesome but my husband stole it–ha!) and just a month or so ago I won a nutrition pack with hydration powders, protein bars, and protein powders. I never get tired of trying : ) Good luck with the Star Wars tickets!
Heidi
Glad you are taking time to recover!!!
Jaclyn
Glad you are feeling better!! I <3 those brooks hat and gloves!! I always enter giveaways and cross my fingers I win!!!
Corey
Those gloves look awesome! And I love a new hat :)
Kim
I hope you’re feeling better! I’m on the hunt for some of those Christmas leggings for my office holiday party (juuust kidding, but they really would be comfy!)
Anyway, I’d love some Brooks Drift Gloves to keep my handsies warm this winter running season!
Caitlyn @ Candid Cerebrations
Ha, the Instagram husband video absolutely slayed me. I love it!
lisa c
Is it june yet? Tired of running in the rain:(
Haley
I’m an early morning runner, and would love love love the Brooks gear to keep me warm out there this winter!
Cindy
Love them both! Merry Christmas!
Caroline
Awesome giveaway! My head and hands would be so thankful! :)
Jenna
I’ve never won a giveaway either! Since those are the single coolest gloves I have EVER seen, I’m hoping this is my win ;)
Laura @ LunaChickRuns
Cute hat! I too am a sucker for anything holiday themed I see at the store.
Amber C
My husband showed me that clip and I about died. Especially loved when they stopped in the middle of the street to get another pic of their feet! Too funny!
Oh…. and I would love that hat!
Christi M
I love the holidays and running!
Audrey
hello! great giveaway – love Brooks!! enjoy your time off!!
Tiffany H
Brooks always makes the nicest gear! These would be amazing for my run/bike commute. Thank you for always sharing on your blog with us readers, it keeps me inspired to run!
Ashly n
I got the peppermint ice cream from target- so yummy!
Katie Schleis
hello. Its me.
Kristin S.
That hot cocoa ice cream looks amazing!! Would love the hat from Brooks — they are the best in the business. Hope you’re enjoying your rest and time off from running. I’m sure your mind and body are very thankful for the break!
Ana S
The christmas leggings are sooo cute !!!
Summer
I love reading your posts! Whenever I don’t feel like running, I read your blog and it gives me “umf” that I need! :)
Michelle
I am obsessed with buying every Christmas food item too lol, trader joes kills me this time of year!
Stephanie W.
Glad to hear you are taking some time to recover! I am SOOOO with you on the wanting to purchase every holiday flavored food item in existence. I’m not so big on the Pumpkin Spice Lattes, but when all of the peppermint/hot chocolate/gingerbread treats come out I want to eat.all.the.treats!
Amanda S.
I have been spending the month of December stressing myself out each night about where to put the elf. If it didn’t bring so much joy and excitement to my kids I’d be sending him on a one-way reindeer trip back to the North Pole! Lol!
Rachel
Your blog is such an inspiration. I love the mix of running tips, fun random stuff and absolute honesty! Glad you are taking time to recover. :)
Jennifer
Always searching for winter gear!
Stephanie
Enter me!!
Sarah Bee
I need new gloves!
Caitlin
That Snow White dress is adorable! I would love those mitten/gloves for winter running in Boston!
Stacy
We are having such a mild winter I’m going to start running outside again. I’m going to try these gloves (even if I don’t win)!
Stephanie
I’m glad you’re feeling better and I really enjoy reading your blog!!
Kara
It’s FINALLY starting to feel like Winter in Southern California, so I could really use those gloves right about now!
Heather Toombs@ The Rocky Road
Love those little Christmas leggings!
Leila
YAY! Awesome giveaway!
Heather
I love those gloves and hat!
Colleen
I am trying to grow my hair out, and am extremely jealous of Brooke’s top knot.
Martha
Oooh pick me! Those items look like great additions to my running Arsenal :)
Michelle
pick me!!!
Cecilia
I never win anything but i figured it was worth a try since i really love Brooks products! :)
Sarah
I love gloves!
Tara
I very very rarely win anything but I just lost my running gloves and am in the market for a new pair!
Kari
I am from Wyoming so the gloves would be great!
Haley B
Holiday ice cream you’ve gotta try if you haven’t had it, Peppermint! Soooo good. I’d love to win, these look awesome and I hate the cold so I’m always in 500 layers!
Cari
I am totally on board with buying ALL the seasonal food items!! :)
And Brooke looks so cute in her little leo! I did gymnastics for 18 years, so seeing her at the gym reminds me of the good ol’ days!
Tricia
Pick me! Love the Christmas bottoms too :)
Nora
Hey! I’m so jealous of you – I got myself injured during my marathon training (my first one) and cross training just sucks.. Hope I’ll be lucky this time! All the best, Nora
Erica
Love your blog and your upbeat vibe. I’ve used lots of your mantras and tidbits of information while “out on the run”. ….and I love all things holiday related.
Sam
I can always use more running gloves!!
Stephanie
I love Brooks gear!!
I hope by giving your body plenty of time to rest and heal you will be ready to achieve your sub 3 goal whenever you next attempt it. I’m pulling for you!
Mickie AndrePont
Yes, please!
Tami Piland
I rest an entire week after I run a marathon! REST, REST, REST!
Renae Tucker
I LOVE Brooks running gear! They are the absolute best!
Hillary
Cold hands while running are the worst, but those gloves look like they would do just the trick!
Juliana @ 4 Well Rules
I also entered a ton of giveaways-I actually just won a gift card at work!
Laura
Holiday themed food always gets me too!
Paige C
I love the holiday flavored foods! I want them all and probably buy wayyy too many of them!
Michelle Sawatzky
I love all the holiday foods!! Especially anything chocolaty/minty…YUM!!!
I would love to get some stocking stuffers for myself for a change!! :)
Tracy
I would be honored to win the gloves and hat in the give away. My comment has to do with the text message between your sister and Brooke. My heart smiled that Brooke enjoys family so much that she wants your sister to join. I laughed out loud that Brooke stated “you have too many rules”. Awesome Brooke is aware you have set boundaries and expectations, yet at the same time, it is evident in your posts Brooke adores and respects you as your mother. Brooke is blessed to have you as her mom.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Sincerely,
Tracy
Brittany
Your posts are inspiring and I look forward to them everyday. Keep up the good work!
Kate
Awesome giveaway!!! I’ll keep my fingers crossed :)
Yvonne
Pick me, I don’t win either. Every year I try to win Oprah’s favorite things and darn it. I haven’t won yet! Sorry, I should t whine, I am very grateful and blessed with what I have. Get lots of rest and recover. Looking forward to hearing about your next adventures. Merry Christmas!
nicole @ pink elephant on parade
I’m sitting on a cafeteria coupon I won recently in a raffle that apparently no one else ever wins. It’s $10 and there are pretty much no more options left to use it on other than stale food, but I’m holding out in the hopes that something great will come along.
Stephruns
Just thought I’d say …. I have almost zero chance of winning but I thought I’d try anyway because I’ve wanted that hat forever but haven’t splurged to get it. I spend enough on running shoes! Have a great day!
Cait
Yay for holiday food and holiday giveaways!
Jenny K.
I also enter a ridiculous amount of contests, and I feel really good about this one. :) Would love to sport these on cold Bend, Oregon winter runs!
Abby
I have no self-restraint with holiday foods, especially at Target! I did skip that hot cocoa ice cream, but the frosted sugar cookie and peppermint were so good!
Whitney S
Hello, hello!
Mel
I need new gloves! Winter is very cold in Canada :-P Recovery is an integral part of training. You have to be kind to your body if you want your body to be kind to you.
Lisa
You think I can find those leggings in big girl sizes?? Super cute :)
Teresa Eskew
Good luck on your ticket winning. I laughed at the Instagram husband, oh my gosh how true and funny!!!
Take care of yourself during this non-running period. Your body will heal and thrive. It is hard I know (6 weeks so far no running for me post surgery, and many more to go. First I have to learn to walk again. Ugggh.) But the road back will be that much more fulfilling even during the hard times. You will do great. I see big things ahead for you. Store some of those Christmas goodies for when your stomach is feeling better. =)
Amy
Those look like some pretty sweet gloves and hat!! Wouldn’t mind a set of my own ?
Amy
Good job on your marathon!!! Enjoy your recovery week
Michelle C
I so am all about holiday themed food and drink! I can’t get enough peppermint flavored anything just as I was all about pumpkin flavored everything a little while ago.
Angela A.
You are my running inspiration! Thank you for all that you do, sharing the good and bad. Somehow, I hope you know that each of us is sending you love and hugs. Happy Holidays! You sure have a beautiful family, and that’s the best gift of all!
Kelly
Happy warm hands for the holidays!
Ariana
Pick me! Pick me!! hahahahaha
I definetly think time off after a big race is important. After the race i am just so done mentally and physically for a minimum of 2 weeks. It feels so good to not HAVE to train if you don’t want to.
Currently i am picking out all my races for next year, because i am a big nerd and love to plan, i am trying to have at least one race a month. It will be a mixture of 5ks, 10ks, halfs, fulls, duathalons and my first triathalon ever!
Nicole @heartnsolerunning
You are so smart to listen to your body. And I totally love the Brooke pics from gymnastics. There’s so much joy in her face! I hope you win tickets! :)
Tina
Fingers crossed!
Bonnie p
Thanks for the give away Brooke :) your mom is one super lady! You’re a lucky couple girls to have each other. Hope you have a restful week.
Amy @ fitnessmeetsfrosting
Um her Christmas leggings make me ridiculously happy ;) I want to buy all the holiday decor. Some day…
Rebecca H
Proud of you for pushing throught to the end on that last marathon, if it hadnt been for not feeling well you would have killed the sub 3 :) you are awesome!
AER
I totally feel you about holiday themed foods! It takes all my inner strength not to buy every peppermint or gingerbread flavored ice cream or cookie mix at the store! Thanks for an awesome giveaway :)
Sarah
I loooovvveeee when little kids pick out their own outfits! Yay for self expression! ?
Cori
Yay for fun giveaways! Have a great Christmas. Thank you!
Carla Steinbring
Those gloves look amazing!
Jen Lyle
I am so sorry to hear about the race! I’m sure it’s frustrating to have everything go,really well during training, and then something happens race day. I hope you’re able to figure out what’s going on.
Brooke’s leggings are so cute!! Wish they had them in my size?
Alyssa
I enter everything too… I won a stuffed Pumba (the lion king character) stuffed animal when I was 5…. Nothing since. Guess you can’t beat Pumba!
Celeste
You inspire me! And I live north of Seattle and lived in Utah for 4 years. Hang in there. You are amazing!
Jen Shaw
I am a sucker for all things peppermint! Ha!
Karyn
Wait – didn’t you win some crazy treadmill in a giveaway? I’ve never won either, but my grandma won a cruise once. She swapped it for this hideous ring :)
Jackie
Great stocking stuffers!! Or a gift for me :)
Lori
There is a nasty stomach flu bug going around our way, so running for me has been a no-go this week. I hit 50 miles total in November, which is pretty amazing for me. So, I’m in it to win it again starting Saturday, or maybe tomorrow morning if it’s not actively raining.
:-)
I think your marathon with all that going on was brave. Many others would have packed it in before they even got on the bus.
Happy Resting!
Erin W
Those gloves look SO awesome!!
Jamie C
I think you’re amazing and with everything your body has been though, you ROCKED that marathon even if it wasn’t what you hoped for! I would LOVE to win the Brooks hat and gloves! I always enter giveaways too! Ps I would totally belong to the Brooks sock of the month club if it was available to us mere mortals! I LOVE those new socks you got!
Kimberly
Love the Christmas leggings Brooke!!
Kiki
It’s cooooooold here in central Washington! Would love another pair of running gloves.
Tiffany S
Love your positive attitude, Janae! I could really learn a lesson or two from you of how to listen to my body and emotions. Be well! :)
Kimberly
Love reading about your running and life adventures! Also, love that video about the instagram husbands… so good!
Kathy
I’m injured and can’t run right now but I still love reading about your adventures!
Staci
The leggings are adorable! Seeing your pictures of Brooke reminds me of how fast little girls grow up. Mine is now 7 going on 20! Time flies!
Hannah
That video! So hilarious and on point… A lot of my friends and I all work in social media and/or radio so it’s become part of our lives since we *need* (ha) to post, but it definitely gets a little ridiculous! ha! :)
Tammy Abbott-Thiel
Reading your posts is both inspiring and humbling. I was going to try and run my first full marathon. I had to cancel my plans to try for my first this November after not running for a month due to tendinitis. I switched my plan to a January race, and after weeks of feeling “not quite right about it” realized my life right now just isn’t allowing me the time I need to ensure I can be physically ready. I will switch to a half in January, I rest easy knowing I am making a choice that is good for my body.
Katie M. From Mi
I would loooove those running gloves!!!
Amada
Yea! Gloves! My fingers were freezing this morning on my run! :-)
Janel Smith
Oh those gloves and cute hat will be very useful here in Colorado this winter, while I train outside for Boston!
Kate F
I ALWAYS take a long break after a hard race. My body does not have the bounce back power that so many others have, but I make it a positive, reflecting, restful experience.
Jill B
You’re YouTube link about the Instagram husband was hilarious! It totally made my day. Enjoy your recovery period and thanks for the give away!
Sweet & Salty Runner
Hi! Loving the gloves and hat! Hope your day is as awesome as you! :)
Maggie
I love giveaways but never win :-)
Srilatha
I also enter every single giveaway and haven’t gotten lucky yet. But that doesn’t stop me from trying again. I think it would make me super happy to just get picked even if it is just a piece of candy :)
Tara
I hope you enjoy your running break. Find a fun new exercise to get excited about during your time off! I love zumba and boot camp.
Mary-Margaret M
Brooke is the cutest!
Monica
I’d love to win. Thanks for the great giveaway!
Chrissie
I used to have gloves like those. I wore them constantly until I lost one last winter. I’d love to win a replacement pair.
Lorie D
I need to win those gloves! I haven’t found a pair I like yet and they look like they might fit the bill.
Sarah
Hello ;)
Tayna
Those gloves look really nice! I always use a cheap$1 pair. I have a bunch of them now and I can’t seem to part with any of them! I like to wear things out until I really can’t use them anymore…it’s a problem.
Sara
Love the Brooks gear and I need some new gloves!! :)
Christina
Love that Brooke just came out randomly in her princess dress :) I used to do that when I was little too.
Also, I could really use the pair of gloves. It hasn’t gotten too cold here in Maine yet (surprisingly) but I know it’s coming!!
Janice
Instagram Husband just made my day!!! Fantabulous!
I think it is great you take time off after your race, I am sure it helps you not become burned out and stay passionate about running. I am proud you ran that marathon even after vomiting. That takes strength and determination.
Stephanie
I love these Brooks gloves!! I tried them on at the Drumstick Dash expo!!
Amie
I love Brooks!
Michelle G
Hello!! I’m taking a running break too- but I need to substitute with something else…which I’ve yet to do!
Todd
Wisconsin winters need mitts, not gloves!
Lauren
I won a bike when I was in middle school and gave it to my sister. I would love to have those gloves!
Nikki B
Dangit! Am I too late for the gloves and hat? :)
Kristen
I hope! I hope! I hope! ?
Melissa P
It’s 50* in Michigan this weekend but those gloves will be needed for winter running!
Laura
I love holiday themed food:-)
Leslie Bartula
I never win giveaways either – but I love thinking I might!
Ernest Alenya
Getting new stuff is a good way to increase the motivation ;)
Sarah L
I also find holiday products hard to pass up!
Cortney Reed
Oooh those gloves & hat would be awesome for the cold tempts right now! I’m always amazed by your positive attitude! ?
Kaitlyn
Hot cocoa ice cream sounds pretty awesome!!
Melynda
My girls and I may just have to stop at Target today. We are game for trying anything hot cocoa related. Thanks for the tip!
Nicole
I would LOVE those gloves! I work outside on the weekends (landscaping), and those would help so much this winter!
Beth
My favorite blogger + my favorite running brand = perfection
Jenn
You always find the best videos, the Instagram husband video is cracking me up!!
Emily
My favorite pair of gloves is from Brooks. They make great stuff!
Susan
You’re awesome! I could use some good stocking stuffers!
Kerri
I just started following your blog and would love the gloves! It’s starting to get cold around here and those would keep me running longer!
Elodie
Enjoy this running break, you more than deserve it! With the holidays approaching, it is a rather good timing!
Wehaf
Wouldn’t it be nice if after every race we could recover with Star Wars? I hope I win the gloves and you win the tickets. :)
marie
Hello!
Christine
Lets hope winter actually gets warm enough for runs with hat/gloves. We were a toasty 70 degrees in Philadelphia and it looks like it won’t be much cooler for Christmas :/
Kay
I enter everything too, haha!
Julie
Thanks for the giveaway!
Doni
Hola! Love Brooke’s princess outfit. She looks ready for a Disneyland run.
Steven
Great point about thinking about the long term!
happy wheels
I am a new reader of your site and would much appreciate the gloves. It’s becoming chilly in our area, and they would allow me to continue jogging for much longer.