14 miles, off to California and YOUR running accomplishments!!!!

Wanna know one of the ways to tell you have the best running friend?  My garmin was .15 miles behind hers and we were both really tired by the end of our run but Josse kept running with me until my watch beeped 14 miles even though her watch told her she was done a minute earlier.  True friendship understands the other person’s crazy needs of hitting the e.x.a.c.t. distance they set out to do.  7:52 average pace (paused for the 6 water fountains stops) and our last mile was 7:10 so that was fun.

It was a hot day for these two Utah girls that are trying to adjust from winter to summer temperatures.  Josse kept reminding me that this is the stuff that makes us stronger, not so much the runs where everything is perfect and dandy.  Running in the heat is just plain ol’ hard and I can’t even imagine adding humidity to the equation but luckily our bodies adapt to things and it gets easier.

PS I’ve been hitting up this trail for over 15 years now.  Why change something so perfect.

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Me the rest of the day:

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My quest for the perfect pre-run/race foods is still going strong.  I could care less about taste of whatever I am eating before a run, all I want is something that gives me energy and makes my stomach happy.  Plain noodles for the win.  I think that white rice is still my current favorite.

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Quick shower/wardrobe change and a smoothie to go.  A smoothie after a hot run is one of those things that makes you realize life is good:)

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Real life later on in the afternoon…. on the ground while Brooke ran circles around me.  That’s the other thing about running in the heat, it sucks the energy out of ya but once again, I’ll get used to it.

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We have the same arm swing.

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And for dinner we took salads over to my Grandma’s house to visit.  She is the best.

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We are off to California for Brooke to see her dad.  I went into her room to find her packing her ‘suitcase’ with the necessities.  We’ve got everything we need.

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Also, Brooke loves to play Target.  I think most kids would call this playing store but turns out Brooke assumes Target is the only store… I have no idea why she would think that;)

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Friday Favorites from around the web!!!

*How to find the best running shoes for you  *How Jason Fditzergerald Upgraded His Diet and Never Felt Better *Want to Run Chicago or NYCM?! *Musical Strength Workout *Fitted Easy Dress (I just got it in black and grey and it is so comfy!!!) *Boston Marathon Winner Gave Her Trophy to Bobbi Gibb *My favorite summer heels *17 Summer Desserts (the internet sucks me in and I want to make all of these desserts right now).

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Keep your amazing running accomplishments coming in so I can post them each Friday!! [email protected]

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Krystina!!!  “This past weekend, on Sunday 4/17, I ran my first half marathon post baby.  My daughter will be 1 year old at the end of the month and although I have been running since 5 weeks postpartum, this was the first chance I had to run another half.  I am a working mom so finding the time to run can be tough.  We have a treadmill in our basement, so I get up at 4:30 AM to get my runs in during the week.  My husband has been super supportive and is happy to be on baby duty for my long runs on the weekend.  It definitely is tough to find the time to workout with a little one and not have it interfere with my time with her, but I think we’ve worked out a good system of early morning runs and running during her nap time.  I set a new PR on Sunday; 1:40:28.  I am very proud of myself and felt very emotional throughout most of the race.  I will never forget the moment I saw my husband and daughter right before I crossed the finish line.  It was such a special moment.  I can’t wait to share my love of running with my daughter and hopefully have her join me in races down the road… pun intended. ;)”

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Lizzie!!! “I raced my first 15k and placed first female! It was at the Chickamauga National Battlefield.  Although I have ran races longer than this, it was my first official 15k! I have been living in Georgia for 11 weeks for a training program for a new job and wanted to run a race before moving back home to Maryland.  I’m so happy with my time and being the first female.  Woohoo!”

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Paige!!!  “Yesterday I ran my first Boston Marathon.  It was the hardest race I’ve ever done (heat/sun/wind/stomach issues/Newton hills), but I still ran a 3:24:24, which is a 4 minute PR! The greatest part was that my husband decided to sacrifice racing Boston to pace me so we could cross the finish line together (and hand me water & Gatorade cups;)!

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Marie!!!  “This weekend I ran my first half marathon 10 months to the day after I started running! My oldest son met me a ways from the finish and ran me into the arms of my sweet girl!  Very fitting end to my first half since I started running in honor of her!”

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Emily!!! “The picture I’ve attached is from last Sunday’s Rugers Unite half marathon that I spontaneously decided to run 1 week before the race.  I wanted to use this as an easy training run for an upcoming 10 miler but the morning of the half, I knew I should shoot for a PR instead.  I knew I was ready for it and the weather couldn’t have been any nicer.  I ended up shaving 4 minutes off my previous best time and I loved having my boyfriend and puppy, Bailey, at the finish line! So proud of myself and my spontaneous decision to run this race.”

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Sabrina!!!  “I just completed my 20th half marathon in 2.5 years.  I am a novice runner at the rockin’ age of 40, have never actually been an athlete in the past, and by most accounts am fairly slow at this running business.  My fastest time ever was 2:06 last year at the Savannah Women’s Half.  I ran that half again this year (it was my 20th race) and did not finish nearly as well, 2:18.  On the bright side, at mile 11 of the recent Savannah race, I helped another runner finish her first.  She came up behind me and asked if she could run with me.  I said sure, she told me it was her first half and that she was struggling with it.  We exchanged names and when I asked if there was anyone waiting for her at the finish line, she said no.  She was worried she couldn’t finish.  I told her ‘yes you will’ and that we were going to practice the ‘pick a landmark and run to it’, walk, then pick another.  I was behind my target pace at mile 6 anyway, so I figured at mile 11, this was a good reason to ignore the clock.  We finished the last half mile strong.  After crossing the finish we high-fiver, she thanked me for helping her, and then she disappeared.  Ironically, her name was Savannah.  The first picture is of my mom and I (she finished the 5k)!!”

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Emily!!! “This past weekend I ran the Run For God- Run at the Mill 10k.  I’ve done a lot of 5k’s and even a half marathon, but this was my first 10k.  I suffer from an Inflammatory Bowel Disease called Lymphocytic Colitis.  It’s brought on dietary restrictions, and sometimes running doesn’t feel the best.  This was one of those runs that didn’t feel so great.  Around mile 3 my stomach started to not feel so great, but I pushed it aside and kept moving.  I fought through this the rest of the race.  I’m a believer in remember that you’re only as strong as you think you are, and that if you believe you can do something, then you can.  That’s what got me through this race, and ended up placing me 6th in my age group.  One of the most uncomfortable races I’ve ran, and the first one I’ve placed in the top ten.  I think it’s important for everyone to always believe in themselves, no matter what setbacks you may face, because believing in what you’re capable of is a very powerful thing.”

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Bethany!!!  “After giving birth I suffered severe postpartum anxiety. My daughter also had reflux and would scream unless bounced on the yoga ball or walked around in the stroller.  Because the stroller helped, I began walking at least two hours a day.  I noticed that getting out of the house and walking not only helped my baby girl stop crying, but it also helped to ease my anxiety.  She now takes medication for her reflux and she is a happy baby, but I have continued to exercise.  I now run every day and have built up my time to 60 minutes.  Running has helped my anxiety more than I could have ever imagined.  On top of running, I have been working extremely hard to deal with my anxiety and baggage.  I am determined that I will not give that fear and baggage to my daughter.  Running has made dealing with the anxiety easier and much more doable. About two months ago I started crying (it had been a long day) while holding my daughter.  She started laughing.  I twas on of my proudest moments because she didn’t have any idea that crying was a bad thing… she didn’t have any negative associations with it because I hadn’t cried in a long long time.  This was a big deal because for the first month of her life I cried A LOT! Running has given me the tools to begin to conquer my anxiety and I am so thankful for it.  This Saturday I will run my first 5k and I am so excited.  I don’t care about time.  I have already won.  I am working to create the life for my family and for myself that I want.”

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Kate!!!  “After 4 years and 5 half marathon attempts, I FINALLY completed a sub 2 hour half on Saturday at the Asbury Park Half Marathon! Official time was 1:58:18.  It’s such an amazing feeling to know that with a lot of hard work and perseverance, we can do anything we set our minds to.  The next goal is 1:55!”

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Emily!!!! “My friend and I ran our second marathon back on Valentine’s Day!  We made it a fun girls’ weekend and enjoyed Austin in all its glory.  Hadn’t run a marathon for several years and worked some intervals and speed workouts into my training for the first time.  The hills really kicked my rear but I was able to PR so that was exciting!”

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Cortney!!!  “I ran the SLC Half Marathon for the 7th year in a row on Saturday.  It’s my annual ‘reward’ for surviving another tough Wyoming winter.  I was pretty darn happy with my results… turns out being over 40 isn’t all bad!

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Lisa!!!  “I just wanted to share with you that my running buddy and I ran Boston this past Monday! It has been a long journey together- have tried to break 4 hours for 7 out of the last 12 marathons we have run together.  In february of 2015 we ran a 3:51:62 which qualified both of us! Monday, in the heat, we broke 4 hours again and it was amazing! The people of Boston and the course are amazing! We loved every minute of it!”

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Who deals with humidity where they live?  How do you survive?!?  Have you perfected your pre-run/race meal?  What is it? What is going to be the highlight of your weekend? Do you try out new running routes often or stick to your favorites?

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55 comments

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She’s a true friend indeed :) . And YES to the post-run smoothie!

Such awesome accomplishments – well done, everyone!

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Summer’s here in NYC can be brutal. Humidity reaches 80-90%. I hate it. But it makes running on a low humidity day easier.
I’m going hiking with my boyfriend and our dogs tomorrow and I have a photographer friend coming to try and get some candids of us. You see I’m the photographer so I take candids of everyone else but end up with mostly selfies of us. I told him it was his birthday present but it really is for me. He is a good sport.

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Oh and Brooke’s suitcase?!!! That made me laugh so hard! She’s a riot.

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We have terrible humidity in the DC area–you don’t do anything but slow down a little. it’s awful! Pre run i eat a Honey Stinger Waffle or a Picky Bar depending on how hungry i am. Both sit well for me :)

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I love Marie’s photo of her running to her little girl! She will cherish that photo forever!!

I’m a big fan of plain noodles anytime, but they do work really well before a run. Getting used to running in the heat is so weird. What we consider a ‘hot’ run now is going to feel like a cool run in a few months when the temps really get up there!

Have fun in CA and have a great weekend!

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Sarah THANK YOU!! I will for sure treasure that memory for all my days? I started running in honor of her for newborn screening!

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I love that! It really is an amazing photo, especially with your son in it also! Congratulations – it’s an amazing accomplishment!!

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I was going to comment on this post in hopes that you might be reading the comments then I happened across this one as I was scrolling down. Just wanted to say that I am AMAZED that you completed a Half only 10 months after you started running. SO SO impressive!!!

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Thank you Julie!! That means so much!! I really went all in 10 months ago. I’m heading off to Toronto for #2 next Friday? Feel free to follow @sassysweetpeas over on IG

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Haha Target is the only store in my mind too (all we need :)). I live in FL so I always assume it’s going to be hot and humid. Anything else and I feel really lucky!

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I’m dreading warmer weather solely for trying to run in it!! I went for an afternoon run yesterday and am so used to wearing layers I automatically put on a long sleeve shirt. It was about 14C (57F I think?) but I was already dying from the heat and just general mugginess! Yuck… Is it too late to want fall weather?

Maybe just sunshine for sitting around outside and crisp fall air for running all the time ;) If only the weather would cooperate!

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My daughter gets really confused when we go places besides Target & Wegmans (our grocery store). Yesterday we HAD to go into a Wal-mart because it was the only place with the item I needed. She was so confused.

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I live in Florida, We own humidity!

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Keep the running accomplishments coming! they’re so fun to read!

I am starting to love finding new places to run. I catch myself looking around while I’m driving near home for anywhere that could be a good trail. I’ve only run into spontaneous gigantic hills a couple of times, so I think I’m doing a good job haha.

I used to live in Houston and the weather there in the summer was unbearable to run in. The air was way too thick and it was always above and beyond hot. Summers were basically winters anywhere else and I spent the whole time inside on the treadmill haha.

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I live in the south……..Tennessee has some nasty humidity, and it always sucks, but after a few brutal runs, you get used to it. I learn to embrace the chance to run in the rain in the summer time. And I feel so tough after finishing a hot humid run. I don’t have a specific pre run food, but I do have to give myself around 2 hours to digest stuff before running. And I don’t own a car, so I stick to the same routes, but when we go on vacation I love running in new neighborhoods!

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Humidity in Pittsburgh gets SO bad over the summer. Last year I started taking salt tabs during runs and that helped me out a ton. Plus, just getting acclimated to the heat!

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It gets VERY humid here in Texas. I guess you just get used to it and expect it every single day of the spring and summer.

I’m excited to rest, eat froyo and hang by the pool this weekend. So excited for the sunny weather!

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humidity kills me! I’m not a fan of running in the summer although I do see how it makes me a whole lot stronger for fall. I’m in NJ and we get our fair share of humid weeks/months! Congrats to all the running accomplishments – love reading them :)

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It gets really humid in the summer here in NJ. I still haven’t figured out how to deal with it so looking forward to hearing everyone’s suggestions!

I like running new trails, but have a few trails that I love and don’t think I will ever get tired of running.

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Here in Florida, it’s at or near 100% humidity every morning from April – November. Takes a lot of mind games and hydration :)

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Congrats to all of the runners on their accomplishments! A PR at Boston in that heat is impressive. I don’t do well running in the heat and humidity, but thankfully in Seattle it’s not unbearable.

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Northern Colorado doesn’t have real bad humidity but it’s doing the same thing as Utah-we had a blizzard last weekend and it’s supposed to be 80 degrees tomorrow! I have a race tomorrow that I’m a little worried about because I haven’t gotten any practice this year running in the heat.
Prerunning meal for me is a piece of peanut butter toast. That’s what I eat before every morning workout, running or otherwise. I usually stick to the same trails because I like to know where I’m going and have an idea about distance.
Congrats everyone on the accomplishments! I think that’s my favorite series on your blog. It’s so inspiring to hear everyone’s stories!

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Don’t remind me of the approaching humidity of summer! It can get real humid here in New York but after a few weeks, I do adjust. I just run as early as I can! Have a good weekens

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Wishing I could say I had running plans this week but, that won’t happen. Lots of resting so I don’t hurt myself before having baby. It would suck to have to recover from delivery and from an injury, and my body says no to a lot of things lately. But we have other fun things happening this weekend, like swimming lessons and playing with friends.

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Oh man, you are so right! A long run on a hot day requires drinking a cold smoothie and laying down for a little bit! During the summer I pretty much make it a habit to schedule in a nap for myself on long run days! :)

Humidity here is awful it’s usually above 80% and sometimes above 90% (esp. in the mornings)! You just get used to sweating like crazy and dealing with that thick air feeling I guess! Actually, I’m not really sure if I’ll ever get used to it, but I’ve built up a tolerance!

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Ahhh running in the humidity is no fun at all! I don’t do well with it haha. I usually stick to a few running routes that I really like. I love switching things up though, I need to do it more often.

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Living in Alabama is like living in a constant sheet of moisture. The humidity here is outrageous! I’ve lived here my entire life and I’m still not used to it. It makes the heat so much worse.

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I love that Brooke plays Target!! haha It really is the best store!!
It gets pretty humid here in New York and New Jersey! I absolutely hate it! I’m such a wuss.

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I’m sipping on a Cherry smoothie with Greek yogurt after my morning workout!its really good!

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The humidity is hardcore out here in Chicago. It’s going to be a real struggle. But it’s a nice change from the wind during winter I guess?

I usually stick to the same routes…I really need to do some exploring! 18 miles on tap for this weekend I’m hoping, so that should be plenty of time to find somewhere new!

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Humidity is the worst! It comes and goes in NJ summers, and I usually survive it by very early morning runs… or sucking it up and hitting the treadmill if it is truly oppressive.

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I have to stop on exact numbers when running too or it bugs me so much!! have an amazing weekend!

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No humidity in Central Oregon. I live in the high desert, so if anything it is very very dry. Whenever I run in humidity I notice it right away. And YES to new running routes. Don’t get me wrong, I have my go-to routes that I love, but every once in a while its fun to run somewhere new. Keeps things interesting. :)

Have a great weekend! No racing for me, but I’m planning on going out and spectating at the Bend Marathon. I love cheering just as much as I love running!

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Wow I am so inspired reading other runners’ stories. Now I really in the mood for a race!
I usually run the same route. I don’t know how it doesn’t get old.

My dinner usually has quite a bit of carbs. Pre-run I usually have more protein and fat.. and after the run I like to have more carbs. I like post run smoothies with protein powder… or a beer. :)

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I just love Brooke’s suitcase of “necessities”! Looks like everything I would need too. I hope you have a great trip….we are actually getting some rain today where I am at in California and my run this morning was perfectly cool. Loved it.

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Brooke’s packing skills are on point!!! Smart cookie.

Humidity can be brutal in NJ. It takes me about 2 weeks to acclimate…the best are the days that are so humid it’s actually overcast, because a least its a little cooler. At a certain point, you are just so drenched in sweat it doesn’t even matter anymore.

If I’m strapped for time, I will stick to routes I know. But I need to change it up…I get too bored! I have amassed a bunch of different routes around my neighborhood and just add more loops or different streets to keep it fresh. I cannot tell you how often people come up to me and say “I see you running on my street all the time”. And I’m like, ” yeah…probably”.

Enjoy California!

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It’s humid in Hawaii year round and it took me a while to figure out what works. I take Hammer Endurolytes and I always carry water! I wear the Fitletic Hydra belt (http://fitletic.com/product/hd008-16oz-hydration-belt/)

My stomach can’t handle any solid food before a run so I just stick with GU. I’ve tried a lot of things and nothing else has worked.

Have fun in California! And great accomplishment everyone!!!

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The humidity is a killer! I really felt it at Boston, I don’t know if it was an extra humid day, but for this St. George girl it sure felt like it was. I run a lot of the same routes, some are better than others, but I’m so thankful to have close access to great trails and parks. I love Brooke’s suitcase-too cute!! Happy running!

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I’m really enjoying this feature of running achievements. Incredibly supportive. LOVE!

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I live in D.C. where the humidity is bad, but I spend a lot of time in Williamsburg, VA which is basically built on top of a swamp. Running is a struggle but honestly I’m just so used to it at this point, and I’ve never not run in humidity. I think my times would vastly improve if I ever went to an area that wasn’t as humid!

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I have been experimenting for 15 years and so far my best pre-half-marathon meal (the night before) is a small steak with plain rice. I don’t eat red meat very often but it feels like it gives me a boost the next morning. The morning of a race I have half a cup of oatmeal and half a banana a good two hours before it starts. No place around here sells yummy salads like the one in your picture. I need to move!

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Marie’s picture of her running into the arms of her little girl is the best thing I’ve seen all day. What an awesome way to finish her first half!

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Thank you so much Julia!!! It was the perfect ending!
I’m going for #2 next weekend in Toronto! Feel feel to follow my crazy journey @sassysweetpeas on IG
Have a blessed weekend!
XO

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I totally have to stop at exact mile numbers, it would probably kill me to stop at X:59! :) Pre-run I have a piece of bread with nutella. I tried it with peanut butter but it gives me PB burps for hours (ew). Mid-run I’ve been having honey stinger gels and nuun hydration (or plain water) but I’m thinking about trying Tailwind for my next training cycle. That is, after I get through my marathon in 9 days!!! :D

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There is quite a lot of humidity where I live once the summer hits. But I’ve never experienced humidity like I felt when I was in Tokyo. It’s insanely oppressive!

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I commend everyone but Sabrina’s good deed hit home. I had a runner pace me in my DC Nike Women half. Bless her, she got me through a tough spot when I was pretty exhausted. I PR’d at that race. I have told other runners I’d drag them over the finish line if necessary. (I’ve never had to).

NYC is humid in the summer. I make my own sport drink or bring Tailwind along with me. Some days you run a little more slowly, go out earlier or later and generally deal with it. And then race season in the fall feels like a breeze.

Toast with almond butter or oatmeal with some berries and nuts are my pre-run a.m. foods.

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Love everyone’s accomplishments!

I’m in the mountains in CA and absolutely no humidity. Plenty of dry, cracked skin and a few extra wrinkles, but I think I’ll take that over running in humidity.

And died with Brook’s packing job. Race medal – check! Snacks – check! All set!

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So glad you started these running accomplishments posts! LOVE them so much!!!

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I am also trying to find my perfect pre-run/pre-race food!! I have been experimenting with Generation Ucan (it is what Meb uses). It definitely does not taste great, but it sits well with my stomach. I used it before and during the Boston marathon this week and I had no stomach issues, which is huge for me. Wanted to let you know since every time I read about your stomach issues, I can totally relate.

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Oh yes, we get the humidity here in the Midwest. I certainly didn’t miss that when we lived in Oregon. Though it could be worse. I’m reminded of that when we visit Florida or Texas. Yuck. Whenever I can, I get my run/hike/walk in as soon as the sun starts to rise. That’s usually the coolest and less humid part of the day here. And then I take a barely warm shower!

The highlight of my weekend will be hopefully feeling better and getting outside for a run. Fingers crossed!!!

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I have such a hard time running in the heat so major props to you! I hope you have fun in Cali while Brooke is with her dad. :)

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I like to try new routes sometimes, I often don’t know where to go to find them.

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I play Target in real live 4 times a week…

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Well done, Bethany!!

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Brooke playing Target- too cute!!

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