Sweet potato nachos, in need of some fresh legs and YOUR running accomplishments!!

Happy Friday!! I have officially decided that today is going to be a rest day from running for me and I’ll hit up some yoga instead.  I’ve got 12 miles (mostly on ((HILLY)) trails) to do tomorrow so I’m hoping for  fresh legs and a happy body to go into that run.  With each year of running I understand my body a little bit better.  I’m able to better figure out when a rest day will do more good than a training day.  Bring on the stretching today.

Had our cute friend over last night for a bit.

I made some sweet potato nachos (roast the sliced sweet potatoes with olive oil until they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside).  I bought a perfect avocado yesterday to put on this plate of goodness but then I couldn’t find it ANYWHERE once I went to find it for dinner.  I’m still upset about it;)

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And of course I added this on top, I sure love this salsa on pretty much everything.

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The girls then helped me get to work on a batch of my favorite chocolate chip cookies to take over to some people.

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And we made sure to sample some first.

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A little bit of LOST watching because somebody mentioned this show the other day and I was reminded of how much I loved it.

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These make my week. Thanks for sending them in (keep ‘em coming to [email protected]) and inspiring us all!!

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Katie!!! “This past Monday, I ran my first Boston Marathon (and 3rd marathon ever).  Although I’d been training for a PR, I suffered an IT-Band injury about 10 weeks into my training cycle.  I had rehabbed the injury by the time I was ready to go to Boston, but had not really more than 3 miles in the 6 weeks leading up to Boston.  I went into the race just wanting to finish- I wasn’t sure if I would have to walk or go to the med tents.  My boyfriend, who is very speedy, was attending Boston for his second time.  He gave up running in his qualifying wave (which was the fastest wave!) to run back with me.  Despite being trained to run a much faster time himself, and knowing this would be a really slow day for me, he still came with me to encourage me along the way and so we could share the experience of completing a marathon together.  Having run the race before, he had lots of sage advice about different parts of the course, which helped as I plodded along.  I am positive that I would not have run the whole way (and maybe wouldn’t have finished!) if he weren’t there to tug me along.  i’m thrilled now to be a Boston Marathon finisher.”

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Jennifer!!! “One week ago I crossed the finish line of the 2016 Boston Marathon with a time of 4:00:55, I almost broke 4 hours! In the finish line photo I am not sure if I wanted to smile with joy or cry with emotion because at this time last year the longest race I completed was a 5K! I have spent the last year falling in love with running by entering a 10k and then a 1/2 marathon and now the marathon!  I learned a lot about myself and about how much my family and friends love me to support me through my training schedule and hangry moments, especially my husband Ryan.  I am also so blessed to have my health and running reminded me daily of this blessing.”

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Ashley!!! “On Sunday, April 24th I completed my second half marathon post baby. My daughter, Sawyer, turned a year old on April 16th.  In September I completed my first half at 2:03, but this time around I finished in 1:45:53.  I hope to continue to improve and eventually get to 1:40.”

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Julie!!! “I started running seriously about two years ago after a lifetime of excuses for never taking it up.  I thought my injured knees, weak ankles, and busy schedule would keep me from ever running more than 30 minutes at a time… Until I got bit with the running bug! Now I look forward to and plan my runs before getting out of bed each morning.  (That’s normal, right?)  This picture is right after I won the Bhutan International Marathon last month (March 5, 2016).  I ran the same race last year and finished 3rd at 4:40.  This year I cut 50 minutes off my time, and both splits beat my 1/2 marathon PR of 2:00.  I finished at 3:49:30.  I trained my butt off and it was totally worth every blister, hangry outburst, load of sweaty laundry, and mile.”

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Kathleen!!! “Two weeks ago I ran my first post baby half marathon (6 months old), nothing better than catching up with her and my husband after.  Every race now is a post baby PR.  Much slower than before, but I’m just happy to be running.”

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Annemarie!!! “Last Monday I ran my first Boston!! This was my 3rd ever marathon and definitely the most fun! It was hot in Hopkinton at the start, and I knew that if I followed my pacing goal I would not enjoy it, so I decided early on to throw my pacing plan out the window and just have fun. I enjoyed EVERY. SINGLE. SECOND! The spectators were so amazing!  I ended up finishing in 3:42:23, which is about 5 mins off from my PR- but it was so worth it.  To top it off, my parents and 2 of my siblings all drove 10+ hours to meet up with my hubby and I! It was a race to remember- and I can’t wait to do it again:)”

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Krissie!!! “I’ve been running for several years now with no noticeable improvements.  Last summer, I decided to join K2J Fitness, the group my husband runs with, to see if I can break my plateau.  I’d been hesitant to join since I’m an average runner (ok, maybe on the slower side) and most of the group are Boston qualifiers who regularly place in local races.  To give you an idea, my husband is a 2:47 marathoner and his 10K PB is about 36 minutes; I’ve completed one full in 5:28 and have been struggling for years to break the 1 hour mark for a 10k!  But I sucked up my pride and joined.  And it’s helped.  I PB’d in the 10k in March (1:01:05).  I ran the Around the Bay 30k in Hamilton (oldest road race in North America- 3 years older than Boston!) at the beginning of April in 3:23, which was 7 minutes faster than my best case scenario.  So when most of the K2J crew decided to go to Boston for the marathon, I figured I would sign up for the BAA 5k since it’s probably the only way I’m crossing the Boston Marathon line.  I have been trying for 6 years to break the 30 minute mark for a 5k.  I’ve come close a few times, but my PB was 30:08 and that was a few years ago.  I had a friend pace me and I gave it my all… and I crossed the finish line in 29:15!!! I can now say I PB’d in Boston, and I was the only K2J Fitness member to do so! Now I’m halfway to my K2J award: set a PB in the 5k, 10k, half marathon and full marathon in a single year.  If I PB in my half next weekend (which is likely), I’ll have to sign up for a fall marathon!”

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Cat!!! “I recently decided that I am determined to train for the Ragnar Relay Race in Angel Fire, NM (in August).  Last night I ran with my first group, which for some reason really intimidated me and made me nervous.  I was by myself and almost backed out. But guess what? I freakin’ did it! It was amazing! 4 miles and a full moon… I was emotional and proud:)”

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Liz!!!  “I ran my second half marathon on the 16th and had an awesome time! I ran watchless, so the smile coming in to the finish came from seeing a five minute and fifteen second PR from the year before (2:02:42) :)  I also placed second in my age group (I’m 16, so there was a small field, but it still counts;)”

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Amanda!!!  “My sis and I just started running together in November.  We started doing only 3 miles at about a 12:30 pace.  My sis (Molly on the left) had never run before.  I hadn’t run in 12 years, and had never trained for or done a race.  After just 2 weeks and maybe 3 run sessions together she called saying we had to sign up for a half together.  I had always had it in my mind I would love to do one before I turned 40, and I only had about a year left to do it.  So we signed up for the Texas big star Half, which was on April 16.  She finished in 2:17 and I finished in 2:22.  Which was a way faster pace than I had ever hoped for.  I LOVED the bonding time with my sister.  We did all our long runs together and I will never forget all those early dark mornings; we had the best chats:)”

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Annie!!! “I ran my very first marathon on Sunday: Big Sur! It was an absolutely incredible experience.  The race is equal parts beautiful and brutal, with stunning views of the California coastline and equally stunning hills and headwind (THE ENTIRE TIME).  My favorite part of the race was the solidarity and community that developed on the course.  We were all having a tough time out there and the support and encouragement from the other runners carried me through the last few miles.  I may have cursed myself a few times for choosing such a difficult race as my first marathon, but I will never forget the absolute joy of crossing that finish line and making the transition from runner to marathoner!! I would also like to give a huge congratulations to my sister, Laura, who also ran and set a new marathon PR!”

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Ellie!!!  “On Sunday I ran the London Marathon.  I did it in 4hr40, which is 53 minutes slower than my last marathon BUT I had my little girl only 8 months ago, and this was my first event.  Training this time was so different:  we used a running buggy, and the longest we ran together was 12 miles.  I couldn’t just go out whenever my training plan dictated, and only managed three long runs.  I loved training with my baby and I loved running the marathon as I felt like myself again.  Running through London was a privilege and a joy.  At mile 7 and mile 23 my family and baby were there to cheer me on, and it made me so emotional on an already emotional run! Here I am at mile 7, after just seeing where my family was.  Even though my pace was slower than any other event I’ve done, it’s definitely the most special to me.”

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Amanda!!! “This is my sister and I after finishing the Oklahoma City Memorial Half-Marathon (on April 24th)!  (I am on the right) I trained for this race while finishing college, and ran it the Sunday of Finals Week! This race in particular meant so much for me because I ran it right before graduating college, and it was a huge goal for myself that I really wanted to accomplish before graduating.  Also, running has been essential for me to recover from an intense eating disorder that developed during sophomore year, and finishing college in a much better place is largely due to running.  I had an amazing race and am really excited to now train for my first full marathon:)  Can’t wait to run my next half too!!”

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Did you get into LOST?  Watch the whole series?

What’s the best part of your weekend going to be?

WINDIEST race you’ve ever done?  What are your tips for running in the wind?  

Sweet potato lovers—> What is your favorite way to eat them?

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49 comments

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Sweet potato fries with marshmallow fluff for the win! Trust me!

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WAIT WHAT?!?!?! I have never heard of that but I am sure I would LOVE them!!!

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Hopefully the best part of my weekend will be the 5k I’m racing tomorrow! I haven’t raced since December, and I know it’s not a long race, but I’m nervous. I’m also considering doing something really bold today, so hopefully that will end up being a good thing.

I really like sweet potatoes with chicken, cheese, avocado and ketchup or BBQ sauce on top. It’s just such a good meal. :)

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AHHH good luck tomorrow Natalie! You’ve GOT THIS!! Yep, that is the best combo possible! Let me know how tomorrow goes… GO FOR IT!

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It’s funny I was just thinking how I continue to learn more about myself and running. Each year I find something that works well for me. As you know, a few weeks ago I thought I could have a fractured foot but after resting and getting it looked at we figured out the cause. It could have have been a completely different story had I run on it a few years ago (which I probably would have done).

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I was literally going to text you this morning… what was the problem and cause?!

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I never did watch Lost, my sister loved it when it was on (except the final season i think) and my husband recently watched it on Netflix. I’m sure I’d get into it, but just haven’t had time to sit and watch any yet!

It’s rainy today, so I’m kinda hoping for a lazy evening at home tonight, then we can be productive the rest of the weekend! No plans this weekend, which are my favorite kinds of weekends! Make plans as they come!

Lean into the wind and don’t try to fight it. We get ALOT of wind in Kansas and you just have to remember that for every step you fight the wind, you get a step where it’s going to help you fly!

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Lazy rainy nights at home are the best:) ENJOY! Oh I bet you get a ton of wind…. give me some of your hardcoreness please!

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I’ve never watched Lost but its on my To-Do list! ;)

I say if it’s windy out leave the headphones at home. They sound terrible with crazy wind swirling around your head!

Hi, I’m.Chelsea and I’m addicted to sweet potatoes. I LOVE them! I could eat them every day! I love to cube them up and spread a little coconut oil on them and throw them on the griddle. YUM!!

I was supposed to have a 10k this weekend butttttttt its 100% chance of thunderstorms :/ no good. So I’ll be running inside for my “long run” this weekend!

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I’m going to have to try your griddle sweet potato cubes… those sound delicious! Hope your long run on the treadmill goes well!!!

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Sweet potato nachos is such a great idea! I usually just zap my sweet potatoes in the microwave and eat them plain! Boring but still yummy!

Best part of my weekend will be trying a new restaurant that just opened up in my town. It’s a seafood restaurant (makes me happy) and sports bar (makes Matt happy) so perfect combination for us!

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Baked fries are my favorite way to eat sweet potatoes, hands down! Love all the running stories and especially the Boston finishers!

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LOVE all the accomplishment pics – well done, everyone!

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LOST!! Yes – watched the whole series, was always reading about theories online after each episode. Some people don’t like how it ended but I’ll still rematch the last episode from time to time because I’m a nerd. Those cookies and sweet potatoes look delicious!! For windy runs – I power through them and accept the fact that it’s a slower run. Then stick that run in my memory for future non-windy runs where I’m just having a rough time, and remember I’ve gotten through worse. Looking forward to flying out to Florida and seeing the family this weekend!!

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so making those nachos this weekend!!! I love sweet potato with cinnamon and cottage cheese. It’s so warm and a comfort food for me.

I’ve never watched Lost, but have heard epic things about it and am looking for a new series to dive in to…not a bad idea to start this weekend if you ask me haha.

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Windiest race I’ve done was in Indiana (near Chicago, right off Lake Michigan). Everything was going well until mile 8 when I turned in a 30 mph+ headwind! Even thought I trained in the wind it was brutal, but I still finished strong – and tired!
My favorite way to eat sweet potatoes is sliced and roasted with smoked paprika and then dipped in a tahini lemon sauce. So good!

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I love sweet potatoes. I eat one pretty much every day (sometimes twice a day) with a little bit of cinnamon and some honey! It’s like a special treat but it’s healthy.

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Cinnamon and honey… BRILLIANT!!! I will be trying that today! THANKS SKY!

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I loved Lost- watched the whole series (and most of that was while running on the treadmil!)
I adore sweet potatoes and my favorite way to eat them is roasting them in the oven, in the shape fries. I like to add garlic, salt, and other savory seasonings to them too!

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Mostly looking forward to my baby shower. Pedicures with my mom and then brick oven with the girls!

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Oh i hate when I’m looking forward to something and can’t find it! lol and RIP to your poor avocado!

I’m running the NJ marathon on Sunday! I’m nervous and excited. I’m a little wigged out at how FAR 26.2 miles actually is. It’s a loooong way. The forecast says it’s going to rain, and I’m not thrilled about that, but i AM looking forward to seeing what these legs can do.

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I just love all of those accomplishments! Way to go runners (: My love of sweet potatoes is totally off the charts…my favorite way to eat them is roasted and topped with almond butter, coconut flakes, and cinnamon.

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Okay I need to try sweet potato nachos. That looks like the best meal ever.

The windiest race I’ve ever done was a 5k about a month ago and it was a struggle! I felt like I was falling over and could not run in straight line haha.

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I LOVE THOSE NACHOS!!!! I made them last weekend and they were so good! I used my spiralizer to make the potatoes into thin chip-size pieces and bake them. :)

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I’m OBSESSED with sweet potato nachos! One of my favourite go-to meals!! And I need to finish Lost! I started a while back and only made it to Season 3 – it was so good though!!

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LOST! That was my favorite show and still is my all time favorite! I cried (balled) when the series ended! Haha!

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I did too! Why do tv shows make us cry? We must get a little too invested ha!

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I love sweet potatoes cut into skinny fries and baking them in the oven with olive oil, salt and pepper. We are going to go on our boat on Sunday with some friends so that should be so fun!!Have a great weekend!!

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Wind is my least favorite running condition! Although, I’m seeing rain now in forecast for my half on Sunday and I don’t want that either! Ugh!

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Sweet potato nachos.. whaaaaat? You just made my week ?
LOST – I watched it for a couple years until I REALLY got lost. I may start all over again b/c I do remember loving it.

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Lost is SOOOO good. I have watched the entire series and could easily watch it again. It would be a commitment (so many episodes) but I think it would also be a completely different experience the second time around.

This weekend I am running the Eugene Half Marathon. It will be my first half marathon postpartum, so I’m really excited to see where I am at in my fitness. The weather is supposed to be beautiful, so I really lucked out! :)

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I watched a few episodes of Lost but never got into it. The best part of my weekend will be when/if the sun comes out here! It has been raining for the last week.
The windiest race – Rattlesnake Olympic triathlon a few years ago. 25mph winds on the bike is no fun.
Tips for running in the wind – put your head down and get done as fast as possible!
Love sweet potatoes. Steamed with salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese!

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Never did watch “Lost”… feel like I missed out on some epic piece of pop culture that I’ll never be privy to. Oh well!

Best part of weekend will be spending extra quality time with my 9-yr old… we’re going on an overnight zoo camping trip with her Girl Scout troop! Aaaand, the city we’re going to has a TJ’s (2 hrs away) so I might just swing on over there to drop some coin on delicious fresh products to eat. YES!

Sweet potatoes are like manna from heaven. I love them baked (crock-pot style) and topped with black beans, feta cheese, and dried cranberries. Or straight up with toasted pecans sprinkled on top.

Congrats to all the awesome runners in the accomplishments section! Wonderful and inspiring stories!

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Those nachos always look so good! :) I never got into Lost but everyone else in my family did. I still feel like I need to watch it ha. This weekend I am getting some last minute things done before my little guy comes. I am 38 weeks pregnant and he could be here at any time. :)

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I want those nachos.

Then again, I always want all the nachos.

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Omg those nachos!!!

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We have a three day weekend here in the UK so the best part will probably be a long run on a work-free Monday :)

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Three day weekends are the best… ENJOY HANNAH and have a killer long run (followed by lots of relaxing) on Monday!

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My menu is limited.. I don’t like what some would call runners’ foods–bananas, sweet potatoes, peanut butter..

Fridays are my favorite over here on HRG! I love reading about everyone’s running accomplishments! I’m always in the mood to race after reading Fridays’ posts.

AWESOME WORK!!!

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Loved Lost! I watched the whole series when it was originally on and last summer watched it all again last summer.

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My absolute favorite way to have a sweet potato is with some shredded chicken and barbeque sauce! Yes I got that from you. I’m ready to try those baked fries now too! The windiest race I’ve ever been in was this January in Key West. During the night hurricane warnings came out! They changed the course to make it ‘safer’ and then delayed it 2 hrs. It was SO hard to run – I wish I had been given some tips because I sure didn’t have any!

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Fridays might be my favorite day on HRG, I mean I love it everyday, but seeing everyone’s accomplishments is SUPER cool and inspiring!
Today was extra exciting when I was reading through them and I saw my high school/town in the background of the Covenant Kids half marathon! I mean no one lives by me in Michigan…until I saw Ashley’s (and her adorable daughter) recap on her half right down the road from me :) I was suppose to run that half but my ITB had a mind of its own. So cool to see!
Congrats to everyone and all they’ve done!!

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Hi Melissa! It’s nice to have another HRG follower in MI!! The race was awesome and actually a beautiful morning for April. Hopefully you can schedule another half when your ITB is better :)

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The windiest race was def the Big Sur marathon this past Sunday. Headwinds basically the entire race. I got to the top of Hurricane point (they call it that for a reason!) and the wind nearly knocked my feet from under me! I just kept my head down (b/c my hat flew off my head and I had to go back uphill to chase it) and leaned into the wind to get through. Still my favorite race.

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Those. Sweet. Potato. Nachos!!! I love nachos of all shapes and sizes. And also sweet potatoes. I’ve been roasting chunks in coconut oil or olive oil. I’m worried I’d mess up the sweet potato nachos, but I still want to try them.

And LOST! I know I watched the first couple of seasons when it first aired, and then fell out of it until the last season. I should go back and rewatch all of it.

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Mmm, those sweet potato nachos look SO good. I may have to make those tonight! I love eating sweet potatoes with spinach and eggs.

I always watched LOST when it was on TV. I remember watching the series finale when I was studying abroad in Italy and being so heartbroken that it was over. I haven’t watched it since then!

This weekend is one of the biggest races in Philly (and biggest 10 miler in the country) –> the Broad Street Run! I’ll be running it with my students on Sunday so I’m super excited. I even painted “Broad Street” on my nails for the occasion. Have a great weekend!!

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Best part of the weekend- hanging out with Mitch’s sassy grandmother.
I haven’t road raced TOO many times in my life, but in high school we had this track race where it was so windy, our coach just laughed at us and told us that today would not be our day. But a windy run now-a-days: lets see what kind of toughness I’ve got ;) And, FORM!!!
I have heard of people putting sweet potatoes in smoothies and this is something I need to try A$AP.

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I am running my second half marathon on Sunday when the weather is predicted to be RAINY and WINDY! Have never experienced these conditions on race day- any advice?

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I ran a really windy half yesterday in Albuquerque during a wind advisory! 25-MPH winds.
I could almost fly! The best was at the turnaround then the wind was at my back.

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