YOUR CHANCE to run NYCM or the Chicago Marathon w/Action for Healthy Kids (and why this means so much to me).

**I have a way for you to get a free entry to either the NYCM or Chicago Marathon and help kids nationwide at the end of the post with Team Healthy Kids, don’t miss out!

The New York City Marathon.  

I ran this race almost 5 years ago and I still remember the chills that came over me approximately 4 times every mile along the course as we ran through all 5 boroughs of New York City.  Between the crowds, the sights, the masses of crowds cheering you on, the bridges, seeing NYC the best way possible (on foot)… there is absolutely nothing like the New York City Marathon.  It also helped that the post-race pizza is the absolute best there too;)  

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This race was my first race back after taking months off due to stress fractures and what a race it was for me to come back to.  I was all smiles the whole way (well, except for any hills because we all know hills eat me alive;)  It was an experience I will never forget.

I am stoked to share today a way for YOU to run the 2016 New York City Marathon or Chicago Marathon (a race that is at the top of my bucket list)!!!  

Both of these races are sold out this year but you can get a guaranteed spot at the NYCM or Chicago Marathon by running with Action for Healthy Kids!

PS I highly recommend running with your name very visible during races like these ones, it was SO fun to have people cheering me on and using my name as I ran past them!

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Two things that are near and dear to my heart are combined with running for Action for Healthy Kids—>  running and helping kids to live active and healthy lifestyles.  When I first heard about Team Healthy Kids I knew that I wanted to spread the word as much as I can because I feel so passionate about their mission.  Their athletes have raised more than $750,000 and have run over 21,000 miles!  They are a nationwide grassroots network mobilizing school professionals, parents and communities in support of school-based nutrition and physical activity programs that lead to healthier schools where kids are healthy, active and better prepared to learn!

There are many reasons why I feel so passionate about what Action for Healthy Kids is doing and one of them being educating youth on these topics is pretty near and dear to my heart.  I feel like this is kind of my thing (time for a tangent about why I feel like this is my thing):

Over the last few years I have really struggled and gone back and forth on what I want to do work-wise once Brooke goes to school full-time.  This decision has been one of those things that has kept me up late at night worrying because I would decide on one direction and feel so much anxiety about it that I couldn’t sleep.  A few weeks ago I had an ‘aha’ moment on what I want to do and I have felt so much peace about my decision ever since.  

I’m going back to teaching (and working on getting relicensed right now).  I taught health and physical education for 3 years before having Brooke and I am so excited to go back when Brooke is in 1st grade (talk about the perfect job for the two of us too…. we will have the exact same hours:).  Those years that I taught brought so much fulfillment to my life.  I felt like I was really able to make a difference in my student’s lives on topics that I think are so important.  I am beyond passionate about teaching kids/teenagers about their health (mental, physical and social health) and helping them to be active.  I cared deeply about those kiddos and doing what I could each day to help them out is something I’m very excited to do again.  It’s crazy because after I made the decision to go back to teaching again I received an email from one of my old students thanking me for what I taught her six years ago and how much it has helped her… it was complete affirmation to me that it is what I’m supposed to do.  PS I’ll keep blogging even when I go back to teaching, you can’t get rid of me that easy.

A picture of my niece wanting to join in with me the other day at the gym… It was a really good time.

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Running brings us so much joy and the fact that our miles and fundraising can help out kids all over the country to get the education and support needed to build healthy and active lifestyles—>  I feel really good about that.  

Besides getting a guaranteed spot with Team Healthy Kids, you’ll get free entry ($185 value for Chicago, $210 value for NYCM),training and nutrition tips and support from Team Healthy Kids’ running coach, a personalized fundraising page and fundraising support, and a technical running shirt.

You can run one of these amazing races and have an impact on kids nationwide!  

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Feel free to check out this inspiring video about Team Healthy Kids too!!!

And a video of Brooke running because her being active and loving to move her body makes me really happy.  Look at those little legs of hers CRUISE!!

You can get a guaranteed spot for these two sold out races by running for this amazing cause!  Fundraising minimums apply for each race, and the funds you raise go DIRECTLY to supporting schools in implementing critical nutrition education and physical activity programs that help create healthier schools and combat childhood obesity. 

******If you tell them HungryRunnerGirl sent you, you will receive a $25 gift card from Team Healthy Kids******

Email [email protected] or visit www.teamhealthykids.org to register for either marathon!!!  

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Have you run either of these marathons??  What was your experience like?

What is the biggest race that you have done?  WHO RAN BOSTON YESTERDAY… how did it go?

Were you active as a kid?  Where do you feel you learned most about being active/health from?

Share something that you are PASSIONATE about with me pretty please!!!

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44 comments

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I LOVE that you are going back to teaching! That’s so wonderful. I taught high school for seven years, and I am still very passionate about inspiring and helping young women be confident and comfortable in their own skin. Thankfully, I still get to mentor some of my former students who are in college now.

I was definitely very active as a kid and played pretty much every sport. I think it’s so important for kids to be active and healthy. It’s definitely helped me in my adult life–there are so many life lessons that are instilled in sport to help build strong character in people.

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I’ve run both NYCM and Chicago and loved them both. I really want to run Chicago again though! I love this cause! It is so important to teach kids (um, and adults!) about health, nutrition and being physically active. It hurts my heart when I see schools taking physical education out of the curriculum because it is so important. I was so active as a kid, I started running track in second grade and I was always outside playing or jumping on our trampoline or walking down the block to my friends house. I remember going on bike rides with my parents. Thank goodness they emphasized those healthy habits at such an early age! Love this!!

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I’ve never run either of those races but they’re definitely on my bucket list! Both are too close to the Philadelphia Marathon (which I’m already registered for) for me to run this year.

My mum is really active and she has always been my inspiration!

Congrats on deciding to go back to teaching!

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I ran NYC this past year and it was incredible especially since I grew up here. I still want to run Chicago, that might be my next stop although not sure when!

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I have run NYC 3 times. My first marathon ever was the 2011 nycm. :)
Chicago is on my bucket list.
Love that you have plans to return to teaching when Brooke is in 1st grade.

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How awesome that we can support and contribute to amazing initiatives like this one through doing what we love most (i.e. running) , right?!

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i’m dreaming of running chicago someday because it’s my hometown. so beautiful. and I hear it’s a flat course which is always a plus haha! also, you should look into the Girls on the Run program when you go back to teaching. I’m a coach and it is amazingly rewarding to work with girls to instill a passion for running and living a healthy, positive life both inside and out at a young age. it’s awesome and I know a lot of schools across the country have it as an after school program.

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So this is not a give away. You are just suggesting a charity.

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Yeah, sorry! Both races are sold out and so I wanted to share a way that you could still run the races and support an awesome charity!

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That is awesome that you have decided to go back to teaching!! I got my Masters in Health Promotion and Education and am very passionate about childhood health too. The childhood obesity rates in our country are so high and it is so sad to me. What a great way to get people involved with such a wonderful cause.

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Wow what an awesome organization! I just got accepted to grad school for the fall and am going to get my Master’s of Public Health with a concentration in Physical Activity and Healthy Lifestyles. This organization is exactly the type of work I want to do! Teaching kids to be physically active is so important, especially introducing them to different types of activities. Thanks for sharing with us!
I’ve never ran either marathon (or a marathon at all) but would love to run either one someday.

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I loved running and dance as a kid. I’m pretty sure it’s just something I learned by watching my family growing up. My oldest brother ran track and cross country, my other brother did several sports, my sister was a swimmer, and I got to go to all of the games and meets with my moms. She started running when my brother did too, and I’d try to run with them. Since then I’ve been a runner. I’m hoping that my staying active will help my kids see its importance and will be active in their way because of it.

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What an awesome organization! Neither Chicago nor NYCM are on my bucket list. I prefer smaller races and there are so many West Coast marathons to run!

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I love this! Brooke is going to have a blast and so are you. Plus – your blog is so much fun and inspirational that it makes me want to become one of your students. Good luck finishing up your certification – this is so exciting!

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That’s so exciting you’re going back to teaching! And how cool that your old student emailed you recently. That’s awesome. I would love to run Chicago someday, that’s slowly going on to my bucket list!

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Boston was the largest race we have run and it was awesome!

So cool that you have decided on your career plans. We know that you will rock at your teaching come back!

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Back to teaching…..YEAH so happy for you and your decision. Very lucky students!!! (especially the girls)
Chris and I will be waiting for the year you run Chicago. We will come cheer!
And Brooke: very fast little one, your mama better watch out.

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Wow, you are going to have a track star on your hands! She’s so speedy.
What a great cause and a great way to run a marathon! As a kid, my siblings and I always played outside. That was really the only thing that kept me active. My brother played baseball though and seeing him workout always made me want to workout. I think the Tackling Childhood Obesity program is great as well. Anything that can get kids active and thinking about health at a young age is very important.

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I guess I always assumed you’d go back to teaching because there is so much joy in your back-blog entries when you talk about teaching and the kids. I probably shouldn’t have assumed but I’m glad to hear that you are and that the choice is bringing you peace and joy.

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I guess I don’t know why I thought about doing anything else ha. You are right… teaching and those kiddos brought me so much happy! Thanks for reading over the years and I hope you are having a beautiful day!

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That’s exciting Janae and I’m glad you are getting back to teaching. I think running any race for charity is such a good idea. I’ve done a few and most memorable was raising money for an Eating Disorder Center.

Do you think you’ll run NYCM or Chicago with Healthy kids? That would be awesome if we could run together :-).

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I ran NYC in 2014 and had an absolute blast. It so far is the only marathon I’ve done and was a big bucket list item, even before I started running! It is an expensive race, but totally worth it. I hope to go back one day to run it again, but I have to wait to save up again :-)

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That is really awesome that you’re going back to teaching and I know you have so much window to offer when it comes to physical fitness!

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Congratulations on making a decision! Sounds like the right one. :)
I want to run both those races…and I can’t wait to get back into marathoning next year! (Can’t this year…until after December ;-)). What a great way to do it with this cause!

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I’m signed up with Team Healthy Kids to run the NYC Marathon this year, and I can’t wait!

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OH WHITNEY!! That is seriously so awesome! Will you keep me updated with how it all goes!?!

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Of course!! :)

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Yay for going back to teaching eventually! I am a music teacher, so I always enjoyed reading your blog when you taught during the day. I hope it isn’t too tough to get back into in your state. In PA, there are never enough job openings for the “specials” teachers (music, art, phys ed, etc). Good luck!!! Yay!!

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Congratulations on your decision to go back into teaching! Lucky students to have a teacher so enthusiastic about fitness.
I ran Chicago last year – first marathon ever – it was amazing (and yes, flat!). I loved it so much that I signed up again this year. Janae – if you were to sign up for Chicago/Team Healthy Kids, I would donate! There are so many charities offering slots to Chicago – it is nice to see THK highlighted here!

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I would love to run either of those races (so cool!!!) I was pretty active as a kid, my mom really taught me a lot about health and balance in my life. I am super passionate about running, health, and balance. I am also a teacher and I have definitely found a career that gives me meaning and purpose, not to mention that I work the same hours as my husband (who is also a teacher) and my kiddos.

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Great decision! I can’t wait to follow you in your adventures back into teaching. Good luck!

Chicago and NYC are some of my most favorite and memorable marathons! The year I did Chicago they eventually cancelled mid-race. It was so hot in 2007 they were not prepared for it. I was past the cut-off so was able to finish. Despite the heat and the emerency craziness it’s still one of my favorites. I’d like to go back and do it again. I ran the NYC marathon in 2013 3.5mo after my daughter was born. What an amazing race! I’m working on doing all the World Major marathons. I’ve only got the international ones left. I just submitted my name in the lottery for the London marathon. Fingers crossed!

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I’m so excited for you to hear that you’re going back to teaching! This is a profession that needs passionate people and I have no doubt that you’ll inspire so many students with your positivity! Teaching is a job that has brought me so much joy, and if you’re a working mom, it’s a pretty awesome gig since you have the same time off as your own kids. Chicago and New York would be a dream! They’re both on my one-day-bucket-list of marathons. Happy running!

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Just a reminder to all that there are a TON of other charities with other unique causes! I’ve been seeing a lot of promotion for Action for Healthy Kids on various blogs and it makes me feel for the little guys who could also use the funds. Do your research all! Tons of causes to support!

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I see SkinnyRunner candids!

I was always very active as a kid, still am for the most part, I think I got it from boredom, I didn’t really have an “active role model” so I must get it naturally. My son takes after me and just wants to be outside moving all the time, my daughter takes some pushing. She sees me being active and understands the importance but couldn’t care less about it.

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Such an awesome post!! Part of my dietetic internship was to attend Texas Action for Healthy Kids conference and it is such a needed and positive program throughout the schools! Awesome endorsement :)

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Yay! A huge congrats to you on getting relicensed, and I can’t wait for you to be back out there doing what you love. I can’t even imagine how many hearts you are going to reach.

I am teaching 7th/8th grade language arts, and am seriously considering getting a health/P.E. endorsement in a few years–maybe, who knows. :)

I am so very happy for you!

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I haven’t run nycm but I did try the lottery for the first time. I didn’t get it so maybe next year!

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Janae,
I’m so excited you are going to return to teaching!!!! As a teacher myself, I know how rewarding it is to help students grow as people overall. You absolutely have the heart of a teacher :). Congratulations!

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I was overweight a large portion of my life so am very much in favor of organizations like these!

Both times I ran NYCM I raised money and ran with Team for Kids a great cause which helps get children active especially in impoverished areas.
I also ran Chicago (but through lottery not charity). I am from NYC but must say would run Chicago over NYCM again. It is just so much simpler logistically! plus I had an awful race there and would eventually like to redeem it.

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Well now, congrats on the return to teaching!!! I bet you are such a fun teacher!!!!

Action for Healthy Kids looks like a great charity! I will have to look to see if there are international marathon options since I live overseas. Currently I am using the Charity Miles app, will see if they are listed!! I support Every Mother Counts-it is very near and dear to my heart having been a maternity nurse for over 10 years (I now work in a school).

The biggest races I’ve done is Canada and Couer de ‘Alene Ironman-those were my first two marathons, too! Portland Marathon was quite fun and festive and Eugene Marathon was just cool because I grew up there and remember going to watch some great track meets at Hayward Field (I had no idea at the time how amazing it was to watch that field of athletes!)

My mom was a runner who started in her 30’s! Then she became a competitive master runner. I was mostly active as a swimmer, then combined running and cycling so by the time I was in my late teens and early 20’s I was loving triathlons. I think it was so fun and social to be active-you meet a lot of different people and can “commiserate” and celebrate together. I have FOND memories of my mom and I running together on weekends while I was in high school then going out for breakfast.

Have a great week everyone!!!

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This is an amazing plan! I am so passionate about developing healthy habits in kids early on, so that they can grow into healthy, happy adults. I was raised to be an active/healthy eating kid (within moderation. Definitely still ate lots of treats too!), and that has carried over into my adult life seamlessly. I am not picky, I love all kinds of fresh fruit and veggies, and I know that I feel better when I’m outside being active, not vegging at home.

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So stoked that you will be heading back into the classroom!

Happy teacher appreciation week from one teacher to another! ❤️❤️❤️

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I’m so excited to hear you’re going to teach again!! I’m a middle school teacher and I just love it when I meet/stalk another teacher online!!

I would love to do nycm…I’ve never run a full before!!

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I like to think that we, your readers, are not *selfish* exactly, but rather totally dedicated and addicted to your casual, interesting, informative, funny, and way real blog. But my first reaction was, “she’s going back to teaching? But what about her blog? I NEED it!” So thank you so much for assuring me (errr….us) that you will continue blogging. And if it gets to be a bit too much understand that shorter blogs are better than no blogs. And that if you don’t have pictures every day that is okay. And if you need to blog just once or twice a week that is fine too. Just don’t stop! We need you in our lives!!!!

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