Hello! It’s us.
“Going to school at home is easy” -said no-one ever.
Last night we went over to my parents’ to see how they are doing. My dad just started working parts of the day at home and he is still making a great recovery, it just takes a lot of time (a month ago he fell and hit his head really hard).
The best thing we ate yesterday—> we went out for some milkshakes from CHOM and they were so beyond good. I had the oreo, Brooke had chocolate and Andrew had PB cup.
The normal ‘getting ready for bedtime stall by telling me all about her day and what she is going to get me for my birthday and why she thinks Beretta is the best pup there ever was’ thing.
Never quite fully alone;)
IT IS BANGS FRIEND BIRTHDAY TODAY!!! Feel free to wish her a happy birthday. She is the best of the best and she makes me laugh really hard. When I first moved to California, Katie (Bangs) heard through church that I had just moved there and had a new baby so before she even met me, she brought over an amazing dinner and dessert for us. Who does that? Oh Katie does. She is beyond nice with the perfect amount of sass thrown in;)
I’ve narrowed down to 5 different options of birthday cake for my birthday (pictures from Layered). Andrew said I could choose whichever one I want and he will make it.
Please vote to help me out because decisions are rough.
A- Neapolitan Cake
B- Chocolate Coconut Cake
C- Red Velvet Cake
D- Peanut Butter Lover’s Chocolate Bomb Cake
E- Cookies and Creme Cake
Brooke is really pushing for this one:
Also, while we are on the subject of birthdays, Andrew’s bday is on PI DAY. I’m thinking we need a huge
Time to get Knox today!
If you train for endurance races then you most definitely put in a bunch of long runs each training cycle. I’m sure there are plenty of you with spring marathons and 1/2 marathons on the calendar so here are some things you can do to keep those long runs exciting!
1. INCLUDE FARTLEKS!!! Whether it is structured or not. You could run a bit faster during each chorus of the music you are listening to or each time you see a road sign ahead of you. Or you can do something like 10 x 2 minutes hard followed by 2 minutes easy. It’s amazing how adding some speed to my long run really breaks up the mileage for me. Suddenly a 15 miler turns into 5 miles, 40 minutes of interval work and another 5 miles… that sounds more doable to me:)
2. I have done this in the past more than I do now but do the first half of your long run on the treadmill and watch a show while you run and the second half outside. This is especially helpful during the winter when it is freezing and being outside for 1.5 hours is a lot better than being outside for 3 hours.
3. Take a debit card with you and stop at a gas station or store along the way and treat yourself to some sort of refreshing/cold drink to get you through the rest of the way.
4. Have a local shorter race going on near you? Sign up and include that as part of your long run… w/u + race + c/d = long run.
5. Sometimes it’s really nice to just be bored. It’s nice to not have a screen stimulating us or music/words keeping us thinking. Sometimes to make your long runs exciting, embrace the nothingness. How often do we get time each day to just think and be. I feel like all day long we have a million things going on so letting your long run being a time of brain slowness sounds heavenly to me some days.
6. Every now and then, take some candy with you for your fuel on your long run… proven to keep things delicious and exciting on the long run (I’ve tried… skittles, starburst, gummy bears and licorice and they all work magically).
7. Have someone drop you off x miles away from your house and run home. That way you have to hit your mileage goal that day in order to get home.
8. Form focus. For each two miles of your long run, focus on different areas that your form needs help on. Arm swing, stride, foot placement, posture, hips etc. Dedicate portions of your long run to working on your form and this will benefit you big time on race day.
9. Start at your house and run the 16 miles or whatever from your house and if you have Uber in your area, take one back to your house. I LOVE point to point courses and throwing those into my long runs sometimes really makes them more exciting. I know Dorothy does this and I love it!
10. Go out with a purpose. For me sometimes I leave thinking that during this run I want to come up with 1 way I can be a better mom/step-mom to Brooke and Knox. A fun surprise I can do for Andrew. Three ways I want to improve my work. A solution to a specific problem… etc. Sometimes I will set the purpose of a long run to be to calm/relax me or to come up with a strategy. Having a purpose for the run beats the boredom for me.
11. Include some strides/surges. Similar to long runs but for the last few miles of your long run include a few 90 seconds of strides where you pick up your pace a bunch and then recover before doing it again.
12. Sometimes if I am out running and I start feeling bored I try to remember WHAT IS HAPPENING. I listen to my feet hitting the ground or focus on my breathing or try to feel my muscles pumping. Remembering the fact of how incredible it is that we get to move our bodies like this takes away any boredom I am feeling… at least for a little while.
13. Run the race course. One year when I was training for Utah Valley Marathon, we ran the course for every 20 miler that we did. I find my long run is much more interesting when I am running the course I am preparing for because I really spend a lot of my brain power thinking about the course, race day and figuring out how to prepare for the hard parts.
14. Odds and evens… for your odd numbered miles try running easy and then for your even numbered miles add in focus, pump those arms and get close to race pace. You’ll be too busy trying to figure out what mile you are on that you’ll be quite entertained.
15. Go the opposite direction than you normally go.
16. If you don’t have a buddy training for a longer race to run with, recruit different waves of friends to come along throughout your long run. One could start with you and at mile 6 you could switch with another friend etc. I used to do this for a marathon when Josse was injured… one friend would meet me for the first 8-10 miles and then I had another to meet me for the second portion.
17. DIFFERENT SURFACES!!!! Use different surfaces during your long run. One strong marathon training cycle that I had I would start my long run on the trails to get in some dirt and hill work and finish on the roads. Switch off with the pavement, dirt, grass, track, sidewalks to keep things interesting and to build some strength!
18. Do you have any water where you live? Lake, ocean, river, reservoir? My long runs near water (usually rivers for me) are always my favorite.
19. FAST FINISH LONG RUNS. I am pretty positive that these are what helped me to get into the best race shape of my life (too bad my stomach had different ideas at the time though and I missed my marathon). My coach would have me do the first portion ‘easy’ and then finish the last 4-10 miles at race pace… and sometimes finish my long run fast miles a little bit faster than race pace.
20. Join a running club. Meeting a group of people for a long run makes it infinitely more exciting to me.
21. Sometimes I call up one of my brothers and talk to them through my headphones (while my phone is in my fuel belt). That definitely keeps it entertaining… I also know on Saturday mornings if I get a phone call from my brother in Kentucky, I get to talk to him for a few of his miles.
22. Listen to something different than you normally do. I have a friend that would download one of their all-time favorite movies and just listen to the movie (and visualize each scene in their head) for their 2 hour run. Do a podcast (here are some good ones) if you never do those, an audio book, a different genre of music or run without tunes until those last few miles so it feels like a treat.
23. Sing out loud to your music. I do this often and not only does it entertain me but I’m sure it must entertain the cars going by… when certain songs come on, I can’t not sing (unless I am doing speed).
24. No long running buddies? See if you can recruit someone to ride their bike next to you. Andrew has done this for me a few times and my dad used to drive with me while I ran if it was dark outside and it kept things entertaining.
25. I think we all love running for the fact you can just leave from your front door BUT if you are bored with your long runs, maybe take a drive to a brand new place. Research gorgeous new areas that you could drive to and you won’t be bored because you’ll be too busy trying not to get lost and taking in all of the new scenery.
My mom added an idea on a way to make your long run more exciting… “Just cut your long run short.”
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How do you keep your long runs entertaining?
Who has a spring race they are training for?!?
Which cake would you have for your bday? A, B, C, D, E, Brooke’s choice or other?
Who else has a bday coming up? How old are you turning?
-31!
108 comments
Jen W.
My favorite long run from this training cycle has been to run from my house to my favorite cafe, and then I have some treats and text my husband to come and pick me up :) It’s 7.5 miles from my house, but I can modify the route to make it longer. I love the motivation :)
I have to vote for that rainbow cake that Brooke is loving! It’s beautiful. The Neopolitan is probably my 2nd vote :)
Races–my next race that I’m truly racing is the Shamrock 1/2 in VA Beach in March. Last year I PRed there, but it was also when the stress fracture in my femur roared its ugly head, so I have a lot of emotions going into this! Hoping to PR under the new (FANTASTIC, MUCH MUCH MUCH BETTER!!!!!!!!! AWESOME!) new coach that I’ve been working with since last summer :)
Lisa
I’d choose D, I love peanut butter. I’m turning 35 march 7th.
Chrissy
I would also choose peanut butter, and I turn 31 on March 7th. :D
Lisa B
:)
Natalie
Those are some great ideas! I really like the odds and evens one and need to try that soon. I don’t listen to music while I run, but I will sing songs in my head (and sometimes out loud) while I’m running. I also just use the time during a long run to get some hardcore thinking and praying done.
I definitely vote for Brooke’s cake. That looks absolutely delicious!! And happy birthday to BANGS friend!
Tina@GottaRunNow
Your mom’s long run tip – funny! I made a rainbow cake for my daughter’s 25th birthday and loved it so even though it’s not on your list – that’s my pick! I hope you have the best birthday!
Meagan
I have to side with Brooke for the rainbow cake! Nothing beats a rainbow cake!
Kristina C
D – as long as it has chocolate too. Chocolate and peanut butter alway win for me!
For me, changing courses keeps me the most entertained. If I run the same route too much, I get bored and feel sluggish. Switching it up is always exciting!
Laurie
I say definitely the cookies and cream cake…..of course with some vanilla ice cream to off set the chocolate ?
alisha
I would choose C or E. I love cream cheese frosting (red velvet) and the frosting on the cookies and cream looks really good. I mean, it is ALL about the frosting. So the frosting is how I would make this decision if I was you. Also, yesterday you asked about apples. I love pink ladies too, and only buy those, but I also discovered Opal apples (which look like golden delicious – and I hate gold delicious b/c they are mushy, and I hate mushy apples) but Opals are yellow, sweet, tart, and crunchy! They have a short season, so grab them at Trader Joe’s or your grocery when they are in season in the fall. ;)
Alexis Brooke
D!! Peanutbutter and chocolate might be my favorite combo! :)
Great tips for those long runs!!
Kristin
My vote is for cookies and cream cake, mostly because I LOVE Oreos. I went for years not eating them because I had issues with good food/bad food associations. Once I focused on balance and a healthy relationship with food, I rediscovered Oreos (and bacon, too! Separately, not together.)
I just turned 32 on Groundhog’s Day. My husband and kids made me a chocolate Oreo cake. From scratch chocolate cake filled with homemade Oreo creme frosting (vanilla buttercream with huge chunks of Oreos folded in) and chocolate frosting on the outside. Just enough awesome Oreo flavor without the Oreos getting all mushy and stale.
Sally @ sweatoutthesmallstuff
Definitely Brooke’s rainbow cake choice!
Podcasts and audiobooks are my favorite way to stay entertained on long runs.
I have three spring half marathons that I need to start training for. Trying to heal up my hamstrings first so this could be dicey.
Love run in philly in march, New Jersey half in April and Brooklyn half in May.
Cheryl
I vote for D. All PB all the time for me. :)
And I love your mom’s idea!!
Susan
Peanut Butter Bomb!!
Brandy H.
All of those cakes look amazing! I would go with B or D. Because chocolate and coconut are the best together. But so is chocolate and PB!!!!
I will be 37 on April 1st (I think I have heard all of the jokes growing up associated with being an April Fools baby!).
meredith (The Cookie ChRUNicles)
any cake that has chocolate is the way to go! I used to take jelly beans with me on my long runs!
Amy
A or E- I made a similar rainbow cake for my youngest daughter’s 5 birthday a few years back ;-) it was a hit
Gretchen
Love your mom’s suggestion!! LOL that’s something my husband would say! I love listening to podcasts that tell stories (I can’t listen to audio books for some reason but podcasts are fine!). I particularly like This American Life because it tells a few different stories in an hour. An hour of listening = 6 miles done for me, so I’ll just cue up a few episodes, and think of each episode of a chunk of running instead of thinking of the entire distance that I have to cover! Saying I have 3 episodes to listen to is much easier than saying I have to run 18 miles.
Lynn @ The Not Dead Yet Blog
Go with cake D! So pretty.
I haven’t gotten bored on my runs yet, but that’s because I’m only up to 4 miles. I’m training for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, though, and I have my first 5 mile run on Friday. I think it will be too hard to be boring, but I hope to eventually get to the point where longer runs are boring! Podcasts are a good way to pass time. I like She-Explores (I’m on one of the episodes!) and This American Life.
Alyssa
Either B or D! I’m a sucker for coconut and for peanut butter anything but I can’t choose between them.
Podcasts are definitely my favorite because every time it’s different (whereas music can get old because you’ve heard the same song so many times.) And it’s like having someone talk to you and tell you stories without having to respond, so you don’t get even more out of breath ;)
Jenn
Great post! I did a 20 mile training run on Sunday – the first non-marathon run of that distance in a long time. On weekday mornings since I normally run early, I’m on the treadmill for 8-12 miles. (I get so bored.) So, for my Sunday run, I like to get outside because I can run a little later and there are a lot more people out on the trails which makes me feel safer.
I live in the VA suburbs outside of Washington DC, so I drove the 30 mins to downtown, and ran around the monuments, to the capitol building, over the bridge into Virginia and onto one of the trails there, then back to my car in DC for 20 miles. It was fantastic! A wonderful change of scenery and it really minimized any boredom because I rarely get the chance to run there anymore. There were also a bunch of other runners out there so I didn’t feel like I was doing the long run by myself!
Lynn @ The Not Dead Yet Blog
Running around the monuments is one of my favorites! Einstein is near Lincoln, if you haven’t seen it yet, it’s fun to stop there, too.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh I want to run with you guys in DC! Sounds amazing!
Desiree @ A Girl's Best Friend
Throughout the week I try to use the same loop for each run, and then switch it up on the long runs. New scenery = happy run.
My spring training is for my first marathon!!
I think you should choose E, although Brooke’s is a close second.
Tracy
C Red Velvet is always the best choice:)
Lisa @ TechChick Adventures
My vote is for cake D. With “bomb” in the title, you can’t go wrong! Very good suggestions for long runs. If I’m running along, new podcasts are my go to. It’s just like someone is running with you and chatting it up. It sure makes my time go by faster. I also do the half treadmill / half outside idea. Most cases it’s because it’s still dark out in the morning when I start, and I don’t want to wear a headlamp.
jen
I vote for Cake E. Looks delish!
Lauren
I would go with E – I’m not too sure I’ve ever found anything that beats cookies and creme!
The photo problem appeared again – I’m missing some from the beginning of the post :(
I love all your long run tips – thank you! I’m going to try the movie idea, that sounds amazing – The Lion King is a firm favourite and they have some wonderful songs so that should work pretty well! When I go on long runs I make sure I have a happy song every 4 songs – that was not only do I get to listen to my favourite music, I also know I’ve done over a mile and that makes me super happy :)
Kristina Running
All of those cakes sound amazing but I would have to go with D. Anything with pb just has my heart! Plus you know, pb has protein so that makes the cake healthy.
I love your suggestions for running, but think it’s so funny that you suggest running half on the treadmill and half outdoors during the winter. I do the exact opposite! During the summer I do half and half so that the heat doesn’t kill me, but during the winter I love being outdoors! :)
Allison
Glad to hear your dad is doing better! That is so sweet how you and Katie met. My church has somewhat of a program like that, where people already living in the area get matched up with people who just moved or even new members to the church. I’ve never volunteered for it, but you’re making me want to now!
I would definitely be picking an ice cream cake for my birthday, although I do love Brooke’s choice, too…
Salina
The chocolate peanut butter one (D)! The cookies and creme one looks good also but you just cant beat that chocolate and peanut butter combo in my opinion.
I love all of your suggestions for keeping long runs interesting. I do 1 and 12 the most and will have to try out some more of your suggestions. Thank you for this list!!
Erica
Ymmmmy E! I like anything oreo.
Mel_OutRunCF
I totally understand you Andrew! I did my 2-year postdoctoral fellowship while taking care of a toddler… they should hand out special medals for that haha Those cakes all look amazing and I’m impress with your husband being able to make that! Good job on picking your guy ;-) Just started 16-week training program for a half marathon in May. Feels good to have a goal to work for!
Gabrielle from Austria
– Brooke’s rainbow cake
-race in April, my first trail marathon (OMG)
-my b-day feb 14 (52)
– my husband’s b-day march 14 also!
-great long run tips! currently I run at the course
Paul
Cake choice: B or E
Hollie
I think for me, running with friends makes a long run go by quickly. I feel like gossiping and just catching up makes the time fly by.
I just tried bourbon cake last night which is my new favorite.
Kori
All those cakes look sooo good – I’d have to go with E. Cookies and Creme!
I think I’ve done all 25 things listed to keep my long runs interesting, except for the 1/2 treadmill 1/2 outside!
Ashley
Chocolate coconut for life!! That cake looks amazing!
Mrs. B
EASY! RAINBOW CAKE ALLLLL DAY!
I had a piece of rainbow cake w/ buttercream frosting at a NBA game…. It made this pregos dreams come true!
Kaelin
What a guy!!! I have to bake my own birthday cakes every year.
I would pick D – PB + Choc = <3 4eva
Jessie @ The Acquired Sass
I do my long runs with a local running group 95% of the time, which is wonderful because it means friends to talk to, help keeping my pace, water stops + ever changing routes so I don’t get bored. I have to do my long run on my own this weekend & I am already dreading it. + at a much earlier time than usual. But, I know I’ll be sitting all day so it’s better to get up and moving.
CAKE : D, but E looks delicious too, I think he should bake you each one on a different day of your birthday week just so you can decide what you like best for next year. Ya know, research. ;)
My birthday is at the end of March, does that count as soon? It’s my “golden birthday” because I’ll turn 27 on the 27th.
My goal HM is April 22, but I am running a few tune up races between now and then, including one for my birthday!
Mary
3 and 6 got me through my marathon training this year. oh and running some of my long runs with my hubby. it was a nice activity we could do together with no kids or work to distract us <3
PS – I ran my first ever marathon in November – your blog was very helpful in my training and race day prep! So thank you!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
HUGE CONGRATS MARY on your first marathon this last November! Which one was it?
Mary
I ran Richmond! It was the best experience. I ran with some girlfriends – we talked most of the way which made it really fun and mad it go by relatively fast :) I finished at 4 hours, which isn’t to shabby for my first one. May sign up for marine-core next year.
But seriously love your blog. It definitely helped me with training, proper fueling, and the what to expect part of a marathon – so Thank You!
Ashley
Neapolitan Cake!! :)
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona
I’d definitely go with the cookies and creme cake!
Wendy
Oooo… all those cakes look so good! I would choose either C or E :)
My son just turned 16 (how the heck did that happen?) on Saturday. He chose a chocolate fudge bundt cake with a fudge glaze… delicious!
I have a marathon coming up on March 19, so I have several long runs ahead of me! Thanks for all the great ideas for long runs! I may throw in some fartleks today, and I may run part of my run with no music and just enjoy being outside :)
Happy Birthday to Bangs Friend!!
Katelyn
Chocolate Coconut sounds like a winner to me, happy early birthday to YOU!
Thank you for providing my daily dose of positivity and inspiration! =)
The Hungry Runner Girl
Thank YOU Katelyn for your sweet comment:)
ALYENA SHEREMETA
I download a lot of new podcasts so that it gets me excited to go outside and listen to them!
as for cake…D!!!! peanut butter, enough said :)
Tam
I think the cake that looks yummiest is D, the Peanut Butter Lover’s!
Tal
Chocolate Coconut!!!!!
Jenn
E COOKIES AND CREME ALL THE WAY!!!!
kathy
I’d definitely choose cookies n cream or PB Choc Bomb! with some vanilla ice cream of course!
Love all your suggestions! I’d also like to add that if you have a dog, to go out for a run and then the last 3-6 miles take your dog out for a run. My dog is always super excited to go out for a run which gives me more energy for those last few miles. I’ve done 8 halfs, but want to get myself to sign up for the full! however every time i run a half, i get tired thinking i’d have to do that all over again if it was a full! I have a half coming up in March (Canyonlands!) so i really need to nail my long runs!
The Hungry Runner Girl
PERFECT TIP KATHY!! I am going to start doing this too… Beretta will pep me up for those last few miles. GOOD LUCK next month and keep me updated with how your training is going and the race!
Amy
D- the peanut butter one.
Denise @ AnAcademicAthlete
I love all your tips for keeping the long run interesting. I have done many of them, but several are new and I’ll have to try them out! Love your mom’s suggestion…that would be my husband’s suggestion as well. :)
I’m training for the San Diego Half Marathon, and am shooting to break 2:00. My PR is 2:02:42, so I think it’s totally doable, but I might be building it up too much in my head. :-| Cake: I would vote for either D or E, although they all look fabulous! My birthday was last Monday, I turned 28, and had ice cream cake. :)
Annie R
I vote for the PB cake! Or the Neapolitan. You’re right…these are hard choices.
I know this is weird, but I really don’t get bored on my long runs? I’ve always been a bit of a day dreamer so maybe that’s why it’s never bothered me? Every once in a while I will run with music though, when i feel like it’s going to be a real struggle that day.
I have the Eugene Marathon in May and then I’m running a half marathon in LA this weekend!! Wish me luck!
Turning 30 in April.
Also, this is very strange, but my dad took a spill last week on the ice too and hit his head. He was walking the dog, and unfortunately pretty far from home when it happened. Luckily, a neighbor was driving by and saw that my dad was obviously dazed and walking strangely, so he gave him a ride home. While it doesn’t sound as bad as what happened to your dad (he didn’t have any major memory loss), the doctor did find a small bleed in his brain and he’s now been instructed to do what your dad did with no TV, reading, exertion, etc. Basically just has to sit in a dark room and wait to heal. It’s super scary and I’m very grateful it wasn’t worse than it was. It’s definitely made me feel like a psycho daughter too where I’m basically like NEVER LEAVE THE HOUSE AGAIN OR CALL ME EVERY TIME YOU DO. Anyway, I’d appreciate any positive vibes you have left sent toward my dad so he can heal speedily.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh Annie. I am so incredibly sorry for what happened to your dad. I get it, it is SO scary. I am so glad that the neighbor saw him and gave him a ride back. It really is so scary and I am glad it wasn’t worse but it is so hard to have this happen to someone you love so much. Sending our positive thoughts and prayers over to you right now. Please keep me updated on how he is doing.
xoxox,
Janae
Marianne
Do the rainbow cake! My friend does one every year for her daughter’s birthday and it has become my favorite day of the year! 7 layers of goodness…she does make homemade cake and icing, though…kind of a lot of work…sigh…
Nicole
i am with brooke on the cake.
ida
Peanut butter bomb!! My husband’s bday is 3/14 too-makes it easy to remember:)
Kaci @ Kaci K. RD2Be
Thanks for the tips! I struggle with anything over 10 miles and have a half marathon next month.
Either the peanut butter cake or cookies and creme! Honestly they all look good! Except the coconut-blech!
Caitlyn @ Candid Cerebrations
I love your mom’s idea! The doing a shorter race and adding on to it is one of my favorites. I like doing long runs on trails because I feel less bored since I’m busy trying not to trip. The only downside is a bit slower of a pace but hey I’m getting my miles in.
I’m training for the NYC Half which is 2 weeks after my 27th birthday. I don’t think 27 is old but I’m feeling old in the sense of why is my life flying by so quickly?! I’d go with cake B because I’m a sucker for coconut. My favorite cake is German chocolate. Mmmm. But A looks pretty good too.
Jenn
I would have to go with choice E, that just looks too amazing!
I have a half marathon next month that I am hoping to PR, training has gone really well so I’m excited :) During my longer runs I have been focusing on my form for the first few miles, then listening to podcasts for the remainder. My current favorite podcast is Tim Ferris, which I highly recommend.
Thanks so much for the great tips as always!!
-clk
I haven’t had a homemade cake in YEARS! I don’t think my husbands ever turned the oven on in our house of 6yrs we’ve been there so I don’t see him making me one anytime soon ;) so consider yourself lucky! I’d go with cookies and cream cake but if Andrew is looking for a challenge then pick Brooke’s cake!
I’m so glad your dad is feeling better and stronger each week. I slipped on ice a couple weeks ago on an 18mi training run. As it happened in slow motion I thought of your dad and made sure to keep my head from slamming the ground by keeping my head up and taking the brunt of it on my elbows. It was so scary when it happened but my friends were there to make sure I was ok and we pressed on. 4 more training runs until the Napa marathon.
Happy birthday to your sweet friend Bangs.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh that is so so scary. I am so beyond okay that you were able to protect your head and that you had friends with you. I’m SO glad you are okay and thank you for sharing with me.
Thank you for your sweet comment, it means a lot to me!
Marissa @ Run Riss Run
I love your ideas! Sometimes, I will listen to a book while running, and running with friends or at least part of the way with friends is absolutely the best!
I have a 1/2 on 2/25 and another on 3/12, so it is full on training right now!
D or E, or maybe both ;)
My oldest is turning 13 exactly a month from today!! How am I old enough to have a 13 year old??
Jennifer
*We have 2 spring races! Both half marathons. Rock CF and The Flying Pig.
*Chocolate coconut for sure!
*My birthday is Feb. 14th❤ and I’ll be 40 this year ?
*My husband and I run our long runs with a group and we run a different route each time
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! ??
Brittany
I’d choose B, Chocolate Coconut all the way!
Megan D
CHOCOLATE COCONUT!!!! And then invite me over to help you eat it. Or just let Andrew know when my birthday is. The choice is up to you.
Kristel
I choose B or D for your birthday cake……..I love coconut, so that would be my first choice, but peanut butter is awesome too! I’m sure whichever one Andrew makes, it will be delicious!
Rachael
My vote is always for chocolate!!
One sneaky thing I like to do for long runs is to incorporate it into my day as much as possible. One summer I would get up super early and run to an orchard and then my husband and kids would drive there to meet me and we would pick whatever was in season–I felt like I was taking less time out for running bc I would have been in the car anyway! A few weeks ago I ran home from my daughter’s solo and ensemble competition (I was accompanying her). My husband had to stop off at the store on their way and I felt SO victorious thst they only beat me home by 20 minutes! I always struggle with long-run guilt so any way I can work it into family life helps a lot…plus my kids love it when I run to meet them at the playground or Dairy Queen or something. Sometimes my kids will also trade off biking with me during the last few miles of LRs (some are better than others at cheerleading–one time one of my kids told me at mile 18, “Mom, I think maybe you might die, you don’t look so good!” Haha!)
Spring races–running a marathon relay with my kids (I will run the first half solo and then run the second half with them…hopefully they won’t want to sprint!) and looking for another good half. Still can’t leave my baby super long which makes it a little trickier! I don’t have any marathons on my calendar until fall. ?
jade
Brooke’s rainbow cake is #1 for me and the cookies and cream cake is a very close second. I don’t know of any guy that would actually bake a birthday cake for his wife, Andrew is gold and you so deserve it :)
Happy Birthday Bangs friend!! My daughters birthday is in February too!
Excellent long run tips! I especially like the one about running a familiar course in reverse…you know where you’re going but the scenery looks different.
Dawn Reimer
Brookes choice number one. Second would be B. Why don’t you do birthday month and have one each Sunday?
The Hungry Runner Girl
I feel like that is the best idea I have heard… an amazing cake each weekend this month? Sounds great to me… I’ll tell Andrew:)
Linda @ The Fitty
“5. Sometimes it’s really nice to just be bored.”
I needed to hear this! mY ipod is dying and I cant be listening to hour long podcasts anymore since the battery life is so poor.
Thanks for all these tips! I’m starting to incorporate more hours into running but I dont want my runs to be monotonous.
Claire
Cake D is the obvious choice!
AND! Andrew and I are birthday buddies. I’m also a pi day babe!
Amy
I like to entertain myself during runs by making “airplane arms” when I go around corners, and SMASHING fallen apples, etc. I look like an idiot, but a happy one! :)
Also, you should try fueling with mini marshmallows and pretzels. Not heavy on the stomach, but deliciously sweet & salty. Yum!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Okay, those are all brilliant ideas! I LOVE the airplane arms (I’m going to have to copy you) and I really want to try the combo of mini marshmallows and pretzels. I love it, thank you Amy!
Marjie
Absolutely go with D–Peanut butter bomb!
Sarah Bahl
Rainbow all the way!!!!!!
Cindy from Nebraska
I chose “D”….peanut butter and chocolate together are heavenly in my opinion.
My son, who is grown now (he’s 32), has a peanut allergy and when he was home, we couldn’t have peanuts or peanut butter in the house. Now that he is gone, I can’t get enough of it!
I love your Mom’s comment about the long run. Is your mom a runner, or has she ever been? Her and I would probably get along.
I am not a runner and never have been, but I do exercise on a regular basis (I am 55 and my knees just can’t take running). I just wanted you to know that even though I don’t run, I love your blog and following your little family. Brooke and Knox remind me of my grandchildren….I have 5 and two of them are the same age (of Brooke and Knox).
The Hungry Runner Girl
She has done some running in her past but her dad and brother were INCREDIBLE runners (her brother set a record for California one year in high school)!
Oh a peanut allergy would be rough! You have a lot of making up to do:) Seriously thank you for your sweet comment, it means the world to me! Those five grandkids are so incredibly lucky to have you! Enjoy the rest of your day Cindy and thank you so much!
Jasmine
Our birthdays are on the same day:)!! I’ll be turning 20 this year. Red velvet is my all time favourite cake but the cookies and cream one looks delicious!! Maybe he could make mini versions of them all?;)
The Hungry Runner Girl
OH this is awesome Jasmine! I hope you have a perfect 20th birthday and we will send you one:)
Becky
Its hard to choose between the cakes. I say chocolate coconut wins.
I listen to podcasts. Any suggestions from anyone? Always looking for new ideas.
Happy Birthday to your friend!
AmandaM
cake B. because it looks like a wedding cake :)
Ms. C
Pick red velvet. My birthday is February 12th. I am not having cake for the month…?
Nina
I love both coconut and peanut butter, but I really like the way that cookies and creme cake looks. So I’d pick that one for you (and I think I’d take the pb one for myself, haha).
Last year the weather was horrific on the day I planned my 18 miler. I ran 1/2 on the treadmill and when the weather cleared my friend met me for the other 9 miles. I could have kissed her, seriously. Other times I run with friends or I pick a new place to run.
I still haven’t signed up for any races. One half I thought about doing wanted $80 and I just couldn’t justify it. I’ve run it before, it’s not my favorite, and I guess I’m just not motivated enough.
TRacey
Poor Andrew
Lee
Peanut butter bomb cake……please have Andrew make one for me.
3/14 is my brother in law’s birthday, too!
Kristin
Happy birthday Katie! ?
Today is my birthday too! I’m 37.
Elizabeth Brown
The cake thing is obviously the peanut butter bomb. It eliminates guilt with the protein and it will taste amazing.
Jen
Hope you have a Happy Birthday! My 45th ? is next week. I try to just embrace the long run and enjoy the time alone and break from emails/text etc. Just ran Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans on Sunday and am running Vermont marathon Memorial Day weekend.
Loribeth
Definitely E!!!! I have a birthday this month…..27th………I will be 32 but I still feel about 26! I want cookie cake for mine☺ My sister’s birthday is pi day! Those tips are great-i run on a paved path near the TN river that has mile markers and water fountains-i can run about 10miles before it ends then turn around so long runs are easy and marked for me! And I have a race in a little over 3 weeks! Have a great day!
Tiffany
um..B or C?
Can Andrew make me a birthday cake?!?! Those look so good!!!
Shannon Maxon
I love Brooke’s choice!! Rainbow and sprinkles, what could be better?! I love these running ideas! I love running on the trails and focusing on my arms pumping while I’m running on hills and taking the flat or downhill surfaces as my “break”. Even though there really is no break it helps me mentally! Hahah. Also, my birthday is June 7! I share my birthday with my dog and I am turning 23 and he will be 2!
kelly
I’d go for E because it looks the most “doable” and I’d worry about the person making a cake that is complicated. Besides, when is cookies and cream a bad choice? never….. This is also why I love chocolate vanilla swirl-it cuts the decision making down and you get both!
I love point to point runs! Those are my favorite way to get the distance in. I do not listen to music so I really come up with some ways to keep me entertained. I live in Germany so my favorite thing to do is compare the various church steeples in each village and try to memorize them so when I am out cycling or driving I can play “I know where I am.” Also, it’s so lovely to hear the church bells ring as I go about my merry way.
Happy Birthday month! I turned 47 in December.
Thanks for your fun and lively post!
Tess Moore
Happy Birthday Bands Friend!!
I’d choose chocolate coconut or cookies and creme….however they all look amazing!!! and ambitious to make!!!!
Ioana
I’m not an athlete but a serious runner. I’m training for a half marathon with SportMe running app which calculates distance, pace, time and calories and adjusts running plans to my progress.
Amanda W.
Great long run tips! Thanks!
Any and all of those cakes look amazing and not simple! I bake a lot and some of those look intemindating to me! I think we need Andrew to do Vlog making the cake or at least take pics in process and blog about it! I am impressed he is going to make one of those beauties!
I am a simple classic cake girl. My fave being chocolate sheet cake but baked in a 9×13; my second fave being Chocolate with white icing (from scratch). I also LOVE a good from scratch yellow cake with Chocolate icing;) There are also some great homemade funfetti cakes on sally’s baking addiction blog;)
BUT–if I had to choose one of those fancy choices—I would do the Oreo or I might do Brooke’s bc I am always swayed to make my children happy:)
Lew
I was going to vote for A, then I looked at D and E…
Marti
“Just keep your long run short.” ROFLOL That is great! I like your mom and I haven’t even met her.
Eri
Those milkshakes sound so yummy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ahhhh now I am definitely craving for some.
Odds and even miles sounds like a great idea. I should definitely try that!
Hannah
Birthday cake vote: D. for DEFINITELY choose D.
Two reasons: 1 – You can’t get a better couple than chocolate and pb. 2 – the shape is pretty fun!
Krista @ Gringita
Happy birthday bangs friend! You’re the best. Dang now I want a milkshake though… Also I’m on Brooke’s team that rainbow cake looks amazing. I definitely go the treat route to motivate myself to run.. bringing money to buy a vitamin water or ice cream or something, and I always promise myself an after-long run treat too if its really long or a new distance (I spoil myself because I’m single lol!)