Let’s celebrate running. What is it about running that has stolen my heart?

I think today is the absolute perfect day to celebrate running, don’t you agree?  I’m excited to share what running means to me along with the biggest reasons why I run.  I’d love to hear what running means to you today too! This post is sponsored by CLIF!  Thank you for supporting us and our sponsors, it means a lot to us!

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Want to know one of the biggest reasons I’ve wanted to become a running coach for so many years now?  Because I really love running (I bet you could have answered that for me;).

Running has changed me.  It has brought me some of my best friends, it has taught me some of life’s most important lessons and it is the activity that starts off my day in the best way possible.  Helping other people to have these same amazing rewards from running is the best payback that I can think of.  I can’t wait to help people to reach their goals, to feel that accomplishment and to realize their strength.  I think that coaching will be the perfect way for me to continue celebrating running with as many people as possible each day.

Running is hard though. Really hard.  Whether it be that dead leg feeling we get in the last few miles of our race, the disappointment that comes with injury or the whole waking up early on a weekend to go out in crazy temperatures to run, it can be really hard.  One of my favorite quotes from Kara Goucher is, “Nothing in my life has ever broken my heart the way running has.  And yet I cannot breathe without it.”

While her ups and downs in running have been beyond more intense than mine have been, I do relate with what she said.  There have been so many times that I have trained as hard as I possibly could and still did not hit my goals or even make it to the starting line.  To dream of a goal and work as hard as you know how and then end up with an injury is hard.  I think the St. George Marathon 1.5 years ago probably broke my heart the most.  I spent four months working with a coach and doing the hardest workouts I have ever done, knowing that my sub 3 marathon was just days away, only to not make it to the starting line.

With all of the hard things that I’ve experienced with running over the last 19 (NINETEEN) years of running, how does it continue to be something that I love so much?  What is it about running that makes us forget all of the hard patches along the way?

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I think that for me personally there have been thousands of different answers to this question over the years too.  Different seasons of life most definitely brought about different answers to this question.  When I first started running it was a way to spend time with my sister and for her to think I was cool:)  In my 20’s it ranged from my competitiveness to having my ‘me time’ as a new mom to coping with some really hard things. I remember there was one time while I was going through my divorce that I found out probably the worst news of it all.   All I could do in that moment was go up to the mountains.  My mom watched Brookie and I did what I do best to sort through a problem… cry, run and cope.

Sometimes I don’t have a specific reason to, it’s just part of my lifestyle and it makes me feel happy.

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But I think the biggest reason running has stolen my heart is it teaches me about my potential.

Self-confidence has been something that I’ve worked on for as long as I can remember.  I don’t know if it had to do with the fact that I grew up with four older siblings that excelled in everything (I’m talking doctor, physicist, valedictorian, concert-pianist, engineers, being fluent in different languages kind of stuff) and feeling less than (by choice, not because of anything they ever did) or if that is just how I was born and it is something I’m supposed to learn here.  It has just been a lesson for me to learn.

Running has definitely helped me with this.  It has helped me to realize my own personal importance.  Running has been a way for me to peak into who I really am.  How I can do hard things.  How I can dig deep.  How I am strong.  Whether that be finishing up a run in the wind and rain, a track workout with Josse or a new distance record for the year, it has been one of those things that has really helped me to see who I really am and what I’m made of.

The feeling of progression keeps me hooked on running.  The feeling of tapping into my potential and working towards the best version of me.

That’s what has made me truly fall in love with running over the years.

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It’s the stuff like shocking ourselves by running faster or further than we thought (or have been told) possible for us that helps us to see our strength.  Crossing the finish line of a race that we thought about quitting every quarter of a mile along the way helps us to see a bit of what we are made of.  Hitting a new personal distance or time record brings me a boost of confidence that I love.  We see how tough we are after going through something emotionally or physically draining and continuing to run or running post-injury or post-baby and starting fresh all over again.   Making it to the top of a hill you used to only go up if you had an engine getting you there helps us to see ourselves on a whole new level.

It just all makes you feel really alive.  Because we get to do this all while being in fresh air and seeing the world around us, running is the best.

Being at a finish line (or watching one on TV etc) is one of the most goosebump producing things I can do.  Knowing the emotions that I feel from running, doing hard things and seeing others making their personal journey towards their potential is quite emotional.  Seeing someone else realize who they are and their own strength and abilities… yeah, that is something else.

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So how do we keep tapping into our potential?  Growing, changing, improving, getting closer to the best versions of ourselves?  There are so many different things that help us to keep running and loving the run but I want to focus on fueling today.

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We sure can’t keep doing what we love to do without filling up our gas tanks properly!

CLIF is an organic, nutritious and delicious way to keep propelling ourselves forward on the run.   I wanted to tell you about three of my favorite CLIF products!

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CLIF BLOKS were with me for my marathon personal record many years ago and they are still as delicious as ever!  They are amazing for race day or for your long training runs.  We need to be taking in energy for any of our runs over 90 minutes.  With each cube coming in at 33 calories they make it super easy to keep track of your caloric and electrolyte intake throughout your run.

I used them during my last half marathon and took three cubes at mile 5, three cubes at miles 9 and felt awesome.  They deliver a quick energy and they are easy to bring along with you for your adventures.  I just slide them right into my hipster belt.  They are so easy to get in and out to eat while chasing down our goals!

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When talking with the Brooks Beasts (the Brooks professional runners) nutritionist, he told me that whey protein is the best type of protein to have after a workout.  Whey protein is the fastest absorbed protein which is EXCELLENT for runners after a hard workout.  We want to get recovering as soon as possible after a workout and whey protein is an awesome way to start the recovery.

These CLIF Whey Protein Bars have 14 grams of protein and only 5 grams of sugar (with ZERO sugar alcohols).  I’m extremely picky with protein bars (taste is huge to me) and these are excellent.  I think they taste so good.  The peanut butter + chocolate combo is amazing.    Finding carbohydrates after a hard workout or race is always easy for me but having an awesome whey protein source that tastes good and is easy to grab, that’s finding a treasure in my opinion;)

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Have you tried the Nut Butter Filled Energy Bars from CLIF? I first tried these Nut Butter Filled Energy Bars at Outdoor Retailers last year when they were handing them out for samples.  I tried the sample and went back and asked for another one.  They are amazing.  They combine creamy nut butter and an awesome organic energy bar together for the perfect tasting and fuel packed combination.   Perfect for pre-run, part of your breakfast, a snack, road trip fuel, biking, hiking fuel, post run fueling… you name it.  Try these.  ENJOY:)

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The Boston Marathon is just four days away.  I cannot tell you how excited I am to watch this year with Andrew (our first time watching the Boston Marathon together… this is a very romantic date in my opinion).  Brooke is even looking forward to it, I started her young watching (parts) with me and getting excited about it.

Marathon Monday is one of my absolute favorite days of the year and I will be reliving my beautiful 26.2 mile memories of my time in Boston from Hopkinton to Boylston Street.  Like everyone running this marathon (or any race!) it took me a lot of work and a lot of years to finally get there.  I think that is why the day was so incredibly sweet to me.  Between injuries and life having all sorts of curve balls, it meant the world to me to finally be at my Dream Race in 2015.   I am pretty sure that the goosebumps I had for those 3 hours and 12 minutes was from the chance of being on this beautiful course, not from the rain;)

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If you are going to be at Boston (running or cheering) this year, go and have the best time of your life.  The entire weekend before the marathon in Boston feels like a huge holiday.  It is the best time to celebrate running, all of your hard work and this amazing running community we are all a part of!

If you aren’t going to be there, you can watch it online here.  I’ll probably make our household dress in blue and yellow on Monday!  Sometimes I even run on my treadmill while watching so that I feel like I am there with everyone running.  I always feel more motivated than ever the day after watching Boston to go out and rock my run!

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I would seriously LOVE it if you shared with me today your running story.  What got you running in the beginning and why are you running now?  Also, PLEASE let me know if you are headed to the Boston Marathon—> I’d love to send you my favorite motivational quotes and give you a pep talk:)  

You can learn more about CLIF HERE!!!!

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129 comments

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Oh HELLO! I had not heard of these nut butter filled cliff bars before. I will definitely have to add those to my “must eat” list :)

I can’t wait to watch the Boston Marathon. I mean honestly is there anything more inspiring than watching people cross a finish line? It always makes me cry happy tears and I walk away with a NEED to run like right.now.!

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YOU NEED TO TRY THEM and let me know what you think Kristina! Enjoy watching the marathon on Monday! I get those happy tears too!

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being in Boston, I absolutely cannot wait for this weekend! the weather is supposed to be beautiful too! i cannot believe that next year i will be running it. Shalane Flanagan is doing a shake out run in Boston on Saturday that is open to the public (you just have to reserve a spot)… so of course I am doing that! i cannot wait!

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Oh Mallory, enjoy this weekend and I am SO excited for you to go do the shake out run with Shalane. Please let me know how it goes! Enjoy:)

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It’s so beautiful to see such a strong passion in you. 19 years is incredibly impressive, but more impressive is your stron love for it.

Sidenote, huge fan of Clif and I desperately want to try their filled bars!

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Oh thanks so much Carrie! Have a nut butter filled bar ASAP and please let me know what you think! Enjoy the rest of your day!

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Love this post, Janae. :)
I had asthma as a kid, and even though I grew out of it, it never occurred to me to try running. I always assumed it was something that I couldn’t do, like it was off limits somehow. But one day I went to the gym, and the bikes were all taken/broken, and I hate the elliptical, so all that was left was the treadmill. It was a bad day due to some divorce drama, so skipping my workout wasn’t an option. So I ran. I barely got through a mile, but I didn’t have an asthma attack. I’ve been running ever since.

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Oh I am so glad that the bikes weren’t available that day so that it got you on the treadmill and hooked. I am so glad that it was there for you with what you were going through during that time of life too. Thanks Lynn. You are amazing!

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I work Monday, but hope to check in often with updates on the race. And I am watching “Patriot’s Day” with my husband tonight………..it is sooooo good!

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OH I want to see that SOO SOO SOO bad!!! Have fun Loribeth!

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I think I’ve shared my story a few times.
I started running a few years after losing my husband to cancer. He was 29 years old, I was 25 and we had only been together in total 3 years and married just 5 months. I was trying to find a place to fit in after his passing and really struggled. My peers were getting married, having children, buying their first homes and doing all the firsts that I should have been doing. I felt that my close family and friends were walking on egg shells around me afraid to stir up my grief. Then I met Lisa, a coworker in 2006 and was inspired by her commitment to running. She was on her way to running a marathon in every state and met with running friends in Central Park every weekend. She encouraged me to start running and join her and her friends for those runs and the rest is history! I truly credit Lisa with the gift of support and helping me to find who I was again. Sally the widow became Sally the Runner….I can’t believe it was 18 years ago this Wednesday that my husband died. I know he couldn’t be happier that I found running while I was finding my way.

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I just watched the Dick’s video from your blog – what an amazing story! I’m so thankful you found running and for how it’s helped you. It makes me so happy reading all these stories…all these people I’ve never met, yet we all “get” running and what it can do for us. I always say if everyone was a runner and listened to The Beatles :D, the world would be a better place. Ok..I’d settle for people just running. Have a good day, Sally!

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Imagine all the people living for today…..and running! YES! Beattles + Runners = better place. Thanks Amanda. Have a good day too!

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Thank goodness for Lisa. I am so happy that she was able to encourage you to start running and how much it has helped you over the years Sally. I know we have never met but from getting to know you over the internet, I think the world of you. Sally the Runner. I love it.

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I joined the cross country team in high school when a basketball coach told me I should after we did a timed mile trial. I can’t say I completely fell in love with it until I had graduated college, though, and it’s been a wonderful thing in my life ever since. For me, running is very therapeutic. There are a lot of crummy things going on in my life right now, and running continues to be somewhat of an escape from it all and a way for me to clear my head and not stress as much. It’s also given me an outlet through racing to challenge and push myself beyond limits I didn’t even know existed.

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HEY NATALIE!!!! I am so happy that running does so much for you. It really is the best and I completely agree with you about the amazing outlet that running is…

Thanks girl and enjoy the rest of your day!

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You are an excellent runner and have made a career out of blogging which is something pioneering and you should be proud!
I would be interested to know how/if you made peace with your divorce and let go of the hurt and anger you felt. I’m sure it was very tough. Keep doing what you’re doing :)

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Oh thank you so much Deirdre!!! I should write a post about this! I will say that it took a lot of time for me to get to a good place and a lot of work:) I think about two years after I left California I finally really started understanding God’s plan a lot better for me and to fully trust in Him and what he had in store for me. I also knew that the best thing for Brooke was for me to have a good relationship with her dad and to always talk kindly about him. Running helped, lots of prayer, lots of counseling, lots of tears… I felt like a different person after all of that. Let me know if you need any help with the process and we can email!

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I can relate to your love of running so much. I have mentioned before that running is my main physiotherapy for cystic fibrosis. But sometimes, like this week, when I found myself too sick to run, I miss it so much!!! It keeps my lungs healthy most of the time and that it totally amazing. But it does so much more. It is the best way to start my day (and often my only “me” time), it keeps my brain happy, it boosts my self-confidence and it has helped me work on my patience ha Through running, I have discovered over the years that life is a marathon, not a sprint ;-)

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Mel, you are amazing. You inspire me so much and I wish we could meet in real life and hang out. I am so incredibly happy that running has helped you with your cystic fibrosis so much and I am SO sorry that this week has been so hard with being sick. I hope you are feeling well again soon, keep me updated. xoxoxo

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Thank you Janae for your kind words. This community is so precious to me. I love reading your posts when I am healthy, of course, but they are balm to my soul when I get sick. You are a stong and generous woman, such an inspiration. I do hope that one day we’ll get to hang out near a starting line. That would be awesome. For now, I’ll work on getting rid of this lung infection that I caught while travelling for work…booh!… haha

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i will be in boston on monday running my first boston, after finally qualifying… yay! new age group bump! i would love some motivational quotes and a pep talk :) and hoping for a nice tailwind!!!!

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ALI!!!! AHHHH I am so so so excited for you! Congratulations on qualifying and enjoy every mile on Monday! There is nothing in the world like Boston and now is your time to go and celebrate all of the hard work that you have put into your training over the years. It looks like the temperatures should be PERFECT and I’ll pray for that tailwind. You are strong. When things start hurting, think about all of the things that don’t hurt. Think about how badly you have wanted to be at Boston since you started running. Let the incredible energy from the crowds keep pushing you forward. The hard part is over, now you just get to go and enjoy!!! Please let me know how it goes and I’ll be cheering you on from Utah!!!

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OMG! what an amazing experience… the crowds, the energy, the course, those HILLS, the heat, the awesome tailwind, two high fives from bart yasso, running alongside scott jurek… and so much more. and thanks for the tip about thinking about things that didn’t hurt when things started hurting… worked pretty good!!!

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Oh ALI!!! It sounds like the best day ever! I am so so happy for you!! CONGRATS!!! Enjoy your recovery:)

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I wrote about my running story last month if you want a long ramble…

https://fueledbylolz.com/2017/03/17/seven-years-of-running/

Brooke looks like a mini you. She is so cute.

I’ve wanted to try the new cliff bars but can’t find them around me. I’ll have to look more for them. I’m glad they support you Janae. They seem like a great company.

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Happy Runniversary last month Hollie! Love your story and you didn’t run once before your first road race?!? I love it. Thanks Hollie and I hope you are having a beautiful day!

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We love Clif products in our family and we have for years!

I started running about 7 or 8 years ago because it was something my dad had always done to stay healthy. It must be in our blood because I got hooked! After I gave birth to my daughter in January of 2016 I took time off from running. I always wanted to be that person who jumped right back into my fitness routine after having a baby but it just didn’t feel right to me at the time. I recently started getting back into it (after a year+ break) and I feel like it’s becoming a routine again! I look forward to the days when 8-10 miles feel easy again :-)

Brooke is so stinking cute!! I love that first photo of her in her running gear with you. She’s precious!

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HEY TORRIE!!! I love that your dad runs too! It’s addicting. Good for you to do what is right for you after having your daughter. Your mind and body were probably really happy with your decision. Keep me updated with how it is going getting back into it again and yay for running routine:) Thank you so much and I hope your Thursday is a great one!

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I’ve ran Boston twice with charities (and I live in Boston) and it’s hands down the best experience in the world. That crowd support is everything! I was hoping to snag my first BQ for 2018 at the Eugene Marathon on May 7th and training was going INCREDIBLE, but that plan came to a screeching halt two weeks ago after my 20 miler on the Boston Marathon course. Two days after that training run – out of nowhere – I started having IT band issues. It’s been 2 weeks since I have done any training. I’m in PT, getting massages, ART, dry needling – doing stretching, strengthening, foam rolling 2-3x daily. There are days I am optimistic that I will be okay down the road, but today is not one of those days. My BQ goal has to be thrown out of the window and now I am hoping I will even get through the marathon. My emotions are all over the place; I hate to say it but I sometimes get angry when I see other runners out there – jealousy is a green-eyed monster. I just want to run pain-free. I find out today from my Coach if water running would help in any way keep my training up.

I wish everyone so much luck on Monday out here in Boston. May the wind be at your back, the weather be in your favor, and your feet be fast! GO GET EM RUNNERS!

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Kim!! Two Bostons and you live there… I love it! I am so sorry about your IT band problems right now… you are doing all of the right things so good job with that! I totally know what you mean about the jealousy when you are injured and you see other runners. Let me know what your coach says about pool running, I found that it really did keep up my aerobic fitness but not all of my running muscles so if I had to do it again, I would find a way to keep those muscles strong too while pool running. Good luck Kim. What you are feeling is very normal… you are in such a hard spot but you will come out of this a stronger runner that loves running even more (at least that is what always happens to me when I am injured). Thinking about you!

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Hi!!! omg I cannot tell you how perfect your post is for me today. I am running my second Boston (ah!!) but this week while tapering I am having those dreaded doubts that tapering always seems to bring on for me. But your post just totally invigorated me! I can do hard things :) My running journey started after college. I never really ran and moved to a new city where I didn’t know many people I was not happy with my lifestyle so I started running a couple miles, which turned into a few more miles. After I saw my best friend run her first marathon I thought, I can do this! So i went from a 5K to a marathon, because why not! I trained so hard (too hard) and got a stress fracture and had to rethink how I trained. After a couple more injuries and a year of heartbreak triumph I was at the starting line of my first marathon. I shocked myself by qualifying for Boston! I can’t start my day without reading your blog and I cannot thank you enough for your open, honest, upbeat, inspiring posts :)

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AHHH BOSTON #2 on Monday, I am so thrilled for you! Oh the taper… it messes with me emotionally and physically so much each time! You are not alone with that. You are going to have an amazing time on Monday and you’ve done all of the hard work! Thank you for sharing your story!! FIRST MARATHON BQ, way to go Anna! Oh thank you for your sweet words. I’m cheering you on from Utah and please let me know how Monday goes!

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I love this post so much!!

I started running, seven years ago, to start being active and healthy. After running and winning my age division in a 5k, I quickly fell in love with running. I started running more miles and continued to run 5ks, but added 8ks, 10ks, and a half marathon to the mix!

However, as my running continued to progress, my mindsent shifted from a healthy relationship to a unhealthy addiction. I then struggled with an eating disorder for the next two to three years.

Praise the Lord, He set me free from that dark place after much accountability and reading blogs, like yours Janae!

After my ED, running became something I was passionate about but not a slave to. I got married, got pregnant and ran through my entire pregnancy (as in the day before he came!)

Present day: I’ve been running since now six weeks postpartum (about six months postpartum running) and even though it’s taken me time to build back my mileage and base, I feel the strongest I’ve ever felt!

I run now, not only for myself, but to set a good example for my son! I’m starting my first marathon (!!) training in about a month and I couldn’t be more excited to run for the rest of my life, haha!

Sorry for the novel! Have a great day Janae!

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Bethany, thank you so much for being open with us. I am SO happy that you were able to move past your ED and have a healthy pregnancy! Congrats on your little one and I’m so glad you feel so strong. First marathon training… WAHOO!!! You’ve got this. I loved your comment, thank you for taking the time to write me!

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I will be running Boston for the 4th time on Monday. It wa sooo cold in 2015, I thought I would never warm up! Weather looks perfect this year. One of the reasons I run is for my daughters ages 14 and 12. They love the whole Boston experience as well. I want to set a good example for them (setting goals, training, and fueling well come to mind). They have been at the Boston each time I have run it (the first time they were ages 4 & 2) and the highlight of my race day is seeing them at the finish line. Send lots of speedy thoughts so all of us Boston runners can run fastah!!!!!!!

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YOUR FOURTH BOSTON!?! Katie, that is amazing. Uhhh yeah, I was an icicle in 2015 ha. That was cold but still so incredibly amazing. I am SO glad you guys are going to have great weather on Monday. You are an amazing example to your girls and I love that they love Boston so much too! Nothing better than seeing your family at the end… I get emotional just thinking about that. Please let me know all about your experience on Monday! Thanks Katie!

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I will be running Boston on Monday! Getting very excited. Love the shoes!!

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AHHHH JESSICA!!! I am so so so so so excited for you! Please let me know how it goes and enjoy every second!! You got this!

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Love this post. Have never tried Clif products before, will have to make sure I do. My running story is pretty simple. It’s the cheapest therapy I’ve ever found. About 10 years ago, with some ups and downs, I decided to run for a stress reliever. Although that worked well, tossing shoes on and just running created several minor injuries. I tried it again the following year, with some research first this time. Things went much better and I found I enjoyed it. I don’t race beyond a 5K, I keep it on the shorter side, I track only miles and end result time. It’s for pure enjoyment, pleasure and sanity. It’s my me time. It’s hard for me, definitely not easy, but I love it all the same. I’m always learning along the way, things to make running easier. Although I’m not a competitive runner, I love learning about it and getting my casual run in several times a week.

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Yes, try them! They are amazing. Hahaha so true… sometimes we talk about how much running adds up to be with all of the gear etc but really, it is by far the cheapest therapy:) I loved hearing your reasons Michele, thank you for sharing!!! You are amazing.

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LOVE the nut-butter Clif bars. Delicious!

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They are addicting! Hope you are having a great day Leeann!

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Running really has elevated my life experience. It’s given me time to myself and the chance to disconnect from everything else and focus on the steps ahead of me.

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Yes yes yes! “Focus on the steps ahead of me” <---- I totally agree with you on that one!

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I got into running after the 2012 Summer Olympics. Nothing like the Olympics to inspire you to get active!! I randomly saw an ad for a local girls-only half marathon and immediately signed up! Four years later, I am healthier and runnier than ever after completing multiple halfs. Running has broken my heart so hard last year, but we are now BFFs and if I’m not running, I’m thinking of new routes to try :D

My goal is to BQ in the next 5 years (I’m a total nerd, I HAVE TO, HAVE TO have goals set all the time). This year, I will be flying out to spectate and cheer on several friends who are running. I will be planning out my running attack on the city during my flight :)

Please share any food places that you recommend because I’m also going for the food not just running!!

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Seriously, the Olympics are SO inspiring! Congratulations on how much you have accomplished in these four years of running. So glad you and running are back together this year! I love your goal and I’ll be cheering you along the whole way! HAVE SUCH AN AMAZING TIME at the race this year and I want to hear about how it goes! Floramos was my FAVORITE restaurant while we were there. SO GOOD! Enjoy:)

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This is showing a vurnable side of me. I discovered running and got into it, because it helped me deal with getting bullied and living in a abusive household. I got into it at age 11. a cross country/track coach saw my potential and invited me out to the track team. she even pushed against the abuser to let me join ( they wouldn’t let me). the abuser ended up passing away a month later and I got to join. taking the team to district and state in distance running. I ran all the way through college. got into a desk job until I was 30 then got back into it and for the last 4 years have been running again ( including running my 1st half). It has helped me deal with my aniexty and depression as well. my whole life running and fitness have been a passion of mine. now I’m wanting to do it as a job, to help others. like I was helped.

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Thank you so much Molly for being open with us and sharing. I can’t even imagine what you went through as a young girl. I love that you were able to use running to help you get through some very hard times and that you still do now. I think that is an excellent idea to find a way to use running to help others. Have you considered coaching?

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I’ve been wanting to try those nut butter filled bars, they sound so good! I seriously think you will make the best running coach :) I’m excited for you and for all of the lucky people you work with!

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Oh thank you so so much Christina, that means a lot to me! I hope you are having a beautiful day!

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Running has always come pretty naturally to me (unlike most other sports, lol) but I haven’t always enjoyed it like I do now. At school track meets in elementary and middle school, it was always a strength for me, but it wasn’t a love yet. In high school, I played soccer (which is essentially running, which is why it was probably the only sport I ever excelled at) but didn’t do any other running otherwise. In University, I no longer played soccer and found myself not doing a whole lot of physical activity. After a couple of years of inactivity, I picked up running again but continued to jump on/off the bandwagon for several years. I finally picked it back up again for good after the birth of my daughter and haven’t looked back since (with the exception of a brief hiatus while pregnant with my second). I struggled with postpartum depression after the birth of my first child and running was so helpful to me in overcoming it. My second child is 7 months and now I make it a priority to run as often as I can. I don’t race and I don’t focus much on times or distances, and I’m not sure I ever will, but I am so grateful that running has been there for me to help me overcome these obstacles.

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LAURA!!! I loved reading about what brought you to running in the first place and then what brought you back again to running, thank you for being so open! I am so glad that running was able to help you through your postpartum depression, that is amazing. Thank you Laura, hope you are having a great day with your two kiddos!

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What started me running was a series of tough events. I lost my brother to cancer, was diagnosed with cancer while going through a divorce – all in a span of 3 years. I was just feeling very lost and running help me sort my head out and feel alive again. Little by little I started taking my life back. At each starting line I ask myself “why do I do this” and each finish line I am reminded why.

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Oh Cheryl, I cannot even imagine. You went through so much during those years. Thank goodness for running, best therapy ever. It changes us. I am so happy that it has meant so much to you through such dark times of life. How are you doing now?
Thinking about you!

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Thank you for your kind words! I am healthy (too scared to say cancer free) now for 7 years! I have been reading your blog for a few years now & I can not tell you how much it has inspired me. Thank you too!
Happy Easter to you & your family!

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I started running in high school so I could run with my dad, who ran many marathons while I was growing up. I continue to run because it makes me feel like myself. It reminds me I can overcome hard things and that I am strong. Running is tough, but it is also SO FUN. The speed, the sweat, the endorphin’s… it’s all great! And there is nothing better than running farther or faster than ever before. It’s one of the only areas in my life where I can easily see my progress and growth. There is truly nothing better :)

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Okay, that is awesome that you started running in HS so you could run with your dad. I love that. I agree… nothing better than those prs and new distance records! Thanks for sharing Jenny and I hope you are having a great day!

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So excited that I don’t work Monday and I get to watch the race!
I was never a runner. Literally, I had never run more than 1 mile in my life. 5 years ago my whole family decided to sign up for the Utah Valley Half and I was guilted into it. I trained for 5 months and couldn’t believe I actually stuck to the training. On race day I set a time goal for myself, but my first goal was to not walk. I ran the entire race and finished in 2:10, over 30 minutes faster than I thought I would! I cried as I finished because I was so proud of myself for doing something that I never thought I was capable of! I have since gotten much faster and want to branch out with my running-trail running, marathon, and maybe an ultra someday ;) Running has taught me that I am strong enough and determined enough to do anything I set my mind to. It has also helped me through some of the hardest things in my life. 2 years ago when my brother died, I set out on a 10 mile run. I ran, cried, and did a lot of thinking. That run was so therapeutic for me and I’ll never forget it. A month later I ran the Utah Valley Half and thought about him and that run the whole time. I ended up PRing. It is truly one of my most favorite things to do and I will never stop!

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Yay for no work on Monday so you can watch the race! Oh I LOVE the Utah Vally Half! You rocked it… 30 minutes faster than your goal?! Amazing Ashley! Please keep me updated with how your running is going and that ultra up ahead;)

I am so sorry about the loss of your brother. I can’t even imagine, thank goodness for running helping you to get through that time and congrats on the pr!

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To be honest I’ve only been a fan of the nuts and fruit Cliff bars (Kitt’s, I believe). I looked at the ingredient list of the nut butter filled and I’m going to try them. It’s hard to find a bar that doesn’t have either soy protein or sucralose in the ingredients. (sucralose absolutely kills my stomach). So thanks for the heads up!

I started running because I was bored and needed a challenge. I kept getting info for Team in Training and I decided to go to a meeting. I signed up to raise money and run a half-marathon. That was about 9 years ago and I absolutely hated running until I ran my first half. Then I was hooked. I’ve taken time off due to injuries and a general burnout after training for too many races (for me) but I usually do a few miles even then. I still love other forms of fitness but there is something about figuring out a route, completing hill repeats, or nailing a speed workout that makes me feel accomplished. It also helps me when I’m pushing in Spin class. I can do this, I’ve finished a bunch of half-marathons!

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Yes try them… they are amazing! You are the first one today that I heard started with Team in Training. I love it. Races are addicting… glad your first half hooked you! You are amazing Nina and I hope you are having an amazing day!

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I didn’t start running until the summer before I went to college (2003)…my parents’ driveway does a loop so I could just go around and around and around lol Walk, jog, walk, jog, etc. By the time I went to college I was able to run without stopping and just kept building from there :) I definitely started as a way to get in shape and honestly had a somewhat unhealthy relationship for a while with using it as a way to burn off anything I ate. These days it’s about the actual experience and I’ve missed it so much with a back injury lately. I love that quote from Kara <3

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OH I loved reading about how you built up to running without stopping Lauren. Good memories on that driveway I’m sure:) I’m so glad you are in such a good place now with running and what is wrong with your back? Any idea on how long it will be until you are running again?

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I am flying to Boston today! It my first time running Boston. I qualified at my first marathon, so I am new to all of this. My training cycle was a bit of a bumpy ride – aren’t they all? So I’m not sure what to expect from my body, but I know I did some solid work for 4+ months. I love your blog!

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Jennifer, I am SO SO SO excited for you! Bq on your first marathon, WOW. Just go out and take it all in. Enjoy the whole experience and you did the work… now go have fun. Please let me know how it goes. Cheering you on right now. You are strong. Monday is YOUR day!

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Love this post! And I love Clif Bloks! And my kids love Clif Kid Z Bars.
When I was in junior high and we’d have to run the mile I remember not being as fast as the track girls and thinking “I’m not a runner and I have no business even trying.” Then in high school I remember struggling to finish the mile at the end of tennis practice (maybe because I’d just danced for 2 hours, then had tennis practice for an hour and a half?) but that never occurred to me. I just thought again that “I can’t run.” Then college came and I would run a few miles everyday just to fight that college weight gain. Then grad school came and a friend asked me to run a half with her. She got injured mid-training and I kept going. And that’s how I became a runner. I love that not only has running conquered those “I can’t”s and “I’m not”s from childhood but I conquer new distances and new paces routinely now! That is what I love about running.

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Oh the CLIF Kid Z Bars are amazing. I played tennis in HS too:) You did dance, then tennis and then running… wow! I loved hearing about what got you to where you are today. Keep on conquering!!! Thanks Ali.

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Oh man, I started running in 2010. I was an athlete all through HS, and went on to get a D1 rowing scholarship which took me to college. I hated every second of my time in college athletics. There was a totally different mindset surrounding the team. This was considered our JOB, not something we all did because we loved it. And it started to feel like work. It was affecting me emotionally and mentally, and so I quit.

But I couldn’t quit being active. I was so used to racing & working on a plan & a timeline, I needed something else that was like that. So, RUNNING. I ran my first 10K & first HM that fall. Then I ran 2 marathons, 2 weekends apart that spring, ’cause WHY NOT. And that was really dumb, but I fell in love with running.

For several years I treated it as a very individual sport, until I found out about running groups and clubs, and I’m finding myself some running friends and getting back into that team mentality, which I LOVE. I’ll run HM #10 in just under a month!

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Oh I bet that must have been so hard… I couldn’t keep up with something if I felt like I HAD to do it or was forced. I am so happy that you found running and it filled that spot in your life that you needed! PS running with people is the best, I completely agree! GOOD LUCK on #10 coming up shortly! Love your story Jessie!

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I don’t have a treadmill but I ride my bike (It’s on a trainer) while I watch marathons, triathlons, cycling. I love it. I watched the Paris marathon while cycling. It was incredible.

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Oh I bet that is SO motivating… maybe I’ll ride my spin bike during Boston! Thanks for the idea Megan!

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Hello Janae,
Great blogpost today. Hey…I had a question, my hubby and I are looking to buy a new camera (we currently have a really old point-and-shoot and want to invest in a fancy camera that will last us years and is great quality. What camera do you use/have? Thank you.

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HEY AMY!!! Thank you so much for commenting today! We have the Sony 6300 and absolutely love it. Like it is the only camera I will ever want:) It is the perfect size, takes amazing pictures and transfers them straight over!!! We highly recommend it!

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Thank you, Janae. I’ll look into that camera. :-)

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I love what you said about running teaching us our potential, I totally agree. THere is nothing like looking at a goal distance or time and thinking its impossible, kicking your own ass in training, and actually achieving that goal. I seriously felt after my marathon that if I MYSELF ME could run a full marathon all on my own, I must be capable of so much more that I hadn’t thought of. Great pictures in this post!! I keep hearing those nut butter filled bars are good but I haven’t seen any IRL yet to try

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Exactly. You nailed it. It helps us to really see who we are and how much we are capable of. Thank you so much and I hope you get one of the nut butter filled bars asap! Thanks Krista!

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First off, thanks for replying to my photo on Instagram last night :) I was the one who tried out your workout from yesterday and ran 3.4 extremely slow treadmill miles for the first time in a LONG time haha

I got into running to prove to myself that I could do it. I was never a runner growing up (I saw it as a punishment in sports), but in 2013 I broke my foot and it was in a place that the doctor told me was notoriously hard to heal and that it might never heal completely. So I wanted to prove him wrong and, living in Washington DC at the time, I wanted to make sure I had the ability to run if I really needed to in a big city. So I took my PT seriously and as I got back on my feet started a couch to 5K program that my physical therapist gave me. I ran my first 5K five months after my break! I’ve been running off and on ever since. Haven’t quite graduated to half marathons yet, but it’s on the bucket list!

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Thank YOU Joanna and I am SO happy about your run yesterday!
Look at you… absolutely amazing… five months after you broke your foot!? You are doing an amazing job! Enjoy the rest of your day:)

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I totally agree with you that running helps you see your strengths. In 2014 I ran a marathon- something I though was impossible 2 or 3 years before. Finishing that race gave me the self confidence to pursue my biggest goal- going back to medical school. I dedicated 2015 & 2016 to that goal and will be starting med school in July!

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ALISHA. Congratulations. That is amazing and I am so excited for your new journey that you have worked so hard to get to! Amazing.

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We will be flying into Boston on Saturday. I can’t wait! One of the most fun things for my family to do at the Boston race expo is to sample ALL of the flavors at the Clif booth! Seriously, we try so much stuff we practically have full bellies. It’s all good though – love to find new flavors.

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AHHH LISA!!! Have the best time ever! Yep, the CLIF samples are the best. Let me know what you find:) ENJOY!!!

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My favorite Cliff bars are the white chocolate chip macadamia nut ones. They taste super and are so filling also. Anddd im so stoked for the Boston Marathon on Monday. Wish I was running it but my hopes and dreams will come true one day!!

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Oh I adore those ones too… so so good! You will get there Mindy! I hope you are having a wonderful day!

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I started running on the treadmill (just as a way to get some exercise) during university among other activities. I would say my first race came when my friends were training for a half marathon, and invited me to join. I ran my first half marathon, and despite not really being properly trained I thoroughly enjoyed it. I signed up for my first marathon 3 years later and swore I would never run another one (though my friends told me I had to because I was so close to a BQ). I had no idea what a BQ was at the time. I ran in the beginning because I loved chasing new pbs – and watching my times come down, finding out what I was made of and what I was capable of. But I fell in love with running because I found something I was good at and if I put in the work, the results came. And then I discovered there were distances longer than a marathon and on trails . I was hooked. I run for balance and mental health, but to explore my potential, and learned am capable of so much more than I give my credit for. Not to mention that I am fortunate enough to have an incredible trail running community many of whom I call friends.

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Oh Kristine! I LOVE your story! I want to hear more about your trail running! I love how far you have come with your running and that you found your thing. I love your reasons… you made me want to go out for a trail run tomorrow:)

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I’ve been running since I was in 1st grade with my city’s summer youth program – doing 50m dashes and whatnot. I was hooked from the get-go. As I got older I looked forward to running the mile for gym class (3.5 laps around the park block, fastest ever was 6:36!) and beginning track in 7th grade. I ran track and cross country in high school and had inspiring coaches who taught me about running and about life and often ran our workouts with us. I didn’t run a lot in college, but after my junior year I decided to run a half marathon and trained all summer for it and I was hooked again. But this time I was making up my own schedule and workouts and times to run and it was hard and difficult but it challenged me in a good way and continues to make me grow everyday!

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FIRST GRADE… I love that you were instantly hooked and that you did a 6:36 mile when you were still so young. So happy you were hooked again and I love the growth and progress that comes with running each day… mentally and emotionally! Happy running Emily and I hope you are having a great day!

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I started running first because I always wanted to be an athlete but have never been coordinated enough for team sports. Lol. Also had severe, uncontrolled asthma as a child. Once I worked my way up to one mile..two..three..I was hooked. Never ran more than a 10k until I was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer in 2007 and decided to train for a half after chemo. I ran my first half 2008 and then was really hooked on halfs. My cancer came back 2009 as stage 4 and had intense chemo but have not missed doing a half every year since 08! Totally cancer free and blessed. Running is my joy, claim to be an athlete, therapy. ❤

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Wow, Pamela… you have been through so much. I can’t believe that you did a half after chemo and continued to do a half each year even after it came back. I am so so happy to hear that you are cancer free and YOU ARE AN ATHLETE!!! An amazing one. Best therapy ever ha! PS I have zero coordination too! You are not alone!

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For me, running just happened because of peer pressure from friends. They were casual runners who had done a few races and one day decided a big group of friends were going to train for the Cooper River Bridge Run (10K) in Charleston, SC. I thought, “shouldn’t my first race ever be a 5K?” :) And that’s how it started. Seven years later, I still run and race to stay active, motivated and committed. I always tell people running is hard, but it’s so addictive. While I have made new friends through my experiences and training, most of my friends do not run. But I have those “peer pressure” friends to thank for setting me on a path that made me a runner! They must have known something I didn’t – ha ha!

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Oh I love your story Sarah:) Love that you started off with a 10k first! Thank goodness for those friends that got your running. Keep enjoying the miles:) I hear ya on the addiction! Thanks Sarah!

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I initially started running to lose weight – I had just gotten divorced and had 30 pounds of baby weight hanging around. By running run I was able to lose the baby weight and then some. I continued running because I started running races and got hooked! I love how running is something I can always improve on and work towards!

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I hear ya… races are addicting! Love what running does for you and I love that we can always progress and improve too! Have an awesome day Jamie!

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I jogged occasionally in college to maintain the overly skinny dancer’s body that my professors were so obsessed with, but I really started running out of spite a few years later. Someone I knew was running a marathon and made it clear they didn’t think I could, so I decided I was going to! Half a dozen or so later, I worked my very first shift as a paramedic at the Tempe Ironman, and exactly the same thing happened lol — I might have a slight problem with competitiveness….

I don’t run often anymore, partially because I’m still a bit out of shape post-babies, but mostly because I hate running with the jogging stroller. My husband works two jobs so I don’t get many stroller-free opportunities, so the boys and I walk a lot for now. I do have a treadmill but I’ve been reorganizing rooms and I need to finish getting the furniture in my room set up so it’s usable again — then I plan on starting back up regularly again!

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JOGGING STROLLER RUNNING IS HARD (especially with more than one:) Congrats on your little ones Dottie and thank you for sharing your story with me. Hahaha I am that same problem too:) Have a beautiful day!

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I wish I could eat something while running a marathon! Everything hurts my stomach:(

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What do you do for fuel during your marathon? Mainly just liquids? I hope you are having a great day TIffany!

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What a fantastic post!!! So much of what you said in here resonates with me. I first started running in college just to be fit and healthy, but before long I fell completely in love with it. I signed up for my first half marathon during my sophomore year of college and have been hooked ever since! I am heading to Boston for the first time this year and am beyond excited, but also getting SO nervous!!!

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Oh thank you Jordan:) I am so happy to hear your story and what hooked you to running. GOOD LUCK ON MONDAY!!! I am so happy for you! PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW IT GOES!! Enjoy every mile, there is nothing in the world like it!

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I love Clift bars so much. I eat them before races or long runs.

My story with running is very simple. I grew up with a runner Dad and always wanted to get into running. It wasn’t until I turned 23 and moved away from home that I really started to run. I think running was the way I had to cope with sadness from being away. I needed to do something to make myself feel better, and so I went for a run everyday until that happened.

Even though sadness is not a part of my life anymore, going out for a run is still one of the best decisions I could’ve ever taken.

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I LOVE YOUR STORY NATHALY! Isn’t running the best? It gets us through the highs and lows of life. Loved your last sentence… still one of mine too!

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I am going to the Boston Marathon this year, but I am not running myself. My fiance is! I am so proud of him. He has done many marathons, but has waited and prepared for this for a long time. I am so proud of him! I am a runner myself, but I am not very fast so who knows if Boston will ever be in the cards for me?! I am very excited to be there and take it all in!!

I absolutely love those Clif nut butter bars! My favorites. I have also used the Bloks and I love them too. They completely agree with my tummy, which can be a little tricky at times. I am definitely going to try the protein bars!

I love, love, love your blog. Keep up the great work!

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Thank you for sharing your story. It means a lot. I don’t know if you remember me but I used to work for Dr. Bowen, I was the old Dental assitant there. I was pregnant expecting my first child That’s how i found out about your blog and instagram. I have Loved following it, brings me joy everyday to read it.
I run for a lot of reasons I guess, but the one that sticks out to me is that it’s clears my head and makes me feel invisible. I always run everyday, helps me cope with life’s challenges. I started running 7 years ago I just needed to clear my head, cope with things around me and been running ever since.
Again thank you for all your posts, it helps me so much.

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RACHEL!!! OF COURSE I REMEMBER YOU:) I loved talking to you! How are you and your little one doing? Oh yes… invisible! I totally agree with you on that one:) Happy 7 years of running and I hope I get to see you soon!

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We are leaving for Boston on a red-eye tonight. I’m not running but my husband is. I think it’s his 9th consecutive. I ran it back in 2011. The finish line is where he proposed to me. I haven’t had the desire to train or run that fast since but as the years go by my chances get better ;-) I will however being doing the Boston 5K on Saturday.

I started running 14 years ago. I wouldn’t say it was a dare but when I told my then BF that we should train for a marathon he pretty much laughed in my face and said he didn’t think I could do it. We broke up and wanted to prove him wrong and to prove to myself that I could! Seventeen marathon later running has given me best friends, strength, therapy and health. Thanks for your great post today!

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Okay, your proposal story is the best ever! I love that! Have an amazing weekend and tell your husband good luck! SEVENTEEN MARATHONS, you are incredible. Thank you!

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I loved your post today! I didn’t get into running until about 2 years ago, but it was primarily because of your blog! Growing up I had horrible gym teachers who made working out seem like a punishment and would make fun of kids who were not very athletic (like me). So I basically stopped working out once I got to college because I no longer had a gym class and was forced to exercise.However, I noticed that some of my clothes weren’t fitting that great and I wanted to do something about it so I started looking up different workouts on the internet and I stumbled across your blog! I loved how you made exercise into something that was fun and enjoyable and not a chore. I would read through your comments and see how everyone was so supportive of each other and running was such a special community. So I decided that I was going to run and I have never looked back. I am so grateful to have found your blog because it inspires me every day and I definitely would not have fallen in love with running without it.

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Oh Lauren, that makes me so so happy!!! I am so glad you are loving running and the amazing running community that YOU are a big part of. Thank you for your comment and keep me updated with how your training is going!

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I’m qualified for Boston 2018 and can’t wait until next Tuesday, when I can say: Boston is less than a year away!

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Oh Tam!! That is so so exciting!!! You are going to rock Boston 2018!!!!!

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I started running way back in the 70s just because it was a cool thing to do. But, then I moved to Alaska where I ran 3 miles several times a week to stay slim and healthy. A co-worker convinced me that I should run a 10k and that is pretty much when I really started running. It became something that was mine, something that I could identify with. I took a break but now I am back at just for the love of running (and to complete my marathon bucket list). I think I have posted part of my story before :)

Love the pictures of you and your daughter running! They are adorable.
Clif Bloks have gotten me through many long runs!

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Thank you so much Cathy! I LOVED reading your running story and I’m so glad the co-worker peer pressure worked on you and got you hooked on running more:) Thank you and I hope you are having a beautiful weekend!

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I am running Boston this year!!!! I started running about 6 years ago. I have always been athletic, but actually didn’t fit really well into team sports because I’ve also always been super shy. Running just clicked for me, and has brought so much happiness into my life! On a side note, I wish I could eat clif bars (or really any energy bar)! Severe peanut and tree nut allergy here…really limits the fueling options sometimes.

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GOOD LUCK MICHELLE!!! I hope you have the most amazing day on Monday! I loved reading your story and I am so happy that it has brought you so much happiness, running is the best. Let me know how Monday goes!

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I am just getting into running and the main reason I did was to help find myself and block in some me time since becoming a mom. I love that I can shut everything out, work through my thoughts and feelings and just be me for X amount of time (not mama, not wife, just Heather :)). It’s been hard but I know if I keep working at it I’ll get back to really enjoying it. Great post!

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ME TIME!!! yes yes yes yes yes! It helps us to be a better mom and wife right? I’m so glad that you have found running and it helps you so much! Thanks and have a great weekend Heather!

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I love this topic – I will never be running any kind of crazy fast paces, but one of my favorite things about the running community is that everyone supports everyone else. Whether you run a 5 minute mile or a 15 minute mile, YOU ARE A RUNNER!

I ran track and cross country in middle and high school, but I was not great at it – I have no hand-eye coordination (I’m so bad) so running was the only sport that I liked. I ran periodically in college too. But I think it was about 4 years ago that I started couch to 5k, and found a rhythm really quickly. Running became my fall back fitness routine. I tried all kinds of various workouts, but always came back to running. I also used running as stress relief as my job responsibilities grew and changed.

2015 – I was out on a run, planned to go about 6 miles…but I felt good, so I kept going. I ended up running 10 miles (not carrying water or being fueled properly…crazy!) and I decided if I could run 10 miles, then maybe I should train for a half. I ran my half that year in October with a goal to finish in two hours and I finished in 1:58:34! Running the half was a huge achievement…it’s given me confidence to challenge myself in all kinds of ways. I even ran 15 miles during one of my training runs, and I felt like SUCH a rockstar when it was done – it was also 90 degrees when I finished it too!!

I’ve ran other races since then, and did the Vegas Half last year, but my first half will always be the moment (or maybe moments, based on the training) that made me fall in love with running.

And of course, people like you, who shares your story, your life, your encouragements, your struggles, everything, with the rest of us. There is truly nothing like the running community.

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RHIANNON! Yep, I don’t have any coordination either… I’m right there with ya! I loved reading your story and the fact that you went 10 miles when you were planning on 6. You crushed your goal in the very beginning! 90 degrees… that is hardcore. Loved your story! Thank you Rhiannon and I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

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Finally after 11 marathons I am running g Boston! I can’t believe it is really happening. I am excited and also kind of freaking out!! I ran a 100 Miller last year but a road marathon wrecks my nerves. Any wise words you can share with me? I loved the cautious courage article you shared a while back. Thank you :)

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Amy, HUGE HUGE HUGE congratulations. 100 Miler, 11 marathons, Boston… WOW. I hope you have the most amazing experience on Monday! Let that anxiety melt away, you’ve done the training… you are more than ready for this… the crowds and energy of Boston will make you feel like a million bucks. I find something that helps me with pre-race jitters is to force a smile anytime I am worrying about a race. It’s pretty hard for me to smile and worry at the same time. Near impossible actually ha. So anytime you start having negative thoughts about your running or preparation, smile. You’ve got this. Please let me know how it goes!

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I tried those nut butter filled Clif bars at OR too…and I just kept coming back and sneaking them every time I walked by. Ha! The hazelnut flavor is SO good.

I can’t remember when I started running, or why. I know I started falling in love with it when I transferred to BYU in 2008 and began running at night. Summer night runs were just the best—sometimes with friends, and sometimes alone (with pepper spray, of course, just for safety). I ran on and off here and there, did some 5k’s, slowly. I only started taking running more seriously probably when I decided to do my first 10k in 2014, and I think a big motivator for that was simply because I got a discount for the Utah Valley Marathon/10k for being a city employee that year. Ha! But I also had a chance to do a Ragnar just weeks after that which was awesome, because I had secretly always wanted to do one.

I continued to run and be active here and there since then (I’m also a yoga teacher, and I hike a lot), but after a series of heartaches and hardships over the last couple years (and especially over the last few months), running (and hiking) help me feel alive, balanced, and connected to God (I often pray silently while I run) in the midst of all of the hard stuff. I totally connect to what you said about connecting to your potential when you run. Sometimes I feel like it’s one of the few things I can control—getting in my workout, working hard, and noticing that my pace is faster than it was in the past, or that however many miles felt easier than it has in the past, or whatever it is. It helps me feel strong and capable when I otherwise feel helpless in a lot of areas.

Right now I have a lot of running-specific goals which feels awesome! But if it goes back to just being a casual thing, that’s great too. I just want to keep enjoying it, or whatever I’m doing.

Thanks for asking this question! It was interesting to reflect. I love your blog, by the way! I just found it a couple weeks ago and have been loving reading through past posts and catching up daily!

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Allie, thank you so so much for sharing your beautiful story with me. I pray silently while I run too:) I am so sorry about the heartaches that have happened in your life but so glad running (and hiking) has been something that has helped you so much! You are amazing and thank you for your sweet comment, it means a lot to me! I hope you have an awesome weekend!

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Hi Janae.I woke up this morning not wanting to run and was making excuses why I should stay in bed. I reached for my phone and went to your blog and this post did it for me. I laced up and ran 8km. I am so grateful to you and this post. Thanks a bunch. Have a good Easter.

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Oh Natasha!! I have mornings like that all of the time! WAY TO GO getting up and out the door and running 8km. Way to go! Thank you and Happy Easter to you too!

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I’ll be there!!! First time and hopefully not my last. I cannot wait to take in each and every mile.

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AHHHH YAY!!! Have the best time Amy and enjoy every mile! Best marathon!!! Let me know how it goes!

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Tropical punch cliff blocks are amazing!!!!! they taste so good!

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