Money Does Buy Happiness.

We got a very good phone call this morning.

Yesterday we paid for and reserved our iPad’s and were told we would get them in 2 weeks.

They called this morning and said we could pick them up today.  No purple covers so I went for the second best…..pink (I will never stop thinking I am a 12 year old girl, now if only they had sparkly pink).  Please do not notice the large bulge near my left hip…..I have to keep my leg wrapped tight like a burrito and that means that the overflow skin/muscle/fat has to show up somewhere:)

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We went in our PJ’s because we were too excited to actually put on real people clothes.

I didn’t even realize that I was starving, that is how excited I was but I made sure to refuel as soon as I downloaded Kara’s book so I could start reading.

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I had the usual family sized salad with two types of fish……tuna and goldfish crackers (they add the BEST crunch).  P.S. Foreheads are supposed to take over 80% of your face.  That is completely normal.

What isn’t normal and slightly creepy is that Billy chose a Dexter themed Apple for his screen.  I am worried.

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I of course chose something a little more normal and have a picture of a Nike ad.  (5 dollars to whoever can find me a picture for my background with both Kara Goucher and swedish fish……the two coolest things in the world).

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I was able to read the first portion of the book before church (Billy wouldn’t let me take it with me…….how rude) and there are already some main things that have jumped out to me that I wanted to share with ya…….heck, if I can’t run like a baller then I better learn every little detail about it so that I don’t run into some of the same problems again.

Running for Women by Kara Goucher:

-“When you love something as much as I love running, it is natural to want to share it.”  That is EXACTLY how I feel and one of the main reasons I started blogging.  I LOVE sharing what I love with other people and it makes me incredibly happy when I hear about other people starting to LOVE running.

-“Have a dream, make a plan, go for it.  You’ll get there, I promise.” -Zoe Koplowitz.  AMAZING…..let’s dream big people because WE WILL GET THERE:)

-“Buy nice running socks…..they’re next to your feet; your shoes aren’t”

-“Mental will is a muscle that needs exercise, just like the muscles of the body.” -Lynn Jennings.  Working on this one BIG TIME.

-“A routine is enjoyable; a rut is not.”  Switch things up if you are feeling trapped (change the time of day you run, drive somewhere new, go the opposite direction, add speedwork, join a running group).

-“Go EASY most of the time.”  This one is HUGE for me.  9 out of 14 of Kara’s weekly runs are easy.  While I was training for Boston I thought the harder the better and definitely overtrained and ended up injured.  From this point forward I really need to remember that I don’t want to ruin my races by racing during training runs ya know…..  long runs should be much slower than I was doing them and tempo runs should be ‘comfortably hard’ rather than leaving me exhausted.

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Do you want me to continue to include highlights from Kara’s book or is it going to spoil it for you?  Be honest because I don’t want to take the fun away from you when you read it…….it is already AWESOME and she seems so relatable and you forget she is an olympic marathoner and about to WIN BOSTON 2011:)

What is your computer/phone/ipod/ipad background?

-My computer screen background is a picture of Billster and I out on a date and my phone background is a picture of my niece with an ice cream cone.

What is something that you are working on currently in regards to being a better runner/exerciser?

-My mental game and when I can start running again making sure I take full advantage of EASY/RECOVERY runs.

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69 comments

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OH my gosh congrats on the ipad!

I will have to get my hand's on Kara's book! It sounds amazing!!

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I love the quote about the fact that mental will needs exercising just like any other muscle! So true.

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LOVE Billy's choice! We love Dexter in this house!

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my iphone background for the "lock screen" is the huge ass nutcracker from my familys house and my background of the regular screen is a pic of me and my girls from a trip to philly over the summer.

YAY apple. my computer is about to die and i've been debating getting a mac….i'm torn!

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congrats on your new toys; how fun!

I saw Kara's book at B&N yesterday but had to finish the book I'm reading first! Glad to hear it's so great.

The picture I have on my computer is of my husband and me at a Mets game, the one on my phone is of us after a race we ran last summer – his first ever!

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Keep the quotes coming! Love them.

I just had a laugh because I thought you said your computer screen background was a picture of a BLISTER you had on a date…. I was thinking WOW she really is dedicated to that sport!!! Oh my, lol.

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Yeah for the iPads, how exciting!
Tell me more about the book, I don't mind! I'll get it anyway but hearing it twice is even better you know. My background is a collage of candy. I'm slightly embarrassed about it but sharing is caring!

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Yay for the ipad and those quotes were amazing so please keep sharing. I especially liked the "routine" vs "rut" quote.

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I'd love more stuff from the book!

My iphone lock screen is a picture of my golden retriever and the background of my phone is a picture of my boyfriend and I at a carolina bball game. the background of my computer is a picture of my boyfriend and dog walking in the woods away from the camera.

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Wahoo to the ipad. I love mine. Yes I would love to hear more about the book, you can give us the short quick version :) My background is the same to my homepage of my business. I am a designer and its my fall collection.http://www.edelweissbysarah.com/index.html
PS we are doing a giveaway, you should head on over there and check out the blog! Church dress!!

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Please include highlights!
My background is a flickr "Alice in Wonderland"-y type picture because I love AiW!
And you already know what I'm working on :)

BTW, you might enjoy this!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14689959@N08/5607433063/

You're welcome :)

HAHAH!

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yayyyyyy! so glad your ipads came even sooner than expected! I really need to get that book but am totally loving the advice you shared as well :)

I definitely can relate to the need to go easier in my training rather than just killing myself all the time to go faster, get stronger, etc etc etc. I always feel like I have to be where I want to be at RIGHT NOW which is totally not true :)

My background is of my sweet pup in a doggy Christmas dress…haha!

have a good day!

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Definitely continue with the highlights of Kara's book. I think I may buy it now.

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background…on my computer family picture with Keith Urban (yes the real one)

on my I touch picture of me talking to Keith Urban (yes same guy I am obsessed..can you blame me?)

I want an IPad….!

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Thanks for the recap! It will keep me entertained & excited until I get time to go out and buy it. I love the run easy most of the time quote – it's hard to NOT push myself, but easy runs are so necessary and good for me.
My background is the beautiful, snowy Colorado mountains, but I may need to change it to a summer picture now.

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YAY FOR IPADS! Thanks for sharing those quotes, I really want to read the book now :)

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Yay!!! How fun to have a new toy!
I was going to wait to check out kara's book from th library, but now I really wanna read it. I think I might just download it!

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haha! I can't let my husband see this because he can't wait to get an IPAD

I can't wait to read kara's book either :)

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Jealous of your ipad. I'm real proud of you for being a real girl and wearing real girl clothing. I like to pretend leggings are real girl clothing but they are just form fitting sweatpants ha.

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Routines are so enjoyable! I love the quotes and I'd love to keep hearing about this book… congrats on the new toy!!

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OOOH congrats on the new technology! So exciting!

I definitely would like continued updates/reviews on Kara's book! :)

My phone background is a picture of my sister's schnauzer, my computer background is blue…it's a school computer so I have to keep it as is.

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No, no, keep the book stuff coming! I like. I sorta wanna read it myself so maybe I'm being lazy by asking you to give us the highlights!

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More stuff from the book is good, I will read it eventually anyways but it is good to have excerpts now. My phone has a picture of my boys by a fountain at my university. My computer has a picture of tulips from a tulip festival I went to. I am working on two things- getting my head back where it should be as far as running goes and relaxing my feet when I run because I think that has been screwing up my Achilles.

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More stuff from the book!!!!!!!

I am working on following a training plan. I never thought I wanted to do this because I was not sure I wanted a "controlled relationship" with running, but so far it is better than I ever imagined………….you gave me the confidence to try this, so THANK YOU!!

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Keep the Kara quotes coming!

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I want an Ipad or a tablet! Ive been begging brian to splurge for one!!!

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I definitely want to read that book…and I also feel the same way about long runs. Sometimes I have to remember that I'm training and not racing. I haven't suffered an injury, my brain stalls instead. Thanks for always giving me motivation!

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Woohoo for new ipads!!! That's so much fun. I have an inspirational quote as my background!

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I wish I had an iPad! My father purchased one when it came out and now he wants one with the 3G. Fingers crossed that I get the old one :-)

In terms of running, for me it's not comparing myself to others. I sometimes wish I were a little faster, but I have to remember to be proud of all of my running accomplishments :-)

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Love the tidbits from Kara's book – I think I'm going to have to go out and buy it! And the part about going EASY most of the time…definitely need to work on that one too!!! Today on my planned 24-miler I had to stop halfway through because my knee started throbbing…it had been bugging me a little, but I just trained hard right through it. SILLY GIRL!
Now I am resting, icing, and seeing physio like crazy so that I can run my first marathon in 3 weeks…I haven't done all this training for nothing!!

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My computer background is a picture I took on top of a mountain as the sun was setting! It was probably the only redeeming moment of the trip. Think: 1 way winding road up a mountain with cliffs to either side of the road AND I'm incredibly scared of heights!!

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Oh, that's exciting! My current iPhone background is just the stones and my MacBook has the generic purple-pink background. Mostly I'm lazy.

I need to work on having a more positive attitude when I wake up to run at 5 AM. Usually I'm obnoxiously whiny and I think it ruins a lot of my runs. Also, strength training and stretching.

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How exciting!! I love that you immediately began reading! Kara's messages sound so applicable–I can't wait to read the book!! Thanks for your semi review :)

My laptop back ground is COOPER!! My fur baby! I think Coach is slightly jealous he he!

Have a fab time at church. AND thank you for such a thoughtful email today–it made my day!! You are so so so sweet! I feel blessed by our friendship!!

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how FUN! my macbook background is just one of their scenic pictures of a rock garden. it's calming. and my phone background is my kitty :) i love her!

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How exciting – I want an iPad SOOO bad! You are going to have so much fun with it :)

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Love the highlights, thank you!
My macbook background is a picture of my friend's daughter, Gracie, who is battling brain cancer. She is flexing with attitude in the pic! My iPhone background is a sunset at my parents' house that I took while my siblings and I gathered there after my mom died.
I am working on getting some strength training in and on my mental game.

Also, I have to tell you that once a guy told me I don't have a forehead, I have a sixhead. Ha ha!

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I like the highlights from Kara's book. Keep them coming!

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thanks for sharing all the inspirational quotes! i needed that :) im feeling drained out from all the studying! finals time! whoohooooooo..=.=

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I love love love apple products, haha! I am majorly addicted to my iPhone and macbook. It is a sickness!

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Having just finished my book today, thank you for this recommendation! Keep posting the quotes :)

I think we're working on the same thing – overtraining. I crashed hard about 3 weeks ago thanks to too much mileage too fast. I've backed off and substituted cross training. Shockingly, I've gotten FASTER with less miles. Woohoo! Marathon in three weeks! I did my last real long run this weekend – 21 miles!

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Looks like I'm going to have to beg my family and friends to buy this for me as a prequel to my 25th birthday (so what it's 4 months away?!). Could you do a review of the book when you're done reading it? I'd love to hear your thoughts :)

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Love the IPad. It has changed our life. Especially since we don't have cable either. Constantly use Netflix and Sirius and love reading on it. My hubby gave me one for my bday. I never thought I'd want one but he loved mine so much we got him the new one. Enjoy! You'll love having it when you fly to Boston!

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IPAD + KARAS NEW BOOK?!?! I am so jealoussssss you lucky girl!! keep giving me highlights, i will still read it :) only a week left till boston eeek! i am watching red sox games and sending out good vibes just for you :)

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keep sharing!!!!!!

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I am currently working on finding more balance in my workouts and incorporating more yoga! I love it once I'm done but before and during I feel bored with the idea! I'd rather be sweating running or doing some crazy hard incline walkin on the treadmill with weights! You are so cute girly! Don't worry, my forehead takes up most of my face too….forehead SISTAS! :) Tyra Banks says a 4 finger forehead is beautiful and models have them. Lets go with it.

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Please please please share!!! oh please. :) Thanks for visiting my blog today. HOpe I didn't offend your sweet self with my potty picture and my bad word. :) I was just having fun. ;) I am trying to dig deeper. I really want to break 1:30 in the half and I want to keep getting faster. Thinking of joining a running club. This might be important for me getting faster!

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Please continue sharing from Kara's book! I sooo want to to win next week!

What is your computer/phonebackground?
It changes all the time. I switch between vacation pictures from Paris last fall and photos of the hubs and dogs.

What is something that you are working on currently in regards to being a better runner/exerciser?
Mental! I find myself losing focus late in long races. Really working on that and maintaining a positi8ve focus.

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Im totally working on my mind. I must own this book. I am entering for my first marathon tomorrow- the Nike womens- and I have to get over the fear. I need to believe I CAN and then I can. So I feel you sister. BTW I thought of you friday on my 15 miler. Why? Because I fueled with sweedish fish. They need your face on the package.

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AHH!! Kara Goucher is my idol! I can't wait to read her book. I'm a little torn whether I want to keep hearing highlights or not.

I love switching my routine up! I can't run the same route two days in a row!

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ipads!! I'm so jealous! ;)

yes yes YES!! PLEASE include highlights from the book please! :)

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I am so glad you posted that! After my half today I was going to do 5 more to make up for some training I missed. After reading about taking it easy I decided to just go for a walk instead. Recovery is just as important for your muscles as building them, and I definitely needed that reminder.

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My mom ordered an Ipad recently! I work at a daycare, and a 7 year old kid came in with her own recently- I was horrified!!

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Nice! I love our iPad. I'm going to read Kara's book as soon as I finish "Brain Train". You won't spoil it for me, definitely love hearing how another runner relates to the book.

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You can download your scriptures on the ipad and so it's perfectly acceptable to take it to church. Also, ward and stake directories and make notes and songbooks and hymns….it's so awesome!!! I'm jealous you have the new addition. SAWEET! My background is pictures of my kids…original I know :)

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JEALOUS of your iPad!! I want one!! And I can't wait to get my hands on that book! I LOVE Kara- she is AMAZING!!

Overtraining is why I got injured too!! I did ALL 'hard' runs, and just 1 or zero 'recovery' runs!! BAD Emma!! So when I get fully back into it, I am gonna pay proper attention to those too:)

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I love the posts that you are putting about Kara's book! Keep them up. I'm currently working on getting back into running shape so I can start marathon training again! Cute outfits at the top btw!

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I like hearing the highlights and would be so excited if she won, but I really can't imagine it. But you never know! When are you going to the expo?

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Well I think I might have to buy Kara's book! Sounds amazing because let's face it she is amazing!
My background on my PC at work is a tropical island scene, it's where I wish I was every day that I am at work lol
Currently I am sort of working on my writing, I started a small project last week and am trying to work on it little by little every week.

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We met Kara at Rock and Roll Chicago Half Marathon expo before her interview session. And she just stood there chatting us up about running. She is super down to earth and so cool. Made me even more of a fan. She is truly an amazing person.

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Ooo I love those quotes!! I think it's great. I will have to get her book soon.

My background on my phone is a picture from my wedding day. The picture on the background of my iPod is sunset in key west where we had our honeymoon!!!

I am trying the less is more approach to running because I find that I have much better sessions when I am running less but having more focused workouts. I want to get that book "Run less, run faster" because I think it could apply to me!!

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i'd LOVE to hear more wisdom from kara. it doesn't spoil it, just makes me more excited to read all she has to share :)

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CONGRATS on your new toy! I would of wanted a purple cover too..I think we have the same obsession with purple- I even add purple dye to certain foods when I cook, just so I can say I'm eating purple food- LOL! Purple-aholics annonomous anyone?! ;)
Do you guys both watch Dexter?? It's one of my favorite shows!
YES, please do share more from that book- it does not spoil it at all. Kara is one very strong woman!! (& so are you! :) )

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yes yes YES!!! keep including Kara's highlights, and i'm so psyched for you to run in the same race with her!!!!!

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I'm working on picking up my pace. Although I see I should be "easy" for long runs, I was taking it WAY too easy. Today I went all out on my first 20 (million) miles, and was super proud of the time I came up with. I don't think I'll run that hard on my long run next week, but I was proud to see my speedwork has paid off, and I CAN beat Katie Holmes. Suck that Mrs. Tom Cruise!

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bahahahah your forehead is microscopic compared to my FIVEhead. Woe is me…. :p

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I am so jealous, I want an iPad reeeel bad.

DO NOT share anymore of Kara's Book! I was >–< close to buying it today, but my Boomboom wouldn't let me… something about needing to pay rent or something….

Laptop background is me and my two bffs at one of their weddings. Phone is one of my nieces, and my nephew at a MN Twins game last year!

I am working on being a runner/exerciser….

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My current computer background is rotating pictures from last year's races.

I'm working on holding back. I typically just go out and train with the "harder is better" mentality. It's hard for me to consider rest days and recovery workouts.

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My phone background is a pic of the beach at sunset that I took in Jamaica the night before the Reggae Marathon last year. I am SO proud of it because it looks like one of those professional backgrounds of the tropics, but it's actually a picture that I took myself :)

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