Our adventure in the hills.

I just have to say to all of your trail runners out there… HOLY COW you are strong.  I am pretty sure my legs almost fell off during our 7 mile trail run.  I think we climbed the equivalent of a 7,000 story building and my legs that are used to the treadmill at a 1% incline almost died.  

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I think I crave runs that make me so out of breath I feel like I can’t finish and that make my legs feel like led because my endorphin high after yesterday’s run was insane.  I spent the rest of my night researching every trail race in my area.   My only problem is that I need to find a jogging stroller that can handle the terrain because I know Brooke would feel left out if I keep going without her;)

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And another picture of Billy from behind because the whole time I was trying to keep up with him.   I think I really loved it because it felt so adventurous.

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My MIL told us that it would make her really really happy if she didn’t have to even think of what to have for dinner and so Billy and I took charge and hit up the grill for some chicken sandwiches and hamburgers.  Wendy’s has nothing on us.

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I really think that Brooke has had enough of this whole ‘every 2 hours the people I am surrounded by eat ridiculously delicious food and I can’t eat it’ thing and so she wouldn’t even look at me, the camera or the cake for the picture.  This is her form of boycotting.  

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Everybody loves a good funfetti cake.  

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We finally found the Bananagrams game that we went to 8 different stores to find and I can see why it is sold out everywhere.  Addicting.

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 Now I need to convince Billy that we have to go on another trail run together right this second.  

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New HRG baby post HERE

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Do you like trail running?

When is your next race?

What are the temps like where you are?

-My mom told me that it was 12 degrees in Utah yesterday?!?!

Funfetti, chocolate or yellow cake?

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84 comments

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Trail running is my absolute favorite! My next half marathon is march 2! Right now in Houston it’s pretty mild… 50s and 60s. I used to hate funfetti but now I love it. And I’m not too picky as long as there is tons of frosting its a winner into book! Have a great day :-)

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Trail running in the Bay Area is fantastic! Check out the events that Brazen Racing puts on – gorgeous locations and they have its-it’s ice cream sandwiches at the end! I will say one thing about running the trails up there though…there are mountain lions (my biggest fear!) so I never ran alone!

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I did a 7 mile trail hike yesterday! The whole time we were hiking I kept thinking “If I had to run this I would die”. Serious inclines and so many roots and leaves. I’m surprised my clutzy self didn’t face plant.

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Trail running is amazing, and so tough! I love that feeling of lead legs and gasping for air. And you can’t go wrong with the views!
My fave place to trail run is jasper national park, which I don’t get to often enough. We have decent trails in our river valley though!
Hope you two get out on another trail run again soon!

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That cake looks delicious! Also, I love your shirt!!! I’m not a big trail runner… I feel like every time I go I fall on my face or twist an ankle and it’s just not a good situation.

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I would love to trail run sometime, I just don’t know if there are even trails like that around here in Germany. It seems like a lot of country/ farm land and random big cities.
What kind of jogging stroller do you use right now; are you happy with it so far?

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I’ve never tried trail runs before, but it does look challenging. Brooke seems like she is dyin for that cake!! Before you know it she will be stealing the cake and candy from you!

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Trail running is my absolute favorite!!! Runner’s high BIG TIME.

I’m in UT, and ran in 3 degree s this a.m. Whew!!! Brrrrrrrrrrrrr.

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Oh boy I completely forgot about yellow cake…it’s impossible to pick between the 3!!

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In central Texas it’s 28 right now. Not the best running weather. I’ll be hitting the treadmill today for sure. I’ve never trail ran before, but it does seem like it would be like going on an adventure.

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I love, love, LOVE trail running! In fact, my top 2-3 races are all trail races; though, I love road races for an entire different set of reasons, too. My next race is the NWM 13.1 in D.C. as I got a lottery spot. I’m so excited to get back to D.C., do a women’s run again, and get that little piece of bling at the end!
Also, you were in my dream last night and I vividly recall rushing around trying to find some delicious cake for you to eat while you visited. I think we settled on a sprinkle cake instead of the coconut cake, lol!

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I love my Bob Revolution, I have a single and a duallie. Now I walk more then run but I am a former competitive racewalker and have done some fast paces and some running with the single. But all of the BOB strollers are awesome!!

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I DO like trail running and it is a 2013 goal to do more of it. Next race should be a 4 mile trail race on 1/19. I am waiting to make sure my knee/quad can handle it.
60’s during the day, 40’s at night.
Yellow cake with chocolate frosting. Great, now I want cupcakes.

The Kidless Kronicles

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I do like it but have not done alot of trail running.
My next race is not till May, too cold to run races here sooner!
In Celsius about -5, which is really nice for this time of the year.
Funfetti of course :)

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That trail looks so perfect! It’s -10C outside where I live.. I don’t know what that is in F, but it’s COLD. There are lots of fantastic trails where I live, but until it decides to get a whole lot warmer out, I won’t be going near them!!

Happy new year to you & your fam!

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I can’t believe you do not run on trails more often. I thought for sure Utah would be filled with gorgeous trails. I love them because they are easier on the legs but challenging too. It’s around 40 here today..cold but I can’t complain!

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I have the Baby Jogger Summit XC jogging stroller and its suppose to be for “No Limits, no boundaries – Go anywhere.” If you are really interested in a trail running jogger :-)

I have never trail run before, but looks fun!

My next race will be in the spring!

It is 20 degrees here in Boston!

Cake is my weakness. I go for Yellow Cake with vanilla frosting!

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Glad you found Bananagrams…it’s the best!

As far as train running goes, it’s so much fun! I can’t believe you run so much on the treadmill. I would go stir crazy. Trails are beautiful and peaceful and you feel really accomplished afterward.

I am signed up for a 5 mile run on Jan. 12 and I’m pretty excited. I’ve never run a distance farter than 5K so it will be a new experience for me.

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My next race isn’t until March 16th – the Shamrock 5K in Hornell, NY. The reason that’s the next time I’m racing is that it is 20 degrees here & we have at least a foot of snow on the ground. Outdoor running is out of the question for someone as clutzy as I am!

Funfetti all the way! I’m not only using it for cakes, I’m hitting up Pinterest for cookie recipes too!

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That is a HUGE mountain that you ran up! I’m seriously impressed right now. I’m actually not a huge fan of trail running because I’m a huge klutz… Luckily my next race (a 16 miler at the end of the month) is on a road!!

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I would love to try out trail running but I live in the flat plains of North Texas so I would be hard pressed to find some decent ones. The views from the trail you ran were amazing!!!

I am definitely a yellow cake fan, especially when covered with chocolate icing. Yum!!!

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Trail running is my favorite and so addicting! Trail races are so much fun… just have to really pay attention and watch where you are going, I’ve taken some pretty bad falls. There are a ton of fun trails in cleveland, ohio but i would love to try some out west in the mountains!!

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Ahh im in cleveland where do you go? Im running the dirty snowflake sunday and im prob gonna die as the most ive ventured off road last year was like a mile or two. We moved and im super close to the chagrin parks off of som center. Im looking forward/am scared for sunday! Haha

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I have never gone trail running! Those pictures you took are beautiful! I saw one that Billy posted to his IG and thought I definitely need to visit Cali! It is cold here…snow on the ground. Not for me. I wish it was easy for Canadians to get up and move to a nice, warm state! Lucky girl! Hope you are well! Happy New Year!

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I like the occasional trail run…last summer some friends and I did a trail race so difficult (and on such a hot day) that we still refer to it as “Death in the Woods.” My next race is actually a trail race…the Snowflake Derby 8K at the University of Southern Indiana. Here in Nebraska, where I’m still visiting my parents, it is 26 degrees right now. And, I *love* that you made a funfetti cake– I think they’re so festive and fun! Of the three you listed, chocolate is my favorite, though.

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Yeah for trails!!! So glad you guys got out there, there are AMAZING trails around here. If you have time while you are still here go to El Moro in Laguna Beach, do a map search for the Ridgecrest Trail Head for where to park or email me and I can send you the pin drop. My all time favorite trails. Seriously I can not tell you enough good things about trails, you gotta find a trail running group when you get home.

I have no idea what my first race back will be. I am due 3.25.13 with my little man Micah. I have been super lazy and tried some good walks the last few days and even that is rough with the pressure I am feeling and the serious sciatic nerve issues I am having. I would love to do one of my favorite races, Whooos In El Moro 25K and my favorite Race Director just added a trail marathon to his list for early November so I have my eyes on those. One of my favorites, the Nanny Goat 24 hour is right at my 8 weeks post partum so sadly I am going to skip it this year, I will go out for the party and cheering section though. It’s so much fun.

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Glad you guys had a great trail run! I’ve never been trail running, but I can imagine it can be challenging! I’m sure it’s a nice way to mix up your usual runs though. And yes, it was 12 degrees here yesterday… Ridiculous I tell you. That is way too cold for this Phoenician girl! ;)

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Bananagrams is fun. But I am pretty rubbish at it.

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That run does look hard BUT trails are my most favourite thing ever! and with the sun peaking through the clouds like that pic you have there – it makes me feel SO connected with everything that I’m using on runner’s high cloud 9! :)

Love Brooke….I can’t wait till she can eat ;)

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Can you pleaseeeeee post the recipe to your MIL’s lasagna.. it looks so good and I heart anything with noodles, sauce, and cheese. :)

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Hey you!!! Will you email me so I can send you the recipe?!?

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I’m with you – I have NO idea how trail runners do it! I read some who blog, and it’s sooo inspiring!! Great job to YOU for getting it done!

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Even reading about people running trails and hills makes my legs ache – I honestly have no idea how they do it! But I do know that I love chocolate cake more than anything :D

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I LOVE trail running! Wish there were more trails here. I miss Oregon trails!

Not my next race, but just signed up for my first Color Run. Excited!

Temps here the last few days are horrible. Been single digit lows and only, barely in the 20’s. Some days it hasn’t even climbed out of the teens.

Chocolate cake!

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I’ve always wanted to try trail running.. I really have to but theres no trails near me. I don’t consider Central Park a trail haha.

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Those pics from your run are amazing!! Not only are they beautiful, but they look so warm. It is currently-2 degrees here right now. Seriously. Shoot me.

I like both.cakes, but maybe funfetti a little bit more.

I have only done trail races a couple of times-and they were just the running section of the triathlons I was doing. The first one I did was basically a 5k straight up a friggin
Mountain and I thought I was going to die.

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Trail running always makes running so much more fun! You guys are super speedy.. I’m jealous!!

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I have always wanted to try trail running, but I do good to not hurt myself on pavement ;)

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I LOVE trail running but it’s a rare occasion for me! I agree, I love that out of breath feeling, like I’m pushing myself so much harder than a regular run AND it’s fun! When I went trail running through the Garden of the Gods in CO Springs, I felt like a mountain goat hopping over the rocks! Haha it was fun.

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I love trail running, but it is hard work for sure. I’m looking into doing some trail races as well this year

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Just yesterday I was my visiting my family for the Rose Bowl and we also did a 7 mile trail run in Pasadena and I also thought I was going to die. Your pictures look really similar to the trail I was on, maybe we were on the same trail!

My next race is the Cherry Blossom 10-miler in DC.

Always Chocolate Cake!

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Looks like you had a great time on the trail!!

Funfetti cake is the BEST!!!

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I recently started to do some trail running- I was surprised by how much harder it was than road running! Temps are COLD here in Maine. The high today is 8!!! Brrrr…

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I’ve only ever done one trail run but I LOVED it so much! One of my resolutions is to do more in 2013!!!

I raced yesterday and got a brand new shiny 5k PR…hurrah. Next race is another 5k in the UK at the end of the month which a good friend celebrating a big birthday. Can’t wait.

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Your braid is super cute!

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Never tried trailing running – that certainly looks like a challenge!

No race officially scheduled yet, but doing the #5bythe5th virtual series for the next few months.

Temps are in the 20’s – with snow – is it spring yet?! :)

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I did a cross country race series last year, and that’s the closest I’ve ever come to trail running. It’s so hard! But a lot of fun too. Looks like a great run with gorgeous views!

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Oh wow- that looks so fun! And while I’m hiding inside from the ridiculous cold and snow I’m pretty jealous of your weather!

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I love trail running! It’s just such a hassle to get to trails that I don’t go very often unless it’s summer and too hot for road running. Bungee loves it too, because she gets to run off leash.

It’s 27 degrees here with a foot of snow on the ground and WINDY. I thought I was going to die on my run.

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Just caught up on the reading. Looks like you have been having a blast! :D I haven’t trail run before, but my Uncle in law told me to start doing it as it would be better training for a 1/2 or full marathon. I know of several trails here in the San Jose area and am thinking of checking them out :) Though my fear of tripping over a root or acorn while trail running is hindering my desire. I’m a klutz.

I still have to sign up for it but I want to do the Coyote Hills 10k Jan 29 in Fremont (just north of us)

Woke up to a chilly 30 degrees here. Frost on the car and grass etc. I can’t bring myself to run in the morning with this weather!

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Love trail runs. My first race ever was a 10 mile trail run and it was awesome!

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You & Billy are so inspiring!! Great job running those gnarly inclines.
Funfetti cake is my favorite.
It was 30 when I woke up this morning. Yes, in the bay area. Enjoy the warm weather in SoCal!

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I love trail running too, the Bay Area has races nearly every weekend! I’m running a trail 50K this weekend. I didn’t train for it at all, but it sounds like a fun way to spend the day and husband has the weekend off.

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I LOVE trail running! It is the best!

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I really like trail running too! My hubby and I just ran one loop (10 miles) of the Huff Ultra (30 miles) at Chain of Lake Parks in Indiana. It was 20 degrees and the night before it had snowed 5 inches…so needless to say, it was a fun run! And….we took a wrong turn and ended up running 13 miles instead of the ten! Ah well, it was FUN! You and your hubby should travel out and run the Huff next year! :-)

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Seriously so incredibly jealous of the trails and that you guys are wearing shorts. Oh and even more jealous of the funfetti cake and your stinking adorable baby. Love you Janae! Keep running outside for all of us breezing our butts off in Antartica okay. :)

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Looks like a great run! I loooove trails. Just remember that your pace definitely does not translate to road or treadmill runs – don’t feel bad when your pace is much slower on the trails when you’re working just as hard!

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This is exactly what I needed to read today because my average pace on the trail today was almost three minutes slower per mile and I was working hard! Thank you!!!

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Such gorgeous views!! Trail running would only be fun with other people, I think :)

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What a fun day! And yes Funfetti cake is awesome!!

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Oh it’s soooooooooooo frigid here I’m channeling your run! Enjoy your break (and Billy too!) and savor every moment! Hi Brooke!

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I started trail running 3 years ago and now spend my winter/spring months on the trails. I have the Way too Cool 50K and American River 50 miler coming up. There are some great runs through Coastal Trail Runs & Zombie Runners-you should check them out.

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I went on my first trail run a couple of weeks ago! It was relatively flat and still almost kille me!

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I love trail running, but like you said, it’s TOUGH! There are a lot of trail races in NorCal/Bay Area. Brazen racing puts on a bunch of races and they’re usually relatively affordable since it’s in the trails instead of the streets (which require closing them down and such).
Love the pictures of you guys out on the trail. Looks fantastic!

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I’m doing my first trail half in Fremont on January 26th–it’s called the Coyote Hills Half (there’s also a 10k and 5k) and put on by Brazen Racing. I’ve not really been trail running before, but I was looking for a race to do while I’m in the San Jose area visiting my brother that could fill in for a long run (I’m doing the Rome Marathon in March). So here I go!

http://www.brazenracing.com/coyotehills.html

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Thank you so much Cynthia! I think I might have to do it with you:) seriously I want to do this now!

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I’m a little worried that I’ll be left out in the dust–as I’m expecting my pace to drop way down and my half PR on the road is 2:18–but fingers crossed my brother will at least wait around for me ;D

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Yikes that looks challenging!!! What a view though when you got to the top there! I’ve never been trail running before but I imagine it’s SUPER challenging when you have pretty uneven terrain and lots of hills! Would be nice not to have to worry about crazy drivers though!!!

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One of our family goals this year is to find and walk/run/hike some trails this year…I think we need to move ;)
I can’t believe how big Brooke is getting, I need to read your blog more often!

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That trail looks beautiful, the food looks delicious and Brooke is as cute as ever! I hope you are having a wonderful 2013 so far!! :)

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I love to trail run! My next race is Feb 10th trying for my first sub 30min 5k. It was 28 yesterday with winds gusting to 20mph, it was a rough run but I pushed through. Definetly chocolate cake!!!

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Get a BOB stroller. Sand, snow, mountains, etc. are no problem. I bet you could find one on CL.

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I’ll take any cake right now … I’m not picky about the flavor haha! ;) But if I had to choose, I guess yellow or funfetti. Poor Brooke … she will be the happiest girl when she finally gets to eat some sugar of her own! ;)

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Ahh trail runs. I remember my first time running on a trail. I was the first runner during our Ragnar relay and it happened to be 6 miles on a trail! I’ve never concentrated so much during a run… leaping and dodging roots and rocks, and making sure I didn’t run into any branches. It made the time fly by. I live in the DC area and stick to public areas though. I only run on trails when I have a friend with me… too risky as a female alone!

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I’ve never been trail running, but I want to. My next race is in March (unless we find another one sooner), it’s a Shamrock Run. It was in the teens here today in Ohio. I’m so cold! I LOVE chocolate on chocolate cake, but will settle for chocolate on yellow cake :)

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I LOVE trail running!! I’m from Colorado and I recently moved to DC. I’ve gotten really depressed lately about the lack of trails/nature in general, so I made a promise to myself to find trails. I do at least one a week, but recently it’s all I’ve been able to get my mind set to do. I don’t know how you run on treadmills all the time – they are like my arch enemy!

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Go to Northern VA. We loved trail running and moutain biking when we lived in Northern Virgina. We were in Prince William County.

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Thanks, I’ll have to check some of the trails out! Anywhere in particular you would recommend?

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So pretty! What’s the name of the place you guys went for a trail run? I live in Orange County and I don’t recognize it– I was thinking it kind of looked like Aliso Creek, but I’m not sure. I would love to go there tomorrow morning!

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BOB Revolution: the best jogging stroller ever. And worth every cent (or Benjamin, rather!).

…love your blog, and your baby girl is darling!

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What kind of jogger do you have now. For Christmas my only gift that I wanted and insisted on was a Bob Ironman. I wanted the Ironman specifically bc I think it will be better for our San Diego trail runs. I’m not due until April so I probably won’t be using it on trails until the fall. What are some other good joggers for trail running?

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I attempted a trail run with my son in our Bob Ironman stroller — it’s all good until there are fallen trees along the course. It was only a 5K, but the toughest 5K I’d ever done….the kiddo loved going over the fallen trees — he was giggling while I was cursing (internally of course).

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I live in san diego so our trails don’t really have many trees. Its more like desert trails but I know what you mean. We lived in northern virginia when my older two were little and trail running or biking with little ones meant an obstacle course full of downed trees!

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Do you mind if I ask what trail that is, it looks awesome and I’m in Orange County, CA and always looking for new trails :-)

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