We kind of have a thing for Chick-fil-A.  

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Even Brooke agrees that it is a good idea to trade in the toy from the kids meal for an ice cream cone.

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After lunch my brother (the one from AZ) took us to Toys”R”Us and told Brooke to pick out a toy for her Christmas present.   The shopping cart stole her heart and she pushed it up and down all of the aisles.

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The beginning of another snow storm.  Yes, that makes me extremely depressed because it means today is another day on the treadmill because it is so slippery.

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Tradition Day #18 was coloring Christmas pictures for Brooke to give to people for Christmas.   She actually did a really good job.

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We had chicken, veggies and rice for dinner and then 5 of my nieces and nephews from out of town came over.  Brooke did 100 laps with a smile on her face around the couch while they chased her.

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And then we celebrated my niece’s bday with my mom’s famous lemon bread.  

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You have to try this recipe within the next year.  It is your homework.

6 Tblsp shortening

1 C sugar

1.5 C flour

2 eggs

1/2 C milk

Pinch of salt

1 tsp baking posder

grated rind of 1 lemon

Cream sugar, shortening and then add the eggs and the milk.  Then add the dry ingredients.  

Bake 1 hour at 300-325 degrees.  When baked and still in pan, pour over top: 1 cup sugar mixed with the juice of two lemons.

PS thanks for all the ‘get feeling better’ comments!  I am starting to feel like myself again!

What Christmas traditions have you done so far this year?

Where is your workout happening today?

Any snow right now where you live?

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90 comments

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No snow since the high is 78 today. We do have some lovely fog this morning that makes running feel like you’re breathing through a straw… Noah also has a pink shopping cart that he loves to push around outside. I think they like to be like us :-) Enjoy family time!

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Workout = most likely the treadmill (snow, slippery, and dark at like 3:30 PM)
Christmas Traditions- making tons of cookies and throwing my cocktail party!
We have at least a foot of snow on the ground here- so narrow roads, icy areas and tough navigation! Every run is a fartlek, if I can get outside!

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How cute is this girl?!?
I’m going for another run outside. I did 7 last night and I am hoping for another 5 tonight. I’m also going to get my Christmas Traditions going and make a gingerbread house with my daughter this weekend. I also want to bake sugar cookies we can decorate. Christmas is so much fun and traditions make it the best!

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I love that you can trade in the toys for ice cream. That is probably one of my favorite parts of Chickfila because their ice cream is really good and I’m not really a soft serve ice cream type of gal.

I am now wasting time before my run. I guess I’ll go do that now LOL.

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Love your niece’s headband! I’m off to a core workout and zumba class and then a run later. Living in NH it is always cold and snowy, probably like Utah. I would rather run in -4 degree weather than run on a treadmill though so that’s what I’ll do.

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Random question: you are left-handed, but are you also left-footed? ;)

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Today’s workout will be yoga in our bedroom after we paint 3 more rooms of our house. Some crazy person (me!) decided we should paint nearly the entire house before Christmas Eve.

That’s nixed all of my swims planned, but will result in less eye strain when the hideous colors are gone and replaced with nicer ones by Christmas Elves.

We have no snow, but we do have a pretty big rain storm going on here on the Washington coast.

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I ran my mile for the RW Streak and did an hour of yoga today. There is snow on the ground here in MA, but they are calling for 50 degree weather this weekend, so it may all melt!! No complaints though here, that means a nice long run outdoors this weekend instead of being stuck inside!

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No snow here in Charlotte, NC :( I really wish though! We are headed up to Michigan tomorrow (Saturday) for Christmas because that is our family tradition and I really hope there will be at least a little bit of snow!!

My workout will be inside at the gym during my lunch break today…I think I’m just going to do some weight training..unfortunately my runs have been few and far between these past weeks, but I am hoping to run over the holidays because my uncle has a treadmill in his basement!

You guys have the cutest family ever!! I hope you have wonderful holidays!

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We are in the midst of a freezing rain storm right now

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Cousins are the best! My girls are so lucky to have so many and they all live nearby. They are the best of friends!

We are having awesome freezing drizzle at the moment, to be followed by a snowstorm that they can’t decide how much of we are getting tomorrow and Sunday. Really fantastic.

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I ran outside today… it was in the 40’s, so not too bad minus the snot dripping down my face. Attractive, I know.

Have a great weekend!

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that’s what sleeves are for!

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Brooke and your niece have the cutest hair wraps!

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So many happy running kids!! No Christmas traditions yet, heading to the parents on Monday. My work out will be outside, it is freakishly warm in DC right now (like in the 50s hitting 60s?!).

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Looks like so much fun to have lots of family around. :-)

I’m running 10 miles outside today! We got a lot of snow last week, but the temps are going up and today looks like great running weather. I’m sorry you are stuck inside…at least you have an awesome treadmill!

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It’s supposed to get into the 40s today, so I might run half of my run outside with Bungee since she’s going stir crazy with no exercise.

So far, we haven’t done much in the way of Christmas traditions other than get our tree and watching our favorite Christmas movies. My siblings come home this weekend, though, so things are about to get exciting!

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Lots of snow here, but apparently it’s melting soon! Either way I’m getting out of dodge and flying south for the winter, and I can’t wait! Unfortunately that means my workout will be carrying my 50 lb purse through two airports today.

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We’ve visited Santa and made Christmas cookies. This weekend will be going to look at Christmas lights and making gingerbread houses. Lemon bread sounds delish!

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It snowed here last night! About 5cm, with another 15cm on the way. Since we never get snow here in the Vancouver area, my twitter feed is now full of hashtags of #snowcouver and #snowmaggedon. We’re a little dramatic up here. ;)

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Loving your traditions! So far we have gone to the BIG tree at the outside mall, drove around to look at lights and did the Christmas puzzle! We have a few more to get in the next 5 days :). The treadmill… again.. we are not getting snow, but we are getting horrible rain. I love to run in rain but this is just crazy rain!

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I went into Chick fil a yesterday to use the bathroom. It smelled soooo good (not the bathroom, the food!). But I donate eat there. I cannot in good conscious spend my money at a business that donates millions of dollars to organizations anti gay agendas. I can’t stop them from donating as they wish, but I sure can choose not to support their business. It’s too bad… I did eat their once a long time ago and it was very yummy.

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We’re in Colorado so 70* on Wednesday and I believe we’re going to snow today. Bipolar weather here. I kind of like it. It breaks up the monotony. As does trying to spell “monotony”.
I’m SO glad your family is all coming. My son has been deployed every holiday for the last three and next year I get him back. We can’t wait. Fun is still had but it’s not the same without him.
Plus there is something about brothers taking a little extra care to torment and love the sisters.

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No snow in Africa! Haha! Glad you are feeling better!

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It’s pretty nice today. I think it’s going to be in the high 60’s which means I’ll be taking my run outside.

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I’m home for the holidays but one of my friends hooked me up with a free gym pass for the week! Thank goodness because it is too icy for running outside :(

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Aw- that’s exactly what I do for my nieces at holidays and birthdays! I like to take them to Target and tell them to pick whatever they want- I think they love it!

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Love the hair wrap your niece has!

The snow has cleared and we are going to have temps in the 50s today and the high 60s this weekend! I thought winter starts tomorrow?!

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Some snow, and an ice storm this morning. Not bad enough for a school cancelation.

If a workout happens it will be basement, treadmill or bike. Probably tread because it is my favorite way to welcome Christmas vacation.

We have not done this yet, but one of our Christmas traditions is Christmas morning……me on treadmill, Chris on bike only Christmas lights and Christmas music.

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Brooke’s headbands = love
We’ve done several traditions so far this year. Fudge, cookies, Christmas light viewing, movie watching/singing, ugly Christmas sweater wearing :)
No workout today because I can’t wash my hair for two days, so I got a run in yesterday afternoon prior to my hair appt.
It hasn’t snowed in my city since January 1999.

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Hi Janae! I just started reading your blog and have really enjoyed it. I’m also a runner and believe it is the best therapy ever–couldn’t imagine what I’d do without it. Just feel the need to tell you that you are a running beast! I think your times are out of the realm of possibility for me but I admire you!!

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No snow where I live right now! I have a 15k race tomorrow, so I am going to do an arm workout today and try to get a walk in. Some Christmas traditions we have done this year is the 12 dates of Christmas. This is a new one for the Hubs and I, and we love it!

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Workout in the garage for me today!! It’s going to be freezing!! Maybe you could go for a walk outside at least :). I love how Brooke would rather have ice cream than a toy, now that’s priorities!! I don’t really have any holiday priorities, but me and the boyfriend always go see a movie in December and we’re doing that tomorrow, so I guess that counts??

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Yep, we’ve got a foot of snow on the ground right now, which means no trail running for me in the foreseeable future. :( I’m still running outside for now though, as long as the roads aren’t icy.

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I remember that more recent Frosty movie where the guy invents a can of something to get rid of the snow and he was supposedly the villain and the kids have to stop him from ruining frosty and winter and Christmas.
I considered myself officially grown up when I thought, “that was the best invention ever, those kids need to shut up and appreciate how wonderful and miraculous that invention is,” so I’m really happy to say I live in a snow free area.

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I’m headed down to Florida for Christmas with my family. Hello outdoor running!

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Snow? Ha! Today the high is 78*, my run will be held outside and I will be cranky because I miss the cold weather. Doesn’t look like we’re getting much colder than the 50s for the foreseeable future. I need to move.

Brooke pushing her shopping cart is adorable… good luck with the snow and ice!

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We have snow in the PNW! It’s kinda fun to get snow here, because it doesn’t happen often, and it doesn’t stick around for long. I don’t think I would love living somewhere that has weeks/months of snow, and stuck running inside all the time. Here I may miss a few outside runs, but never too many days in a row thankfully!

Today is a non-running day, so my workout is happening on the living room floor since it’s a core day. Love those kind of workouts!

Today is our traditional Friends Christmas Dinner. A house full of friends and kiddos, good food, fancy drinks, and gift exchange before we all go different directions to be with family.

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i’d trade the toy for the ice cream too! I don’t think we have chick-fil-A’s up here, so I’ve never tried it…it’s on my list though ;-)
I’m heading to the gym for Zumba tonight!

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Snow, snow, snow, blah, I’m kinda over it too. It can snow all it wants on Christmas, but I’d rather sunshine and blue skies at the moment. ;)

So far, we’ve looked at Christmas lights, gone to the Festival of Trees, baked Christmas cookies, and went Christmas shopping. It’s a little more limited with Hunter just a baby, but we’ve still had such a fun time.

My workout is happening at the gym as well in the form of the elliptical. I’m just going to zone out and take it easy. :)

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100 laps around the couch? This girl is going to be an awesome runner like her mom :)

Last night I did my speedwork on the treadmill after midnight (so I guess technically this morning) and then I was wide awake full of endorphins! I have a feeling I will be drinking lots of caffein this morning!

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To the gym. Fun Friday class and 3 miles.

When I was little, my dad would read The Little Match Girl in Danish and translate it to English. It always makes me cry.

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I’m glad you’re starting to feel like yourself again. I’m sure over the holidays you will have some “moments” but just try to remember how lucky you are to be surrounded by your family and friends, and Brooke obviously. They’ll all pull you through.

We are having our Christmas morning tomorrow morning because we will be in Hawaii for Christmas this year and can’t bring all of our presents with us. I’m so excitedddd!!!

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It is snowing right now and apparently will not stop all weekend – ahhh!

No workouts planned for today, but I did a speed workout at the track last night: 1600, 1200, 800 all at race pace and a 400m “all out” *not a sprint for me, but fast*

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We have had several feet of snow but now it has warmed up all the sudden so instead we have a wet and nasty mess! I think I would prefer snow over this.

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No snow in FL (where I wish I was because I live there), but lots of snow where I am with my family. I am hating it. Today, I’m going kickboxing with my best friend! I’m excited but let’s hope I don’t hurt myself.

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No snow…upper seventies and sun for us floridians ;) my workout will be strength training in my living room or maybe outside. Have fun with family!!

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we have freezing rain right now which is melting all the snow we have had.

today’s workout will be at crossfit.

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I love the print of your shoes in the snow!
Holy sugar bread! I bet anything with 2 cups of sugar tastes amazing! Yummm

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I’ve baked cookies and candies so far, that’s it.

Ran outside 6 miles this morning. Hills again.

It’s going to be 80 today so yeah, uh, no snow, like, ever.

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I’m about to have to run 9 miles on the treadmill… It’s freezing rain here in Chicago plus I’ve been having IT band issues and don’t want to get stuck out on the lakefront path with an injury! Ugh… not looking forward to this!

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I will be stuck on the treadmill today too. Our weather turned to rain and ice today.

I feel like I have done a lot of traditions this year. I have a list of things to do each December and I have been checking them off. ;)
-Decorating our home
-Drinking lots of hot cocoa
-Gingerbread House failing
-Christmas card photo shoot
-Create new warm cocktail
-Christmas craft
-Girl’s Christmas party
-Watching Christmas movies
-Gift donations
-Cookie exchange party is this weekend
-Fun Christmas manicure
-Driving around to look at Christmas lights
-Deliver goodies to neighbors-happening tonight

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so when I first looked at it, I thought that was a name written in SAND not SNOW. Sorry about that.

Running on the bayou trail outside of my office at lunch, 5 easy before my 20 this weekend. Not trying to dampen your spirits more, but it is a disgusting 72 degrees here today. I say disgusting, because I would prefer it be more like true Christmas weather.

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Workout = treadmill:S
Snow = more than I want
Christmas = Holiday music has really been getting me in the spirit lately!

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Could Brooke get any cuter, love those jammies on her! Cousins are so much fun!!! Have a great weekend Janae!

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Brooke looks like your niece in the pick she’s running around the couch. I hope you feel better

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Workout today is TBD. I rarely decide what I’m doing until the hour before I go to the gym! ;) Yeppppp, my hometown got snow today for the first time this winter. There’s 1.5 inches and 30 degrees and everyone is freaking out. Haha! I love Seattle when it snows- no one knows what to do with themselves!

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Glad you’re feeling better! Have a wonderful time with your family!

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Yum! Lemon bread sounds so tasty!

Glad you are feeling better. Merry Christmas friend!

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J has been opening a Christmas book every night until Christmas Eve. It’s so fun. We also saw lights, made cookies, delivered neighbor treats, and got gifts for the Giving Tree. It’s been a great season, have fun with all your family in town, sorry I missed ya today, I didn’t wanna drive to SL by myself and Josh was going from work=(

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If you squint really hard with the heater blasting, it looks like you’re name is written on a warm sandy beach and not the remnants of a snow storm :)

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My Christmas tradition for today is finishing up the little bit of Christmas shopping that I have left and getting all of my presents wrapped! :)

I will definitely try that Lemon Bread soon! After chocolate lemon flavored desserts are my FAVE!

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The only real Christmas tradition we’ve done so far this year is the tree…but hopefully when we get home to St Louis it’ll feel more like the holiday :)

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Brooke is a smart girl, ALWAYS trade toys in for ice cream. ;) That shopping cart looks pretty awesome, too. I love the coloring idea- so cute and everyone will love that they get a masterpiece from her! :) I’m currently at my parent’s house, so my workout is some toning workouts right now and then a looooong walk to the lake by their house and back. I’m excited! Yay for Christmas and spending time with our family!

xo

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It’s snowing pretty good here today in northeastern WI. I saw a couple cars in the ditch on my way to work this morning. So after work today it will be a treadmill run day! I’m looking forward to it! :)

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I have to squeeze in some planks and squats because I have a long car ride to Boston tonight! Looking forward to a morning run with my sister tomorrow :)

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I am so jealous that you have a chick dil a near you. I have been missing that amazing place since we moved. I dream about those milkshakes!!
There is snow here in Northwest Washington! It only happens every few years so it is so exciting and fun. Wish us safe driving.

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I had a surprise day off so I’m about to hit the trails! Brooke looks way too cute in her christmas jammies.

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Lemon bread! Perfect. Lemons are my favorite fruit ever, and since they are a winter fruit, I am on the hunt for new recipes. Thanks!

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you can trade your toy for an ice cream cone? that’s a genius idea! i love soft serve.

and i LOVE brooke’s pink santa jammies! so cute :)

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It’s super nice and clear in SF today and will be about 60 degrees.

My workout happened this morning at the gym – a little stairmaster and lifting session!

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So glad you are being YOU ; )

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That bread looks SO good! I’m trying that next week for sure.

Run indoors again today, but not because of the weather, only because I’ve been sick and trying to make sure I don’t make my chest infection worse. No snow here, which is a little sad at Christmastime!

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Your mom’s lemon bread looks delicious!

I just flew home for the holidays this morning, and there is definitely lots of snow. Boooooo…. :)

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Rest day for me. It did snow in Seattle today. They do not know what to do with it. We got about an inch.

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That bread looks amazing!!!

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As I was at the gym this morning the weather men were talking about Utah, and you immediately popped in my mind. I thought, Oh bummer…ICE and SNOW I bet Janae is not going to be able to run outside today :( . Trust me, I feel your pain. Although I am in Arizona I have a minor injury and training indoors just is not the same as the out doors.

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I love seeing my kids play with their cousins. Seeing Brooke run 100 laps with her cousins im sure brings joy to hour heart.

Lemon bread is one of my favs.I love it when u gives us the recipe too so..thanks!

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Oh goodness I love Chic Fil A too! I try not to have it too much but it’s one of my guilty pleasures.
My run today was outside a short and sweet mile to stretch my legs. I ran a decent pace for me and got out there just before the sunset. I am gearing up for my second twenty miler tomorrow.
The snow here is melting and tomorrow the weather is going to be in the high 50’s…welcome winter (?)!

Karen @karenlovestorun

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I have the best recipe for Chick -fil-A chicken, I’ll have to give it to you so you can post it. It so east and super good.
And I would never use shortening in a recipe, it’s a artery killer. In it’s place you can use coconut oil or butter.

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I got a treadmill for Christmas. And I’ve discovered this horrible train wreck of a show I can’t keep my eyes off of. SO I don’t mind the snow so much. You’re welcome for all that useless information.

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True Christmas traditions start Sunday with our quick snow trip to Lake Tahoe. It will be the true start of Christmas for me, now if only I had time to pack.

My workouts have been Pilates based lately, we’ve had freezing mornings and that’s usually my only personal time to run. Maybe treadmill should really be on my Christmas list.

We don’t get snow in Napa, but the whole family is headed up to the Sierra Foothills for a few days of snowmen and sledding. Then hauling butt back home in time for Christmas.

Happy Christmas!

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Workout was at the gym…elliptical and body pump. No snow here in Baltimore…its supposed to be much warmer than usual for this time of year over the weekend.

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we are to get an ice storm here this weekend, I believe the plan is to not leave our place

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Workout today was at the park! The snow has melted from the rain and 55 degrees today! 5 miles on a trail with no ice and snow was fab!

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Wait….you actually go to chik-fil-a…I thought that was a thing people were boycotting because they are kind of the worst corporation?

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I am thankfully getting in my last really long run before my first marathon outside! It’s supposed to be in the 60s in Philly today. Heaven for a 20 miler in December.

Christmas traditions: I watched Christmas Vacation while wrapping presents last weekend. Tonight I will finish wrapping while watching Love Actually. I do it every year, I always cry, and then laugh at myself for crying at the exact same time in that movie every single time.

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It’s in the 70s in NC so no snow here! We don’t have any Christmas traditions besides on Christmas eve :)

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It’s 65 degrees and raining here in the mid-Atlantic region! No white Christmas for us this year… :-(

We spent the weekend with my mom celebrating Christmas with her a little early. Our next Christmas tradition will be Christmas Eve mass followed by lots of family fun the next few days!

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So much family time, I bet you and Brooke are loving it!

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