For real, just one last birthday celebration.   As you can tell by Brooke’s facial expression she is so over celebrating my birthday.  

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Doesn’t get any better than lemon cupcakes with swedish fish as decorations.  

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TEXAS TOAST (how do I always forget about how good these are?), salad and my cute friend’s amazing homemade stroganoff.  Comfort food at its finest.  

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And once again I spent time torturing myself by watching The Bachelor.  I really need to stop. 

We had my ice cream dessert to eat while watching the disaster.  

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It kind of looks like my bowl of ice cream has two furry legs.  

Remember how yesterday I told you that Brooke brings me my shoes to signal to me that she wants us to leave?!  She also does this thing where she constantly brings me my bottle of shampoo in hopes that she can convince me to maybe wash my hair.  She doesn’t understand I have at least another 2 days until I am forced into doing that.

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And last but not least, I sat in my car facetiming a good friend and charging my phone for awhile.  My phone no longer charges by plugging into my computer or by the wall plug.  It only charges in my car.  I should probably get that fixed.  

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A reader sent me a picture of these. I must find them now.  What will M&M’s think of next?

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It’s that time of week where you share something random about your day/life/family/running… whatever you want!  Let it all out in the comments so that we can read them and enjoy your random life too.

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122 comments

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Haha I love that she collects your shampoo bottle!

Something random: I’ve been putting avocado on everything this week…sweet potatoes, inside my grilled cheese, on my fish for dinner, on my burger a couple nights ago…everything I eat after 1pm must have avocado on it for some reason!

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I’m doing the SAME THING!!! I have a crazy obsession with them this week.

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You can totally buy the birthday cake M&Ms at CVS :) Also, where on earth did you get Brooke’s boots? They are adorable!

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Something random, something random…hmm, I made Butternut Squash Black Bean enchiladas on Monday and THEY ARE AMAZING, I feel like you would really like them (you could do sweet potatoes instead if you wanted ;)). I ran outside after work last night and I took my “Knuckle Lights” for the first time since it was getting dark that my Dad gave me and when I went to turn them on…they didn’t work…so that was cool. Haha I guess that’s random? Happy Thursday!!

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What are knuckle lights? I must find these!

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They are soooo great! My Dad got them for me and they are SO bright!

http://www.amazon.com/Knuckle-Lights-SILVER/dp/B00847KVLY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392913925&sr=8-1&keywords=knuckle+light

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Oh yeah. I want knuckle lights.

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Knuckle Lights are awesome! The same thing happened to me, but they really stand behind their product. Send them an e-mail and they will take care of you. They put off quite a beam, and I crack up imagining what drivers are thinking when they see bouncing lights coming at them. :-D

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I keep obsessively checking the weather for my half marathon Sunday. I’ve never run this course in good weather and it is currently predicted to be cloudy and in the 40’s. I’ve never been so superstitious regarding a good weather forecast! (Maybe I was for my wedding…and every other “big” race… haha).

I’m really looking forward to my dinner tonight. Grilled chicken with homemade mole sauce and sweet potatoes and salad! The mole sauce we made is sooo good I could just eat it.

That’s all. weather.com and thinking about dinner in the morning. That’s my life.

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I am hungry and daydreaming of “dinner foods” by 8 am everyday..glad someone else is too!

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I made chocolate chip pancakes for dinner last night…awesome decision :-).

I need to make that ice cream dessert ASAP!

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Birthday cake M&Ms?! Awesome!
Seeing Brooke with shampoo reminded me of when my son locked himself in the bathroom and squeezed shampoo all over the bathtub and himself. His hands we’re so slippery that he couldn’t open the door! Fun time with kids :)

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Mmmm I love stroganoff! Definitely comfort food at it’s finest :)

Just three days until my next half marathon! I feel so much stronger right now than I did when I ran my first half last November. Even if I don’t get a huge PR, I think just feeling stronger as I cross the finish line will be a good accomplishment (although a PR would be nice too, haha).

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I keep going to bed too late and waking up feeling soo tired- it’s not good for training! Brainstorming ways to force myself into bed earlier…House of Cards is definitely not helping this!

http://nyviewsnikeshoes.com

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I’m in the market for a new TV series to get me through my long rides on the trainer. Is House of Cards good?

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I’ve been looking everywhere for those birthday cake M&Ms! No luck yet… I just need to know if they actually taste like birthday cake or not since cake battered everything is my favorite! I haven’t had texas toast in forever but it really is so good. I was thinking about making some garlic bread tonight. That is definitely happening now.

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Random? I am all about random. I want to try those M&M’s but I expect them to not be good. I also don’t like the Birthday Cake Oreos.

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Wow birthday cake m&ms…they really do try everything. I haven’t seen them around yet.

Also your lemon cupcakes really made me want lemon pound cake…mmmmm

Random thing: we are moving into a new townhouse in a few weeks and I’m super excited…this weekend we are going to pick out paint colors for the walls.

Also random, the starburst jelly beans are back at target and I shamelessly already bought some.

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Today I’m planning on wearing normal people clothes for a sustained period of time, not just sweats or running clothes. Huge improvement.

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I hate normal people clothes with all of its zippers and buttons and non stretchy material.

Death traps, I tell you… that’s what “normal people clothes” are!

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That stroganoff looks amazing. Did she use ground beef? My random fact is that I had waffles with pb&j for breakfast! I agree with the ^^^ above comment, Brooke always has the cutest shoes!

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Something random.. my daughter turns 14 this week. I hate doing taxes, but I’m stuck sorting it all out today. I can’t cross country ski this afternoon because we are going to get up to 10″ of snow.. blizzard and a polar vortex is coming back. Ugh! Need I say more?

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M&M’s are my weakness and those sound fabulous! I’m especially fond of the coconut ones!

Something random: My hubby’s birthday is on Saturday and we have fun plans for Saturday night with our family! I can’t wait!

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Those M&Ms must be so good!!

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I love your nails :) They are so cute! Is that shellac? Something random.. We are supposed to get a huge snow storm today like 10 inches of snow! So ready for spring!

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I’m not sure how I feel about flavored M&Ms. I tried the candy corn ones and really didn’t like them. I think I only like M&Ms with real chocolate, not white chocolate. I love the pretzel ones though!

Something random – I am running the Disney Princess Half Marathon on Sunday and I’ve only gone running eight times since October. I can’t imagine that it is going to be fun. Plus we are walking around Disney all day on Saturday, so I’ll be tired before I even start.

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Random? I am looking forward to Girl Scout cookie season…need them now!

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Is girl scout cookie season different in different parts of the country? They are out in full force here in PA, actually I think they are just about winding down, which is a good thing, nooooo moreeee thin mints!

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I found those Birthday Cake M&M’s online at The Candyland Store or Your Candy Shop if your not able to fine them in a local store. How nice it is to have such a good helper reminding you when its time to leave and when to wash your hair, we all need a little reminding here and there lol.

Random thought – My step son is slowly getting taller than mom and myself. It is a humbling time but lets hope this continues cause I sure do wish I was taller lol.

http://runningschlub.blogspot.com/

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PLEASE come to Blend Retreat – it’s in Park City again (June 6-8th!)! Will you be around??

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Those M&M’s could be awesome…..I just had froyo the other day (not a big ice cream/froyo….I KNOW) and saw birthday cake there…hmmmm I went with Thin Mint. Ehhhh. Not great. I wish they had Samoa.

Something random….hmmmm….Looking for vakay spots for a spontaneous spring break for kids not too far from Ohio…If anyone has ideas I’m all ears :)

And, I’m really upping the training now. I feel like I can do better. Time to work on going longer and faster.

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I agree with you about knowing you can do better!

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Something random: I’m going out to dinner with my mom and brothers and nephew tonight and I can’t wait! We’re getting really cheap authentic Mexican food and I can’t stop thinking about it. nomnomnomnom!!

One more thing: My mom is moving to the UK on Saturday (my dad moved there in January) and I am SO SADDDDDDDD. I’m gonna miss her so much :(

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I think lemon cupcakes were the perfect choice for Swedish Fish. Lemon is light, tangy, and refreshing, just like Swedish Fish. I need to teach my dogs to fetch my shampoo (or maybe even my deodorant?) when I get stinky/dirty. Something random: I think I’m becoming a connoisseur of baked potato soup. My favorite is the baked potato soup that Whole Foods has at its hot bar. Add in a rosemary garlic asiago roll and it’s perfection.

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Where are those M&M’s?!?!?!? Maybe your reader will send you some!! And surprisingly that lemon cupcake with swedish fish just sounds amazing! I really want to make some now haha. I’ve been craving a sundae for a while now. Which is weird considering the fact that I’m lactose intolerant haha and lactose free ice cream just isn’t the same!

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I signed up for a 1/2 in April!!!!! I am looking into trying Vega Sport products…have you ever tried it? If yes what do you think???? Anyone else reading this ever tried it? Thoughts?………

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random # 1 : I ran two days in a row!!! yesterday and the day before! But Im going to break the streak for today (thunderstorming then work) and tomorrow (work work work). maybe if it is not 0 degrees out I will run again this weekend.

random # 2: I just started a job waiting tables, and I LOVE IT! so far it is awesome. my year of loneliness (husband in med school and nannying 4 kids) is at last at an end. Maybe I will make *gasp* friends!!!

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I find it so hard to believe that it was only a month ago that i didn’t know how to boil and egg and no i can acutlaly cook dinner for my family instead of my wife always have to do it cyber882

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Random? I will be cleared to exercise again after having my baby next Monday (hooray!) And will start training for my next half.
I’m tagging along with my husband on a business trip to San Jose next month and we are going to rent a car and drive down to Disneyland and take our daughter for the first time. Can’t wait!
And cherry m&ms are my fave, but they only have them for Valentine’s Day. I will have to try birthday cake and see if it fills the void.

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I need those m&ms and cupcakes ASAP. My random fact? My wedding is 16 days away and I’m starting to stress just slightly ;)

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YAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!

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Been trying to use up random items in my pantry before spring. Cooked a barley risotto the other night and I’m making bran/applesauce muffins this morning. I have a jar of pickled plums and two packages of bean threads (what are these anyway?) that have left me stymied. Anyone have ideas?

I really enjoy your humor, Janae. I often find myself chuckling at your comments, like the furry legs on your bowl of ice cream….

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I incorporated hills into my run yesterday for the first time ever! I hear it’s supposed to be good for you or something? I’m not sure what hurt more: My legs or my lungs. Random: I’m pretty sure I read YA more than adult novels, and I am completely ok with this.

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Um, yeah on the YA front, I claim that I’m reading them to know what my kids are reading — but really — I just like them. Working my way through the Divergent and Prodigy trilogies. Just finished A Fault in Our Stars (very good!)

What are you reading and/or what are your favorites?

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Omg birthday cake M&Ms?!?!?!?!!!!! At first I was excited about those cupcakes but now I’m freaking out! Haha MUST find them!

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How did I not know about birthday cake m&m’s? Worth trying but I bet I will still favor plain and peanut butter. I ran ten miles this morning and spent a majority of the time dodging ice patches but it was worth it to get outside!

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Random fact…I’ve been obsessed with cheerios lately. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I can’t stop haha.

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I am going to order a pair of PureFlows today, I’ve never worn Brooks before so I’m hoping I will love them as much as you do. I need to go find those M&M’s, I love the birthday cake Oreo’s. Pretzel M&Ms are my favorite. I have a brownie recipe that has birthday cake Oreo’s as the middle layer. They are heavenly.

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I think I’m going to order a pair too! After everything Janae’s said about them, I’m not sure I can turn them down, since I desperately need a new pair. I have a pair of Brooks Ghost 4’s right now and they are great but nearing 2 years old. BTW-got the cookie dough Oreo’s from Target yesterday, and they are amazing.

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I must go to Target asap. Wal-Mart did not have cookie dough Oreo’s last time I checked. Any excuse to go to Target and I will make it happen!

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Random: I wish I was sitting on a sunny, warm beach. Or that I knew how to say no so I didn’t have so many things going on. Both sound heavenly right now.

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Between those birthday cake M&Ms and the new cookie dough Oreos my tolerance for saying “no” is quickly diminishing! Both sound so good!

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My husband actually surprised me with those M&M’s after I got off work the other night. They are good but not as amazing as I had hoped. Oh, he also surprised me with Birthday Cake Peeps – I am IN LOVE with marshmallows so this was probably one of the greatest things ever! I have already gone through them all!

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Umm, well I’m kind of freaking out a little that the hubs is gone on a work trip for the next two days and I’m not sure how I’m going to handle kids, food, work, etc with my broken arm. Stupid cast. And it’s on my left hand and I’m left handed.

Thankfully, he doesn’t leave until 7 so he braided my hair so that I don’t have to wash it until tomorrow ;-)

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Good luck Marissa! That sounds a bit daunting. But I LOVE that our husband even knew how to braid your hair.

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Brooke is only over birthdays because she has yet to fully understand how freaking fun they are ;)

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I got sucked back into the Bachelor this week too… Now I HAVE to watch this whole two-part thing next week just to see what happens! UGHH! ;)

I got really excited last night seeing a whole aisle of Easter candy out already! I love the white chocolate M&Ms they had out at Halloween and now they have back out for Easter. I am going to search high and low for the birthday cake ones!

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MUST find those m&ms. so good! you should also try those new oreo’s if you like them. to. die. for.

something random: tomorrow I have a (fourth) date with a guy I’m real(ly!) interested in. wish me luck :)

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Been obsessed with smoothies. This morning I made one with chocolate almond milk, peanut butter, banana, raspberries and spinach

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I’m going nuts over Brooke’s red boots. So cute! Happy extended birthday to you, Janae!

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This week I haven’t been into running and that makes me sad/worried/relieved, etc. I don’t have any races coming up so I think that is why I am lax on running. Plus, its getting warmer in AZ and I really don’t want to use a treadmill again:(

On a happier note, we are celebrating my Grandma’s birthday this weekend. She would’ve been 92 and just passed away a month ago. She had a major sweet tooth, so we will all be bringing sweets to her party and you can’t go wrong with that!

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Random obsessions of the week….checking the weather for my marathon on Sunday…reading the Book thief (can’t stop!) and being lazy bc it’s too cold/snowy to do anything else!

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Something random – I really needed to do a speed workout yesterday, so I snuck onto the track on the University and played the role of student working out for the day. It was sorta fun! May do it again next week!

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During my 7 mile run this morning, at just past mile 6, I almost stepped on a huge Turtle. I’m not sure whether I was upset over almost stepping on a turtle or the fact that the turtle was ahead of me….:)

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Wow those M&M’s look so good! Something random is yesterday I resorted to drinking my water out of a blender because I was getting sick and tired of refilling my cup!

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Whoa. I need those M&Ms. Also my iPhone was getting to that point too. So I went to the store to get a new one and came out with a droid. I don’t know how that happened but so far I like it and supposedly it takes better pictures so that’s a blogging win!

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Water leaked behind the fridge, so we a currently living with the hum of a small jet trying to dry it out.

Working up the courage to potty train my little boy .

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Something random- getting my nails done today!

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Something random…I keep having a horrible recurring dream that I get a phone call telling me that someone close to me has died. It’s a different person that passes every time, but they all died the same way–in their sleep. It is really freaking me out! Now every time my phone rings I dread answering it.

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Love Brooke’s red hot boots!

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Randomness of the day: I miss hearing the birds sing. I think one of the things I miss most about spring/summer is being able to open my windows and hear the birds — feels so much less claustrophobic that way. Well there’s that and the lack of snow, obviously ;)

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Birthday Cake M&M’s!? I had no idea they existed. I need to hunt some of those down asap!

A few random things… I took my son out for a 5-mile jogging stroller (with weather shield on) run in the snow yesterday because it was +35F yesterday! I’m sure I also looked like the weirdo in town :s A warm day + sunshine is so refreshing.

Then the little guy and I shared hard-boiled eggs when we got in. They are my favorite!

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Favorite line from this post:

“We had my ice cream dessert to eat while watching the disaster.”

I don’t even know why I watch anymore!

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Lol your “icecream has furry legs”! That was the best commentary ever! I literally laughed out loud! You took some great pictures last night! Love you girl!

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I’m headed to New York today and so excited to run in Central Park this weekend! I’ve always wanted to but always been too busy to venture any farther than the hotel treadmill during my previous NYC trips. Not excited about the falling ice throughout the city though, got to look out for that! Not something we have here in CA.

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Birthday cake flavored anything is my favorite. There is our random fun fact and I didn’t even have to dwell on it this week. I haven’t seen those m and m’s yet but I’ll be on the search for them. I read in someones comment they are at CVS.

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Hi! I didn’t read through ALL the comments so someone may have mentioned that the cord for the iPhone 5/5s is VERY VERY low quality. I am on my 3rd cord in just over a year. Good luck with that! And thanks for being detailed in your speed work posts. I have been looking into new ones! :)

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Thank you!!!!! I just tried a new one and it works again! You are the best!

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My randomness this week: my swim cap ripped in half in the pool the other day. Who does this happen to? I’m sure only me of course! By the way, the iPhone 5 cord sucks. I’ve had my new phone less than 6 months and have replaced my cord twice already.

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Going for a track run in between classes today. Been following the Hansons Marathon Method for a while now and been loving it!

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That is hilarious that she brings you your shampoo bottle!! hahaha! :)

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While walking home yesterday I had to use some serious self control not to stop at the Szechuan House, taco place and Thai Flavors and get food to go from all of them. I mean seriously these are all right next door to each other, that’s just begging for a Friday night supper buffet at home :) Also, is anyone else HOOKED on The Following?

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Birthday m&ms?! I need those in my life.

It’s too cute that Brooke brings your shoes over when she wants to leave!!!

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As a fairly new Lady of a Leisure, I just cleaned the bathrooms so that I could say I did something worthwhile today. Peeps LOVE to ask me what I do with myself all day!

Also, I just received my bib for a half this weekend!

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seriously every flavor M&Ms are fantastic. The candy corn are so freakin good. I must have these. and did you see the MEGA m&ms too!?

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Birthday celebrations should always last a week! :)

My random thing is that we’ve been watching so much Olympics the past two weeks I don’t know what we are going to do with ourselves when they are over this weekend! haha

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Oh my goodness! Thank you for informing me that birthday cake M&Ms exist! You just made my whole life, I really really hope they taste as good as they sound!

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forget about the m&m’s….those lemon cupcakes with sweedish fish!!!! I’m drooling!!!
Random is I woke up overheated….went outside to walk the dog and still couldn’t cool off….amazing that after having temps below freezing for months today’s 40 degrees made me feel like I was having a hot flash! I went running in just 1 long sleeve t-shirt, capris and naked ears. AHHHH! =)

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I am having my wisdom teeth out tomorrow… let me know if you have any advice. I am quite scared because I have never had surgery before, and due to the situation, they are doing emergency extraction because they are pushing into the other nerves in my head and face.–All advice is welcome because I remember reading on the blog when you had yours out.

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Lots of soft foods….sleep a lot…..make sure you have creamy ice cream on hand!! Good luck girlie!

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The bachelor is ROUGH this season! This article is somewhat an explanation: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/02/11/juan-pablo-has-ruined-the-bachelor.html

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I just read this, and it is so right on.

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Birthday cake M&M’s!! Holy cow. What do you think of the Bachelor?! Who do you want to win?!

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My birthday is on Saturday and I might just have to make those cupcakes for myself. Other randomness – my first race in 3 months is also on Saturday! Even though I’m 5 months pregnant I’m still gonna run my little heart out (not literally… that would be dangerous) :) Yay!

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Oh wow – Birthday Cake M&M’s. This has got to be a joke…or a dream!

Random: I just moved back to Omaha (my hometown). On Tuesday it was sunny and 60…today there were blizzard like conditions. Apparently my hometown is very temperamental :-)

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Something random… i sprained my ankle last week training for my half marathon. Its this Sunday and i wont be able to run it. im so sad!

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Something random, I’ve been trying to upload a video to youtube and it’s just not working, it’s really making me mad. Also, I can’t get pictures to post on craigslist. Um, I’m thinking of getting my master’s degree online but just can’t justify $600+/credit hour =\ My dog is not getting it through his head that he’s supposed to pee OUTSIDE. I’ve been wanting to restart my blog, but last time was such a failure that I don’t know if I really want to… and I ate a piece of bread with peanut butter on it before doing a workout… and that was a bad idea!

Ok, that was more than one random thing. I think I need more friends to just ramble on to… considering all I have are the people I work with (whom I can’t really talk to TOO much) and my boyfriend… =\

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I’m eating jalapeno pistachios and working harder at making it look like I’m working than actually working.

Oh and I ordered a new treadmill today.

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what?!? birthday cake m&m’s!!!! I must find these now!

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Random: I am tempted to eat frozen yogurt for every meal for a day to see what happens. I have a feeling it will bring on lots of naps and happiness.

Random 2: I want to make your ice cream dessert ASAP! I almost made it for Valentines Day, but I ended up making a Mud Pie instead.

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Random info. I too am addicted to Diet Coke. And I LOVE to bake cupcakes. No week is complete unless I try at least one new recipe. It’s a good thing I run! ;)

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Okay loooove those cupcakes! Super cute idea :) And I honestly can’t stop watching the Bachelor, as much as I hate it and JP. Can’t. Stop.

xo

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party cake PEEPS too!

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My husband just bought me a new gym bag, and I’m so excited! You’d think it was a designer purse or something… :)

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Those cupcakes look delish! I love candy on top of frosted goodies! My very favorite is candy corn on top of frosted sugar cookies. But the candy corn has to be chewy not too hard. Yum! Now how can I get my hands on some candy corn in February….

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Now I am officially on the hunt for those M&Ms too!

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Same race day here…when I start feeling a cold coming on, I’ll take Zicam (melts)… seems to work for me! Stay fierce!

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My something random is that I am running my VERY FIRST MARATHON Sunday! Nervous/excited/terrified all at the same time.

The people at M&M are just so so brilliant.

I LOL’d HARD at your ice cream with two furry legs.

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Awesome Natalie. Have fun on race day!

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Birthday cake M&Ms sound pretty amazing. My random is that I’m so over these 80 degree SoCal days. I know, don’t hate me. I just wouldn’t mind some cooler weather before it gets scorching again.

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This is a lie…we still have one more b-day celebration tomorrow! :) I can’t wait to see you!! xoxoxo

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I need those mms!

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Here are my random runner comments:

Just got the Brooks Pure Flow from REI (THANK YOU) and took them out for a spin and felt great, which helped since my running motivation this week has been low. Spent time on your blog to help with said running motivation problem. Also am loving pomegranate seeds as a snack right now!

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Who do you think will be JPa’s Final One? Based on body language alone I think it would be Clare even though I am rooting for Nikki. Oh and I’d love Andi as the Bachelorette!

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I heard there are carrot cake m&ms coming out as well! Must find these!!

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I’m the reader that sent the M&Ms!! Haha!

I think some people have already said this, but I found the Birthday Cake M&Ms at CVS. This week, they are on sale for $0.75 and you get $0.75 Extrabucks back, so it’s like getting them for free! And I don’t work for CVS just wanted to spread the news!

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Ha- love Brooke and the shampoo!

*Quality performance apparel for men and women-http://expertbrand.com*

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Here’s my random comment: I think you should be the next Bachelorette!

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I want to facetime with you and Brooke!! :)

Your hair always looks awesome, no need to wash it.

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those m&ms sounds amazing! I think they might be my treat after my race on Sunday!!

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Birthday Cake M&M’s?! Amazing. I want to be the person who gets to design candy flavors.

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I ate Texas toast with my pasta tonight! So good!!

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