I can’t stop.  I won’t stop.  The trails are just too good to be true.  

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It has been MONTHS since the last time that I went running with my sister.  That just can’t happen again.  We did 7 miles together and I hooked her to the trails and we decided that we are going to spend a lot of time this summer in the mountains.  By the end of our run both of our legs were super fatigued (in a good way, not an injured way) and it must be in our blood or something to love/crave that tired legs feeling.

We saw Josse’s car (the girl I run with a lot) in the parking lot at the base of the trail because she was out hiking with her son…  we left her some sweet valentines on her car.  

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Tangerines, edamame, chicken, radishes (Brooke and I are both loving these lately), feta and the below dressing (I like this dressing but it isn’t very strong and I love dressings that have a ton of flavor) for lunch.

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Brooke once again proved how smart she is at the store yesterday.  She found the chocolate covered cinnamon bears and brought them over to me because she knows that these are my favorite treats at this point in my life.  I am proud.

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And just the usual Friday night happenings.

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Our favorite farro salad, butternut squash soup and butterscotch pudding.  

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Raise your hand if you agree:

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How often do you have caffeine?  Do you have a problem WITHOUT caffeine?

A veggie that you are loving a lot lately?

What is your weekend run/race/workout?

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78 comments

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I’m actually not too addicted to caffeine, I have one cup of coffee when I wake up but I’m okay without it.

My workout today is 5 miles and tomorrow 10 miles, nothing too crazy…I can’t wait until my program calls for the longer runs!

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That Valentine gesture is super cute! I’m totally jealous of your running trails in the mountains. How awesome is that?!

I’m pretty much a coffee addict, so caffeine and I are BFFs for sure.
This weekend I have a 5 mile run and a 20 mile run…..wish me luck!

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I was just thinking that it had been a long time since I had run with anyone. Thankfully I am preparing to go for a run with someone now. I feel like I actually have exciting plans LOL.

I like to have my morning coffee and since I’ve been waking up at 5, I’ve needed an afternoon pick me up too. That being said I’m still in bed by 9 so I guess it’s okay. I had debated doing a 5k this weekend but in the end decided to just relax instead.

Your salads always look so good. As it has gotten warmer I have been loving salads. Do sundried tomatoes count as a vegetable? I have been loving those…a lot…hahaha.

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I love the trails, they look like an absolute blast to run on!:)
20 miler today with my running friend, can’t wait to kill it!

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Just finished 21.8 mile long run at a running camp in south Portugal. This calls for huge brunch!!! :o)

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I’m not majorly addicted to caffeine but I like to have a coffee in the morning and a hot tea in the afternoon.

Mmm butternut squash soup is the best!!

Today I’ve got 10 miles on the schedule and tomorrow probably just 2 or 3 :)

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I drink coffee most mornings, but I actually can’t handle a lot of caffeine cause it makes me jittery, so I only drink half a cup. :)

I’ve been thinking about Janice and her 100-miler today!! Make sure you update us on how she does!

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The salad looks amazing!! I’m totally addicted to Trader Joe’s new Cruciferous Crunch salad mix…I’ve been using it for salads, wraps, and sometimes just eat it straight out of the bag :)

And yes, I have a huge problem without caffeine, in the form of a raging headache and general grumpiness. Bring on the coffee!

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I have iced coffee every single morning. So yummy! Unless it’s really, really cold out. Then I will make it hot. I don’t drink pop much. Maybe just once or twice a month.

My favorite veggie at the moment is still spinach. I put it in everything.

Today is a rest day for me. I just came off of 5 days of double workouts. My body needs a rest. And a massage.

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I’m loving butternut squash, especially the prepeeled and prechopped variety (at TJ’s). That butternut squash soup looks so good! Definitely a problem without caffeine!

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I love me some caffeine!! It’s always coffee first thing in the morning, then either iced coffee or diet coke in the afternoon.

I’m about go to for a 7-8 mile run, then spin class tomorrow morning! Love doing both those on the weekends.

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I have tried really hard to not become dependent on caffeine (that’s the addictions counselor in me), so I drink it 3-4 days a week. I ran 9.8 miles yesterday, and that’s the peak mileage for my half marathon training (race on April 12th)- now I need a massage!

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I just love trails. I feel so detached from the world when I’m running trails. I’ve never even heard of chocolate covered cinnamon bears but need them in my life.

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Not a caffeine fan, but LOVE me some dark chocolate. That has caffeine, right?

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I don’t tolerate caffeine well, so maybe a cup of regular coffee a week and the rest are decaf.

Not sure what to do for my long run tomorrow. I’m in PT and “allowed” to run, but I think I overdid it with 32 miles this week. Oops! Maybe run 8 miles tomorrow and try to stick to 20-25 for the week.

I love avocado and want to put it on everything! I am craving a Cafe Rio fired grilled chicken salad right now at 9am!

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Hard to pick a favorite veggie, but it sounds like you would like this home-made dressing–bold and full of flavor. We just refer to it as our house dressing, but the original source (?) called it Herb Viaigrette.

Blend:
1 cup water
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup braggs liquid aminos (something like soy sauce)
1/4 cup olive oil
1/3 cup red onion
3 cloves of garlic chopped or minced

Next add and blend:

1/4 cup of fresh herbs (dill, cilantro, basil) — I usually use as much basil as I have on hand
1 Tbsp parsely (fresh is better, but dried will do)
1 tsp grated ginger root
1/2 tsp ground cumin
pinch of cayenne (sometimes I get too generous)

Enjoy! If you have a piece of toast to sop up the remainders…heaven!

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I’m allergic to caffeine but sugar? bring it on.

I am living on sweet potatoes. I love them and they are so fast and easy and I am a lazy cook.
My workout is currently unknown. But it must be done. So probably a truly boring run this morning that will change my life because…don’t they all? Yes Ma’am.

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YES–teachers need caffeine or they die.
I eat radishes through out the day.
On weekends, I am going to start a new thing where I workout once midday and once at night—instead of just in the evening.

After you go abroad, please post general travel tips/suggestions that you have. I just booked a summer trip (to Paris).. and it’s been over 13 years, plus I am going alone–without knowledge of the language.. so I am trying to get all the tips that I can!

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I recently found a link from caffeine to my irritability, so I gave up my number one culprit: coffee. This was very difficult for me at first, especially since I drink it for the flavor, not the caffeine. I switched to decaf green tea, which still has minimal amounts of caffeine, but not much. What a difference it has made in my moods! I still treat myself one day a week, but it’s becoming less and less appealing.

I did my long run last night, so today is my off day, and tomorrow I’ll probably cross train and do some speed intervals. :-O

I have developed a love for avocado, and can eat it every day. Plain, in salad, or on a sandwich. Yum!

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I have caffeine every day in my morning coffee and the sweet tea that I am usually chugging throughout the day.

I have been really loving spaghetti squash and eating it a few times a week with some homemade spaghetti sauce and ground turkey. So delish.

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Every morning one cup of coffee. Without it I’m sleepy and get a headache. :(
Sweet potatoes!!
Hoping for a long run this afternoon… we’re entertaining family this morning.
Yay for trail runs!!

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Shaved brussels sprouts from Trader Joe’s is definitely my new favorite. I put it in everything from salads to eggs to sandwiches. I am a caffeine addict hands down. I start the day with coffee then move to green tea. I try to cut myself off no later than 1pm so I’m not up all night.

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haha I definitely have a problem WITHOUT caffeine. I love my coffee. Drinking it right now :)

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I am definitely addicted to caffeine, and everyone around me will suffer the consequences if I haven’t had any in the past 12 hours ;)
I’ve been loving brussel sprouts and sweet potatoes lately.
Favorite run is a nice long one on the treadmill watching March Madness!

P.S. – What brand/type shorts are you wearing for your trail run? I’ve been wanting to get new some shorts and those look really comfortable!

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I’m not a huge fan of caffine. I’ll drink it once in a while but I can certainly live without it. I love that quote though. :-)

Today I have 8 miles planned and then a rest day tomorrow.

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I drink coffee daily. 1 cup first thing in the morning, 1 in the late morning and one after dinner. (small cups). I don’t drink soda though. I think i’m addicted more to the warm comforting aspect of the beverage than the caffeine but that could be disputed i suppose. I ran 2nd marathon without access to coffee that morning and feared i’d have a bad race but i did fine.

I love persian cucumbers lately.

Today 10 FLAT miles easy paced long run at the beach and tomorrow 5 recovery miles.

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I would love to run where you run – those views are amazing! I just ran 13 miles on tired legs but it is a great feeling when you are done! Favorite veggie at the moment – hmm. Roasted Brussels sprouts I think! And yeah, totally love coffee and the caffeine but really need to cut back…working on it!

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I NEED caffeine. My mornings start at 4:30 a.m. so I am needing coffee in the morning and as an afternoon pick me up.

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I love those mountains! We didn’t take full advantage of them while we were at BYU.

I have 2 hours to decide if I am going to do a 5k on 4 hrs sleep. I will need some caffeine. I take spark before long runs/workouts. I don’t think I could run without it today.

I guess I should stash our extra fun dip valentines in my car just in case. Way to make someone else smile.

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That salad looks amazing! Our town is progressing, we’ll be getting a Whole Foods next year, but I wish we had a Trader Joe’s near us.

Yes for caffeine. I’m a complete coffee adduct

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I have to start my day with a large cup of caffeine in the form of coffee. First thing. Have to. Today I am off on a trail run called the Horse Butte 10-miler with a couple friends. The race organizers are doing a course preview and I haven’t decided if I am going to do the race in a couple weeks. The first half is all up and the second half all down. Should be fun! I’m with you on trail runs – got to love the burn!

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1/2 a cup of coffee everyday, until the day I die…….. I’ve been loving carrots lately for some reason and I’ve got 5 easy miles planned for today, if only the sun would come out already!

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Love the pictures of the trail runs! Lucky you! Yes, I have a “without caffeine” problem. Need my daily dose. Rest today & run tomorrow! Happy weekend.

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*raises hand* I’m pretty sure my morning cup of coffee is why I get out of bed in the morning. Alright… breakfast is why I get out of bed… but coffee definitely puts a smile on my face. I try to limit myself to one cup a day because my stomach starts acting up if I have more, but boooooy do I love the heck out of that one cup :D

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How fun that you went trail running with your sister! I have big plans for trail runs this spring. I was wondering if you run in Brooks Pure Grits for your trail runs? I’m thinking of getting a pair, since I use the Pure Flows for the road. What do you wear trail running?

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I am a total spaz on caffeine. It’s pretty fun to watch, I’ve been told. Not so fun for me though!

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I have a serious addiction to caffeine. I have tried to cut it out and I will do good for a while and then revert back. I get serious headaches when I don’t get it – yeah when I get pregnant I am going to be in for a RUDE awakening!

Your trails makes me jealous – it looks like such a beautiful area there!

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So true on the caffine.
Loving Brussel spouts lately.

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I gave up caffeine around the start of the year – after years of no problems it suddenly started affecting my sleep no matter how early I drank something. I’ll put up with a lot of “side effects” but don’t mess with my sleep!!!

Cauliflower is always my go-to veggie, I love it so much!

My workout will be hiking across multiple soccer fields to see each of my nieces play & then going up and down the stairs at my community theater where I’m performing in a play right now.

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I do love a good cup(s) of coffee but I don’t really do soda.
My fav veggie lately has been brussel sprouts with garlic.
I’m planning on a long run tomorrow morning. I’m debating on signing up for a 1/2 a month from now and my training is going to depend on that.

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I love my morning coffee! I probably could do without, but its such a simple pleasure and I stick with one cup/day. I also have 1 can of soda at lunch, which I need to stop because soda is bad for you!

I love asparagus! My brother makes it really well in the oven and its so yummy!

I just finished up a 6 mile run and now I can relax for the rest of the day:)

Happy Saturday!!!

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Brooke is so thoughtful! :) I have a cup of coffee on my way to work, I need it to get my head going! I can get by on the weekends without it though. Roasted carrots and cauliflower are my current favorites!! I had a 10k this morning and it was awesome!

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I drink 2/3 cups of coffee everyday. I notice when I don’t have it. It is cut back week so only 8 hilly miles today and 12 miles tomorrow.

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I just started trail running last year. It works the body in such a good way, without the harsh effects of road running. Looks like a great place to run!

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I just had to pop on again and say I could never deny that little face those chocolate cinnamon bears. Not that you would…because you understand the importance sugar plays in our everyday lives. :) Now I want cinnamon bears.

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I am running the Oakland half marathon tomorrow morning! So very excited. And headed to Napa Valley with friends that afternoon….will wine ever taste better than it will tomorrow? Nope.

I am a coffee drinker, but trying to scale back. I don’t want to get too dependent. Usually a cup in the morning suffices. More makes me jittery. I’ve been LOVING broccoli lately, like Brooke!

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Love caffeine especially since I get up at 4:30 for work!! Ok I love candy and chocolate but I can’t get on board with the idea of a chocolate covered cinnamon bear. Don’t hate me :)

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I have 1-2 cups of coffee every day. Now that I have started to drink it before I run I find it so hard to get out running early in the morning without it.
I did 18.5 miles today…my last long run before I start to taper for the marathon I am running in 3 weeks!
When I first looked at that picture with the reflection of you and your sister in the car window, I thought your sister was your niece! (the older one) I never thought they looked so much alike until I saw that picture!

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I have been absolutely loving green beans. I think I always have really, but I’ve been eating them nonstop. I sauté them with a little bit of peanut oil, and eat them with an egg for dinner or lunch. Best EVER!

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Lately I’ve been obsessed with roasted brussel sprouts. Oh man, I could eat them every day. So good!

And I don’t drink coffee, but I do have a deep love for Earl Grey tea. I have one every morning and sometimes a 2nd one if I’m feeling a little sluggish.

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Don’t even talk to me before I’ve had caffeine.

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I need caffeine. Not addicted, but there are times where I need the energy, especially after a long work day, then overnight group, then another work day…I cannot make it at work from 8am one day until 5pm the next without it! I recently gave up diet drinks though, so the occasional “real” soda is what I drink now…the 8oz mini cans of mountain dew and dr pepper are fantastic!

I am loving baby carrots and apples right now-yummers!

Maybe I will run a few miles today…I need to run long tomorrow and it is 80% chance of rain, but I will slug it out. Today’s run depends on whether it is thundering and lightning in a few hours when I get ready to run!

Have a great weekend!

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I have caffeine daily – two cups of coffee. Everyone around me has a problem if I don’t have caffeine!

I am loving kale right now, super tasty!

I ran the Sleepy Hollow Half Marathon this morning! Super hilly course, but I got a new PR!

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Brooke I super adorable…love that she knows what makes you happy

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I LOVE coffee. I definitely have a problem without it, it’s called grumpy puss.

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What shirt are you wearing on your run this morning???

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Those valentines totally made my day!!

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Is it wrong that I find it a turn-off when a guy says he doesn’t like coffee? I’m not even a huge consumer, but you’ve got to at least be okay with a latte, friend. Otherwise I can’t be seen with you.

Today’s long run was a beast! 11.2 miles (it was supposed to be closer to 10, but I took a wrong turn and ran down a mountain I wasn’t supposed to… so had to run back up) in the Cougar Mountain Wildland Park. Not sure if I’ll let my running club talk me into that one, again. I feel like I went through a pulverizer.

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Ran my first half-marathon today. I am beyond happy. It was great.

I don’t need caffeine. I’ve been off for a while, and I’m okay without it. :)

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This mama needs her 1 cup of joe in the morning! You and your friends are all so gorgeous even with the goofball faces! Would love to hang out with u all and be goofs!
Does wasabi seaweed from trader joes count as a vegetable? If so thats my latest. My 8 year old son and I eat them and sees who needs water first.
After my 5 year olds tball game this morning I ran 8.23 miles. Felt great..minus the long stop lights.
Next race 5k next weekend. And then San Luis Obispo half marathon in April….love me some wine trails!!

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your sister looks beautiful w/o makeup!!! tell her!
so do y of course

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I have two cups of coffee a day, and sometimes a diet coke at lunch. I try not to have caffeine after 3:30 because it will keep me up all night. Or maybe that’s all in my head?

Question (for anyone and everyone): Where do you keep your phone when you run? I want to bring mine, but it is huge and I don’t know how!

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I must find these amazing chocolate-covered cinnamon bears! Yum!

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Awwwww brooke has the most amazing blue eyes, she is so beautiful, wish we had the chocolate covered cinnamon bears here in Oz, they sound so delicious.

Had a lovely 10km run this morning and having a yummy pumpkin salad for lunch followed by pumpkin soup for dinner, yummmmy, weather getting cooler here in Australia darn it(i love summer) so it is soup time. Janae would you know of the best knee strengthening exercises? my darn knee playin up :)

Hope you havin an awesome weekend x

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Awwwww brooke has the most amazing blue eyes, she is so beautiful, wish we had the chocolate covered cinnamon bears here in Oz, they sound so delicious.

Had a lovely 10km run this morning and having a yummy pumpkin salad for lunch followed by pumpkin soup for dinner, yummmmy, weather getting cooler here in Australia darn it(i love summer) so it is soup time. Janae would you know of the best knee strengthening exercises? my darn knee playin up :)

Hope you havin an awesome weekend x

P.s i love caffeine

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I love my coffee in the mornings, but I sometimes skip it on the weekends. It’s just a nice ritual that starts getting me ready for the work week.

Asparagus has been cheap around here, so we’ve been taking advantage and enjoying a lot of it

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Amen! The quote wraps up how I feel about caffeine perfectly!

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I cannot be held responsible for my actions if I do not have my morning coffee. Really. I just can’t.

I seriously love Asparagus, like love.

I try to do long runs on the weekend. At least one 10-15 miler and one 8-10 miler but this weekend I am nursing a minor injury so only 6 miles today…

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I’m not as addicted to caffeine as I used to be! I’ve actually taken a liking to decaf coffee and have been feeling so much better now.

Today’s workout was a 10-mile long run – cold but my legs felt really good.

Spend some time in the mountains for me; they look so beautiful in that picture!

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Omg your little girl is adorable. So cute. I love that she brings u candy haha.
I’m totally addicted to coffee. Major caffeine addiction… :(.

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Hi Janea!
Loved seeing the scenic trail run picture! I see some trail running in my future!
I love my morning coffee to get things moving. But I’ve never had grumpy issues if I have to miss it. So, until there’s a problem, I will enjoy a good cup of joe with sugar free creamer in the mornings. Now, what about you ladies drinking coffee before your long run? I had my 10 mile run yesterday, and I probably should NOT have drank the full cup. Ugh!
Any who, I am loving spaghetti squash right now! Slice one in 1/2, scoop out seeds, pop a 1/2 in microwave for 8 minutes, then take a fork and scrape the meat out! It’s veggie spaghetti! It’s soooo good! I bet Brook would like it. I put a little bit of Splenda brown sugar on mine.
Have a great Sunday!

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I cannot live without sweet potatoes and avocado lately!

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I’ve been loving sparkling flavored water and popcorn lately, not the healthiest but delish!

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I still need to try cinnamon choc gummy bears but I cant find them here. I love regular chocolate covered gummy bears though. I love Brooke’s pretty eyes :)
So how do u and your sister not run more often. Busy lives I guess.

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My weekend run was 4.5 miles with the pup. Short, but she had a great time, so it was fun.

I miss running on trails! Bungee loves it so much because she gets to be off leash and then is completely exhausted when we get home.

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Mmm, your salads look delicious! And Brooke is too cute with those bears!

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oh my gosh the picture of brooke with the bears! TOO MUCH!

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I love drinking coffee all day long but if I have a lot of caffein I get super shaky and unable to concentrate haha

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