Life goal accomplished.

I am proud to say that I have longer arms than an adult female Orangutan.  Life goal accomplished.  

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We took Brooke up to SLC to go to the Hogle Zoo and I think she kind of liked it.  

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This age could not get any more fun.  

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While we were up north for the zoo we were forced to go to Trader Joe’s.  Brooke and I have a TJ’s tradition:  We ALWAYS get a chocolate milk and split it for the car ride home (their chocolate milk tastes like a milkshake).   If I could choose one store to move next door (or in) to my house, it would be TJ’s.  

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Speaking of Trader Joe’s, I bought this seasoning there and I put it on absolutely everything (especially my chicken and eggs).  

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Fast forward until Brooke went down to bed for the night and then it was time for me to party hard.

Cycle/Tone (we do weights for a few of the songs and also some squats off of the bike) class at the gym with one of my absolute favorite spin instructors.  We started teaching together at the same time (ummmm 7 years ago, I really should start up again, I miss it dearly) and it felt so good to be back together again.

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Post-spin-endorphin-high.  Sara and I are doing one night a week together at the gym so that we can pretend we are being productive at night once in a while. 

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On the drive home I was passing a froyo establishment and really, I just had to pull over and do the right thing.  

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Random—>  How we have trained Brooke to take her ear infection medicine without fussing.  She first gives a little to her baby doll and then she realizes if her doll can do it then she can too.  

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Brooks sent some awesome tips to use to help you fit in your runs when you are traveling because it is time for summer vacations to start!  

  1. Get out the door in the morning before your day starts. When you are on the road, your schedule can often be unpredictable, by running in the morning you guarantee getting your run in and it energizes you for the rest of the day.
  2. Use your run as a sightseeing opportunity. Running is a great way to see a new place and the run becomes an adventure vs. just exercise.
  3. Pack fast drying apparel, made of synthetic fibers. Because you won’t be able to do laundry on the road, you want your gear to dry before you have to pack it back into your suitcase. Also, a plastic bag to wrap around your shoes is helpful to keep dirt and smell away from the rest of your belongings.
  4. Connect with a local running store for advice on routes. They also may have running groups that leave from their store which will provide you with running buddies. If crunched for time, the hotel concierge is also a great resource.  Many have pocket-sized maps with recommended running routes, making it simple to get in a good run right out the front door.
  5. To keep your legs fresh, wear compression socks on the airplane. This helps maintain blood flow and your legs will feel better on your run.

#2 is my favorite… running is by far the greatest way to explore a new city.   

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Are you a vacation runner or do you prefer to take time off from running/working out when you are on vacation?

Any summer vacations planned for you yet?  Where to?

When you go to group exercise classes do you tend to set up in the front, back or middle of the class?

Spin class people—>  How often do you take a spin class?  

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73 comments

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I just planned my summer vacation! We leave in 2 weeks too haha. Going to Austria :)

I love to be in the front at spin but I hide in the back for yoga ;)

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Definitely a vacation runner! I see it as a great opportunity to challenge myself with new terrain while being so distracted with sight seeing and trying not to get lost.

I tend to try to be up front or middle front for classes. Haven’t taken a spin class since the cold weather but may do one to mix up my routine and get that spin high for the rest of the day.

Cape cod for a few days for us in june :)

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I would like to think that I am a vacation runner but sadly I am not really. If I can get a run in (it also depends on where it is) it is usually on the treadmill. I lot of times my vacations deal with walking around the town anyways to explore- we go to so many weddings out of town! I have my cousin’s wedding next weekend in Detroit so I will definitely be running on the treadmill because I am in the wedding and there won’t be much time to run in the mornings outside :)

As far as a real vacation goes we are going to Kiawah Island (outside of Charleston, SC) with my in-laws in the middle of June! Ready for the beach!

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I am a side of the exercise class kind of girl. I like be kind of close to the front, but by being on the side I know most people are not looking at me. I like to run on vacation, but I have a hard time finding good routs to run and I am always afraid of getting lost.

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I am a vacation runner! I usually don’t hold myself to a specific number of miles though. I have a goal number in mind but if I don’t meet it, I don’t get upset. After all I am on vacation!

This fall I am going to London for the first time and CANNOT WAIT! So excited!

TJ’s is finally opening in my city next year!

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I definitely like to get workouts in on vacation. It takes away from that blahhhh feeling from eating too much on vacation, haha. I am going to London this summer to visit my parents, and running a huge 10k there!! I can’t wait.

I try to take spin once a week, but it doesn’t always happen. My favorite instructor teaches on Sundays and Mondays, and if I miss those I don’t go. I’m biased!!! I love spin class though. I always sit in the front :) I generally like the front in any exercise class so I can see the instructor.

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I went running in Boston this past Friday and what motivated me was running to the Boston skyline!! I love Boston and don’t get up there much, and I always love great views of city skylines :)

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I like to do workouts on my vacations, I need to keep it up because it keeps me relaxed which is necessary on vacation. No summer vacation planned this year, I will likely just do days here and there.

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Looks like a fun day at the zoo! I run on vacation if it is a relaxing vacation, if we are going to Disney, I typically don’t run. This year we are going back to Disney and we are pumped! I typically do the middle if in a group class.

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I just started cycling and I go 3x a week! When I travel I tend to hit up the gym in the morning. Not so much running outside because I tend to vacation in warm places.

I am going to Europe in August!

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I am a vacation runner, too – #2 is my favorite tip! Whenever I have moved to a new town, I have learned the streets and neighborhoods by running them rather than driving :)

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That medicine/doll trick = genius. Totally stealing it.

I am definitely a vacation runner! I think I actually enjoy running more when I’m on vacation, because it’s such a great way to explore a new area. I especially love running when I visit New Orleans. Audubon Park is my favorite place to run.

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I love running on vacation! I was just in NYC and spent two hours running through Central Park. Although I used to live there and have been several times, it was still an amazing time to do a little sightseeing. It’s amazing what you see when you pick your head up;) And you’re so right, that age for little girls is so amazing! My daughter is four now and it only gets better=) Enjoy the rest of your week!
~Bre

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I like to workout on vacation. Some people think it’s crazy to workout on vaca because it’s time to relax but working out makes you feel good and relaxed!

I am going on a cruise with my boyfriend at the end of June … We leave from Puerto Rico and go to Barbados st Lucia st Maarten and others. I can’t wait! I just started marathon training so I’ll be doing runs whip on vaca but will probably scale back.

I teach spinning but like you i don’t right now. Usually just once a week.
I sit in middle!

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Reading your blog every morning is to me what reading the paper is to some people.

Love your questions. I’ve actually told myself I’m no longer allowed to be in the back half of a class – just a little something to push myself out of my comfort zone.

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I adore Trader Joe’s but have been avoiding it since moving to NYC. My first experience here at TJs was no fun – the line literally spanned/weaved through every single aisle in the store and I wanted almost half an hour to checkout. Needless to say, I haven’t been back since! Which is a shame because my wallet would be happy (instead of going to Whole Foods).

I hope Brooke is all better!

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I love running on vacation! One of my favorites was in Jackson Wyoming because I saw a whole bunch of hot air balloons at sunrise. A little scary in Yellowstone because I was so worried about being attacked by a bear! Oh and the one time I got lost running in Central Park and almost missed my flight home. I also love seeing other runners out when I’m on vacation. I love knowing we are all part of the same crazy community that gets up before the sunrise even on vacation.

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4 days til Europe!!! Ahh!!
I would love to be someone who runs on vacation and uses that to see the city. Sounds so fun.

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I <3 running on vacation. It's such a great way to explore! We are big road trip people so it's nice to move my legs before being stuck in a car all day.
Since the hubs and I are both teachers and have the whole summer off, we travel a lot! Last year we drove and camped from So Cali to Seattle, WA = so cool! This summer we are driving to Galveston and cruising with our kiddos in the Caribbean and then hanging with friends and family in Houston and Flagstaff. I'm soooo excited!
People may think I'm conceited and that's why I always stand in the front in a group workout class, but really it's because I don't have my glass on and I can't see ;)

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I love to run on vacation and that’s a good thing because I tend to take a lot of them.

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I LOVE running on vacation!!!! We are going to FL in the fall for vacation and I just love palm trees!!!!!
We are doing a couple of short trips in the summer to see friends…1 is to IL

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Sometimes I run on vacation and sometimes not. Just depends on where and if it is going to be safe/etc. If I don’t run, then I just think of all the wonderful rest I am giving my body!

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I’m a vacation runner, but nothing is ever planned. I run short or long, morning or night, depending on the day’s activities. I don’t sweat it if I have an extra off day or two during a travel week.

I don’t have any summer vacation plans yet, but I’m looking forward to a few weekend trips!

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I love running on vacation and exploring new places! No vacations lined up so far this year…but I never really plan vacays I usually just go on them on a whim.

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I NEED to get that seasoning for my husband/in-laws. They are South African so it would be really cool to try. Our vacations are either planned around races/triathlons or they are so jammed pack of activities there is no time to think about running. We have a trip a month to the beach (for races) but it’s only a 2 hour drive from us, so no more big vacations until the fall.

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Aw I love Brooke giving her doll medicine, so cute!

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I am totally a vacation runner. I went to California last year and drove down the coast from San Francisco to San Diego. I ran in so many parts of Cali it was awesome. The hotel I stayed at in la actually had printed running route maps in the room and water infused with fruit in the lobby. It was awesome. I ran thru Beverly Hills :)

I will be going back to San Francisco this July. Was supposed to be running the full marathon but injury setbacks might mean only doing the half. Either way I will run across the ggate bridge and have ice cream at ghiradelli :)

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I’m usually not a vacation runner just because a) I don’t get to go on a whole lot of vacations and b) I don’t have very many family/friend runners, and when I go on vacation with them, I’d really rather be spending my time together with them than taking off on my own or sweating it out in a hotel gym. But I definitely try to be active, whether it’s walking, biking around town, or going on a hike, there is always some good activity!

I have a small weekend trip to Boston in the fall, but that’s about it for this year!

I always hide in the back, partly because I want to be able to watch and copy cat all the people in front of me, and partly because I don’t want anyone watching me.

I’ve tried my hardest to love spin, but I just really can’t get into it. It is the HARDEST workout I’ve ever done, and I really just don’t enjoy it. Biking isn’t really my thing, unless it’s a leisurely stroll kind of ride.

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Yes I always love to get up early and run while on vacation! I am on my way to Florida right now…and my running shoes are packed!
When I take classes I like to be towards the front but not all the way in the front, and kind of to the side.

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I love spin classes but my gym now doesn’t offer them. I’m hoping to find one that does asap.

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I love running on vacation! Its a great way to scout out the best places to eat! ;)

Also, I’ve never seen that seasoning before but I’m going to have to get some the next time I’m at TJ’s it looks amazing!

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Yes!! Most timely post ever! I’m leaving on Thursday for a quick little getaway, and have been stressing about where/how/when to get in my running. Thanks for the advice!

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I love to run when I am on vacation as long as I feel safe wherever I am running.

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I always find that waiters are often runners and give great running places advice!

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I’m usually not a vacation runner. When on vacation I get exhausted by logging a lot of miles just walking around, sightseeing.

I have to be in the front of the class. Otherwise I get distracted people-watching.

We’ve already gone on one vacation, to Colorado, earlier this year. The rest of our trips will be in state.

I’m a spin-class virgin! I’ll need to fix that someday. :)

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Front and slightly to the left in classes I LOVE group fitness classes! It is by far my favorite way to workout! When I find a good one, I become an addict!

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I love running on vacation! The last time I went to Chicago for a weekend, I called up a local running store to randomly join in on their weekend long run. I ended up running with a local club member who gave me tons of tips for the city! So fun.

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I’m going to North Carolina in July!

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I am definitely a vacation runner! I think running is the best way to explore a new place!

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No vacations for the summer planned here yet BUT we are moving in a few weeks so we will be all over the place for the first bit of it. We may be skipping a vacation this year!

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I need to come to the SLC zoo to see if I measure up. I have freakishly long arms for my height (I’m BARELY 5’1″ and have the same length arms as my dad who’s 5’10”). It’d be interesting to see which one I line up with!

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Looks like a fun trip to the zoo. I should probably take my kids before it gets too hot. Or just make someone else take them when it gets too hot ;) No Summer vacations planned until late Summer after the baby has come. My whole family is going to Park City together for a weekend. They will probably LOVE me for bringing a 4week old. Ha!

I am a middle of the room/class type of person. I used to do spin 2x a week but I loathe the room they teach spin in at my gym. The room is tiny and the bikes are so close. Once they close the door and everyone starts going they air gets thick and I become claustrophobic.

Have you seen how much my family eats on vacation?? Ya. I run/exercise for sure when I am on vacation and I actually really love it!

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We don’t have any vacation plans for this year…I think a newborn is enough for 2014 :). Usually, though, I do run on vacation bright and early before everyone else is awake.

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i usually sit in the back- i hate when the intructor calls on me and i try to hide!

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I typically do a couple workouts on vacation, but I don’t sweat it (ha, like that?) if I don’t get them in as much as I do at home. We have a week long California beach trip planned in August and I’m already counting down the days! Wahoooo!

I’ve been going to spin classes (specifically RPM) a lot lately because I plan on teaching it in the near future. I’m stoked! It’s super fun. In group fitness classes, I usually set up in the front to the middle. Unless I’m late, then it’s the back – ha!

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I have some serious aches and pains and think I need to head back to Yoga. Meanwhile…I love running on vacation. The best.

I need a granddaughter. My grandson would just look silly in pigtails and headbands and would probably eventually resent me.

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definitely a vaca runner! i love exploring new places and can’t go a whole vaca without getting in a few good runs.

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I definitely try to get in a few runs while on vacation, as long as it is safe. When I was in Africa a couple months ago I was unable to run because of all the animals, most of which are faster that I am. :) Our next big trip is Hawaii (lots of running will happen there).

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When I’m on vaca I love to run… it IS the best way to explore the new place.

It’s still in NY but we like to head to Long Island… Jones Beach and Montauk….

During spin and boot camp I like to be in the center. During Yoga, I like to be in the back (I’m not super flexible and I always feel like I’m messing up, so I just head to the back where few people can see me)

Before kids I would go to spin once a wk, just for something different…. I haven’t been to spin in a long time….miss it soooo much!

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That TJ seasoning is awesome, isn’t it? I put it on my roasted veggies too, so good.

We’re going to disneyland in just about 3.5 weeks…..not that I’m counting. Can’t wait. I still try to get in a few runs, I won’t run everyday, but if I can do every other day, I consider it a win! We’ll be doing a lot of walking while there, so I know I’ll still be getting in some exercise.

I haven’t been to an exercise class in years (don’t belong to a gym) but usually if I’m new and don’t know what doing I’ll stay in the middle or back so I don’t look like a complete fool!

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That spin class looks like so much fun! It looks like a club inside or something, haha!

Zoo trips are the best, we recently went too and it was such a fun day. Can’t wait to do it with little ones one day bc it must be so much fun to see everything thru their eyes.

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I like to run on vacation, but I usually keep it short and light. I just want to explore and have fun!

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In a total vacation runner. I ran 20 miles in the 2 days we were in vegas. I love spin and go 2-3 days a week.

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I love spinning! Just started doing it last year and it’s definitely my backup sport to running. I always sit in the back and not sure why?

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If you’re traveling internationally and are city bound there is an international club called the Hash House Harriers… it combines a run with a scavenger hunt atmosphere with a bunch of strangers and usually a drink or two afterward where you can meet other people! Highly recommended!

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I am proudly South African, and can tell you we love our spices over here :)

You seriously need to come to Cape Town, run the Two Oceans Marathon and enjoy the amaaaaazzzing scenery,people and food.You will love it here!

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We just went to Del Mar, CA in April…and I ran my way all around the little beach town and up the coast quite a ways. I can’t wait to go back next year and run other routes I found but didn’t have time to fit in.

It was awesome!

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I love running while I’m on vacation! I love seeing areas that I probably wouldn’t see otherwise. We are heading to Hawaii in exactly one month and I can’t wait to run there!

I usually set up in the front. It helps me pay attention much better. I lose focus in the backX

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Oh how I wish I lived near Trader Joes – I am about to run out of Cookie Butter and Joe Joes :-(

Brooke is super cute! Max loves his medicine – kind of funny.

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I have two vacations lined up this summer. A trip out to Portland to run Hood to Coast – so there will definitely be a lot of running (and not much sleeping) on that trip. Then in September I’m heading back to Ireland and then to Italy. I’m hoping to run in both places especially because it’ll be the last month of marathon training.

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I love running on vacation! We go to the beach (Outer Banks) every summer and I always run there. Last year I also ran in Houston when visiting my sister and in London, I explored Kensington Park all by myself! I felt so brave!

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Ok just got home from TJ’s!!!! Seriously, I could live there! Its my #1 store to shop at!
Always run on my vacations! We just went to the beach for the weekend and I was sure to get a wonderful run in:-)

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I love running on vacation. It is a great way to see a new place. No summer vacations planned. I have 2 relays Ragnar PNW and Spokane to Sandpoint. I have never been to Eastern WA, so running a relay will be a great way to see the area.

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Have you tried the Trader Joe’s Chocolate Covered Sea Salt Butterscotch Caramels? Stumbled on those last weekend. Amazing!
:-)

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Don’t forget the Inner Peas at TJ’s!

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i used to spin three times a week and it was so fun and such an amazing workout!! i need the music super loud and the lights really dim or off though!

that picture of brooke with the medicine is just so cute- whatever works!!!
have an awesome day!

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I usually go to spin class once a week. I love how there’s always so much energy in the class!

I’m going to Maui next month! I am soooo excited!!!!

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I am so going to take that spin class when I get back to Provo. Is it offered at University?

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OMG yes. All things TJs! My favorite has got to be their blueberry juice. I mix it 50/50 with soda water after a run & it’s PERFECT. Never tried the chocolate milk, though!

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I definitely run on vacations! The southern Nashville area has a wonderful sidewalk / trail system to run on! (And crazy steep hills)

I have a Nashville trip planned in around 2 weeks for a race!!!

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I pretty much always run while on vacation with the exception of when we were in Italy. We walked so much on that trip that we were too tired to get up and run (that plus the wine with dinner)! :-)

I love Brooke’s age!

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#2 is my favorite too! Best way to explore a new city is on foot!

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I have monkey arms. No long sleeve shirts ever fit really. Ha! I love running on vacation! It is a great chance to explore and see where you are, plus it breaks up the normal running routine and when you get home your old routes don’t seem so monotonous.

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