From the lowest of lows to the highest of highs and some odds and ends.

On the drive home I couldn’t stop thinking about the lows and highs of life.  In July 2013 I hit rock bottom and I seriously had no idea how I was going to survive it all at the time. This last week felt like the complete opposite of where I was during that rock bottom time of life.  Brooke is the best thing that has ever happened to me… Disney with her + a great marathon =  I liked this last week.  She’ll be with her Dad this weekend so I will just have to watch our Disney videos over and over again to remember the highs.  

And as my dear friends Florence + The Machine say, “It’s always darkest before the dawn.”  Ain’t that the truth.  

PS this whole disney thing is officially our yearly (or maybe 3 times a year) tradition.  

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-No trip to Disney is complete without spending $48 (small exaggeration) per lb on candy.  

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-A few people have asked about where my marathon outfit was from. I got the shorts from Utah Run and you can also find them HERE, the tank from HERE (it was on sale for $14 when I bought it at the store… score), my hat HERE, similar sports bra HERE and my second child, the PureFlows.  

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-The winners of the THOUGHT BLOSSOMS GIVEAWAY!!! Email me ladies ASAP!

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-Some people have asked about how I make my movies… I use IMovie on my MacBook!

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-Proud mothering moment.  My bag was in the back seat with my running shoes on top.  When my mom was driving I looked back to find Brooke admiring them on her own feet. 

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-A quote that I kept thinking about the last two miles of my marathon.  

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-The time I signed up for another marathon at the St. George Marathon expo.  A.D.D.I.C.T.E.D.  I might drop down to the half for this one because I will be doing Boston and St. George (if I get in the lottery again!) next year and I am kind of a ‘2 marathons a year’ kind of girl but we’ll play it by ear.

RYAN HALL will be at this marathon! 

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How many races per year do you like to do?

Favorite brand/model of running shorts lately?

Time for our new tradition of a Good News Minute—>  Share any and all good news that you have going on right now.  

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95 comments

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I have been doing 2 marathons per year but I don’t plan to do a spring one this year. It’s a lot on me physically and mentally, and I’m thinking a half and some shorter distances for spring. The only shorts I run in are lululemon speed shorts and some older compression shorts with tons of pockets. I need pockets in my running shorts!

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Just finished a fantastic Disney vacation with my wonderful daughter and adorable granddaughter! Thanks Janae for being such a great daughter and friend through all of your tough times and the good ones. You are one amazing woman! Love you! Mom

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Thanks Mom:) You were supposed to sleep in this morning;)

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I love your mother/daughter relationship. It is so fun to watch/read about you guys going thru life together.

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I love you both!! :)

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I LOVE this! Audrey turns 2 on Monday (how is that even possible ahhhhhhh????) so this weekend, we’re going to Disney World, just Mommy and Audie, to take part in the Frozen sing-along. I can’t wait! So that’s my good news for the day.

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AHHHHH seriously… how did Audrey and Brooke grow up so so fast. Have an amazing time this weekend and I want to see a million pictures:) PS maybe we will have to fly to Florida, stay with you and go to the sing-along.

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My coach always says, “strong legs, chicken mind”. Fitness and running is SO 90% MENTAL!

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I’m planning Utah Valley Marathon next year! I usually do 4-5 marathons a year, this year will be 5, next year I think will be 4. The most I did in a year was 9. That was probably too many.

I love my Oiselle Roga shorts! They are so comfy and they never ride up. Love them!

Love all your Disney pics, you and Brooke look so happy! :)

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My mom and I set a goal this year to do at least one race every month. We just need to find our December race and we’ll meet our goal! Our races range from 5k’s to half marathons, though, not full marathons!

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WOW!! That is such an awesome goal and I love that you are doing it with your mom!

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I want to run my first marathon this Spring, INJURY FREE!

Good news minute: My moms bday is tomorrow which means #allthecake is in my future =).

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The highs and lows of life are really what make us stronger in the end. At least you have a beautiful daughter that can remind you of the upside when you are down. :) This year I did 5 half marathons. Next year I want to do more. Marathons though I used to only do one a year. Those suckers are really tough on the body.

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For some reason I never like running shorts, I love the skirts if I am not wearing pants. I currently love my Nike running skirt and the Lulu Pace Setter skirt. The Nike one is probably my favorite of the two!

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I’m kind of race addicted but I only do 1 full marathon a year. I do quite a few halfs and many others because well, I just do.

I love brooks pure project shorts and I rock them daily!

Good News: hmmmm, I’m running again after 4 weeks off and I’m loving every single minute of it! :)

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AHHHH yay you are running again!! That makes me seriously so happy:)

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Good news: We have an annual mandatory training offered on the 10th and 31st of this month. I registered too late and the 10th was full, meaning I’d have to go on Halloween (which is a big day in my family). One of my coworkers volunteered to swap and got it all taken care of with the state office. I love my team!

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What a fun trip! Moms are seriously the best!

I like to do 4-8 races a year..mostly 1/2’s and 10k’s. It keeps running fun and still enjoyable. I think if I did much more than that it’d start feeling like a chore for me.

Right now things are a little stressful so I’m trying really focus on the good things in my life: family bike rides, park days, perfect October weather, fall parties, when my kids are snuggled in their beds at night, doing crossword puzzles with my hubby.

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I’m doing my first full next weekend, but I like to do 5-10 halfs a year and lots of shorter races during the training. Depending how the full goes I think I’ll be a 2 marathon a year kind of girl. Looking for a good spring marathon in the midwest right now!

My current favorite shorts are the Oiselle Distance shorts. So many pockets!!!

Good news… I made it through marathon training injruy free!!!

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That is awesome news! Good luck next weekend!

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I did 6 races this year and few little ones, and that was plenty for me. Just like life comes in seasons, I think my races need to be kept in a season. So, I am taking an official running break until the new year.

I’m more picky about tops than shorts, but I have to have lots of pockets :) Target’s C9 Premium is actually a really good brand.

Good news: I have an awesome job that I truly love. We are celebrating 3 birthdays this month! And I get to take my middle son on a field trip next week and to Magic Mountain this weekend for his bday.

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For marathons, no more than 2 per year. But I like doing 4-6 halfs each year :)

My current fav shorts are the Oiselle rogas!

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I do lots of 5Ks, but only 1 or 2 half marathons per year.

Good News: My vacation starts in 7 hours! My entire family is heading to a cabin in the Smokey Mountains for quality time, hiking, and bonfires…I can’t wait!

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I’ve never run a marathon, so currently I’m just operating on the “as many races as possible without dropping dead or going broke” plan. Might change when I start marathon training in December :)
My favorite shorts are the Nike Tempo shorts. Classic and I can collect a bunch of different colors.
My husband’s birthday is tomorrow, which means I get to celebrate and get treats too!

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What a beautiful trip you had! I’m so glad that things are looking up and the sunshine has pushed aside the storm clouds. :)

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I am a one or two full marathon max kind of girl.
But I do 10+ half marathons a year. A couple of 10ks and 5k thrown in too :)

My good news is that my boyfriend comes over tonight. :) we only get to see each other every Thursday and alternate weekends.

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I’m definitely a two marathons a year-max person too. When I run a marathon I want to do well and I just don’ think there’s enough time a year to train for more than that! :D

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Before the year is over I will have run 14 races. 3 of them half marathons, 2 triathlons, a 15k, a 10k, and 7 5ks! I won’t be doing nearly that many next year but I wanted to do 14 in 2014! I usually stick with my Nike running shorts, but want to try out a few other brands in the spring. Good news- my mommy is coming to visit this weekend!!

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That candy might have been expensive but seeing Brooke with that giant lollipop is pretty much priceless!

I usually do anywhere from six to ten races, including two big ones (longer distances).

Fave shorts as of late are New Balance running shorts, they are SO comfy!

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I’m a one marathon per year person and I won’t make that quota this year! Ha, anyways I’m glad you have corm out on top. You have been on an emotional and life rollar coaster and I’m glad you are doing so well now Janae!

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I love the pictures of Brooke with her arms up in the air!! Did she ride a lot of roller coasters? LOL. Too cute. My daughter is coming home for the weekend for Fall Break from college. She is a freshman and hasn’t been home since August. I look forward to spending some “girl time” with her. Have a great day.

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Seriously..Brooke couldn’t be cuter in the picture at the candy store..The hands are up! I have a small obsession with that sweet little angel. Congrats on being a totally awesome, beautiful, and talented Mommy !

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AWWW your mom’s comment above is the cutest thing ever! Love that :)

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I’ve run two half marathons and a full so far this year….I had another half on the calendar for a couple of weeks ago that I missed due to illness and one coming up a month from today that I’m now missing for a wedding (I love throwing away hundreds of dollars!!) so my 50k in December will close out the year for me this year.

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i used to be a 2/year type marathoner, but these days i’m more 1/year. i really like doing strength and speed in the winter/spring — to crush a fall race!

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Your mom is just pretty awesome :)!!!!! That is how I want to be with my daughter years from now :).
I am a 1 maybe 2 marathon a year person, a half or two and a few 5 and 10k’s depending on what I can find close and cheap :). I pretty much plan my marathons and then look for races that fit in around them…of course during the hardest part of marathon training and the hardest part of the marathon I am telling myself this is it, no more marathons :)…until I finish and start looking for my next one.
My running is going really good right now I am just praying it lasts through my Richmond Marathon!

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I do so many races that I lose count, but I usually only have 2 “goal” races. Everything else is just for fun:)
I am loving the saucony Kinvara 5’s!
Good news: today is my husband’s 40th birthday!!!!

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Really love that quote…”It’s always darkest before the dawn”. It’s so incredibly true since you usually have to go through obstacles in order to achieve really great things. Although, I still can’t help but wish it was always “light”.

One good thing happening to me right now is I’M MOVING TO SAN DIEGO TOMORROW all the way from the east coast! So incredibly excited, but scared!

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It’s amazing how life works. I went through some major lows in life and thought it would never end in the happiness I am feeling now. It’s come full circle for me and I appreciate all the lows for helping me get to this point.

I loved all your trip pictures. Adorable!

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Since I will be running my first marathon next spring I am still up in the air about whether I should run one next fall. I am sure I will and just stick with 2 but maybe I will just want to run shorter distances after that! I love love love the Nike 2″ rival, but I also adored UA perfect pace shorts as well.

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Two marathons a year is my max! I’ve taken several years off due to injuries, but I’m FINALLY running another marathon in November! Saucony makes my favorite running shorts, but your nikes are really cute!

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I”m so happy for you Janae. Yes yes, I can relate to the lows and the highs that life gives us. And yes, the darkest times definitely make the brightest times so much brighter. Congrats on your marathon! And my fav shorts lately are actually the distance shorts from Oiselle. I love the way they fit.

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I like to do 5 or 6 halfs a year. Not a marathoner. I’m not brave enough or have the time to train for one. That’s the problem with having a full time job only so many hrs in the day. Love Florence & the Machine!

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Good news: we are heading out today to celebrate (Canadian) Thanksgiving with the family – so excited!

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I have just been getting back into racing this year – I’m getting ready to run my 3rd half this year on Sunday! I also just signed up for a 5 mile Turkey Trot :)

I love my Athleta Presto 2 shorts, so, naturally, I’m pretty sure they discontinued them.

Good news! My mom is coming to visit! I haven’t seen her in over a year (she lives in Alaska, I live in NY) and she gets here tomorrow!! :)

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Your trip to Disney Land looked so fun! Brooke is so adorable and always looks so happy :)
By the end of this year I will have only raced three races (10K, half, 5K) but I’m hoping to do more next year including (possibly) a full marathon. I’d love to do one full marathon per year and a couple half’s. I enjoy training for longer distances a lot more than for shorter and my body really does well on higher mileage (for me!).

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I LOVE THIS POST. It’s such a good reminder that when you’re in that super dark place to not let yourself despair- it reallyyyy does get better. So happy that you are doing so well Janae. You’re incredibly resilient and strong.

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Shake it Out is one of my favorite running songs too! I always get a boost in my step when it comes on. Glad you had such a good time at Disney, and good job on the marathon!

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Looks like your Disney trip was great! I am a sucker for everything Disney! I love shorts that fit but have a little give in the leg……….not a real fan of compression type shorts.

I like to do 2 or 3 races a year. Usually half marathons……..those are my favorite! I will throw a marathon in there again next year.

A good news minute………………..I am loving planning my wedding!

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I like to do a race about every month or two. But most of these are halves or 10ks. I also stick to no more than 2 fulls a year. It works for me.

I really like athleta shorts. Actually, I like pretty much anything athleta makes. Lol

Good news: Monday is my youngest’s bday, he’ll be 3! My family is coming out for the weekend, we always have a blast together.

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I love your optimistic outlook on life – so encouraging!
I like doing 3-5 5k’s (mostly for fun/training), 1 10k and maybe 1-2 half marathons.
My lululemon speed shorts have been accommodating with my growing belly (35 weeks prego) so they’re my current fav. :)
Good News: My baby boy is healthy! I had two awesome showers with family and friends and the hubs and I were blessed with an array of things for our little guy. I’m feeling awesome running at 35 weeks – heck yes! :)

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I did 5 half marathons this year and I think that’s my max, although I’m tempted to do another one in November…hahaha!

I love lulu!

Good news… I have an amazing support group helping me get through my current low

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I do 3 half marathons each year. It keeps me motivated with enough down time to not burn out.

I’m actually not too picky on run shorts. I like Champion from Target a lot and Nike. Nike usually has really fun colors and designs!

Good news: My fiance is heading out of town for the weekend and I have lots of time planned with girlfriends! It will be fun to hang out and catch up.

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I recently found myself in a similar situation to you and am trying my best each day to cope with it. I am so glad that you are in the place that you are today. It gives me hope!

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Crystal,
I am truly so so sorry about what you are going through! I am here if you need to email with someone that understands!

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I love Ryan hall! I got to meet him a few years ago. He’s so nice and always signs his name with a scripture. One of my favorite athletes ever.

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What a difference (a little over) a year can make! So happy you’re in your happy place again!

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I just love watching the two of you together – you and Brooke are just the sweetest little duo :) xoxo

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I love how Brooke is ready for another ride in the candy store — hands up!

Good news: I get the day off tomorrow and am headed to good ol’ Alabama to spend time with family! :)

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Ahh so excited! Thank you! Email sent!

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Crazy how much can change Ina year! So happy you have found your happy again!

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I guess I do about 5 or six events a year. I average about 1.5 marathonss/year, the rest are halfs.

Good news: My house is almost done being painted. It’s been in the 90’s here and all our windows are covered (and we don’t have A/C because 99% of the time it’s not needed). So, I can’t wait to get everything opened up again.

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The look on her face with that sucker is just worth it all! So adorable. Those expos really get ya! You’re all hyped up and ready to go. It’s hard to resist signing up, especially if RYAN HALL will be there!

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Your Disney videos made me smile so much – they reminded me of my childhood and how magical Disney World was back then. Who am I kidding, I still love Disney :)

My good news – I reached a mini fitness milestone and mastered 3 unassisted consecutive pull-ups! For someone who could never do one for the life of me, I was pretty darn stoked about this!

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Loving Brooks pure cadence 2’s (I buy the older version of the shots because they go on crazy huge sales).
Love the one with Brooke and the shoes ;)

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I got a little race crazy this year (for me). By year’s end, I will have done 9 races (2 5k’s with my 8 y.o. son). 4 of these are / were half’s (next and last 1/2 for the year is in about 2.5 weeks. EEEEKKKKKK!!). I MAY have bit off a little more than I could chew with how much I have run this year, but my body still feels good and I have dropped my times throughout the year, too.

GOOD NEWS: Been dating someone for about 4 months, last night I told him I wanted to be exclusive. He said “I agree”. I was nervous to tell him (fear of rejection…)…he made it so simple & easy. I have no clue what any of this “means” now but for the moment…I am enjoying life on Cloud 9! : )

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Ahhhhhhh yay!!!!!!!

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If I didn’t work weekends, I would like to race at least 1x per month, but alas, no such luck!

I have some compression capris from Old Navy and ones from Target that I alternate between! I have never had skinny thighs so shorts are typically out of the question for runs!

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You are such a strong runner bouncing back from injury and running an easy/fast marathon and you’re strong for backing back after the July 2013 stuff too, obv!

My good news is that I’m done processing all my thoughts from my first marathon and I’m ready to move on and do some exciting (hopefully) things this winter in the half marathon distance before tacking a marathon again next year. I’m really impressed that you can do two in one year, I think one marathon per year might be my max! It takes so much out of you!

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Ahhh that picture of Brooke in your running shoes! She is SO your mini me! :) Adorable.

xo

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I LOVE THAT QUOTE. Running is all mental for me!

http://www.oursweetthingcalledlife.blogspot.com

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Yay for rising out of that abyss! “Darkest before the dawn” is so true. Knowing you feel so awesome brings such a smile to my face :)

So glad you guys had a blast at Disneyland!

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I am so inspired by your attitude! Amazing how you can go from feeling so down to being on top of the world. Thanks for being such a great inspiration.

Good news: My four-month-old is starting to take better naps! Two days in a row of solid sleep time for him and some productive time for me!

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My favorite running shorts right now are a pair of black spandex with rainbow parrots on them that I got on clearance at Khols. They’re quirky and fun. I want to try to race the three major half marathons that happen in DFW each year! And all the local 5k and 10ks I can do!!

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I absolutely love Lulu speed shorts and won’t run in anything else.

My running friends and I have decided to do one bucket list marathon a year. This weekend is Chicago. Next year will be Marine Corps (if we get in). I also like to sprinkle in 3-4 halfs throughout the year. I will never run a full in Texas though due to unpredictable weather.

Good news – I not only have my race itinerary planned – I have a food itinerary planned. Cannot wait for some Chicago grub.

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The greatest thing about DISNEY is that all ages have fun!! My 17,15, and 11 year old are ready to go back asap and we were just there last year too.

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I love doing races, but mostly do shorter ones like 5-10K!

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I do at least 1 half marathon a month. How about 3 fulls next year?! I know you missed the PhxMary last year. I have a couple of free bibs. One is yours if you want it. #serious

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It’s so nice to see you on a “high” part of life! You two were all smiles in the Disney photos, and it was adorable.

I have gotten into shorter distances lately, which I really like. Not only are they over way sooner, but I also get to run FAST and I can do pretty much as many as I want per year. Because I don’t have an unlimited race budget and also because I do other things with my life sometimes, I would say I usually end up doing about 6 races per year. That varies quite a bit, but that’s a good estimate.

I finally got some Oiselle Mac distance shorts and I’m obsessed! They’re so comfortable, the liner is actually shaped like a woman’s butt (unlike Nike liners which always give me wedgies), and the fabric is so soft. They’re definitely becoming my new go-to shorts!

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Love the quote, but LOVE even more that you had such an AMAZING week. YOU deserve it! I know there are many, many more to come!!!!

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Glad you had a great time at Disneyland. It looks like you have a lot of wonderful things going on in your life. It’s amazing how life can change moment to moment and year to year. You are in a good place, with a good heart.

I typically only do one marathon a year, but several half marathons and triathlons to mix it up. Even though I just did the Portland Marathon, I am already considering signing up for another before the year ends. It’s an obsession.

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I’m a 1-2 marathons/year kinda gal myself. My body will not stand for more than that. :)
So so so happy that you are reaching new, glorious highs after such a challenging year last year. You deserve all the happiness in the world!

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My good news minute is that I have recently discovered that by speeding up slightly when I feel sluggish on my runs, I actually feel better and can go faster than I previously thought possible – and without dying, which I was sure I was going to do just a few months ago.

Congrats on being in such a happier place in your life than just a short time ago, you deserve all of the happiness you can find!

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Looks like an awesome trip!!

I like running 2 fulls and a handful of half’s a year. I was actually just planning out next year’s races-sometimes it’s so hard to decide!!

Nike running shorts are my favorite, although I also have a couple pair from Target that I love too :)

Good news-new work opportunities coming up over the next few weeks and I’m excited!

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How you have faced and overcome this trial in your life has been inspiring. I am happy you are in such a good place.

While I run practically every day all year long, I don’t really race that often. This year was an anomaly; I ran a relay, two 10-Ks, a 15-K, and two half marathons with plans for another 10-K and half later this fall.

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I usually do a couple of halfs which are my focus, and some smaller (10k / 15k) runs mixed in. I’ll still considing if I want to do a full! But for now I’m just working my way back from a knee injury – currently rocking 15 min jogs!

Good news minute: It was my 6 month wedding anniversary yesterday, and my husband and I are splurging on staying in a fancy hotel in the city on Saturday night to celebrate :)

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The quote you shared was totally me yesterday. I spent the last 10 mins of my trail run telling myself, “I am strong, my legs are strong, I can do this!” over and over. My legs were already super sore from my leg and butt workout the day before. Sometimes, it’s all mental :)

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Good news minute!!

I have been looking for a job for over two years and I just had my 2nd AMAZING job interview with a great company and an AMAZING position. Everything seemed to “click” really well.

P.S. I love the Mom/You/Brooke relationship! You all are so cute!

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I’m so happy for you Janae! You deserve it :) My happy moment: my hubby received some excellent news about grad school! :)

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I just think you are so cool

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I LOVE the pic of Brooke with the shoes on

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Normally I do 3 or 4 marathons per year but in 09′ I did one every month. Not difficult if you just race for fun and train easy in between.

Good news is my daughter will come home this weekend from Queens University, Ontario for (Canadian) Thanksgiving! I haven’t seen her for almost a year!

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I try to do at least 2/3 big (for me) events a year. This year was my first ever triathlon and first half marathon. Both were amazing and i loved them both. Next year will be more Triathlon focused unless i get a place in the ballot again for the Great North Run.
Every year i go to Centre Parcs for a girlie weekend. we always go in the spa for the the evening and swim in the tropical pools alot. This year we are there for Halloween and i already have my outfit!!

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I’m just a beginner, so I’ve got my first half tomorrow….however I’ve caught the bug and signed up for a marathon next year, which I’m looking forward to with trepidation.

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Looks like a great family tradition!

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