I went on my first post-marathon run while in California. I said I would take off 1-2 weeks and I made it 9 full days before starting to run again.
I wanted to visit my aunt while I was in Palo Alto and so I decided I would just run there, talk for a while with my aunt and run back to where we were staying.
I didn’t bring my garmin (I like to run without a garmin for a little while after a race so that I make sure I stick to comfortable paces rather than push myself to go faster). I just used my stopwatch and ran for 43 minutes. Feels good to be back.
On this trip to California I really worked on making a lot of new, awesome memories while I was there. When I lived here while I was married I have some pretty awful memories still hanging out in my brain and so it is always really hard for me to go back to the bay area. I figured that I am going to be here A LOT (6 times a year, to bring Brooke back for visitations) and so it is time to let go of all of those old lame memories and work really hard to make the best memories when I am in town.
Added this run to the beginning of my list of new good memories here.
And a few more good new memories from this last weekend:
-Happy Donuts. Yes, Jess is trying to be beamed up into the donut.
-Or maybe she is diving into the donut.
-We attempted to go on a hike but it was closed so instead…
we went home and made pumpkin pancakes and topped them with maple syrup.
-A great new memory—> dancing in the city for a few hours (it has been a long time since I last went dancing and I have missed it) and having a photo shoot on Lombard street.
-Tacos. Not many meals better than a this one.
-And now that I am out of vacation mode, it is time to cut back on the diet cokes again. And maybe wash my hair.
-I saw this and liked it.
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Do you ever run by time or is it always by distance?
Favorite food that has pumpkin in it?
Is it fall weather yet where you are at?
69 comments
Katie @ Bevo Loves an Aggie
I usually run by distance, but before I had a treadmill, I ran by time. I know it’s not technically food, but I’m obsessed with pumpkin spice coffee K-cups! Today actually feels a little like fall, but here in Houston it’s been SO hot still and crazy humid. (As always!) :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
I seriously do not know how you run in the heat and humidity when you aren’t on your treadmill!! Enjoy the little bit of fall that you are experiencing!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
Since my injury earlier this year, I made a commitment to myself to not wear my Garmin & only go by feel. It’s forced me to exercise more intuitively instead of pushing myself. Right now my body just needs to get used to the activity. The push can & will come later.
The Hungry Runner Girl
You are being so so smart Megan!! Keep it up:)
Sarah @ KS Runner
Making new memories is a great way to replace the old, not-so-great ones! It looks like a fun trip!
I almost always run by distance, but every so often I will go out and just run without any kind of watch/timer.
I have a recipe for pumpkin bars that I love, but I’m not sure if I love them because of the pumpkin or because of the cream cheese frosting on them. It’s a winner!
It has finally stopped getting over 80 degrees here and with mostly 60-70 degree days, it is feeling more and more like fall. I’m so excited! Sweatshirts and blankets are the best! :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
I think I need to make your pumpkin bars tonight:) Those sound real good.
Alisha @ Real Girl Running
Atthe moment I’m running on time – under strict instructions from my physio. 20 min this morning – it was awesome! :) We can’t really buy pumpkin puree in Australia yet – although I happened to find some in a speciality US store. I just can’t decide what pumpkin related food I want to try first … but those pumpkin pancakes may have convinced me :)
Kristina @ Blog About Running
Ahhh that picture of JT and the ramen noodles! Too funny!
I did my first post-marathon run on Sat. and went by feel too. I wore my Garmin but I turned it upside down so that I wouldn’t be tempted to glance down at it and check my pace (thanks for that handy tip)!
Leanne
I always run by distance, but last week I put an apple cake in the oven and had 53 minutes to run, so went with time. Ran 6+ miles and it felt good to limit my run to around an hour.
I love pumpkin muffins/bread. I’ll eat a piece of pumpkin pie (no crust, so not a crust girl!) every couple of years, but overall not a huge pumpkin fan. Now apples, peanut butter, or chocolate….
It is close to fall weather here in Northern VA (outside DC), but we keep creeping up to 80ish degrees then dropping to 70ish. The leaves are starting to change and we went apple picking a few weeks ago. So fun!
RunEatRepeat
My garmin is dead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, I just run.
The Hungry Runner Girl
It probably died because you have run 5 million marathons with it.
Jennifer
I do the same thing for a little bit post-race…Garmin-less helps me stay out of “training mode” and not push too hard. After a race I do usually stick with distance though, and just not wear my Garmin so I don’t push the pace. I made it 6 days post race this time without running, and that’s an accomplishment for me ;)
I like making pumpkin oatmeal, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin muffins….basically all breakfast foods with a pumpkin twist.
It’s feeling more like fall…as fall as Arizona can feel!! I wore a long sleeve shirt on my run this morning…it was 55-60 degrees and it felt cool!
Jennifer
When I’m training on the trails, I’ll run by time.
I love pumpkin cookies!
It’s still pretty warm in Tn:(
Kate @ SoCal Runner Gal
It’s great that you’re making new memories there. I have the same problem sometimes with Chicago (where I’m visiting in 2 days!) and it can ruin my trips back home. I plan to make some new memories while I’m there — I’ll run on the lakefront path, try NEW restaurants, and just focus on my family. :)
You also make me want DONUTS!!!
Nicole@Thegirlwhoraneverywhere
You are amazing!!! You always such a huge inspiration to me any find a positive spin on everything!!!
Jenna
Ok. First, congrats you, on replacing those painful memories. Your strength through this awful experience has been so impressive. Second, I NEED your vest and blue top! Where are they from?
Thanks much!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Thanks girl! Both are from my friend jessie’s closet;) She got them at lululemon! Have a great day Jenna!
Marie
I moved from the Bay to the east coast last year and miss the bay so much! I wish I was able to run there again, the trail near Campbell is a personal favorite of mine! I haven’t worked up to a full marathon yet, but do have a couple Disney halfs coming up that I’m crazy excited for!
The Hungry Runner Girl
I love that trail! I hope you are finding some great trails on the east coast! AHHHH I am so jealous of your Disney halts coming up, those will be a blast!
Natalie @ Never Serious Blog
I’m so jealous of that gorgeous fall run! So glad you are making some happy memories in CA! :)
I just started training for my next marathon and decided that a good plan for me would be to do a recovery run/jog the day after my long run and not time it or bring my garmin. I’m excited to implement that in this training cycle.
OMG that JT picture! I literally fell out of my chair! Too too funny!
Hannah
how many days post marathon were you sore? just preparing myself hahaha! i live in iowa so it’s very fall-like. has been for about a month, but i love it :) PUMPKIN PIE CHEESECAKE ALL THE WAY
MILF Runner
It looks like you had a great time! Yay for making new, enjoyable memories in places that have been holding hard ones :) Such an awesome way to move forward!
I’m a fan of pumpkin pie, especially now that I can make one that tastes and feels like REAL pumpkin pie without using any of my allergen foods. I go through phases of how I ran/walk/hike/bike. Sometimes it makes more sense to do a time and sometimes it is easier to do it by mileage.
I hope you got to see the Blue Angels while you were around! Or at least hear them…lol. I only had one super brief sighting this year.
Lindsey @ SimplyLindsey
I’m glad you’re making some good, new memories there! Donuts make everything better, right? My favorite food with pumpkin in it is chocolate chip pumpkin bread! :) Fall hasn’t arrived in Charlotte yet, but there have been a couple of cooler days.
Daisy- Fit Wanderlust Runner
I run for distance. I like having days when I don’t have a Garmin. It is quite liberating. Usually they are my favorite runs too. I thought fall was coming but apparently in the armpit of CA there is no set time frame of when fall will arrive. Crossing my fingers it comes sooner than later. I am tired of the heat.
Molly
I always ran by time in high school, but now I always run by distance. It’s just so much easier to record distance in a training journal. I just ate apple cider doughnut ice cream, and it was definitely the best fall-themed food I’ve had…ever. I regret only getting a scoop and not just buying an entire pint.
Sally @ sweat out the small stuff
I will run by time when I know I only have 30 minutes to run.
I am not a fan of pumpkin flavored things but I like pumpkin pie. Only warmed up though.
It’s totally fall weather here in New York! I’m loving it!
Great running weather.
Amy N.
It’s fall where I’m at in WA state, but I resent it. I recognize that it’s a beautiful season, but I mourn the loss of summer and the imminent winter.
I used to be a garmin fanatic, but I’m trying to work on balance so my running doesn’t take over my life, and the lives of my whole family. It’s tough for me. I’m an all or nothing kind of gal.
Amy @ Life to the Full
Today was a beautiful fall day here! The leaves are so pretty. I’m done racing for the year and am 6 weeks pregnant so I’m running with my watch BUT doing my best not to look at my pace :) I want to know the mileage but need to run by feel.
Pumpkin… a pumpkin latte sounds really good right now. And pancakes are always wonderful!
Michelle Washington
I run for distance…I’ve been checking off each run religiously on my training plan for my first marathon THIS SUNDAY. AHH! YIKES! My nerves! Totally fall here in Iowa…I hate it because it means cold…long…winter is close. I check the forecast about three times a day to see if rain is coming Sunday…if it does I just don’t know how this will turn out!!!!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
I’ve always found it hard to run by time for some reason! Congrats on a great post marathon run.
Karin
Pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, and pumpkin shakes!
Always by distance! And,
It has been perfect fall weather here.
Doni @ California Footwear Co.
I’m just starting my taper for my marathon, so I’ve been running for distance.
Most favorite-est-est pumpkin concoction is pumpkin bread (with or without cream cheese, with or without nuts — doesn’t matter, love them all). The good news, is that I can usually get it year-round. But I just bought the pumpkin pancake mix at TJ’s, so I’ll likely be having some tasty pancakes this upcoming weekend.
I went through a divorce in the Bay Area as well. I now only think about the good stuff. Your situation is obviously a bit different than mine, you have a specific, probably somewhat “painful” situation that brings you back (Brooke hand-off). I just have day-to-day living (my hand-offs were on a more regular basis). It will be hard NOT to make new, good memories here. It’s just so dang gorgeous and remarkable. If I could give one piece of advice (that I know you didn’t ask for…lol) it would be to not think of things or places as “his” (I mean unless it’s his house or something.) :) Nobody can own a landmark or experience. Just “do it” better this time on your own (or with other people you love).
Linda @ the Fitty
JUST 43 minutes?!
Your runner’s game is so high, it’s through the roof. a 43 minute run is a tough workout for me!
Ashley @ Saving Money in your Twenties
awww that looks like you’re making awesome memories in the area now!! All your donut pics make me so jealous :)
jill
I am almost always a distance runner. Occasionally, I forget to charge my watch and just run for time though! I love pumpkin spice lattes and it is TOTALLY fall here in NJ! 40s at night and 50s or 60s during the day. Oh and the most beautiful leaves around!
Hollie
I normally run my whatever I feel LOL. When getting back post injuries (like I am now) I run for time. hen I’m doing a bit more specific mileage, etc I’ll run for distance…I think being smart about it and deciding what works is the best thing you can do for yourself.
I am lolzing so hard about the Justin and Ramen noodles.
Fiauna @ Read.Run.Radiate
So glad you’re making new, better memories–starting fresh=awesomeness!
I really, really need a donut after reading your blog this weekend.
Laura
I’m so glad you are making new memories in the Bay Area. I live here and hated that it left a bad taste in your mouth.
As you have experienced, nope not really fall here yet!
I usually run for distance.
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine
It’s definitely starting to cool down here in Maryland but instead of the nice cool fall weather we have had a lot of rain! Its been kind of dreary and gross. I hope we can some sunny fall weather before it gets really cold!
I always run by distance but I think it would be good to switch it up and run by time a little more…especially on easy days and then I could leave the Garmin at home.
Kris @ Canadian Girl Runs.
This weekend was PERFECT fall weather and the Canadian Thanksgiving so it rocked! Pumpkin pancakes are possibly THE best pancakes… especially with chocolate chips!
Sarah
I propose an internet friends meet-up in the bay area! (But pick a weekend when I’m there too :P) (Also…remember when meeting people from the internet was a huge no-no?) (I guess it sort of still is, depending on what circles you run in…)
I am OBSESSED with all things pumpkin. I am probably the reason TJs is pretty much only selling pumpkin paraphernalia now. :) I think my favorite pumpkin food is…pumpkin cream cheese. And pumpkin bars. And pumpkin pie. And pumpkin scones…Umm…I might have a problem…
Traci
HAHAHA the ramen/hair comparison made me laugh at loud! Sooo funny! It is definitely fall where I am, and I’m surprised I haven’t made pumpkin pancakes yet this year. I’ll have to fix that.
Liz @ Carpe Diem and Run
I’m taking a full week off from running because we are post season in cross country (and I do not possess that skillage just yet) and it is a fabulous mental break :)
Erica
Knowing you, I have always felt that there is a bit of CA girl in there. If the few visits a year are bittersweet, I hope you can find the sweet through experiencing that state Janae style.
Whenever I am running for me time, I never wear a Garmin, I just go as long and as fast the body dictates. It might be one of my favorite things ever, and I still swear my longest run ever was under these conditions.
Christa @ Living Unbalanced
That JT pic cracked me up! I thought he was the hottest guy ever at that stage…and still do.
I love running by time…especially when I’m in a different city. I’ll run for 15 minutes and then turn around and run back — great way to not get lost!
Emily @ Fit as a Mother...
I almost always run by distance, except for the few weeks after a race.
I will eat just about anything pumpkin! Pumpkin bread is definitely my favorite though!
LeAnne @ This is my faster!
I run by time and distance. During my mid week runs I normally run by time (I have to run before work so that helps me focus on duration not mileage), and for my long runs I run for distance.
I’m glad good memories are replacing the bad ones. That’s really important :)
Rachel @ Blonde with a Chanse
I am dying over the Justin Timberlake picture! I run by time sometimes, other times by distance, it kind of just depends on whether or not I am training for something or not. I am in Provo, and fall is definitely here :) I love it!!!
Lauren
You are such a strong, awesome lady and such a role model for all of us following along. I’m so impressed with your ability to be unrelentingly hopeful and optimistic about your situation. Whether that comes naturally or not, its impressive and such a gift to Brooke and your family, but also to share with your readers :)
I usually always run for distance. My favorite pumpkin thing isn’t pumpkin, but it is fall so I’ll consider that. It’s the Herbal tea from Trader Joe’s with the fox on the box called Harvest Blend. I’m drinking it right now and will definitely stock up before fall is over! It’s so sweet and delicious and caffeine free so I can use it as a “dessert” after dinner :)
Kathee
Making new memories….I’ve been working on it for over a year. I have yet to go to San Fran and make some new memories but now New York has a bunch of awesome ones! It’s a great attitude!
My Physical therapist has me running 3 times a week for an hour. If my leg starts to hurt I walk, but I keep it at an hour. Usually I go by miles but I kind of like the time thing.
Jennica
I LOVE that big donut! Happy Donuts is the best!
chelsea
I almost always run by distance, but for longer runs I put my garmin on the time of day screen so that I can’t look at my mileage- I think it helps the run go by faster. We’ve had fall weather in Germany since the middle of July…but I’m not complaining because its nice and cool for running in the mornings. I’m addicted to all things pumpkin. Pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread are probably my favorites, but lately I’ve been adding pumpkin puree to my protein shakes…amazing!
DebtrisforKona
I would LOVE someone to post their favourite pumpkin recipe – we don’t really get canned pumpkin over here but I got one as part of a gift and would love to try a recipe out!
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles
I don’t have a favorite pumpkin recipe but I do love adding a scoop to just about anything these days! I rarely run by time alone. Usually it is just distance but on occasion, I will cut myself off let’s say at 45 minutes.
Samantha @ 24to30
So happy to see you moving forward and making good memories.
Tricia
I’m obsessed with pumpkin bread and muffins right now. I’ve tried a bunch of the other pumpkin flavored things out there and it seems like sticking to the originals are the way to go!
Lindsay
I just laughed out loud at that Justin Timberlake photo comparison. Amazing.
Valerie
So great that you’re making new, happy memories in CA. When I was broken up with after a long term relationship, I became a runner. I trained for a 5K and when I had to go back to DC, where my ex lived, it was the first time I ran the full 5K distance. Great, new running memories :)
Andrea
Love running by feel after a race. It feels so great to not be worrying about pace or distance, but just the blissful feeling of being able to run happy!
april
you and your friends are just the cutest! glad you had a fun girls’ weekend :)
jen
lol….. but ramon noodles are awesome! They are my fav ultra running food. 400 calories of easy to crunch, swallow and process nicely in my stomach. Plus they are so much cheaper than gel packs. They work great, even if they are crap noodles.
Kristen
Honestly, pumpkin cheesecake. I’ve been working on a recipe for chocolate chip pumpkin protein muffins though and they’re mighty good. It’s been fall weather here but today we’re being blessed with sunny and 75*☺
Kara
I got a pumpkin spice bundt cake today – so good!
I know what you mean about not wanting to go back to a place that has bad memories attached to it. My ex lives in Denver and I miss that place so much, but going back would break my heart. Hopefully I can go back one day. It’s hard to be away from the mountains when you’re from Oklahoma! :)
PeachyLau
I hope that you can focus on Bang friend and making new good memories with her
Losing Lindy
We went camping last weekend, and the colors were amazing.
I have pictures posted on my blog
Lisa @ Exercise eat repeat
I often just run for time especially if my garmin plays up which is often as the signal is not great where i am.
We can’t get tinned pumpkin here in the North of England but someone has given me a tin so i am going to make my first ever pumkin pie for a halloween party.
It has really turned cooler here in the last week and the leaves are looking so good. I think we are in for a little heat wave this weekend though.
It looks like you are making some lovely memories and dealing with it all so well :)
Christina
San Francisco is such a beautiful city (and my current home :)! I’m glad to hear you are making new, positive memories there. My favorite pumpkin treat is definitely pumpkin bread — I’m considering creating a pumpkin-zucchini loaf this weekend (because vegetables). Happy fall!!
Kay
I love all of the new fun memories – San Francisco is such a fun place to visit!
Karen
I just found your blog and it hit home. I just ran the Long Beach Marathon Sunday. It was my first, so this is my first post-marathon rest and it is driving me crazy. I want to run with my club on Saturday, so I will have rested 6 days.. oh well. Also, I liked that you were in Palo Alto. I visited relatives there in June and I loved it there. I ran all over the place including all over Stanford.. beautiful campus. As for the pumpkin?…Pumpkin shakes!!!! I run for home… trying to add distance as I create different routes. And… I’m in San Diego, so it kinda feels like fall. The nights are darker and cooler, but the days are still pretty warm.