Running is quite the roller coaster.

Clearly we were all in a super great mood yesterday.  

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We met where we wanted to finish our run and then drove up together to where we wanted to start so we could do a point to point run.  We started clear up a canyon and ran back to our cars.  I always underestimate how long it takes me to recover after a race because my legs are still pretty tired after the half last weekend.  

The crew was great and the scenery was beautiful.  Josse planted water bottles along the way for us too which was so nice.  

We wanted to get in some downhill miles to prepare us a bit for the first half of Boston.  There were a few tiny uphills but overall it was down and flat the entire way.  Just what I needed.  

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We did it.  We finished.  I’m glad that run is over.  Ready to start feeling fresh again next week.  Running is sure full of ups and downs.  One week you love it and the next you may struggle but I think that is one of the many reasons I am hooked.  You never know what you are going to get but you push through those tough runs because you know what the good runs feel like and you stick with it to get to those good ones again.  

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Brooke and I laid low most of the day getting things down around the house and doing the other normal 2 year old activities.   We finally left for dinner out on the town.  

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The sunglasses are part of the daily uniform now.  

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A 5 lb. salad out with friends. 

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And I ended the night off with some sour watermelon sharks.  They were on sale so I had to try them.  I’ll stick with the sour patch kids variety from here on out.

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When was your last ‘struggle’ run?  What do you think caused it to feel so tough?

Sour candy—>  yum or no thank you?  Favorite kind?

Three things your Saturday is going to be filled with?

-Some treadmill miles, some baking and some infant holding time.  

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61 comments

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running on not yet fully recovered legs really is tough. props for you for getting through the 16 anyways!

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Great job on the run! I only like sour candy when I’m in the mood for it, which is n’t very often. But when I do crave it, Sour Patch Kids are my go to. My Saturday is filled with running 6 miles, a trip to Trader Joes, and lesson planning (I’m a teacher). Nothing is on my shopping list for Trader Joes; I’m just going to buy whatever suits my fancy. Any suggestions?

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The last week of runs has been good for me, which is good because the week before was pretty terrible. It definitely is not good all the time, and fortunately, it isn’t bad all the time either. I have alot of weird stomach/GI issues, so that is usually the source of my problems, but sometimes my legs are just heavy. I think sleep plays a big role in it as well.

Sour candy – have to be in the right mood. Chocolate I’m always in the mood for!

Saturday – work, then curling up with a book and some hot tea and a blanket while it snows outside!

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My last struggle run was last week……..i had missed a few runs bc of the ridiculous weather so when i was able to get out it was tough. I like sour candy, until i burn off the taste buds on my tongue! I really like the sweet and sour starburst jellybeans…………supposedly they are only at target! And 3 things………work, grocery shopping, and spend some birthday gift cards!

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Fantastic long run lady! My Saturday will be filled with a long run, my benefit, and family and friends!

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Great job on the run! This week has been a struggle week for me—so windy and cold when I am actually able to run outside, and the treadmill is getting boring.
I’m not a huge fan of sour candy. I’m more of a chocolate person!
Today: long run, brunch at home with husband, and some puggle-snuggle time!

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I relate to the struggle being one of the hooks. It’s like you’re being challenged and overcoming those challenges all the time, and it definitely builds overall confidence. Lately with the weather I feel like many of my runs are mentally challenging, but I know the big payoff is coming once the spring comes on.

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Great job on getting the run done even though it was tough! Sounds pretty intense with all that downhill! My last few runs have been really tough due to being on sand- hello skyrocketing heart rate :)
I love all candy but generally prefer the non sour kind :)
Have an awesome Saturday!

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Sour candy..something I have been craving during this pregnancy but never really like previously. All my runs have been a struggle lately. It’s hard to run at 21 weeks pregnant, especially since it has to happen in the a.m. because I work full-time.

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Go easy on yourself! You are doing so much Amanda… working full-time and growing a baby is a lot of work and extremely tiring!

Now go eat some sour candy:)

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That is a huge salad! haha Love Brooke’s sunglasses and the black and white photo! Super cute!

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Sour candy = the best. Except when you eat too much and it makes your tongue raw.

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Baptism, kneaders and a lot of driving! I hate struggle runs but I love when I push through them!

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This last week of running has actually been really good- but I have a long run coming up Sunday and I am already psyching myself out about it. Some weeks I look forward to my long runs… other times I spend the entire week dreading it…

I love sour candy. Sour Starburst Jelly Beans are my favorite!

And, my Saturday is going to be filled with baking (experimenting with a few new recipes), hanging out with my baby girls & laundry… which I swear is never ending.

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The bad run is a normal part of our make up, right? I had one last week and just powered through it, so grateful for the opportunity to be outside enjoying the weather before our snow hit. Even when the run isn’t good, it’s good.

Sour is unfriendly. I’m a gummi girl myself.

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I can take or leave sour candy. I prefer chocolate over the chewy sugary candy but always loved the Swedish red berries :)

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My husband is running his first trail ultra 50k right now so we are going to cheer for him!!! I’m so excited! Then a long run for me when he gets done :)
I am more of a peanut butter m&m’s girl

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Speedy run! It’s great that you have friends who run at your fast pace – sometimes that is difficult to find. Looks like it was beautiful!

My last struggle run was a couple weeks ago – crampy, out of breath, and mentally tough. Running while pregnant brings a different type of struggle at times.

I love sour patch kids and watermelons, but can only a few if I want my taste buds to work. Enjoy your Saturday and infant holding. :)

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Sometimes pushing through a rough run is the best feeling- it makes you stronger, and I think we always underestimate how hard extended downhills are on our muscles. I miss running point-to-point, and last weekend I made my husband pick me up at the end of my run so I wouldn’t have to do the steep 1mi uphill back to my house…

My weekend will be filled with running, cooking/baking, probably some work, and hopefully a little shopping.

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haha my Saturday is actually full of the same activities, but the baby holding won’t be quite as exciting because it’s baby-sitting!

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I tend to struggle through races, because I just want to get to the end. Whereas when I “run for fun” and not really training, I enjoy them so much more because I don’t care about pace or if I need a walking break.

I love any and all sour candy. Even the gas station brand name kind.

Brooke’s sunglasses. I’d wear wear them 24/7 too if I looked half as cute as that ;)

Enjoy your weekend Janae!

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Sour Patch Kids are one of my favorite candies (except the blue ones, hate those) and I’m so excited that they started selling Sour Patch GUM! It really tastes just like candy and this way I can have as much as I want. Now I just need all of my favorite candies to be sold in gum form ;)

Do you normally plant water along your route? I always want to do that but I’m afraid someone will see it and throw it away :(

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I have never done it before but Josse always plants water along the way! So far no one has ever thrown it away.

I adore the SP gum too! I just need some milky way gum now.

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Sour patch kids for sure!! One of our teachers in PT school told us sour candy helps you pay attention better, soooo pretty much it’s brain food and good for you :) Have a good Saturday!!

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You have the coolest running friends! I would love to have a group to long run with. I will have to work on recruiting some running friends for my next marathon :) Brooke’s sunglasses are adorable.

#1 pregnancy craving lately: Sour gummy worms!!!

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I’m just coming back off of sickness… Yesterday was a hill work out on the tread mill that madee want to crawl in a hole! Sooo happy it’s over:(. But u are right the hard runs make the easy ones that much better!

My Saturday will be full of prepping for dr Seuss’s bday for my class on Monday:) i will be rocking a tutu and top hat… Lol

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Yupp I love sour candy.! All kinds

And three things: my 2 year olds birthday.!! Family and cake.! :)

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When was your last ‘struggle’ run? What do you think caused it to feel so tough?
-two weeks ago, we had a new Orleans style pot luck at work. I ate A LOT and felt really scrappy and nauseous for my run :(

Sour candy—> yum or no thank you? Favorite kind?
-no thank you! Give me all your gummies but no sours. Even the thought is making my mouth pucker :(

Three things your Saturday is going to be filled with?
1. Hour long run 2. Ice skating 3. Dog walking at the humane society where I volunteer!

Hope you have a great Saturday janae!

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I struggled really bad last weekend for 14 miler…it was just so cold I never got in the groove. Today’s 20 was tough for the last few but I definitely felt better in the middle than last week. I will be able to do another 6.2 on race day…right?! That just seems crazy now!

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Omg that salad looks amazing! And I love Brooke’s sunglasses!

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I’m not running because of my estrogen problem and still recovering from my stress fractures, but I think this applies to any fitness. You just have good days and bad days. Not just in running. This morning I went out for my first power walk (I’m a serious walker @ 12 mph) and it was hard. I kept having to stop and stretch. Part of me just wanted to give up, but I know this is the drill and I just have to get my body back slowly to where it was. Everything in life has it’s ups and downs, but that’s never a reason to give up.

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I had a long tempo a few weeks ago that kicked my butt!
Big NO to spur candy!
Saturday plans: just finished a 20 miler and I’m going to visit my grandparents:)

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I wasn’t planning on running today because I don’t feel 100%, but it’s so gorgeous outside right now I HAVE to do it! It’s a running sin to pass up running on a gorgeous Saturday, especially when you can wear shorts in February! Since I slept in (because I wasn’t going to run) I have to wait until after my son’s pinewood derby, which will either be awesome or complete torture, because that’s how cub scouts is.

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I LOVE sour gummy candy. Too much really, I kind of thought I would grow out of it as I got older….hasn’t happened yet! Neon sour gummy worms and sour coke bottles make me pretty happy. I am currently on day 4 of no candy….I’m proud of that!!
My Saturday has so far included a run outside – finally- in the beautiful sunshine. (Crazy that -15 Celsius feels “nice”), spectating my daughter’s swimming and soccer…then leaving for Burlington for a half-marathon tomorrow morning!! So pumped as it’s my first race of the “spring” season!!
Have a great weekend!!

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That’s awesome you have water bottles stashed throughout your run! Even when I ran with a belt, I never liked having it there so I wish there was a magical water-fairy to just supply me with the essentials lol.

Sour candies – only watermelons and green apples. otherwise, nope!
three things – target run, diner pancakes, and modern family catch-up!

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Best sour candy = strawberry sour belts. The best ones come from a popular gas station/shop here in Texas called Bucc-ees. Once I start eating them, I can’t stop! About to go do my long run on the treadmill! Aiming for 10 or 11 miles but woke up with a migraine this morning so we’ll see how it goes :/

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Those things are the bomb. I must find some asap! I hope that your migraine disappeared and that you had a great run!

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My last run in my ultra relay. But I don’t want to talk about it. It was that bad. I’m still resting my legs a week later.
Today I will go to the bank, Costco (on a Saturday!!!) and color my hair.

I’m a party animal!

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I have had a really bad week of sleeps and this morning’s 7 mile run was so painful to get through. I felt even worse afterward. I needed this reminder that not all runs are enjoyable but still worth it!

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Does your coach plan out your workouts for the week but you change them around according to when best suits your schedule? Cause a LR 5 days after a half-marathon race seems quite close together…I know you’re a (very!) fit and well-seasoned runner so it’s probably not a big deal to you…but you did give a great effort last weekend. Don’t forget to take recovery just as important as your workouts! LR’s are usually done in 7-9 day cycles. Just my .2 cents! Have a great weekend Janae!

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Great point!! I did switch my long run to a day earlier (6 days post race) in order to run with friends. Should have waited another day or two. Thanks for the reminder, I need those…. I tend to overdo it in training! Thanks for the help Jenni and I hope you are having a great weekend!

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I feel like I have been having SO many struggle runs lately. I blame the treadmill. I actually have gotten so sick of the treadmill, that I went outside for my run today in -4 degree weather…

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Crappy runs are pretty discouraging but I find that the after-effects (i.e. post-run endorphins) end up helping me quickly forget the running pain. You know, kind of like they say women forget the pain of childbirth after seeing their baby. Ha kidding kidding but you know what I mean ;) Just remember that the toughest runs strengthen and prepare us the most!

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I’m a firm believer that if it isn’t chocolate, it isn’t candy.

My Saturday is filled with avoiding the snowstorm outside, washing all the sheets, blankets and soft things that I own, and bodypump before a nice long ride on the trainer.

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No thank you to sour candy, and most candy except for M&M’s and Mounds bars. Cookies on the other hand…..

My Saturday will be filled with family time, going to our favorite brick oven pizza place, and perhaps a little House of Cards tonight!

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Awesome run!!
Last run where I struggled was when I knew that my hurting knee was something serious :(
Yes to sour candy, but I rarely have it!
Today is a swim workout and a hike with my family!

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I love Brooke’s sunnies! I am not much of a sour candy person, but my husband loves them! Today I took a pump class with my sis (it killed me in the best possible way), and worked :)

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You summed up my feelings about running perfectly….why do I keep running (after more than 20 years)??? Becuase it NEVER gets easier. It is always a challenge and I never know how I am going to feel once I head out the door. It might be my best run ever or my worst run ever. But I keep seeking that perfect run where you feel like…well, Forrest Gump!

Love the Brooks ‘run happy’ shirt. I have the same one…and in 2 other colors!

I struggled with today’s run. I have been fighting the flu and just HAD to get out. My Boston training has been going so well, so of course, I’m terrified of losing my endurance. I ran for an hour and my chest was ready to explode. But at least my legs felt ok!

Resting up and rehydrating for the rest of the day…hoping to kick this bug out of my system.

Happy Saturday!

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I feel like this entire training cycle has been a struggle. Hopefully, I’ll get back into the groove of things soon.

Sour candy is probably my favorite! (I don’t know. I like all candy, so it’s hard to know.) SweetTarts made this heart shaped sour gummy for Valentine’s Day that was just amazing. I’m hoping they have a similar bunny/Easter egg situation going on.

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Hardest run in quite a long time was definitely today. 20 miles. Indoors. Knowing I’m not very graceful and looking at snow covered roads and trails, the treadmill won out. I do not recommend this-ha!

Anything sour BUT skittles goes in the “yum” column.

1. Making homemade lentil and butternut squash soup. 2. Watching Downton Abby. 3. Figuring out what to wear for various events surrounding my sister’s wedding next weekend.

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Last weekend my long run hurt. I was just happy to make it through the whole run.

I don’t eat heaps of sour lollies, but I like the Natural Confectionery sour worms best.

My Sunday (cos I’m a day ahead) is going to be made up of a long run (16km today), washing, and blogging!

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My Saturday has been filled with running, watching TV, and brunch. It’s been a great day!

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Last really tough run was earlier this week- my first shake-out run after my first half marathon last Sunday. My legs felt like they weighed 1000 lbs, and I forgot my phone so I was attempting to run on the dreadmill in silence. Yuck!

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Saturday we went a little nutty with spring cleaning and getting all the weekend chores out of the way so that Sunday can truly be a day of rest.

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My Saturday was full of finishing House of Cards and a fitness event put on my one of my friends here in Chicago. Im glad I was able to break up the marathoning so I didn’t feel so bad about being glued to the couch the rest of the day.

Lately I haven’t been feeling the long runs as much as I used to, but the running drive is still in there so I know I havent abandoned it forever!

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So smart on downhill training! Most people tend to train for up hills, not realizing the downhill at the beginning of Boston is what can really make or break you once you hit mile 16 in Newton!!

2013 I ran the first portion smart and blazed up and down the Newton hills. In 2014, I went out WAY too fast on the down hills and it totally zapped me for the Newton hills.

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Wow great job on the run! Looks like you’ve got an awesome crew to run with!

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My last struggle run was my tempo run last week. I was too tired to be doing speedwork.

I love sour candy! I try not to buy it very often because I eat it all. Sour Patch watermelons are so good!

My Saturday was filled with cleaning house, running and buying a new (used) car! :)

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I did my first 5k after my first half marathon which was on Feb 15 and I felt more tired running this 5K than the half. I have to say though.. I have been in some kind of a slump since the half. Is this normal ? And my Saturday was also filled with chores :-)

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Sour Patch Kids all the way! I don’t like the off brand sour candies. They taste weird to me!

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I like sour candy, but my body tells me pretty quick into eating it that I can’t have a lot. I guess that means that there’s more for later, right?! :) I really enjoy the sour watermelons. yum!

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