How technology has changed running and I am placing a bet…

The two of us hit up the treadmill this morning and watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse—>  Talk about great entertainment for avoiding boredom on the treadmill;)  

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Today called for 6.2 miles (I did them at a 7:37 average pace).  The focus for this run was CADENCE (steps per minute).  

The workout—>  First 2 miles at a 170 cadence, next 2 miles at 175 cadence and remaining at 180 cadence.  Not going to lie, hitting 180 at the end was kind of tough.  Usually towards the end of my run my cadence/form suffers but this workout was a great way to force me to avoid this problem.  It helped me stay on top of my form for the last few miles rather than getting sloppy… try it out.  

I just used a metronome app on my phone and matched my feet to the beats.  PS I didn’t have the metronome on the entire time (I would have gone bonkers) but turned it back on every few minutes to stay on track.  It was kind of fun… try it out.  PS the reason cadence is so important—>  HERE!

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While I was using the metronome app on my phone I started thinking about all of the ways that electronics/technology are used to help us with our running.  I’ll list a few that I can think of and I’d love for you to add to the list.  

-The internet makes it ridiculously easy for us to research and learn about any running question we ever have.   It also helps us to find awesome strength training routines, running workouts, training plans and cross training ideas to help us to become better runners.  The internet helps us to find races easily and register in about 2 seconds.  

-It is so easy to track our workouts online or by using an app on our phone—>  I use Training Peaks to keep track of everything.   Training Peaks makes it really easy to be coached by someone that lives across the country:)

-GPS watches… mine keeps track of my heart rate, cadence, speed, average pace, distance, vertical oscillation, ground contact time and more.  It can predict my race times and help me with recovery analysis and a V02 max estimate… that is a lot of stuff for such a small watch.  

-We can go in and get a fancy schmancy gait analysis (they film you running and it pulls up on a computer all of the data etc) to help you find ways to improve your stride or to tell you what type of shoes you should be wearing.

-We can listen to music while we run and wireless headphones make that even easier.

-We can take a bunch of running selfies or self-timered running photos and plaster them all over the internet—>  oh wait.. maybe that’s just me.

-You can use technology to map out the perfect route before you leave your house.  Need to find a route for your 20 mile long run?  Jump online and figure out exactly how to get the perfect 20 mile loop etc.

-When you are running in a new city and you get lost you can just use your GPS to guide you back to your starting point.  I have done this more times than I’d like to admit when I go running in Arizona.  

Trick question—>  is my shirt soaking wet because it is raining today, I get really hot while on the treadmill or because when I try to drink water while running I spill all over myself?

A:  All of the above.  

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I needed a mom lunch today.  Maybe in another 10 years or so I will cut the umbilical cord.  

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When you are really hungry you keep plowing through the meal as your two year old hugs you for ten minutes straight.

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I am placing bets on whether or not I will be able to plow through 3.5 lbs of squash/zucchini on my own before it goes bad…. I have a feeling I’ll be making a whole lot of Zucchini Cookies over the next few days.

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Because 2 Costco watermelons is better than 1 Costco watermelon.  I will mourn the end of watermelon season.

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One more picture from yesterday’s hike because it makes me happy.  PS potty training is not going well…

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How has technology changed running for you?  What apps/pieces of electronics etc do you use?

Who else lives close to their mom?

Favorite city (other than where you live) to run in?

How the heck should I use all of my squash and zucchini?

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77 comments

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My heart rate monitor helps me tremendously! I love technology, I’m a bit of an electronic gadgets geek. :)

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Technology made it easier for me to lose 80 pounds because I was able to track my food, calories & exercise daily. I’m also able to track my daily steps to make sure I’m being active enough. Technology has definitely given me a healthy boost in life!

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I love being able to research things and get opinions from other runners so easily. Granted, it can be bad too, but I think it is more positive than negative.

My parents live about 4 minutes away from us. It’s a good thing.

I love Eugene, Oregon and Seattle. Love.

I’m a big fan of steamed squash and zucchini with a tiny bit of salt and lots of pepper. Yum!

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I used to run by time only w/ no music–now I am all about the ipod and the Garmin! My mom passed away 10 years ago, but you can bet if she were still alive I would be seeing her a few times per week. I like to run when we travel to Mexico. Coming from Colorado, sea level runs near the beach are just awesome! P.S. I would make chocolate zucchini cake.

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My mother passed but I have a daughter who just moved from Kansas City to L.A. One hour drive to a 23 hour drive – and she took my grandkids. I am not thrilled. I’m happy for her but it’s hard for me. I told her that I would never let my feelings stand in the way of her dreams.

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I am so sorry Johanna. You sure are a good mama though! I hope you get to go out to LA often to visit!

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Johanna, my mom always said the same thing to me. Coming from a daughter on the other side of what you’re describing, it’s so hard. I just had to say goodbye to her at the airport and it never gets any easier :(

On the upside, i’ve just heard about Spirit Airlines which is a low cost airline and it looks like they fly directly from Kansas City to L.A.! Might be a good option to visit her for you

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I love the Garmin connect app! And, the Superburst app is great for insta/blog pics.
Chicago and Boston are two of my favorite running cities.
I always over-buy produce at Costco. I’d be baking zucchini bread and muffins. :)

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Zucchini is one of my favorite vegetables! It’s so good in muffins, julienned into pasta or rice dishes, baked into fries or chips (especially with a bit of parmesan – yum!), and I’ll even add it grated to my morning oats.

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I watch TV at the gym while I am on cardio equipment. Keeps me focused on something other than the time, and its a God send!

I live 5 minutes from my mom. It has it’s pros and cons. haha.

Favorite city: Borgio Verezzi, Italy. A little town on the Italian Riviera where my family lives and it will always be my favorite place to be.

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I’m rooting for you on the zucchini bet! I eat one a day at lunch in spiralized pasta!

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YOU CAN TOTALLY MAKE IT THROUGH THE SQUASH! I believe in you!

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Give me all the watermelon!! I’m about four hours from my mom and wish we were closer but love that I can see her somewhat often.

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My mom lives in the apartment upstairs from me, very convenient seeing she babysits my son while I work!

I feel your pain on the potty training, my son will be 3 in September and has zero desire, ugh!

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Hang in there ladies! When your kids are ready they will be potty trained in no time. I have 3 kids and potty training was the worst! They were all very stubborn in their own way but once they were ready it was like a switch was flipped. That is the one thing they still have control over so the more you try to get them to do it the harder they will fight. At least that was my experience. Good luck!

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I often think about how much technology has changed with running in the last few years. I remember people just starting to use Garmins and we were amazed at how fancy they were. They were so big too!

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Technology is pretty crazy.! and weird, never hear of that app for tracking cadence.. hmm makes me wonder how accurate my watch is for tracking cadence now. Probably not that great.! because I’ve gotten 190’s before. and 180’s tend to be my average. HA. yea right.!

I love watermelons too.!!

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Easy. Give me all your zucchini. You can keep the yellow squash though. Zucchini is on my grocery list and heaven forbid I go to the store (actually I feel like I am there daily).

Mmmmm. Tacos 180. I have had a strong craving for a salad from their for a solid 2 weeks now. People who say you should do something to distract yourself from a craving cause it only lasts a few minutes lie. LIE!!!!

I remember the good old days before GPS watches (another lie) where I would have to drive around and keep track of my odometer to see how far my run would be/was. Sitting on my but and doing it via computer is so much nicer. Great job on your run today!

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I remember having to use mapmyrun on the PC after my runs to figure out the mileage. It was great at the time, but a lot of double-clicking!!!

I literally live around the corner and down the street from my parents and wouldn’t have it any other way! Dont cut that cord, Janae!! It’s such a blessing to have family so close. My twin lives in Italy (I’m in NJ) and I miss her everyday.

I love running in San Francisco.

Grill the squash and zucchini!!! Simply toss in oil, add a pinch of salt (T-joes pink Himalayan). Add to the amazing salads you always have!

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Have you ever used a GPS watch with the heart rate tracker built in, instead of wearing the chest strap? I know Garmin just came out with one. I want to get my first GPS watch and I’m not sure which to get.

Thanks!

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I totally just bought that zucchini/squash package too, it was yummy!! I love it grilled like Caroline said but when I can’t bbq I bake it in the oven for 15-20 min (depending on amount you have on the pan) then broil it until brown :).

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Shred the zucchini and put it in spaghetti sauce-it practically melts! I also cut it into moons then quarter and put on salads, in rice, or mix with other veggies cut up small. I love zucchini, even at the end of summer when everyone is practically giving it away.

I live overseas so when my mom and I get together we get all giddy to run together! We’ve been running together since I’ve been in High School!

Technology-I don’t use it for running. BUT, I do carry my phone with me so my kiddos can get call/text me or if I get lost or stuck in a storm!

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You can use a spiralizer for your zucchini and make zoodles! They make a great substitute for regular pasta and you can just eat them raw or lightly steamed. Another kitchen gadget to buy, but its really fun. :)

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You didn’t ask for it, but let me say- potty training is hard. My daughter is a little older than yours (turned three in April). She trained early, was wearing undies by this past December… And then on February 13 (yes, of course I remember the date) she just stopped. She started having accidents 5 times a day and saying sweetly, “it’s okay, mama!” We went back to diapers for three months and then, all of a sudden, she was ready for the potty again. It’s hard, but it will happen. There are very few ten-year-olds in diapers :-)

I read your blog every day and love it so much! I think I’ve only commented like, twice, so here’s #3.

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Margie. I can’t thank you enough for your comment! Thank you for sharing your little girl’s experience. Good to know it isn’t just hard for us. Hope you are having a fabulous day!

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I hope you see this… Where is your hat from?! I’ve seen it in other pictures and I am loving it!!

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HEY EMILY!! I got it at Lululemon a few months ago. I can’t find it online anymore but maybe they still have it in the store!

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You have to make zucchini bread! It is the only way I will eat zucchini.

My Mom lives south of Houston, TX and I live in Northern VA, and we are not super close. I love the relationship you have with your mother. Every time you write about her I wish I could meet her and tell her how nice it is to see such a supportive and loving mom. You are blessed.

My favorite city to run in (other than DC) is London. I love running through the parks, especially Kensington.

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My favourite zucchini recipe uses a veggie peeler to strip down the zucchini into long “noodles” (I chuck the seedy core), and they go into a pan with olive oil and chopped garlic for about 5 minutes on medium heat, with some salt and fresh basil thrown in at the end. Amazing as a substitute for pasta when I want to avoid starches.

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okay that sounds heavenly!!! Thank you so so much Sara:)

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I have to start potty training my daughter!! I am sending you good vibes on the potty training!
Love my Mom, she lives close to us, the cord isn’t cut :)
Zucchini bread!! Makes lots of loaves and give them to family and friends.
Favorite city to run: Tuscany (its a region I know, but love running through all the little cities through there. Stunning)
Love all the technology! I use Garmin Connect, Map My Run and Training Peaks a lot.
Have an awesome rest of the day!!

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I believe kids learn how to go to the bathroom when they’re ready. Eventually, she won’t want poopy in her diaper and she’ll make the decision! Don’t worry too much!

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I think music, maps, and mis amigas are the best ways technology has helped my running! Needed an M word for blogging friends ;)

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When I started running 19 years ago, I had no idea what my pace was or even how far I went every day! Technology has really changed that! I use TrainingPeaks too – I don’t have a coach, but I bought a marathon training plan and my Suunto Ambit2 watch uploads directly to it. I also upload to Suunto Moves Count, Strava, Sport Tracks, and MapMyRun. Pretty sure that’s a bit over the top!

Don’t ever feel bad about spending time with your mom – pretty sure you’re very grateful. I lost my mom to breast cancer in 1998, I would LOVE to have lunch with her again.

I love running in Honolulu and Santa Barbara – love being by the ocean when I run.

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Roast, spiralize, or stuff!

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I tend to not really like treadmill workouts although they are becoming all the rage in large cities. My love of running is the open air and taking to the streets. That said, I probably need to adjust some of my training because your recent performances are much better than mine.
Also, I love the family aspect of your blog.

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Have you thought of putting zucchini in pasta sauce? I saw a delicious looking recipe for it the other day.

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My mom lives a couple miles away and I love being close to her. We have a great relationship and get together at least once a week to bike, go on a walk, or have lunch. Now that I am pregnant and she is expecting her first grandbaby, we have grown even closer. I know she is going to be a big help once the baby is here. I don’t know what I would do without her.

Favorite city to run in would have to be Seattle.

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i love shredding zucchini and adding bread crumbs an egg and tuna (or canned salmon or chicken) and making patties then lightly sauté and serve with fresh tomatoes. Yum!

Potty training can be so tough. Two of my sons did it easily on their own but my middle one just held out (he’s quite stubborn). It wasn’t until I let go and stopped worrying about it that he finally just decided to make it happen. Hang in there!

I’m a bit older than you (ahem) so my mom lives close now but the tables are starting to turn. I’m so happy to be close so I can watch out for her now.

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When I was little I potty-trained my sister by giving her one M&M for going #1 and two M&Ms for going #2. My parents were floored because everything they tried failed–but apparently the promise of one M&M did the trick.
–Maybe if you get UBER desperate then try M&Ms….

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I am a data nerd so I love all the stats that my Garmin gives me after every single run. It’s helped me become more aware of my heart rate & cadence, and helps me teach tired legs to run fast by showing my pace per mile so that i can focus on going for negative splits. :)

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Mom lunches are the BEST. I just moved 5 hours away from my mom, and we’ve started doing phone lunches to make up for the distance. Not quite the same, but it does the trick.

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I live with in 2 minute to all of my family except for one brother who will hopefully come back when he’s done with Med school. I couldn’t imagine moving much further away than that either. I love it.

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I had a mom lunch today as well. They are refreshing as anything. I love them. :)

I LOVED running along trails in Yosemite! So memorable.

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I live 10 minutes from my parents and love it – you never stop learning from them! I love the idea of using a metronome to work on cadence!

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SO jealous that you live close to your mom! Don’t cut that cord, embrace it.

If you have leftover watermelon you can cube it and freeze it. It makes a great ice base for smoothies throughout the year without having to add ice.

You can also cut it into two dimensional triangles, leaving the rind on the bottom, and freeze. It turns into…a watermelon popsicle. I’m sure Brooke would love it!

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I love technology! It has helped improve my running SO much! Plus running with audiobooks/music/podcasts is pretty much my favorite.
I read a story about a guy who used one of the GPS mapping apps to map out the words “will you marry me?” He and his girlfriend ran the route and when they got home he showed her the map. Such a cute story.

With the zucchini- make “zoodles!”
Here is one of my favorite zucchini noodle recipes- http://fromeveryday2gourmet.com/2014/04/healthy-shrimp-piccata-with-zoodles.html#c7108261722981882204
I make it without artichokes or capers and add red-peppers and red pepper flakes.
There are tons of other zoodle recipes online as well. :)

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Try this recipe to help go through all that squash! http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/hummus-crusted-chicken/ We love to eat it over brown rice- helps soak up all the yummy juices. And then zucchini cookies or chocolate zucchini cake for dessert is a must ;)

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Great post! That’s awesome you started Brookers at 2. my daughter started at 2. She’s 3 now. We almost have it mastered.

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I’ve been using a metronome for parts of my runs. My goal is 170 steps per minute. It’s helped me recovery from ITBS. It worked wonders on me! And it can drive me a little crazy after so many miles of listening to the ticks!

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Your mom is the cutest. It is nice that you live so close. I would give my right arm to live near my family!

I love squash cut really thin baked in the oven with Parmesan cheese.

My daughter is 3.5 and we are only now getting somewhere with potty training! It will come.

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You should make some zucchini bread! So so good! And stir fry some of them too. Also, if you cut them into strips they taste good raw dipped in ranch dressing!

I live close to my mom but am so busy we don’t get together too often. We talk on the phone though.

I love having a watch on to track time, and I have an IPOD touch that was free (yay for unclaimed lost and found items at work!). I usually run with both, but if it is raining I will leave the IPOD at home and just wear the watch. I use the Nike app on the IPOD to record times.

I LOVE running in Nashville. The hills are short but super steep. They kick my butt. I also love running through their paved trails, in the fall I see lots of deer and birds. And I always keep an eye out for celebrities…………a lot of country stars and even some movie stars live in the suburbs of Nashville!

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I live close to my mom and talk to her on the phone every day. I go over to my parents’ house every Sunday after church, too. It’s good you’re so close to your mom–I’m sure you’ll want Brooke to be that way when she is an adult. :) Y’all are too precious!

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Can’t wait to be reunited with my mom in 3 weeks. Many lunch dates will happen :) I think music (my iPod) has been the most significant technology change for my running. Although I never had to experience a time without it. I remember by mom’s super heavy radio armband that she used to run with over 10 years ago.

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I praise the geniuses that brought us the iPad, ebooks, and Oyster. Without them, there would be no treadmill running for this girl. And with no treadmill running, there’d likely be no training for a marathon.

Thank you creative geniuses! Thank you!

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Def my GPS watch has been my biggest change – I don’t have to drive my route anymore to figure out how far I ran :)

My mom lives 3 1/2 hours away and it is AWFUL – thankfully I have an extra room (her room :)) and she comes to visit and stays a couple of weeks when she does . . . when she leaves it makes me really sad. We talk about 5 trillion times a day :)

I love running anywhere but I guess back home because I am so familiar with the areas. DC is also one of my favs – running along the National Mall is pretty special.

Zucchini bread?!

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I bought a condo half a mile away from my mom and it was the best decision I ever made. My pup and I walk over there every afternoon post-dog park to have coffee and cookies with grandma :)

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My daughter, Brooke and I are currently living with my mom while I am going through my divorce. Mom’s are the best best friends to have!!

Zucchini, yellow squash, yellow onions, fresh garlic and potatoes tossed in olive oil, salt, pepper and italian seasoning – Bake until potatoes are cooked through. This is one of my favorite dishes ever!

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Squash can be made into lasagna, an amazing dip I found on pinterest blended with goat cheese, or simply sauteed in a skillet with EVOO, salt and pepper! These will help you plow through the bag!

Just found out I got into the Nike SF half in October and CANNOT wait to run those California hills!!!

Love running with my Garmin and phone to provide music – I started running in 2004 – that was the year I got my first iPod and I don’t think I could have marathon trained that spring without it!

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Brooke looks soooo grown up I can’t even stand it!

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I would never have imagined I could run with my phone and listen to music/podcasts and track my pace/route/etc… I remember running cross country in high school using a stopwatch for pace and having to drive my routes with the car to measure mileage!

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My mom passed away when I was just 11, but it would be so nice to have a mom close by! I think about that a lot more now than ever before because I became a mom 2 years ago. My surrogate mom (my oldest sister) lives 2 hours away with the rest of my family. Too, too, too far. :(

Have you tried the spiralizer for your squash/zucchini? My friend swears by the site Inspiralized. http://inspiralized.com/

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Slice zucchini and squash, toss w/ bit of olive oil, fresh pepper, kosher salt, and dried oregano. Grill on grill pan, turn when grill marks appear, grill to done (I leave mine nice and crispy, can’t stand soggy veggies!). Eat as-is for that meal, then use leftovers for days in salads, or w/ grilled chicken in a sandwich, or stuffed in a pita w/ hummus and feta and arugula (or any salad greens!). LOVE grilled veggies!

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my mom is my best friend. leaving WI and moving to MS will be very hard for us but thank goodness for things like skype & facetime now days. and direct flights home :)

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I still live with my parents. It’s mostly financial, but I’m also super close to my parents. My mom’s out of town with her sisters, and while talking to her last night, we were weirding her sisters out by proclaiming how much we miss each other. We were only sort of kidding. ;-)

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She will potty train when she is ready! No reason to push it. I’ve done two boys now and waiting until they are ready and willing will make your life easier and less stressful. Just go with the flow (no pun intended).

We have always lived in the same area as my parents but recently bought a new house and are now within a mile of them (instead of 15 miles away). It’s been really nice, especially since they have my kids when I work or need to do something without them.

I always run with music but lately have been using the iheartradio app instead of my playlists.

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My running coach has really stressed cadence for me as well, so I bought a little metronome that I can clip onto my shirt when I run. It’s super lightweight and convenient! Here’s the one I have just in case you get sick of using your phone :)

http://www.amazon.com/Neewer%C2%AE-lightweight-portable-Digital-Metronome/dp/B0067WLHB6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1436451344&sr=8-1&keywords=running+metronome&pebp=1436451344901&perid=0XTJMWWNB2V7HHWH9VX9

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It seems like you have a good Trader Joe’s in Utah! Ours is great here… but the produce and fruit is lacking. The past few times I have bought fruit, I was not impressed! I usually buy other other yummy goodies and stick to our regular grocer (HEB is the tits in Texas) for fruit!

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1. Mapmyrun tracks my runs and keeps me in touch with running friends near and far; runcoach allows me to have an awesome trainer in my pocket – accountability and workouts; spotify, podcasts, audible – all make long runs something to look forward to.
2. I love living near my mom! We have a standing lunch and walking date so that we can keep up with each other.
3. There is no controlling me around watermelon. One for me, one for everyone else.
4. You can get through the zucchini – I would definitely be making chocolate- chocolate chip zucchini bread, along with some spiralized. And…I have about a million bags of shredded zucchini in the freezer from the many times I have overbought. :-)

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So nice to have your parents so close! I will be having lots of mom meals when I visit my parents in Seattle at the end of the month!

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I’d wash all the squash/zucchini, cut it up into 1 inch pieces, freeze it in ziploc bags and add it to smoothies. Great way to get the veggies and if you mix it with protein powder and fruit, it’ll taste wonderful! I find squash and zucchini are pretty mild flavored and go great in a smoothie.

No need to EVER cut the umbilical chord. Mom’s are made for being there for us our whole lives, right??

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I just made a chocolate zucchini bread from Sally’s Baking Addiction and it was deelish!

And no need to cut the cord, your relationship with your mom is amazing! I think I have a little “mom crush”. I lost my mom when I was 13 so I love when I see mom’s and daughters who are close.

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-I really love my Garmin :)
-Mackinaw City
-Chocolate zucchini bread should be made. (only way to eat zucchini if you ask me)! YUM!

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Is that hat from Lululemon too? I love it!

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make sure she has a little potty to try on that she can use all by herself. this was key for my son. he had control and could do it. don’t use the pull ups. just use undies and let them feel the pee pee and want it to stop happening. let her see you going potty all day long. get the little seat for the big potty as well so she can decide which she wants. put her on one of them every two hours and use bribes if necessary. make it like no big whoop if she doesn’t want to or has an accident. but remind her incessantly.

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I love how much you love your mom! ;-) My mom is definitely one of my BFF’s. We spend a lot of time together talking, eating, working… She knows the most about me out of any older lady. :) Favorite city to run in is probably where I live, but it was pretty amazing running in Salzburg, Austria.

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Great way to get the veggies and if you mix it with protein powder and fruit, it’ll taste wonderful! I find squash and zucchini are pretty mild-flavored and go great in a smoothie.. he had control and could do it. make it like no big whoop if she doesn’t want to or has an accident. don’t use the pull-ups. just use undies and let them feel the pee-pee and want it to stop happening.

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