Just the normal way too many pictures post and reunited with my running bff (17 years of running together).

Thursday’s running plan—>  4 miles at whatever easy pace I wanted = I called up my sister and asked her to meet me for some time on the trail.  

It has probably been about a year since our last run together and it felt so right to be reunited.  She was able to run 1 mile with me (she is coming back smart after back surgery) and then we walked together at the end.  

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I hope we never go this long without a running shoe selfie together again:)  

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We came back to a happy baby and mis madre.  I’m not kidding, I don’t think this kid stops smiling.  Or maybe he is just always smiling when I am around;)

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“I just got here and I’m already as awesome as my aunt.”  Yes.  Yes.  

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Brooke did a pretty fancy donut backpack dance on her way to school.

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She told me that they learned about dinosaurs again yesterday.  Maybe I need to look into this preschool’s curriculum;)

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Did some errands with my mom.

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Sometimes she walks around with one of her baby pictures in front of her face and pretends to be an infant again.  It’s a fun game.  

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A surprise birthday party for one of the girls.  

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The best part about Fall coming—>  Megan’s Chicken Cream Cheese Chili.  

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All of the birthday girl’s favorite foods made an appearance.  

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Whoever came up with the idea to eat cake and ice cream on a birthday is a very smart person.  

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I’ve got twenty miles on Saturday.  Twenty miles in a row.  All day I have been staring at my calf and saying, “I think you can, I think you can, I think you can.”  Feel free to join in with the chant for my calf to feel great for approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes tomorrow.

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Watched this again.  Can’t wait for the 8 stages in just over a month from now.

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Are you excited for Fall?  What are you most looking forward to about Fall?

Have a weekend long run?  How far?

Have a running buddy that you have been running with for a long time?  Who?

Have any fun Friday night plans?

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87 comments

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Between Brooke and your sister’s kids I’ve never seen so many adorable children in one family.. seriously how are they all SO cute!? I can’t wait for fall!! We have had the hottest summer ever here in NC, so I’m looking forward to some cooler running weather.

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I am so excited for fall. I want all the hot drinks, and long sleeves and cool weather for running. I want it all!

I switched my weekend long runs so I have 15 this weekend, which seems so short after the 20 last weekend!

Between Brooke and your nephew, there are too many cute kids!! Good luck on your long run!

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18 miles tomorrow! Good luck with the 20. I can’t even think about the mileage because I psych myself out. Friday night plans include resting and NOT thinking about 18 miles. Very excited about welcoming fall!

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I’m going for a 10 miler this weekend. Friday nite plans – get lots of sleep!

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I think you can, I think you can!! I have the same run on my own schedule! We can do this! Kick some butt girl!

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I am so excited for crisp fall weather and all things pumpkin!!
Racing this weekend…22 miles on trails
Friday plans: drive to the race and go to bed early!

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I’m excited for fall for some cooler temps, and I just love the feeling in the air that surrounds it, especially in crisp evenings.

I’ve been running with my friend Andrew every Saturday for the past few years. It’s always a great run with him, and we talk about everything. Also, any run with my friend Jen is the best, and we’ve been running together for about five or six years now.

As for your run tomorrow, YOU GOT THIS!! Hope you have ZERO calf pain and a nice run full of miles of SMILES!!

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Twenty miles in 2 hours 35 minutes = wow! Zoom Zoom!

I’ve got 6 miles on Saturday and 16 miles miles on Sunday :) I remember when you shared that 8 stages video last year – it’s such a good one and very accurate!!!

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I HOPE my Friday night plans involve birthing a baby, but I don’t suspect that will happen. We have family coming into town tonight so I’m looking forward to hanging out with them!

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All the kids in your family are so adorable – those happy smiles just get me! I am incredibly excited for all things fall: the colors, the foods, the boot and sweater weather. We had a record hot summer in Seattle, but today marks the start of cool weather and much needed rain! I have a 16-17 mile long run tomorrow and an easy 8 today. Good luck on your 20 miler!

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I wore gloves for this morning’s run. I cannot WAIT for autumn. I hate running in hot (i.e. even-vaguely-warm) weather.

We’re off to my parents-in-law’s tonight which will be fun! They live right at the halfway point of a 15 mile long trail which makes for good running. I will be aiming for 10-11 miles.

Happy Friday!!

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-I am really looking forward to fall running! It’s been fall like weather here in MI all week but next week we are heating back up to 90*. Oh boy. I just LOVE crisp cool days:) And pumpkin cookies!!
-I split up my 10 mile long run into two 5 mile runs, because we are heading out of town and I’m not sure what kinda route I’ll be able to find.
-We rented a cabin on the East side of MI right on the water, long weekend here we come!
**Awesome that your sister is getting back into running, so glad she is healing so well!

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I have a Trader Joes fail for you. My husband thought it was a great idea to pick up their pickle flavored popcorn. Evidently it had good reviews. No, no, no. We did actually did try it and I still taste it. My 7 year old needed to down several cups of water and many peppermints. My 4 year old was the only smart one and said no thank you! But TJ needs to remove the product, no one SHOULD like that stuff.

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OH NO…. that sounds awful!!! I am now curious to try it but I don’t want to have to down peppermints to get rid of the taste hahah! Hopefully you have some TJ successes soon:)

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I’m totally looking forward to all the yummy fall food… like apple cider donuts … which is the real reason I go apple picking :) I did my long run this morning, 17 miles! So happy it’s done and now I can actually enjoy my weekend! Lots of positive thoughts for your calves tomorrow ;)

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Did Bangs Friend have her baby yet?

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She did!! She has never been happier!

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LOVED the marathon video! I’m running my first marathon in Nov! Can’t wait. Lol

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AHHHH GOOD LUCK JEN with your first marathon! Please keep me updated with how training is going!

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I have mixed feelings about fall…I am ready for cooler weather but I also love summer and I know its going to be so long until its back again!
I have a 10k on Saturday, and then planning a 10 mile run for Sunday. Good luck with your 20 miles!

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I think your nephew looks so much like Brooke. Both so adorable:)
I have 10 miles for my long run this weekend. I’m super excited for fall running but I know once it gets too cold I’ll be begging for summer back!!
I’m going to a pool party tonight! The last of the summer!

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Those pictures of your nephew are SO CUTE!!! I can’t take it..adorable.

This weekend I’m doing 10 miles. Good luck with your run…I hope your calf holds up!! And I am SO excited and ready for the fall. I love the weather, football games, and the fashion!

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Since moving I haven’t found another running buddy. I miss mine though. She would always encourage me and it was so much fun running with her. No long runs this weekend. My friends are coming out of town and we are celebrating! They just got engaged and it’s my birthday next week. :)

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Oh my gosh, that video is the funniest thing EVER!!! I love it! :)
I have 1.5 miles of track running each day and then supplementing with biking or swimming. Progress!
My dearest closest friends are runners. I have a girlfriend and we have known each other since freshman year of college. We have run so many miles together, delved into triathlons together and now our kids play together. She is awesome.
Tonight – probably watch a movie and hang out with my husband!!
Fall – I love fall. We won’t get real fall weather till toward the end of the year, but I can still cook with pumpkin and pretend! :)

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Drop back week, so did 13.1 this morning:) Headed out to a wedding later today. Hopefully I can still dance!

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I cannot wait to make that chili again either. It is so good! Good luck on your run tomorrow. You totally can do it!!!

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I LOVE FALL!!! I get so excited thinking about it!! The cooler temps, pumpkin all the things, volleyball… it just rocks all around.
That video cracks me up every time I watch it! Good luck on your 20!!

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I am SO excited for the Fall! I am most looking forward to my first marathon, my junior year of college, and football!
This weekend is a cut back week so only 10 miles for me.
I do not have a running buddy. I’m sure I would enjoy one but I love running alone as well!
Friday night plans: work :/

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I love Fall! I don’t want to wish away summer, but Fall is just the greatest season of the year. :) I think I’ll do 8 miles this weekend and then hopefully a 20 mile bike ride. No big plans for tonight, but I plan on making a good dinner and spending the night relaxing with my husband. :)

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Supposed to do 20 (I’m doing St. George too!) but MY calf quit after 12 miles on Tues so I’ve been resting and I’m doing 3 hours in the pool today (call me crazy…I certainly do). I reread all your pool running advice last night and I’m hoping to be back on the road next week. Many well wishes to your calf and mine!!!!

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Yay for St. George! BUMMER about your calf! I am so sorry. Keep me updated with your calf and go rock your pool run tomorrow… such a killer workout!

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I have 20 miles too!! I am having the SAME exact calf issue as you- lower left calf is super tight/painful which makes for a very uncomfortable run. I’ll be doing the same chant all day today!

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My mom and sister were my running buddies, my mom hurt her back really bad years ago and now can’t run with out pain. So she hasn’t come on a good run with me for a really long time. My cousin is another great running buddy but she moved too far away so we don’t get to run. But now sometimes my sister and sister in law get to come so that makes things better.

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So excited for the fall! My birthday is in October and I might be going to Chicago that weekend. Woot!!
I have a drop back week. 10 miles this weekend. But I missed both my shorter runs this week so I feel pretty much like a marathon training failure. Hoping I find my mojo soon

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We have 16 miles tomorrow morning! It will be my longest run of the year. Today is my hubby’s birthday so we are getting a big group of people together for dinner tonight.
My favorite thing about fall is pumpkin cream cheese! I stock up every year and eat it on my bagel every single day ;)

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Autumn is the best – I love the beautiful foliage, football games and soups for dinner. I love all the pumpkin spice goodness that happens, too!!

I am already tapering for the Lehigh Valley Marathon, so 16 on the schedule for tomorrow!

I have a fantastic running buddy that I’ve been running with since I started (only three years now). She is amazing and inspiring – and really challenges THIS old lady!! My other is my daughter – she lives in NYC, so I don’t get to enjoy her as much as I’d like!!

Friday night plans are barbeque’d chicken for the family (my parents and kids are in town – yay!) and sleeping!!

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I have 22 miles with the last 4 at MP – I love long runs the most so I’m looking forward to it. I’m a total weirdo I know.

About your calf…I end up with more calf issues when I wear zero drop or low drop shoes. I know you love your Pure Project shoes – but maybe they aren’t right for you now? The flatter shoe puts more strain on your achilles and calf muscles, so maybe an 8 cm-type heel to toe drop shoe would be better. Just a thought.

Good luck.

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I think you are so right Amy. Thank you so so much. Maybe they would be better for speed work but do everything else in an 8 cm drop shoe? Thoughts? Go rock your 22 miler… I love the long run too… we are all kind of weirdos.

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I used to LOVE my Pure Flows but I got so many achilles injuries. As soon as I started running in something with more of a heel, my achilles is all better. I love the Brooks Launch 2’s.

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as much as I LOVE summer, I always get excited for fall. Pumpkin is my FAVORITE, and I force myself to wait until after labor day to enjoy it in everything- coffee, ice cream, pancakes, oatmeal, chili, muffins…..you name it, I want the pumpkin version of it! I also love college football, which is right around the corner.

Best of luck on your long run! I’ll be chanting for your calf too!

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Good luck with your 20 tomorrow! I think I am moving my long run to Sunday so hopefully my new pair of energy boosts arrive in the mail today or tomorrow…Tonight’s plans are still up in the air but they will most likely involve dining outside somewhere out east to soak up what’s left of the summer!

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We have a sick baby on our hands — Friday plans may be changing fast. We were going to go out to a ball game. We’ll see how she’s feeling! :)

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I have a short long run this weekend of 18 KM because I am still recovering from Transrockies 120, but I get to do it with some of my best friends in Toronto and I CAN’T WAIT.

Thinking all the good thoughts for your calf!

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My Friday plans are going to a friends jewelry shop grand opening! No long run for me this week… Trying to tame some IT band issues. I can’t wait to go apple picking this fall followed by baking everything Apple I can think of!

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I am super excited about fall. Being pregnant in the summer has been pretty brutal, so I’m excited for the cooler temps and to meet our little boy. It is going to be so fun to have a baby during all the holidays and fall festivities!

That 8-stages of running a marathon video never gets old. It is seriously spot on! Now if only someone would make one for an Ironman…

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You nephew is the cutest baby ever!!

We also have 20 miles on Saturday, out marathon is a few weeks after yours. Except that our will take way longer than 2:35. But we will get it done. Fast or slow is the same amount of miles. I will be cheering for your calf all the way from Carmel/Monterey

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I am definitely excited for fall! Aside from the cooler weather, colors, pumpkin treats and fall fashion, its my birthday and wedding anniversary.
I am so glad you and your sister got a run in together! Love that she has been your lifelong running partner.
Date night with my husband and getting some runs in this weekend.
Good luck on your 20 miler!

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I cannot wait for fall! I may have gone a little crazy at old navy last night because I was so excited for sweaters!! I can’t believe at George is coming so soon. We should meet after and celebrate (I won’t be anywhere as speedy as you) and one last thing, can you just be my personal shopper? That cute top with the floral sleeves is amazing! What if you just bought two of everything and I paid you for the second one ;)

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Would a compression sock or calf sleeve help?

I love fall – cool weather, pretty colors, apples, pumpkin and being outside is enjoyable.

Long run is 10 – 11 miles. Sadly, no fun Friday night plans since we get up early to beat the humidity.

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Just running 8 miles tomorrow.

Apples, pumpkin, football, ……….but I am a summer girl through and through, so fall is always a little tough to welcome.

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I LOVE fall and the cooler temps and turning leaves. My marathon isn’t until early Dec so my long run is just 10 miles on Sunday. Tomorrow is my day off-YIPPEE!

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Your nephew’s onesie is so cute! My toddler needs one of those! And I love your top you wore to the party, where is it from?

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Thank you so much Melanie! I got is from Soel Boutique a few months ago. It is my favorite store:)

http://soelboutique.blogspot.com

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Awesome, thank you! What a cute store!

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I love fall!! My favorite season…pumpkin everything, honeycrisp apples, pumpkin farms and corn mazes, perfect running weather…seriously, what’s not to love?!

After seeing you post about this chili multie times, I will have to try it!!

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You’re going to do your 20 miles faster than I am likely to do my 16 on Sat. Amazing. Keep up the good work.

Your nephew (age?) has more hair than my 18 month old daughter (neverminding my 9 week old baby boy and his follicle deficiency).

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I’m doing my first HALF in October (the Haunted Half, SLC). You’re such an inspiration to me. Good luck on your 20 mile run! I think you can, I think you can, I think you can.

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That video is hilarious! I love it. Good luck with the 20 miles tomorrow. Today I swam 1000 meters, lifted weights and this afternoon I have pilates. It’s a Friday of fitness.

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From Florida….I know you can! I know you can!! Good Luck with that 20. Remember it’s just a number! :D (A very big number. You Rock.)
Friday night plans this time of year usually means Friday Night Lights. <3
Fall is s…l…o…w… to show up here. And I am ok with that! Because I truly love Florida and it's weather.
Lastly, that video. I laughed so hard I cried! Thanks! (They should have showed the crazy delirious runner signing up for his next marathon. Because it wasnt really that bad!?!) hahahaha
Blessed weekend to y'all….

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I am beyond excited for fall……..it’s my favorite! Pumpkin candles, sweaters or sweatshirts with shorts, apples from the local orchard, perfect running weather, Halloween, my husband’s birthday, a trip to Dollywood………fall is the best! Especially the month of October!

My long runs are on my weekend which is Tue/Wed, so I have an 18 miler Wednesday……….eek! Getting ready for that November marathon!

Since we live downtown we either walk or bike everywhere, so tonight we are biking to get burgers for dinner! Date night!

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Love the 8 stages… been there, run that!

I have mixed emotions about Fall. In So Cal that means Santa Ana winds and fires (hottest month is usually September.) This year we are suppose to have an El Nino with lots of rain coming, so who knows what it will be like! I like the IDEA of Fall, but our reality doesn’t live up to expectations. But I have a Fall marathon… so, yeah, mixed emotions!

Long run tomorrow – 10 miles with 3 @ tempo. Which means my Friday night plans are pizza and an early bedtime!

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20 miles for me tomorrow too! I only wish I’d be done in 2:35 like you. You are speedy! My Friday night plans: take the kids to the park, and early to bed.

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Sadly, my running buddy has been busy baby-making the last couple of years AND we moved a bit further apart than is easy to meet up from. 7 miles on the menu this weekend!

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14 miles on tap this weekend. just under 4 weeks away from my first post-injury half marathon. so happy the heat is taking a vacation this weekend, should make the run a smidge easier :)

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Your nephew looks SO MUCH like Brooke – it’s adorable!!

Because of moves, I haven’t run with the same people as long as you have (you’re lucky!!) but I have been in the same place for the last almost 9 years and have been running with the greatest group of women – we are there for each other in the good times and the bad!! Don’t know what I would do without them!!

I raced last weekend (completed state #11 in Atlanta, Georgia!) so not sure how long tomorrow will be…probably 10-12 miles.

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So awesome that you and your sis got a run in!! And her little guy needs to be a baby model, seriously, he is so adorable!

The 8 stages video is hilarious, and oh so true, thanks for the laugh and I have a 20 km run this weekend. I love fall because of the gorgeous leaves changing colors and the smells!

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I’m going to a buffet tonight – I need to find my stretchy pants!!!

LOL at the donut backpack

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My son Ethan ( 3 years old) was watching me as I read the blog. When he saw a picture of Brooke he asked what is her name? I told him and he asked can I play with Brooke? I explained that she lives far away so he couldn’t . He started to cry…

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Let’s meet somewhere in the middle for froyo so that Brooke and Ethan can play and then we can eat froyo:)

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I’ll join you in your chant…but I’m gonna change it to “I KNOW you can, I KNOW you can, I KNOW you can”.

Your gonna rock that 20 miler, Janae!

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Thank you so much Caroline for chanting:) I really appreciate it! Have a fabulous weekend!

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YOU GOT THIS RUUUUN! sending healthy vibes that your calf will cooperate :)

also…brooke’s backpack is fabulous and if it were a little bit bigger, i would find a reason to use it for myself!

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Yahoooo for a run with your sis! So awesome.

Love fall for the colors – makes trail runs even better.

Sending good thoughts to your calf right now!

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What a beautiful running view!

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I don’t think. I KNOW that you can do it tomorrow! Twenty miles south ds like such a long time so what do you do the rest of the day and what do you think of while running?

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That video cracks me up! So funny and so true!! Loved seeing you last night! Those treats were the bomb! I’m sure you rocked your run this morning! It was all the yummy food too that helps us fuel I think ? hope your calf felt great! Here’s to the weekend!! ??xoxo

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I’m actually attempting a long-for-me-right-now run this weekend… goal: 5 miles! I don’t keep up with endurance training and during summer months only run 2-3 miles at a time. but with some fall 10ks and a half marathon down the road, it’s time I start increasing my mileage!

I don’t have a long-time running buddy, but I have running buddies from different stages of life starting from high school…. kinda fun to think about! If only I could get my husband to run….

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You’re going to crush that 20 miler! I just ran 17 miles – first long run in a looooong time that has gone exactly to plan, and I couldn’t be happier! Will be sending happy thoughts to your calf!!!

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I’m not ready for fall at all! I think last winter was just too rough.

Friday night is going to be super low key- just the way I like it!

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“I know you can!”. Have a great run (and weekend) J!

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Good luck for your run tomorrow! 20 miles is tough!! I just did my first twenty mile run today and it was HARD but also AMAZING! Just think of the food rewards after!! :D (For me it was pizza and Ben & Jerry’s. Technicallt healthy? No. Delicious and soothing for my soul? YES!)

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It’s so lame and I am just now reading and commenting. It took this long to come.out of the sugar coma from last night #WorthIt #YOLO

Good luck tomorrow morning. I just said a prayer for your calf and since God didn’t answer the prayer I said last night to save me, he owes me #ImGonnaGetStruckByLightening

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Yesterday was my Golden Birthday – turned 28 on the 28th!

I celebrated with husband and son and I get a Garmin 610 and iPod shuffle!!!! I’m so excited about both!

I’m looking forward to sweaters and scarves for fall and only doing 6 miles for my long run this weekend – is a cutback week and I’m very much in need of it :)

Have a great weekend!

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I am supposed to do 12, my last long run before the half, but I am on the injured list. I might walk the half. I do think it might be my last half for some time.

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Good luck with your 20-miler! I have 11 on the schedule for this weekend. And as long as the weather holds up,it will be a beautiful outdoor run.

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We don’t really get Fall in Florida – I am hoping Orlando is maybe a little better than South Florida but I love Fall all the same. Less humidity and Halloween!!! :) I went up to 18 miles two weeks ago then did 10 miles last week. I am building back up so probably 12-13 miles on Sunday. I run with my dog when I run 2-3 miles – he is my running buddy :) When my mom visits I run with her :)

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Fall is my favorite – especially all of the crazy pumpkin foods that come out at the grocery store/Target/Trader Joe’s, haha! Have you tried the Pumpkin Spice Latte M&Ms? They’re pretty good!

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