First, and most importantly… Brooks is giving away the Seattle Collapsible Hat and a pair of the Drift Gloves to one lucky reader. To enter for these awesome stocking stuffers just leave a comment on this post with whatever you would like to say!!!
Second, and probably not important at all… 7 random things to tell you.
-Please tell me that everyone else wants to buy every.single.holiday.themed.food.item at the grocery store right now. Every time that I walk by any of the holiday themed food (even if it doesn’t look super good) I feel this strong urge to buy it because after Christmas it will be gone forever (or for 10 months…)
-I am pretty sure she is over the whole selfie thing.
-Who knew a pair of Christmas leggings could make a human so ridiculously happy?!
-My favorite part of gymnastics is just watching her running form. I can learn a thing or two from her.
-Cross your fingers for me that I win these. I enter a ridiculous amount of drawings (pretty much anytime I see one) and I have yet to ever win. I feel good about this one though.
-As I was writing this post Brooke came out dressed like this. Not bad.
-I found this clip hilarious. What was our world like before social media?
So what does the week after a marathon look like for me?
Zero running. That is what it looks like for me. I know some people jump right back into running after a day or two off but I’ve never been that person. It just takes my body some time to recover and most importantly my mind to recover. By the end of marathon training (especially an extended training cycle like this last one) I am more than ready for a break. I’m sure I will crave the run again soonish but until my body and brain want it again, I’m not going to be running. I have been doing some yoga and strength training today (we will talk more about that tomorrow) and a whole lot of resting. I’m not really sore but I think there is a lot of damage done during those 26.2 miles (even if you don’t feel it afterwards) that need time to repair before going again. After your next race remember to think long term. I obviously will lose fitness by taking time off from running (and running fast for awhile) but in the long run it will be so much better for my next training cycle to take some time off from running! And it will be good for my stomach:)
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Just leave a comment if you want to be entered for the GIVEAWAY!!!!! You can even just say hello to enter:)
752 comments
Elisa
I’m wearing my Christmas leggings too! I love everything about Christmas, especially that ice cream… Might have to try it! Would love those gloves and would be perfect for running in the winter up here in Maine!
Melissa Box
Hi Janae!! I’m glad you’re giving your body and mind some time off. Much needed for all of us! PS fingers crossed, I’ve never won anything either! Well except we’ve both won at having our health! I can hear my dad saying that now. You’re right, Dad! We’ve won at lots! ;)
Jill
I have to get a box of Little Debbie Christmas Trees every week.
Nikki
I need a good pair of running gloves and I love a good hat.
I definitely need to take time off after a marathon. I think everyone is different and I sort of envy those people that can just jump right back in.
Natasha
Hi Janae. How funny is the instagram husband video! I always wondered how they got such good photos of themselves!
Kelly
I think I should purchase some holiday leggings. I have holiday socks, but nothing else!
James
I enjoy your blog. Any finished race is a great race. I have ran two marathons and finished much slower and in worst shape than you appeared. But I brag about those to as many people as possible. Love the life posts. You should put the mercedesmarathon.com on your list. Southern hospitality
Amy
Would love to win the hat and gloves! My hands do not handle cold weather well at all.
Laurie
White chocolate pepperment coated flat pretzels… The BEST holiday treat I have found this year!
Laura
Hi! I’m getting married in just 10 days so maybe I could win as my wedding gift?!!! And side note: Awesome job keeping us all inspired no matter the obstacles! Two years ago someone told me I would never qualify for Boston and last March I did it! I beat my qualifying time of 3:35 by over 10 minutes!!!! So as a newlywed I will be saying hello to Boston in April 2016! Here’s to proving others and mostly ourselves we can do anything we put out minds to!
Rebecca Best
I ran a half marathon this past Saturday (badly I might add) and I am still sore. How are you not sore after a 3:10 marathon?!! You are bionic :)
Yvonne
Found this blog a few months ago and love following your training! My goal race is Surf City Marathon on Feb 7. So while I’m based near San Diego, I still am logging in some long runs on early mornings where those gloves and hat will come in super duper handy.
Ash
Hi Janae!! Thanks so much for always hosting such awesome giveaways. I really enjoy reading your blog! :)
Mary
I’m running a 5K this Saturday! And while it will most likely be warm-ish then, I’m looking forward to actually trying to run outside this winter in the cold… as long as the ice holds off.
Tulin
I bought those same gloves you have from Costco… and promptly lost them – these would be so helpful! Sounds like you have a great plan for recovery!
Aaryn
“in the long run” nice pun at the end there, i liked that ;)
Mary Anne
Hello….it’s me. :)
brooke
I hope i win. I never win blog giveaways!!!
Alyena
Hi Janae! I’ve discovered your blog a few weeks ago and make sure I get on daily to see you are up to! My heart broke when I read about your race :( I’ve been struggling the last 2 years to get back to the pace I used to run. So hard, but so rewarding at the same time. As for Christmas…..I want to buy all holiday themed running gear but my wallet says no! Maybe one day when I’m rich and famous!
Mollie
How did I not know about your blog?!
Christine
My hands are always freezing. My kids tell me I have Elsa powers….ok so I might have used them as a make shift ice pack a time or two, haha. Those gloves look so warm!
Kristen
I put those gloves on my Christmas list!!!!!! :)
Andi
Those gloves and hat look Awesome!! ;)
Kristen
So proud that you are taking the time to recover! It is the smart thing to do :)
Erin
It’s good to take a break every once in a while, especially around the holidays — enjoy!!
Sarah
I would love the hat. I had a Brooks hat I was obsessed with and then one time I went camping, chipmunks chewed it! I’m not kidding! I still can technically wear it but it had a bunch of holes :(
Jessica
I love fudge covered oreos!!
Alison
Just getting back into running after a stress fracture!!! Your blog has been an inspiration for me for quite some time :) thanks for sharing everything so openly and authentically–so refreshing to see! Take care!
Michelle
Pick me pick me!! I so need a new hat :)
I too slack off after a marathon, I’m three weeks past my last race and haven’t been running much at all. I miss it tremendously but also enjoy a break from following a training plan.
Kami
I’ve been trying Orangetheory Fitness for the past month and LOVE it!
Alyssa
I want to enter!! I’ve never had a running hat before and I feel like it would be suuuper helpful in Portland! And who doesn’t love/need gloves?! Thanks girlie!
Amy
Hey Janae! Hope you are feeling better and can get back to your donuts soon! I haven’t caved into any holiday food yet but that hot cocoa ice cream looks wonderful!
Brianna
Need a new running hat and love this one! Hope you’re resting up this week and can handle some treats soon :)
Rachel @ Simply Rachel Nicole
What an awesome giveaway! I would LOVE to win!!! :)
Noelle @ Noelle's Notebook
Those gloves! Ah!
Thanks for doing this giveaway.
Also… cannot wait for Star Wars! The hubs is a huge fan and the excitement is catching! I actually got him a Star Wars themed devotional as an early birthday present and he has been reading it every day (Normally, he just reads his Bible and isn’t into devotionals…so this is a big deal!).
Liz
I love her holiday tights!
(I’ve been avoiding food shopping and sending my guy so I don’t give in to the holiday wants.)
Katie M
Janae – you’re awesome! Thanks for sharing your family and your running highs and lows with us…and keeping it real.
Katie
hope you get to feeling better soon! those gloves are awesome! :)
Meghan
Hi Janae, I too enter a ridiculous number of giveaways and have yet to win. Here’s hoping one of us is about to see our luck change! Thanks so much for the giveaway and lots of luck with your Star Wars tickets!
Jackie
Enjoy your time off.
A question: since you grew up in Utah, do you ski? (or snowboard) And if no, why not? The snow in Utah is fantastic and I think you were wake-boarding this summer so you would probably pick it up quickly. Brooke would have fun too. I always wondered if you skied or not….
Kaleigh
Enjoy the time off from running, your body probably needs it!
Caroline
hot cocoa ice cream…I’m intruiged!
Gretchen
Thank you for always hosting awesome giveaways! Hope you’re having a great day :)
Kelly
I also find myself in grocery stores, etc. wanting anything holiday-themed. This time of year goes by waaaay too fast, and I hate that I often feel so stressed out I miss a lot of it. I have some baking I want to do too but with races coming up don’t want to eat too many cookies for the time being. I think it’s great you’re just listening to what your mind and body want. Running when you truly don’t want or need to can take away from your passion for the sport overtime.
Kristin
I just finished up 100 miles in a month for November then ran my 2nd half marathon on Saturday. I am resting this week also, and while it feels good I also have a lite bit of guilt for sitting home eating Christmas cookies!! Love your posts!
Lauren
Watching Home Alone for the first time in 20 years next to my Christmas tree :). I just need a plate of Xmas brownies to make my night!
WendyMI
OMG, I am addicted to the Reese peanut butter cup Christmas trees. Any holiday item that is a different shape.. I am in!!! And pumpkin everything…still!
Brooke dressed herself, bow and all? How adorable. Heh
Rena
Happy holidays!!!
Brittany
Getting my first pair of brooks for Christmas so I’m pretty sure I need these to match!
Christy D.
Gloves! I am forever on a search for great gloves as I have Raynauds, these look great!
Georgina
I just got some christmas leggings yesterday and am pretty pumped too!
Kelley
Exactly how I feel about holiday stuff. Limited time only!
Angie @ Pace With Grace
Holiday leggings? I need a pair of those! Glad you are taking time to relax and heal after your marathon! Enjoy the R & R!
Cara Raulston
I would love some new running gear!
Denise @ An Academic Athlete
ha, my husband showed me that Instagram Husband video yesterday…hilarious. Those gloves look perfect!!! I have been searching for the perfect running gloves for two years, and currently am running in some fingerless with the attached pullover mitten portion…no fingers doesn’t really cut it in the cold Indiana winters though!
Danielle
Hello! Enjoy your break and savor your downtime. You’ve earned it!
Rachel
Mmmmm hot coco ice cream sounds delicious! As I went out for my chilly run today all I kept thinking about was a hot cup of reward coco for my efforts… In a running themed mug of course :)
Glad to hear your legs are feeling good after those miles! Hopefully so is your stomach :)
Megan
Hello! I also love all of the holiday-themed foods…I will be heading to Trader Joe’s this week to stock up!
Megan
Your posts just make me happy. And I just told my kids to tell my husband to get me a new hat for Christmas.
Elizabeth d.
I’m in need of some warm gloves for the chilly southern utah winters. ?.
Bethany @ Luluruns
You deserve some time off after that marathon girl! LOVE your blog!
– Bethany
Traci Ghaffarian
I am currently fighting ALL Leukemia and I can’t wait to be better so I can get back to running and I would love to add these beauties to my running goods!
Hillary
Brooke in that uni. So cute!!
Cortney
I have the hardest time not buying ALL THE CHRISTMAS foods!! I LOVE them but only allow myself one holiday themed item per week so that I don’t break the bank and get a huge butt over the holidays ? I’m glad to see you’re feeling a bit better and getting some well deserved rest!
Sam
Now I really want that ice cream, and the gloves!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul
Thanks for the giveaway!!
Rhae
I am not actually tempted my most Christmas themed foods, mostly because I don’t like mint and chocolate together :D
…and the gloves look awesome!
Kristin
My husband would love these for winter running!
Gila
Love LOVE that Instagram husband video. Hilarious!
Dani
Hello! Love Brooks, you, your blog, and everything about this giveaway! ?
Ryan
The hat and gloves look awesome!!
Laurie G
New convert to the blog, here! Thanks for keeping things real and setting goals (and allowing us to follow along!). I honestly look forward to reading the blog each day and it’s definitely made me work harder towards my own goals, one of which is to reach 3:10,l–your throw up, sick to your stomach marathon time! =) You’re teaching Brooke incredibly valuable lessons here, Janae. I’m excited to follow along on your journey. Cheers!
Oh, and I highly recommend the Carlsbad Marathon here in San Diego for a great mid -to small- size race. Most of the course is along our beautiful beaches. And plus, Legoland is just around the corner!
Cara
I hope you’ve had a lovely Wednesday and sending good thoughts your way for the rest of this week while you take a much deserved (and needed) break from running.
Ally Huffman
I strongly believe that holiday themed foods improve pace and recovery time. ;)
Amanda G.
Would love to win those awesome gloves and hat! Enjoy your break from running and Happy Holidays!
Chiara
I run in similar condition to yours on Nov 22nd, and so far I have done a 2 mile run…still working on my recovering and strength working to get ready for my next half training cycle that starts Dec 21st! so excited… and scared!
Karien @ Running the Race
Those gloves look amazing!
Sharsti@sugarplumrunner
I would LOVE to win!!
Jo
I bought my first pair of brooks pure connects and haven’t run much in them yet the rubber layer on the bottom of the toes is peeling off? This hasn’t happened with any other shoe. I know you are a brooks fan, I love the feel too but it seems a bit odd. Just wondering if that has happened to you? Thanks so much! And congrats on finishing your race in an awesome time and for inspiring us all to chase our dreams , even when it takes a little longer then we hope.
Jennifer Feldman
I love holiday themed everything! I love Brooks for winter running :)
Felicia Nielson
Winning those gloves would be so great!! My fingers always freeze when I run (5am runs…brrrr) and I can’t seem to find a pair of gloves that work for me. I found a new holiday treat that is spectacular….pumpkin spiced almonds from Costco!! I need to stock up! Oh and Christmas leggings are a must. I just bought some and there is a good possibility I will wear them every day. ?
Sarah Beth
I feel like I need the gloves and hat because I live in Kansas. And winter.
I saw some awesome ugly Christmas sweater leggings at TJ Maxx and super regret not buying them now. I should go back. Brooke’s leggings give me serious FOMO.
mary
I love Brook’s leggings!
Mo
Ooh! Pick me!
Michelle
Janae-keep up what you are doing and how you are doing it! I look forward to your posts eveyday. No pressure?
Alisha
Great work taking time off! Those gloves need to be on my hands!
Anne
I love entering contests, too. I don’t win but you can’t win if you don’t try, right? So glad you are feeling better and can take it easy over the holidays.
Allison d
Hoping to win
Tori
I have the same problem with wanting to buy all food things Christmas!
Adriana
I am running my first marathon this Sunday. Your blog helped me believe in myself again and reminded me that ‘I can do hard things.’ I am a 40 year old mom of two and found running to be a sort of therapy for dealing with my son’s medical issues. At the end of the day I love reading about your life and love of running, so thank you!
Jennifer Y
I need new gloves! I never win anything either but that’s ok. I keep telling myself my luck is waiting for the grand prize one day whatever that may be.
alyssa
Brooke has some pretty sweet form, she must have a professional for a mom!
Jeremy
My wife would love those gloves in her stocking!
Ann
I enter giveaways all time and never win either! Crossing my fingers! Would love to win!
Megan
I tried chocolate covered cinnamon gummy bears for the first time last week and loved them! Have to admit I thought you were a little crazy for liking them until I tried them myself! You seem to have pretty good taste in food though…?
Brynne
I love those gloves!!
Sarah
Looking for the chocolate Swedish fish!
Maggie
my daughter just got candy cane leggings that I know she will still be wearing in march! We used to stock up on jingles cookies as kids so we could eat them year round!?
Lizzie
I’m a broke runner college kid and would love to win the hat and gloves! Love your blog!
Lisa
Janae you are such and inspiration!
Lisa
Brooke’s teeny tiny leotard is SO adorable!!
Hayley
I love how your giveaways are not complicated!! Thank you! Also, I never win things either so I know how you feel!
Clark
I own nothing from Brooks…you could correct that problem…
Jeanette in CA
Would you be willing to share how you do Brooke’s bun? My daughters never stays put, not to mention all the way through tumbling class.
I too have been adding some yoga into my routine. I find it really helps with injury prevention, especially when adding strength training to your routine.
Love that collapsable hat.
Kathryn Shaffer
I love Christmas themed food, peppermint everywhere!
Katie G
I would love to wear those on my next outside run!!
Katie
You’re awesome!
Tedi @ running with infertility
I love that video! And I love giveaways!
Kym
I’m kinda obsessed with running gloves, I start to lose circulation and my hand turn blue whenever it gets below 40 degrees so my running friends have become used to me not having feeling in them before races.
I ran the marine corps marathon and took an entire month off from running until I ran a turkey trot on thanksgiving
Leilani
I love holiday themed food too! I want to buy it all!!
Suzy
Is it okay that I don’t give a flying f about the giveaway and instead am laughing my fool face off at the instagram husband clip?!?!? I LOVE HOW HIS FACE TWITCHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HA HA HA HA! Okay but seriously. Anyway. I love you to bits. I don’t always comment, but you’re my inspiration, Janae. I wanted you to get that sub-3 so badly this weekend, and my heart hurt when I saw what happened. I need you to get it, so that I know I can get it one day too. <3
Bethany
The best Christmas food junk food ever ———> Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes!
Marisa
Enjoy the downtime–you worked hard for it! Have a great day!
Hadley
Would love to win the contest but now I also want hot cocoa ice cream……
Karissa C
Super funny clip! I think I might have Instagram dog (poor girl)… there will be a support group for them soon I’m sure :) That would be so funny, all the insta-dogs in group therapy. ha!
Krista
I love Brooks! those would be awesome!
Bailey
that video is HILARIOUS
Abby
Hi! Glad to see you are feeling better finally! Enjoy the rest period and take good care of yourself!
Felicia
Oh I need those gloves! Winter in Utah is killing me :(
Lew
I don’t really understand hot cocoa ice cream, but those gloves would be awesome.
Carissa
Oh fun! Who doesn’t need an extra hat and pair of running gloves :)
Melanie
I would love to win these!
Juli
Congratulations on your marathon. You are amazing… Thanks for always being a source of running inspiration!
SnowieElf
Those would keep me toastie this winter! You are totally an inspiration!
Liz
Love those gloves! I almost bought that ice cream…I can’t resist anything holiday/limited edition!
Whitney
I’ve always loved mittens over gloves. Also, I had a friend go through a similar experience with stomach problems and racing only she had to dnf an ironman after the bike (you can read about her experience here http://triathlonfortwo.blogspot.com/2015/12/ironman-malaysia-race.html ). I can’t imagine racing after having that kind of an experience the night before. You did awesome and I know your next training cycle will be great! Good luck!
Caprene
You never can have too many pairs of running gloves. I’d love another =)
Karen Rohner
You’re a champ. Brooke is adorable and that ice-cream looks amazing. Thanks for sharing. You make me smile! And that give-away! I need to win it for my cute runners in Utah who are freezing cold pretty please!!!! xo
Teresa
Hello! Congrats on your race. You’re an inspiration! Enjoy the resting!
Nora
Hello! Glad you are taking some time away from running! Enjoy the rest!
Rebecca
That ice cream! Looks like a target trip for me tomorrow!!
Jennifer
Hi Janae! You are inspiring the way you cope with the disappointment of your marathon. You have great perspective. I am sure that the perfect marathon will happen for you.
florence
Hiiii! I would love to win :D
Amy Lauren
I’d love to win. That hot cocoa ice cream looks really delicious too!
Misti
In have asked for those exact gloves for Christmas! I love Brooks equipment!
Also- in Texas, we have the best ice cream ever (IMO)… Blue Bell! It seriously is better than any ice cream I have ever tasted. It’s Ben and Jerry’s all the way for froyo, but BB has them beat in the ice cream department. They have two holiday themed flavors that I love- Pumpkin Pie and Christmas Cookies. They r awesome and I think part of the fun is that we only get them for a couple months a year.
My family will gladly enter any Star Wars give away. We all can’t wait for the new movie. My daughter has declared a marathon of all the films the weekend before the preview of the new movie. :). Hope everyone has a good day!
Rosie
Hello :) enjoy the rest!
Amy
I just love reading your blog every morning. Keeps me motivated toward my goals and more recently makes me feel normal that someone else is as obsessed with everything Christmas!
Jenn@Mark My Miles
I Hate a cold head and cold hands when I run, would love these.
I am very much like you…I take a rest after a race. Physically, I may not feel too sore but I do want to be able to run with my grandkids in the future, so I take time to heal. Also, mentally, I like taking a break from the “pressure” of training and just roll out of bed and get an at home workout video done. Surpringsly, the beach body ones are super hard and challenging.
So glad your week is going great!! Fingers crossed you win the Star wars drawing. I love winning things!!!
Carol
Hello! :-)
Cindy
I refrained from sharing the following (what I feel is obvious feedback) after reading your Tucson recap, but now with the giveaway opportunity (definitely in need of some running gloves), allow me to selfishly share what I was thinking earlier: You ran a 3:10 marathon, placed 1st in your AG, 5th female overall, was 1st female for 19+ miles…..ALL WHILE VOMITING AND NOT BEING ABLE TO REPLENISH AND FUEL YOUR BODY! Do you realize what an incredible machine you are?!?!? That is insane! The majority of runners can only dream of such feats. Your sub-3 is without a doubt around the corner and would have happened this past weekend sans stomach issues. I just know this. But again, you help us all maintain healthy perspectives of life and what’s most important with your willingness to share your personal experiences. Thank you for being a daily inspiration!
Andrea
First we are like “ALL the pumpkin.” Now we are “ALL the candy canes.” :)
Maureen
I am glad to see you are resting after your marathon, Janae!
Maureen
Cheri @ Overactive Blogger
Good for you! Rest up, you had a hard weekend!
Katie
your blog gives me hope while going through tough times <3
Wendy
Time off after a marathon is the hardest to take for me esp. if it was not the best experience. Good thing the holidays are here, nothing is better than family time! ps I want a pair of those leggings ;)
Jenny
I actually keep thinking I need to buy some mittens for my Illinois winter running.
Abby
I think I jumped back on the running train too soon after my half marathon. Experiencing some food and shin/calf soreness so I’m taking a few days off from any exercise. EEK!
Brooke
blah blah blah blah gloves&hat blah blah blah
Jill
I have Reynaud’s syndrome, so keeping my hands warm is really hard sometimes. Those gloves look like they would make my runs so much easier! Unrelated: that ice cream looks amazing!
Erin
So proud of you for finishing on Sunday!! Way to push through a challenge. It makes usbetter runners and better people