Date #2 and DID YOU KNOW (running edition).

My nephew took me out yesterday for my birthday present and based on the activities he chose for us to do… he must know me pretty well.  

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First, we hit up the best donut shop in town.  

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Apple fritters are where the money is at..

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Turns out that Nick Symmonds (professional runner and two-time Olympian) agrees with me.  He understands that apple fritters solve everything.    

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New favorite card… it expresses so much emotion through just a few words/pictures. 

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After donuts he told me we were going to go on a walk at the track because I love (his word… not mine;) to go to the track.  It was a blast and we got all caught up on the happenings at his Jr. High.  

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And a picture as he was trying to reach for the candy that he found under my seat from Halloween.  Finders keepers is still a hard concept for me.

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Got some strength training in at Megan’s killer bootcamp class.  My glutes were in need of stretching and while I usually do this stretch while on my back I feel like I can get even a deeper stretch while sitting up.  

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Brooke wanted a picnic so we ate steamed veggie/chicken/rice/teriyaki (I use soyaki from Trader Joe’s) bowls at home on the ground.  

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Oh, and I have to share one more thing to check out before the Olympic Trials this weekend… loved this article:

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Ready for some completely useful (or maybe useless…) running facts?

+Wanna know how many running shoes are sold worldwide each year???  OVER ONE BILLION!!! I think we all contribute a good amount of shoe buying to that number.  

+The most common running injuries are—>  runner’s knee, stress fractures, shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, muscle pull, ankle sprains and plantar fasciitis.  (source) Pretty sure I have had all of those at one time or another;)

+Ever wondered how many steps you take per mile?  Here is a fun chart that shows how many steps people take on average according to height and how many minutes it took them to cover the mile.  IE for me (I’m 5 ft 8 inches) I take about 1,315 steps when I run an 8 minute mile.  

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+1897—>  The FIRST Boston Marathon!  1972 is the first year that women could officially enter Boston.

+After finishing a marathon, Oprah Winfrey exclaimed, ‘Dang! This is better than winning an Emmy!’ (source)

+Ricardo Abad Marinez holds the record for running the most amount of marathons on consecutive days—> 607!!!

+The 25 largest races in 2014 (couldn’t find the 2015 list) in the US.  I want to do all of these.  

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Have any running facts to share with us?!

How many running shoes do you usually go through a year?

If you could have a donut appear in your hands right now what kind would it be and from what bakery?

What did you have for dinner last night?

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69 comments

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I loved that article about Kara too! I’m super excited for her, I hope she makes it to the Olympics! I can’t imagine how any of those competitors feel right now, I would be crazy nervous!

My husband loves apple fritters too, I showed him Nick’s post yesterday too!

Looks like a fun birthday date with your nephew!

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My first year of distance running I went through way too many shoes trying to figure out what I liked and what worked. Now I’d say it’s maybe 4 pairs I think? I had meatballs and roasted sweet potatoes for dinner last night and leftovers just now with kale and an egg – best breakfast.

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I lose track of how many running shoes I buy each year. I think it’s probably best I don’t add them up–it might make me hurt for my bank account.

If I could have a donut right now, I would want a glazed cake donut from Donut Palace. Although, that apple fritter of yours looks might tasty.

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There are amazing donut options here in NYC. I love the pistachio one from Doughnut Plant.
I go through 2 pairs of sneakers s year.

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Wow…57,000 runners is a lot! I don’t really like big races so I’m staying far, far away from those! It might be fun to watch though :)

Your nephew’s birthday plans were so sweet! I love how he just wanted to walk around the track with you. You’re just having the best birthday week ever!

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What a fun birthday night, donut goodness and a good walk sounds like a dream. My favorite donuts are these cake donuts covered in a chocolate icing that they sell at a tiny coffeeshop in my hometown in IL. I still have dreams about them.

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Mmmm your chicken bowl looks delicious and I love that your nephew took you to the track because you love it! I think your family has you all figured out :)

I usually go through 3-4 pairs of running shoes per year!

The only running fact that I have to share today is that I am running my ninth half marathon this weekend. I can’t believe I’m up to nine already. Just three years ago I was running my first 5K!

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How is the same marathon ranked number 23 and 25 with different numbers? Bizarro World :)

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One is the half (20,000) marathon and the other is a full marathon (19,000), I believe. I did the half this year and there were over 20,000 people who finished it.

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Wow, your nephew is just as tall as you are…! How time flies.

I usually go through 2 pairs of running shoes a year (I alternate).

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I had cheese and crackers for dinner last night, plus 1 million lemon cookies b/c today is the start of Lent and I’m giving up dessert!

If I could have a donut magically appear in my hands right now, I’d want a fresh cider donut from an orchard in upstate NY. You know, the kind that leaves sugar AAAAAALLLLL over your face!

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glad Chicago is still on your list. Coming down to cheer!

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That’s awesome that both of your birthday dates involved food.
I didn’t know the BolderBoulder was the third largest race in the US! I did it in 2014 and can’t wait to do it again this year. Watching the elite runners afterwards is so cool.

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I got in an easy 5 mile run last night on the treadmill while catching up on the Bachelor. I had a big salad with a veggie burger on top and spaghetti squash with pesto on it for dinner last night! so good!

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I probably go through 4 ish pairs of running shoes a year? I haven’t really kept track I guess!

That apple fritter made my mouth water, I think i’d like one of those. Or an apple cider donut from an apple orchard.

Dinner last night was with one of my close friends and we got a charcuterie board and a flatbread to split! It was delish!

Also I LOVE that Nike sweatshirt you’re wearing. I have it in green. It was an impulse buy after my last half marathon because I was so freaking cold once I was done running and the shuttle wasn’t coming for over another hour, so I ran into a Nike store (luckily the race ended at a huge shopping center in LA) and bought it. I was a little annoyed at first for spending so much money so impulsively, but it’s absolutely my favorite now!

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I live in Richmond, VA and the Monument 10K is the most fun race ever! Definitely put that one on your bucket list :) Dinner last night was kale and veggies with cereal for desert. I probably go though 3-4 pairs of shoes a year

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I get a new pair of my running shoes around every 3 months or so! Love that step chart by height. So interesting! Oh and I love trader joes island soyaki over the regular – try it if you haven’t!

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I used to go through a lot of running shoes now it’s maybe 4 a year. I think before I wasn’t as good with resting and not running the same last big mileage everyday. Somethings we learn the hard way!

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I love all those running facts! Omg okay my favorite donut.. there’s this small local donut shop in my hometown called Donutland where everything is like 80 cents and I’m OBSESSED with the blueberry and cherry donuts. It’s weird.. ever since I moved away I crave it more. I guess it’s true, you never know what you got til it’s gone :( Hahah I <3 donuts

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If I could choose any donut right now I’d probably go with a good old fashioned chcolate glazed. Mmmmmm

I’ve said for years that shorter people work harder during running. Proof in the steps.

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Dinner last night was almond butter on toast! I’m in a dodgeball rec league and we had our first game yesterday … Got home late so needed something quick and easy!

I would love a warm apple donut from the apple orchard right now. Heaven!

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607 marathons on consecutive days?? That’s insanity. Looks like you’re getting your fair share of donuts and treats for your birthday! They all have looked so delicious!

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My first half marathon was the Bellin Womens Half Marathon in Green Bay, WI and the woman who was the first to run in the boston marathon, Katherine Switzer, actually was our keynote speaker and started the race. It was so inspirational to hear her story, she is one of the people who made the women’s marathon in the Olympics a real live thing – she is awesome.

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2-3 pairs per year
i just posted about Kara today. LOVE HER! can’t wait to watch the trials this weekend!

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Way too few (2-3) shoes per year. I try to max them out and usually overdo it. Blueberry fritters would have to be my fave donut. And dinner last night was black bean tacos with cilantro avocado dressing. So good.

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That picnic looks delicious!!! Kara Goucher is my running idol. My dream is to go to her podium retreat…
I’m bad about shoes, I wear them way too long.

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There aren’t enough donut stores in my neck of the woods. Probably a good thing. Apple fritters win my heart every time.

I go through a couple pairs of running shoes a year, although I have a really hard time getting rid of them once they have logged ALL the miles. I think I have a collection of old running shoes. It’s a problem.

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Sounds like you had a fun time with your nephew.

Last night for dinner I had leftover chicken curry with rice.

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It sounds like your nephew knows you really well. That sounds like the dream to me.

It depends on if I’m injured or not in regards to running shoes LOL. To be honest I’ve found more cushioned shoes last longer. I also have no issues donating shoes if I believe they are causing an issue or injury. That being said I probably go through about 10 trainers and 3-4 racing flats. It’s a little higher in the last 12 months but I’ve also been consistently running.

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I love that about Kara!
I usually buy 4 pairs of running shoes alone and 2 pairs that I wear only for work. I usually have a pair of trail shoes that I only have to update once a year and then there’s my gym shoes and tracing flats… Yeah, I have a shoe problem!

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I’m feeling like poop AGAIN today, so a strawberry donut with sprinkles would help to cheer me up.

And, I typically go through two pairs of running shoes per year.

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I loved watching those Olympic trials video clips you put up the other day. I looked up the qualifying times for female Canadians and it’s 2:29:50, but female Americans have up to 2:45 (the B group) to get in! HOW IS THAT FAIR?! Anyway, maybe I’m wrong about this? Gah!

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No you are not wrong. Athletics Canada has pretty tough times for the marathon, hence why we haven’t had a female marathoner in awhile. We have two that have qualified for 2016 – Lanni and Krista. They both *just* missed the 2012 Olympic team and both actually broke the Canadian Record the following year. It is tough for sure.

It would be interesting to see if we ever have a marathon trials in Canada – lots of runners have gone under 2:45 and a number under 2:37

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Oh, thanks for the info Rebecca!

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Great idea on trying that stretch sitting up. I typically sit and lean forward to get a deeper stretch. I’ve had runner’s knee and shin splints for sure. A million squats later I haven’t been plagued with those injuries in awhile (fingers crossed).

Favorite donut: long john (chocolate covered with Bavarian cream stuffed inside).

Dinner: Cajun seasoned pork chops, spaghetti squash, and baked sweet potato.

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I am using all my mental strength to make a salted caramel old fashioned from Top Pot appear in front of me rn.

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It is so hard to get registered for the Army Ten Miler in DC (and I work for the Army). I am hoping to run it this year!

2 pairs – I HATE breaking in new shoes.

My mom makes the best Apple Cider donuts! They are my favorite right out of the fryer and dipped in cinnamon sugar! YUM!

The children and my husband had chicken pot pie, I had a sweet potato topped with yellow curry tofu!

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I’m kind of a running shoe nut! I always have 2 I’m going back and forth with. Sometimes same brand, sometimes not. I easily get 6 pair of shoes of a year….easily! lol!

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I go through too many donuts, each year…and at least 7 running shoes, but somehow it seems like its not enough. Nike Pegasus lasts longest for me (500+), followed by Brooks Ghost and Mizuno Wave Rider.

I wish there was a Top Pot Doughnuts on this side of the state! I would go for an Old Fashioned.

Last night I made pizza with pears, hazelnuts, Gruyere, Gorgonzola with sauce made out from rice wine vinegar, thyme and honey.

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Everything is better when you have an apple fritter.

I need one….right now….

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apple fritters are life! that one you had looks really good…as im sure you know not all fritters are created equal :) that first pic you and your nephew look so thug its adorable!

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Hopefully you don’t drop your cadence that much going between an 8 minute mile and a 6 minute mile. You want to keep your cadence around 180 at any speed! I get that the chart is just averages though.

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My FAVORITE running fact is the development of collateral vessels. I always explain to new runners that through running you develop collateral vessels which can naturally put you on bypass thus saving your life (don’t quote me on the stats but your survival rate is 400% higher than those who do not have these vessels) Its like a busy highway, you need more lanes so your body develops these new lanes. I find it fascinating and encouraging when running.

Just got a new pair (thanks Grandma!!) of Brooks Ghosts – love them so far! They will be my road runners and my Saucony Xodus for the trails.

Donuts are my biggest weakness.

Dinner was just sweet kale salad from Costco – my go to when my dinner mind fails me. I made my family waffles as it was Shrove Tuesday.

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Yes, thanks Shalyn! The doctors told us the collateral vessels are the reason my grandmother lived to be 100…she walked and ran until the day she died.

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SHALYN… thank you for the running fact. I did not know this… so so cool and I will be passing this on:) Best present ever from your grandma… enjoy!

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That is so awesome that your nephew planned a birthday date for you! How fun! :) I have never had an apple fritter and I really need to try one. What is the best donut shop in the Provo/Orem area to get one? Your teriyaki bowl looks heavenly!!!

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PROVO BAKERY!!!! I love their donuts… you have to go! Get an apple fritter too!

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Oh my gosh… 607 marathons in a row? I’m just imagining that guy describing his daily routine to people… “Sorry, I can’t stay out late tonight, I run a marathon every morning.”

My donut of choice would be a glazed blueberry cake donut from the Donut Shoppe in Jacksonville (which you might be interested to know was featured in Food Network Magazine for their apple fritters!).

I made the mistake of letting my last pair of running shoes get to sheesh, probably at least 650 miles… I paid for that one with some bad metatarsal pain that clued me in that it was time to switch!

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I love these birthday dates – so fun and they know you so well!

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Many years ago I loved the strawberry creme filled donut, but then Dunkin Donuts quit making them. I still remember the taste….
Usually go through 3-4 pairs of shoes and still buy them even if they aren’t worn out!

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I love that 1st picture of you and your nephew – the money in his hand is so perfect and so boy! (Done with the pic already, let me just buy the donut!)

If I could have any donut… Does a chocolate eclair count?

Dinner last night: open face refried bean tortilla with vegan cheese, red onion, tomato and avocado!

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I was one of the runners at the 2014 Honolulu Marathon!

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It was a donut ball full of Nutella served slightly warm. Yum!

I really should buy more running shoes – they are just so expensive! I tend to wear them into the ground a bit…silly because I spend the money on other stuff so note to self: must look after ones feet and buy more shoes.

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I would absolutely have an apple fritter. Just thinking of it is making my mouth water….especially since I haven’t had on is so long, trying to cut back on carbs. Oh how I miss thee, apple fritter!

Last night for dinner I had a hodgepodge of things from my fridge. Nothing to write home about.

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Apple fritter all day…everrrrrrry day! But dunkin donuts brownie batter donut is a close second. Too bad they only have them in February for Valentine’s Day :(

For dinner last night I had a salmon burger and some Brussel sprouts…and copious amounts of candy for dessert :)

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The Bolder Boulder rocks. We run it every year.

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I need to come back and read the rest of this post later but first I had to note…..When did your nephew get so tall?? Like to see he is not too cool for yoou though. ;-)

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Right now I want a hot Krispy Creme. Or a box of the cheap cinnamon sugar donuts my dad used to get for dunking in coffee.
Last night’s dinner was random Superbowl leftovers.

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Last night was a “brinner” kind of night. I had a fried egg with avocado on a plain bagel. Yummy and perfect.

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Hah I went to undergraduate with Nick Symmonds! So weird to see him on your blog :)

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This picture of you and your nephew at the top cracks me up. Also, he is so tall! That apple fritter looks incredibly delicious, and I don’t think I would be a fan of apple fritters (I’ve never tried one). I think it is the glaze that is tipping me over right now.

IFFFFF a donut appeared in my hands right now, it would be an old fashioned chocolate. Nothing else compares.

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I hope you had an AMAZING birthday!! I love that Nike sweatshirt – I have it in two colors. When Nike printed that hoodie with two designs for the Nike Women’s half marathon – I bought them both! :)

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I think I go through about 3 pairs of shoes a year, though I have them pretty well staggered so it doesn’t happen all at once.

A jelly doughnut. Any bakery. I’m not picky.

Dinner last night was buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese!

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I love these dates they’re taking you on! It’s so super cute and a really good idea. I’m hoping when my nieces and nephew move closer to me that they’ll do this for me :)

Well, my best friend was here this past weekend and we stumbled upon this bakery..and they didn’t have donuts, but they had what they called “sweet rolls”. They’re like if a muffin and a pastry had a baby and a whole heaping pile of buttercream frosting on the top. That’s the kind of dessert I wish would appear in my hand right now!

And I had Torchy’s last night! It’s a taco place – I had a fried avocado taco with beans, cheese and pico. SO YUM. They also have the best queso in the world. Hands down. I could lick the bowl – it’s that good!

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I have a little tidbit of running history! Before women were allowed to officially enter and run in Boston, a woman named Kathrine Switzer signed up (as “K Switzer”) in 1967. It turned into an interesting race- I’m not sure if you’re familiar with her story but if you’re not, definitely read up on her! Anyhow, I met her in 2014 before I ran the Hartford CT half and heard her story. It was pretty cool!
Glad your foot is better :) love tuning into your blog daily! Can’t wait to see the latest on the puppy adoption process!

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Where are your shoes from that you’re wearing in the first picture with your nephew?? So cute!

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A Tim Horton’s Canadian Maple donut! Or a Boston Cream. They are both delicious!
#goodcanadian

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I love that milk and doughnut card, so cute!

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SUCH a random side note. I was there in California watching Kara win that race a few months ago! What a cool thing to see her in person – speedy legs! Also, the photo of where she’s talking to her photographer, I’m off to the right of the photo…TRYING to wiggle my way in hahahahaha

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