I feel like it has been forever since we last caught up because after 5+ years of telling you way too much information each day (twice a day sometimes too;) it always feels weird when I go longer than a day without filling you in.
-My Monday workout involved my spin bike while Brooke caught up on her Netflix shows for 35 minutes. I didn’t want to think too hard about my workout so I kept it simple with a warm-up and cool-down and this in the middle:
3 minute hill climb (1 minute in the saddle, 2 minutes out) where I increased my tension every 30 seconds of the 3 minutes and then a 1 minute sprint in the saddle with tension equivalent to a flat road. I repeated this 7 times.
-My Tuesday workout involved the stair climber while getting to talk with Kristi for the first portion. She makes the time fly by.
I did a similar workout to one of Megan’s for the stair climber and holy cow it got my heart pumping.
10 minute warm-up
1 minute level 8, 1 minute level 9, 1 minute level 10, 1 minute level 11, 1 minute level 12, 1 minute level 13, 1 minute level 14, 1 minute level 15—> I repeated that sequence 5 times.
10 minute cool-down
All done while watching music videos on Youtube.
-I sent this to my mom for an idea of what to get me for Valentine’s Day.
-Brooke loves to make believe/pretend. The last few days she has been all about ‘playing family.’ What this means is that she is the mom and I am the kid and then she bosses me around. It’s really fun.
-Dream team meal the Monday night of chicken tortilla soup, waldorf salad and sweet potato fries with fry sauce from Guru’s. I was craving a bunch of different things so I just decided to go with them all.
-Does anyone else check out the what’s new page on the Trader Joe’s website frequently? Other new products that they have this month that I am dying to try—> Thai Sweet Chili Veggie Burgers, Cocoa Dusted Truffles with Toffee Bits and MOLTEN MACARONS (chocolate or salted butterscotch). But I might just make the drive up north just for these beauties:
-I heard that the Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes were on sale at Costco and so we made our way on over. If you ever get the chance to try these… DO IT.
-My niece let me know that their Berry Syrup is incredible so we picked that up too. Looks like we are having pancakes for our next 10 meals.
-Just some deer hanging out in my parents’ yard. We keep getting more and more snow in the mountains which brings all of the deer down to eat.
-I still love watching Wheel of Fortune with my mom. A thing we’ve done together for a very long time.
You can check out some of my favorite quotes lately that are perfect for our running setbacks and successes—> HERE!!
Holiday themed treats are even better than normal treats. Found the two that I will be making HERE and HERE!
Foot update—> it is doing a million times better this week. I’m getting closer to running again but I also want to wait until things are 100% for a few days. I’m real excited… maybe it will be my body’s birthday present to myself:)
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Tried anything new (or new-to-you) at Trader Joe’s lately? Thoughts?
What about Costco… any finds there that you are loving lately?
What have your workouts been so far this week?
At the gym—> what cardio machine (besides the treadmill) do you think is the hardest?
-Stair climber and the rower.
81 comments
Lisa @ Lisa the Vegetarian
Aww I want that same box of “chocolates” for Valentines! My workouts this week thus far have revolved around 21 Day Fix, dancing and TurboFire. I’m sore today!
Karien @ Running the Race
Trader Joe’s looks like a really awesome place… (We don’t have them down here in South Africa :( …)
Love the deer!
Sarah @ SarahRuns26
The nearest TJs and Costco are several hours away from me. So everything is new to me when I get to go!
Stair climber always gets my heart pumping like crazy! Such a great workout, I need to do that more often!
I also love holiday themed treats. They are the best!
Michele @paleorunningmomma
Workouts have mainly been running with some yoga sprinkled in where I can fit it. Hopefully a longer practice today.
Margaret @ youngandrungry
If my gym was as fun as yours I’d go a lot more too! I feel like there’s some sort of reunion party every time you go it’s amazing!
We sadly don’t have a Tader Joes here and it’s depressing, but we do have a thousand Costcos and I love going with my sister. They have great almond butter for much cheaper than what you would buy it for anywhere else!
I’ve been running a bunch this week mixed with BBG and it’s going great!
sally @ sweat out the small stuff
I just went to TJ’s last night and tried some burritos with steak. Not sure if they’re new but I hadn’t had them before. They were really good! I also tried their guilt free guacamole (it’s cut with low fat greek yogurt to make it lower in fat) which paired perfectly with the burritos.
I ran 3 miles yesterday. I’m sick but maybe the decongestant helped because I felt perkier than normal =)
The stepmill!!!! That thing makes me sweat like a beast.
Natalie
I haven’t tried anything new lately at Trader Joe’s, but I definitely want to try those mini churros! Looks like I will be going there soon. Plus, I need more Cookie Butter Sandwich Cookies, anyway. :)
The stair climber is no joke. I’ve done it quite a bit lately, and my legs don’t always thank me for it.
Lily
Thanks for catching us up pretty lady! I hope this is too personal… But how are things with the guy? Just curious : ) hope you have a great day!
Lily
*isn’t!! Isn’t too personal lol
Cori @ She's Going the Distance
hardest cardio is jacobs ladder & the stairmill for sure! I haven’t tried anything new at TJ’s but to be honest I try and only go there once every few months cause I spend WAY to much money. it’s like the target of grocers.
Mel_OutRunCF
I would love to try this popcorn…! My love of popcorn never fades… Brooke playing pretend is so funny and cute! My 6yo son has been pretending he’s a Jedi since the last Star War movie came out! He uses the force to open automatic doors ;-)
“Growth Mindset” = love this expression! Thanks for sharing.
Staci
I have Kodiak cakes on auto ship! I get 6 boxes every few months, they are amazing! I have never been to TJ’s or Costco…is that a sin? I think it may be. Glad your foot is feeling better!!!
Kristina Running
Janae…. if you get that box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day I’m going to need you to share one with me! I’ll email you my address :) That looks like a beautiful box of future running buddies to me!
I did an intense full body workout yesterday that included a bunch of lunges and today I’m definitely feeling it!
Gretchen | Gretchruns
Yay for your foot getting better! That’s great to hear :) I absolutely LOVE Trader Joes and trying all their new stuff. I just finished the Whole30 so I haven’t tried anything fun recently (just some compliant foods like coconut aminos and ghee) so now I’m excited to try some new products!
Laura P
I tried those churros from TJ’s and they are amazing! When I was checking out one of the workers suggested their fudge sauce to dip them in. That worker is my new hero.
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul
I want an Apple watch too!
Meredith @ the cookie chrunicles
Ohhh I want to try the sweet chili veggie burgers! I will look for them tomorrow when I go! As for cardio machines , I feel like when I push my hardest, al of them are equally challenging! Love the elliptical though for cross training. Gives me a good workout
Angie @ Pace With Grace
I’m going to TJ this weekend and I usually leave with one new-to-me item! We will see what this time is…
I haven’t been to Cosco before, I know crazy!
I’d say the stair climber too! I’ve been feeling sluggish and tired during my workouts this week. Hope that changes soon.
Glad your foot is doing a lot better!
Annie R
I haven’t been to Trader Joe’s in far too long, but my friend just told me about Cowboy bark and I need to try that ASAP!
Costco –> I love their huge bags of kale mix. It’s so so so good. Their stuffed peppers are also delish.
I did a speed workout on Monday that I was super proud of, and I just did an easy run this morning! Yesterday was my day off.
I think every cardio machine is hard at the gym! I can’t seem to zone out doing anything other than running so time just creeps by!
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
I only use the treadmill out of all the cardio machines at the gym. My gym is a small apartment one so it only has treadmills, ellipticals, and spin bikes.
So far this week I’ve ran, done Pilates, and lifted weights!
Jenny
Our Costco day is today. Kodiak pancakes are on the list. We go right in time for them to break out all the samples so we can try everything while we shop.
Paula
The blogger over at bakeat350.com reviews fun Trader Joe’s treats every weekend! She was not thrilled with the molten macarons, but her son was. I like to do research before I spend money and disposable caloric income on new snacks. :)
Lisa
Looks like you are you dating again? Good for you!
Amanda @ Exploring Life & Things
The things I would do to have a Trader Joes near me… haha. For workouts this week I’ve been running and doing BBG which has been going well so far! And I agree, something about the stair climber is just so tough for me!
Lauren
I really need to read this book, too. My husband and I have realized that I really shy away from new experiences out of a fear of failure. Some of these quotes really make me think by really getting to the root of things and changing my mindset, I’ll be able to not fear “failure” but instead get excited about opportunities to grow and improve myself. Reading this book could be just the “mental talk” I need to equip myself to be a little more brave!
Karrie
Thank you so much for posting your stair climber workout! That one definitely looks like a good workout!
I unfortunately do not have a Trader Joe’s or Costco within 45 minutes of me :/ but they are finally building a Costco right down the road and I will definitely have to get some of that pancake mix when they open! I also need to beg someone to get me those Mini Churros because they look delicious.
I had a couple easy 4 mile runs, and a 5 mile tempo run for my running workouts. I recently joined a gym to start some group fitness classes and I started a circuit class and a cycle sculpt class (this one is no joke…). The stair climber and the rower are tough for me too but they burn so good and I always get a good workout from them.
Mollie
You must try the sriracha ranch dressing at TJ’s!!!!!!
I actually tried your spin workout from a couple weeks ago on Saturday because my knee was hurting. Kicked my butt!!! I loved it!!!! And then by some miracle my knee was all better so I’m back to run/yoga/run.
Maybe biking fixed it!
Jessica
My Trader Joe’s FINALLY had frozen riced cauliflower! I grabbed 6 bags, but haven’t cooked any yet. I’m thinking of making some veggie fried “rice” this weekend.
I did a longer run on Monday evening, and tonight I’ll do some bodyweight cross-training. The temps in the northeast are supposed to be nice and high this weekend, so I’m hoping to get some runs in outdoors!
Casey @ Runnin' With the Pups
After reading this I really want pancakes. I hate the stair climber but I love how I feel after working out on it. Thank you for posting your workout on it, I think changing up the levels will make it easier for me to get through it.
Hollie
I always find running with someone else makes the time fly by. I’m glad you were able to find an awesome gym buddy. There is a trader joes near me but truth be told I’m not the biggest fan. I don’t hate TJs but I don’t go out of my way to go there either!
Melissa @ See Dav Run
We read Mindset as a whole faculty a couple of years ago; excellent choice! It definitely impacted how I look at teaching, learning, and personal challenges. Highly highly recommend for parents or athletes (or anyone, really).
Workouts have been great; we’ve had great weather (highs in the upper 50s-70 here in NC). At the gym, I avoid the stairclimber like it’s the plague. Hats off to you for embracing the burn.
Paula @thehealthy75
I don’t have any Trader Joe’s or Costco’s by me. :( I feel like I am at a huge food disadvantage here! But today’s flavor of the day at our local ice cream shop is Raseberry Zinger and I can not wait to get a scoop!
My workouts have been awesome this week, 2 nice runs in and yesterday was a HIIT workout!
The stair climber is by far the hardest thing for me! I will be drenched in sweat after 5 minutes!
Becky @Ok, So Here's the Plan
We don’t have a Trader Joe’s near us, and we rarely went to Sam’s club when we had a membership, so we let it expire last year. We always spend way too much money when we do go to a Trader Joe’s though!
I have been doing yoga every day (which is not the norm for me) and had a couple of easy runs and some 400m repeats.
Emma @myfullfatlife
I had a fast run yesterday :)
Kodiak pancakes are going on my next grocery list!
Lisa @ TechChick Adventures
I tried using the stair machine at the gym – but I kept tripping on the steps! I’m sticking with the bikes. Much safer there :) I have been lifting at the gym, which is new to me. Love the strong feeling I am getting!
I ran 12 miles before work this morning, and had to make a side trip to Starbucks for a treat before I got there. 10 mins late to work… but worth it!
Beth James
Hi Janae! I know you’ve probably told us a million times already, but where is that necklace from? It’s so cute yet simple!
Courtney
We will have to try the Kodiak pancakes next Costco run!
I know they have been around for a while but we have just started buying the Applegate Organic Chicken and Apple Sausages – my 2 year old loves them and calls them hot dogs, much better tasting and better for her than a regular hotdog so they are now a staple in our house!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
OMG. The stairclimber is hands down the hardest! I do it several times a week and I swear it never gets easier. I actually do a similar drill to Megan’s. It’s killer!!!
Renee
I love the reverse role family game. I always decide that it is time for me “the little kid” to take a nap ;)
Rachael @ Catch Me if You Can
i always eyeball the stair climber at the gym and want to get on it but…im a little chicken and get scared of tying new machines i dont know how to use. i need to though, we are going to paris in september and there will be a lot of climbing up stairs we will be doing…like 300+ steps…i should probably get my booty on that stair climber :)
Katelyn @ katerunshappy
I recently bought the frozen French Onion soup at TJ’s and it is amazing!
Carly
I totally just went and bought some of the churros. I’m having a friend over for lunch and we will eat them! I bought a salted caramel bread pudding from TJ the other day and it was NOT good… ended up in the trash. My go to dessert from TJ’s is the Raspberry Tart, it is amazing with some lightly whipped cream with vanilla bean- amazing!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona
I want those puppies too! They look like they’d be so soft to cuddle with.
Rachelle
Going to TJ’s next week while on a business trip! I already have my list started.
I always buy the stone ground tortilla chips they are lower in fat than most any other tortillas chips.
I’ve been running outdoors with a friend that is getting back into fitness after having a baby. I started us on low mileage easy runs this week with a plan to race a 5K in March. That little motivation really seems to help her keep going!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me
Brooke’s family game is hilarious and totally sounds like something I would have done at her age! She must have such a fun personality.
At the gym ->> the stair climber is the death of me! I know some people go on it for a half hour, and I’m like, what??? I’ve lasted 5 minutes maybe… it’s so hard!
Nikki @ will run for pizza
New at TJ’s – vegetarian tamales! They were really good and I hope they are still carrying them!
New at Costco – their birthday cakes?! Ya. My sister had one for my nephew’s birthday in December, so we got one for her in January when she came to visit, and my oh my! They are GOOD! You can only get them in a half sheet size though, so we have a lot of cake in our freezer and will probably be able to have her January birthday cake for my birthday in July…lol
Katie P.
I’m glad your food is on the mend! I’ve had to be creative this week to get my workouts in because I (hopefully temporarily…) don’t have a car anymore. So early trains and borrowed cars and carpooling. Yuck. So far, though, I’ve done a swim and a run and will hit the bike up today after work.
Margaret @ Simple Fit Foodie
The stair climber always gets my heart pumping!! Its crazy how hard climbing stairs can be… haha
I LOVE popcorn, never though about making it with cinnamon. YUM! Need to try that. So pretty and festive too :)
Ultra Run Couple
I love how you set such a positive example of health for Brooke. So cool to see!
We blogged about all our sunny vacation workouts so hopefully you can swing by our corner of the web to read about them!
Also, my post today is a bit angry/uplifting/runner power/hope all mixed into one!
Chelsea @ Chelsea Be Healthy
We don’t have either one here in Arkansas. How sad! I just live vicariously through your posts! They’re supposedly putting in a Trader Joe’s in Memphis TN which is the closest, so i’ll have to try that one ASAP!
I say the stair climber is pretty tough for me. I can’t stay on for too long but it works SO good!!!
Those deer are so pretty!!!
Stephanie A.
Okay so re: churros….GET THEM.
My husband really loves grocery shopping (I do too, but on days when the kiddo is being rough or when he needs a break, he’ll head out to the shop), and on a day when I was particularly under the weather he found and bought them! He also grabbed one of those three pack chocolate bars they sell at the check out. He melted the chocolate and actually, properly FRIED the churros (vat of oil, bring temp to 350*..you’ll need an oil thermometer). He then surprised me in our room with hot, fried churros and melted chocolate. I’m positive I loved him more in the moment than I did the day we got married.
BUY THEM (and the chocolate bars) NOW
leeann
Just had those Kodiak cakes this past weekend for the first time. So yummy and so easy!
Lots and lots of inside bike time. There is about 4 feet of snow on the ground and it is about 9 degrees. Brrrrr.
Ally @ Homespun Runner
I don’t know what it is about grocery shopping but I dread it! Maybe if I had a TJ’s near me it would be much better! I love when you post spin workouts. We don’t have spin classes at my gym but we have a spin bike so I love doing these workouts on my own!
Laura
The new molten macarons are actually better unheated than heated–according to some reviews. I liked them both ways. Also you might want to try the Scandinavian Swimmers (their version of Swedish Fish). And the Chicago Mix popcorn… although it isn’t new. They do have a new no-stir peanut butter too–I haven’t tried it, but I will probably made some puppy chow/muddy buddies with it.
Megan D
MOLTEN MACARONS!!!?? Curse you for that delicious list of things I now must have from TJ. It is best that there isn’t one closer to us….or is it?
Marsha
Never been to Costco! I know, I know! haha! I was just talking to a friend about that yesterday. And it’s been a few years since a Trader Joe’s trip. I need to get out more! lol!
Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More
Our Trader Joe’s is a good 40 minutes away. We don’t go very often. Costco on the other hand is very convenient, less than 10 minutes away. I swear most of my workout clothes are from there!
Lori
The Thai veggie burgers from TJ’s are delish!
Sam
Hey Janae! I was just wondering what music videos you watch while working out… I’m in need of some good ones to watch while on the treadmill:)
Thanks!
The Hungry Runner Girl
HEY SAM!!! It is completely random ha but here are a few of my favorite artist’s videos that I love: Taylor Swift, Mariah Carey, Taking Back Sunday, Brand New… I search for the top 10 videos of a certain year and watch those too!
Jessica
My only workout this week has been 8 x 1 KM repeats, getting faster with every one. OW.
Stephanie
Churros!!!! I frreaking love churros. Are they soft and almost dough-y on the inside? Gosh darn no Trader Joe’s anywhere near me.
Debbie @ Deb Runs
Costco had pistachio salmon last year around Easter time. I hope they bring it back again this year!
Kristen
They’re building a Costco near me. I can’t wait- I see all the wonderful things people get and I’ve never had one nearby. I’ve had Sam’s and BJ’s memberships before.
Kristen
They’re building a Costco near me. I can’t wait- I see all the wonderful things people get and I’ve never had one nearby. We were going to get a new BJ’s membership when we moved but then I found out the big construction site is going to be Costco.
nicole @ pink elephant on parade
They had the churros as a sample at TJ’s with ice cream last week or the week before, it was delightful. I passed the sample table approximately 5 times with no shame.
Rachel @ Simply Rachel Nicole
I have wanted to try those Kodiak cakes forever! I am going to pick some up :) I see your friend Megan all of the time at the University Gym, she is hardcore! And those little chocolate labs in the heart just melted me! I want a puppy so bad but we can’t have one right now so I am going to live through you hehe!
ellen
Costco… TJ’s…. oh I ve missed them so much!! Since we moved here in the UK there is no TJ’s and Costco is really (i am mean REALLY far away…)
It was an active rest day around here today so i only did a lot of walking and some stairs :) Brooke looks cuter every day! I remember I used to play this game with my mum… ;) she wasn’t as happy as you look in the pic whe i was bossing her around :P LOL
Kristin
I adore costco! We shop there so often and it is so nice to be able to buy certain things in bulk. Lately I’m addicted to their blueberries which don’t actually taste like plastic and are reasonably priced for this time of the year!
Lee
I’m thinking about making heart shaped chocolate zuchini cake….if this stupid cold will go away.
Kodiak cakes are awesome! I get mine at target. I didn’t know they made syrup, too.
Charlene @ The Sum Of Small Steps
There isn’t a Costco where I live, and I only get to visit TJ’s 1-2 times per year, sadly. But when I do get to go there, I love to just wander around for 45 minutes or so (without a list) and get whatever looks good! So much fun.
I’ve done two easy 4-milers this week and one 6-mile tempo run. The tempo run was a struggle for me, but I’m so glad I made it to the end.
Cardio equipment – definitely the stair stepper. I hate every second on that thing, which usually means I just avoid it. Luckily I mostly work out at home, and we don’t own one, so there’s not much guilt associated with skipping it. : )
Jill @ RunEatSnap
OMG those puppies!!! <3
Sky
I am loving the Costco brownies (I admit I make these almost every week) and the HUGE bag of sweet potatoes that I go through in a surprisingly short time.
I think the stair climber is the hardest cardio machine ever because something about climbing stairs just makes my heart rate skyrocket. Oddly enough, real stairs feel amazingly easy immediately after a workout on the stair climber.
Caroline
Oh my T joes!!! How much do I love thee? I love so many products of theirs! One of the stores near me had a roof collapse during the last snowstorm and they had to close!!! so now the one that is even closer has been mobbed!!!
Have you seen this website? Always great for product reviews http://www.whatsgoodattraderjoes.com/
Also….do you get the Costco fliers with sale items in the mail?!? If not, they are online (look for ‘warehouse coupons’)…makes it easier to plan your trips there!!
And…did you know that you can shop online with them!?! Not all items are available and not all are free shipping, but it helps sometimes if you can’t make it.
I do love shopping there though…looking at all the seasonal stuff and new items that I certainly don’t need but can’t help but buy!!!
shelly
I really want some chocolate covered strawberries right now! I need a stair climber in my garage. My son loves to pretend he’s vaccuming the house (even makes the sounds).
Jessica
My husband works for TJ’S and he said the Churros are amazing! The soft juicy mangoes look great too!
RunnerGirl
The new Thai veggie burgers at Trader Joe’s are good!
RunnerGirl
Forgot to add…stair climber hardest machine ever at the gym! I do intervals on it once a week (to give my running legs a break) & its a killer workout!
Taylor
I ran a lot this week as I did not have access to a gym. I think the stairstepper is the hardest cardio machine.. it gets me everytime!
Michelle
Our Costco recently had cooked beets. I love adding beets to salads or on top of a sweet potato, but I don’t cook them too often because they’re sort of a pain. The pre-cooked ones tasted pretty decent and sooooo easy. New favorite thing at TJ’s is their sunflower seed butter. So delish!!
Wanda M
what kind of fitness watch is that ?