Our Sunday (w/a tangent about loneliness) and 10 things I do the week of a marathon.

Getting out of bed——> to all 4 people ready, fed and out the door——> church —>  all completed in 32 minutes.  Part of my breakfast was eaten in the car but I was pretty impressed that we were only a few minutes late;)

After church we did the normal lazy stuff along with Andrew building a bookcase and the kids playing in the box.

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The kids and I made pumpkin cookies (I like to make these ones because they are eggless ((my dad is allergic to eggs)).

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Followed by Andrew putting together another chair for our living room.  Ikea for the win.

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My mom made her famous taco soup recipe for dinner.

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And then we hung outside for awhile.

Below I have three examples that prove my theory that kids are always at their happiest when outside:

A)

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B)

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C)

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Everyone finished off by trying to tickle Andrew.  The kids know he is the most ticklish human ever and they take full advantage of that.

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My mom pulled the top of our wedding cake out of the freezer for us to take home… I don’t think we will be able to wait until our 1 year anniversary to eat it.

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And then we drove home to Beretta.

Random tangent:

On the way home I was thinking about how Sundays used to be the hardest day of the week for me.  I didn’t run, there wasn’t really a lot going on the entire day (besides dinner) and it was the day where my loneliness really sunk in (loneliness is my least favorite feeling and it hung around most of my twenties).  It was kind of the day each week where I really craved having a husband and felt so beyond far away from it.  I am pretty sure I cried almost every Sunday for a few years there (you can ask my mom and sister;).  I don’t know why I’m telling you this but I guess I just feel really lucky to have what I wanted so badly now and maybe to give a tiny bit of hope to anyone who has the ‘Sunday is a really hard thing’ too.

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His favorite pajamas are a little too small so we just cut off the feet and they are as good as new:)

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Last episode just like that.  And now I need another addicting show.

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The week of a marathon, I MAKE SURE TO:

1.  I tape my water bottle to my hand so it is with me all week long;)  Not really but it does go absolutely everywhere with me.

2.  I look over the course outline.  Read everything I can about bus times etc and if I can find a video of the course, I am EXTRA happy.  Here is one with the St. George course:)

3.  I think a lot about paces.  I can kind of gauge by now about where I think I will be on race day and try to be super realistic with myself.  PS Josse sent me this pace band screenshot… I think she has the idea we will be running a 3:10:)  Sounds fun (I’ll keep saying that until about mile 20).  Both of us know that there are so many factors that go into race day but it is nice to dream a bit too.  I would sure love this but we shall see.

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4.  Triple check a thousand times that I have everything.  I’ll actually pack today because adding in stress of not having everything together and rushing to pack all of my gear/needs for race day is one of my least favorite things.  I have packed two left shoes before once when I was traveling and I refuse to ever let that happen again, ha!

5.  I say goodbye to veggies for about two days before the race.  I’ve just always done this and somehow avoided making porta potty stops during a marathon so I just stick with it.  TMI.  Sorry.

6.  Say a few extra prayers for help in a good race;)

7.  I get in bed about 30 minutes earlier than normal and even if I can’t fall asleep that early, I think it is extra credit to be in bed just resting for a bit longer each night.  I always think that the night before the night before the race day (AKA my race is on Saturday and so Thursday night sleep is extra important) is key to getting a solid night of sleep.

8.  Have Andrew give me a killer pep talk and my mom text me over all of her amazing wisdom.  She always knows exactly what I need to hear/read.   She has already started them for the marathon!!

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9.  Glance over the workouts along the way.  I write down all of my long run mileage #s because writing them down and seeing how many long runs I have done over the course of a training cycle always makes me feel more confident about running 26.2 miles.

10.  Eat spaghetti with chicken and extra salt the night before the race:)

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Last week’s marathon training (taper time):

Monday:  7 trail miles!  8:40 average pace

Tuesday:  11 miles total with 4 mile repeats (3-4 minute recovery jogs in between) 6:51, 6:43, 6:39 and 6:06.  Rough run but probably because I was coming down with something.

Wednesday:  Sick day—>  zero miles

Thursday:  Off again:)

Friday:  7 miles @ 8:34 average pace

Saturday:  10 miles @ 8:04 average pace

Sunday: Off

35 miles for the week!!!

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What do you do the week of your big race?  How do you prepare?

Wedding cakes—>  anyone eat the top of their wedding cake on their 1 year anniversary?

Ever use a pace band for a race?  Run with a pacing group?  How do you pace your race?

What are some of your running goals currently?

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96 comments

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I was so impressed by 32 minutes I hardly got through the rest of the post

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The week of a big race, I honestly try not to think about it. At all. I get really bad anxiety, and the more I think about it, the more nervous I get, so I just try to clear my head of it completely.

Thank you for sharing about your past Sunday loneliness. I’ve been having a lot of those feelings lately, too, and it’s tough. I’m so glad you’ve found love and what truly makes you happy. I know I’ll get through this, but it definitely hurts when you’re in the midst of it.

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Natalie,
I am truly sorry for what you are going through right now. It hurts so so bad. I can’t think of a harder feeling for me than loneliness so I really wish I could take this away from you. If you ever need someone to email with I’m here! Thinking about you and let me know if you need anything.

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I’m so happy for you for having found someone! As I’m going through my hip surgery recovery, I keep feeling sad that I don’t have a husband to take care of me and what I’ll ever do once my parents aren’t around. I know it’s a terrible thing to think about but that sadness does overwhelm me in moments like this when I feel weak.

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Oh Megan. I am so so so sorry about what you are going through right now. I can’t even imagine recovering from hip surgery in the first place. I remember being sick and alone was hard. You’ve got this and if you ever need someone to email with I can try to give good pep talks like my mom:) It is always darkest before the dawn and I hope your dawn is just right around the corner. xoxox

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Your mom’s pep talks <3 She is the sweetest human being! I believe you WILL have any amazing race because everything in your life seems to be so positive now! I really think our mentality heading into a race affects us a lot in a good or bad way. I think it helps us when we have a lot of good things to reflect on during a long run/marathon. Good thoughts can help us keep pushing forward and feeling positive even when our legs are tired!

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We ate the top of our wedding cake last month for our first anniversary. It wasn’t bad! Ours had buttercream icing, so that got a little messy, but it tasted just fine. I defrosted in the fridge for a few days, then let it come up to room temperature for an hour or so before we ate it. Enjoy!!

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Pumpkin cookies are bomb! I call them pumpkin mookies!

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I know exactly what you’re talking about regarding the Sunday loneliness. My husband and I went through a really rough patch (a separation in fact) and I literally dreaded Sunday’s. I was so sad and pretty much all I did was cry. Thankfully we worked things out and we are back together, but it was the hardest time of my life and Sunday’s were the hardest days of my life.

So happy for you and your cute little fam :)

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We did eat the top of the wedding cake on our one year anniversary. It was kinda gross.

Lately I’ve been thinking about doing a half. I don’t know why! The farthest I’ve ever run was 4.5 miles, and that’s because I was lost (I couldn’t see the Washington Monument, which is my lodestar). But those races near national parks seem really gorgeous and fun. Has anyone raced one of those? Would you recommend it?

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If that white shelf is from Ikea I think I put together the same shelf last week. It was miserable with all the little wooden pegs! And of course I broke one peg immediately and they provided zero spares. Also, I wanted to put it in my closet but poor planning/measuring has prevented that, haha. I hope Andrew’s experience was better :)

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Running goals right now are all about speed. I don’t have any big races coming up for a couple months, so I’m working on this time to build. Main goal is to be injury free, but super speedy for my race in January.

also yesssss for that pumpkin cookie recipe. I was just thinking about making some. fall is the absolute best for yummy food. I’m so stoked.

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Your mom is the best.

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Looks like the perfect Sunday. Yes, I also believe kids — AND ADULTS — are happiest outside :)

I love your marathon week list. I do a lot of the same things. Good luck. You will crush it. I would really love to run St. George one day. Looks amazing. Go get ’em!

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Your mom is the sweetest. I kind of wish she would send out pep talks to all of us! ;)

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Seriously she would. If you have any races or anything at all you need a pep talk for just email me and she can reply:) She is a good one. Thanks Jill and i hope you have a beautiful day!

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I can’t believe you got four people ready and out the door in 32 minutes. That’s amazing!

Here is a list of Netflix shows I’ve stayed up way too late watching: Blacklist (this isn’t normally my kind of thing, but I totally got sucked in), Prison Break, Supergirl, and Pretty Little Liars, and The Lying Game.

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THANK YOU FOR THE LIST… we are in need now:) I will say Andrew did most of the work to get everyone ready in 32 minutes ha but still.. proud of the accomplishment haha!

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we totally ate the top of our wedding cake the weekend of our one year anniversary! ha, I remember it like it was yesterday. we were actually staying in at the plaza for our anniversary, my husband (ex now but husband then) came down with a stomach virus but I made sure the next day to eat the cake lol

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We ate the top of our cake on our 1 year anniversary. It was very delicious, but then we both felt a little off for the rest of the night, so I’m not sure what the deal was. :) I haven’t used a pace band or run with a pacing group, but I think I’m going to try to run with a pacer for the Chicago marathon (my first!) in a couple weeks. My current running goal is just to get to the finish line of Chicago! :)

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You’ll do great, Janae! You were born for this:)

I don’t really do much other than eat more carbs than usual and get more sleep. I’m so type B, ha

Running goal is to qualify for the Boston Marathon! I am running my first marathon ever, the Baystate Marathon in 3 weeks and hoping to get a BQ :)

My other longer-term running goal is to chip away at my half time and eventually break 1:30. I love the half distance. I ran a half this weekend and got 1st in my age group – not super fast (1:36) but it was a PR so I’m happy!!

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I have no good running comments but OMG- I’m only 2 episodes into Stranger Things and it’s taking s mountain of self control not to finish it in one big binge watching session. 80s plus creepiness is my JAM. Good luck this week ? I hope you’re feeling better ????‍♀️??‍♀️??‍♀️ (My fave new emoji!)

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RIGHT?!?!?!?!?! It is seriously the best. We finished the series way too fast so take it slow ha because now we are done and wishing we had more haha!

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I just got married in May and my husband and I slice off a piece of frozen wedding cake at least once a month and defrost it in a Tupperware so we can enjoy it whenever we want. We’ll get a new top layer made for our actual wedding anniversary.

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Oh I love that idea. We might have to start copying you:) Thanks Lauren and congrats on your marriage last May!!!

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I have a Half on Sunday, and though I have been kind of training, this isn’t my big race of the year. Mostly because I live in Miami and it’s still 80 degrees, 90% humidity and “Feels like 90” in the mornings. I’d love to finish sub-2. This week, I’m just eating a few more carbs and making sure I do lots of yoga. I have a good feeling about this race, and the course is absolutely stunning – all along the Ocean with sunrise views.

I sort of used a pacer at the Miami Marathon last year, but I lost her when I had to stop at a POP and never quite caught up. For this race, I’m planning to use ranges and keep to negative splits (which I’m actually great at!)

After this race, goal will be sub-50 10K in November (will still be about 70-80 degrees) and sub-1:55 Miami Half in January.

We took a bite of our wedding cake top, then decided that ice cream sundaes would taste less like freezer burn and we dumped the rest :)

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Our wedding cake didn’t make it to our six month mark haha.

Your mom has the best things to say .

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Oh my gosh your mom is the sweetest! I love that message to you <3 Hope you have a great week!!

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Your mom is the sweetest! Those are all really good things to do before a race. I usually clean up my eating and try and get a little more sleep. I used a pace band for one of my halfs and it was nice to play around with the numbers and I did PR from it :) my main goal now is to build a really solid running foundation coming back from an injury. We saved our cake at my parents house but it ended up getting thrown away. This November is our 5th anniversary so we are thinking of getting a mini cake similar to celebrate!

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Thank you for sharing such personal stories with us… Sunday’s are by far the hardest day of the week for me as well right now.

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Katie,
I am so so so sorry for what you are going through right now. Let me know if you ever need a Sunday penpal. I’m here for you and my favorite quote when things got really hard… it’s always darkest before the dawn. Thinking about you and let me know if you need anything.

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Thank you <3 I love that quote. so true!

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Thank you so much for sharing about your loneliness and how Sundays had been difficult for you. I feel the same exact way now. I went through a breakup recently that was really hard, I loved him so so much and I miss him every day. Sundays are so difficult right now for me too. It gives me hope though, that you are on the other side of it and so happy now. Thank you for sharing.

Warmly,
Amanda

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Amanda. I am truly so beyond sorry about what you are going through right now. I don’t know what it is about Sundays but I think it is because it is such a slow day without work etc and so the loneliness just hits hard. I remember one time my mom told me after a breakup, you will never settle for anything less so whatever is next will be even bigger and better. It gets better with time but goodness gracious the spot you are in right now is so painful. I wish I could take it away. Keep me updated with how you are doing and I hope for the absolute best for you.

xoxo,
Janae

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Shoutout to moms for knowing exactly what to say at exactly the right time. They’re the best and your race is gonna be great!

I’ve used pace bands only when I’m pacing races. If anyone is using one and is planning to print one out or make a paper one, I suggest covering the whole thing with scotch tape so it doesn’t get soggy when your wrist gets sweaty!

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Love your mom’s messages and the look of bliss on Beretta’s face. :)

I eat some extra carbs but I don’t get crazy, we need some protein and fat too. I stick with my veggies, I don’t feel right if I don’t eat them. (every body is different and trial and error prior to long runs is the best way to figure this out).

I don’t remember my wedding cake being too enjoyable by the one year mark. Foil wrap 2x and put in a freezer bag to keep it fresh.

goal – have foot heal and run on the ground rather than the pool. Short term – pool sprints with pool hand weights to keep the heart rate up.

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We lived overseas in Germany for six years and during that time my husband was on a temporary duty to Italy for six months. When I told my mom how hard it was she said being along on Sunday is so hard because families are always together. There’s no one to hang with, no one to go shopping with or go to the playground with, you’re on your own. The Sundays were three days long. And that’s so true. Sunday’s are three days long.

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Oh Tess, that is exactly what it is. Your mom explained it perfectly. Oh I bet you missed your husband so badly during that time. Plus, you were across the ocean from your family. That is rough!

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Thank you so much for sharing your feelings about having a hard time without a partner. I went through a major life event this summer (developed a major infection, long hospital stay, etc. which resulted in me being unable to have children – the one thing I’ve wanted my entire life) and I had no one to lean on. I’m really independent but it’s so incredibly hard to go through things like this when you are alone, especially since my family lives 1000 miles away. My friends didn’t really care because it seems that, socially, it’s only okay to mourn the loss of a baby (miscarriage) or child or infertility, but it’s not okay to mourn the chance at having a child. I’ve always thought I’d find the right person but it hasn’t happened yet and, while everyone thinks I’m happy with my life (and I am), I am sad and exhausted from doing everything on my own and just with there was someone there sometimes. The emotions that go along with this situation are so strong and overwhelming and very few people understand it seems. I’m so happy for you that you’ve found your partner. I hope I can too someday.

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Ali, I am in tears reading your story. I can’t imagine the pain you are going through and I wish this pain could disappear for you. This breaks my heart. I would love to email a bit more if you want. You will be in my thoughts and prayers Ali. The burdens you are carrying right now are so heavy and I hope more than anything that soon you will have someone there with you to help carry those burdens. Ali, I want to give you a big hug right now and cry with you. I am so sorry.

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Thanks so much, Janae. E-mailing would be wonderful, I definitely need a friend right now :)

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EMAIL AWAY!!! I am here for you!!!!!

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I actually really get the whole Sunday Sadness thing. Before I met Brian, and we moved in etc etc. Sunday’s were the days I felt the weight of being alone. Because Sunday’s are my prep for the week days, find some R&R, and growing up it was always “Sunday dinner” a little more “fancy special” than every other day. It was hard wanting to find someone to share that with- I was incredibly proud of myself and I am pretty independent but for some reason those days were tough. I think the biggest thing for me was finding the right person to share those things with though, just takes time.

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It does take time and goodness it is so worth the wait for the right one but that wait (ESPECIALLY SUNDAYS) nearly killed me off. It is so hard. I am so glad you met your Brian and I hope you guys have a wonderful week!

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I got tears reading your thoughts about Sundays as I’m in that place now. Training for Ironman is a good distraction most of the time but there is something about Sundays, especially as the weather turns towards Fall for some reason (upcoming holidays maybe). So happy that things have changed for you.
If the US Netflix has Heartland give it a try. I’m currently 5 seasons in and it binge-worthy. Set in Alberta, Canada too which is kind of cool.
Good luck this coming weekend.

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Mary, I am truly so so sorry about what you are going through right now. I totally get it and it is the absolute hardest. I am so glad you have Ironman training to help but Sundays and holidays are still so incredibly hard. Thinking about you Mary and I hope your week is a really great one. Thank you for telling me about Heartland, we will have to try it out!

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Aww your mom’s text is so sweet!

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Loved reading how you prepare for the week of your marathon! Good luck, you are going to do amazing!!
As you know already I did a half a couple days ago and I kept w the 2 hour pacer (who was the nicest girl and knew I wanted to stay near her) . It helped me make my best time yet!

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You will crush your marathon! I’m running my first next month. Please share your mom’s texts with us, I need a surrogate marathon mom!

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I totally will!! She can even shoot you an email next month!! You are going to rock your first marathon! Congrats on all of the training so far!

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We ate the top of our cake for our 1 month because we’d heard from a lot of people that it doesn’t taste THAT great after a year.

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Ok your mom is the cutest! Totally teared up a little reading her text. I completely agree with her and know you’re going to do so, so well. So excited for this race for you!!! xoxoxo

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Pretty sure we ate the cake and it wasn’t that great. But my wife enjoyed it because she never really got any on our wedding day. There was a piece for her and the waiter’s took the plate. Who does that to the bride?

I plan like you do, but I’m not as good about getting the sleep or water I need. For yesterday’s race I was suitably carbed up though. I use my Polar M400 for pacing and usually pay a little bit of attention to the pace groups. (Yesterday I knew a lot of them from our running group and they were dressed in era costumes for each time group – the slowest was the 50s – one lady I know was in a poodle skirt – and the fastest from the ’00s etc.)

As for plans. I’m supposed to do a 10 miler in about 3 weeks. That may have to be bypassed. I need to get my IT band situation fixed so I can start training in Dec for the Apr full marathon in CA.

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We didn’t get to keep the top of our cake. According to our baker it wouldn’t keep since it didn’t have any preservatives in it? So we went an found a baker in the area we moved to, and had them make us a small cake for our 1 year.

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I’m so inexperienced, I don’t really know what I’ll eat before my race or what I do the week of my race… I’ll have to keep a mental note this go around and hit ya back.

My current running goal is to run the entire Marathon and not get picked up by the dead body bus. I just want to get my finisher’s metal — and finish! (*pray for me…*)

Next goal is to PR my 5K and 10K times! Already picked out my next race! :D #runningaaddict…

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Wow your mom gives the best pep talks!!!!

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Your mom is the best!

And yes to the one year anniversary cake eating… we found out we were expecting our first baby and I think I ate the whole top myself (over time, not all in one day :) I had pretty bad morning sickness, but I remember that cake really being delicious!

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The top of my wedding cake tastes like cardboard after a year. Maybe it was a sign because I ended up getting divorced :)

I’m happy for you that you have so much new happiness in your life and no more lonely Sundays.

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I used a pace band for my first marathon- not because I wanted to finish quickly, but because I wanted to be able to see if I was on target for finishing in under 5 hours. Unfortunately it fell off at some point because I was stupid and taped it to the inside of my bib- and then I spent a few miles feeling bad for littering lol.

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two things. you’re going to kill your marathon!! and I love your olive green pants :) where did you get them? lol

xo, Jess

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Thank you Jess!! They are from http://www.roolee.com my favorite!!!

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Today is actually my husband and I’s 1 year anniversary! We just ate our wedding cake 2 weeks ago! (The cake was at my parents and we were visiting). At the wedding, we didn’t want a giant piece and ended up accidentally slicing the tiniest sliver ever… and felt too awkward to go back for more (since we had more cupcakes to eat with everyone else), so I was happy when we ate the cake again that it was still so good! french vanilla cake with raspberry filling and a buttercream frosting. YUM!

Your mom is the best! Good luck with your marathon!!

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I think my mother ate the top of my wedding cake.

I was at target earlier and found dark chocolate kodiak power cake mix. I can’t wait to try it!

Good luck with your marathon! You’re going to rock it!

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DARK CHOCOLATE. I must have. Asap. Like I might have to go to Target right now haha. Thank you Lee and I’ll probably eat the top of Brooke’s wedding cake in 30 years:) I get it.

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Great post! And yes, something about Sundays – they’re my “off” days for running, work, and everything else, and it’s when my loneliness gets the better of me, no matter what I try. It helps to know that I’m not alone there :)

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You are definitely not alone in feeling that. I totally get it and it looks like so many of us here get that too. You’ve got this Melissa. Thinking about you.

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Sunday loneliness is the worst! Much of my 20s and even into my 30s I felt the same way. I lived 3,000 miles from my family, wasn’t married, and made a bunch of bad boyfriend choices which often left me feeling worse on Sundays than any other day of the week. I used to feel so bad on Sundays that I often couldn’t even make myself go to church and see all the families that I didn’t have -so I’d watch church on TV and then feel bad that I hadn’t gone to the church for church… Volunteering on Sundays made things a lot better for me, I just tried to make sure I volunteered at events and places that had lots of people who were there on their own.

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Yes. Yes. Yes. I get that 100000%. You nailed it and your deacons to volunteer on Sundays = amazing. Isn’t it amazing how helping other people with their problems (or events) makes our problems disappear a bit. You are a great example to me. Thank you Kim!

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Week of a big race I stay extra hydrated, plan out how I’m getting to and from the race, race day outfit, and Fettuccine alfredo w/ chicken the night before! ( know cream sauces are not recommended the night before but my body processes it well! Maybe because I make it homemade so I know what goes in it? idk) I’m going to try your no veggies two days before though because I always get crazy tummy issues before a race on race day – once I start running I’m fine, its just leading up to the race, I’m assume its nerves!

My wedding cake top was ruined by the water in some vases from flowers we had at the tables. Someone put them ontop of the box and the fell over and soaked the cake, waahhhhh! But I would have eaten it before the first year, haha

I find the pacer at the race, typically the pace a little slower than my goal and just make sure they never pass me. And of course my Garmin keeps me on track.

Running goal is to PR at my next half! Current PR is 1:56. We shall see, 7 weeks to go!

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I totally understand the Sunday lonlieness. Ever since I lost my parents (1 1/2 and almost 2 years ago now) Sundays are hard. I used to go see them most Sunday nights, and now that they’re not there, even with my husband and kids around me, there’s a sense of loss and emptiness. Our LDS culture that has the family as the central focus illuminates the emptiness when that family isn’t present, or what it should be. It’ts ok, though, there’s comfort in trusting the plan.
It’s been wonderful to see you happy again.

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Oh Jen. I am truly so beyond sorry for your loss. This breaks my heart. I truly think that is why Sundays are the hardest when you are missing people are longing for people… it is family focused and it reminds us of our loss. Did you listen to Pres. Uchtdorf’s talk on Saturday night? I loved how he talked about Faith in God’s love… it spoke volumes to me. Let me know if you need anything and if you ever need a Sunday email penpal, I’m your woman.

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I know you already know this, but you have one amazing mom! I love when you share her inspirational messages to you :) They are the sweetest!

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Thank you Kenzie, I am so beyond lucky to have her. I hope you are having an awesome start of your week!

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I’m not even married and I think that choosing my wedding cake flavour(s) is one of the most exciting components in planning my (future) wedding :) :)

Also, your sisters two youngest children look SO much alike. It’s crazy. You have a beautiful family, Janae.

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Not running related, but THANK YOU for sharing the pumpkin cookie recipe! My son is allergic to eggs and it is a struggle to find good baking recipes that don’t involve eggs. Because let’s be honest, some of the egg substitutes are horrible.

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OH SURE!! These are delicious:) Let me know what you think! Oh, and you are so right about some of those egg substitutes. Also, Whole Foods has the best egg free pumpkin pie ever. They make it in their bakery and my died almost cried happy tears when he tried it because it tasted so good compared to other egg-free desserts he has tried over the years!

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Can I just give your mom my cell number so she can text and make my day? I am not kidding by the wsy, we all can use some words of encouragement every now and then. You are a lucky daughter. Best of luck on Saturday

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Literally, not even joking. She really can. It’s amazing how words can truly build us up so much. Thank you Patty and I hope you are having a beautiful day!!!

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Janae,
Your mom’s text had me in tears. She is the sweetest. Such an awesome support system you have there. Good luck Saturday!! You will crush it!
Michelle

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Thank you so much Michelle! That means a lot!!!!!

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I was thinking about getting into Stranger things but I’m really iffy about little kids acting!

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Your Mom’s sweet text just made my whole day! I know I don’t comment much, but I’ve followed your journey for years and felt your feels and am so happy that Sunday’s are different for you now.

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Oh wow, thank you so so much Amy! Thank you for your support over the years, it means a lot to me. I hope you are having an awesome Monday and keep in touch!

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Good luck this week! You’ve put in the time, now I hope the stars align! :)

We did try to eat our cake top. Frankly, it was gross. One bite each and we both spit it out and chucked it. But maybe we’re picky? It hasn’t hurt our 21+ years of marriage though, so I’m not superstitious or anything. ;)

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Your Mom’s text was the sweetest thing ever! Stories like yours really make me think that dreams can come true. I actually love when you write about it on your blog because I think is so inspiring and it gives so much hope!

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I 100% have what my dad calls “the Sunday blues” – it comes ever week. And while it’s nice to hear that it gets better (and I know it will), they’re still pretty tough! I’m glad you’re real when it comes to things like that – not just writing about the good things.

And, I recommend “Once Upon a Time” if you haven’t seen it yet! So good.

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Caitlin, I am so beyond sorry. Your dad’s name for Sunday is exactly what I experienced. I hope that this passes quickly for you. Let me know if you ever need a Sunday email penpal. Thinking about you xoxox.

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Good luck with your race! You’ve worked really hard to get here!
We actually ate the top of our wedding cake about 2 weeks after our wedding. My grandma got really sick with a stomach bug the day of our wedding wasn’t able to make it and was devastated. So we invited my grandparents over a couple weeks later and had a nice dinner and the top of our cake and had a second celebration.

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The week of a big race, I just try to de-stress! I try to relax and try to focus on my nutrition as best as I can!

I’ve never used a race pace band but I SO want to! I’ll have to find some for my pace and use it for my marathon next month! (AH…it’s next month!)

My running goals lately are just to keep up with my training schedule to get to the start line healthy and injury free in a few short weeks! :)

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Your mom is the sweetest!! I KNOW that you will rock your marathon this weekend. Sending extra positive thoughts your way this week, Janae!

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Thank you for posting about loneliness, I have been struggling with this recently and need to hear that it gets better.

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I’m so so beyond sorry Renae that you are struggling right now. This breaks my heart. I hope that you find peace and change coming your way soon!

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So happy that you shared about your “sunday blues”, I am in my late 20’s and have had it for years and it’s so nice to hear that one day it will probably get better :) You are such an inspiration, Janae! Thanks for sharing so much and being such a nice person :) You have a beautiful family!

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Hey Sarah. I totally get it and I am so sorry you are in the thick of it right now. I hope and pray that things improve and the loneliness leaves soon. Thinking about you. xoxox

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I love what your mom wrote to you! I wish I knew her in person because I love her!

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Your mom is just the sweetest! It’s interesting how different people experience loneliness in different parts of our lives. I used to feel pretty lonely, but for some reason I’ve never actually spent more time alone than I have in the past five months and I’ve never actually felt lonely. I think I’m just SO focused on what I’m doing with my life that the thought of actually having someone else there is overwhelming! Haha I’m sure it wouldn’t be bad ;). Just my own tangent!

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