Think about OVERALL miles (after a lame run), arm swing and tacos that spoke to my soul.

My KeVita (win enough for three months!!!) giveaway is ending soon… don’t forget to enter it HERE!

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Josse changed her mind about what our last little tune up speed workout would be before the race and we did 4 x 1 (with only the last one at a hard effort) instead.  Turns out because it is taper time, these all felt hard but that is to be expected.  Before my fastest half marathon I remember a four mile easy pace run almost killed me off.  Leading up to my faster marathons I experienced the same things too, things just don’t feel super great during the taper.  But we were not discouraged by this and instead we will remember our previous speed workouts that felt a lot more fluid.

Sometimes I think about all of the miles as a whole throughout training.  I’m going to do a rough estimate and say I did about 700 miles over the last 14 weeks of training… a few bad/hard/lame miles doesn’t even make a dent in the huge amount of miles done overall.  They are just a very small fraction which does not predict in the slightest how race day will go.  I’ll just go ahead and keep believing the small percentage of ‘out of this world good miles’ will predict race day though:)

Yesterday was just to remind them how to turnover quick one last time before race day.

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Mile repeats with 3-4 minute recovery jogs in between: 6:51, 6:43, 6:39 and 6:06

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11 miles total and that is as far as we will go before race day.

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Just a random stair selfie together.

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I don’t ever want her to stop asking to be carried every now and then.

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She was excited to have jeans ‘like mama’ yesterday.

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Then Knox came home and hung out for a few hours and they played ‘Best Buddy Horses Robots’ for a while.  They come up with the most random games.  We also hit up the park.

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They also played something random with our new yoga mats.  We (okay, I am and I want Andrew to join me) are wanting to start doing yoga at home together sometimes.

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Tuesdays have become our date night… it’s the only day that works with the kid’s schedules (unless both are gone with their other parents) and so we go with it.

Blue Poblano called our names for dinner.

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Probably the best guac I have ever had…  they top it with candied cumin pepitas.  Andrew and I could have ordered 10 bowls of that stuff and been happy.  The combo was so good and so was the salsa.

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I went for the Al Pastor and Beef Brisket tacos and asked to add an egg on top of one of them.  Sounds weird, tastes delicious.

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Brooke was away from Beretta for approximately 1.8 hours but had a very sweet reunion with her.

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Oh and our family picture (I emailed them to my mom;) made it to my mom’s picture wall of her kids and their families.  I’m pretty happy with the addition.

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And random running talk because I was thinking about it on my run yesterday:

I don’t know if you can really tell in this picture but my natural running form includes what my coach called ‘chicken arms’ while swinging my arms across the body.  It just happens and my arms are all over the place when I run without thinking about it.  If I think about it more while running I get into the motion of pumping my arms backwards and forwards (without going outwards).  I don’t think there is really a ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to form and how to swing the arms BUT for these long distances I do know that I want to be as efficient as possible and save on energy.  Because each ounce of energy is important when you run 26.2 miles… so just something to think about if you have arms like me while running that love to just be all over the place.

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What about you during the taper… how does your body and mind feel?  Love the taper or not so much.  

Form… something you’re working on at all?  Hardest part about good running form for you?

Does anybody reading NOT like a super common food?

-Andrew doesn’t really love eggs (he eats them but they aren’t really his thing) but I think I like all of the common foods.

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80 comments

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That guac looks AMAZING! I’ve been making my own recently so I’ll have to try it out with candied pepitas next time :)

There’s not a whole lot of food that I don’t like! I’ll take it all! Dan, on the other hand, is super picky and hates tomatoes, pretty much anything green, nuts, mushrooms..I could go on forever.

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Let me know how it goes when you do the pepitas… I hope you love it too! Oh Dan… so many good foods that he doesn’t like!?

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I do chicken arms too… Much worse than yours. I also slouch like a little old lady. Trying hard to sort it out :) .

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Let’s work on the chicken arms thing together:)

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My husband doesn’t like eggs or popcorn. I’m like – WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!?!?! I just cannot understand not liking those two foods!

I usually feel tired for the first week of taper and then I start to get restless the week leading up to the marathon (I do a 2 week taper). Sometimes however I feel relief because all the hard work is done and now you can just relax on the miles and let your hard work pay off!

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Yeah, I just can’t understand the popcorn thing either. What does he eat when you go to the movies;) Yep, all the hard work is done… time to party at the race right?!

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Those trees are beautiful! I’m going hiking this weekend to see if I can find some fall colors, but it’s still a little early for that in DC. For running form, I think I hunch/tense my shoulders, which makes them feel really tight and sore after a run. I’m working on that.

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Oh enjoy your hike this weekend and I hope you catch some fall view!!

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My form isn’t so great, and I have a major arm swing issue (mainly just with my left arm). I’ve tried working on it, but it hasn’t really gotten that much better. I did recently improve my stride a little in using my hips more and also shortening my stride (and increasing my cadence), which one doctor told me would help with plantar fasciitis issues. I’m not sure that was actually true, but it does help me feel better overall when I run.

Is chocolate a super common food? I don’t like chocolate. I know that’s a major staple for you, but I just don’t like the taste.

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That is awesome Natalie that you improved your stride so much. That is great and I’m so happy that it is helping you overall with your running. Oh just go ahead and send your chocolate to me. hahaha!

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I don’t like Ranch dressing (or any creamy dressing…including the one at Cafe Rio..I know I know.) so I go for vinaigrette. I also don’t like pickles. At all! They can’t even touch my plate! I’m iffy on mustard.

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GUESS WHAT… I always get the vinaigrette too… it is so good!!! Send your pickles down to me:)

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What?! That’s amazing! I’m pretty sure we’re the only people in Utah hahaha And girl, you can have ALL the pickles! Yuck! ;)

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My form used to be pretty bad, I basically ran like a long jumper, but I’ve worked on it for years and it’s finally more natural to run less natural. :) I don’t like peanut butter and chocolate together, runny eggs, mayonnaise and plain milk haha. And, until last night, I did NOT like chicken salad. But I was looking through Run Fast. Eat Slow and it just spoke to me. It was sooo good. (Bonus, no mayo).

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OH NO… no pb and chocolate together? I’m glad that the chicken salad in Run Fast Eat Slow (I need that cookbook!!!) tasted so good. I need to try that recipe asap! Hope you have a great rest of your day Mollie!

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I love all foods but my boys…both of them do NOT like condiments. No ketchup or mustard, all burgers are plain, nuggets are plain. Everything is stinkin’ plain….I just don’t know how they survive!! My little lady loves everything though so I have hope for her! :)

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Condiments are the best part!! Brooke is the same way right now and I’m hoping it changes fast!

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I hate all fruit haha. With the exception of harder fruits like apples, pears, and bananas. I just cannot handle the texture and everyone is always amazed that I won’t eat it. I also don’t eat any pig products (bacon, ham etc.) because when I was a little girl they were always my favorite animals and I promised I wouldn’t eat them and still haven’t haha. These are just two examples of the many other normal people foods I’m picky about.

I actually thought of you and your blog on one of my runs yesterday when I was thinking about form. I was struggling because I was pretty tired and I thought about how you recommended to lean forward a bit and to use your arms to help you. worked like a darn charm so thank you.

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Really!?! That is super interesting to me about the fruit and I love the promise you made as a little girl. Oh I am so glad that the form change helped you out so much on your run the other day. It’s crazy what efficient running does for us:) Enjoy the rest of your day Steph!

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HA…your comment about running arms just reminded me of a conversation I had with my daughter’s CC coach recently…..he said how the girls forget to pump their arms so often or simply don’t use their arms to their potential to push them harder and forward……

Then he shared how when he watches a certain girl run he always chuckles inside b/c it reminds him of someone eating….her arms swing her hands almost up to her mouth…(picture running arms swinging up as if to feed yourself)…and then he thinks she must be hungry but now is not the time to be thinking of eating and she needs to pump those arms lower and run!

haha…..

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HAHA okay that is hilarious… now is not the time to be thinking about eating. I love it! Thanks Kathy!

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I don’t eat raw tomatoes – when they are by themselves. Ever.

I don’t mind salsa or even a little bit of pico de gallo — but the tomato seeds have to be removed. Something about them makes me gag!

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I kind of agree with you on the seeds… I would MUCH rather them not exist. I get you Susie:)

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Lol my boyfriend always laughs at my runners form. Just like you, I have chicken arms :)

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Chicken arms unite:)

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Chips and salsa are my favoritteeee.

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Me too… I can’t stop eating them until they are all gone. Hope your Wednesday is a good one.

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My form has actually improved greatly since I started Orange Theory in May. When we run on the treads we run in front of mirrors so I’m looking forward. Plus the coaches remind us to keep our shoulders up and back and eyes forward. My running partner actually commented on my form last month saying that she noticed I stay upright even during the end of our runs when we are both tired! I definitely think proper form has made me a stronger runner!

I’m trying to think of common foods that I may not like and I cannot think of anything. I will say that when I was pregnant I could not stomach pizza! It was so weird, hahaha

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Oh that is AWESOME Christine that your form improved through going to Orange Theory. I love it! Way to go girl. No pizza while pregnant… I hope that changes quickly after you had your little one.

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Oh yes, Friday Pizza night was back in full force a few months after he was born, almost two years ago! Why do they grow so fast :-(

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The hardest part about my form is NOT over striding, and trying not to heel strike. I try to work on a mid foot strike.

Your date night food looked delicious!
I eat pretty much everything. I actually love fried eggs on toast!

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YES YES YES… that is tough and I fall into over striding especially when I am tired but I’m like you and my body responds much better to mid foot strike!
Fried eggs on toast is excellent!

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I have been trying to make sure to have a high cadence while running, which is much easier when going faster, but I’ve been working on it. My left foot also tends to be slightly pigeon-toed, which only tends to happen when I’m tired, so I’m always watching out for that. I don’t like pickles or black olives…gross!

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My cadence is a whole lot better too when I am going faster. I could not agree more with you about black olives, they are awful.

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Ahhh those tacos look so good! I’ve been all about tacos lately. And guac.

My fiancé Paul pretty much prefers strawberry ice cream over any other dessert. He’s not a big chocolate, cake, cupcake, or any other dessert kind of guy and it blows my mind. Like how?! Haha.

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I mean strawberry ice cream is great… but better than any other dessert?!

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I think I don’t like oatmeal very much. Sometimes I see recipes that looks really delicious and I make them, but then I end up not enjoying it and feeling bad in my stomach. So I chose not to eat oatmeal whatsoever.

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Really? That is super interesting. At least oatmeal isn’t too crazy good and you are missing out big time or something right?

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I actually am kind of funny with eggs.. sometimes I really like them but sometimes I don’t at all. I am strange, I know. ;)

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Andrew is right there with you!

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I also swing my arms across my body. A massage therapist and PT and chiropractor have all told me its because my pec minors are so tight! I said “but I never bench press or anything”… nothing to do with that, everything to do with the fact that we text/type/eat/drive using those muscles and our back rolls forward and when we run miles and miles those pec minors get tight from our arms out in front. Then they’re tight and pull and cause the arm swing. If you get a lacrosse ball kind of in your armpit/under your pec major I bet you will cry from the pain and then rejoice from the relief once you loosen it! Apparently like everyone has really tight pecs just from our lifestyles!

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That makes complete sense… as I was reading this I repositioned my posture and rolled my shoulders back because they were rolled so far forward. Thank you, I’ll be focusing on that and also grabbing a lacrosse ball to loosen it. Thank you so so much Janelle!

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I always look forward to taper, but I always question my training because I am tired and running doesn’t feel good. My husband says I run like a duck and I agree!! I don’t eat cake or sweets.

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I do the same thing and wonder why I didn’t do MORE for the training. All of these mind games but I’m learning to really trust my training. No cake or sweets… I probably eat enough for the both of us ha:)

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I just started leaning forward a bit when I run and it seems to be helping me and my cadence!

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YES FOR SURE. I try to remember that during speed workouts especially and it is crazy how big of a difference it makes!

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I just talked to my husband about how my taper run this morning SUCKED!! After a really strong 20 mile run over the weekend I think I have more in me than I previously thought. But this mornings run was a struggle! Thanks for the reminder to look at the overall miles and not those few that weren’t so fun.

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YES YES YES YES YES. I feel for you. Focus on all of those miles that you did along the way in preparation and I think bad taper runs are just part of the game. (At least that is what I am telling myself). You’ve got this Carla!

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Hardest part about running form….is having any form. I’m a casual runner, and years ago I just decided I’m going to start running. Threw shoes on and went. I went through a whole year of pain and problems, because I didn’t know anything about it. I google running form and was amazed at how stupid I was about it. Someone told me I looked like Forest Gump running. Ouch ! I followed every tip I found, and the pain and problems left instantly. I can finally run and enjoy it, without focusing so much on getting the form right. It feels natural now. And just a random comment – I just love your hair. It’s awesome. Have a great day.

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Okay, that is seriously so awesome Michele! That is amazing that you were able to change your form and then the pain melted away. That is awesome and I am so happy you enjoy the whole thing a whole lot more now too! THANK YOU!!!

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Taper…I love taper. It gives me an excuse to sleep in more often. Although I struggle with the mental side of it, I second guess if I have done enough the entire time.

I don’t like eggs, bacon (or any pork), and seafood. I am a super picky eater so the list could go on and on.

My husband gave be the best running compliment a few weeks ago. I was running down the road toward our house and he was outside and could see me. When I got home he said “I wasn’t sure if that was you, your running has gotten so much smoother.” I have spent most of the summer running without a plan, just running whatever I had time for that morning and whatever speed felt good, amazingly not only have I gotten faster and stronger physically, but I feel like I have become a more efficient runner by NOT putting the pressure on myself to hit certain goals. Three weeks ago I ended up smashing my previous half marathon PR by 3 minutes after chasing that silly number for 3 years!

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Oh that is awesome MINDY!! Congrats on making your running more efficient and smooth! Way to go, sounds like the perfect summer plan and you ROCKED your half marathon PR!!! Isn’t it crazy how much putting pressure on ourselves takes away from our running? WAY TO GO!!!

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I us d to run with my arms like that and mycoach had me wear a little elastic thing over my arms(like a backpack) it had loops for my thumbs clear up by my shoulders and it felt weird but it corrected that part of my running posture.

Eggs on hamburgers are so yummy!

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Oh really?! I have never heard of that! I think I might need one myself. Yep, eggs on burgers are amazing.

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My college track coach used to say I “swam” with my arms – and always said to lightly touch my thumb to my ring finger. It works, somehow. Also, another coach told me that one trick to get your form better instantly is sunglasses – If you are running and squinting, you will be tense all over.
Janae, I meant to ask yesterday, where is your headband from in the picture (the big thick gray one) I LOVE thick headbands like that for running, lulu used to make some called the bang buster but I dont think they do anymore.

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HAHA yep, looks like I am swimming at times too! I have heard to try the thumb to ring finger thing too… thanks for the reminder, I will have to try it tomorrow. GOOD CALL on the sunglasses, I tense up too! The headband is awesome and it is from Lulu but a little bit different than the bang buster but awesome!!

https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-headbands-hats/Fringe-Fighter-Headband/_/prod6020416?Ntt=headbands&gender=women&rcnt=0&cnt=9&color=LW9M85S_026459

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I’ve been reading so many good things about eggs as I’m reviewing nutrition this week! I found something about England and rations for WWII – because of what happened in WWI – they made sure everyone had at least one egg a week and the other days they had powdered eggs. This generation appears to be the healthiest and it could be related to the rations.

Also, while I love a burger with an egg as a topping, Ayurveda says only one protein per meal. The reason – each protein is processed differently in the body. At this time we can only process one way per meal. I read this just after having a rice bowl with beef and..an egg. My goal is happy body and happy cells.

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Hey Lee. That is really interesting. I’m a huge believer in eggs and I love how cheap they are for the nutritional bang you get out of them! Interesting about two proteins at once, I want to read about that!

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My coach brings out a high school cross-country coach at the start of every training season to critique our running form and the worst part of my form is, consistently and by far, my arm position. I keep my hands close to my chest, almost as if I’m preparing to make a right-hook. (A new form of runner safety?) It’s so hard to consciously pull my arms down to my side while focusing on so much else during a run.

Happy tapering, Janae! :)

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HAHAH definitely a way to keep yourself safe… that is why you run that way. It really is such a hard thing to change… I feel your pain! Thanks Caitlin and I hope you are having a wonderful day!

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I am with Andrew! I will eat eggs if I have to but if I choose, I would never eat them!
I am so glad you said that because my threshold run in prep for just a work 5k left me thinking I wouldn’t do well. But I have been doing a lot more strength and running workouts and my taper isn’t for another week! I am looking forward to racing on rested legs!

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YES YES YES focus on all of the awesome miles you have put in!!! You’ve got this!

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My form is a mess and I’m sure its causing me multiple injuries right now.

As for chicken wings I am told that you should run with two spatulas in your hands. If they are clicking against one another you need to stop swinging so far cross body. It’s inefficient, slows you down and wastes energy.

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I LOVE that visualization Clark.. thank you so much! I’ll be using that tomorrow!

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I’m pretty sure you are supposed to ACTUALLY run with the spatulas in your hands.

Now for an visualization technique. … I read yesterday, imagine you have a picture of your favorite inspirational runner – let’s say Des Linden. Imagine you hold that picture up with your right hand to look at it – at or near eye level – then reach back to tuck it into your back pocket.

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The tacos look SO GOOD! I think I’m going for Mexican tonight and I may ask for an egg on top of my tacos, too!

I don’t think there’s a food that I hate and is super common… hmm…. I eat pretty much everything!!

Also – YOGA! Just do it. I’ve really been meaning to get back into the habit. My body has been so tight lately!

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Try the egg!!! You will love it:) K, let’s both get into the yoga habit!!

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i used to have awful running form… when i was in high school, i would slouch my back and keep my arms close to my chest. Then i started running on the treadmill in front of a mirror and started to fix my form, standing a little straighter and keeping my arms low and relaxed. When i’m going up a hill, pumping my arms makes the biggest difference!

I’m a pretty picky eater… however, i can always manage, so it never bothers me. But my biggest offenders to people are seafood, cheese, avocados, and beans. ( i love mexican food though!)

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That is interesting how you were able to switch up your form so nicely because of the mirror in front of the treadmill… I love it! Oh no… I’m not offended but I hope you are okay with all the pictures of seafood and avocados that I post:) Hope you are having a fabulous Thursday Kathy!

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Not so much chicken arms for me, but scrunched up shoulders! I’ve seen far worse form, and if it gets you to the finish line, it’s OK by me :)
Does avocado fall into “normal food”? Not a fan at all. (gasp, right?)

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AVOCADO!?!?! Oh Lisa… I’m so sorry you don’t like avocado;) Just send yours to me mmmkay? Oh I do that with my shoulders sometimes too!

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I’m a chicken wing runner, too!!! Especially as I get to the end miles of the marathon, it seems any “good form” I have goes out the window and into survival mode. Taper has been good so far but I’m sure getting antsy for race day! I will keep your arm swing tips in mind for Saturday’s race. And good luck to you in your race!!!

P.S. I pretty much love all food (except green apples)!

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Welcome to the chicken wing club;) Good luck with the rest of your taper and you are going to rock your race! Green apples are pretty sour, I like them much better when they are cooked in pie:)

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I always eat too much chips and guacamole which ends up ruining my supper cause then I’m not longer hungry…

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I always work on form, I hear my coach’s voice in my head when she’s not around. With pool running it’s weird – my arms do what they’re supposed to. I have to remind my self not to bend and to flex/stomp my feet so I don’t swim instead.

I think our bodies are repairing during taper so most runs don’t feel super great. And every twinge takes on an ominous meaning. :)

I hate runny eggs and I will build a wall of napkin holder, drinks and whatever else is on the table between my husband and me so I don’t have to look at them. I also think mayo and ketchup are gross. I have odd dislikes: whipped cream (unless it’s frozen on ice cream cake), pie crust and other buttery flaky items. To each their own, it’s a wide and varied food world out there.

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I’m gonna need to check this restaurant out. Tacos al pastor is Ross’ favorite. The best place we have found them here so far is at a dive in West Valley.

We are having huevos rancheros for dinner tonight because it is super easy and eggs are delicious, ANDREW! Especially with guac. Guacamole is its own food group.

I can’t believe St George is next weekend. It seems so much earlier this year even though it is only a few days earlier than usual because of when the weekend lines up. You are going to do awesome!

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Omg I remember making up the most RANDOM games as a kid. It was the best though – just using creativity!

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I have chicken arms and a bad cross over gait – I look so awkward when I run! I’m still working on it!

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So the list is endless of things I don’t like: eggs, pork, beef, seafood, raw tomatoes, onions, salads, and on and on. I could basically live off fruit, anything sweet, chicken, and water. The gummy bears from Lolli and Pops are life. On to my question, where did you get Brooke’s jeans? Thanks and good luck tapering. I can’t wait to have this little love so I can get back into running. I miss it so much!

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Tapering is always awful for me too! No fall 1/2 or marathon for me this year since nursing school and work are consuming most of my time.
Foods I don’t like… Beef, cheesecake, black olives, chocolate cake (but I love white cake), pumpkin pie (it’s a texture thing), not a huge fan of peanut butter, HATE HATE HATE mayo! Yuck!

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