The magic running outfit, this running story made me cry and family date.

Less light outside (it doesn’t get light here until 7:30 now!!!) = we need to make sure that we are SEEN while running.  When it is light outside I usually grab something out of the dresser and get dressed in .02 seconds but running in the dark means I really make sure I pick out things that make sure I am seen.

The other day I tried out the women’s drift shell and the women’s chaser 5” shorts.  I was very thrilled with the retroreflectivity offered on both the jacket and shorts!  Look at what the flash did… I was DEFINITELY seen.

I used to get the 3” in Brooks shorts but switched to the 5” length and I am in love now.  The length is PERFECT.  I will be 5” fan for life now. The jacket is perfect for wet and windy runs and it was super flexible (I can’t stand running jackets that are stiff and hard to move around in).  The shorts were super comfortable, light and stayed right in place—>  I want to get some more runs in them to really get a good review for you!

What the jacket and shorts look like just normally which is so nice

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Okay, just one more picture of the retroreflectiveness:)  I was really excited as you can tell.  Stay safe and I have some tips on how to stay safe while on the run coming up soon:)

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Season pass holders to Cornbelly’s (a giant pumpkin patch that pretty much all of Utah attends;) means we are there often.

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They even got to choose some pumpkins to take home with them.

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Walking around like they own the place;)

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They also went down this slide 88 times.

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We are trying to limit eating out to two times a week (including lunch—>  which is a HUGE cut back for us:) and so last night we went on our date to the Wild Zucchini. I made sure to help Knox out with his pizza because I like to be helpful;)

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And our post-put-the-kids-to-bed selfie.  Just a tad bit tired.

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I don’t know if these apples will ever make it to be apple butter because I keep eating them right out of the crockpot.  They taste like heaven (at this point they are just baked apples with apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon.  Heaven.

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Oh yes, and on Wednesday night I watched the third episode of This Is Us and it was amazing.  I can’t believe how invested I get into television shows, it’s sad.

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I really want to share a story today about one of my favorite running friends.  She is absolutely amazing.

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“Ethan is my student in the wheelchair.  I have this non-profit group called Run On that donated the wheelchair so he could be on the XC team.  I asked one of my peer tutors, Alexis, to push him.  He has never run before— he started 3 weeks ago pushing him at practice during class.  He hasn’t run more than that.  The Run On group said that the other wheelchair team that did it at Copper Hills used 3 guys to take turns.  Alexis wanted to do it himself.  It was incredible to watch!  Alexis even got emotional afterwards… tears coming down his face.  The crowd was emotional— people had their phones out taking pictures all over the course- it was so cool.”

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Absolutely amazing.

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Heard any amazing running stories lately?  PLEASE SHARE.  I love reading these.

Have a goal on how many times you eat out each week?

What have you been running in clotheswise these days?  Tanks, jackets, capris, tights, shorts?

What are your weekend plans?

-We are going to go camping… it should be nice and warm up in those mountains;)

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45 comments

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What a sweet and wonderful story!

I went to a pumpkin patch last weekend, but it was nothing like Cornbelly’s. I wish we had one of those here! This weekend, I’m going to eat froyo, watch football, and hopefully take a nap or two. I have my long run at the lake tomorrow morning, which I always love. :)

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That jacket looks perfect for the weather around MN….love the reflectivity!!! #alwaysbeseen

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That’s a wonderful story, what a great way to start off Friday. It’s always so nice to see kids who get it, and want to be a special part of someone’s life. <3

I saw one of my friends who lives in Utah post about Cornbelly's! Someday we're going to make it out there, my middle school and high school friend just moved to Provo in the most beautiful house, so now we have a real reason to come out and visit. It will definitely have to be a fall trip one of these years. :)

I'm totally fine not eating out for the most part because I don't love the food in Charleston, but when I'm pregnant, I eat out WAY too much. And it's because I'm supplementing lunches because I'm so hungry!
Hapy weekend!

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Weekend plans: I’m torn! I planned on hiking McAfee Knob, one of the best sections of the Appalachian Trail, but a friend just asked if I wanted to take the bus to NYC, and I’ve never been. Decisions, decisions…

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That story is amazing! Love it! My favorite running story is actually my dad’s: he was orphaned at a young age and didn’t really go to school much so he was always behind (aka college was not gonna happen). When he moved in with a new family (my now, amazing grandparents) him and his brother not only got tutors (helping them get to an average grade level) but they also found a love for track and field. Fast forward to his senior year, where a kid that comes from nothing uses pole vaulting to lift himself to new heights: he won the high school Drake relays for pole vault and eventually went on the vault for University of Illinois on a full-ride.
Running can certainly take us places- my dad is seriously the coolest and most resilient guy I know!

Currently running in an older version of a Brooks shell and I love it! Super warm and the sleeves turn into mitten like things if you flip them over!

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THAT is beautiful! Congrats to your dad for overcoming so many obstacles. And hugs to your grandparents for being so awesome!

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We really need to set a hard goal on how many times we eat out a week. Right now, it’s probably around 6 including lunches and dinners. We’re good about doing breakfast at home, and as long as we have groceries, we’re not bad about making dinner, but lunch is a struggle for us. We could save so much money just by bringing our lunches everyday, but it’s hard to get into the habit! I’m still running in shorts and a tank or t-shirt. I’m sure soon I’ll have to add long sleeves, but I’ll stay in shorts as long as I can. :) No weekend plans, just trying to get caught up on research stuff.

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I usually try to not eat out for lunch more than 2 times per week, and then once or twice on the weekends. Lunch is my time to read – sometimes I like the quiet of the office, and sometimes I like to settle into a booth at a restaurant. Been wearing shorts and a long-sleeved shirt for running around here (Ohio) these days. My husband and I are running the Nationwide half marathon in Columbus this weekend. It’s my 5th time running this half, my husband’s 3rd. Our girls are staying with my in-laws, so it will be a nice little chunk of time away for us. One of the things I love about this race is that because it’s sponsored by Nationwide Children’s Hospital, they have a “patient champion” at each mile marker. They wear a big foam hand so you can give them a high five on your way past. It’s inspiring and humbling to see.

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I’ve been trying to be good on eating out. For me that means one lunch out during the work week, and either one nice meal out on the weekend or two less expensive meals out. We’re about 50/50 on success.

Favorite clothes right now: Athleta’s maternity leggings. Probably the only reason I’m not freezing to death.

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I am terrible with not preparing meals at home but I try so hard to not eat out that i’ll eat eggs, peanut butter and jelly or a can of soup. I’ll scrounge and scrounge my cabinets for anything but then by Friday I need to order in Chinese Take Out or go out to a diner with my boyfriend :)

It’s really awesome weather this week. I haven’t run at all because I’m recovering from last weeks strenuous half-marathon but i’d be wearing capris and a long sleeve top for sure.

I have to work tomorrow but Sunday I’m going pumpkin picking with my boyfriend and his daughters. And I plan on taking my camera and my dog to the park for some fall foliage photo shoot shenanigans.

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I’m definitely a 5″ shorts kind of girl – just so much more comfortable to me!

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That jacket rocks! I run early, early morning (mostly). Start and end in the dark. Did I mention, this jacket rocks! :-)
Curious… will the reflectivity wear off after washing?

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That jacket is awesome! I love that Brooks offers a 5″ short. So many places don’t, and honestly, my thighs eat anything less than 5″!

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Even the 5″ shorts are too short for my Cuban curves. I feel most comfortable in the 7″ Nike Filament shorts. They DO NOT chafe. Amazing. I wear tanks and shorts year-round (Miami).

We usually eat out 2-3 times a week. I make a huuuuge batch of something (roast chicken/veg, chili, etc) on the weekend and we take that to lunch every day. I love to cook though :)

This weekend we are going to visit my 8-month-pregnant Sister in Law since her husband is out of town. Bonus – she lives in Orlando so we’ll be hitting Disney World with the kids!

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My first ever marathon is this Sunday!! Ahh! Pray for me as so many streets and highways are flooded and closed that our normal 2 hr drive will probably double!

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I don’t have a goal of how often to eat out but I DO try to minimise it. I find summer sends me into bad habits that way!

This weekend, I am pacing my friends for half of their marathon. :)

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I was at that meet cheering on my sister! Which meant, of course, that I was cheering on these two, as well. What a fantastic example.

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NO WAY!! Okay, that is so awesome Christina! Such a small world:)

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That is amazing Alexis wanted to do it by himself! We try to eat out once a week or twice. Usually day before grocery shopping is when we pick up food! Haha! I have been wearing a tank with a long sleeve or jacket over. It is cold up here! My twin and little sister are visiting! They get here TONIGHT!!!!! I haven’t met my twin’s son yet and she hasn’t met my son so it will be a fun reunion!!!

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Is this a sponsored post?

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Nope! I always state if a post is sponsored by saying… sponsored by ________. Hope you are having an amazing Friday!

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First marathon on Sunday! Goal is to BQ! AHHHHH

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AHHHH MALLORY!! I am so beyond excited for you!! You’ve got this girl and let me know how it goes after! I’m so excited for you!

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Thanks Janae I will for sure let you know!

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That story totally gave me goosebumps! So beautiful :)

Weekend plans? Pumpkin patch visits, my second RUN postpartum and cheering Landon on at his soccer game!

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We try to limit our eating out, but probably go 2-3 times a week. (and sometimes I go on my lunchbreak…………whole foods and penn station are just too good!)
I love the weather we have been having…………..after over 100 days this year of 95+ degrees we are having temperatures in the high 70’s……………daily I wear my favorite combo of shorts, t shirt, and light jacket. Running I am still in shorts and tanks, but I imagine I may need the armwarmers when I run early AM on my vacation next week. (I usually run at lunch or around 5).
Weekend: finish up pet sitting (been at 3 different places this week with a total of 7 dogs, 2 cats, 5 parrots, 7 baby chickens, 1 ball python, 1 axlotyl (spelling?), 2 geckos, 2 clownfish, and numerous other snakes, turtles, and geckos………..as in probably close to 100 total turltes/snakes/geckos (a co-worker is a herpetologist and breeds them)……………..my poor husband is missing me being at home! Then we get a week vacation! Look out Nashville!

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That jacket is amazing!

We actually went camping last weekend. It started out cold, but actually turned into a perfect Fall weekend. I actually liked it better than summer camping. Have fun!!

This weekend’s plans: 18 miles with the faster-than-me training partner. Entire goal = not have to sit down on the side of the road!

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PS, how many times can I use the word ‘actually’? ;)

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HAHAH I use actually a ton too! GOOD luck on your 18 miler, you’ve got this!!! I’m so glad you guys had such an awesome camping trip! I hope ours feels like that too;)

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Good goal on eating out. We limit eating out for Friday and Saturday evenings. It has been hard, and lunch is hardest on the weekends because we are on the go. We were good about it in August and then September we didn’t do so well. Getting back on track this month.
Today is my daughter Peyton’s 5th bday and also my dad’s bday. My parents are driving up to be with us this weekend. Can’t wait for birthday celebrations and family time! Have fun camping!

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I kind of have a cool story too ;-) When I first met my husband, he was a runner on the University team and I was the girl with the worst cardio ever. I didn’t knew back then that I had cystic fibrosis, the doctors thought it was asthma. I also thought I could never run but my husband, said that of course I could learn and that he would teach me. It was very hard at first but slowly and surely, it started to feel easier and I started to love it. Forward 15 years later, I have a marathon and plenty of half marathons under my belt, but the most incredible part is my CF doctors are convinced that running probably added 10-20 years to my life expectancy. So yes, I owe my husband big time for making me believe I could do it ;-)

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LOVED reading this Mel, thank you.

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Thanks Jade!

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My main plans are fixing my treadmill and some hard core decluttering.

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I’d love to read more about the Run On non-profit–do you know if there’s a Web site? Google didn’t help me find one.

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It’s funny, I was just chatting with someone about how early it gets dark now. I ran in the complete dark this morning and OOMPH.

I second the comment about the Run ON that sounds great.

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What a wonderful story! How amazing! We are still in shorts and t shirt weather in Texas. Tank tops if you run during the day, lol. Dreaming about cooler weather, that’s for sure!

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Have fun camping! Winter camping can actually be a lot of fun.

Tomorrow I’m going to a blogging and social media conference that I’m really looking forward to. I’ve been to Wordcamp before, but this one will focus more on the content creation side of blogging.

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What a great story!!

Weekend plans … NOTHING! First weekend post-marathon = Lots of relaxing/catching up with friends/continued celebrations :)

Love the jacket … Have fun camping!

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My goal is to eat out only during weekends, and once per day. I’m good at the weekend rule, but not so much at the one meal out per day rule.

Aaand, my weekend plans are to run (of course). Cook that sweet and sour chicken recipe. Eat Ice cream. And study for midterms (specifically finance and managerial economics #Fun).

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Dang this made me cry. Very inspiring story!

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This is Us – I know, right? Each episode hooks me in deeper! I have a love/hate relationship with shows like this. I love to watch them, but hate when the season is over and hate that it keeps me thinking about it between episodes! Ugh!

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I was at that cross country meet last week and watched these boys. It was the most beautiful thing. Lots of tears from me. Did she mention that he ran the 5k course in 27 minutes??? Things like this lift my spirits so high. ?

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I love this story.
Every time I race I try to think of someone that has inspired me. It helps me push through those tough middle miles. Last year I decided to run for a young man that became paralyzed in an accident. Since his accident he still attends every single football, basketball and track practice and game in his wheel chair with his jersey on. He is a member of the team. As I was running my race in his honor I realized there was a man in a wheelchair ahead of me. I ended up running a lot of the race near him. He didn’t have a pusher, he pushed with his own arm strength for the entire half! People like these just inspire me so much!

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*http://www.athletesservingathletes.org
We have a group here that always runs at the Baltimore Running Festival – Athletes Serving Athletes – I am always running with a different charity team (TEAM BISM) which is comprised of blind and sighted walkers and runners taking part in all events at the BRF but this group of athletes and wingmen never ceases to bring me to tears. Running the full marathon as a team with a disabled athlete is awesome!! Their tag line is together we finish and that teamwork element gets me every time.

*my weekend plans are running the Baltimore running festival 5k – the best medals around!

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