Our VLOG + YOUR Running Accomplishments + this dinner was ridiculously good!

The highlight of the day was a rocket that Knox got for his bday.

IMG 9535

They were pretty happy over it.

IMG 9546 1

We had the most amazing dinner last night—>  Sweet and Sour Chicken.  Andrew wins.  It was so beyond good.

IMG 9522

Over some brown rice.  I am already looking forward to the leftovers

IMG 9525

We have a little VLOG today full of important topics like why Andrew wanted to go into nursing, what our last meal would be, kid stuff, life stuff, Bangs Friend, etc.  Enjoy and don’t worry it isn’t as long as last time. 

 

Oh and the winners for the SLC and Provo Haunted Half wahoooo!!!  ——>  ASHLEE SAMUELSON and HEATHER (“I will probably dress my 20 week pregnant belly as a donut hole”)

————————————————————————-

We’ve got some beyond incredible accomplishments today!! Thank you for sharing and if you want to be featured just send it in to [email protected] ! Thanks for all that you guys do!

————————————————————————-

Tricia!!! “Ok so you may recall last year I had qualified for Marathon Maniacs in late November 2015. Every one of those marathons was 80 degrees or more, with one of them hitting 95!  I am 48 and since that time, ended up with a couple of minor challenges.  I had a calf strain in January that had me pretty much down to almost nothing in terms of running and doing a lot more walking.  Then in February, I had to have a neck tumor surgery (benign!!).  I managed to get through a half in April but the calf was still plaguing me.

I’m thrilled to report that this past Sunday I completed my first full marathon since November 2015, and although it was one of my slower times, I felt so happy to get through it after the past year.  I ran this race as a long supported training run for my next goal, the Chicago Lakefront Trail Ultramarathon where I will do my first 50K on 10/29! It felt so good to just run and not ‘chase time’.  I just want people to know that you can get through injury, surgery, whatever is getting in their way, but just stay focused and determined.  I knew I would not let anything get in the way of getting back to running again, and now I appreciate it so much more post injury and post surgery.  My fitness level is finally getting back to where it was and I’m feeling stronger than ever.”

Tricia Cowbell IMG 2996

————————————————————————-

HEIDI!!!!  “I completed the St. George Marathon!! What a fantastic marathon and I would definitely do it again.  The people were amazing and the views/course were fantastic.  This is my sixth marathon and maybe because I’m getting older (did my first one at 18) but this whole race I just kept thinking how lucky I was and how thankful I was for the opportunity to be able to do something hard that I love (in such a beautiful setting).  I thought of each and every person that sent me a text or facebook/instagram message with positive words before the race.  I’m so lucky to have such a supportive circle around me.  Utah, you are awesome and I’m definitely coming back!

NewImage

————————————————————————-

JEN!!!  “I ran my FIRST FULL Marathon yesterday! The beautiful Twin Cities Marathon from Minneapolis to St. Paul! Here I am with my sister (and future nephew) and the Minnesota capitol building (under construction) is in the background.”

NewImage

————————————————————————-

ELLIE!!  “I need to preface this by saying that my racing season has been a real struggle.  I wanted to work on speed and get faster, but it wasn’t coming.  I tried to force it and was just miserable, but not allowing myself to change because I was set in the races I was doing.  Well, after a Ragnar Relay with my ultra running vegan team, I decided to find the joy of running again.  I was reminded of why I started running, not to be fast, but because I love it.  So I stopped doing speed work, decided not to run a fast half, and signed up for a 50k.  This past weekend I ran the Watergate 50k in 4:07, set a course record and won the race (granted, this is only the second year of the race, but I’m still thrilled)!!! The whole run was amazing.  I felt in my element and allowed the whole spirit of the run to take hold of me.  It was great!”

IMG 0280

————————————————————————-

AMANDA!!! “This weekend my husband and I piled in a van with 5 of our friends and completed the Market to Market Relay race.  It’s 76.3 miles of pure running fun!! (Also the largest relay race in the U.S.)  We finished 322 out of 700 teams.  My personal accomplishment was the most mileage I’ve ever run in one day/ 14.5 with an average pace of 8:53.  I’ve done a handful of half marathons but never more than 13.1.  I’m hoping to run my first marathon this spring so I was excited to get more miles in!”

NewImage

————————————————————————-

ERIKA!!!  “I’ve always been into working out/played college volleyball, but just recently got into long distance running about 5 months ago.  I ran in the Queen Bee half marathon in Cincinnati on Saturday.  It was my first half marathon so I was veryyy nervous and not sure what to expect. I’m not very fast (yet) so my main goal was to mostly run the whole race.  I ended up only walking twice (crazy hills) and beat my goal time by 10 minutes! I finished in 2:39 and was thrilled with that.  It was amazing seeing all my hard work pay off!  Can’t wait to keep improving!”

NewImage

————————————————————————-

BETHANY!!! “This past Sunday I ran the Chicago Marathon, my third full marathon.  After training through a hot summer in D.C., I was excited to run the flat, fast course in Chicago and was even more excited by the perfect weather race day forecast.  I went into the race hoping to qualify for Boston with a 3:35 time.  Come race day I left it all on the streets of the Windy City and ran the entire way to finish in 3:33:36.  I have never felt more strong or more proud of myself than I did when I crossed the finish line.  Special shout out to my training buddy and fellow HRG reader Rosalind who CRUSHED IT with a Boston qualifying time in Chicago!”

14633212 10210699067615821 7303937854633212247 o

————————————————————————-

ElIZABETH!!! “My sister is 3 years older than me and not a runner.  She has come with me to my last two races.  Yesterday, I ran the Newport, RI half marathon.  My sister came with me.  She got up at 5 am to get on a shuttle in the pouring rain, waited over two hours, met me at the finish line, in the pouring rain, and helped me change my clothes, when I couldn’t move.  All for me to PR and get a medal.  If that isn’t love, I’m not sure what is.  She does it cause she loves me! The best sister ever!”  (Below picture is of both of them after the Runner’s World five and dime this past July!)

Image2

————————————————————————-

DEB!!!  “On October 8 I ran the Empire State Marathon in Syracuse, NY.  I wasn’t expecting great things, as I’d trained for a July marathon up in Nova Scotia and hadn’t done any ‘real’ training since then.  I ran regularly after the Sea Me Run in Nova Scotia, maybe 40 mi./week, but no speed work and no long runs.  I just thought I’d enjoy a beautiful fall day, and see what I had in me.  In fact, I didn’t even register for the Sunday run until Thursday night! Still, though, in the back of my mind I kept repeating what my Dad always said, “on any given Sunday…” Well, somehow the stars aligned just right and it ended up being a decisive BQ for me- a 3:46:21, when I needed a 3:55!!  I’d trained VERY hard to BQ in Nova Scotia, but had only done a 4:00:something.  I’d BQ’d just one other time, back in 2008, but have never run Boston.  But I will DEFINITELY be going to Boston in 2018, because on any given Sunday (or Monday, as the case may be) miracles can happen!

Empire State Finish

————————————————————————-

SARA (this one is about her sister though:)!!!  “Me, my sister and two of our friends set out to run the Chicago Marathon this Sunday and it was absolutely amazing! This was marathon #16 for me and the day could not have gone better.  As much as I would like to tell you about my day… I HAVE to tell you about my incredible sister.  She placed 19th overall in females and 11th overall in American female runners.  Amazing is an understatement.  She started training about 5 years ago.  Matter of fact, we ran our very first 5k together then and she credits me for helping her ‘find’ running.  She has no high school or college running experience… she is just dedicated and super freaking talented.  I could go on and on forever about her.”

Screen Shot 2016 10 11 at 7 05 03 PM

————————————————————————-

JILL!!!  “In this picture, I made it through my 3rd half marathon of the season (and my the amount of sweat on me you could tell it was a struggle).  But kudos for my sister for accomplishing her goal time and pace.  I am very appreciative running is one thing we have in common (though she’s better at it than me) and that we are being good healthy role models for our kids.”

Heartlandmarathon

————————————————————————-

CHARLIE!!! “I wanted to share that I ran the London Royal Parks Half Marathon, my first proper race in months, and first half marathon in over a year.  I’m running the New York Marathon in a few weeks so was just hoping to finish under 2 hours, and with negative splits (which I can never manage!).  I was thrilled to run a 1:54:16, and my first mile was 8:54 and last was 7:55 (the nubbin was 6.37!) I nailed my pacing goals.”

DSC 8427

————————————————————————-

JANE!!!  “I ran my 2nd Chicago marathon on Sunday!! It was a tough one because I’ve had some things come up in life that just really had a negative effect on my training.  I was glad to be at the start AND the finish line of this race though! Lots of emotions and it was beautiful weather with lots of crowd support.  It was a good reminder of how much I enjoy distance running and the sense of accomplishment it can give you.  I’m pretty sore this time around, but hoping to quickly sign up for a winter race so all of my summer training doesn’t go out the window:)  OH YEAH… I also got to do my shake out run with Meb!!  He ran right next to me!”

NewImage

————————————————————————-

TARA!!!  “My training partner, Aleka, and I, trained for, and completed our FIRST marathon together this weekend.  The best part, it’s a PB no matter what! (3:48 for her, 4:06 for me) This was a goal I had put off for a long time, not really sure I could do it on my own, I won the lottery finding the best training partner ever! We pushed and encouraged each other over the 16 week training, but also in the last year.  Seeing her accomplish so many of her goals along the way is the most inspiring thing ever! The Chicago Marathon was such an amazing city to run in, and all the spectators made it feel like you had 26.2 miles of a personal cheer squad.  We can’t wait to do it again.”

NewImage

————————————————————————-

Carla!!! “On Sunday I set out to finish my second marathon.  I had run the TC Marathon as my ‘one and done’ 5 years ago, when I had one son.  Over the last year, I’ve truly learned to love running (I enjoyed it in my late 20s and early 30s, but this is a whole new level), so I decided to make a comeback to the TC Marathon course.  There were many early mornings, many (short) runs pushing the double stroller while my oldest biked alongside us.  And through it all I grew stronger, more confident in my capabilities.  So, after a 5 year hiatus and two more kiddos added to the family, I KILLED that course with a PR of 26:42 AND a negative split! With a chip time of 4:05:30.  I’ve already got my sights on returning next year to try and break 4:00!”

20161009 135242

————————————————————————-

Christine!!!  “In 2015, I completed my first marathon in Burlington, Vermont.  With a finish time of 3:32:33, I was thrilled to have met the Boston Qualifying standard for my age group.  Four months later, I opened my official email from the BAA to discover that I’d missed the time cutoff for entry into the 2016 Boston Marathon a heartbreaking ONE SECOND.  As I willed my legs forward in the 26th mile grind of the Chicago Marathon this past Sunday, “GO GET THAT ONE SECOND!” echoed in my mind.  The roaring and supportive crowd and gorgeous fall weather carried me through the race of my dreams.  I crossed the finish line grinning in 3:25:10, earning back that ONE SECOND with a few extra minutes to spare.  Boston 2018, here I come!”

NewImage

————————————————————————-

LAURA!!!  “Sunday I ran the Mohawk Hudson Marathon in Albany, NY.  It was my second time running the race (and second full marathon!) and although my training went a lot better and I was a lot smarter about prep, I still ended up straining my adductor muscle and had to forego the last 3 weeks of training.  I went to the start line thinking I might end up with a DNF, and at mile 7 when my NON-injured leg started having sharp pains, I thought there was no way I would be able to finish.  I was kind of beating myself up mentally for even trying to run the race, and then decided to just relax and see what happened.  My parents met me at mile 13 with some ibuprofen and I just took the race slow and easy and ended up finishing with a 17 minute PR of 4:42:40!! I’m enjoying a few rest days but looking forward to training even smarter for the next one:)

Moments 15d9ed49 a0ac 4a98 87b6 52b095e05ab0 orig res

————————————————————————-

ELIZABETH!!!!  “Mother runner friends are the BEST! I joined the Woodbridge, VA Moms Run This Town (MRTT) group over three years ago and it forever changed how and why I run. I have been running marathons since 2000, and training with various running groups/friends along the way, but training with these ladies renewed my passion, fire, and purpose for running.  I have been pushed to new goals and limits not only in my running but as a mom, wife, educator, daughter, sister, and friend.  The motivation and inspiration that comes from this group of women (both online and in-person) is beyond anything you can imagine, so it was very sad for me when a career move took me away from this group to live in Mexico over a year ago.  Always up for an adventure, I jumped at the chance to meet two of my mother runner friends in Chicago for this year’s marathon (actually I think I was the ringleader and twisted their arms to join me!).  Needless to say, we had an absolute blast- running, relaxing, and eating, as well as sharing hopes, dreams, worries, and fears about some pretty ambitious running and life goals! We left Chicago having achieved some awesome feats- Katie ran a 3:50 in her 11th and second fastest marathon (11th state too!), Melissa ran a 3:27 marathon for a BQ of 7+ min and a 6 min PR, and I ran my 13 marathon in 3:38 for a BQ -6+ min.  We all have our unique hopes, dreams, and goals, but along with those come fears, struggles and adversity.  Through it all, it’s the mother runner friends who support you, build you up, and cheer for you on the great days and encourage you on the hard ones.  I am so thankful for the BAMRs (bad a** mother runners!), this trip to Chicago, and the adventures that await us in Boston 2018 and beyond!”

Image1 

————————————————————————-

TARYN!!!!  “I too am addicted to running and racing and wanted to share my latest running accomplishment.  I PRed last month at the Philly Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon by 21 seconds! I started a blog a few weeks ago, and featured the race recap as my very first blog post——>  HERE!

————————————————————————-

Who has a family member that is extremely supportive of your running?  

When was your last PR?  On what course?

Ever experienced getting an injury DURING a race?

Have any favorite Chinese dishes?

You May Also Like

80 comments

Reply

My husband gets just as excited for my races as I do! He will get up at 3 am with me to get ready! At the Country Music half marathon in Nashville back in 2013 it was raining (not hard, but that slow, drenching rain) and he stood in it for an hour before I started and the whole 2 hours I ran. And he still cheered for me at the end!
My last PR was at the inaugural Chattanooga half marathon this past March………..I got a 1:57. I am not fast, but I loved that PR!
Chinese: I like getting white rice, steamed chicken and veggies, and adding some sweet and sour sauce. My husband is all about the Moo Goo Gai Pan!

Reply

I’ve been injured during a race! Luckily, nothing major. It was, of course, a trail race, which I didn’t realize when I signed up. It was supporting a charity I love (Gentle Giants) and only a 5k, so I didn’t train or anything. There’s a part that goes through the woods and I got tangled in a thorn bush, twisted my ankle, and had blood running down both shins. I still finished. It was only another 2 miles after that.

Reply

Y’all are seriously so adorable. Your vlogs are beyond precious and make my heart smile. :)

My dad is probably my biggest supporter of my running and is at every single race for me. All of my family members try to come, especially to the big races, but he is always there and even offers to drive me to them and will go with me to race expos, as well.

I’ve been on a Chinese food kick for a while now, because I LOVE chicken and veggies, especially in stir fry. And I really love teriyaki chicken.

Reply

Hahahah I need quiet and lots of sleep just like Brooke! My little Cecil does too – but he’s a cat so that’s to be expected :D

LOVE all of the runner stories. I have lots of inspiration for my run tonight now!

Reply

Did you recently get your hair done Janae? It looks great.

I think it’s exciting Andrew is going into nursing school. I just had a friend finishing nursing school and has really enjoyed the process.

I remember my brothers not wanting to go to sleep either. I seem to fall asleep very fast.

Reply

Love the VLOGs :) and yay nursing school! I’m a nurse, currently back in school for my masters. It’s a a wonderful profession and I can tell you have a passion for it which is the most important part!

I love chinese food — anything spicy is the best :)

Have a great Thursday!

Reply

Your vlogs are so much fun!! Keep them coming!

Just PR’d at Chicago this year! 3:40:32!

My mom is always there to drive me to the start line and wait for me at the finish … Love moms so much :)

Reply

I love reading the accomplishments. It is so motivating to see people reach and exceed their goals. Thanks for the boost!

My supportive family member is my husband. When I was marathon training, he would get up crazy early with me and wait in the car at predetermined spots. Since I’m not real fast, the poor guy was stuck in a car for 2.5 to 3 hours, but he never complained and was always ready to go again the following weekend. Even though he’s never been a fan of running himself, he gets how much it means to me and supports me in any way he can.

Reply

2014 was the big PR year for me.
2:05 in the half
4:38 in the full
:28 in the 5k
And :57 in the 10k

And it’s been all a struggle since. Lol. But time on the clock isn’t everything. I’m still running. And that is the most important.

Reply

Oh, I truly love reading all of those accomplishments! I’ve been having some knee pain lately and I’m trying not to get discouraged. These definitely helped me realize how lucky I am and help put everything in perspective. Thanks for sharing these amazing stories!

Reply

Love your vlogs! I would say at some point (maybe even for Christmas) you and Andrew should stay at Flathead Lake or Glacier National Park and explore Montana. I have family out there and the views in the morning of the Lake are just breathtaking. Montana is beautiful in the winter but the summers there are amazing! Since UT is so close (we actually get a connecting plane in Salt Lake City) you may have already done that but there’s just something so great about the warm fire, hot cocoa and snow on Christmas! :)

Reply

I actually run with the hubs 90% of the time, so I would say he’s pretty supportive ;)

My last PR was a year ago in my hometown, a 1:40 1/2. In running my 2nd marathon in a month and it will also be in my hometown, so I am definitely working for a PR.

My fav Chinese dish is probably mushroom or orange chicken, yummo!

Reply

The men in my life are super supportive — My husband (of course) is most supportive. My dad, my brother, and my dog are also super supportive — but they don’t really “get” why I drag myself out of bed early on a Saturday morning when I could just sleep…

I’m a sucker for Dim Sum — and I haven’t met a dumpling I don’t love.

Reply

Hi Janae and Andrew! Love your vlogs! You should go skiing over Christmas, I think you both ski and although skiing is fun with kids (I have a 3 years old also) it’s so much work!! It’s fun, gets you outdoors and chairlift conversations are the best! Ps we also have a blended family my advice for holidays is to have traditions. we told my husbands ex wife that she could pick when she wanted her daughter for Christmas but we just wanted it the same every year…so she picked Christmas eve and Christmas morning so we built our family traditions around that. So although we weren’t waking up early Christmas morning every year and opening presents with her we had our own tradition. That might not be possible with your unique situation but you get the idea. My step daughter is 21 now and was 3 when we married and we still do the same traditions with our now 3 year old.

Reply

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE the skiing idea (you are right… skiing with kids is not nearly as fun:) Thank you for sharing your advice… I want to absorb as much advice as possible to help make sure I can do my best at blending us all together:) I love what you have done with your step daughter and I think you are so right about traditions and trying to keep them the same every year. You guys have done an incredible job. Thank you for sharing.

Reply

My parents and my husband are very supportive of my running (although sometimes they think I’m crazy). I ran my first marathon, Chicago, last weekend, so I guess that is an automatic PR! I was a little slower than I wanted to be, but I finished and know I’ll be back for a better time in the future. All of these stories were so inspiring–thanks for sharing! Also, I love how Charlie called the last 0.1 miles of a half marathon the “nubbin”. Hilarious.

Reply

Your vlogs are so fun! I feel like we get to know you two better as a couple.

That totally stinks you guys won’t have the kids for Christmas but I think it’ll be a great opportunity for you two as a new married couple to do something special!

I know it’d be more fun with kids- but Disney during Christmas is so cool! Also, if you want to travel, the east coast is beautiful during Christmas. Typically we have snow-I’m in upstate ny and we have tons of the fluffy white snow. NYC during the holidays is beautiful too. There’s the huge Christmas tree that’s decorated and the ice rink.

Reply

Love hearing all of the inspirational running accomplishments!

My husband is really supportive of my running. He encouraged me to sign up for a full marathon this fall, which is a big commitment when you have a 3 year old and a little baby! But I think everyone in the house knows mom is happier when she runs :)

Last PR was at CIM 5 years ago – a whopping 13 SECONDS off of qualifying for Boston! How is that possible?! I’m signed up again this year. I really want to qualify, but I’m pretty happy just to get to the start line after the year we’ve had!

And I might be the only person I know who doesn’t like Chinese Food. So sad.

Reply

I have slight pain when I put pressure on my left heels that extends to my ankle and I’m not too sure what it is. Do you have any idea? Could it be a stress fracture? What should I do? I try walking around on the ball of my left foot now because it hurts less.

Reply

Hey Janae! Can you post the recipe for the that chicken? It looks delicious. Stir-fried chicken or meats are my favorites when it comes to Chinese food.

Reply

Hey girl! Here is the link to the recipe:

http://www.lecremedelacrumb.com/2014/12/healthy-sweet-sour-chicken.html

Reply

My husband is very supportive. He will drive me to practice or a race. He cheers me on and helps out when I’m fundraising for a race. It really helps.

My friends couldn’t get home for Christmas last year so they went to see Star Wars and then stopped for appetizers and drinks on their way home. It was something they enjoyed and out of the box. So pick the things that you really enjoy doing and that are easier to do when you don’t have the kids with you. I’d probably stop in for a church service somewhere, go to brunch and then play tourist with what’s open.

I like ginger chicken with vegetables and brown rice.

Reply

Last race I got a hamstring injury…finishing was painful and I missed by goal by 3 minutes!!! Now I want that for dinner!!!!!! At first my husband didn’t think running was a good idea since I needed winter running gear, running shoes (I buy older, cheaper models), and a foam roller. He thought running was pricey for just something you did a little bit with workouts. He couldn’t understand how running could be someone’s main hobby and weight lifting is on the back burner in comparison. We have been married almost 5 years and he is finally starting to tell me, yeah you definitely need those shoes, reflective vest, etc. He now knows this is a lifetime thing and how much I love it. He used to think paying for races was not necessary. Which it isn’t. But they are incredibly fun and since he came to one he now thinks it is awesome that I get to go talk with other runners and not talk his ear off about running. I love that he gets excited for race day like me!

Reply

My husband is my biggest supporter. He is at all my races, bikes along during my long runs, and gives me honest advice when needed. I love to run, but he just makes it all that much enjoyable.

I know this would be a big travel commitment, but NYC is awesome during Christmas time. I am not one for crowds and prefer national parks over anything, but there is something about NYC that just draws me in and Christmas time even more so. Philadelphia is also a lot of fun.

Reply

I am LOVING the VLOGs so definitely please keep them going. Thanks for sharing and answering questions!

Since you love trail running and Andrew loves mountain biking why not a trip to Yosemite, very close to Northern Cali. Or drive/fly a little to a spot like Oregon or Colorado where you could get some of the outdoor activities but get the “winter wonderland” as well for Christmas! Can’t wait to hear what you pick.

Reply

That sweet and sour chicken looks amazing! I could probably eat Chinese food (eh, the American version of Chinese food) 74% of the time and be happy. My favorite dishes are Mongolian chicken, beef, or broccoli and beef. A sinfully delicious item I like too is crabrangoons/ 0% healthy- 100% delicious.

Rockets are so much fun! I remember shooting off rockets with my parents and siblings- such good memories!

Reply

Oh my gosh, I LOVED your VLOG! You guys are so funny!

Andrew, I think you should run without your watch and just go by ‘feel’ for a little bit. It will take ALL the pressure off and make running more fun for you I think.

As for Christmas time adventures….I think the funnest thing to do is riding a sled or ‘crazy carpet’, (do they still make those?)..or a saucer down a hill. Not sure if you can do that in California but I highly recommend it :)

Reply

I was planning on making Kung Pao Chicken for dinner tonight, but after seeing your sweet and sour chicken, I might be changing. That looks so yummy!

Evan does the same thing as Knox – he will get out of bed to tell me he loves me or any other excuse he can think of. I’m like, thanks bud NOW GO BACK TO BED!! ;)

Reply

I am a little bummed you are doing VLOGs now. I read your blog at work when I need a mental break from work stuff, they don’t mind us being online and reading stuff, but we can’t watch or listen to videos. I never think to go back and watch the VLOGs when I am home. I feel like there are so many HRG things I’m missing.
But other than that, I still love your blog and your family and all that jazz.

We have been making a lot of the Chinese freezer meals from Trader Joe’s, not as good as freshly made meals, but duing a 72 hour work week, we need fast.

Reply

OH NO Amanda… I’m sorry that you can’t listen to it at work! I’ve got another post coming your way in a few more hours. THANK YOU and I hope work cruises by so you are in weekend soon. Okay, I actually really love those meals from TJ’s. They had an orange chicken one (not sure if it is still there) that I absolutely loved!

Reply

My husband has been my biggest supporter. He runs as well, and we have 2 kids, so we basically trade off days or one of us goes out VERY early to make sure the other gets their miles in. He’s always telling me I can hit my goals and that I’m awesome. BUT, he’s TERRIBLE at helping me with my nutrition. I blame his fried chicken and biscuits for tummy issues during my 10-miler last week :)

My last couple of PRs: 00:54:55 at a 10K, which I’m hoping to beat in a month. And 2:02 at a Half Marathon, which I’m hoping to annihilate in January. Last year my focus was on building miles after 3 years off running from having babies. This year, I’m all about SPEED. I really need the weather to break though (still 80 and humid at 5am here).

Favorite Chinese has got to be Kung Pao chicken and Soup Dumplings. YUM!

Reply

SO MUCH BETTER, Andrew! I had no problem with your pronunciation! Ha. Just a volume thing. Maybe b/c you are sitting closer to the computer this time, rather than Janae, it can pick your voice up better. I have no idea. Awesome. Love y’all so much!!! And love the vlogs. (sorry to complain last time, but so happy to hear all of you now!!!) Good luck in nursing school.! Wow! Y’all are so inspiring!

Janae, thank you again about being so open with your history of disordered eating/ammenorhea. You have really inspired me to really make the decision and fully commit to give up the disorder, surrender to my set point weight, regain my period, and find strength. I am tired of being weak. I am addicted to being a waif yogi, but now I want strength, not small. Running will be part of this process of gaining strength and learning how to fuel. I love that you and the running community support fueling yourself properly. I went on my first run this weekend! Thank you for everything!

My last dessert is the same as yours, Janae, BROWNIE SUNDAE!!! but with the addition of that super thick chocolate hot fudge sauce on top.

Reply

Oh girl!! We did not take the volume thing badly at all… I just teased him that I WAS RIGHT:) I tell him often that I can’t hear him ha and I was happy to know I wasn’t alone;)

Keep me updated with how you are doing. I am so so sorry about your struggle and I hope that you start feeling better and trust your body’s set point. I TOTALLY know what you mean about being tired of being weak, that is not fun and fueling ourselves properly helps us to feel a million times better. Thinking about you and I hope you get a brownie sundae soon!

Reply

You are the sweetest!!! Your reply and support means the world. Time for change! Much love!

Reply

Your vlogs are awesome and really entertaining. That’s awesome that Andrew is in nursing school. I’m a chiropractor and am a year away from finishing nurse practitioner school to broaden my scope of practice. Check out Herzing University once you’re a RN. Your mom that’s a nursing instructor might disagree with me, but I strongly recommend going into NP school right after you’re licensed as a RN. It’s all online. You have to find your own preceptors but that’s really easy. I’ve recently just been getting back into running. I manage 3 rehab facilities, own and operate a medical examiners company, and am a full time student so I really haven’t had the time. I ran a 5K last month and have a 5K and 10K next month. My PR right now is just the fact that I’m out there running! One of my favorite super easy chinese meals that I make at home is from Costco. I buy the frozen soba noodles that have the veggies in them and frozen sesame chicken. I only microwave the soba noodles for half of the time and cook it on the stove along with the chicken. I add steamed broccoli to it too for extra nutrients. You definitely need to try it out.

Reply

My husband isn’t very supportive of my running, which is always so nice. Love yalls VLOGs!!! I would go south during xmas because I don’t love the snow :)

Reply

*IS. Typo! My husband is super supportive of my running :)

Reply

After you guys drop Brooke off you should drive up the coast. Take the 101 freeway up to Avila Beach. It’s like 2 1/2 -3 hrs north of Los Angeles. Lots of good restaurants, stand up paddle boarding (de pending on weather of coarse. Lots of hiking or running trails. San luis obispo is right there too. Pismo Beach is also right there. You can rent quad runners or ATV’s. I hope that helps.

Reply

Okay, I LOVE that idea Scott!!! That sounds perfect. Thank you!

Reply

Love the Vlog.
Christmas: Quick trip to Hawaii?
If staying in CA, maybe get yourself a little condo, cabin, or such so you can still cook. Big run with jingle bells on your shoes, cook together, bring one string of Christmas lights, and put on a fireplace drink hot chocolate and watch your favorite Holiday movie.

Reply

LOVE those ideas. Perfection. Sold. Oh and we want to go to Hawaii with the kids soon… Andrew’s brother lives there (along with cousins for the kids) but we are going to go soonish! xoxox hope you are having a beautiful day Erica!

Reply

<3 the Vlog! Andrew – pretty please go check out Pack up + Go for your Christmas vacay. Definitely a very creative idea – they keep your trip a secret until you go to the airport! I recently did a quick 3-day trip with them and LOVED it! Highly recommend, they took into account what I was interested in and sent me off to Portland, ME it was really cool and incredibly fun not to know where we were going. Maybe that won't help with staying local but – definitely keep it in your back pocket! Happy and safe travels always.

My mom is super supportive of my running and so is my closest friend! We met in Grad school and have runs several races together. I plan my race schedule around when I can see her and my family. Next year, we plan to do the RunDisney Coast to Coast Challenge together!

I'm hoping for a PR this weekend when I run the Narragansett Half. . . we will see! Last time though was in February at the RunDisney Princess Half Marathon. I personally have never experienced getting an injury during a race (fingers crossed) I'd like to keep it that way, but you never know – just go out and try to be as safe as possible.

I believe soy sauce speaks to the soul. I love all things sweet and sour especially chicken!

Have a fantastic rest of your day! Can't wait to hear about more of your adventures. Happy ALMOST Friday!

Reply

Okay, that is the coolest idea ever. I’m obsessed with that… Sounds like your trip to Portland, ME was amazing and so fun (plus such a cool surprise)!! Loved hearing about your mom and your closest friends:) GOOD LUCK AT your half marathon…. please let me know how it goes. Thanks Allison!!!

Reply

Seeing you so happy makes me happy! I’ve been following you for years and love how you quite literally have always put one foot in front of the other to get to this place :) my suggestion for Christmas is by far Whistler, BC!! You will fall in love. I went with my family and it’s honestly a magical place. If you like it, it’s somewhere you can take the kids back to in the summer so you can share the magic with them too!

Reply

WOW… Alex, thank you so so much!! Okay, Whistler is seriously on Andrew’s MUST GO TO list. I really want to go… seriously this is such a good idea. Thank you. That would be amazing.

Reply

Loved the vlog, as usual! I have to say, I didn’t realize how hard it was for you after the divorce. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s hard to know what someone is going through unless you experience it yourself. It amazes me how you kept this space so positive and so classy by keeping the details private. I’ve always loved your blog but enjoy it so much more knowing you are so happy. Thanks for sharing your life with us!

Reply

Thank you so much Marie. I really appreciate your kind words:) I did have to bite my tongue a few times to avoid blogging about some of the crazy stuff at the time:) Thank you and I hope you are having a beautiful day!

Reply

ok i feel silly for asking this but why can’t I find the vlog??

Reply

Me either!

Reply

phew, glad I am not crazy! I keep refreshing my page but can’t seem to find a link anywhere.

Reply

AHHHH SORRY!!!! I had to update this post to add some pictures of the different accomplishments and for some reason it deleted it. It is now there!!! SORRY!!!

Reply

AHHHH SORRY!!!! I had to update this post to add some pictures of the different accomplishments and for some reason it deleted it. It is now there!!! SORRY!!!

Reply

I can’t find the vlog either!

Reply

AHHHH SORRY!!!! I had to update this post to add some pictures of the different accomplishments and for some reason it deleted it. It is now there!!! SORRY!!!

Reply

AHHHH SORRY!!!! I had to update this post to add some pictures of the different accomplishments and for some reason it deleted it. It is now there!!! SORRY!!!

Reply

Hawaii, Banff, or drive up the 101! :)

Reply

ooooh! I think you would love Bend, Oregon! It’s so gorgeous and very outdoorsy. Skiing, running, mountain biking, etc. You could then spend time up at Mt. Hood for a few days and splurge and stay at Timberline Lodge.

Enjoy your upcoming weekend!!!

Reply

Hey team, a few years ago spent a white Christmas at Mammoth Mountain followed by Tahoe skiing/snowboarding. Not your usual sport, but adventurous and great fun (and will test your legs in a whole new way). Also, those wee towns know how to do Christmas! We are a lot more laid back about Christmas in NZ so it was just magical for us. Andrew dreams of going to Whistler right? I know he’s probably in it for the mountain biking, but you should totally try it out in winter too. Most amazing wee resort town with incredible scenery, so much to do, and amazing food to eat!

Reply

Watched your blog this afternoon. You two crack me up!!! I can empathize with Andrew being a “mumbler”….my boyfriend is asking me to speak more clearly….a lot! :)

Reply

If you are already in Southern CA, go over Catalina Island! They have so many fun things to do over there including scuba and ropes courses. Plus it is beautiful and fun places to eat. You can even rent a golf cart to drive around the island while you are there!

Reply

Brooke and Knox sitting on the curb… reminds me of Where the Sidewalk Ends because you see the sidewalk ends. It’s a collection of poems by Shel Silverstein and at least one of my elementary teachers read from it.

Andrew, I can relate to having my mind move faster than my mouth. Early on my mom was all over it to get me to speak more clearly. My mom is a slower energy than me. I notice people’s reactions at work and elsewhere when I slow down. When it’s slower (to me), it seems to go through their communication filter with EASE and seems to aid understanding – because each side of the communication line has a filter. The big BONUS to me is I don’t have to repeat myself or feel like my message didn’t go through. When I’m sharing these communications, I want them to go through and the faster, the better. Also, there’s less pressure on me to get-it-out; it’s ok to take some more time.

Everyone can use more ease, too, including me. Sometimes I have people ramble at me and I prefer to get it the first time – faster, the better, baby. Besides, I may have follow up questions and I prefer to be getting those in order! A running analogy could be base training – slower to go faster. That’s right.

Reply

Oh, there’s also something about others interrupting if it is their opinion it’s too slow – or, they want to interject and they are impatient. I think this can be implanted early in large families and high energy families.

Until we train ourselves and them and intercept their interruption pattern(s), it helps (me) to remember to stay classy; it’s ok to go slower – I will get my message out even if it’s 15 mins later; and it’s them, not me – TRY to be empathetic and keep my pacing right for the audience.

Reply

Good luck to Andrew! I’m a dietitian but I work with nurses and it is such a great profession!

Reply

My family went sailing in the BVIs one Christmas (with a skipper)….that was fun! Snowmobiling in Yellowstone, skiing in Whistler, Charleston/Savannah, or New York City are also my suggestions. Can’t wait to see what y’all decide! :)

Reply

I am so with Andrew on the In-N-out thing. When we couldn’t get it in Utah we would drive to Vegas and be there when it opened at 10 am then have lunch there and then close it down at 1 am everyday that we were in town!!! It’s the BEST!!!! For Christmas NY is magical that time of year or I would love to go to a cabin somewhere like Montana and just spend time together!

Reply

I’m all about being home for Christmas, but one year, we went to Ruidoso for Christmas and it was pure magic! I live in Texas, so snow isn’t a typical guarantee, so when it started SNOWING on Christmas eve just as we were leaving to find a Christmas eve service, we were all ecstatic!

We strung popcorn and cranberries to decorate a tree and of course, skiing was a big part of the trip! Such a fun fun time!

Reply

We love your long vlog so keep them coming !!

Reply

I think about running without my watch sometimes, but if I do that, then in my mind…the run don’t count. If it’s not logged ya know. So I just try not to look at it. My daughter is a mix of Brooke & Knox. There will be nights when she’s out like a light before I’m even out of her room, then..there…are…nights when I’m like …Just. Go. To. SLEEP ! Same as Knox, just random nice little comments and things to say, so you can’t hardly get mad, but….sleepy time cough medicine (just teasing !!) Nobody call DCFS. So it cracked me up when he kept hollering for you guys during your vlog. Because as I was watching your video, my kid yells “MOM, who are you talking to, I hear people talking.” OMG, go to sleep. Places for Christmas: I love the beach, so I’d always pick the beach no matter what. Runs and walks on the beach, lazy afternoons on the beach. I’m from IL, so it’s a huge treat. But as a kid-less getaway. We went to a cabin in the winter (ours was in Wisconsin), and it snowed, had lots of fires, we walked some trails that weren’t too snow packed, caught up on a few movies we’d been wanting to see. But it was nice to recharge without kids, without work, without the public. Another all time favorite (except you didn’t want to go too far) would be a short little cruise if they have a port out of California. Oh man, I’ve been on a couple cruises and we love them. Took the kids on the Disney Boat. Awesome. The food on the one without the kids…was to die for ! yum. Good luck making your choices.

Reply

HAHHAHAHAHAHAH I just read your comment out loud to Andrew and we are dying! So hilarious. I love that your kids were yelling at you during the vlog! Thanks for the laughs and AWESOME ideas!

Reply

Where did you get Brooke those super cute hoodie and leggings? I think that I want it in my size/for my lil one!

Reply

HEY!!! I got them at Old Navy:) I buy a lot of her clothes there lately… so much good stuff!

Reply

I love how excited Andrew gets for VLOGS now :)

Reply

I liked hearing more from Andrew. I could understand him very well – great job Andrew! :) Sound was also much better this time. Thanks for doing these.

Reply

A couple of years ago, our family drew a permit to hike The Wave ( just over the Arizona border from Utah-google it!) for the day after Christmas. It was amazing! We went to Bryce Nat’l park after too. Since then, my husband has decided we go on hiking adventures in southern utah in the days after Christmas- we went to Devil’s Garden area last year and are still deciding on a spot for this year.

Reply

I would say since it’s a different year for you guys without the kiddos, do something completely different than what’s “traditional” and do beach vacation or a cruise or something. Something sunny and more exotic would be awesome.I recommend little beach cabins at the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego. They have the Christmas tree and all that, but also the beach and lots of places to run, ride bikes, etc.

Reply

My husband also runs so he’s pretty supportive of all things running (except when I want to run a race he doesn’t want to do and then it’s like I have to beg for him to agree over the financial aspect of registration).

Unfortunately I haven’t had a PR in quite a few years. My last was at Rock n’ Roll St.Pete in 2012? It was before I started nursing school (while also working a full time job that averages 60 hours a week). And my running, okay training, went downhill from there. I’m an RN now and only working one job…..I still run, I just don’t have the time to dedicate to my speed and endurance. I actually found it easier to train when I had a toddler in a jogging stroller than I do now that they are all in school. How can that be?!

I injured my IT band (way up in my hip) in the Disney World marathon at mile 5! I had struggled with it all during training but really really pulled it going up an incline in the race. The following 21 miles were not pretty!

Favorite Chinese food? Bourbon Chicken!

Reply

My son sounds like Knox’s bedtime twin. We allow him to play in his bed, and he gets two visits after lights out, then he needs to navigate falling asleep by himself. Most nights it takes him 60-90 minutes of gymnastics and playing Monions and having parades to wear himself out. We stick with 7-7:30 PM lights out because we need adult time/eat dinner/work out/catch up on work.

My favorite Christmas as a couple was our first Christmas. We got married 12/19 and left two days later for our Honeymoon in New York. We’re from Texas, but had met up there during spring break (we’re teachers) when we first started dating. We revisited several spots from that trip and enjoyed the sights of New York at Christmas time – Rockefeller Center, the Radio City Christmas show, etc. It was wintry and magical and fun!

Reply

One year for Christmas we went to Banff, Canada! It was a magical winter wonderland, especially if you like to ski!

Reply

You should go to Hawaii! It is a direct flight from LAX, not too expensive, and since you will likely be doing Christmas with Knox and Brooke before or after Christmas, and since you always have plenty of snow in Utah, this will be like a romantic tropical Christmas! Mangoes, runs on the beach, fresh sashimi, snorkeling, fun fun fun!

Reply

My husband and I go to a movie and have chinese food every year for Christmas. A few years ago we went to Chicago and it was beautiful! Ice skating in millenium Park, all the giant CHRISTMAS trees – it was awesome!

For you – this year we’ll be in AZ for Christmas with my family and since your brother loves there and you have friends there – any recommendations on places to hike, foods to eat (Oregano’s!), or cool photo ops? We’ll be in the Phoenix/Tempe area if that helps :-) Thanks!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *