**Happy Monday! I hope your Monday has been a good one so far. We are leaving this frozen tundra of Utah to go to HAWAII for a week! Andrew and I decided a few months ago that for our birthdays this year, we just wanted to do a family trip together instead of presents. We found crazy cheap tickets, we are staying with some family/friends and they have a car for us to use so we are all set to go. I’m excited to trade in the snow running for a bit and see what the sun looks like again because I have almost forgotten.
**We stayed at Andrew’s parents house so we could get to the airport quick this morning. We snuck out for a run first thing while the kids were asleep. I’m very happy that he is game for early 19 degree runs with me… even though he wore SHORTS and no gloves. I seriously do not understand how he doesn’t freeze but he said he felt great. This was one of those runs where I felt chilled to the bone from the wind by the end of the 7 miles.
**Mountains way far away out there… I love running where there is a whole lot of nothing.
**We had eggs and pancakes and then we were off for the airport. The kid’s each have backpacks full of stuff to attempt to keep them entertained on this long flight.
**Knox’s favorite way to travel.
**We found out our flights are delayed 4+ hours so we went on a lot of walks.
**And got our sunglasses ready for our trip.
**Yeah, we were bored for a while ha.
**Ready to GO!!!!!
**There needs to be water fountains for water bottles everywhere. Thank you SLC airport.
**Monica nailed it with this one. I’m so glad that others agree with me on how awful Olives are:)
**Doesn’t matter if people are playing with him or not… Monopoly is life.
**Ever run some sort of PLUNGE race during the winter? I cannot even imagine jumping into the lake as a part of a race but it turns out people do it…
**Andrew is the constant jungle gym.
**Sometimes I find Beretta sleeping/hanging out like this. Body on the carpet and head on the hard surface… I don’t get it.
**Just proud of her MOM sign that she put on the wall. NBD.
**A picture from a few weeks ago but it makes me happy.
**Just in case you have ever wondered about which donut you are… you can find out here.
**My mom told me that she drools every time she sees Chip cookies on my blog but they don’t deliver to where she lives so we brought them over to her instead. My mom gave them a 10/10 rating and she doesn’t exaggerate about food items like I do so you can truly trust her opinion.
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Ever been to Oahu before? Any recommendations?
-I went to BYU Hawaii but that was almost ten years ago… it has been a long time since I have been here!
What are your feelings on olives? Andrew loves them… I don’t ever want to eat one for the rest of my life.
Have a water bottle that you love? What brand is it? Anyone else use a hydroflask? I nearly have a heart attack anytime I think I lose it because I love it so much.
What was the temperature for your run today?
56 comments
Tiffany @ The Chi-Athlete
OH MY WORD, how fun! Harry will be so happy to hear that *we* need to plan a trip for *us* now. :P Y’all have a BLAST! I can’t wait to see all of the pictures and to read all of the fun stories!
I never leave anywhere without my CamelBak CHUTE.<3
Olives ======= thumbs down. WAY DOWN. FOREVER WAY DOWN.
Sally @ sweat out the small stuff
I love kalamata olives but not a fan of regular black olives.
Enjoy your trip!
Katrina
Have an amazing time!! We will be on the Big Island at the end of March for 9 days – cannot wait!!!
Mel_OutRunCF
I hope you guys have a great vacation! Sunny and warm sounds SO good!
Priscilla
We just got back from Oahu about 3 weeks ago, but my heart is still there! If you are looking for yummy food, try Titas Grill on Kamehameha highway, kinda near the North Shore. It’s not much to look at, but it was my favorite meal-fish and mango salsa-YUM! Have fun!
Hollie
Oh wow, have fun in Hawaii. I agree that it’s so much more fun doing experiences. That is partially why I like racing so much. Fun times versus paying for things.
I was delayed in Newark airport for 12 hours once…I had to walk around…I do not sit still well.
Michelle Kim
Love Oahu! Go to Marukame if you want to try fresh udon noodles (Japanese noodle soup dish). So good and the long lines move quickly!
Bethany @Luluruns
Oh my goodness- that sounds like so much fun! Enjoy Hawaii! I love the idea of taking a trip versus gifts > family trips/experiences are about 1037 x better than stuff!
Kathy McElhaney
Pretty sure I sent you a bunch of recommendations for Oahu already, have a blast!!
I love olives, my grandfather grew them so they are a big part of my childhood memories.
It was 44 while I was on my bike this morning. That’s cold for So Cal!
Rebekah
We’re going to Oahu in a month for today. I’ll defiantly be reading to see what you recommend!
I love my hydro flask too; I have the same one as you in green.
Brittney
We live on Oahu. Favorite restaurants include Dat Cajun Guy food truck on the North Shore, Haleiwa Joe’s that is in Kaneohe not Haleiwa (gorgeous views!), donuts from Regal Donuts (buttermilk and apple fritter are awesome!), and if you are looking for a fancy meal, Roy’s is excellent and has a great kid’s menu (we prefer the Hawaii Kai location for great sunset view). Our favorite poke place is Fresh Catch in Kaneohe. Favorite beaches are Lanikai and Waimanalo on the windward side and Sunset or Lost Beach on the North Shore. Just make sure to get out of Waikiki as much as possible. I hope you have a blast!
Jessica
Have an amazing time in Hawaii!!
All the olives you and Monica want to pass on, you can send them along to me. Olives are one of my FAVORITES. And if they’re cheese-stuffed?? WATCH OUT!
Amber
Yes! Have a lovely time in Hawaii. I’d love to go one day. I love black olives in subway or on a pizza, yum. I ran/ walked 23.5km on Saturday with friends, it was an off-road hiking trail that I don’t recommend running unless you want an injury;) Great time with friends though.
Megan D
I love that your mom is sportin the ON too ;) She is too cute.
Of course you are creme filled donuts, because filled donuts are THE BEST. I do prefer custard to cream though. Speaking of, Leonards on Oahu has the best filled malasadas!
I love olives. Mmmmmm. Salt. I llike black olives, but not when kalamata olives were supposed to be on my salad.
I am sorry about your plane delay. I hope it doesn’t get pushed back anymore and you get there tonight!
mallory
oh…so jealous, have the best time!! would love to go to hawaii some day, maybe for the honeymoon if my bf and i ever get married;)
i loooove olives. always have since I was a little girl and would request black olives on my pizza (i know, incomprehensible to you i’m sure!) love love love.
Annie
Janae I’m so so jealous. Hawaii has been on my wish list for so long! I hope you guys have an amazing time and post lots of pics please :)
I hate olives, I actually sent Monica’s post to everyone I know it made me giggle so much.
I love my Cotopaxi water bottle. Like yours it keeps water cold for a long time (I think 12 hours) and part of the proceeds go to charity! You should check them out, they’re a great brand! Plus they have a llama as a logo and I think that’s neat :)
I took my run inside today because even though it wasn’t cold, we got a ton of snow last night and it was slushy and yucky today. All that angel snot really makes your feet cold!!
Leslie
Have an amazing time! I was there last month for the Honolulu Marathon. It was awesome. I survived. Just walk around. The DIAMOND Head hike is AWESOME-even for kids!!! Highly recommend!
Lindsey
Go to the Pineapple Dole Plantation. It has a really fun maze and they serve Dole Whip like they have at Disneyland’s Tiki Room. Have a great time!
Rebecca@RunningFoodBaby
Ohhhh exciting! I’ve never been to Hawaii before.
I love Knox’s backpack!
Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More
I was in Oahu for a week ten years ago this April. I found it to be busy! We had stayed a week in Kauai first. We probably should have reversed that order!
Olives are delicious. The End.
Cheryl Acevedo
Have a wonderful vacation!! Can’t wait to read all about it!
Kate @ SoCal Runner Gal
Ahhhh! HAWAII! How have I never been!? Have so much fun! Can’t wait to see all your gorgeous running pics. Thank god for that instagram husband. ;)
Jill @ RunEatSnap
GAH! Have so much fun in Hawaii!!! That is awesome. I want to go there one day. My run today was a warm 65 degrees here in Nashville – it was amazing!!
Nancy
You sure can keep a secret.
Tina
I’m so jealous you’re going to Hawaii!!! Enjoy!!!! My run at 4:30am this morning was 23 degrees here in New Jersey. I am so ready for spring ???
Emily
Have so much fun in Hawaii!!! It will be so nice to be in warm weather!! I ran my miles on the good old treadmill this morning-I just couldn’t face the 14 degree weather!
Love my hydroflask. My husband got me one for Christmas and I do not know how I lived this long without it!!!
Amanda
I live on Oahu, s much to do here! Depending upon where you are staying, you could have tons of fun things to do near you! You have to do Koko Head stairs…incredible workout and even better views when you get to the top! Makapuu Lighthouse Hike is perfect smaller hike that Knox and Brooke could handle. Whales are out everywhere right now, grab a catamaran or dinner cruise (30-$40) to see them up close!
Ohana Surf Project are amazing teachers if you want to experience surfing and they teach all ages..I have seen some amazing little ones that rip out there..no fear!
Haleiwa is a must visit up on the North Shore. Haleiwa Joes is a favorite restaurant of mine up there.
Eri
Hi! I’m sorry to butt in- do you like Uncle Bo’s up in Haleiwa? That’s our favorite in north shore!
Amanda
Gosh, I haven’t tried it! I am definitely a creature of habit when I go up there. Haleiwa Joes and Kahuku Farms Farm Cafe are my go-to’s. :-) There are lots of great places, so not surprised I have missed it!
Eri
Oh really- it’s a really nice chill spot! Just watch out tho- if you’re always cold like me, the indoors could be a little chilly so a light jacket is a must for me and my kids.
We also stop by the green world coffee farm all the time! If you haven’t been there yet, you should!
Eri
Aloha! Oh my goodness! Welcome to HI :)
Hope your flight wasn’t too long and too boring!
Today is one of those sunny days that you just want to jump in the ocean! It’s been so cold lately these few sunny days have been a blessing.
Hope you guys enjoy your days out here. There I soooo much to do, so many places to go and see and eat :)
Nina
Have a great trip, it’s been about 13 years since I was there. I do remember there is a park where you can swim with dolphins. (No idea if it’s expensive or not).
I love olives, but I prefer oil cured black olives. They aren’t as salty but they do the trick after a sweaty run.
I have a stomach virus, no exercise at all today. That’s ok, I haven’t eaten either. Tried crackers, no go.
Jessica C
We just went to Oahu with my family over Christmas! It was wonderful!! So excited for y’all!! Our highlights were Dole Plantation (pineapple soft serve!! yes!!), Kailua Beach Park (not as crowded as Waikiki), snorkeling in Hanauma Bay (amazing!! It was like Finding Nemo come to life! Get there EARLY though…SO crowded all day), luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center, and jumping in the waterfall at Waimea Valley on the North Shore.
Have a fantastic time!!! I found Hawaii to be just as magical as promised :)
Nathaly @ NathyCure
I absolutely LOVE olives! and Beretta probably does that because the hard surface will be less warm than the carpet.
Candy
We did Oahu for our honeymoon (coming up on 15 years ago… yikes I’m old). The most favorite thing we did was rent a couple of mopeds and rode up into the mountains a bit. Not sure if you’ll have babysitters while there but it was so fun.
jade
I am SO excited and happy for you guys!! Have an amazing trip!
Jordan
So fun! We leave for Hawaii tomorrow with our two little ones. We will be staying at the Disney resort in Oahu!! Hope you all have a great trip! We are traveling from FL so hoping for a successful plane ride!
Lynn @ The Not Dead Yet Blog
Have fun in Hawaii! I’ve never been, so I’ll have to live vicariously through you.
RE
What airlines has cheap tickets to Hawaii? I’ve never seen cheap flights there and my daughter wants to go!! Enjoy!!!
Patrícia
Hi Janae!
I really really dislike olives and here they serve them in every restaurant as appetizers. ?
Hawaii has been one of my dream destinations for a very long time but i haven’t been there yet so please take lots and lots of pictures and share them with us. I can’t wait to follow along with you guys.
Have a great time!
Maggie L
I got married in Kauai and am super Jealous of your trip!! Have so much fun!!
Arthi
Ahhh Hawaii!! Have so much fun!! I went there in middle school (way too long ago) and can’t wait to get back! I actually just got a save the date for my friend’s wedding and it’s in Oahu in May … So excited!
Tonya Hancock
Do you all have birthdays in January? I am so glad you took my suggestion to go to Hawaii! Great choice. I like Hawaii the best, Kauai second, and Maui third, but there are fun things to do on every island and your cANNOT beat the food and the weather!
-I love olives, especially freshly made ones in Greece!
My water bottle is Swell. I have 5 little ones, two big ones, and one gigantic one. Similar concept to Hydroflask, double insulated, but bottle shaped and majorly cool designs/colors.
Today it was 17. With icy snowy streets that are two way but only wide enough for one car and no sidewalks. So I ran on the treadmill. But hey – I got it done – yay!!
Monica
Do you hate ALL olives? Because I only grew up knowing about those awful green with mystery red crap stuffed in them kind, but in my early 30’s tried the black ones and liked those. (On stuff like burritos and pizza… I still can’t eat them straight like my daughter does – by the can…)
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona
Have lots of fun in Hawaii! I had a friend move there a few months ago and the photos she posts are gorgeous!
Taylor
So jealous you guys are going to Hawaii!! Have so much fun!! I love my Swell water bottle! I LOVE olives, but my husband hates them!
Nicole
have a great trip!
michelle
It wasn’t an official race, but my running friends and I did a New Years Day run a few years ago and then jumped into Lake Tahoe. It was 14 degrees outside. Pretty sure I cheated and just dunked my body, but still! Just thinking about it makes me want to be in Hawaii! Have so much fun!!!
Jane @ 50statecanuck
I don’t think I could date/marry someone who didn’t love olives. lol
Seriously though, they really are one of those foods where you either love ’em or hate ’em! And I LOVE them.
I just got back from a 2-week trip to Africa so I understand your excitement to see the sun and experience warm weather running!! Enjoy!!
Jarrelle Cuozzo
Girl friend!!! ENJOY that trip!!!!! I know I am not the only one who can’t wait to hear about this adventure!
Love olives. . I am Italian how can I not!!!!
courtney
Hey are you guys coming to Oahu? If so and you are looking for some killer trails, I would download the AllTrails app! Aeia Loop is a good one, and koko head is very challenging. If you want to go shopping and get in a great workout (the mall is so large it is impossible to walk the entire thing in one day), go to Ala Moana mall. Enjoy your vacation!
LS
Bellow’s Beach is stunning and totally out of the Waikiki madness.
Loribeth
I want to go to Hawaii but I HATE flying. Not sure how that will work……………maybe some sleeping pills will help:) I like my Nalgene bottle…………nothing fancy but it can go in the dishwasher and is easy to replace if I lose it-ha! It is in the 60’s with a chance of rain (small) all week. PERFECT running weather in my opinion! Last week we had a few days with a high of 32 and now it is a high of 65…………..weird weather here in Tennessee! Have a blast in Hawaii (eat all the fresh pineapple you can………..so jealous! I love me some pineapple!)
Stacy M.
I live on Oahu! Go to Banán (http://bananbowls.com). It is sooo good and healthy! My favorite açai bowls are from here (http://www.haleiwabowls.com) at the North Shore. Check out this Jamaican restaurant (http://www.jawaiianiriejerk.com). Snorkel at here https://hanaumabaystatepark.com. This is good for kids as well. A very small “hike” on a paved path that is super kid and stroller friendly is Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail. It has amazing views and you may even get to see the whales out. I believe it is one mile up. There is soooo much to do but I am not sure what is little kid friendly or not considering my boys are a little older and have been hiking since they were little and I wear my daughter. Just look at the surf reports before you go to any beach since it is winter time. Waves are larger than normal this time of year. I hope you enjoy your time! Maybe I’ll run into while running. :)
Stacy M.
I forgot about Diamond Head hike being kid friendly as well since it is mostly paved. Most of the trails I run on have a major climb on elevation. I think your kids could hike any of the pillboxes (Kailua and North Shore).
Jackie
Where did you find cheap tickets?? Most of my family lives in Hawaii but I haven’t gotten to visit for years because of how expensive it is. I guess it depends on where you’re leaving from too though :-)