40!! Rewards of a race!! Please give me your recommendation!!

One of the great benefits of pushing yourself hard in a race… you just take it nice and easy/short until you are ready to go again.  This means for me ignoring the Garmin and just running whatever feels great.  My brother (the one that currently lives in Kentucky) is staying with us for a few days.  It was the best to have him to go with for 4 miles.  My legs are still really sore from Saturday but I’m just telling myself they are so sore because I got out of my comfort zone and it has been a long time since I last did that.

One last race picture:)  My muscles remember these miles like they just happened seconds ago.  PS a little bit different race scene than those big races going on this last weekend!  We sure didn’t see many people along the way.  It was very easy for Andrew to find me.

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Three 4 year olds with birthdays in August, September and October… they were very interested in finding out who was the tallest.  Brooke is currently the tallest.

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They were also very interested in pretending they are wheelbarrows too.

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While my brother and I were out running, my sister-in-law made the most delicious pancakes I have ever had in my life (I am not even remotely exaggerating about this).

For the syrup she used this recipe and for the Japanese Hot Cakes she did this—>  2 large eggs, 3/4 cup plus 1 1/2 tbsp milk, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 2/3 cups flour, 1 3/4 tsp baking powder, 3 tbsp plus 1 tsp sugar.  Beat eggs, milk and vanilla until foamy.  Whisk the dry ingredients and then add to the wet ingredients.  Let sit for 15 minutes and then cook them on the stove!  They taught me to always top them with powdered sugar too… my older siblings always share valuable life lessons with me.

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My brother and his kids are here for spring break and also to celebrate my brother’s birthday!  He is turning 40.

We started off with some time at the park and watching Andrew go around on this thing as fast as possible made me sick just watching it.

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Brooke and I stuck to things more like the swings;)

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For lunch my brother requested Tucano’s.  The best salad bar in Utah.  They also come around with amazing steaks, mango cod and grilled pineapple for you to eat.  Kids under 6 eat free too so we are all big fans of this place ha.

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Most people are embarrassed when a restaurant sings to them, my brother doesn’t know how to be embarrassed.  He also has never had a brain freeze in his entire life, talk about lucky.   I would eat ice cream way faster if this was the case for me.

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Followed by a picture outside with the crew.  We’ve been able to be the four of us (without anyone leaving) for the last week and we still have a few more days like this.  It has been so nice to get all of this time together.

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After lunch my sister had a bunch of free tickets for us to go see Lego Batman.  I’ve already seen this movie so I GLADLY took over hall duty with the little one that doesn’t love the movie.  Don’t mind my gum;)

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We stopped by my parents’ house for a minute afterwards before all going over to the last activity for the day.  I was exhausted ha.

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We picked up my brother’s favorite bday cake (or a box of Swig sugar and chocolate cookies) to go to the BYU gymnastic’s gym for the kids to run around.

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Brooke dusting off her old gymnastics skills.

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Knox has zero fear.  These foam pits take me 7 minutes to get out of… they are a workout in and of themselves.

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Our kids do everything in their power to avoid stepping on cracks but every now and then we try to make it so that they have to and they laugh hysterically trying their best to not step on one.

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I think we all face planted into our beds by the end of the day.

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Something I would love to know… what are some of your favorite documentaries?  I’m always on the look out!  My brother just recommended Broke (about pro athletes and how many of them end up going broke even though they are being paid SO much).   We just finished the OJ Simpson one on Netflix and I’m looking for another one to watch with Andrew!

Two of my favorites have to be A Ballerina’s Tale and The Barkley Marathon.  These athletes inspire me SO MUCH.  I love watching about what they do to prepare themselves for their sports, the highs and lows and I just LOVE Misty Copeland.  She got a really bad stress fracture at one point and ended up practicing HOURS a day laying down on the floor and doing the routines there so she wouldn’t put any pressure on her injury.  Amazing!

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Anyone want to do this race… 104 miles, 48,000 feet CLIMBED… these people are so strong mentally and emotionally.

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Share your favorite documentaries PLEASE!!!  We will owe you big time!

Who has an April birthday?

What does your run look like today? Easy and easy:)

Would you rather run a HUGE RACE or a SUPER SMALL RACE?

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83 comments

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Small race. Although experiencing big races every so often is fun too.

No running today. Still injured. Getting my MRI tonight. Hopefully I’ll know what is wrong with my toe before the week is out.

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The Hunting Game, Somm, the global warming doc with leonardo di caprio (blanking on the name – SO good) oh and Blackfish! Im a huge documentary fiend.. OH the lifetime Amanda knox doc is great too!

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Brooke looks pooped after a long day! I’ve never run any long races before but I’m planning on a half this fall. I don’t think I’m particularly interested in any longer of a race so I’d say I’m a short distance person!

Oh and my husband’s birthday is next week :)

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It’s a strength training day for me today, but tomorrow is an easy three mile run!

I’ve seen the Barkley documentary too – SO CRAZY. I seriously have no idea how these people do it. Have you seen Finding Traction? It’s about ultramarathoner Nikki Kimball as she runs a 273 mile TRAIL RACE. It’s super motivating to watch while running on the treadmill, lol!

April is my husband’s birthday month!! I have a lot of things I am thinking about doing, but I know for sure, I am making homemade donuts first thing in the morning. He loves donuts, almost as much as you ;) so, I am surprising him with homemade, hot donuts in bed! We will see if I can pull it off, haha!

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http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/north-vancouver-runner-s-100-mile-race-ends-in-confusion-heartbreak-1.4053337

Speaking of Barkley Marathon … poor guy. So sad for him

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SIX SECONDS!!!!!! I cannot even imagine!

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But he went off course the last lap (he ended up at the finish from the wrong direction), so was a DQ anyway.
The guy who did finish this year is only the 15th finisher ever! Amazing. But something I am not *at all* tempted to try myself.

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I definitely recommend “Human” by Yann Arthus-Bertrand. I recently watched it during my Transatlantic-Flight and those 3 hours just passed incredibly fast. I was impressed by how similar people think and feel while they are so different. Absolutely worth watching!

And thanks for sharing the pancake recipe – I agree: powdered sugar is a necessity :)

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That sounds amazing Sarah! Cannot wait to watch it. Let me know if you try the pancakes! Have a fabulous day!!!

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Im still on the no running train but i will most likely head to the gym to lift weights. I still am really missing running especially now that the weather is getting nicer, but I just keep telling myself that the end goal of gaining the weight I need to make having a baby possible will make it all so so worth it.
I enjoy both big and small races, they both have their perks. In big races there are usually more spectators so that can kind of help to distract from how hard you are pushing yourself and they are great cheerleaders to help you finish strong.
A documentary I love is The Barkley Marathons, it is about this really obscure and crazy race in the backwood mountain area of Tennessee. And it was actually just run this past weekend. It is really interesting, especially for running nerds like me! :)

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I MIGHT be running a race this Saturday so taking my runs nice and easy this week. Eight on the treadmill this AM!

My birthday is April 23rd!! Usually I hate my birthday, but this year, I’ve decided to accept, embrace, and appreciate getting older and wiser :)

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If you like SNL or Portlandia, try ‘Documentary Now!’, its a series of fake documentaries about ridiculous things but they make them super seriously so its hysterical. I think the race thing depends how you’re planning to run, if you’re super out of shape and just doing it for fun a bigger race is probably better, however if you’re taking it seriously a small race will be more comfortable.

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Haha so instead of Japanese hot cakes I read it as Janae’s hot cakes and I’m not sure why I found it so funny.

I’ve been watching a lot of Netflix and Amazon prime documentaries which I really enjoy.

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BAHAHAH we can totally name them after me;) I hope you are having an amazing day Hollie!

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I hear good things about “Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things.” (I haven’t watched it yet, but it’s on my list!)

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The Barkley Marathon just happened – so I was scrolling through some pictures on Runners World last night, and it made me want to watch it all over again. I LOVED that documentary.

Have you seen Making a Murderer on Netflix? Done more series style – but fascinating, and they’re coming out with more episodes.

As far as races? I think I’ve found my sweet spot is like 500 – 2000 people. Small enough that it’s not crowded, race day logistics are easy, and they can do better food at the finish. But big enough that they have fun swag, and that I’m not stuck running alone. Even as a middle of the pack-er it’s always a fear of mine. My goal HM in a few weeks caps at 900 & I know it’s going to be the perfect size. And it’s an out and back, so I’ll never be alone for too long.

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I just saw an advertisement for a new documentary streaming site called curiositystream.com I will be checking that out – I love a good documentary!

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I am so impressed that your sister-in-law made her own syrup. I have never even contemplated doing that in my life. lol

Documentaries—I liked Blackfish!

My run today—4 miles with the last two around the pace I’d like to run for Broad Street next month. My coach (Mary Johnson :) and I are taking the speed easy peasy as I’m coming back from a little injury :)

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JEN!!! Great workout today and I want to hear about how Broad Street goes for you next week. Glad you are making your comeback from your injury!

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Best documentaries: Meru, First Ascent, the Summit–>These are all mountaineering/climbing. But my favorite is He Named Me Malala. So good!

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THANK YOU for the recommendations… I can’t wait to watch these Lynn! I hope your day is going great! I always love your comments, thank you!

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The picture where you say you’re exhausted is hilarious. The way you’re all piled on top of one another makes it look like you have a giant arm. So funny!

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BAHAHA It totally does! Thank you and I hope you are having a beautiful day!

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You absolutely have to watch the documentary Embrace. Its about loving your body in this society.

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Well that sounds PERFECT to me! Thank you Allison, I have to watch this!

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Ugh since I last commented, I have not run and had to bag my half mary on Saturday. Dealing with some inflammed tendon behind my right knee from a 20 miler on the Boston Marathon course. Stupid weak hamstrings, quads and glutes. I am so anxious to get back up and running to continue my training for the Eugene Marathon. Doesn’t my tendon realize I am trying to BQ here??! SO FRUSTRATING!!!!!

Documentaries…hm, I actually don’t think I have seen any so I am of no help. Sad. But that Barkley one looks great!

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Oh Kim! I am so so sorry that you are struggling so much with this tendon. Breaks my heart. Please keep me updated with how you are doing and I’m so sorry that you missed your race last weekend. Are you working with a PT right now? I hope today is a beautiful day for you!

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Honestly, I still just love the Planet Earth series. It’s like you’re traveling and exploring for 50 minutes haha. And nothing has me on the edge of the couch like a leopard chasing a goat down a steep mountain at breakneck speed.

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If you like ones about athletes, Schooled was good. About the NCAA and how it uses college athletes to make tons and tons of money.

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Oh that sounds amazing… thank you so so much Kayla! I hope you have a fabulous day!

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Right now I am LOVING the documentary series Chef’s Table on Netflix. I also love the Crossfit Games one, Happy (so so so SO good – watch it tonight!), and Somm.

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So I have a question… How did you know when you were ready to sign up for a marathon? I’ve done a couple halfs and have never run further than 13.1 miles. I feel like I’m not a “real” runner til I do a full but I don’t want that to be my motivation. I’m scared of the time commitment (I have 3 kids, 5 and under) and just scared to go that far into the unknown. Help please! :)

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Hey Laura! I LOVE YOUR QUESTION! I kind of want to write an entire post about this… I’ll have it up tomorrow morning if that is okay! THANKS! PS you are amazing—> 3 kids 5 and under!

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I want to try those pancakes! Maybe this weekend. :)

My name is April and yup, I am an April baby…. April 13th!

I have so much stuff on my Netflix list, haha – not sure I will be able to make it through it all.

Have a great day and happy bday to your bro!

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Oh I LOVE that April… HAPPY BIRTHDAY in 9 days:) Let me know if you try the pancakes!!! Thank you!

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I ran a track workout in 40 degrees and POURING rain today here in Boston–I’m hoping the weather gets better for when all of the marathoners come into town! The Amanda Knox documentary and also 13th were both fascinating–and both on Netflix. The other two on my list are Iris and Twinsters–both look awesome!

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Oh we watched the Amanda Knox one too… CRAZY. I want to watch 13th now… thanks! WAY TO GO on getting out for a track workout in the rain and cold!

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Did you see the end to this year’s Barkley’s?! Heartbreaking!! Poor Gary Robbins! I sure hope he comes back and races it again next year. :) <3
http://runningmagazine.ca/2017-barkley-marathons-recap/

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Oh my goodness… I didn’t see that! SIX SECONDS. Oh I would really struggle with that. Yes, hopefully we see him there next year!

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I loved the Barclay marathon documentary! I was honestly tired after watching it ha. Don’t you think the race director is a tad sadistic?

My amazing boyfriend’s bday is April 27! :)

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Those pancakes do look delicious!

The race question is a tough one, but I think I am going to say a huge race. It’s always nice to have other people push you along the way and have people on the streets cheering, as well. I can’t wait to be able to race again!

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There is one on netflix about minimalism…it is pretty interesting! If you search minimalism, it comes right up :) My parents also love the planet earth ones!

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Alive Inside and Twinsters are some of my favorite documentaries on Netflix.

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THANK YOU Deirdre for the recommendations… can’t wait to watch them!

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5 “easy” miles today. I got a sports massage yesterday, so my legs were sore and dead today!

I love big races because the energy is amazing and you learn just how well you can push! I prefer them over small races-I do so much group runs that end up feeling like small races so I love to travel to a big cities :)

Documentaries-I think I’ve watched all the ones on Netflix (anything endurance related is awesome! There are quite a few good ones on biking-Inspired to Ride is fantastic! Also, because I’m a youtube addict-check out the work of Ginger Runner and Billy Yang Films on youtube. These guys are into ultras and have several great films they have made.

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THANK YOU so much Alyena for the recommendations… time to head over to youtube! Glad you had a sports massage yesterday, I need one too!

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I want those pancakes!!!

i tried kodiak power cakes (I think that’s the name) at your suggestion and LOVE LOVE them.

http://cuckoolemon.com

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Oh I am SO happy that you love them Nicole! We love Kodiak Cakes!!! Have an awesome day!

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I think both huge races and small races have their pros. But I absolutely LOVE the energy a big race!!

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Happy birthday to your brother! I am also an April baby – April 6! I think I might have to make those pancakes for my birthday they look amazing!

It’s pouring rain and super windy where I live so today’s run will most likely be 6 easy miles on the treadmill while watching chopped :)

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HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN TWO DAYS LAUREN!! Oh I love chopped! It is really windy where we are too today! Hope your treadmill run was a great one!

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Holy moly, I’m drooling over those pancakes!

I tend to lean toward food documentaries… I particularly LOVE the Chef’s Table series on Netflix. You get a glimpse into these successful restaurants and the innovative, creative minds behind the delicious food. Just make sure you don’t watch them hungry! :)

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HAHA okay, we won’t watch that one hungry:) I always do that! Thank you for the documentary recommendation Vanessa! Have a fabulous day!

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I prefer races that are 2,000 people or less, but bigger ones can be fun too. I just hate having to dodge people for the first several miles while I get into my pace.

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I love Misty Copeland, she’s so inspiring.

I prefer a well organized race, whatever the size. I am normally a middle of the pack runner and I’m good with that. I was at a very small race (200 runners) and I was a back of the packer there. Because a 5K was happening after our half marathon the organizers decided to dismantle the course early. So the last few water stations were gone when I passed them and I got to cross the finish line but people behind me did not. (and they were within the posted time limits of the race). There were also only 3 portapotties for that race. I’ve been to smaller races that were much better organized but that one kind of left a bad taste in my mouth. All I can say is I’m glad I had on my fuel belt with water that day…

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I loved watching the Barkley documentary. Funnily enough, the race was this past weekend, and one of our elite local trail runners (and race director) out of North Van was running the race – it was crazy inspirational watching how his race unfolded. Won’t catch me ever trying to run Barkley ha.

No running at the moment, as I sprained my ankle last weekend so will be a few weeks I think.

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Oh Kristine… I am SO sorry about your sprained ankle. I hope for a speedy recovery for you! Haha yeah I won’t be trying Barkley ever either!

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This documentary isn’t running related, but it is very interesting/intense! It’s called The Imposter and it’s currently on Netflix. Sooo creepy and good.

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I LOVE intense/creepy documentaries… so much. Cannot wait to watch The Imposter! Thank you so much Katrina:)

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I love the Barkley Marathon! I was on Twitter way more than usual this weekend trying to follow along. I think I’d rather run a big race. I really thrive off of the crowd support. I run the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta every summer for that reason!

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I like big races as long as they’re really well run. I’m going to watch that ballerina documentary, I love ballet!

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Small races races all the way! Big enough for crowd support but not more than 1500 is perfect!

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Oh, you HAVE to watch Life in a Day, if you already haven’t. It highlights 4 of the top women ultra trail runners at Western States 100. It’s so much more than running. It left me so inspired. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYgcTJBLwsU

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Oh my goodness… I have never even heard of this! I cannot wait to watch it! THANK YOU SARAH!

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The Barkely Marathons blew my mind!!! It is certainly a mental competition in the end… Physical strength can only get you so far with a beast of a course like that one!

I also have an April birthday–this Friday! My boyfriend and I are going on a 20 mile day hike, followed up allllll the food, and then a movie (if we can stay awake) and bed. Perfect day!

P.S. Your family is so adorable :)

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We just watched Sherpa. It’s about one of the ethnic groups of people that live in the Himalayas and help people climb to the top of Mount Everest. It was really really good.

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WOW… that sounds incredible! Cannot wait to watch it. Thank you Belinda and I hope you are having a beautiful day!

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We just watched Gleason. It’s about Steve Gleason who was an NFL player for the Saints and then diagnosed with ALS. So moving and powerful. You have to watch it!!!

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Wow, that sounds amazing! Thank you Marjie for the recommendation… we can’t wait to watch it. I hope you are having a beautiful day!

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Happy bday to your brother! How awesome you got in a run together to celebrate! He cracks me up with his howling wolf running T.

And love all these documentary suggestions!

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Swings make me more sick to my stomach than things that spin in circles.

All I know is whenever I watch a food related documentary I get upset. Too much conflicting information. All meat. No meat. Only juice. Never any vitamins. I have yet to see one about how only eating ice cream and cookies is bad. So I am gonna go that route in life.

The picture of your brother dancing while being sung to makes me happy. I want him on my team. I think we would get along real well.

April 25th. And don’t you forget it ;)

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Loving the documentary suggestions, and I’ll definitely be checking out the biopic about Misty Copeland, who is amazing.

For those of you who mentioned/liked Somm, there is a short TV series about a group studying for the exam called “uncorked”. It’s pretty similar to the movie but you get to spend more time with each of the somms in it and see them compete in smaller challenges along the way. I’m also in one of the episodes….they were filming at a wine event that I attended, and you can see me for about 10 seconds during a crowd shot. Sour Grapes is also a pretty interesting wine documentary about a crazy wine con.

In sports documentaries, I’ve enjoyed a few football documentary series that are on Netflix. All or Nothing follows the Cardinals for a whole season, but Last Chance U is really heartbreaking– it’s all about students who are at a tiny community college trying to make it into a division 1 school so they can get to the NFL. It really makes you think about how for every huge inspiring success story there must be tons of kids who never make it.

Ballet 422 is also interesting if you like ballet– it focuses on choreography, so you get to see dance from a totally different perspective.

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A huge race! As a 12+ minute miler, the back of the pack can get SUPER lonely on tiny races. While I love the convenience, sometimes it just is really boring and lonely.

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I have an April birthday too (14th) and it’s sneaking up on me quickly this year.

An aerobic base building 50min today, Pilates on Thursday and sprints Friday.

As one of the responders said earlier – a well organised race is my pick. Regardless of size if there is any room for confusion, a lack of facilities it can make for a less than positive experience. That said I absolutely appreciate the commitment and hard work of race organisers and their teams of volunteers (here in Australia a large percentage of course marshalls are volunteers from running clubs who give up the opportunity to compete on that course).

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Audrie & Daisy, hard to watch for many reasons but shows how powerful social media is! Also Blackfish (huge eye opener for me!) and Amanda Knox. Those 3 have been my favourites so far!! I also liked The True Cost, Happy and The Mask you live in (opened my eyes to the pressures young men face and how it’s not just girls that try to live to societies standards). Not a documentary but I totally recommend that you watch 13 Reasons Why!!

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Today’s my birthday! I’ve never met anyone with my birthday, but my sister’s boyfriends birthday is tomorrow so that’s good enough :)

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HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELISSA!! I hope that you have had an amazing day with your favorite treats!!!

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We love watching Chef’s Table on Netflix. Its so good! Going to check out the other ones mentioned on here too.

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Unbranded! It’s a story of four boys (technically, they’re adults, but I’m old…) who take wild mustangs on a journey from Mexico to Canada. It’s on Netflix.

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I absolutely loved watching Barkley Marathon, I even made my boyfriend watch it with me! I would love to have enough will power and strength to complete it someday. Those people are so inspirational!!! I bet you would do outstanding

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Oh my gosh I need to watch that documentary Broke. I nannied for professional baseball players for 6 years (and was the Padres mascot too) and so many of them are Broke now! So sad. Have you watched Making a Murderer?

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As much as I love my RunDisney races, the I’ve also enjoyed the smaller local races!! I did the Color Run in Dallas and while it still had a lot of people, the course didn’t feel as cramped as a Disney race which was nice! I’m glad you all are able to spend so much time together as a family! I’m from Kentucky originally but live in Texas now! I hope your brother likes living there, I miss it some days! :)

My birthday is April 13…yay April birthdays!

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Thank you for the pancake and syrup recipes. They look amazing!

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