10 Things I miss about marathon training and I REALLY need your recommendations on something!

Let’s take a minute to chat about Sunday!

Brooke was the first one up (well, Andrew was gone long before that)!

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Knox’s morning hair makes me really happy.

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We went to church and these two came home with crowns!

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This might be a little premature but the kids wanted to make Halloween cookies and it sounded like a wonderful idea to me too.

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They are the official decorators!  I have one recipe that I LOVE for sugar cookies (I swear it is the best ever… it is a copycat recipe to Kneaders cookies).. you can find the link to it here!  They are thick and soft and the flavor is amazing (I don’t add the nutmeg that the recipe calls for).

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Dinner was over at my sister’s house!!

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Sweet potato fries from Costco, burgers and salad… hit the spot.

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After dinner I went on a walk with my sister and parents and then I was in bed by 8:30 because… yeah, I really like my bed at this point in my life.

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The St. George Marathon (my favorite one:) is in less than three weeks and I have a bunch of friends running it this year!  For the past three Septembers I have done the whole ‘peak week  followed by a few weeks of taper’ thing to prepare for this marathon.  This September I am beyond thrilled to be in the stage of life that I am in right now but it is definitely different!  There are a few things that I miss about marathon training (and who knows… maybe next September I’ll be tapering for the St. George Marathon ((if my body cooperates)) so I wanted to share a few things and let me know if you can relate!

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1.  Training for something hard together with your friends.  There is a bond that forms with your running buddies that is something else! Do hard things together = best friends forever.

2.  The excuse to buy a new running outfit… I am positive my marathons are 74% more fun when I wear something new (after testing it out once on a long run before race day).

3.  Marathon Training HUNGER.  Weird thing to miss right?!  I am not feeling very hungry lately especially at night (a bit of nausea has returned) and I’m missing that hungry feeling followed by loading up on all of the carbs that accompanies a lot of miles for me:)

4.  The bus ride to the starting line… for some reason that is just my favorite.  It isn’t exactly part of marathon training but there is something so fun about being on the bus driving to the start with all of these people that also paid money to go run for a very long time;)

5.  4:xx alarm clocks to get in 20 miles before the rest of the day starts… jk, I don’t miss setting my alarm clock for that time.

6.  All of the chafing… oh wait, that happens more than ever now for me ha.

7.  I miss having a training plan!  Right now I run exactly what my body tells me to each day which is perfect for the season I am in but I miss those training plans!  I miss seeing a run coming up that I think might be impossible and then proving myself wrong a few days later by accomplishing it!

8.  To go along with the above one… CHECKING OFF those crazy runs.  Doesn’t it feel so good to finish the hard stuff and put a check mark next to the workout.  Love that feeling.

9.  Seeing the adaptations that your brain and body make over the weeks with your speed and endurance.  The first 4ish long runs are always a struggle for me because my body is not sure why I’m running so long.

10.  Going into the taper knowing you gave it your all.  Thinking back over all of the long runs, tempo miles, speedwork and time you spent dedicated to your goal and then taking it easy until race time!

PS just in case you are tapering soon:

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While there are definitely things that I miss right now, it’s really nice to have a fall off from marathon training too:)  I don’t miss my marathon toenail situation, some of the anxiety that comes with marathon training or feeling those pains/niggles/injuries that sometimes come along with all of those miles/speed.  It’s sure nice to have a break every now and then because those breaks are what make us more hungry to hit our goals when the timing is right in the future!

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Just in case you missed last week… the three most popular posts were:

*Can’t Stop + 20 Interval Workout for YOU to DO!

*Be That Tough Runner, the Tough Times Don’t Last.

*Do you panic when this happens + a workout playlist + running sure knows how to humble me;)

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And finally, an important question…  I have a few face masks that I’ve used and loved but I’m wondering if you have any that you recommend with every fiber of your being.  I’m craving a killer face mask or something (I know pregnancy cravings are usually for food but this counts too;).

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I have an AMAZING giveaway for you on my Instagram today HERE!  I am giving away a NordicTrack X22i Incline Trainer!  I am obsessed with mine and I am so excited to be able to give away one!  Back to school—>  Back to the treadmill for me this year!  I have been running before the kids wake up each morning because from there on out the rest of the day is nuts!  It’s so nice to have the option to run when it is dark (and now starting to get cold) outside and I love being a few steps away from the restroom.  I know that when our new little girl comes I’ll be using the treadmill to get my runs in (just like I did when Brooke was a baby:) and I can’t wait!  I was provided the product and compensation in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion!

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What do you miss about training when you aren’t training for a race?

What was your favorite part about your weekend?

Any face masks that you absolutely LOVE!?  PLEASE SHARE!

Who is tapering right now or will be soon!?!?  What is the hardest part of the taper for you?

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47 comments

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Those sugar cookies look great, and I really want one!!

When I’m not training for a race, I really miss the feeling of working toward a goal. Right now, I’m still trying to get back to normalcy and run without feeling completely exhausted after my two kidney surgeries, but it’s going to take some time. Hopefully someday I’ll be racing again and get to feel all of the thrills that come along with it!

My favorite part of my weekend was spending so much time with my sister. We drove from Texas to California together to get me moved out here, and it was so nice to have her along for the journey. By the way, we ate at a Cafe Rio Saturday night, and you’re right–IT’S SO GOOD! It’s within walking distance of my new place, so I have a feeling I’m going to be a frequent customer. :)

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When I’m not training for a race, I miss hanging out with friends. A lot of my friends, we run together and so not training means less time seeing each other. Although diners are always an option.

I’ve been looking for a good face mask so I’m definitely interested in what people recommend.

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Those sweet potato fries from Costco look delicious! Do you know if they are Kirkland brand?

I really love the refrigerated face masks from Lush. My three favorites are the blueberry one, the garlic one, and the honey scrub one. If you don’t mind the smell of garlic, that one has done wonders for my face over the years and I would totally recommend it to even out skin tone and calm down breakouts!

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A refrigerated masks… that sounds really cool! I might have to wait for the garlic one until after this pregnancy but I want to try the blueberry one asap! THANK YOU Allison and I hope your day is a great one!

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I’ve never thought to make Halloween sugar cookies (we always make Christmas ones) but that is brilliant! I definitely want to try the recipe that you recommended!

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I’ve tried out a lot of masks over the years, including all of the fan favorites like GlamGlow and the Aztec Indian Healing Clay (which is awesome, but you have to mix ingredients and you can’t rinse it down your drain – too much of an ordeal). I want something that shows RESULTS and isn’t a laborious. The Origins Clear Improvement clay mask is that mask. I buy the travel size because it’s more affordable and it lasts a long time actually. My pores are cleared out and smaller immediately; my skin feels great. I leave it on a bit longer than they say too. Good luck!

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THANK YOU SAM… this sounds like exactly what I want. Thank you x a million!

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Oh boy am I experiencing those same feelings of missing marathon training. I am nursing an achilles injury right now so my hometown marathon (CIM) will not be in the cards for me this year. What I miss the most is the long runs and that feeling after, plus the carb-loading (pasta dinners) I would have the night before those runs. I live right near a gorgeous river bike/running trail so I experience some serious FOMO as I see all those runners going past my house on their way to/from the trail but realize that in the long run-allowing my body to heal is the right choice.

I am OBSESSED w/face masks and luckily they are cheap enough ($2-3) where you can try a ton. Ulta has some good ones and I just bought the Garnier moisture mask that I plan to use this week. I’m all about the moisture/hydration. My 45 year old face isn’t getting any younger.

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Rosie, I am so so so sorry about your achilles injury and that you will be missing out on CIM! Yes yes yes to the things you are missing. Oh FOMO is the worst with running. How about we both do CIM in 2018 (it is one I really want to do)!!? Thanks for the recommendations… I need them! Have a great day Rosie!

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Oh my word, that graphic is too true! During my marathon taper, I just wanted to lock myself in a bubble and be away from sick people. Of course, I tapered in the middle of winter so there were sick people EVERYWHERE! I agree with the training hunger. It’s weird but I miss it too because I know it means lots of yummy food and then a long run the next day! I had a recovery week so I had a short run on Saturday. Rest was nice!

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I love the red clay mask from first aid beauty! Here’s a link: http://www.ulta.com/skin-rescue-deep-cleanser-with-red-clay?productId=xlsImpprod15601031
Also I’m pretty sure I leave your posts every day with a new recipe to try lol. But I don’t hate it at all! The best part of my weekend was spending it uninterrupted with random things that came up and getting ready to print the last of the pictures I need for my boyfriend surprise scrapbook that he’s getting for our anniversary! After we go apple picking I can print them all and finish it up. Have a great day Janae :)

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THANK YOU FOR THE LINK Maureen! I need to get this one, it looks awesome! Oh I love that you are doing the scrapbook for your boyfriend, Andrew did something like that for Christmas and it is still my favorite gift! Enjoy your apple picking, sounds like a blast!

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I entered the treadmill giveaway! Fingers crossed, I would love a new treadmill! I have an old one that I’m sure isn’t completely accurate :/
I miss running with a group for long training runs! I usually run by myself, but I would make an effort to find a running partner or two for a long run so I wouldn’t get bored or run too fast.
My favorite part about this weekend was time with family on the lake and celebrating my mother-in-law’s birthday!
And my favorite face mask is from LUSH – I love the Mask of Magnaminty. Do they have LUSH where you live?!
Enjoy your day!

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That burger and fries looks amazing, and the cookies too!
I really like the Karuna sheet masks and the Sephora brand ones but they can get kind of pricey. I tried one of the rubber masks (I think it was Dr Jart+) and it kept sliding off of my face!
I am officially in taper mode right now for Chicago!! We had our 20 miler yesterday and someone said there was a heat index of 90 around the time we finished. There was a bit walking involved, but I walked with a purpose, and I feel like my legs are ready as they will ever be. That list is hilarious, and so true. Happy Monday!

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I think I miss the structure and motivation from a training cycle the most. When I don’t have something to train for I have a hard time keeping at it

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My favorite part of my weekend is that it is over. ;) None of it was bad but three days of constant go, go, go with only enough time to sleep midnight to 5:30am every night…glad it was there but also glad it is done!
My taper struggles are always the phantom aches and pains…what on earth is up with that?! You would think your body would be happy you’re not pounding the crap out of it but instead it complains.

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Happy Monday, Janae! I entered the giveaway too; how exciting! I would be over the moon excited to have a new one. My old one may be losing its life, it’s over a decade old!

I miss the added motivation that training brings! It helps me hit smaller goals when I know I’m committed to a race.

Korean skin care masks (like TonyMoly) are worth trying! Korean skin care is major and they are serious about it!! :)

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First of all…Knox’s hair!! Love it!!! The third pic needs to be framed.
Y’all are definitely the good hair family. Between Brooke, your sister, nieces and you – I have SERIOUS hair envy.

I can’t wait to try that cookie recipe. I LOVE frosted sugar cookies so much!!

I like the structure of a training plan and doing certain things on each day of the week. I also like the idea that I’m working towards a goal or just improving to be better than I was last week/month/year.

I’m interested in face mask recommendations too. I’ve used Origins Clear Improvement and I like that one, but I’d love to try some sheets masks.

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I LOVE training plans – or any kind of plans in general. Something that tells me what to do and requires zero independent thought by me? It’s my favorite and it makes me feel so much less responsibility to wonder if I’m doing something right and instead focus on just getting something DONE.
Favorite part of the weekend was hanging with family – we have a little boy who is TALKING and repeating things and it’s SO fun! Also, lots of good morning exploring with half pajama’d kids is adorable.

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I’m going to give you my secret SECRET. I always had terrible hormone related acne even into my 40s…so then I had wrinkles and acne. fun times. I have tried every. thing. to make my skin to feel good, clear acne, be brighter and smooth. A few months ago I discovered Dr. Gross facial peels. It’s expensive but cheaper than prescription stuff AND it works. I’ve quit wearing foundation now, I moisturize with sunscreen and wear loose powder. Still lip gloss, mascara and blush.
I wash with am/pm a low ph cleanser.
https://www.amazon.com/Dennis-Gross-Flawless-Moisturizer-Treatment/dp/B014LLQT4Y/ref=sr_1_15_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1505743972&sr=8-15&keywords=dr+gross

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RACHELLE…. I can’t thank you enough for sharing this with me! I just put it in my shopping cart! Thank you SO SO much. I can’t wait to try it. I hope you have a wonderful week!

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I totally miss how productive I feel during training. Even on a day when I’ve only managed to complete my run and refuel, I feel like I’ve really accomplished something!

My favorite part of my weekend was getting some “me” time with a mani/pedi! Ruby Red toenails and a grey/beige glitter mani (the polish name was “breakfast at tiffany’s” and it sparkles like mad during runs!)

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I know how you feel with missing the training life! I love the structure training gives my weeks; knowing when/how long you’re going to run helps inform when/how much you’re going to eat, shower, lay around, etc., etc….Training makes life more predictable!
I like the super affordable Freeman’s avocado and oatmeal clay masks; you can get them at Target or Walmart and they really soften my skin and clear my pores!

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As far as face masks go, I’m currently I need love with L’Oreal Pure-Clay Mask. I’ve been using it 3x/week and any blemishes/oily skin issues I had are gone!

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REALLY!?!? Okay, that is AWESOME… off to go find that! Thank you so much and I hope you have a wonderful Monday!

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I just finished my marathon yesterday (!!!!) so now I am in full on recovery mode! I am already missing my training plan, haha! The marathon went really well, except for the heat – we had an unexpected heat wave and it ended up hitting around 80 degrees once I hit around 20 miles. That was fun ;) Landon and I ended at 4:32:32! Not as fast as I was hoping, but for my first, I will take it! The marathon, obviously, was my favorite part of the weekend!

Just posted my full recap, on the blog, in case you want all the details ;)
http://www.luluruns.com/marathon-weekend-recap-this-will-probably-be-a-long-one/

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CONGRATS BETHANY!!! AHHHHH I love that you and Landon finished hand in hand!!! The pictures of you along the way on the course were amazing too. Huge congrats girl, loved the recap and RECOVER WELL!!

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Wow, you and your sister look so much alike now.
And yes to making cookies a month early. Who wants to wait that long anyway? :-)

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I love that she darkened her hair so that we could look more alike now:) I hope you are having a beautiful day Karen!!

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I really enjoy making face masks out of bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. It’s messy but feels awesome!

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Ummm that is AWESOME Meagan! I am going to have to try that!!!

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When not training for a race specifically I miss the “purpose” of each run. I’ve always been the runner who does well knowing why I am doing each run the way I am, what am I supposed to get out of it(even if its just slow recovery miles). BUT with that said I have really learn to appreciate miles for miles lately with postpartum running and enjoying running for the sake of running. It’s kind of fun to just go out and run and see what happens, but at the same time having a plan helps me because well…working mama needs plans and schedules!

I really like this mask from the body shop (http://amzn.to/2xswfQL), and a good cheapo drug store mask that I have used for years is this one (http://amzn.to/2xfPg8A)

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Number 8: i totally feel ya!!

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Those cookies!!! Wanting one now! So when you decide or kids decide they want to make these do you just happen to always have those ingredients and toppings on hand?

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HEY MARY!! Yeah, we usually make sure to always have cookie ingredients at home but toppings usually are the struggle. Luckily we had sprinkles from last year and candy corn from my secret stash haha! I hope you are having a great day!

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My fave part of our weekend was taking my little guy to visit my mom, my sister and her family. We love getting to see them (they live about an hour away), and my little one loves to play with his cousins!

Favorite mask: https://www.beenaturals.com/product/face/mask/detox-facial-mask/ It smells great to me (very medicinal), and it makes my skin feel oh-so-good.

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Okay, I don’t sell these products, so I’m not trying to drum up business or anything–lol, but I recently tried Beauty Counter products for the first time and tried their Brightening Mask–I’m a fan! I’ve heard good things about their Charcoal Mask, too! They’re slightly more pricey than something from Target, but they’re more than a one-time use product, also, as they come in a tube! :)

What do I miss about training–just the regimen. I like having a plan set by my coach and following it–gives me purpose. I’m currently dealing with a strained calf muscle 2 weeks out from my marathon and am most likely NOT running the marathon rather than risking further strain. While it makes me sad, I know it’s more smart to look at the global picture–I just want to be able to run. Anywhoo, right now I’m missing EATING whatever I want. Salad land sucks right now. ha ha

I saw your post on Insta of the Halloween cookies. They look awesome. I love the way they look THICK, too, and with ICING! Yummmmmm!

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Jen, I am so beyond sorry about your calf and especially so close to your marathon. You are being SO smart looking at the big picture. Please keep me updated with how you are doing! THANK YOU for the recommendation, I need to try the Brightening Mask ASAP. Thank you Jen!! I hope you have a thick sugar cookie soon:)

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I am not in taper mode, I am in build up mode! I have a half marathon on Nov 4 and my longest run is only 8 miles right now. I know I have over a month, but I get nervous because it has been hard to hit the 10 miler I want because the dang heat still thinks it’s summer here! 88 is the high the next three days………ugh! Still going to try on Wednesday for 10 miles………with lots of ice packs, cold water, and minimal clothing!

I need to try that recipe……sugar cookies are delish!

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I love bentonite clay mixed with apple cider vinegar (it’s not a sheet mask) and even though it stinks, it draws ALLLLLL of the crap out of my face, and it’s free of sketchy chemicals.

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I swear by Mary Kay’s Charcoal Mask…I just started using it a month ago and I can see the difference already!! It really is amazing!!!!

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I’ve been loving the Pure Clay Mask from L’Oreal. It’s great even on my sensitive skin, leaving it feeling super soft. Plus it’s a great price.

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I seriously miss marathon training too! Because of busy schedules and injury (pout), I haven’t had a run over 15 miles since May. I miss being able (physically and logistically) to just run for 2+ hours… then go home and eat like a wolf and sleep like a rock.

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I can totally relate to missing marathon training as I’m 36 weeks pregnant! I miss the early morning Saturday long runs with friends and that tiredness and hunger that makes you feel entitled to eating and resting for recovery!

The baby movements bring me back to the love and excitement I feel for my little guy! I hope next fall to be marathon training again!

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This charcoal mask is everything! We just got back from seeing our family for the first time in a year and my husband’s family asked what he was doing because he looked younger now than years ago….. I laughed so hard because he did not want to admit he’d been using this charcoal bar and mask!

http://www.beautycounter.com/bethanyparvin?goto=skin-care%2Fmasks%2Fno-3-balancing-facial-mask.html

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I am in LOVE with the Origins Rose Clay mask. I have suffered from hormonal acne and my skin ALWAYS feels and looks better when I use this mask regularly. http://www.origins.com/product/15346/36821/skincare/treat/face-masks/original-skin/retexturizing-mask-with-rose-clay

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I miss the post long run hunger too! I hated the early morning wake up times, but LOVED the feeling after being done before breakfast and having the rest of the day to lounge :)

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