How my zits taught me a lesson + I am OBSESSED with this for running.

Seven miles to start out the week!  It felt so nice to be outside for those 7 miles and it wasn’t too cold either.  I did an 8:12 pace and enjoyed my latest running gear obsession…

Last week I lost my wireless headphones.  I loved those wireless headphones and I hope that whoever finds them gets to enjoy them (and has a charger for them so they can work;).  I’m guessing I dropped them in the gym parking lot but we shared many beautiful miles together over the last year.  I’ve heard SO many good things about the AirPods so I used my bday mula and bought myself a pair.

I love them about 586 times more than I thought I would.   They took a few minutes to get used to and in the beginning I was positive they were going to fall out of my ears but they don’t move.  It feels like you aren’t even wearing any headphones and they stay so perfectly in place.  And now I won’t get my necklace tangled up in the wire every time I go for a run.  The sound quality is so good and I am just really excited about these because as you know, when I am running on my own… I am all about my music and podcast episodes.

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You just charge them in this little box and they turn on when you put them in your ears.  Fun stuff.  I get really excited about running gear and a few of you have told me that I needed to get these so I’m sure you understand my excitement.

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Before I left on my run, Brooke reminded me to turn off the alarm before leaving.  She has a better memory than me… I’ve set the alarm off quite a few times when leaving for my morning run.

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During my run I listened to Tina Muir’s Running for Real podcast with Kim Jones (Let Go of Your Fear of Failure) and her story is amazing.  She has a running pr of 2:26 for the marathon along with many other running accomplishments… she has been through so much and I loved hearing about her perspective on running and overcoming obstacles.  PS the part about the milk dud made me laugh pretty hard if you listen to it.  Has anyone read Kim’s autobiography, Dandelion Growing Wild?  I really want to now!

After I got done getting ready I came out to Andrew working at the kitchen table on school and taxes and he asked me if I wore stripes because Skye was wearing stripes.  The answer was yes, 100% yes.

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A few hours later Brooke, Skye and I went to lunch with some friends to Cubby’s.  Those sweet potato fries are #2 in the state (IMO) and their buffalo chicken salad is something else, I want another one now.

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Beretta always finds the most comfortable places to nap while we are gone.

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We celebrated Brooke’s favorite day of the week—>  gymnastics day!

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Skye and I did a great job watching..

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And then watching some more once we got home (with an outfit change in between).

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We love this dinner lately because it is so easy, Brooke loves it too and it is packed with goodness… Some brown rice, roasted broccoli, chicken and cheese.

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Andrew ran directly after eating this dinner (within minutes)… I think that might have killed me!

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And this is how my night ended.

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When I was a teacher, I rarely even planned much for my classes on National Pancake Day because I swear 99.9% of my students would skip school to go get free pancakes (there was an IHOP close by).  If you want free pancakes, don’t forget to go today.

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PS I came across this picture of Mer and Brooke at just a little bit older than Skye and it made me happy.

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When I got home from my run yesterday I started staring at the zits that have popped up postpartum.  During pregnancy, my skin was the best it has ever been so I think post-pregnancy = my face has to make up for lost time.  From there I started looking for grey hairs to pluck (Andrew hates it when I do this… I need to stop) and then my thoughts went to things like postpartum body stuff, new wrinkles that are developing and some tired eyes.  Those negative thoughts, they sure are a slippery slope.  Once they start, if you don’t stop them… they multiply and spread quickly.  I thought I would share the thing that popped into my head when those thoughts were flowing.

Do I remember other people in my life for how many zits they have?  For what they look like?  What they wear or for their size?

Absolutely not.

What do I remember about them?

The way they make me feel, funny memories we have together, things they have said that have lifted me up, times they were there for me, how they carried themselves with confidence etc.

Why would I think that the people in my life would ever care about silly things like my current skin situation?

And if they did notice/say something/care about things that I might feel insecure about… then I probably shouldn’t care about their opinion in the first place.

It was a few minutes alone in the bathroom where I had a nice perspective revaluation and kicked myself in the butt to start thinking about how I need to work on how I make people feel rather than spending time thinking about a few zits.  It was a nice little reminder.

So, thank you zits for reminding me of what matters a heck of a lot more.

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What was your last new running gear item that has made you really excited about running?  Anyone else love the AirPods?  

What percentage of the time do you listen to music/books/podcasts when you are running by yourself?

Who watched the Women Tell All Bachelor episode?  What were your thoughts?  

Do you have to be careful with what you eat before a run or do you have a stomach of steel like Andrew?

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61 comments

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Love my AirPods! Especially with my Apple Watch. I can run, listen to music and if someone needs me my watch has the phone. Definitely can’t eat and then run. I would be sick. I also can’t workout at night anymore. I’m just to tired in the PM.

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ME TOO… I can’t even imagine running at night anymore, put me to bed at 8 please. Oh I love that your airpods work with your Apple Watch too.. that is perfect. I hope you have a beautiful day Rene!

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I have a stomach of steel, but I wouldn’t go for a run minutes after having a meal. Half an hour after breakfast is fine though. I was excited for my Brooks Adrenaline 18 shoes I bougth a month ago, but they don’t feel the way the 17’s do. (they make my feet tingle) So I brought them back to the running store yesterday, I’m going back tomorrow to exchange them for New Balance (I think, they ordered a pair in a different size so I can compare) I’m excited to try them. The guys complimented me with my “almost perfect” running style. That’s always great to hear, I don’t know if 20 yards of my running in a store looks the same as my running on the road after a couple of miles. I started training for my first half marathon on May 20, in Manchester UK. Very excited for that, three bucket list things in one go: visit the UK, my first half and a race abroad.
Have a great day. Here it’s sunny but cold.

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Can I have your stomach of steel? NOOOOOO about the tingling! I hope you get that all figured out, let me know how it goes. Way to go on your almost perfect running style, that is awesome. I am so excited for your half marathon and the traveling, that is so exciting and I want to hear all about it! Thanks Eva.

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I don’t know how Andrew runs right after eating—no way that I could do that!

Love how you turned your negative thoughts immediately into positive ones. It can be pretty easy to start finding a number of flaws about ourselves once we hone in on one, but it’s so true that we start to worry so much about the things that, like you said, people don’t remember us by. It’s like that Maya Angelou quote about people remembering the way you made them feel. I’m going to have to start doing that anytime I see my flaws in the mirror. Thanks for the reminder!

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Hi Janae, I really enjoy your blog! Random question: how do you prepare your chicken? Do you buy it pre-cooked or do it yourself? Thanks in advance!

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HEY MEGAN!! We just buy the frozen chicken tenderloins from Costco and then cook it on a pan on the stove! It usually takes about 8 minutes total and it always tastes amazing! I hope you have a great day.

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Janae, I can only imagine how busy you are. Thanks for the response!!!

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OMG gear…I have as much running gear as like, regualr clothes at this point. I got some super warm fleece-lined winter leggings recently and they were borderline life-changing. I am super fascinated by airpods, but I feel like I’d lose them eventually:( I listen to podcasts in the car and music on the run, typically. Super weird.
ALSO people who can eat whatever and run right after confuse me!! I have very specific things I can eat at least 1 hour before a run in order to not cramp up!
Happy Tuesday!!

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HEY KERRI!! Where did you get these leggings? I want some! I need to start listening to podcasts in the car. Right, I am confused by this also. Thanks so much Kerry and I hope you have a fabulous Tuesday!

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Ok…good info about the earbuds! I’ve been searching for good wireless earbuds, but also, how to carry the dang phone while running. Carrying during winter is easy since we’ve got all these pockets. What’s the best way you’ve found to carry the phone?

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I know there are a ton of ways to carry your phone….my personal fave has been the SPI belt (amazon) :)

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HEY!!! I hope you like these airpods or whatever you end up getting. I use the Nathan Hipster Belt and it is one of my absolute favorite pieces of running gear. I hope you have a wonderful day!

http://amzn.to/2ouj64n

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I absolutely love that perspective on focusing on what we’re doing to make others feel versus letting ourselves get caught up in our negative self talk and going down that deep dark rabbit hole! Thank you so much for the reminder! :)

I am so in need of some new headphones and may have to try those out! They sound awesome! I have such weirdly small ear holes that the iPhone (regular) headphones are the only things that usually fit my ears the best without falling out 238042937 times! And I love the idea of not having to deal with a knot every time!

I always have to wait a little while after eating to run or my stomach totally hates me! Andrew definitely has a stomach made of steal! HA!

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Since turning 30 (I’m almost 32) I’ve noticed more and more flaws about myself (pimples, dark under eyes, wrinkles) list goes on lol..but you always notice more flaws about yourself than other people see. Your skin looks great to me in all your photos. However, I love your positive perspective about it. I am going to say that to myself the next time I am staring in the mirror ;) You seem like such a positive person, Janae. I always feel more blah in the winter months too, and especially after having my daughter, but I found going for a quick 5 min tan made me feel better and more brighter.
I heard the AirPods work amazing! I haven’t bought them yet as they are a little pricey. Love that you and Skye are matching…do it while she still thinks it’s “cool”:) haha is your striped shirt new? Would you share where you bought it if so

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I forgot to mention, where do you put your phone while you run?

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HEY ASHLEY!! I put my phone in my Nathan Hipster Belt that I am obsessed with… here is the link: http://amzn.to/2ouj64n
Thank you so much Ashley for your sweet comments and you are SO right about you seeing more flaws in yourself than others see in you… I am the same way!! Oh the shirt is from Roolee a year or two ago. I wish they still had it. I hope your day is a beautiful one! Thanks for sharing:)

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I could never run on a full stomach! That would be a recipe for disaster. I really like your perspective about not worrying about your appearance. It’s easier said than done but such a good life lesson to learn. It’s true that we remember people for how they make us feel, and experiences we share with them, not their skin or hair. ?

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I love my airpods:) But I only use them at home or in the car….I still use my other bluetooth headphones for the gym bc I am scared of knocking an airpod out or about them getting too sweaty etc….

This may or may not work for you….but my teenage son has had great success with the SLMD skin line made by “dr pimple popper” herself;) He has seen a dermatologist…..and the stuff we tried with them was not working as well as this skincare line has. They have a trial size kit (it’s a 4 piece set). You can also buy each piece alone for if you run out sooner of one or if you don’t like one piece. Its on of those things we thought we would try before going back to the dermatologist for him….and now we are not going back to the durmo! He very diligent with washing with the 4 steps morning and evening and it has done really well:)

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DR PIMPLE… hahah I love his videos. That is so awesome Amanda, thank you… I will have to try it out! Seriously, thank you! I have that same concern of one of them falling out or something but so far so good:) Glad you love yours for the car. Have a wonderful day Amanda!

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Awesome post. So real, especially the zit part. You are so beautiful and for us regular people it’s good to see you aren’t perfect ?. Thanks for sharing.

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Oh you are really nice Lara! You aren’t ‘regular’ people… YOU ARE AMAZING and we are all enough:) Have a beautiful day!

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I love your attitude about acne…mine has been so awful lately since I stopped taking bc – I hate it! But in the grand scheme of things it’s not that big of a deal.
Those airpods look awesome – definitely adding them to my bday wish list!
I listen to music/audiobooks/podcasts like 99% of the time on my runs.
My stomach is not a stomach of steel like Andrew’s!

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I love what you said at the end of your post about body image and how we view ourselves vs. how others do. My skin has also been breaking out like crazy lately and while it’s driving me crazy, is it really the end of the world? No way. Like in the grand scheme of things, who cares. But in the moment it sure can feel pretty frustrating!

Women Tell All was RIDICULOUS. I can’t with Krystal…..I just don’t even know where to begin. I really hope that she is just putting on a show for “good TV” and doesn’t actually think it’s okay to act the way she was.

And on a totally different note, my husband has been thinking about getting the air pods so thanks for the review on them! I’m glad you like them so much.

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KRYSTAL WAS OUT OF CONTROL. I really think it is all an act and they pay them extra to be so dramatic… at least that is what I hope! Just finished another run with the airpods and yep, still beyond obsessed! I hope you love the airpods! Have a wonderful day and thank you so much for sharing You are not alone with the skin breaking out thing:)

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I have an Android phone so the AirPods are a no for me. However, I am looking for a new pair of headphones because my current wireless ones suck lol. I love that about the zits. As a teen I used to be SUPER self conscience because I felt like my acne was bad and that’s all everyone saw. I’ve gotten older and while most of my acne is gone, I do have some scars. However, I’d like to think people remember me for being a good friend rather than my acne scars and grey hairs!
Also, I have run after eating dinner but it’s usually a slower run for sure!

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I saw your note/ frustration about android and got to thinking about it. I found a YouTube for that. I didn’t watch it, but it says Airpods for android. Wal-Mart has a product. And there’s something in PC Magazine: https://www.pcmag.com/news/356928/how-to-use-apple-airpods-with-an-android-device

I hope you find a solution. I love solutions!

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I definitely need to wait a while between eating and working out. I have no idea how Andrew does that!

I have to listen to music or podcasts while I’m working out or else my workout feels 10 times longer. I guess I need that distraction.

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As long as it is a comfortable pace, I can eat and run just like Andrew.

Remember, change does not = worse. Things might be changing on you, but the whole package might be getting better……….

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The airpods sound great! I’ve never actually listened to music when I run, I’m usually lucky enough to have some good company but I think I’d check them out if I do decide to switch things up a bit!
I always find I can eat anything before a run, it’s afterwards when I seem to have trouble!!

Rachel

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A new sports bra!!! Got me SO excited to run around with some tamed tatas ;-)

I listen to podcasts alllll the time (running or not). I also like treadmill runs as an excuse to watch TV.

And yes, I have to be SO careful– it has to be hours after eating if I want to run. And even sipping water throws me off. I don’t know how Andrew does it! Have a great day!

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YES! Thank you Janae. I am 36 and I have adult acne AND I have a job that requires me to stand in front of crowds of women (i teach at an all women’s college) every single day of the week and lecture. I would sometimes feel so embarrassed it was hard to get the courage to do my job when I felt like hiding under the covers. It has taken a lot of positive self talk and support from my husband to remember that I am a role model to my daughter at home and the young women that I teach. I am a healthy person with a good diet, I am very fit, and I sleep pretty well 9for having a toddler). There need be no negative talk- I am a good mom, a loving wife, and a smart teacher- its not about the exterior shell. So my routine: I wash my face with a mild handmade olive soap, moisturize with a tinted spf and swipe my lip balm in my lips and call it a day. I have to step away from the mirror and remember to lead with a smile that emanates from my heart. WE got this! You have a beautiful smile!

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I LOVE MY AIRPODS!! My wireless Beats died after two years of heavy use. Nothing worse than going to the gym and finding your earbuds DEAD :( I must have music when I’m on the treadmill.
I can’t listen to Podcasts when I run. My mind wanders and I forget to pay attention. I like to pick one on Saturday night to listen to while I’m driving to my early Sunday long run.
I can eat a little bit before running, usually something like almond butter or peanut butter and a few of those pretzel thins. During the week, I run after work so I just eat a really big lunch (and snacks!) on the days I have harder workouts. On weekend I eat a normal carb/protein breakfast and I’m fine for long runs or a TM/gym session.
I could eat that chicken/broccoli combo every day! It’s the perfect meal.
Janae, all I see when I look at your pictures is a beautiful, happy girl! I’ve suffered with breakouts too. It’s not fun :(

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I love this thought of yours…And if they did notice/say something/care about things that I might feel insecure about… then I probably shouldn’t care about their opinion in the first place. So true! I definitely need some time before any type of cardio. Tomato-based things are the worst..I learned the hard way with karate during college. :) Have a great day, Janae!

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I’m excited that you tried out those earbuds! I’ve been curious, but I have such a hard time keeping earbuds in my ears when I run.

When I run by myself, I mostly listen to a book or music, but honestly I really like running to nothing :)

Oh my gosh, I wish I could eat and run like that but I would be a mess!! My stomach is such a mess anyway that I have to be super careful with what I eat when I run a lot.

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I need to have at very least an hour between eating and running.

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New running shoes always make me excited :). I bought a pair just a couple of weeks ago. Also socks – I have so many running socks haha – I love the ones from crazy compression.

I do have a pretty strong stomach – the one thing I cannot do is dairy before a run . I haven’t tried Air pods yet – I don’t often listen to music when I run but I might have to go check them out

We haven’t watched the Bachelor at all this season

Have a great day!

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Wireless earbuds make me so anxious! I feel like I’d lose one. Also some times I take one earbud out and tuck the it in my sports bra strap so that I can hear my surroundings better which I couldn’t do with one of those. As for what I can eat before running. I really prefer to run on an empty stomach. But when it starts hitting 10+ miles I need to eat. I can pretty much tolerate anything I normally eat (I have weird food allergies), my running buddies have made fun of me for the bacon egg and cheese I will eat before a run. Although I am mindful about what I eat before actual marathons. I’m also a slower runner so I think that makes eating whatever easier. If I plan to push myself (which I do once in awhile) then I’m more mindful.

I really liked your comments about the zits. I have had worse acne as an adult than I did as a teenager. Like what heck?! I try not to be too self conscious of them because you’re right and they don’t really matter. But I get the cystic type that are painful which makes them noticeable to me all the time so it can be hard. Although I’m finally getting them under control thanks to Differin gel from Target and oral baby aspirin.

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Yay!!!! I am so glad you got the AirPods (the wireless wireless headphones, vs the wired wireless headphones that are still connected around the back). They are AWESOME! I love how the case charges them over and over and over before you ever have to charge the case. I recommend downloading the battery indicator widget for your iPhone then you can check bartery percentage without having to have the case nearby to open and close.

I almost always listen to music/podcasts when running by myself; when running with my dog I don’t so that I am more alert to keep him in check (don’t need eaten cats on my conscience); when running with friends it is chatter city!

I have to be careful not to eat something before a run that will make me burp crazy tastes – like onions or beans or salad or something. But other than that stomach of steel. Pasta, chicken, pizza, picky bars, candy, all of those are fine for my stomach.

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Oh my gosh, when I first read the title I read it wrong! I thought it said TITS instead of zits, haha!

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I’ve been matching my daughter since the day she was born. She’s 4.5 now and it’s still going strong. :)

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Podcasts and music for sure when running by myself ! Last piece of gear, was a new tank. So exciting but I need a better pair of wireless earbuds, and those look really sweet !!!! And easy to charge.
OMG, no way could I run right after a meal. Food and water bouncing around in my tummy, no way. Has to settle first. Let alone if it was the 3rd meal of the day (supper/dinner, whichever you call it), I’m thinking jammies and bedtime anyway. Maybe after breakfast, but still couldn’t be right away.

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Running right after broccoli sounds like a disaster, although the bonus of the treadmill at home is a bathroom.

I wear ear buds 0.2739% of the time (one day out of the year, maybe) I’m beginning to think it’s weird that I do not run with earbuds? I honestly remember the three times I have worn them in the past 4 years (well there goes my percentage). If I need a brain break from my overthinking or worrying or being overwhelmed I’ll wear them but only if it’s getting *really bad.* In all honestly, I’ve never been a headphone/ear buds wearing runner, not even when it was way cool to wear a walkman.

Crinkle cut sweet potato fries?! yum! Who has the #1 if these were #2?

Have a great rest of your week!

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Love my AirPods!! Pro tip: only wear one at a time and then you always have the other fully charged. Battery life of the case lasts much longer and plus you can hear the rest of your surroundings a little better with one ear fully open :-)

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That is such a great idea! Thank you so much Nikki! Have a beautiful evening!

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I’m excited about my new launch 4s! I bought them a month or so ago when I read on your blog that they were on sale! I’m so glad I tried them out because I love them! Thanks for the recommendation!
PS I love your blog, I’m a fairly new reader who loves running and food as much as you do haha!

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KATIE, oh thank you so much for your comment. Food + running is the absolute best:) Enjoy the Launch 4s and please let me know what you think of them! Have a great night!

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I’ve been reading your blog daily for years and never commented before, but today I just had to! I’ve been feeling insecure about my postpartum body, stretch marks and looking older with wrinkles developing around my eyes. Thank you for helping me feel so much better and remembering the important things! Thank you for sharing your life and thoughts! That’s why I love reading your blog and always come back; you’re so kind and inspiring. This is such a positive and at the same time REAL space that you’ve created.

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Kath, I cannot thank you enough for your sweet comment, it means a lot to me (and thank you for reading over the years)! I’m right there with you and I totally get it but you are doing amazing and we have new little ones that loves us 10000% regardless of some stretch marks etc. Thank you for sharing, it helps ME to hear form you. I hope you have a beautiful evening and get some good sleep tonight!

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Ooh thanks for telling us about the AirPods. I pretty much always listen to podcasts when I’m running but wasn’t convinced these would work . Definitely interested to try them now. I’m using a pair of the bone conduction earphones and they were a game changer for me as I can hear everything going on around me too which makes me feel much safer close to traffic.

I don’t know how Andrew runs right after eating. My stomach is pretty strong but I’m pretty sure that would make me feel ill!

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I cannot run AT ALL if I’ve just eaten. My best friend however LOVES to run and workout on a full stomach. I do not know how she does it! Cubby’s sweet potato fries win at life.

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I cannot run without entertainment.. so definitely yes to music/podcast/books. I don’t even remember the last piece of gear I bought! I just had a baby so I’m exercise restricted right now but I’ve been thinking I’d like to reward myself with a “push present” when I return to running in the form of a gps watch. :) :) :) I was thinking a newer garmin or possibly the Apple Watch. I’ll have to pull that post up you did about exercising with the Apple Watch. Also a big fat no to eating before running! Except for maybe wheat toast with a tiny bit of jelly.

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Going off dairy and eggs clears up skin. Didn’t believe till I did it. They put a boat load of hormones in milk and eggs. Get your calcium from green leafy vegetables!

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Kim’s autobiography is amazing! It is long, but, wow! I can not believe all she went through. Truly inspiring!

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I swear by Rodan + Fields for skincare! I have struggled with acne for years and it has changed my skin like no other!! Please feel free to email me if you want more info :)

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Thank you so much for the zit reminder :) , I turned 30 over the weekend (high five to February birthdays!), indulged to my heart’s content and now my face is reminding me just how much I indulged. You are so 100% right , people totally remember the way you made them feel!

You are such a positive part of my day, thank you so much for sharing all your wonderful life stories and reflections! Hope you and your family have the best last day of February!

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAT!!! 30 wahooo (so far my 30s have been 500 times better than my 20s;)! You are not alone with the skin stuff ha. Thank you so much for your sweet comment, it means a lot to me! Have a beautiful day!

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I got AirPods for Christmas and I LOVE them! I have to be careful what I eat for at least 12-18 hours before I run or I might have major GI issues. I wish I had a stomach of steel!

I really think Skye is starting to look like Brooke. Do you think so?

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Janae, I struggled with zits teenage years through my late 20s and finally took the plunge went on Accutane last year. I had a “mild” case relative to most Accutane cases, but had just got to the point that I was tired of breaking out at 28 years old. Accutane is a miracle drug. I did not experience any major side effects except for dry skin/chapped lips, which were remedied daily by CeraVe and Vaseline Lip Therapy. I thought it was 1000000% worth it. A year after finishing the 6 month treatment, my skin perfectly clear. I know you can’t take Accutane while breastfeeding, but thought I’d share my experience with you anyways.

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great post, janae. i’ve had acne pretty much my whole life and it’s not showing any signs of going away, despite my best efforts. but i am positive it impacts me more than anyone else around me. you are so right that no one is going to remember a zit on my face or judge me for it – i’m just being my own worst critic! it’s not always easy but it’s a good reminder to try and silence that negative voice in our head and focus on the positive! your blog always helps with that :)

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