Happiest birthday to my little Brookers.
I cannot believe she is 6 years old. Yesterday in the car I told her all about the day she was born! I told her about how I am positive that she decided to come hang out with me early because she knew I couldn’t wait any longer for her:) I was missing my family terribly at the time because I had just moved to California. My contractions with her started on the airplane ride there and because she knew I needed a buddy, she came to be with me a few weeks early.
You will never meet a more organized (I lose things more often than she does), animal loving, responsible, kind, determined, lover of art, sprinkle connoisseur, photographic memory, strong, powerful, Spirit expert, family obsessed little girl. She completely changed my world and my brain when she was first born and I am forever grateful for her.
I can’t wait to party with her all day. <—Andrew has the opinion I go a little overboard on birthdays and I blame that on my mother for doing the same for us.
Back to running again… wahoo. Six miles @ 8:00 pace and I added in a few hills on the treadmill to help beat boredom and because I need them. The gym decided to have the heater on (not positive this is true… just my speculation). Because of the fires nearby they are recommending taking your exercise inside until things clear up and my lungs were thankful that I did. It is getting a lot better outside but I’ll probably have another treadmill day today.
I ran early yesterday and my treadmill at home wakes up the kids (which I did not want to do) sometimes so I hung out at the gym. Skye has actually joined me (while pregnant with her) on many runs on this treadmill below along with Andrew right next to me.
Being sick makes you realize how nice it is to be healthy and to just run.
Strep throat makes you realize how nice it is to not want a throat transplant once you can swallow again.
Terrible air quality makes you realize how much you LOVE running outside.
Not running makes your family realize how much you need running to be a patient person (I am 300% more patient when I run vs the days I do not run).
Andrew was out doing his home health rotation. The girls and I did one of Brooke’s bday traditions a day early.
Every year for Brooke’s bday we go to Thanksgiving Point to the farm for pony rides and animal petting. PS Utah people—> It is $2 Tuesdays for everything at Thanksgiving Point in August which saves a ton of money when you go (I was very happy to learn this new tidbit of information when I only had to pay $4 instead of the normal price).
She could watch animals and pet them all day long if she could.
They also have a wagon ride that you can take while you are there.
Two minutes into the ride Skye decided she did NOT like the wagon ride but we all survived and I hope the people on the wagon with us rode around again after we got off to experience it without a screaming baby.
Followed by ice cream afterwards inside.
Skye took a nap when we got home (Brooke has become an expert at keeping her awake in the car to avoid a short car nap instead of a long crib nap) and we built her new horse quite the stable out of boxes. Skye woke up and then she joined in playing horses.
Fast forward to nighttime and we had to run to Costco to pick up a few things.
We met my mom and dad there too!
PS did you know that Costco has acai bowls now? I will definitely be trying this out next time.
My mom had peaches in her car to give to me from our favorite fruit stand. We go through quite a few of these each day at our house right now.
PS did you see that Shalane announced she will be running the New York City Marathon this year! Who do you think has a better chance of winning it?
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The other day I was talking to another runner and we were talking about the ‘pain cave’ reference that we hear often. You know when you are in a really hard workout or race and feeling all of the pain = some people call that the pain cave. I have many times because it does feel like I am just hanging in this dark cave surrounded with pain. This friend of mine said she sees it more like a pain tunnel than a pain cave. She says it is a tunnel because you know there is light on the other end. You just gotta get through that tunnel strong because there is an end to the pain of the race. I like that way of thinking. So instead of feeling like I’m in the pain cave, I’m just going to picture myself in the pain tunnel when things get really hard and focus in on the little light up ahead and running strong to get there.
And a picture of Brooke in a tunnel because I felt like it would tie in nicely.
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What is on your Wednesday agenda?
When was the last time during a run that you were in the pain cave/tunnel?
Who has been reading my blog since Brooke was born?
If you want to leave Brooke a bday wishing comment I will read them to her:) <— The kids love it when you do this!
123 comments
Lynn
Happiest of birthday’s Brooke! I hope you have a great day!
Kelly
Happy birthday, Brooke!!! Hope you have a magical day! Eat all the pancakes, sprinkles, and ice cream you can hold!
I haven’t been truly reading since the beginning, but once I found your blog, I spent days going backwards through every post to read so I hope that counts! Every day is another chapter in your life we readers get to be a part of and it’s the highlight of my day. I squealed with joy when you told us Brooke was born, when you met Andrew, when you and Brooke became a whole blended family with Andrew and Knox, when we found out you were pregnant, when Skye was born (you get the idea!). Not to say I don’t love everything about you running (I promise I do!) but family is so important and it’s great reading about someone else traversing the same emotions and tough times we all face, too.
The running agenda includes 4 *short* tempo miles in the final weeks before running the Rock n Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon! The pain tunnel can’t hold me back :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
KELLY… oh that is so awesome! I’m sorry if you read back to those very first posts haha… they are bad! Thank you so much for reading and being my internet friend:) I really appreciate it! WAY to go on your tempo miles. I NEED TO HEAR all about your race coming up, you better report back! You are going to rock it!
Donna
Ditto to everything Kelly said. I also read from the beginning once i found you about 5.5 years ago even your multi-colored blogs!!!!
Happy Birthday sweet Brooke. I have watched you grow from a tiny beautiful baby to a gorgeous little girl so full of love and light. I love how much you adore animals. That says something about your good soul and kind heart. Happy Birthday!!!! Eat lots of cake and icecream!!!!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Should I bring back the multi-colored blog posts haha! Thank you so much Donna, that means the world to me. She loved your comment too! I hope you are having a great day!
Almarie
Happy birtheday Brooke, hope you have a great day and year!!
Kat
Happy Birthday Brooke!! I hope your day is full of sprinkles, horses, and lots of family fun!
Meghan F.
Happy, happy birthday Brooke!!!!
Mollie
Happiest Birthday to Brooke! As a parent, it’s so fun to read your blog and watch your kids grow. It makes me look forward to my daughter being her age. :) She seems like such an amazing little lady and such a joy. I don’t think you can spoil your kids enough on their birthdays. ;-)
The Hungry Runner Girl
Thank you so much and I totally agree—> Spoiling is necessary today! Have an amazing day Mollie and keep me updated with how you and your kiddos are doing!
Natalie
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BROOKE!!! I hope that your day and year are filled with LOVE and HUGS and LAUGHTER and SMILES!
I need to go to Costco ASAP for an acai bowl. And of course the price is much better there!!
Wednesday’s agenda: run/strength training, wear pink (not just because of Mean Girls but also because it’s the color of gratitude, and I started something new with my coworkers in which we all say a few things we’re grateful for lately on Wednesdays), work, go visit a girl I mentor who just had surgery, and then help my friend finish moving. It’ll be a busy day but a good one. Hope y’all have a blast celebrating sweet Brooke today!!!!
Corey
First of all…super happy birthday to super Brooke!! Enjoy celebrating :)
I’m taking my kids to the county fair this evening…all the farm animals, tractors to climb on, roasted cinnamon almonds and other “fair” food to eat, and rides (that make me slightly nervous).
I remember being so excited for you when Brooke was born, as well as pretty nervous that you were not settled into your new home and away from most of your family. But the way your mom and new community supported you was wonderful. And Brooke was such a darling newborn :) Plus, I thought you were a super-tough mama–didn’t you do your final pregnant run on the way into the hospital?
So glad you’re feeling better!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh Corey, thank you so much for your sweet comment!! I seriously lucked out with my California crew too! YES hahaha… well, I ran about 12 steps in the parking lot and it hurt so much. I hope you have the best time at the county fair, I wish we could join you… I need those almonds asap (I could smell them as I read your comment haha)!
Amanda
Wishing you the happiest of birthdays, sweet Brooke!!
Cheryl
Happy birthday to Brooke!!!
Leanne
Happy Birthday, Brooke! I hope you have a magical day filled with horses, Donuts and ice cream!
Kaytlin Gilbert
Love the pain tunnel reference! Awesome!
It has been fun to watch Brooke grow up on this blog – my nephew just turned 4 and I am like “um…weren’t you just born like 30 seconds ago?” Crazy!
Nathaly @ NathyCure
Happy Birthday Sweet Brooke!! Hope you have a wonderful birthday as a big sister now <3
I’ve been reading this blog since she’s 3. So I can’t believe she’s now 6. Time is definitely flying by.
Tonya Hancock
Today we have the gas company (line location), Home Depot (new dishwasher installation), and our handyman/craftsman (installation of new doors to make a closet out of a previous TV cupboard) coming over. So I will choreographing!
Last time I was in the pain cave during a run was the Sofia Marathon in October 2017. My technology died (first headphones, then watch, so it was quite the long distance torture test!
I have been reading your blog since before Brooke was born! I started in April of 2013, and quickly read back to your beginning and then looked forward your blog posts every day!
Brooke, I wish you a year of new friends, of health, and of high speed horse riding!
The Hungry Runner Girl
GIRL!!! I am so so happy you got into your marathon ahhhhh!! Keep me updated with all of your training! Thank you SO much for being my internet friend and reading. It means a lot! Have a beautiful day and you are busy today!
Kathy
Happy Birthday Brooke! I feel like you are my daughters all over again….my oldest took riding lessons too (and looked just like you in the tan riding pants) Also, my girls LOVE the movie SPIRIT and they had/have many horse figures/barns/wagons/hay bales etc…to play horse with ALL.DAY. long. ;-)
Have a great day being spoiled~heck its YOUR day….you deserve it!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh I love this so much… your girls sound amazing:) Thanks Kathy and have a wonderful day!
Michelle
Janae, I have been reading since you were pregnant! Your blog is the first one that I check each morning, followed by Another Mother Runner. Since I live in CA and wake up at 4:30 your posts are usually there when I log in. As a mom to triplets, celebrating my children’s birthday is always more important to me than my own. Happy Birthday Brooke!!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
No way!! Oh this makes me so happy… I’m so lucky I get to hang out with you first thing in the morning (you are my hero for waking up so early)! T.R.I.P.L.E.T.S. –> WOW!! Your kiddos are so lucky to have you Michelle. Have a beautiful day!
Emily
Happy Birthday Brooke!! 6! How FUN.
Victoria
Awwwwwwwwww happiest of birthdays to Brooke! She is so adorable, looks like you planned a birthday for her that she really enjoyed.
Super hot gyms are no fun at all. I have been in a few when traveling for work that I think had the heat on, too!
LeeAnn Benesh
Happy Birthday, Brooke!!
Love the pain tunnel reference. Gives a sense of hope! hahaha.
I have been reading since 2010?! Very much pre-Brooke :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
AHHHH LEEANN!!!! You and I go WAY back!!! Now come to Utah and I’ll take you to froyo! I hope you feel strong and fierce during your next pain tunnel workout:) Have an amazing day!
Jenny|Running On Life
My oldest starts school today :( I’m super glad it will stay war for a while, but goodbye summer relaxing.
Out Costco run is today. And my run on the treadmill (probably) is tonight. Hopefully I’ll be done with asthma today so I can feel back to normal!
Happy birthday Brooke!! I hope you have the funnest birthday yet with all the wishes you want! Enjoy being 6!
Kerri
Happy Birthday to Brooke! 6 and 7 are the best years; I love watching kids that age really unlock the joy of reading and writing.
I’ve been doing a ton of my speedwork on the treadmill this summer because it’s been like 88 degrees all day erry day here in New England and I cannot bring myself to run any faster than an easy pace in that kind of heat. I’ve learned that watching netflix on my phone while doing speed intervals totally distracts me from the pain tunnel, though, which is pretty cool. Scary/exciting shows like Stranger Things and Riverdale get me running quick!
jessey
Happy Birthday Brooke! I can’t believe that you are six years old. I haven’t been reading about you since you were born, but pretty close (I think you were about 18 months old). August is the best month for a birthday! My daughter just turned 12 last week and my birthday is next week. Have a wonderful, wonderful day!!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Happy birthday to your daughter and I hope your birthday next week is amazing! Thanks for reading, you and I go way back:) Thank you, you too Jessey!
Nikki
Happy birthday to Brooke! My little dude will be 6 in November, and I just LOVE hearing about what Brooke is up to on your blog! You have a beautiful girl (well, now girls) and a beautiful family. Wishing you all the good things :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh thank you Nikki and I hope the same thing for you and your family! I love how close in age your little boy, Knox and Brooke are in age… wish we could have a play date. Have an amazing day!
Linda
I read before Brooke was born, but there was a period of time when she was a baby that I missed. (thanks for getting rid of Reader, Google) I wasn’t reading any blogs then actually because I just didn’t remember since they weren’t all in one easy place. Now I check out you and one other one every day. I’m not as speedy as you by a long shot, but you inspire me everyday to get out and get my run in…which leads to me to Wednesday’s agenda. I should have gotten up to do a hill workout this morning, but a migraine stopped that in its tracks. That means I have to try and keep my energy up through work to go get it done. I fully expect I will be in a pain tunnel for this workout because I’ll probably end up doing it on a treadmill and I don’t love the treadmill anymore.
Happy birthday, Brooke! Have a great day!
The Hungry Runner Girl
LINDA!!! NO WAY–> This makes me happy that we have known each other for so long:) I am so so sorry about your migraine. Is there anything you do that helps them or do you have to deal with this all day at work too? I hear ya on the treadmill… where is my love for it these days? Good luck, I sure hope you are feeling better!
Diane
Happy birthday Brooke! Hope you enjoy the celebrations! I am sending wishes for sprinkles and horse rides your way!
Andi
Happy 6th birthday Brooke!! I hope it’s a super fun-filled day!
Dear Janae, I have been a loyal – yet anonymous-ish (we emailed once when you were nursing Brooke) – reader since your early broccoli and candy eating teaching days ;). From a distance I’ve prayed for you during your low seasons and rejoiced for you in the highs. (I do not mean that to sound stalker/creepy ;) just caring ). Best wishes and hopes for your sweet family!
The Hungry Runner Girl
ANDI!!! It’s so good to hear from you again! That is not stalker/creepyish… we are friends! Thank you so much, it means a lot to us. Have a wonderful day!
Michelle
Happy happy birthday, Brooke! I remember when you were born. 6 is kindof a big deal! Hope you have a great day.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Michelle… we’ve been friends for more than 6 years now, I love it! Thanks so much!
Samantha
Happy Birthday Brooke! I hope your day is full of sprinkles and horses!
Mel_OutRunCF
Happy birthday dear Brooke! I remember when your momma was pregnant with you, eating a lot of frozen yogurt and taking naps under her teacher’s desk lol I also remember how excited she was to meet, to be with you, and how all of us around were sharing her excitment when you showed up early ;-) Wishing you the best birthday. Wow! 6 years old! You definitely are a big girl now!
The Hungry Runner Girl
OH MY GOODNESS>… your comment gave me goosebumps… I forgot about those naps under the desk hahah! I can’t wait to read this one to her, thank you Mel!
Lysy
Happy birthday Brooke!! You sound like one amazing newly-six-year-old!! I love it that you love animals and that you help take care of your family so well :)
Tracie
My Costco was sampling the soft serve acai recently and I was not a fan! Definitely not the same as it normally is in an acai bowl since it was milk-based. Stick with the vanilla soft serve!
The Hungry Runner Girl
GOOD TO KNOW TRACIE… thank you!!! What if I do the vanilla soft serve with all of the topics of the acai bowl?!? You saved me from being very disappointed with the $5 I would spend on the acai ha. Have a great day!
elizabeth l
Happy Happy Birthday Brooke!! I hope your day is as sweet and special as you are!!
Wednesday is gym day for me. That means an easy four miles on the treadmill and strength training.
I was in a pain/tired tunnel last night during my hill workout. I just couldn’t find my mojo. Hopefully it will come back very soon.
Stephanie
Happy birthday, Brooke!!! I hope your day is full of magic and beauty (and maybe horses, pancakes, and cookies and ice cream because those are all the best)! You bring so much light to the world around you, and that brings light into the rest of the world. Keep shining bright!!!
My agenda today is like this: I woke up at 4 and left my apartment at 4:30 to sub a 5:30 AM spin class and taught that for an hour. I got out of the gym just in time to hit the beginning of Atlanta rush ‘hour’ traffic (that’s really 3 hours long…) and got home in 45 min instead of 25, but got home and showered with time to spare to curl up with Tom before he left for work. I sent solicitation emails to some bookstores in the region to read through their reading series, and now it’s time to focus on school work–I need to get the online portals set up for the two classes I begin teaching tomorrow and prepare a month or so worth of discussion posts and in-class writing prompts for four of my classes and plan out the list of poets & poems my lit students will read as well as plan out what literary terms we will focus on to accompany which assigned readings. And this afternoon I need to practice Body Flow, because tomorrow morning I teach the new choreography at one gym (and then on Saturday at another), and prepare all of my food for tomorrow since I run in the morning, rush home ot shower and scarf down breakfast, teach body flow, then rush to campus for a huge day of three classes and meetings. And then this evening, when Tom is still at work, I need to start planning things for HIS birthday which is 2 months away…
…because I AM BIG ON BIRTHDAYS, TOO!!! They are *literally* my favorite holidays ever. Because here’s the deal–some religions or countries will declare certain days holidays, but it’s not *universal* and when it is–like a federal holiday–it can seem a little bit arbitrary, or like it has become this big crazy social construct, right? But it is ABSOLUTELY UNDENIABLE that a person’s life is made *so much better* because of the people he or she loves…and their birthday is a definite thing! So my big-deal celebrations are always for birthdays. And with my first teaching paycheck still a few weeks away, and Tom’s birthday coming in what will feel like NO TIME (because working 3 jobs=time FLIES BY), I must plan now and figure out what I am doing and what that means for $$!!!
(And PHEW I AM TIRED reading my agenda for the day…)
Hope your day–and Brooke’s celebrations–are totally bomb! :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
I hope you get a nap today!!!! You have already accomplished more today than I will all week:) I love that you love birthdays too. Enjoy all of the planning for Tom… he is so lucky to have you!
Emily H.
Happy birthday, Brooke!!!! I hope that you have the most special day! 6 years old is such a fun age!!!
I am a long time reader, and have been reading since before Brooke was born! Your blog is always my absolute favorite to read! I was in the pain cave today for my 18 miles due to the 93% humidity. But, I made it! I hope that you have a wonderful day celebrating Brooke with your family! :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
EMILY…. AHHH this makes me so happy! We’ve been friends for years now:) Okay, thank you for inspiring me… I have 18 miles to do on Saturday and when I start feeling tired or wanting to quit I’ll think about how you did 18 today in 93% humidity. That is AMAZING!! I hope your Wednesday is an excellent one and thanks for reading, it means a lot to me!
Cait
Awww..Happy Birthday Brooke!!I hope you have the best birthday ever!!
I’ve been a reader since before she was born…found you when we were both injured and sitting out the Boston Marathon.Can’t believe how time flies.
Have a fantastic day celebrating.I love how you make it a full day event!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
CAIT!!! Wow, time really has gone by so fast… we’ve ‘known’ each other for a long time! What were you injured with that year? Thank you so much and I hope your Wednesday is a beautiful one:)
Molly S
I’m already planning an NYC Marathon viewing party with friends!
I need to make my female winner prediction closer to November. I take my prediction quite seriously. And for the record I put Des winning Boston!
clk
Happy 6th birthday Brooke! It’s been fun watching you grow up on your mom’s blog! Enjoy all the love today!
Amanda W.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU BROOKE!!! You are going to rock #6 and First Grade:) I hope you get to eat all your favorites foods/treats today!
Sam
I have been reading since Brooke was born! Happy, happy birthday to her!
The Hungry Runner Girl
No way!! Oh I love that you have been reading this long:) Thank you Sam and I hope you have a fabulous day!
Mallory Thomas
I have been reading since before Brooke was born…and since before you were even pregnant with Brooke! I’ve been following along since the multiple femoral stress fractures, missing Boston, copious amounts of Swedish Fish and frozen gummy bears, your roasted broccoli obsession…
Happy Birthday Brooke!
The Hungry Runner Girl
AHHHH NO WAY!!! We have been friends for so long. Oh goodness… hahah maybe I should go back to eating all of that broccoli again:) I hope your day is amazing Mallory!
Kathy McElhaney
Happy birthday, Brooke! I started reading your mom’s blog about 2 months before you were born. And now you’re a big sister. Your little chunky face made me smile and now watching you ride horses is pretty cool! I hope you have the best day ever with lots of sprinkles!!
P.S. Janae, I make my own acai bowls – they’re pretty easy (https://mcmomentsandmemories.blogspot.com/2017/03/friday-foodie-acai-bowl.html.) I switched it up last week and used Cran-Pineapple juice and frozen tropical fruit mix – so good!
The Hungry Runner Girl
I need to try your acai bowls asap!!! Kathy, I have really appreciated your friendship over the years. Thank you so much from both me and Brooke:) Have a wonderful day!
Michelle
Happy Brithday Brooke!!! Hope you have a fun birthday! My youngest is named Brooke too, she is 11 years old!
Kristen
Happy Birthday Brooke!! Six is such a magical year, I hope you really enjoy every minute of your imagination!
Janae she is so lucky to have you as a Mom!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh thank you Kristen!!! I hope your day is a fabulous one!
Lauren
Happy Birthday Brooke!! Hope the day is amazing.
Costco acai bowls are ok..I split one with my daughter. It’s better than some things at the food area, they changed the smoothie no one like that.
I took all the kids to the gym and they played an intense dodgeball game. I was busy trying to get through 4 miles with hills thrown in. I always forget the treadmill incline.
Now we are all stuck home waiting for my new dining room set! I’m excited everyone else is annoyed we can’t go to the pool until it arrives. ??♀️
Annemarie
Wednesday agenda: 7 mile run (done), gym, children’s museum!
Pain cave (tunnel?) during miles 22-24 of my last marathon in June – 2 miles of uphill ? It’s just cruel to do that at the end of a race!
Happy birthday, Brooke! ??? I hope your day is amazing and fun, with lots of smiles, hugs, and SUGAR ? My niece also just turned 6, so if you’re ever in San Diego, come say “hi!”
Peggi
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROOKE!!! I hope you have the best day with all kinds of goodies to eat and a special celebration with your family. You really are the BEST big sister to Skye, she is SOOOO lucky to have you in her life. I also have an August birthday…..August birthday girls ROCK!!! Eat a yummy sprinkle covered donut for me :)
Janae, Brooke sure is one beautiful little girl. I feel like she all of a sudden looks older….I am sure you feel the same (its a mom thing I think). Glad you girls got a fun day in to celebrate. She sure is a special one, God sure blessed you with beautiful sweet children (including Knox). You are so blessed. Hope you have a fun day continuing on with your celebrations.
The Hungry Runner Girl
I agree, she really has grown up so much lately! I agree, I am so grateful for the kiddos that God has given me! Thank you for taking the time to tell Brooke this:) It means a lot! Have a great day!
Stephanie
Silent reader but I have been reading your blog daily since way before Brooke was born :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET BROOKE!!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Stephanie, thank you so much for reading over the years. It means a lot to me and let’s keep this friendship going! Enjoy your Wednesday!
Ashley Blankenship
SIX?! Holy cow. And to think I have been reading your blog since before you were even pregnant with Brooke. Makes me feel old ;)
Love the pain tunnel analogy.
The Hungry Runner Girl
AHHHH thank you for being my friend for so long!! I love it:) Have a beautiful day and go rock the next pain tunnel you are in!
Bridgette
Happy birthday Brooke!
A joke for your birthday!
Q: What did the momma say to the foal?
A: Its pasture your bedtime
The Hungry Runner Girl
BAHAHAH THANK YOU!! This is the best!
torrie
Happy Birthday Brooke!! I hope she has a fantastic 6th birthday! I can’t believe she’s 6 – I’ve been a reader since she was about 10 months old!!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
AHHHH Torrie, we’ve been friends forever!! Thank you for reading and thank you for your comment. Have an amazing day!
Wendy
Happy, happy Birthday Brooke!!! :) I hope your day is filled with everything you love!
Uuuggg… both my Monday and Tuesday runs I felt like I was definitely in the pain tunnel! And I just kept focusing on a point ahead of me and willing myself to get to each point until I was done! Today was much better, thankfully! Isn’t funny and annoying how running can change like that from one day to the next? But, those difficult runs make us physically and mentally stronger ;)
Have a really great day celebrating your amazing daughter <3
kelly
Herzlich Geburtstag Brooke!!! Hope your day is super fun-I foresee more sprinkles in the day!!
I remember when I couldn’t figure out what HRG baby meant-for a few (er, several) moments I was wondering what exactly you went through (former OB nurse here so it was kind of baffling for a bit!) I finally realized it. whew!
This summer while I was in the states my boyfriend scouted out a bunch of new trails for us. Today he took me on a spontaneous 27km run (he rode his mountain bike) on a totally new route! it was very exciting in that trail geek way.
Glad you are on the mend!
Gerri-Ann
Happy birthday, Brooke!!! 6 is a great number and first grade will be a blast. My daughters also love and ride horses! Hope you enjoy your special day. God bless.
I’ve been a silent reader since shortly after Brooke was born. Only recently have made a couple responses. I recently visited Utah and you are the only person I “know” from there and that prompted my first response :)
My last running pain tunnel was in December during a half marathon. At mile 10 something happened to my hamstring and I basically walked the last 3.1. I was very happy to be done with that race! Currently rehabbing the high hamstring and looking forward to more happy running in the future! Hope you have an amazing day with your beautiful family.
Kristine Chew
Happy birthday Brooke! You sound like such a cool girl :). I hope you have a wonderful day filled with all your favourite things! And cake!
Pain cave – hah my last race a few weeks ago – climbing straight up a ski hill for the last bit of the ultra. I have to confess I was using swear words at that point :p. And I will be in the pain cave again this weekend – it is supposed to be 32 degrees celsius (so about 90 degrees farenheit for my ultra this weekend) – I am mentally preparing myself
Have a fantastic day celebrating with your Brooke!
Amanda
Happy Happy Birthday Brooke! I have been reading your mommy’s blog prior to your birthday and remember your big day! It has been so fun watching you grow up into such a beautiful little girl with an equally beautiful heart. Keep being you, you are going to do great things for this world!
Sarah
WHAT?!?! You’re 6 Brooke?!?!?! HAPPY HAPPY HAPPIEST of Birthdays sweet girl! I enjoy seeing you grow up through your mama’s blog and pictures. You are such so special, smart, kind, pretty and THE BEST big sister to Knox and Skye! Sending hugs all the way from NC!
Christina
Happy Birthday Brooke! Wow you are six now! I have a daughter who is 7 and had so much fun in first grade last year. I think you will be in first grade soon? I hear it’s pretty awesome. Enjoy today!
Jaclyn
Hi Brooke, happy happy birthday! How special that you are now SIX YEARS OLD and will be in school all day now!? I hope you have the best birthday and I hope you get a nice ride on Elf to celebrate! Do you know I ride horses, too? I have ridden since I was ten years old, and my horse Gaston is still with me, we got him when I was 13! Ask your mommy to show you a picture of him, #gastonthehorse on Instagram. (=
Have a wonderful day and year ahead Brooke! (=
The Hungry Runner Girl
BROOKE LOVED YOUR COMMENT!!! She wants me to tell you to give Gaston a hug for her. I love this… we are both obsessed with your gorgeous horse.
Jaclyn
Yay, I am so glad. Gaston is a pretty sweet guy, I’m obsessed too ha! Glad Brooke had such a fun birthday, I love following along! ?☀️
Corrinne
Happy Birthday Brooke! I hope your day is filled with lots of sprinkles and horses.
I’ve been reading since before Brooke was born.
I was in the pain cave this morning during my speed workout. But I do like the tunnel analogy better. However this morning’s cave was extremely humid and I was happy to finish alive.
Ashley
Happy Birthday, Brooke!
I’ve been reading since before Brooke!
Ashley
Happy happy Birthday, Brooke!! I hope #6 is one of the best ever.
I’ve been reading your blog since Brooke was about 1. Time fliessssss. I can’t believe she is 6, either! Haha!
Cari
Happy Birthday Brooke! You are the sweetest girl and a great big sister! I hope you have a great day!
I’ve been reading the blog since a few years before Brooke was born! I should probably start a blog so you know just as much info about my life :) Your whole family is a bright spot in my day!!
I don’t run often anymore but am trying to get back in it. I’ve been using the Peloton app and they have some amazing classes on there! I did a super hard interval class yesterday at some speeds I never run, but I used your mantra idea and kept telling myself “I feel fine” and it worked!
The Hungry Runner Girl
YES START A BLOG:) Thank you so much for reading Cari and I love that our friendship goes way back:) I have heard so many amazing things about that… I want to try it! I am so glad it worked, WAY TO GO!!!
T.O.
Happy birthday, Brooke!! I cannot believe you are 6 years old and not a spikey-haired baby in a lobster costume anymore! (Okay, maybe the lobster costume was just one time but I remember how cute you were!) I hope you had lots of fun at Thanksgiving Point! That throw-back picture of you on the horse is so cute but makes me so sad, too! I have a little girl too and it makes me think about how quickly she will grow up! Sounds like you are growing into a really cool kid, though, so I am sending lots of birthday wishes to you for a great year ahead! Happy birthday!! Have a fantastic day! :-D
AmandaM
Happy Birthday, Brooke! I love when your mom posts pictures of you running. You have amazing form and you look so happy and in control and fast when you run! I hope you have a wonderful day. :) Amanda
Doreen
Happy 6th Birthday Brooke!
Janae, when you were telling of Brooke’s strengths today, I actually see that in her from your posts. She seems mature for a 6 year old.
Brooke is a special little girl with a wonderful heart of gold. It looks like when she loves, she loves with more than all of her heart. May God bless her on her very special day and through the rest of her life, because she deserves it.
Doreen
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh Doreen, that means a lot. You are so right about her heart of gold! Thank you so much and I hope the rest of your week is amazing!
Loribeth
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROOKE! getting my hair done and a short 3 mile run today. Pizza with the husband tonight…..homemade pizza!
Gabrielle from Austria
Liebe Brooke!
Alles Gute zum 6. Geburtstag!!!
Best wishes from Austria to your b-day. I have been reading your blog since you were a little Baby! Saw you growing to a sweet little Girl. Alle the best for starting school!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh thank you Gabrielle, I am so glad we have become friends over the internet!!!
Gabrielle from Austria
me too!!! you are such an Inspiration! Thank you, dear!
Erica
Me,me,me.i have been reading before you were born.
Happy birthday Brooke. Your mother/daughter relationship has inspired me since day 1.
The Hungry Runner Girl
I am pretty sure our internet friendship started in 2010!!! Wish we could have playdates all of the time!!
Caroline
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BROOKE! What a big girl you are! And the best sister to Syke and Knox and beretta!
Hope you have the best day ever!
Laura F
Happy birthday Brooke! I have a 6 year old girl too (Reagan) and she loves the Farm at thanksgiving point and Spirit and horses too! :) you two would be best friends. :)
(I’ve been reading your blog since Brooke was about 2 believe! I started running in 2014 and found your blog soon after that)
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh YAY!! I am so glad you found running in 2014:) OUR GIRLS NEED TO PLAY!! Also, I love the name Reagan!
Laura F
Seriously, a play date would be so fun! Most of the other 6 year olds in my daughter’s life are little boys so she loves getting to play with girls her age! Totally up to you – I understand if it’s weird. If you ever want to try to plan something feel free to text me – 801-218-2856. :)
Laura
Happy Birthday sweet Brooke! I hope your day is everything you want.
I am a BB (before Brooke) reader, too. I love that you are so personable and honest in your writing. I’m older than your mom, and you have made me feel like we are such good friends that I would not hesitate to come up and hug you if I ever saw you in person! Thank you for inspiring me daily, both in running and in life.
The Hungry Runner Girl
BB–> That made me smile so big:) Thank you Laura for your sweet comment, it means the world to me. Thank you for being my friend over the years and I am expecting that hug if I do ever get to meet you!
Danielle Royo
Happy Birthday Brooke! I have been reading your moms blog since before you were born. My son Ethan is six too. His birthday is in June. One day when I was reading the blog he saw your picture and asked if he could play with you but you live too far away. If you are ever visiting Maryland though he would live to play with you!
The Hungry Runner Girl
NO WAY!!! Oh Danielle, we go way back! Oh I wish they could play and if you are ever in Utah, come play with us and we will let you know if we are ever in Maryland! I hope the rest of your week is a great one!
Michele at Everyday Snapshot
Happy Birthday Brooke !!! I’ve been looking at your cute little face since you were a baby . I love seeing posts about your horse riding lessons, my daughter starts horse riding lessons in October and she can’t wait !! It looks like you are a great big sister too, afterall, you are 6 now !!! I hope you have a really fantastic birthday celebration !!
I’ve been following you since right when you got back to Utah or shortly after, Brooke was a baby. I was searching for something about running and stumbled on a post of you had done and I loved it of course. But also felt a good vibe from your blog, a nice positive atmosphere….been here ever since.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Michele, I have loved our internet friendship over the years. Thank you!! OH YAY, let me know how the riding lessons go. I wish they could do it together. Enjoy the rest of your week and I really appreciate you!
Kathy
Happy Birthday Brook! I used to read your blog before Brook when you were teaching and then lost touch for a bit when I first started working. I found your blog again right before Brooks first Birthday after the divorce and have been reading ever since! Love reading about your family and now that I have an almost 3 month old, I especially love reading your updates on Skye! I haven’t really been running yet since the baby, I have a weak pelvic floor I’ve been working on and very tight hips, so we are working on strengthening my PF while also taking it easy on my hips so they can loosen up (they are constantly tight), which limits a lot of my activities right now. But like you said before, running will be there when I’m ready!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh Kathy!! It’s so good to hear from you and thanks for reading over the years. I am SO sorry about what is going on with your pelvic floor and hips. Keep me updated please and I hope you are back to running healthy soon! You’ve got this and congrats on your almost 3 month old!!!
Bethanie
Happy birthday, Brooke! I hope you had an awesome day. Enjoy being 6!
DawnMarie
HaPpY BiRtHdAy BrOoKe!!!! I love that your mom goes “overboard” for birthday celebrations – you only get so many in your lifetime so I think they should all be celebrated and made extra special!
I’ve been reading for the last couple years, but just recently started commenting and not just lurking :)
I have a 9 mile run on my schedule Friday morning. I usually do my long runs on Saturdays, but my boyfriend has an early baseball game Saturday so I am switching it up a little this week.
The Hungry Runner Girl
I am SO happy you are commenting, I love hearing from you! You are going to rock those 9 miles on Friday and let me know how it goes! Thank you!
Stacey
Happy birthday, Brooke! I have been reading hrg since before you were born!
gari
Happy birthday Brooke!
Janae I read your blog since day 1 although I don’t comment very often. I don’t remember how I opened the page but I adored your sence of humor and your good heart.
These fires have to make us think about the environment. How much we consume and what can we do to reduce the problem. We are all responsible.
Krista
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROOKIE!!!! Another blogger mentioned recently (@Immaeatthat) how we relate the milestones in the bloggers we follow back to milestones in our own life…. like how when I started reading your blog I was deep in my ED and Brooke was a teeny tiny baby!!! She looks so so tall in those pictures now! And what a good sister for helping you keep Skye awake, so sweet.
Allison
A belated happy birthday Brooke (from me and the kittens)! I hope you had an awesome day and petted lots of animals. Your birthday is exactly a week before mine!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh thank you!!! And happy birthday to you in just a few days Allison!