Just in case you missed out last week, the top 3 most viewed posts last week were:
*27 Facts I Need to Tell You… Solve or Listen?!
*You Can’t Have Both + up in the Clouds + Anyone Else?
*Friday Favorites + Runner Gifts #2 ( + Run Angel Giveaway)!! <—I’m choosing 2 winners tonight so you can still enter today.
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Skye’s face perfectly explains our confusing feelings about the temperatures of Utah in December. PLEASE STAY LIKE THIS.
The dress that Skye wore yesterday was Brooke’s when she was her age. I think I called her Brooke about 10 times because she kept reminding me of Brooke in that dress.
The majority of the day was spent on the couch relaxing. Besides church and my sister’s house… this is where you could find us. I take my rest days very seriously!
It makes me happy to see these two playing together. Skye already worships Brooke.
For dinner my sister had us all over.
We partied hard.
I have a few random things to share today through bullet points:
*The way we know Skye wants to try whatever we are eating= she spits her binky out on the ground and crawls turbo speed to the person eating something and sits on her knees waiting for food. Beretta does the same thing.
*We created a store. The kids have a store at their school. We see how it really motivates them so we wanted to try it as a reward system at home. They get a jelly bean for things like completing their after school routine (a chore/homework/reading/room) or when we see them do something really nice for somebody else… jelly beans can also be taken away. I’ll let you know how it goes over the next few months but so far it’s the talk of the house.
*I saw this step at my sister’s house yesterday and it brought back all sorts of memories. This was the step that she had for when she would do her The Firm workout VHS tapes. Anybody else do The Firm? She now uses it a lot when she is renovating things in her house and needs to step up but at one point it was used for our VHS cardio/weights fixes.
*YES YES YES YES. What’s your Target love language?
*Josse signed up for an IRONMAN!! (Ironman Boulder)… Look at us both branching out of marathon training?!
*I saw the Kid Runner on Shark Tank the other day… has anyone ever tried one of these?
*Off for our 1st long run of the week today! Our long runs are all over the place depending on when we can have Skye nap at my mom’s house and the big kid’s schedule. The temperatures are looking great for today.. I’m excited to run on more dirt than snow. Below picture from a few weeks ago.
*Crossing all of our fingers that we get the Olympics here in 2030. Andrew and I have already created a list of the events that we would have to see if they come here.
*We forgot to bring the stroller to go shopping this weekend. Skye refuses to be held…
And wants to walk the whole time we are out.
*I hadn’t seen this documentary on the Breaking2 project so Andrew and I watched it the other night. It was really good! If you have a long treadmill run coming up, bring this with you to make the time fly by.
*My mental health tip for the holiday season —> This tip is for anyone that is going through something rough right now (which I know a lot of you are right now because you email me about some really tough stuff). If life is awesome for you right now, just feel free to skip down to the questions.
If you are feeling lonely or hurt or lost or any of the other million feelings out there that hurt, stay away from social media <– That was one of the most beneficial tips I have ever been given from a therapist. If you are feeling alone at all or wishing your life situation was different, take a step back from being online. Every single person on social media is going through hard things or has in the past, but it doesn’t look that way as you are scrolling through (and it would be kind of a downer if we all posted every hard thing we were experiencing on there) and it can make you feel more alone. I’ve had a few really hard holiday seasons over the years and this year we are really going to be missing Brooke and Knox so I’ll be following the same tip.
Take time this season to serve (as my mom always says—> By helping other people with their problems we magically fix some of our own), to learn something new, to dive deep into a hobby, to read things that uplift you, to meditate, to binge watch Hallmark movies, to get in some endorphins from a run, to take care of yourself and to feel what you need to feel. BUT don’t let social media make you feel more alone if you are struggling right now.
I REALLY hope and pray that your holiday season is amazing, filled with so much love and all of your people, but if it’s not… you aren’t alone in that, I’m here for you.
On another note… just go easy on yourself. Whether that is feeling you aren’t sticking to your training or you aren’t able to give all of the gifts you want to or you aren’t making a 12 course meal on Christmas Eve or you’ve been living off of peppermint bark for the last week, be kind to yourself. You are enough, you are doing more than enough and enjoy every moment of this beautiful time of year. Like always, I’m always here to email if you are having a rough time!
Long story short, I’m thinking about you and there is so much brightness up ahead!
I’ll miss these two little ones but we are going to have a heck of a December 20th celebrating together.
I think our family just needs to get used to celebrating holidays on different days anyway once Andrew starts working as a nurse and on many of the holidays:)
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Have any mental health tips to share… things that help you to take care of your mental health in the good times or the hard times?
Parents reading… what sort of reward system do you have at your house? Allowance? A chart? Other?
Ever been to any Olympic events?
What are you looking forward to this week or what was the best part of your weekend?
70 comments
Mollie
I can’t agree more with staying away from social media if you’re down this time of year. I got off of instagram a while ago when everything (job, running) just felt like it was going wrong. It was the perfect reset for me to focus on the things that were going right (family!) and start being grateful for my own little world instead of comparing myself to everyone else’s. And, no surprise, I’m happier and running has been going really well ever since. It’s weird at first, but I haven’t been on instagram since before Boston and I honestly haven’t wanted to get back on. Maybe I will eventually, but until then, it’s not even part of my life right now. :)
I LOVE Skye’s learned behavior from Beretta, that is so freakin cute! ;-)
We had a heat wave over the weekend too and woah, running felt hard! It’s amazing how just a change in temperature that would have felt AMAZING and cool over the summer now feels tropical.
Have a great week!
The Hungry Runner Girl
YES YES YES. It’s really weird how much Instagram and other social channels really can affect us and there are more and more studies coming out about the connection between IG use and anxiety/depression. I am so glad that you made the right decision for you and that you are feeling and doing so much better. Thank you so much Mollie, you too! I hope you had a great run this morning (and that it cooled down)!
Natalie
The holidays can definitely be pretty tough. One thing that helps me is writing myself encouraging notes. Whether it’s sticky notes to put on your bathroom mirror or little notes like a mom would put in her kid’s lunchbox, it’s nice to have little reminders from yourself that you’re valued and loved as you are.
I can’t believe that it’s getting so close to the end of the year. I’m so excited that one week from today I get to fly home and see my family!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh I absolutely LOVE that idea so much. I am SO happy that you do get to go home… God is good. Have a beautiful day Natalie.
Stephanie
I am excited to see how your ‘store’ for Brooke and Knox work out. I hope that their excitement over jelly beans works and they don’t look longingly at their jars filling up and start to want to eat them all!
I love your thoughts and advice for everyone going through a rough time. With me and Tom working multiple jobs–and each of us having retail in our mix–we know that holidays can be a bit challenging. Even on Thanksgiving, Tom had to be at work at 3 PM (and with me so near the end of my semester, I had to get to my own pile of graidng–since i was at my store the day before and the day after Thanksgiving…) and a day that everyone else we know has ‘off’ was for us a tough day. We held on to the moments that felt really good and that we DID get to have together. And we took small moments wherever we could find them to spend together. And even if it meant grabbing a super quick sandwich on my lunch break and before his work shift began, for us it was a date. And then we made a whole amazing date DAY not too long after–catalyzed by my December 2018 5K (which he ran with me) but really acknowledging that we needed time to just pause. With our families being so far away from us for the holidays and with us knowing that we need to balance being with family and starting our own rituals and traditions for our life together, every year with Christmas we have a compromise–visit families (or hurt their feelings), spend time to ourselves in our own little bubble (or steal a couple moments here and there while we are visiting family). It’s not a “win” the way an ideal win looks and that we’re taught to want, but it’s the “win” we have written a definition for. Ultimately life is better together however each moment of it looks, and with holidays being on days of the calendar but existing within seasons, we embrace the season as a time to celebrate in multiple ways. I hope that holiday after holiday we’re getting better at it. And I hope the same for your family!
This morning in my spin class, during the fourth round of intervals work in a VERY hard point in my class’s playlist, I channeled your mom and told my class “I know this is hard. But you’re powerful–YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS!” I still really think you need to make shirts (muscle tanks with that in big block letters on the front? long-sleeved shirts with this written in script across the back between the shoulder blades?? Both????) and sell them on your website, or partner with Sarah Marie Design Studio to make these!!!
Your blog is the best. I hope you know that. I look forward to reading it every single day!!!
xo.
Miranda
Go check out Nic Antoinette – she has a super cute “we can do hard things” phone background on her Instagram and her website – but someone does need to get on the apparel line! I love your “win” for what your holiday season needs to look like for you and your husband! Enjoy your holidays and good luck with the grading :)
Stephanie
Ohhhh I will have to check Nic Antoinette! Thanks for the tip! :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
It’s the win we have written a definition for–> I love that so much. Everything you said was so spot on and helpful to me, thank you Stephanie. I really do need to do that.. we all need that written on our shirts! I wish I could come to your spin classes. I hope that you and Tom get some amazing ‘pause’ moments this season!
Miranda
You know, with all the blended families, possibly living far from home, having to drive from house to house on the actual holiday to see everyone and make sure no one feels left out – I think it could totally ruin the holiday. I would love it if people celebrated “Christmas” or “Thanksgiving” on a day that actually works for everyone. I can’t imagine having a family and wanting to have a special Christmas at home, but having to rush through it to then try to squeeze in in-laws or other parents at multiple locations, whatever – AND trying to keep your spirits up (and not kill your kids/spouse/family members! Good for you for just accepting that it doesn’t have to look like that for your family :) Have so much fun! I love the jelly bean reward system, too!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Thank you Miranda. I totally agree with you! You gotta just find the best solution for your situation and love it. I hope you have a beautiful day!
Angie
It would be so cool to have th Olympics here I’m 2030 but at the same time we live so close to a lot of venues it would be crazy! I’d love to hear about your jelly bean system. My son has a chart and we cross it off as he does his chores and he earns screen time. Nothing crazy but it works.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh I can’t imagine how nuts it would be to live close to one of the venues. I love that idea… so good for them to earn screen time and not just expect it as a part of the day:). I’ll let you know how it goes. Have a wonderful day Angie.
Jenny B.
I love the jelly bean store! It should work well, kiddos love to have choices for rewards. We do a similar system at school, when kids earn positive “tickets” for making good choices.
Not sure if you do a Santa Christmas, but just saw this letter online, and they had a variety of scenarios, military families, first responders, parents working on Christmas, etc. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D9ZdNScPlYHuKChKPl9aN4FfKtWYtOAc/view
Thank you for your positive words for the season. I remember a couple of years ago I was feeling super low, wanting to be a mama so badly, and I read your encouraging words on your close to Christmas blog, and it made me teary, but helped, mucho. Thank you, Janae, you help us all more than we can ever truly express!
This week, I’m looking forward to embracing my students’ excitement and energy before we start break! Have a great week!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Okay. You are the best. That letter is exactly what we needed. Thank you soooo much. Yes, that is totally what we are noticing with them… having so many options (along with short term and long term goals) is going really well for them. Thank you for telling me that Jenny. You are amazing… please keep me updated on how you are doing. Your students are so lucky to have you. Enjoy this week!
Jenny B.
Oh, I’m so glad! You’re very welcome! I hope you all have a great Christmas and enjoy it as a season, it’s always so depressing to me, when it’s suddenly over!
This Christmas has been amazing, and I’m so excited to have my little girl here next Christmas! I talk to her a lot about our plans and excitement, and I love reading her holiday stories. I finally started to feel movement a couple weeks ago, so I’m no longer in total disbelief she’s actually in there (despite my multiple sonogram print outs and tummy growing- I was thinking a Moon-landing conspiracy)!
Thank you so much for all of your positive energy and love!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Goosebumps. All of the goosebumps. I’m so happy for you Jenny!!!
Hollie
Thanks for this Janae. I feel like a lot of people say “running is therapy” but seeing a therapist is so important if you need it. It’s one of the best things I’ve done with myself to keep my stress down.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Yes yes yes yes yes… I totally agree. When things are hard I definitely need both a therapist and running as a small supplement to the real work I need to do! Have a wonderful day Hollie!
Lauren
My husband has worked (firefighter) every holiday since our son was born. I try to remind myself my son has no idea whether Christmas is the 23rd or 25th, it’s purely on my end that there is any sadness.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Totally. Thank you for sharing that with me. And thank you to your husband and YOU for supporting him… for the work he does. Thinking about you and I hope your 12/23 is a perfect one together.
Eveline
I love your mindset. My husband is a firefighter too and is working both Christmas day and boxing day this year. I felt sad about it but decided to just do a really nice “christmas day” breakfast on Sunday morning instead and you’re so right.. It’s not just about celebrating on the exact date!
elizabeth
Great advice Janae! One thing that really helps me is to let go of any expectations and just enjoy what I can. It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed this time of year and that’s always an uncomfortable feeling.
Brooke and Knox are going to have such a great Christmas. They are so lucky to have so many people that love them. Hopefully you will get in some extra naps…what an awesome Christmas treat haha
I love the jelly bean store! I can’t wait to hear how that works out :)
Erica
Tip: There is no winning Christmas.
Ashley
I agree!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Y.E.S!!!!!!!!!
Jenny|Running On Life
We are on the same wave length this morning or something, I just posted about getting through seasonal depression. I love these tips! Social media is an amazing thing but there has been so much more mental illness since it got big and we all need a break now and then.
I hope we get the olympics too! I got to go to a parolympics hockey game when they came last time. I got on the jumbo tron and that was the highlight for me. I didn’t care about the hockey game at all.
The Hungry Runner Girl
I am going to have to check it out, thank you Jenny for sharing… if you need someone to go on a walk with or run or anything at all, I’m your woman. These cold months can be really hard! Oh that is awesome about the Jumbotron. Crossing all of our fingers that we get to have the Olympics again.
Laura
I have that exact same step stool and used to do Firm tapes all the time! Lol!!! I still have it, and like your sister, use it for a stool now, although ocassionaly I’ll do some one-legged squats or something on it.
We’ve tried doing allowances but they don’t seem to care about earning money after a week or two?! The jelly beans seem cool. My sons teacher (1st grade) does that in her classroom but it’s for the whole class….once her jar is full of marbles then the class earns a special treat (they vote on it) …. could be movie and popcorn time in class, etc.
So I come from a divorced family (since I was a teen), I have been divorced myself (with a child) so I know all about the struggles of trying to fit multiple families in on holidays. Luckily my parents mostly get along (they’ve been divorced for prob 30+ years now??) and we can have holidays all together now but it wasn’t always like that.
Have a great day!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh I love it… The Firm burned so good haha:). That’s how our kids are about money, they don’t really see the value but the idea of earning an event or toy through jelly beans is really exciting for them. I love that your son’s teacher does that. Thank you for sharing that Laura. That is awesome that your parents get along so well now and you can share the holidays. It sure can be a tricky situation. Thank you, you too!
Michelle P.
Spot on about social media. I don’t have it but I see with some of my older kids/nieces/nephews how their self-esteem tanks if they spend too much time scrolling. When you already feel down or are dealing with depression, it’s difficult to remove yourself and say “This is someone’s highlight reel, not the whole story.”
Also, as someone who has dealt with clinical depression, first and foremost, I’d say TALK TO SOMEONE. Make sure the loop of thoughts in your head are bounced off of someone objective (dr, therapist, etc). Don’t suffer in silence and if you need help, please get it.
For a case of the blues though, your mom is so right! Service always helped me get out of my own head. It doesn’t have to be big. Think of something you can manage and do that. Then build from there. Something else I do is to start listing (on paper, in my head, in my prayers, etc) all the things I’m thankful for. Talk about a fast way to 180 your day. Also, I’ve gone to the dollar store before, bought a pack of Thank you cards, and just written out and mailed personal notes to people who have helped or lifted me. It makes me feel better but it’s also a nice surprise for the person when they get it. Proper sleep and REAL food. Oh my! I’m constantly saying to one of my kids, “When is the last time you had a piece of fruit or a fresh vegetable? And how many hours of sleep are you getting?” It sounds silly but it makes a HUGE difference. And finally, finding some personal peace through spiritual means—however that looks for you. Church, yoga, meditation, religious readings, mantra, etc. Just remember that there is someone/something bigger than you out there, waiting for you to reach out and connect.
Whew…sorry! Apparently I have a lot to say on that subject. ? But thank you for addressing it Janae! So needed for so many people. Best wishes to you and all your readers! ❤️
The Hungry Runner Girl
It really is so true and I worry about the effect of social media with teens because it is a lot harder for them to not compare or to feel more alone (and see everyone else out doing things when they feel alone etc). It’s definitely something we are going to prolong in our kid’s lives for as long as possible. THANK YOU for what you said about talking to someone. You are 100% on. Just like going to the doctor for a physical need/illness, we MUST seek professional help (which can start by talking to those closest to us too) in order to get the help that is necessary. Gratitude is healing for the blues, I totally agree. I love that idea of grabbing a bunch of thank you cards and sending them out. I just shook my head yes reading through your comment, thank you for taking the time to share this with us. I hope you have a beautiful day, I appreciate you a lot Michelle!
Michelle P.
All the love to you, girl! ❤️ I really do appreciate you and your blog.
So smart on delaying SM for the kids. My kids do not get any SM account until they are 16, and then it is only one. Once they are 18, we don’t have a say (but we try to counsel them to be balanced about it), but before then…that’s it. Also, we let our kids know:
1. You do not own your phone. Mom & Dad have the right to read EVERYTHING on your device at any time, without warning. There are no passcodes or locks from us, either.
2. Social Media is a PRIVILEGE, not a RIGHT. It can and will go away the moment we see it being deterimental to you, your life, our family, etc.
It’s a beast to manage. And you are SO correct about the effects it has on teens. I always try to remind my kids that the temporal lobe (decision making center of the brain) is not fully developed until they are 24 (crazy, right??). So if they see stuff that confuses them or that is hurtful, bring it to Mom or Dad and let’s talk about it. I have three kids over 16, and I feel like the precautions have helped two of them really well, but the third has openly stated they feel addicted to SM and they know they’d feel better if they deleted everything but they just don’t want to. It’s tough, because they are an adult now and I have little/no influence. But definitely, I wish all parents would go into SM, for themselves and their kids, wide eyed and cautious. I definitely applaud you and Andrew for having a plan!
Have a great day, Janae!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Thank you for telling me about how you are handling this.. I needed to read this. I can’t imagine having social media around (the bullying that goes on is unreal online) as a teenager. Have you heard about @collinkartchner ? Find him on Instagram and watch his stories… it’s so eye opening about social media. Also, sometimes I wonder if my temporal lobe is fully developed ha so I can’t imagine handing young kids the opportunity to be on social media. I wish I could go to lunch with you today and just talk for hours!
Annemarie
That’s great advice, Janae! I’m a therapist and I have given that advice to clients who are going through depression. I would also add that staying away from TV is a good idea as well. Like social media, a lot of TV depicts a fake reality and can make people with depression feel worse about their lives/themselves. There is also the matter of people being inside too much, which feeds depression as well. I know this both professionally, and personally. Getting outside Is one of the best things you can do for yourself mentally and physically (no matter what the weather is doing).
My husband and I took our littles (niece and nephew, but they are almost like our own) to a Christmas festival and it was super fun for all of us! The best was when the 4-yr old was running to get to the restroom, and when he turned the corner just stopped short… when I caught up to him, I see sitting right in front of him was Santa! He was totally medmerized.. it was so cute!
If the Olympics come to Utah, I am going!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Annemarie, thank you so much for sharing that… that is so true. It really is crazy how much fresh air does for us mentally.
I love that you took them to the Christmas festival… what special memories. YES, you better… another reason I want Utah to host the Olympics. Have a wonderful day and thanks for sharing.
Julie
My parents are both nurses and we had many years growing up where they were working on big holidays. Some of my most magical Christmas memories are of waking up very, very early to open presents before my mom went to work :) just our family awake, the whole world quiet and dark around us, our tree lit up.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Reading this gave me goosebumps. We will definitely be using this idea over the years. Have a wonderful day Julie!
Samantha
Your post came at the best time for me. It’s another tough season being alone and I’m trying to stay positive throughout it. I find that exercise – even a short walk in the neighborhood really helps. And hearing that I’m not alone is a big help.
I spend the holidays with each parent separately. While it’s more work, it makes everyone’s holiday much happier instead of stressful.
I love the jellybean system!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Samantha, I am so so sorry. You really are not alone. I’ll be thinking and praying for you and expect an email from me on Christmas:) I totally agree… exercise helps SO much.
Sam
I actually just got rid of my Instagram! I was so happy to learn that you can now temporarily disable your account, instead of permanently deactivating it and losing all of your posts. I’m 28 years old, and I used to love the holiday season. For reasons I’m not going to share, I have come to dislike it. I do think that social media and everyone’s obsession with technology has played a major part. I wish we could go back to the days when people talked to each other face-to-face, and when you did things out of enjoyment and not just so that you could post it on the internet. That being said, I hope you and your family have a happy holiday!
Sam
I actually just got rid of my Instagram! I was so happy to learn that you can now temporarily disable your account, instead of permanently deactivating it and losing all of your posts. I’m 28 years old, and I used to love the holiday season. For reasons I’m not going to share here, I have come to dislike it. It’s sad, but I do think that social media and everyone’s obsession with technology has ruined it all for me. I wish we could go back to the days when people talked to each other face-to-face, and when you did things out of enjoyment and not just so that you could post it on the internet. That being said, I hope you and your family have a happy holiday!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh I didn’t know that you could temporarily disable your account! I am really sorry about what has happened in your life. I agree, there needs to be more real life interaction. I wonder if kids growing up on social media and communicating only by the phone these days are going to have any real social skills?! Thank you Sam, and I hope that you feel comfort and peace during this holiday season!
Andrea
My family also needs to get used to celebrating holidays on different days due to my work —> it’s just a number, after all!! We can still make memories and have fun traditions on alternate days.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Yes yes yes yes yes. I totally agree! Have a wonderful day Andrea!
Victoria
Ah congrats to Josse on going for the Ironman! Ironman Boulder has a BRUTAL run course. She’s got it, though!
The Hungry Runner Girl
She is going to kill it! Come do it with her:). Have a beautiful day Victoria and I need to make those cookies!
Mary
Love your store idea. I have a 3 and 5 year old and have used sticker charts and then give a reward when it’s filled. but have been thinking about something else different.
I want to go to the Olympic marathon trials in Atlanta. It’s 4 hours from me and my sister lives there too so hope that works out in 2020!
The Hungry Runner Girl
I hope you get to go! That would be amazing… I want to come join you too:). Have a wonderful day Mary!
kelly
So one of the few perks of night shift-wednesday night before Thanksgiving is *holiday* pay and counts towards working a holiday. Working night shift 12/25-12/26 also counts. And, if you have young kids, why not work 12/31. It’s really hard being nurse mom over the holidays so I chose my holidays wisely and it was better than many of the other shifts. Besides, hospitals treat employees very well during the holiday (so many delicious goodies delivered!) Your family will grow to really admire and appreciate the nurse in your life :) Oh, and my best running friend and I would run after nights on Thanksgiving around 0830 for our annual “Hobble Gobble” because running after a shift was very unique!
Have a super week!!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
This is so good to hear about how the hospitals treat their nurses during the holiday. I didn’t think about the night shift part of holidays, that is great! PS running after a night shift… that is hardcore! Thanks Kelly, you too.
Katie
I adore your heart <3 love how you’re always helping us readers and sharing!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Thank you Katie! I hope you have had a really great day so far! xoxo
Marissa
Working out definitely helps with my mentality and ability to handle all the stuff. Meditation is so helpful too and literally just takes minutes. I like the Calm app and the Headspace app. I love starting and ending my day with meditation. I also try and list out all of the things I’m grateful for before I go to sleep. I saw a post recently on IG that said “If it’s not a hell yes, then it’s a no” and I think that’s something good to remember and try and live by, especially during the holidays.
We do a paycheck (allowance) with our kids for doing above and beyond chores. There are some chores that are just part of being in our family, like cleaning up after themselves, helping with dishes, and doing their laundry :)
I’ve never been to an Olympic Event but I have been to 2 Olympic Stadiums! One in Lake Tahoe and one in Athens. So cool!
I am only cooking 1 night this week because we have plans for the rest of the week (yay!) and Friday, I am cooking for a former athlete of mine and his family. My kids are so excited to visit him while he’s home from college!
The Hungry Runner Girl
I’m going to have to check out those apps… thank you Marissa. I love that quote! That is awesome that you have been to two Olympic Stadiums! Enjoy the meal and time with your former athlete on Friday, sounds like a blast!
Mary
Hi Janae! Thank you so much for your wonderful words and mental health tip. You really just made my day with your wise words!
I wish you and your family a WONDERFUL December 20th!! I have a feeling Knox and Brooke will have such wonderful memories of all that you and Andrew did to make their holidays special.
Thank you for ALL that you do to brighten & lift our days. You are a truly special person!
Mary
The Hungry Runner Girl
Thank you Mary for your comment, it means a lot to me. I hope you are having a great Monday and keep in touch!
Meredith
Hahahaha totally did The Firm workout videos! I am not going to tell you how I was when I did them but I am pretty sure my mom still has all of them!
The Hungry Runner Girl
That is awesome! They were killer workouts… I should probably try them again for my strength:). Have a wonderful day Meredith!
Melissa
Its funny.. I read your blog religiously every single day… and this was exactly what I needed to hear today .. because since completing my 10k DisneyRun.. i can’t get back into the groove (even though I have another one at the beginning of April). My friend tells me this is natures way of telling me that I need to rest because there is just too much going on right now and I don’t need to be going against this feeling of just not wanting to run.
Great idea about the jelly bean system and that the kids can see the rewards laid out before them.
The Hungry Runner Girl
I think your friend is 100% right. Listen to that body of yours and running will always be there for you when you are ready to get back again. PS I want to do a DisneyRun… I bet it was incredible. Thank Melissa, I hope you are having a wonderful day!
Nancy
Loved your post. Really resonated. I own (yes, present tense) those steps and use them for painting and reaching higher things. They were a great full body workout!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
I’m so glad Nancy! I hope you are doing well:). Haha I wonder what percentage of those steps are now used for painting etc! Have a wonderful day.
Jess
Have literally never commented before…but I had to when I saw you asking about the Kidrunner. We have one!!! I thought my husband was insane for spending all that $$$ on it (especially since neither of us run NEARLY as much as you) but it is a game changer. 100x better than pushing a jogging stroller. And our 2 year old tolerates it a lot better than being strapped into a stroller. My husband loved it so much he actually applied to (and was chosen!) to be a Kidrunner ambassador :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
REALLY!? Okay, this is so good to hear… I’ve really been wondering about them! I’ll have to talk to Andrew:). THANKS for letting me know Jess and have a wonderful day.
Olivia
Thanks, so much, for the tip about staying off social media. Noted and very much appreciated <3
Christina
Love this advice! Even when I’m content with my situation sometimes I’ll want what other people are doing or have and then be like wait! I have enough. Everyone could use a break from social media for sure.
Ashley
Seriously… THANK YOU for all the podcasts and videos to watch while running! You’re a huge help when it comes to treadmill training.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh I am so so glad! I hope you have a beautiful day Ashley!
Alicia @Bridges Through Life
I love that reward system you set up for Brooke and Knox. Holidays can be hard. I know for me, I live far away from family and even though I am nearby my fiancé’s family, it’s still not the same. One thing I love is making the tradition to go to NYC for a day each year for Christmas and see a show. It’s funny that you have the Target love languages. My love language is definitely quality time, so experiences and days out are my family especially around the holidays. I also miss living in a city with a bunch of activities, so a trip to NYC is my favorite. It may be crazy busy, but there is something I love about it. I hope you have a wonderful early Christmas celebration at home with the kids.
Kathy
Thank you for acknowledging that the holidays can be tough for people!! Love your blog! So great to watch everyone grow individually and as a family. Merry Christmas ❤️