Friday Favorites, It’s Back & You Are Amazing!

A few things to go with the picture:

*We have a bit of weeding to do in our backyard (we bought our house in October of last year so we definitely didn’t quite realize how much yard work we had up ahead but yard work is good for kids so I’m not complaining).

*When your brother-in-law works for BYU you get all sorts of awesome free running gear.

*WHY AM I WEARING GLOVES IN MAY?

*My skin was doing a bit better until I went to Indy because the slightest change of climate and boom—> 50 new zits.

*We got a little outdoor patio set because we want to eat dinner outside as much as possible and Skye enjoys tipping over the chairs and then laughing.

*7 miles @ 8:13 average with my neighbor at a later than normal time which felt heavenly.

Skye gets quite a lot of attention each day.  I’m not worried about her not meeting her kiss quota each day.

Wednesday was all about freedom in Skye’s life and today she was all about being connected to me!

Cross country practice is always the highlight of their day.  They sure have a lot of beads on their necklaces now!

Andrew was able to make it in time to see them run too.

Sweet potatoes, avocado and chicken for lunch and then Andrew picked up some salads for a date night at home once the kids went down.

I have a 5k tomorrow ahhh!  I might take today off or I might go for a few easy miles.. we shall see!

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I have some Friday Favorites today (affiliate links included):

*I was able to meet Hollie Hughes this last weekend and she and her son, Jonah, are absolutely incredible.  They set a new Guinness World Record and Hollie pushed Jonah in a Team Hoyt Chair to run a half-marathon in 1:24.  They just have a light about them that is something else, you are drawn to them.  PS that is also Lindsey in the picture!

*SUCH A GOOD EPISODE!  Evie Serventi is a sports psychologist and shared so many incredible tips and ideas… the brain takes us to the next level so give me all of the sports psychology tips possible.

*Brooke gave me this little note when I got home from my trip.

*A new top that I am loving.  I usually just wear t-shirts so when I find a comfortable ‘nicer’ shirt (I love the little tie at the bottom) it makes me excited to get ready;). Also, wearing these light colored jeans all of the time lately.. I prefer buttons in the front to zippers and these are perfect for spring (ps if you take in an old pair of jeans to Madewell then you can get $30 off your new pair).

*Did anyone else absolutely love Veronica Mars with Kristen Bell when it used to be on? Did you know that they are coming back with a 4th season!?  I can barely handle my excitement about this.

*This tank!  I LOVE the color of it. I have a few of these tanks because I love running in them.

*THIS.  I love the friendships that comes from running…  It’s something else.

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I LOVE hearing from you guys and the amazing things you are doing!  Keep sending your accomplishments to [email protected] so we can keep cheering each other on!

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Rachel!!!  “My recent running accomplishment was my first marathon on Saturday, March 30, 2019.  I ran the Carmel Marathon in 3:30:46 which is a Boston qualifying time for my age group!  It was rainy, chilly, and windy the whole time which makes me even more proud of this accomplishment!   I saw such huge success with a running coach that I’ve decided to become RRCA certified myself so that I can help others!  I have the Chicago Marathon coming up in October and then hopefully Boston next year!”

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Sarah!!!  “I was one of the lucky few to get into the London Marathon through the ballot.  It was the biggest race I had ever been a part of, runner or spectator wise.  Getting to the the start was an adventure with that many people going the same way.  We were nicely packed into the train but we were all in an excited mood so was actually fun!  The start was great as they had a DJ and would show the professionals starting which got the crowd more excited.  I ended up starting about 40 minutes after the official start. The first few miles had a number of speed bumps but they had volunteers at each one shouting “HUMP!” as we crossed them and it made everyone around laugh every time.  I eventually put my music on thinking the crowds were going to fade out at some point, they never did.  Right after Tower Bridge I got to see my husband and family cheering me on.  Apparently they got everyone around them to shout my name so I could hear them but I didn’t even realize.  Things were going well until about mile 20 when I saw my last mile was far too fast.  I ended up running three miles at least a minute faster than I should have and I ended up feeling incredibly ill.  I walked for awhile contemplating if I should find the medics but I knew my husband and family were at mile 25 so if I could get there, I would get a little boost from seeing them and making it the last 1.2 miles.  When I got to them I was holding back tears, I had so many emotions at this point.  But I got a quick hug and an encouraging word and kept running, trying not to cry.  By the time I saw the “800 meters to go” sign I was determined to finish strong.  By the “600 meters to go” I was full on crying as I ran past Buckingham Palace and that last stretch, not just because I could stop running soon but I was actually finishing the London Marathon and it was such an amazing setting!  I crossed the finish line and everyone was saying congratulations to everyone else; it was great seeing everyone excited for everyone else!  I was almost bawling my eyes out when I got my medal so I ask the lady who gave it to me if I could have a hug and she was more than happy to oblige. It felt like the world’s best hug at the time!  I slowly made my way to pick up my bag and find my husband and a place to sit down, where I ended up having a nice long chat with the girl sat next to us while she waited for her people to come find her.  I may have convinced her to try another marathon.  I didn’t end up with the time I hoped for but I still got a PR and finished the London Marathon!  I have put my name in the ballot again, sign up for a half marathon in September, and looking for my next guaranteed marathon!”

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Nicole!!! “Last weekend I ran my first full marathon and it was so much fun! I was training for the Utah Valley full but due to miltiary obligations, I have to put that on hold until next year :( So I scrambled to find a race that I could put all my training to the test on. The Glass City Marathon was scheduled a month sooner then I was planning on but it worked out so perfectly. It was 39 and raining at the start but the sun ended up coming out towards the end. My legs never really seemed to warm up so I knew going faster wasn’t going to happen so I just went with it and stayed at a comfortable pace. I made sure to smile the entire time and just took in the fact that I was actually doing this!!! Thanks so much for sharing the tips from your past runs b/c I kept those in my head the entire time. After slowing down at the later water stations, I ended up finishing in 4:30 and felt strong the whole time!! NEVER did I think I could run a full, never! I already am excited to start training again for the Air Force Marathon in September and hopefully I can get a PR!!!”

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Corrinne!!!  “I ran the Illinois Half Marathon at the end of April. For the past few years I’ve had the goal to run a half marathon under 2 hours. I attempted it once before but came down with bronchitis the week of my race. This year Kate a neighborhood friend told me we should do the Illinois half together and then at some point a bet formed between the girls and boys in the neighborhood. We girls who had all run multiple races thought we could beat the boys who had never done a half marathon. On race day I finally got my goal of sub 2 with 1:59:41. The last mile and half was rough but I kept looking at the sub 2 I wrote on my hand and dig deep! Unfortunately the girls did not beat the boys as it turns out Kate’s husband is naturally gifted runner and killed his first half with a 1:37 time. All 3 girls came in under 2 hours. Mark rocked his first half marathon too and I bet he does another! Shout out to my husband who ran the full marathon in 2:43!!!”

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What is a show that you used to LOVE but it got cancelled?!

Last podcast that you listened to?

Any mantras that I can use tomorrow for the pain train I am about to board tomorrow?

Anyone else wearing gloves in May?