Good morning! I have so many tangents to tell you about today so I hope you are ready…
*I met a girl in Indy that is working towards running a race in EVERY STATE. I’ve heard of other people doing this but for some reason (hmmm maybe because I had a very enjoyable time in Indiana) I really want to make this my goal too.
So far, I have done races in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Indiana, California, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington! I have 9 states and just need 41 more:). I’m loving having a goal that is going to require more traveling and more running;). I’ve gone on runs in 19 states total but I think I want to do official races in each state for this goal!
*Monday run= 6 miles @ 7:48. Boy do I already miss running so close to sea level because we live at about 4,800 feet and I felt it yesterday. Because I took last Saturday as a workout rather than a race my body felt really good and ready to run yesterday.
*Andrew had his first day of work yesterday! He will be in training for the next 8 weeks and he is just so happy about what he is doing now! The girls were not thrilled about him leaving… especially Brooke.
Skye’s morning hair is always my favorite.
*I went in to see Dr. Bennett to get everything all in place again! There is a lot of running/racing that I want to do over the next 5 months which means I need to be super proactive about it all and take really good care of myself. My mom met me there thankfully because at this point in Skye’s life… there is no way to do appointments like this while keeping her safe ha.
*I have a 5k this weekend! I’m on a race streak. I’m doing the Lavell Edwards Memorial Heart & Sole 5k on Saturday. I haven’t done a 5k since last summer and it will be fun (and painful) to do one again. My goal is to not look at my watch and to run it really smart. PS this race has a signed helmet, signed jersey, signed women’s bb and ton’s of BYU apparel to give away to those who sign up (come support my awesome brother-in-law’s work pretty please:).
(Picture from group run in Indy)
*The sweetest Caitlyn made Lindsey and I personalized cups. I will be using this for all of my future hot chocolate needs.
*You know you have a lot of kids when it is pretty much cheaper for you to buy the annual family pass to a museum instead of paying for individual day passes for each person ha:)
*PS on Saturday my brother and his wife went to the Kentucky Derby. I just thought they looked so so awesome!
*The night before the race my body just felt like it really needed some salt. I ordered a plate of french fries (and some rolls to eat in the morning) and when I got the bill it turns out the fries were SIXTEEN dollars. I added more salt to them and the next morning I had a great race… I might be onto something.
*Brooke made a scrunchy at craft club while I was gone. I love that scrunchies are coming back.
*Call me a weirdo but I REALLY feel like the little things we do as far as clothing/hair/etc for race day or speed work make a difference. For some reason when I put on the power bun, my black shorts (that I’ve worn for the last 4 races in a row) and Hyperions… I instantly feel like a superhero with a cape. On the other side, when I put on certain clothing and shoes they throw me straight into easy running/relaxed mode.
My brain knows that when the Power Bun is secured on the top of my head, things get serious.
*Turns out we all can’t live without these (you can get 10% off with the code HRG10 ((affiliate code))…
*My über driver had this water bottle and had the best things to say about it (even though it only has three stars on Amazon).. has anyone else tried it? It tracks (on an app on your phone) how much water you are drinking each day! SO cool.
*The shortcut I needed to take to get to my hotel hot shower as quickly as possible. I really wanted to stick around the end of the race on Saturday but I was soaking and shivering afterwards.
*The hotel we stayed at over the weekend was SO prepared for their runners. They had baskets of things runners need out and around the lobby.
*Taking Skye to restaurants is never boring;)
*Gotta take advantage of the four generation photos.
*I felt pretty hip and cool to be matching Curly at dinner the other night.
*My mom made her enchiladas on Sunday. They are one of my favorite meals ever… recipe HERE! PS you can find a lot of our family’s favorite recipes on this page!
Anyone else have a goal to race in every state or a similar type goal? How many have you done so far? Has anyone already accomplished this goal?
What running goal do you have right now (running goals can include everything from a time to just enjoying the run)!
Is there anything you wear or do that helps you translate over to speed mode?
Have a favorite meal that one of your parents always makes/made?
67 comments
Jenny|Running On Life
My running goals right now are doing my first 10k and PR in the 5k and if I’m feeling good, do another half :). I would love racing in every state though.
The Hungry Runner Girl
WAHOOOOO I am so excited for your summer of racing. Utah summer racing is the best in my opinion:) . Have a beautiful day Jenny!
Jenny
I think the reason the fries were so expensive is that they were “magic fries” that make you run extra fast! Have a great day Janae!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Valid point! I might need them to ship some to me for the next race:) . Have a wonderful day Jenny!
Jen W.
YES to the not looking at the watch during the 5K! That’s so the way to go and really hang tough in mile 2; that’s the hard part. Just keep pushing through!!! I can’t wait to hear how it goes for you!
I’ve never thought about it, but I’ve run races in 5 states! I have a way to go. ha ha
Well, my spring racing season ended Saturday! Coach still has decent mileage and speed workouts planned for me, but my mind and body are telling me that I need to ease off a bit, esp. the speed, and add in more yoga and strength. I’m not the kind of person who can GO and GO and GO with running. I need little breaks, but working with a coach kind of makes me feel guilty about/second guess them. It’s more because of my head than because of my coach though if that makes sense! I guess I’m a people pleaser. But NO ONE knows our bodies and what they need better than WE do.
Speedy things—compression shorts (Oiselle Portmans!) and either my Vapor Flys or Adidas Bostons!
I printed your mom’s enchilada recipe–can’t wait to try them. The recipe looks EASY, so I LOVE that!!!!! :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh thank so much Jen! Join the goal with me:) . Good for you Jen to listen to what your body/mind need. I understand what you are saying about being a people please but you keep doing what you know is best for you. Oh I need to try those compression shorts… do they roll up at all though? That drives me NUTS. I hope you love them. Have a fabulous day Jen!
AmandaM
Your brother and wife look incredible and happy and so cute!! Love that picture. They are fabulous.
The Hungry Runner Girl
I totally agree!!! Thanks so much Amanda. I hope your Tuesday is a really great one!
Kelli
My running goal right now is to run a sub 2 in my first half marathon that’s in less than two weeks. But no matter what happens, I’ll get a new PR just by finishing!
Jenny
Good luck!! What race is that?
Kelli
Thanks, Jenny! I’m running the Chicago Spring Half Marathon.
The Hungry Runner Girl
KELLI!! GOOD LUCK! I am so so excited for you. I am cheering for you big time. Will you please let me know how it goes?
Kelli
Of course!!
Jessica
love the race in every state idea! i actually had a dream recently that you held a big group run in hawaii, so maybe you should, i dunno, organize that?? ;)
love the 4 generations picture! My grandmother passed away last month, and i really regret not getting a photo of her with me, my mom, and my daughter.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh Jessica, I am truly so so sorry that you lost your grandma last month. That breaks my heart and I hope you are doing okay.
Also, I think your dream needs to become real life.
Jessica
Thank you janae ❤️
Jenny
The every state race is now one of my goals after I saw the coolest bib holder at the Flying Pig expo. It had a drawing of the US and you color in each state (I guess with a sharpie?) as you tick them off! I just can’t decide whether the race has to be a half or full or whether a 5k or 10k will count. I thought having a medal from each state sounds cool so maybe has to be at least a half…
The Hungry Runner Girl
Okay, I need to buy that bib holder. That is so so cool. Keep me updated with what you choose to do and let’s plan to do one together:)
Alicia
I live in Connecticut and we have a running club here of people trying to run an official race in every town in the state! So far I’ve run in 158 out of the 169 towns! Most have been 5ks, but there have been some 10 mi, half marathons, and a marathon thrown in there too!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Okay, that is INCREDIBLE. 158 out of 169… you are so so close Alicia! I love that you are doing this. Let me know when you complete every town. Have a fabulous day Alicia!
Tammy
Looks like you need to add KY to your list, your brother is here and I’d love to meet you. I’d say run with, but no way I can keep up with you. I’m working on some running goals now. I think mainly to get back to enjoying running and then officially train for a couple of races. I’m thinking I need to try the power bun. I usually braid my hair to keep it off my face but it still gets tangled. Long hair probs.
The Hungry Runner Girl
I’ve run there but I definitely need to RACE there! That would be so much fun to meet you (ps did I tell you he moves to Utah this summer though?!). TRY the power bun… it is life changing! Have a fabulous day Tammy.
Claire
When you said y’all were headed to the children’s museum, I was thinking a couple of those kids were about to lose their college fund ?. I only have 2 kids, and we only ever went the one night a month it costs $5. That sports experience is awesome, though!
I’m training for my first half. Hoping I can get there healthy. I apparently love to get injured.
The Hungry Runner Girl
RIGHT!?! I could not believe the prices but now they are proudly annual pass members haha. I agree, that sports experience was incredible. I almost felt guilty for being there without my kids ha.
NOOOO to injuries. What is going on right now? I hope you are able to get there healthy and feeling stronger than ever.
Julie
My friend Megan and I love your blog and would love to meet you! We hope you stop in Fargo, ND for a 10k/half marathon/marathon or whichever race you choose to run! We have the Fargo Marathon here and love running it! We also have the best donuts at Sandy’s Donuts! There is also the “Sandy’s Donut Run” in November with a 10k and 5K where you get a donut at the end, and they also have a donut aid station where you can fuel with a donut half way through the race! If you finish the donut, you get a minute taken off of your time! PS I love the koala clip, thanks for the suggestion I just received mine last week!
The Hungry Runner Girl
JULIE… I would LOVE love love to meet you and Megan. I think the donut run is a given… that would be perfect and I would definitely get that minute taken off ha. Oh I am so glad you love your Koala Clip, it really is the best. Have a great day Julie!
mary
Do the Detroit Free Press marathon as your Michigan race! It crosses the bridge into Canada and then goes through the tunnel back into the US (the only underwater mile in the world I think!). If you do it I will sign up as well and would be happy to host you!! I would sign up to run it too – though significantly slower than you.
You get to visit two countries and run a race in two countries all at the same time! :-)
The Hungry Runner Girl
NO WAY. I have never heard about this race. That is incredible and the only underwater mile in the world? Yeah, I definitely need to do that. THANK YOU MARY for telling me about this race. So so cool. I hope you have a fabulous day!
Lauren
I was going to suggest this race as well! I have done the international half and the full marathon! It was my first and only marathon and so freaking awesome that I have always wanted to run another one! Miles 17ish through 19ish are in a historical beautiful neighborhood of Detroit and it is like a giant party there are so many people cheering you one. Once you exit the neighborhood you run across another bridge and run around an island in the middle of the Detroit River (Belle Isle). The crazy thing you can look out over the river and see the Ambassador Bridge that connects Detroit to Windsor that you have already run across at the beginning of the race. I highly recommend! I am a back of the pack runner and the spectators are amazing so I can only imagine how much more enthused they are for the quick runners!!
Kate
Have you not run the Chicago marathon?
The Hungry Runner Girl
I haven’t yet but I definitely will someday… it’s on my bucket list! I hope you have a great day Kate!
Carol
I think the goal of racing in every state is fantastic. I’m not the best at traveling specifically for a race, but I will look up events when I know I’m going somewhere.
My current running goal is a sub 1:45 half.
I have a specific playlist for speed workouts that helps me get into that mode mentally.
Not a meal, but my mom’s applie pie is the best!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Apple pie has never sounded so good as it does now reading about your mom’s apple pie (send me a slice next time she makes it:) . I cannot wait for you to check that goal off… you can and you WILL. Have a beautiful day Carol!
Kaileigh Vermillion
My Current running goal is to train and run a half in 2:15.
I think the goal of running a race in every state is awesome.
I have the Hidrate Spark Water bottle and love it!
The Hungry Runner Girl
I cannot wait to hear about your sub 2:15 half Kaileigh… you can and you WILL. Good to know, thanks so much for letting me know. Have a great day!
Charlie
I’m TOTALLY down for joining you for some races in new states (so far I’ve run races in NYC, Arizona, California, New York, Florida, Georgia) Top of my list to race is Utah (obvs!), Hawaii and Texas!
The Hungry Runner Girl
AWESOME!!!! Let’s do it… and come stay at my house for the Utah one and then we can just fly out to Hawaii for a race/vacation. Have a wonderful day Charlie and I miss you already!
Alicia K
I would love to just travel to every state. I recently bought a world map where you scratch off the countries and states you have been to. I have a lot to go, but it’s fun having the map as motivation. I have been to 5 of the 7 Australia states.
Emily
Hey Janae! Thought of you this morning on my run because it was WINDY straight on headwind for the whole first half, and I know how much you love to run in wind :) Well, that’s Chicago for you. Luckily the thing about our great lakefront path is that it’s always out and back, so if you get headwind for the first part, you enjoy a nice tailwind ride in your second half.
My running goal this spring is to keep things easy and steady and conservative as I get back into post-knee surgery in Jan. My coach is really having me take it slow and careful, which I so appreciate. If I wasn’t working with a coach I’m sure I would have jumped back into higher mileage and/or spadework WAY too soon, and ruined all the good work from my knee repair. So I’m very thankful to have his good guidance now.
Have a great rest of your day.
Hillary
Happy Tuesday! I am running the Bayshore Marathon in two and a half weeks (look it up, maybe it could be your Michigan race ;) and I am hoping to break 4 hours. I have been very close and probably ran fast enough to break it a few years ago, but had to…ahem, make a bathroom pit stop a couple times unfortunately.
I often requested my mom make me an eclair cake for my birthday, so simple and so delicious. I may have to make one in the near future!
Peggi
OKay, you NEED to come to Texas and do a race then. Come to Houston and we can do a race, just let me know when!!!!
Kristin
I have a 10k in the fall that I want to be able to race–which translates into building up speed and endurance! I ran my 10-miler and felt good during it, but maintaining speed is something I need to work on since I ran that race pretty slow. I’m also working on my mental game–telling myself I CAN DO THIS when runs feel tough or when I don’t want to lace up.
For race day: two french braids! I never do two braids except for when racing and I love it. One of my favorite family meals: shredded chicken from the crockpot that we make tacos with. It’s so easy and so good!!
Can we all run whatever Hawaii race you choose with you? :-)
Natalie
Training for the St. George marathon with the goal to qualify for Boston! I’ve got a running coach and a fenix garmin that has turned me into a complete running nerd and I love it! Love reading your blog!
Julie
I have the water bottle and find it really useful. I’m not a great water drinker and it helps me meet my goal. It adjusts your goal based on your activity level and also considers the weather. It syncs to the iPhone with no issues. The only downside is it is not insulated and therefore won’t keep your water cold. As it has gotten warmer I have switched back to my Hydro Flask.
Kristine Chew
A race in every state sounds so cool!
My goal right now is a 55km trail race in September in Whistler. Starting to put in the miles, and my body is definitely feeling the lay off I took hahah!
Favourite meal = lasagne. Not what my parents made though.
Have a great day Janae!
Sloan
I’ve run in races in 7 states so far. Most of those are from collegiate cross country.
My long term goal right now is to do a 50K next March and it scares me haha. Right now my goal is to really build a good mileage base in the summer getting ready to coach cc in the fall, do a half or full in December, then train for the 50K in March.
Lina
Honolulu marathon!
Stacey
I love everything about this post, but will cut to the chase — what are the pants (joggers?) you are wearing in the coffee cup photo? I am on the HUNT for a nice pair of joggers.
Have a great day, girl!
The Hungry Runner Girl
HEY YOU!! They are my absolute favorite… here they are:
https://shopstyle.it/l/22Zw
Amy
If you want to come to Juneau, Alaska, we have a great Marathon in July, the Frank Mayer Marathon! I won’t run it with you (because you’re about twice as fast as I am…), but I’d love to say hi! And hopefully by next year I’ll be able to run the half again (seeing as I’ll have a two month old, I’m skipping this year…)
Libby
You should absolutely do a race in each state. I am currently working on running a marathon in all 50 states. I have 18 states completed with 19 next month. I have run 26 marathons so I have done some repeating but now I am trying hard not to repeat. Although I’m repeating this fall and running the NYC marathon again because I loved it so much and was lucky to get a bib!! I don’t run them fast but hoping to PR in NYC.
I actually just started a blog which really focuses on taking care of yourself and not getting lost in motherhood but will absolutely be documenting the rest of my states. This 26.2 miles in each states has turned into my goal and self-care!
My favorite meal is chicken parmigiana. It is also my go to meal before a race!!!
Mary Jo
My husband and I are running a half in each state. Only 41 to go! Ha!!!! By the way, I do have the Hidate Spark and love it! Not only does it remind me to drink but it’s so PRETTY when it sits on my desk and lights up.
Eva
We have 12 provinces in The Netherlands and I’ve raced in three of them. My goal is to run or race in all provinces, but it will take al long time because I only race about every three months. Our weekends are quite busy with watching our children play field hockey, which is really fun too. We also have five islands where I would like to run , I’ve run on one of them, where my dad was born. So, I think it’s a great goal to run in every state. (every country in Europe would be nice too).
Liz Connolly
I have the Hidrate water bottle and love it! Otherwise I tend to never be properly hydrated! I got it when I was breastfeeding and had to drink even more than they recommended wish they had a setting for breastfeeding but it adjusts intake by temperature and activity level if you sync those to your phone.
Emilie
I didn’t have that race in every state goal, but I do now… I’m sure the spouse will be thrilled. Ha. I’ve run in Minnesota, Illinois and have California (SF marathon) and New York (NYC marathon) this year so only 46 to go after those. ? Thanks for being such a positive light and inspiration to so many!
Erika Finn
Because of you, my dear, I signed up to my first race ever… The Long Beach Half Marathon in October. I’ll be 42 on race day. ? Now my daughter wants to run it too! She will be 13. She has high functioning autism, and I think running is going to be great for her. We’re starting to train now and it’s super hard but so fun. Thank you for being inspiring!
-Erika (@leanhealthymom on Instagram)
The Hungry Runner Girl
NOOOO WAY!! THIS JUST MADE MY NIGHT!! I am so thrilled that you and your daughter will be running together and training. Please keep me updated on how it all goes. So happy for you guys!
Janelle M
I am doing the half in every state too! I have hit 23 and will have at least 25 by the end of the year. So glad you enjoyed Indy, even if for a short trip. And you and Tina really crushed those last 4 miles!
My running goal right now is to try and start training smart. I think for too long I have just tried to go harder and longer and faster without a break and my body is not recovering like it used to (realities of getting older :) ). I should also spend more time on yoga/stretching instead of those two extra intervals.
Liz Connolly
The hidrate bottle does peel easy so watch what cup holder you put it in and customer service has been amazing at fixing any issues I’ve had. They’ve replaced a bottle and a sensor for me, but everything I have now has been going strong for a long time now.
Michelle
Coolest goal, I love it! Travel + running is the best. Maybe you can combine it with Andrew seeing a game in every stadium ;)
Cori @ She's Going the Distance
Running a race in every state has been my goal for a while now :) It started as a marathon in each state, but this is more doable and will make for a relaxing vacation when traveling. Hitting a 5k won’t derail a family vaca!
Lisa
Ha! I LOVED the power bun/super hero analogy! Thanks for sharing that tip! I’ve been using it to keep my hair from being a tangled mess after a run. Also, I like that my hair is out of my way. The only downside is that I like wearing a hat…
Have a super Wednesday!
Sydney
Running a marathon in every state is an awesome idea!! How fun!!! You must consider adding the Detroit international marathon to your list! Detroit to Canada and back!! Woohoo! I know I mentioned this marathon to you before but it’s totally worth mentioning again now that you have a goal right?! Detroit in the fall in the time to visit!
Confession.. I make your recipes weekly!! They are simple to throw together and always yummy!
Have a great day and congrats in Indy!!
Five days until Bachelorette!!!! This season is gonna be a food one I can FEEL it.. Hannah B seems like a goofball!
Paul
I *love* running in new and different places. It’s a great way to learn about a new place anyway because you see things that you wouldn’t if you were just driving through.
I’m up to…[counts on hand]…seven? And I’ve at least grazed an eighth. Fifty states sounds awesome. Great goal.
Kat
Come to Charlotte to run!! Would LOVE to meet up with you and share a few doughnuts :)
Amanda Mc
I saw your french fries and immediately went to the cafeteria at my work to get some. I didn’t even finish reading this post. And they were so worth it.
I’m doing a half in every state.
Elizabeth
I interviewed at our local Fleet Feet and the owner is aiming to do a marathon in every state! We talked about my favorite marathon in Illinois, and she said she was thinking about it but decided not to do it because she got into Chicago and doesn’t like to repeat states. So apparently she’s done a few!
I’m SO into the power bun. I usually run with a bun anyway because I have long thick hair, but adding the extra hair ties like your tutorial shows has made it so much more secure! Plus I know I’m running with the elites with you and Ali when I do it! :)
Speaking of museums, did your family go to the City Museum in St Louis when you were there a few months back?