I’M BACK and so happy that I took a few days off to get my calf happy again. I guarantee that a few years ago in this same situation I probably would have just pushed through the pain I was feeling and ended up with an injury. I’ve just learned too many times that you have to really listen to what your body is telling you and no workout/race/easy run is worth an injury. I missed a big workout this week but I’d rather that than missing the race! Plus, I feel like this was kind of a blessing in disguise. I was really feeling tired and this has helped me back off big time this week and get feeling normal again!
7 solo miles @ 7:57 average while listening to Ali on the Run talk to Dawn Grunnagle, a 2:34 marathoner. Loving Ali’s marathon series right now… perfect timing!
My run actually happened after I took Brooke and Knox to school so this is what my morning started with.
PICTURE DAY!
After my run, Andrew and I went shopping for Knox’s bday! He is going to be 7 really soon. I took 2 pictures while we were out…
1) Skye’s obsession with Minnie is at an all-time high and that is what she is going to be for Halloween this year. If she see’s a picture of Minnie she will just stand there and wave at her for a minute.
2) Not sure how this goldfish got here but I’m assuming she put it there just in case she needed a snack later;)
We made tacos (chicken + salsa in the crockpot) for dinner along with some guac and these amazing fall chips from TJs.
And then we made our best attempt at family night.
Finished off with Joe-Joe’s milkshakes.
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Time for a few Friday Favorites and affiliate links included!
*A few of you asked for me to share what THIS WAVER looks like on my hair. I don’t hold it down on my hair for very long so I have more of a loose wave look. I’m sure it looks better on clean hair too haha;). But it’s nice that it takes just a few minutes to add some waves to my hair.
*The outfit I wore running yesterday (in the top picture) is my favorite Brooks tank and shorts EVER. Both items are crazy comfortable and you forget you are wearing them because they feel so good while running. Tank and shorts!
*My sister and I watched Tall Girl last weekend together on Netflix and we really liked it (please note: we are easily entertained). It was so fun to just sit on the couch with her and completely veg out to a Netflix Original haha. PS my r8 has been my 5th appendage this last week.
*A few of you recommended the Clinique Lash Building Primer and the Clinique Workout 24-Hour Mascara and I am addicted—> They make my lashes look so much longer and fuller and somehow it doesn’t end up all over my face in the process;). I’ve even had people in real life notice a difference!
*This Honeycrisp Apple diffuser smells amazing. It just leaves a nice little hint. I also bought everything else at TJs that looked like fall.
*ANOTHER PAIR OF LEGGINGS ON AMAZON that I love. They feel like Lulu ones and these are $30 and have some really fun patterns to choose from! The camp ones are my favorite.
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I always love hearing about the amazing things you guys are doing—> Send them to [email protected]
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From Gina: “I’d like to take a moment to brag on my husband, Matt. Matt does not run, he said the Marine Corps ran him all he ever wanted to run. I mean he even has 0.0 stickers on the back of his truck! This past July we bought a Jeep and started taking day trips to trails and waterfalls in TN that were within 2 hours of our home. We found something we could do together (since he hated running) and we went from walking the trails to actually running them…all while he wore flip flops!!! Side note, he wears flip flops to work (we own an Excavating business) so flip flops are his shoe. He’s been fitted at a running store and even bought Mizuno running shoes but always goes back to his flip flops
J Recently, I was able to convince him to buy a pair of Chacos and the most mileage he has run/walked/hiked has been 8 miles in one day. This past Saturday, 9/14/19 I was registered for the Trash Panda, trail ½ marathon on Raccoon Mountain and Matt asked me to sign him up and he would run/walk whatever mileage he felt like. Well I am beyond proud to say that he completed ALL 13.1 miles and yes, in his Chacos!
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Give me a Trader Joe’s item recommendation or two please… I want to try some new things!
Looking forward to anything this weekend?! Races or long runs planned?
Longest break you’ve had to take from running because of an injury?
-I think it was around 10 weeks for a stress fracture.
Have any favorite things from this week?
41 comments
Lee
We don’t have a TJ’s close by. When I get to go to one, I spend way too much money trying all the different things I usually don’t have access to. It’s a fun trip for me.
I love those leggings. I wish they had pink camo. I may get the grey. Grey goes with everything. Thanks for sharing them!
I hope Knox has an awesome bday! My son turned 7 in July. When he turned 7, he became a “man boy.” You should watch out for that.
I’m glad you’re feeling better. I’m almost to two weeks off for my knee but I think I’ll be able to start running again in a week or so.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh pink camo would be so so fun…. we should leave a review with that tip:) . MAN BOY ahhhhh we’ve reached that?! Thank you so much Lee and I hope your first run back feels amazing!
Gina
So happy your calf is feeling better. I just wanted to thank you again for sharing my husbands accomplishment. So so very proud of him! :) Have a wonderful weekend! Gina
The Hungry Runner Girl
THANK YOU FOR SHARING IT WITH US! We are all loving it! You too!
Shaya
Brooke is beautiful in the picture of her and Knox! And Skye is so funny and adorable at the same time. I want another little one!!! I like those leggings, too. What size do you wear? I’m between two sizes and I don’t know which one to get.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Thanks so much Shaya!! I hope you love the leggings. I got a small and I probably could have done an XS in them but the small feels very comfortable! I hope your day is a great one!
Shaya
Thanks for the info. I’m thinking I will get the XS then. Those were the two sizes I was between.
kelly
I used to love Crime Junkie – but the hosts have been accused of plagiarism by many sources. It rubs me the wrong way, so I’ve stopped listening. Just an FYI. Have a great weekend!
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/22/business/media/crime-junkie-podcast-plagiarism.html
https://www.vulture.com/2019/08/crime-junkie-podcast-plagiarism-scandal.html
Meghan
I stopped listening too and skipped a live show due to the plagiarism. They straight up stole from other podcasters. The podcast “Let’s Taco Bout True Crime” has a recent episode where three of the podcasters sit down and talk about how their experience with being plagiarized has affected them. It’s eye opening.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh this is terrible! I had NO IDEA!! Do you guys have recommendations of new podcasts that are similar (and doing it the honest way) for me to listen to now??? Taking it off my post! My blog was plagiarized for a few months and it definitely cost me money and a lot of time. So sad they are doing this!
Bridgette
Knox looks adorable with his missing front teeth! Happy Picture day!
The Hungry Runner Girl
I agree… I was so happy that his teeth like that are for school pictures. Have the best day Bridgette!
Virginia
Have you ever tried the Pollo Asado from the meat section from TJ’s? It is an awesome very thin marinted chicken breast and I love to serve it as a sort of rice bowl. I’ll put rice, the cut up pollo asado and some bell pepper strips in a bowl and my kids absolutely love it.
The Hungry Runner Girl
I sure haven’t but I’m going to get it next time and copy your rice bowl! That sounds SO good! THANK YOU for a dinner idea next week!
Jenn
This Running Accomplishment is my absolute FAVORITE!! (I love all of them and love celebrating everything the HRG Family does, but this one is extra special!) Way to go MATT!
My husband and I are beginning our taper for ST. GEORGE! We live in Houston, TX (we stayed dry yesterday, thankfully) and are really, really hoping for good weather. We will have done all of runs in about 80 degree temps with high humidity. We won’t get a break down here before the race.
My husband has suffered stress fractures in the past. Once, he had a “No Run, No Shave” policy and grew the longest beard during his injury. It was such a celebration when he went out for his first short run and came home and shaved the beard. He was out completely for about 12 weeks. Knock on wood, I’ve had much better luck with no significant injuries.
The Hungry Runner Girl
AHHHH JENN! I really hope that I get to meet you and your husband. You are going to LOVE IT and the weather will be much better than what you have been training in. You’ll feel amazing here:) . Bahahah ‘No Run, No Shave’ made me laugh so so hard… I have to share that with my running friends!
Oh and Andrew wanted me to tell you to tell your husband that is so awesome!
Gina
Thank you Jenn! Hope you and your husband have a great race at St. George!
Katherine
Try the butter toffee pretzels from TJs! They are in the same section as all the other fall stuff. Also, TJs makes the best shaving gel. I always stock up a couple bottles when we go
The Hungry Runner Girl
AHHH I might have to go back today to get that pretzels and I’ve never thought about trying their shaving gel, I need that. I hope your Friday is amazing Katherine!
Corey
YAY! So glad your calf has recovered from its stress/strain!
I need to get back to TJs pretty much immediately. My daughter loves the soft & juicy dried mango https://www.traderjoes.com/fearless-flyer/article/4849 (she didn’t love the spicy one, though) and I’m almost out of my favorite eye gel https://www.traderjoes.com/digin/post/ultra-hydrating-gel-moisturizer.
Hope you enjoy your run today!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh I love those mangoes and I’m totally going to pick up that eye gel next time, THANKS COREY! Hope your Friday is a great one!
Stephanie
Hi Janae! I’m curious about your thoughts on a 2 week vs 3 week taper before a marathon (i.e. 20 mile long run, then 10-12 the following weekend, then 26.2, or 20 mile long run, 16ish, 10-12ish, then race? or some combination of that :) and do you still do some pace miles in those long runs, or when are you “done” with long run workouts and just take them nice and easy? Hopefully that makes sort of sense :) I’m sure it varies person to person but just wondering what your experience has been and if it’s different now working with coaches!
I’m always looking for Trader’s Joes recs, I spend way too long standing in the aisles looking at all the deliciousness! I hope you have a great weekend and I can’t wait to see how St. George goes!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Stephanie… that is a fabulous question and something I’m trying to figure out too. We only have A TEN DAY TAPER for this marathon and I’m nervous that is too short for me. I think for me personally I prefer a 2 week taper and the mileage that you wrote out is what I usually prefer (and what I did last year with Mary but I think the 16 was a 17… and I had amazing results). What marathon do you have? I’m excited for you! Thanks so much Stephanie and I hope you are having the best day!
AmandaM
I am so happy for you that you are back running happy!! Yay :)
I also really enjoyed reading about Gina’s husband. They are super cute.
I’ve got Tall Girl on my list to watch. It looks like it would entertain me also! Happy weekend with the fam!
The Hungry Runner Girl
I hope you like it!! Thanks so much Amanda, I am so excited! I hope you are having the best Friday so far!
Gina
Thank you Amanda!!!!
Jenny
Oh man TJ’s is trouble for me! Our family favorite is the Mandarin chicken w/ jasmine rice; we have it at least twice a month! We also like the school house cookies, rocket ship cheddar crackers, mochi, strawberry licorice, quiche, frozen indian food of any kind but specifically the tiki masala, PB cups, cookie butter and at one point they had seasoned steaks in a savory sauce that was especially amazing in tacos. But what isn’t right?! Ha!
I’m so glad your calf is happy again! What a relief! The longest break I took recently was about 4 or so months last winter. Not a bad time to not run since we had nasty snow and ice.
Two of my favorite things this week are learning that the source of my tendon pain was most likely caused from too much weight during leg day at the gym so a few tweaks to my routine and BOOM! no tendon pain! Or darn! ha! But my MOST fav thing was my run today with a really good friend who I haven’t seen in what feels like forever!
Your kids look great for picture day! Seeing Skye’s snack stash reminds me of the crazy random things I found in my boys diapers when they were younger! OMG … they sure are hilarious sometimes!
Have a great day!
The Hungry Runner Girl
I’VE BEEN WONDERING ABOUT THE TIKI MASALA… thank you for confirming I need to buy that for us and all of the other things you mentioned. I’m so excited. Yes, if I’m going to take time off I want it to be in the winter haha. SO so happy that you figured out what was the cause and it’s an easy fix. Love those runs with friends that you haven’t seen in a while. Bahaha kids are the best. Thanks so much Jenny, YOU TOO!
Shelby T
I’ve started reading your blog after hearing you on an episode of Man Bun Run. You’re blog post about the St. George Marathon was not only helpful, but also helped get me hyped up again!
The St. George Marathon next month will be my very first marathon, and i’m starting to try and nail down some of the details. What is your ideal workout the day before a race? Is it the same a day before a long practice run, or less intense before race day? Trying to figure out if I should mostly rest or try and keep by legs loose through cross training/ soft running.
Love your blog! Thanks for the inspiration. I’ve truly tried to think positive on my runs because of your advice and it’s been a game changer both for my running and for my spirit!
Shelby T
The Hungry Runner Girl
AHHH I am so so excited for you to run St. George soon! Thank you so much for your sweet comment! It means a lot to me! I am planning on taking Thursday off, running 2 easy miles on Friday and then the race on Saturday wahoo. I hope I get to meet you there and have a beautiful day. Happy tapering!
Kristine Chew
Racing WAM 55km this weekend in Whistler! The race has 9000 feet of climbing and descent so it is will be an adventure. Fingers crossed for good weather because it is supposed to pour on Sunday haha. I packed everything because honestly not sure how I am supposed to deal with like 8-10 hours of rain haha.
Favourite things this week – we turned on our fire place! It’s been rainy and damp this September so it was super nice to have a warm fire place to come home to at night.
Also, I love that you found goldfish crackers in Skye’s pocket haha! My sister finds the most random food bits on my toddler nieces hair etc too. I guess kids are very creative or very messy :)
Have a great day!
The Hungry Runner Girl
GOOD LUCK KIRSTINE and reading about the elevation made my quads hurt haha. I bet your race is going to be so incredibly gorgeous. I hope that you get a lot of sunshine. Now I want to turn on our fire place:) . Hahah yes to the food in the hair too. Enjoy your Friday Kristine and rest up!
Jenna
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin butter. I put a little in cottage cheese and its the perfect fall snack!
Jenna
The pumpkin butter from Trader Joe’s is awesome. I put it on cottage cheese and it’s the perfect fall snack!
Kathy McElhaney
Our weekend is huge – we’re flying to the Philippines! We leave Saturday night and arrive in Manila on Monday morning. 14.5 hour flight + we cross the international date line. I’m sure I’ll be so confused for a couple days!
On the running side of life – I ran 10 miles yesterday! My longest run this year. My legs are happy today, which is a big relief.
I took 10 weeks off after I sprained my ankle last year, but I really wasn’t comfortable running for quite a few months. I had pain for much longer than I think I should have.
Tiffany
Chocolate covered almonds with coconut, almond butter cups— both TJ’s winners!
Erin Carter
Have you tried the bruchetta at TJ’s?? It’s sooo good :)
Annie
My favorite thing at TJ’s right now is their vegan mini marshmallows. It sounds so silly, but they only sell them in the fall (yes, I asked haha). I’m not vegan, and these are some of the best marshmallows I’ve ever had, especially on hot chocolate after a long run :)
I’m SO glad to hear your calf is better! I felt like I could have written your post from the other day – I’ve had the exact same pain in my left calf for the last two weeks. I went to the doctor right away instead of pushing through like I’ve done in the past. The doctor told me to rest and cross train until it feels better. I’ve been doing lots of yoga, boot camp, and spin for the last few weeks and know that even though this is frustrating, I’d rather take a month off of running than a year. Thank you for always being so encouraging on your blog and for talking about the importance of rest and recovery. I hope you continue to feel strong – I’ll be sending lots of good thoughts for St. George!!
Faith VanderMolen
THANK YOU for sharing so many affordable legging options! I live in Asia and have such a hard time finding clothes that fit here haha. Did you use the size chart to find the right size? Do they fit true to size? Just trying to make sure I ship the right size all the way across the world!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh yay!! I hope you love them! They do fit true to size but I didn’t use the size chart…. I just went off of what I usually buy elsewhere! HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
Brittany
No favorites from TJ’s currently, we have a Central Market (Texas) which is amazing. I used to love the chocolate covered espresso beans though and the pre-made salads.
No races anytime soon, I’m pregnant, but I always look forward to any opportunity to run outside…We’re still in the 90’s
I usually had to take 3 months off for injuries: stress fractures, IT band syndrome was the worst. I’ve had a lot of achilles issues since my first and only marathon in 2012, and you’re right, you have to take a couple days off instead pushing through and it turning into months.
Favorite form this week: we finally got the flooring installed in the bedrooms, so no more living in a construction zone lol