I bet you can guess + change.

49 miles for last week!

On Saturday I did 8 miles at a 9:12 pace in my comfiest Glycerins while I searched for streets/trails with the most shade possible in my area.  When I was pregnant running with Brooke during the summer I found a street that was about a mile long but the entire street had large trees providing shade along with a drinking fountain and restroom on one end of the street.  I would run back and forth on that street and I’m sure there will be days during this pregnancy when I go to that same street again because I feel like pregnancy adds 35 degrees to me.

A few years ago I was complaining about chafing and a reader recommended this dove deodorant to solve my problems.  I’ve used other gels and things and this stuff is definitely the easiest to slather on and does the best job to keeping me chafe free.  My inner thighs were so happy that I finally remembered to use this on them.

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I bet you can guess what we did next…. This waterpark follows social distancing rules and also takes everyone’s temperatures before they go in.  Hold onto your seats for this… A season pass here was only $20 a person (and Skye was free).   My sister’s family has a pass too so I’m sure this will be our summer 2020 theme:

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Skye was way more into people watching with me on the chair than swimming while Andrew did the waterslides with the kids.  I definitely forgot sunscreen on my chest the other day…

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For dinner we went on a dinner date.  I always order the same thing at this Thai restaurant but the sweet and sour chicken was calling my name instead.

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We brought home root beer for the kids to have root beer floats… is there any other dessert that reminds you more of summer than these?

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And a big highlight of the day was that my mom had Crumbl cookies delivered to us on Saturday night.  They were delicious both that night and for breakfast Sunday morning too.

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On Sunday we drove up to Andrew’s parents’ house.  They recently moved and it was so fun to see them and their new house and area.

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My MIL had a package of bandaids in fun colors which made Skye’s life.

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It’s so fun to listen in on their conversations as they are getting older.

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Family time, good food and 7 minute walk because it got way too hot for Knox and me!

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For a serious topic…

Seeing the horrific events with the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and more… I have realized I can no longer sit back and remain completely uneducated on what is happening.  It’s uncomfortable, it takes self-awareness, I’m worried I’ll say the wrong thing…  BUT I want to learn everything I possibly can.  I want to be a part of anti-racism and start the conversation with my family and community while we take action.  I’m here to love, read, listen, follow, learn and change.

I’m starting with educating myself so that I can begin to understand the problem and the experiences POC go through.  White Fragrility and The Hate U Give are what I have started reading.  I would love to hear any help or resources you have found.   I also recently read, The Sun Does Shine and I recommend that book.

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This article.  So many ideas of what can be done.

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I would love to hear any thoughts you have on what is going on in our world today and what we can and should do to help?

I have two awesome reader questions for you today:

Michelle asked, “Do you wash your running shoes in the washing machine?  I’ve had several muddy trail runs lately and sometimes I just hose them off, but wondering if others run them through the wash?  Running shoes are definitely the most cherished/expensive thing in my closet so I want to treat them with love.”

Baili asked, “With Boston’s cancellation, I’m now scouring the internets for smaller races that might not get cancelled… St. George is definitely on the list.  I’d love to hear where other people have found to run!”

Happy first day of June, does anybody have a June birthday/anniversary/exciting event this month?

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95 comments

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“The Hate U Give” is really good. The movie is good as well. Also, I recommend reading Frederick Douglass’s autobiography “Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass.” I’ve seen so many people post they are reading “White Fragility;” I’m very intrigued.

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I will have to watch the movie after I read it. THANK you for the recommendation, I will definitely pick that up. So far White Fragility is amazing and it feels like I’m taking a blindfold off that I have had on for 34 years and seeing what is actually happening. I hope you have a beautiful day, Mercedes! Thanks for sharing.

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Where did you get the girls swim suits? They are super cute and seem like they would fit well (not falling down, straps falling off)!

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Hey Monica! I got them from here: https://www.kortnijeane.com/
I have met Kortni a few times and she is an incredible person. She uses real models and the quality of her suits are incredible. I’ve loved them so much I went and bought some more during her sale last week! I hope you have a beautiful day.

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Oh my gosh, thank you for this site!! I have such a hard time finding swim suites that properly cover my butt. And I have a long torso so the one piece suits tend to get pulled up the butt or down in the bust (sorta defeating the point of a more modest one piece), and I’m thin so sizing up just makes them baggy. I love the idea of a two piece that still covers my belly button, but it eliminates the long torso problem!

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Thanks for sharing that list and book recommendations! If anyone is financially able, it also helps to donate to organizations that help fight against injustice, such as NAACP Legal and Defense Fund, ACLU, Campaign Zero, Unicorn Riot. Totally understand if that is not an option right now though! Tough times with COVID and job losses/furloughs.

I don’t wash my running shoes, but I will hose them off if they get really muddy.

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YES YES YES! Thank you Mariah for sharing this and it is such a great way to help! I hose my muddy shoes too! Hope you have a wonderful day, Mariah!

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So you will donate to organizations that are supporting the riots that are burning our capital, our cities, beating our children, bashing in innocent people’s heads, all because you believe the lie that white people are inherently bad?

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Hi Jennifer- I want to support organizations who will help fight some of the injustice that Black people face on a daily basis. I want to be empathetic to them, understanding how years and years of injustice have led to where we are today. There is a reason behind the protests and riots. Hopefully if we can support each other, be kind and treat each other fairly, we won’t have these issues in the future. As a white person, I want to acknowledge that I can’t fully comprehend the discrimination other races face, but I can try to put myself in their shoes and be understanding.

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I have to recommend Solitary by Albert Woodfox. It just won the Pulitzer. I finished it about a month ago and I still stop and think about it. It’s heartbreaking, unfathomable, inspiring, and incredibly informative. It still brings tears to my eyes when I think of all he went through and all he’s given back. He’s an incredible man and his story is one of wayyyyy too many in this country. I am like you-desperate to be able to help and starting with educating myself as much as possible.

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Shelly, I can’t thank you enough for sharing this recommendation with me and I will be reading that. Please keep me updated with what you are learning and doing because we can do this together! Have a beautiful day!

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On Saturday we got the official email that swim team is canceled for the summer. My 12 yr old knew it was coming and was ok but definitely is feeling all of this lately. This is a league that has been in running for 60+ years and this is the first year ever canceled. We have yet to hear from our pool about when and how they will open.
I want to thank you for posting about what you are doing to educate yourself. A couple other blogs are choosing to stay silent for the week and that seems wrong… Silence is what has taken us to this point. For me, educating my girls and reading about what I don’t understand is a start.

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Oh Carrie, that is really hard. I really hope that the pool will open so that your 12 yo will be able to still do their passion.
Thank you for sharing that with me and I know we can do this and to teach our kids is invaluable. Have a beautiful day and keep me updated with everything!

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Hi Janae,

Remember to include police experiences in your education! There many many wonderful cops (of all races) in this country who risk everything to protect others. There are bad seeds and even a small fraction, i agree completely, are unacceptable.

Thanks for sharing your reading materials & comitting to making our community better!

Sarah

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Absolutely, thank you Sarah for reminding me of that. I have never had to personally think about cops as being anything but good because of the color of my skin and that is just not the case (like you said, the majority is beyond wonderful but clearly there is a problem with what we are seeing). Have a beautiful day and thank you for taking the time to chat with me. Keep me updated with how you are doing!

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I have a teammate who is black who is posting a lot on facebook publicly that I try to share when I see them – she writes really well and it’s hard to read but we all need to read these things. If you happen to see any of those shared they are well worth the read.

Things are getting really heated here in DC and the destruction is far more widespread than it was in the 1968 riots.

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I can’t wait to read what she has to share. Thank you for posting what she says! Victoria, your area is going through so much right now. Thinking about you guys!

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THANK YOU for naming the need for white folks like us to read, listen, and learn about the experiences of POC in America. I just placed a hold on “The Hate U Give” at my library. I recommend “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates if you haven’t read it yet.

I do not wash my shoes in the washing machine, but I also don’t trail run much. They never seem to feel the same after a wash!

I’m not looking for races, mostly because I live in New England and I think we won’t be having races for a long time. Instead, I’m building a base. I’m up to ~40 miles per week, from a pre-quarantine base of 25-30. In June I might try for a quick mile. We’ll see….

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I have not read that yet. Thank you so much for sharing and I will definitely read it!
You are rocking your mileage, Margie! Way to go! Please let me know how your fast mile goes, that’s an awesome goal at this time. Have a beautiful day.

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I wash my running shoes in the washing machine (with nothing else in there!) and air dry them. We actually have a shoe/boot dryer thanks to my soccer player. They are always fine afterwards. One exception – my shoes with a carbon plate. I’m not sure they would be ok? ??‍♀️

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Hey Colleen! Oh that is awesome, you guys have quite the system. I would definitely be worried to wash my carbon plate shoes too. Hope you have a beautiful day, friend.

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Chiming in regarding the small race question (because, quite honestly what is going on in the world makes me sick to my stomach and too much of my weekend was spent immersed in that news….running makes me happier). Anyway….small race….weekend event put on my Snohomish Running Company in Snohomish, WA (www.snohomishrunning.com). Saturday has 5k and 10k, with Sunday holding the half and full marathons. You can run an event each day for the “challenge” and receive a bonus medal (if you are into that). Event is October 17-18. If any readers are interested and have questions, they can reach out to me (I am an SRC Ambassador).

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Hey Aimee! Do you think the Everett Half/Re-Run will still go on July 26th? I am signed up for the half it but will probably switch to the 10K.

I am also already signed up for the Orca Half in September (sorry!). If I don’t get injured again by then maybe I will sign up for the Snohomish River Run as well!

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Hi John! I know the intention would certainly be to hold the 7/26 event. Based on current county reopening guidelines…I think it would be close (as I think Snohomish Co. would need to be in Phase 4). I realize it is hard & frustrating right now because it is so hard to plan for our future events. If you choose to register for SRR (for future SRC events), enter discount code: AimeeK20 at checkout to save a few $$. You can also find me on IG (@runningmama1276). Let me know if you have any other questions.

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Thanks Aimee! I am kinda expecting it to be cancelled so it will be a huge bonus if it does happen.

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Hey Aimee! Thanks for helping out and answering that question! That race sounds amazing and I am so happy it is still happening. I want to hear all about it afterwards. I’m with you, running makes me happier! Have a beautiful day, Aimee!

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I’m having lots of conversations with my kids (12, 17, and almost 22) about racism and being allies. There are lots and lots of prompts (unfortunately) over the past several weeks on social media to start the conversations. But talking about racism isn’t new for our (white) family, as we live in a diverse area in the DC suburbs; our friend groups have always included families with various ethnicities, skin tones, cultures, and religions. We’ve had conversations for years about standing with friends (especially those with darker skin) if there is ever a confrontation with a neighbor, if their friend group is ever followed by security in a store, etc., and how important it is to stand together when confronted by someone who may be treating their brown or black friends unfairly. I’m researching places to donate (I saw someone posted several above), reading, interacting with friends who are most affected by racism. It’s just awful that so many people can see only negatives and react with fear and hate based on the color of a person’s skin.

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Those conversations are everything… thank you for being an example to me of having those conversations with my children. Your kids and community are so lucky to have you doing what you do. Thank you for sharing Corey and I hope you are all doing well!

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thank you for not shying away from posting about topics that may feel uncomfortable, namely the issues that Black Americans face in our country. I appreciate that it’s not easy to publicly post about something outside of your normal realm and I really applaud you for using your large public platform to acknowledge the need for self-improvement and self-reflection, while encouraging others to do the same. thank you <3

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Thank you so much Lidia, that means a lot to me and I just wish I had done this a lot sooner in life but now I can just focus on moving onward and upward. So grateful to all be in this together. Have a beautiful day!

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Hi Janae – I felt like I was relatively well informed on the state of things, but I have learned SO much recently just by researching and reading about the POC experience. My cousin is a police officer, and I have had varying experiences in interactions with officers. I 100% believe a majority of officers have their job because they want to keep others safe. Unfortunately, there are enough people who let their prejudices shine through, and they give officers a bad name. The same could be said about just about every group of people on earth… sad, but true. However, you and I are second only to white males in our experiences – we have a privilege that is granted just by the color of our skin. Hard to understand why – we can NEVER fully understand the POC experience, but the more than people like you and me stand with them, the better things will get. I can only hope that the peaceful protests don’t spin out of control. I think you are doing the right thing – read, educate, be informed, and use your platform for the greater good. :)

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I agree, there are so many incredible officers that would risk everything for protecting us yet the few that are so completely terrible just give the group a bad name. It really is crazy to me that I haven’t ever thought of my white privilege until now, our unearned privilege is just not right. STAND WITH THEM… yes. Thank you so much Rhiannon and I really appreciate your friendship. Have a beautiful day.

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Just want to push back a little on this (in love, of course). I agree that most police officers probably are generally good and have good intentions for keeping their communities safe, but that’s not really what all of this is about. None of us are 100% good or 100% bad (I think Dr. DiAngelo talks about this in her book) but we all (white people) perpetuate racist systems and participate in racism. It’s not a problem of a few bad apple, but of a system that needs significant change. We’re all involved in it, no matter how “good” or “bad” we see ourselves or how many “good” cops vs. “bad” cops there are, so it will take both personal work and advocating for systemic change to make a real difference.
Janae, I really appreciate that you shared your decision to commit to learning and listening. White Fragility is a great place to start. The UMC’s Commission on Religion and Race has a great video with Dr. DiAngelo, it’s part of a larger series with some great resources! https://www.gcorr.org/series/vc1/

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Wow, thank you so much Kristi. This is the exact concept that I need to be reminded of because you are so right… we’re all involved in it and that is what makes me feel so uncomfortable because it threatens my personal beliefs about myself BUT that’s what I need to be questioning and understanding (this might not make sense ha… I wish we could all talk in person!). It isn’t about the good vs bad like you said, it’s the system entirely and each of us individually. Thank you for helping me to better understand! I will absolutely be watching, thanks!

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I can’t wait to check out those books. I read Just Mercy (there is a movie too, starting Michael B Jordan) which was eye opening for me. So many black people are put in jail for crimes they didn’t commit! Or the justice system punishes them a lot harsher. There were also some interesting situations with how Bryan Stevenson (the author, and a lawyer) was treated in serving these people.
Also, a friend of a friend is doing a diversity book club for kids that I’m interested in taking a part of.
https://www.localpassportfamily.com/2020/05/2020-global-childrens-book-club-diverse-picture-books.html

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Karin, thank you so much for sharing this and I absolutely will be doing this diversity book club for my kids. So I just did some stalking on them because I thought I recognized them and they seem to live in San Jose and be members of the same church that I am… I wonder if I had seen them when I lived there (I could be way off). Very excited to join, thanks again!
I will absolutely read Just Mercy. It is shocking to me that this is LEGALLY happening?! Keep me updated with how you are doing!

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The author of The Hate U Give, Angie Thomas, also wrote On the Come Up which was also very good! All of Jesmyn Ward’s books are fantastic. I highly recommend checking out the website for Equal Justice Initiative, too!

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Thank you SO SO much for your help Mary, I will be checking that website out today! Hope your Monday is off to a great start.

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I’m so envious that your spray parks are open! My county (the largest in WA) is still in phase 1 (out of 4) and we’re crossing our fingers to be to phase 2 ASAP which means we’ll be lucky if parks and playgrounds open by the end of summer.
To be honest, I’ve been dealing with racism my entire life and I’m left speechless with the current state of affairs. I’m white but my entire life I have gotten picked on for having black friends, black boyfriends and as an adult I’ve been at the mercy at racist comments thrown my way when out with my now black husband. All of that happened in Seattle. A city I thought was progressive and open enough to not have to deal with such ignorance. I was wrong. We moved to a suburb south of Seattle to have our children and it’s been amazing. Our community is of mixed cultures and the boy’s school is hugely diverse so we couldn’t be happier.
We’re teaching our boys to respect everyone. To be kind to everyone. To help anyone in need. And as they get older, we’ll teach them how to speak to and with the police should they encounter them in a negative way. We tell them not to wear hoods on their heads and as they get older we’ll tell them why.
It’s sad.
On a lighter note; I’ve only washed my trail shoes in the washer once. And that was because the hose did nothing to get the dirt and muck out from the inside!
I have a race in August in WA that is up in the air. It begins at a campground and camping is still closed here so chances aren’t looking so good.
Have a great day!

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Jenny, thank you so much for sharing a part of your story and I cannot even imagine what you have gone through. I am so happy that you are now in an area that is so accepting and good to everyone! I cannot wait to hear of more and more places being like that. You are doing an amazing job with your children. Thank you for being a good example to me.
I really really hope that your race is still able to happen and I hope you are at phase 2 soon! Keep me udpated.

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Every time you post a picture of beautiful scenery it amazing places you go with (ie that water park!!), I think to myself “how can I convince my husband to move to this town??” :)
The Hate You Give was a good read. I’m also actively opening my eyes to our world. It’s going to be hard but it needs to be done. Thanks for sharing!

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Hahaha maybe I can have Andrew email your husband too so they can become friends which might make it even easier to get you guys here:)
Thank you and I’m so glad we can do this together. Have a beautiful rest of your day, Holly!

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Nice post today Janae. I am a huge proponent of studying all sides and facts of an issue to try and understand what is going on. We are all in this together.

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Thank you John and we really are. I hope your week is off to a great start and that you had a great run!

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Thank you for using your platform to say something! The New Jim Crow is also a great book to read.

Thank you for beginning to educate yourself, thank you for speaking with your children, family, and friends. We have been going through this for years and it won’t end until we ALL have these conversations. Even in the running community as we know Ahmaud Arbery was not the first and won’t be the last until we make changes. It’s unfair the amount of extra mental and physical prep that a black person must go through before we head out the door for a run.

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Tiara, I cannot even begin to imagine what you have gone through and continue to go through. I wish I could hug you right now. I’m ready to listen and learn and have these conversations. If you ever feel comfortable sharing more of your story, I would love to share it. I will definitely be reading The New Jim Crowe!
Have a beautiful day!

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Thanks for sharing what you’re doing to educate yourself on this issue! You might want to check out the book “The New Jim Crow” and also the documentary “The Thirteenth Amendment” on Netflix. Quite eye opening.

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Thank you thank you thank you! I will watch that with Andrew tonight and start that book ASAP. Have a beautiful day, Sarah!

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I’m honestly amazed that your 4 cookies made it to breakfast the next day! I rarely make cookies around here because I can’t control myself apparently lol.

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Hahaha I should have shown you a comparison of how big each one is…. about the size of Skye’s face ha! Have a wonderful day Meagan and I need to send you some of these cookies.

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AND DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER TO VOTE AND FOLLOW THROUGH ON IT. At the local, state, and federal level and hold your representatives accountable. Not just the president but local sheriffs, judges, township government, Board of Education, state legislator representatives–these are all positions that can make a huge difference.

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This is so incredibly important and once again, something I have never had to take as seriously as I will now. Thank you Nicole, we all needed this. Have a beautiful day!

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Hi Janae! Thanks for bringing up the race topic, I’d like to learn more too. The Patriot Act by Hasan Minaj has an episode called The Broken Policing System that I thought was really interesting. It talks about how police are trained to react and how that may be problematic. You can find it on YouTube or Netflix. I’ll definitely check out some of the other recommendations too, thanks for sharing! Glad we can all learn together.

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Thank you so much Amy and I will absolutely watch that. ‘We can all learn together’ <-- YES! Hope your Monday is a beautiful one!

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What, $20?!?! That is an insane deal! Enjoy!

Does the deodorant go on clear? I will have to give that a try! I always forget to buy new anti-chafe and with slower Amazon shipping, it would be nice to have something that is readily available!

I am not sure where Baili lives, but Ely, MN has a very small marathon in September. It is extremely hilly. Ashland, WI also has Whistlestop marathon on Oct 10th. It is flat, flat, flat on a well-packed gravel old railroad line–very easy on the joints.

I live in MN and I am in shock of all the tragedy that is happening. I feel so lost as what to do. I don’t think any of us can put into words how horrific it is what happened. It is also awful to see what is happening to the communities/businesses in that area and communities fearing for their lives as the riots went on. I so wish there was a peaceful way to make change happen. Right now, I pray.

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Yes, it does go on clear, at least for me! Try it out and let me know what you think. Thanks so much for helping out Baili.
I cannot imagine what you are feeling being so close to everything. I will join you in praying. Thanks Becky!

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I feel you and Knox about the heat… I took my dog for a walk and we both noped back home after walking about 100 yards!
George Floyd’s killing immediately reminded me of Eric Garner, and filled me with sadness that nothing has changed in the 6 years since his death. Thank you for the book recommendations, and that article has so many ways to get involved — great find!

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Lily, you are so so right… nothing has changed! This is the time for us all to change!
Good to know I’m not alone with the heat, mid-day and I need to be in AC or in a pool ha. Enjoy your week:)

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Janae, thank you for speaking out about trying to learn more about racism. Another book I really enjoyed was The Warmth of Other Suns, by Isabel Wilkerson, telling the stories of several black Americans during the great migration of blacks from the South in the early 20th century. Terry Tempest Williams is a Utah environmentalist and I recently read her book Erosion, which is more about the state of the conservation movement following the 2016 election, but does touch on some themes of prejudice against Native Americans in the area as well.

There are also many great works of fiction I’d recommend – Black Boy by Richard Wright was the first book to really open my eyes to the black experience, and The Help is another amazing book. Toni Morrison wrote incredible novels as well, Beloved and the Bluest Eye are probably the most famous. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was also very eye-opening.

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Hey Noelle, thank you so much for the recommendations and I will absolutely be checking these out. Thank you friend and I hope your Monday is off to a great start!

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Thank you for the ask, and for the other helpful info. I will be picking up these books as well.

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I hope it helps! Keep me updated on what you choose and have a beautiful day, Baili!

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I look forward to reading your blog every day & am really glad to see you using your platform to speak up against the injustices the Black community faces. Thank you for taking steps to become more informed.

I want to share a link that has an infographic summarizing diversity in children’s books. I found it enlightening and it could help you consider whose stories your kids are (or aren’t) being exposed to. Thanks again for putting in the work! We need more allies like you! https://readingspark.wordpress.com/2019/06/19/picture-this-diversity-in-childrens-books-2018-infographic/

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Hey Felicia. I cannot thank you enough for sharing that infographic with me and we are absolutely in the wrong with this and I cannot wait to add more diversity in characters and authors to my kid’s daily reading! Thank you and I hope you have a wonderful day.

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Hi Janae. I’ve read your blog for a long time, but haven’t commented before. Thank you for making a genuine, open, explicit statement about wanting to be part of the anti-racist movement. I hope other bloggers follow suit.

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Hey Rachael! Thank you so much for your sweet comment and for reading over the years, that means a lot. I wish I had started the education and conversation A LOT sooner but I’m excited to move forward and do what I can. Have a wonderful day.

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Thank you for sharing those books, I’m definitely checking them out when they are available. I grew up with a huge love for books and as a result, I read a lot from a young age about racism: fiction and non-fiction. I’m glad I did but I still have a lot to learn.

NO to washing your shoes! Just air dry. I know it’s crazy cause they are so expensive, it’s ridiculous the money ??‍♀️, but they’re running shoes, they’re meant to be used and that’s love in itself! I got a new pair of Nikes a month ago – white – after the first run, they were a dusty grey. Hah

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That is so great Jenni that you have been reading so many different books about racism and you are a great example to me about the books I would like my children to read as they grow up. Hope you are having a great morning so far!

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Never read the book, but the “Hate you Give” movie I saw on a place ride, and I just could not stop thinking about it for a long time.
June = birthday and anniversary month.

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IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY MONTH!! Tell me what day again!?!?!

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Mormonism and White Supremacy: American Religion and The Problem of Racial Innocence
Book by Joanna BrookA
May be a more uncomfortable read than others because institutions such as LDS church also need to come clean with embedded racism.

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I am very interested in reading this and I really hope and pray for there to be more talk and solutions ASAP! Thank you Jen and hope you are having a beautiful day!

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Thank you for (always) using your platform for good. Really appreciated ❤️.

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This means a lot to me Kate! Thank you so much. I hope you are having a great afternoon!

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I won’t add to the list of recommended books and resources. I am an avid reader, always have a book in my hand and I have made an effort over the past few years to read books by authors other than white males, to read books by authors who are underrepresented, to read point of view books (by authors with experience in the topic, even if fiction), etc. One of the best course corrections I made in my reading life!

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Love to see the weekend fun you are having! Thank you for being an example of following proper COVID related regulations.

One question I’m curious for your thoughts/any readers input – I have been seeing many places (restaurants, waterparks, etc.) take temperatures before letting people in. However, I’ve also read that 80%+ of people with COVID could be asymptomatic. As such, it seems like just taking a temperature really won’t do much in stopping potential spread. Am I missing something here? Perhaps Andrew has some info he could share? I’m curious!

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The Hate U Give is excellent. You probably already know this, but it’s teen lit. I strongly recommend sharing with the teens in your family. I wish I’d had a book like that to educate me when I was in junior high or high school.

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The Smithsonian published an online resource called Talking About Race for educators, parents, caregivers, and anyone who is interested in making the world a more equitable and just place. It’s really well done and accessible. It’s a great online resource if you aren’t sure where to start.

http://www.nmaahc.si.edu/learn/talking-about-race

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So You Want to Talk about Race by Ijeoma Olou is a fantastic and accessible introduction to understanding racism in America. It’s a short read, but packs a punch. It’s the one I recommend to all of my friends who don’t know where to start.

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Today is our wedding anniversary <3

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I fear saying the wrong thing alot. I’ve started reading ‘How to be Anti-Racist’ and White Fragility is on my list too. I also want to read Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America. As a mom of two, I want to make sure that the world is better for my kids and I have to teach them the right things and sometimes am not sure how. Thanks for your thoughtful and introspective comments!

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Thank you for addressing this and using your platform to elevate it. It is so critically important that we (white people) do this work. Rachel Cargle has an awesome, continually updated resource called The Great Unlearn: http://www.patreon.com/thegreatunlearn

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Hi Janae – congratulations on your pregnancy and thanks for addressing racism on your blog. I want to share one additional idea that couples with your blog and passion for running. How about lifting up more runners of color in your ‘regular people’ profiles (when people do races or reach a personal record)? If you don’t have them in your circle of people yet, maybe you could partner with another running group for runner profiles? Visibility is really so important.

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Hi Janae!
I want to say thank you so much, sincerely, for posting about the racism on display in our country and committing to working on doing your part to end it. It is such important work and unfortunately I am not sure many white people are holding themselves accountable.
It’s going to be uncomfortable at times as you learn and hear what black people and other people of color have to say but the only way out is through (or whatever that saying is). You’ve got some excellent resources there! I agree with the person who suggested donating if possible, and also call out racism when you see it. Use your privilege as a white person to speak up, even if its uncomfortable and scary.
I’ve always loved your blog but I love it a little more today <3

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Janae, thanks so much for this post, so many great book recommendations and other resources. I appreciate it!

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The comments here defending or even mentioning police are perfect examples of white fragility. The issue is that we have a system which devalues black people in every single way possible, up to and including cold blooded murder with no consequences, and people are concerned about the feelings of the police. It’s not about white people’s feelings, it’s about black people’s LIVES. Saying “it’s just a few bad apples” is inaccurate, and brings the conversation back to white people. It’s not just a few bad apples. It’s a system that allows people to commit murder that we are all, every single white person, complicit in.

Signed, A white lady married to a black man with 3 black children who is not immune to racism (hope to be one day, but I’m a work in progress) because literally no white person is, and if you are reading this thinking you are the one, it’s time to start educating yourself. If you are wringing your hands about police officers and their tarnished reputation, it’s time to start educating yourself.

PS Janae I truly applaud you for using your platform and personal time to work on becoming an ally. Thank you for doing the work and educating your children. I wonder if in the future you would consider giving these issues their own post, in order to give them the true weight they deserve. It feels dismissive to talk about how we need to change the system to save black lives and then switch to how we wash our running shoes.

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Such a Fun Age was an excellent novel that touches on this topic.

The podcast Scene on Radio has a 14 episode second season called “Seeing White” that taught me more about the history of anti-black racism than any other book or podcast I’ve digested. It really is well done and informative if you want to take a deep dive.

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Thank you for using your platform to speak up and share your thoughts about what’s going on in the world. I empathize completely with POC and have started reading many of the books you mentioned. Ive donated as well. I came across a really good source in children’s books to address the issue.

https://www.embracerace.org/resources/26-childrens-books-to-support-conversations-on-race-racism-resistance

*****

Take care ? and always I saw your cookies and grabbed some of my own from Great Harvest ?

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Yes janae yes!!!!!!! So happy you’re addressing this!

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Janae, I’m glad that you brought up the conversation about race and what is going on. I feel like many influencers don’t want to mention it at all but I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and what you are working on. I am doing the same here in Chicago.

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YES! My 20th wedding anniversary is June 10. We were supposed to be at an all inclusive resort in Cancun….butttt obviously that isn’t happening. Hopefully we will get there next year. Not sure if we will be doing any special or not, but being together is good too! ;)

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I want to thank you and everyone who commented recommending books to read to further educate ourselves on the topic. My library just re-activated the ability to place holds, so I just went on a hold blitz and placed many of the above-mentioned books on hold. Looking forward to moving toward a better understanding.

June will be a big month this year! We’re moving to a brand new home on June 22 and my youngest son’s 4th birthday is the 29th.

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Hi Janae! I’ve been reading your blog since 2010 but this is my first time commenting. I’m so happy to see your comments yesterday and the example it sets. As a public defender my suggestion is for people to read materials that discuss the intersection between racism and the criminal legal system, as that is a large part of what needs to change. Policing the Black Man is a collection of essays with a lot of good data. The 13th is a good documentary gateway for this subject as well. Very glad to see this discussion happening.

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Hi, Janae! Elementary school librarian here – I love that you are taking time to educate yourself on anti-racism, as I am doing the same (for older kids and adults I highly recommend Stamped by Jason Reynolds). It is also so important to introduce our kids to books with diverse characters – studies show exposing children to picture books with diverse characters leads to greater empathy and less racial bias. We Need Diverse Books is a non-profit organization with great resources for finding children’s books with diverse characters – I went to a training session with them pre-COVID and was shocked to hear that far more children’s books feature even animal characters than people of color! The statistics were really shocking, and I’ve been committed since then to growing a more diverse book collection in our school library. Sorry for the long response, just wanted to spread the word!

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I love that you are reading those books. I am too. It’s time to get educated! Would you ever consider hosting a digital book club some how? Not sure how that would totally work, but I’d love to have some open conversations.

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