7.5 miles @ 9:25 average with a bump that feels like it is doubling by the day!
During my run yesterday I listened to Lindsey Hein’s episode with Shelby Houlihan and Karissa Schweizer. They both just ran sub 14:30 for the 5k and Shelby (14:23) set a new American Record, the episode was awesome. During the episode Shelby and Karissa were talking about how they love to ‘normalize’ their crazy goals. They both just started talking to each other about their goals for their 5k last week, normalizing a time that seemed crazy at first and pumping each other up about doing it and then they did it.
It really made me think about how my running partner, Emilee, helped me to do that last year and how much it worked. Emilee had this goal (which seemed CRAZY to me in the beginning) that we could go sub 2:50 at the St. George marathon in October when I first started running with her last May. At first it seemed like a joke to me but then the more we talked about it, the more it seemed normal and doable. It’s like we talked it into happening! Normalizing a 10 minute PR made it less scary and made us do the work it took to to get that goal… If I had continued to think that it was just a crazy goal then I wouldn’t have done the work to get it. We then ‘normalized’ the idea to OTQ together and while it definitely didn’t happen for me last December, I believe that it isn’t a crazy goal for me. It can happen when I’m ready to go for that goal again. It’s fun when we can switch our thoughts from believing that something is impossible to believing it’s possible.
We had another day of soccer camp for Brooke! She had the brilliant idea to use the mister that I bought for their hair to mist her face during their water breaks because it was so hot outside. She said it really helped her to cool down. I might just have to start bringing this thing with me on my runs now because a light mist every few minutes sounds really amazing during these hot summer months of running.
I already broke my bagel tradition because Chick-fil-A mini biscuits and chicken with some greek yogurt sounded even better.
Skye and I also went on a walk around the fields during Brooke’s camp.
I told you a few days ago about how Skye now goes by ‘Max’ and thinks she is a dog for a good chunk of the day…. Well, the girls found Skye’s leash that we bought for when we were traveling and Brooke walks her all around the house now.
We had a very low key day at home for the rest of the day. Brooke wanted to make up her own cupcake recipe so she mixed pancake mix, vanilla, powdered sugar, sprinkles and milk and they were actually pretty good. She was proud of herself.
Lots of couch time happened too.
Three good news moments from Andrew’s life:
*Baseball is back on!
*The other day my sister-in-law told me that she overheard Brooke telling her cousin, “mountain biking is really special because it’s just kind of me and my dad’s thing that we do together.’ Andrew is so happy to have her loving mountain biking too and to work on her bike:)
*He picked up a new spibelt from Runner’s Corner. He is a big fan of running with these.
Does this video of running make anybody else’s palms sweat and heart rate increase? I CANNOT EVEN IMAGINE DOING THIS.
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I mentioned yesterday that we are planning on going to Yellowstone soon and I was hoping to get any and all recommendations from you guys! HELP plan our trip ha:)
What’s a running goal that you have had in the past that seemed crazy at first but you ‘normalized’ it and made happen?! (If you feel like you are bragging with this and don’t want to share ha, stop it… I REALLY want to know)!
Are you a risk taker or do you tend to stick to the safe side of things (or are you somewhere in between)?
-Before Brooke/college years I definitely took more risks but now I take ZERO RISKS.
What do you use to carry your stuff when you run?
45 comments
Marissa
We just went through Yellowstone! I would definitely recommend not staying in the same spot each night. We stayed in Bozeman 2 nights (met my nephews there), West Yellowstone for 2 night, and Jackson the last night. It helped us to get to see more, which I loved! Also, there’s the Wolf & Grizzly Discovery Center in West Yellowstone and my kids loved it! Pinterest gave me lots of good ideas :) And make sure you download the Yellowstone National Park app & it’s maps before entering the park because you won’t have any service once you’re inside.
I try and at least try things that make me uncomfortable but I also know my limits ;) I’ve definitely cried during zip lining, cliff jumping, etc but I don’t want to regret not doing it or at least trying!
I use a Nathan belt when I need to carry stuff but if I’m running with someone who has a phone, I will leave mine and throw my key into a zipped pocket.
Melissa Ray
My goals are mountain biking related, but I have been wanting to ride up there crazy obstacles and I kept practicing and finally did it! Now those obstacles are easy and I am working on speed goals! Also, tell Andrew to get a towwhee cable for Brooke! Game changer for my son and me too ride together!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Hey Marissa! Thank you so much for the help and that is definitely something I’ve been wondering about… going to switch up where we stay now. Thank you! I can’t wait to go to that Discovery Center and I’ll check out Pinterest too. I didn’t know there wasn’t service inside the park. Thanks for the tips. I would cry doing those things too haha, you are brave. Hope you are having a great day Marissa.
Kay
The Discovery Center has a junior ranger program (or did before COVID..) where they teach the kids about the bears and then they go in the habitat and hide treats for them. It’s pretty great to then watch the bear come out and dig around for them! It was 2x a day and signing up early helped.
Mollie
I feel nauseous just watching that video. How did they not fall?! ? this place is really cool: https://www.grizzlydiscoveryctr.org/
We went there about 7 years ago when we stayed in Yellowstone for a couple days on a cross country moving trip. It’s so beautiful there, you’ll have a great time!
The Hungry Runner Girl
That place looks amazing! We will definitely have to go there, thanks Mollie. Hahaha yes, that movie made me nauseous too… I am so grateful they didn’t fall. Enjoy your day!
Janelle M
Yellowstone is absolutely amazing! The one downside is that it is usually so crowded, but maybe with the current travel climate, it is a great time/year to go. I would recommend all the “hot spots” like Old Faithful (and all the geysers in that vicinity), Grand Canyon of Yellowstone/Lower Falls, Mammoth Hot Springs, drive through Lamar Valley, Grand Prismatic Spring (best view is from the platform via the Fairy Falls trail). The park is huge so just plan for long days with quite a bit of driving – but it is all so worth it. My favorite time of day was always early morning to see the animals still out and about (also helps beat crowds and heat). Also, since Grand Tetons are so close, I would highly recommend trying to make it there too for at least a day to see the mountains.
I really don’t like carrying anything when I run, but will wear either a waist hydration belt (single bottle holder in back) or a vest if it is really warm and I am going to be out longer than one hour. I have also recently purchased AfterShokz headphones and have been taking my ipod with me, putting it in my Koala Clip.
The Hungry Runner Girl
THANK YOU THANK YOU Janelle for all of the recommendations. We are definitely going to try to get out early and Andrew agrees, the Grand Tetons have to happen too. That’s awesome that the Koala Clip has been working with your ipod too… those headphones are so nice. Enjoy your day Janelle!
Victoria
My brother in law and sister in law live right next to Yellowstone. I can connect you guys! They have a 5 year old and a newborn so they’ll have kid ideas, too.
The Hungry Runner Girl
NO WAY!! Yes yes yes please. This is awesome!
Laura
Yellowstone is amazing!! We went last summer and camped in the park. Look at the map and pick a different “area” to explore each day, the park is so huge. The best thing we did was download the Gypsy guide app. It talks to you as you drive through the park and you learn about the park’s history as you go. It also recommends places to pull over and get out, and things that you can skip. We ended up seeing some things we never would have seen had the app not told us to stop! We affectionately named it “Gypsy Dan” haha. We now will never visit a national park without it.
MD Runner
Second this! The Gypsy app was great and like was mentioned above- download everything before you go!
Please stay far away from all wildlife too.
The Hungry Runner Girl
We had no idea about this Gypsy guide app, thank you so much for telling us. That will be so helpful and I’m sure we will come up with a name for ours too haha. Enjoy your day Laura.
Samantha
I highly suggest looking into raddish kids cooking club. My daughter has loved it. You get a box in the mail every month with different themes. They come with 3 recipes and a kids size kitchen tool. Plus talking point and lessons. Especially If Brooke loves to cook. A lot of recipes she would be able to make with minimum adult help.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Ummm how have I never heard of raddish kids cooking club!? That looks perfect for Brooke and their website is adorable. Thank you so much, this will be a fun birthday present for her. Have a great day Samanatha!
Jocelyn
Definitely a risk taker before having kids! My son calls me lame now (he’s 14) and I always tell him “dude, YOU’RE the reason I’m so lame”. :)
And I think all kids go through a phase pretending to be dogs! My son was Toby the Dog for years lol. Have a great day!
The Hungry Runner Girl
BAHAHA yes… it’s their fault we are lame now! Good to know that my kids aren’t the only ones thinking they are dogs:). Have the best day Jocelyn!
Carrie
I do have a flip belt however I really just prefer all the shorts/tights with pockets! I won’t buy any of them now without them!!
My running goal a little over a year ago was simply to be able to run again after trying to build up muscle to compensate for my joint disorder in my knees. I did it, went on to do a half marathon and then was planning to try to get up to marathon distance. Of course my heel stress fracture cramped that plan and well.. there are absolutely no races happening any time soon too!! I have kept up strength training and working out as best I can and I am sure I will be able to run again after I heal.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Carrie, I am so so thrilled for you that you were able to do what you needed to do to build up to a HALF MARATHON! I can’t wait to hear about how you come back stronger from this heel stress fracture and run that marathon! Hope you have the best day!
Joan
Drive the Chief Joseph highway just outside Yellowstone, it is beyond gorgeous! We really wanted to drive the Beartooth Hwy as well but it was closed when we went last fall. Definitely pack picnic lunches, it’s an all day experience (and honestly, there’s some slow drivers/lots of traffic that can mess with your best laid plans ?). We skipped the overly populated spots which were mainly the gysers by Old Faithful, but we enjoyed the upper loop and all the wildlife we saw on it. No matter where you stop in the park you will love it, it’s such a neat area! We only had 2 days in the park, but that wasn’t enough. I will enjoy seeing what you find to do there! Also, utilize the outhouses along the quieter roadways. Much easier to get back in traffic ??
The Hungry Runner Girl
I needed all of these tips! Thank you so much for sharing Joan and I can’t wait to drive the Chief Joseph highway! Thanks for the help and I will blog about it all. Have a wonderful day Joan.
jessey
I could talk about Yellowstone forever! I’ve been there 3 times and we were supposed to go without the kids in September 2021 but canceled planning that since we hope we can do a real family vacation next summer so wouldn’t have the vacation time or $ to go back next fall.
My absolute recommendation is get a really, really early start. The best chance to see wild ife is in the very early morning and the late evening and then there will be less crowds as well. Afternoons can be for napping and then go back in the evening.
Hike to the overlook of Grand Prismatic Springs vs going to the boardwalk at ground level – completely worth it!
Get a seat at Old Faithful early to see it erupt because it will fill up. I personally think OF is over-rated, but everyone needs to see it :) We walked the path down to Morning Glory which is pretty and you can see lots of other features on the way.
Are you getting to Grand Teton as well? While the tram is not open at Jackson Hole this year you can take the gondola up and get waffles at the top – they are the best waffles! As for hikes in GT, taking the boat across Jenny Lake and hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point is nice, but definitely get there early. Hiking to Taggert Lake or Phelps Lake are also nice. We love Grand Teton over Yellowstone.
Andrew
Thank you for all the suggestions!!! You rock!!
krista
sooo I bought a water bottle a couple months ago at target that has a water mister in the lid!! so you can drink and spritz your face ! got it for a trail 25k – sounds like you need one ;)
The Hungry Runner Girl
I 100% need that… thanks Krista and I’ll find it next time I am there! Have a great day!
Nadya
Good luck camping! You are a brave mama :) The kiddos will surely have good memories of all your Family adventures!
I don’t tend to take physical risks. I challenge myself and workout hard but I never risk something that might break my leg or dislocate something or tear a muscle. I remind myself that my goal is to keep moving for as long as possible (hopefully into my 90s!) so it’s about moving forward as strong as possible.
As I have gotten older, I have taken increasing career “risks”. As a professor, I have challenged myself to read widely (not stay stuck in a small field or conversation) and to write more assertively. I am just finishing my second academic book and I feel proud that I delved into new studies, interviewed new groups of refugees all over the world, and learned new skills on how to code and scrape computer data:) it is definitely a different kind of risk than a physical one but it seems easier to make them as I grow older (maybe even wiser?ha:))
Have a super day Janae!!!
Jackie
We went to Yellowstone about 4 years ago. Definitely drive the upper loop – that is where we saw the most wildlife. My kids really enjoyed the horseback riding. The guide was awesome. I know that that won’t probably work for this trip but worth mentioning for future trips. Also, if you have a day, go to the Grand Tetons. The park is less than 50 miles south of Yellowstone and spectacular. It is incredible that two national parks are so close to each other and are so different. My kids actually enjoyed the Grand Tetons more because the hiking was more scenic and we did a river float.
We just got back from a week at Rocky Mountain National Park so put that on your future list too. Whitewater rafting, hiking (2 huge days), horseback riding, and ATV’ing. An awesome time!
Brent
Hey! That’s me in the blue tank top running in Saint George. That was a great run. Didn’t know I was running with a blogging celebrity. Thanks again for pacing me that race.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Brent! So good to hear from you and that really was just the best day! You crushed it and helped us to keep pace so thank you. Hope you are doing well!
John
Ha, so funny, I was scrolling down wondering if Andrew was as excited about baseball as I am – and there it was! I was telling a co-worker yesterday I’ve never been so excited to watch a pre-season baseball game between 2 teams I don’t even care about, lol.
Still working towards that crazy half-marathon goal. Had some minor set backs lately but I am still determined.
I am DEFINITELY not a risk taker, but I am working on having more of a growth mindset.
I have the same spi-belt that Andrew has. I also just bought an Orange Mud Gear Vest 2.0 for longer runs. It’s the first vest I have owned – I really like it so far.
Wendy
Oh my gosh, I saw that video yesterday too and thought that is crazy! Beautiful, but crazy! I’m not really a risk taker and I am ok with that.
In 2018, when I really decided to get a BQ, I totally thought about it until it became just a regular/normal thought. And I achieved that goal! Time to start working on that goal again! And, maybe having a definite goal will give me something to focus on and help make life feel a little more normal. Things here still feel so weird, and with the governor announcing that schools will start in the distance learning mode, that certainly doesn’t help. I know we’ll get through this, just hoping for soon.
Hope your Wednesday is a good one ?
Kristine Chew
I don’t know that I am a risk taker but I definitely have a sense of adventure.
For me anything beyond a marathon used to seem crazy but I made a group of trail running friends who ran ultras and as I got more into it, I ran races 50km, 50 miles and 100km and even once an ultras on consecutive days lol . And my friends made it seem semi normal lol. I was signed up for my first 100 miler this year. Obviously that was cancelled so we will see what happens next year :). I think if we are willing to work for it we can really surprise ourselves.
Have a super day Janae!
P.S. Skye cracks me up lol
Andrea
My husband and I go to Grand Tetons every year, so I would highly recommend spending at least one day there. There is a bike path that runs from Jenny Lake to Jackson Hole with great views of the mountains. Also, the LSR Preserve and the Craig Thomas Discovery Center are great but LSR is closed for 2020. They recently redid the viewing areas around Jenny Lake and it is gorgeous (although I’m biased- my husband works for the conservancy that did all the stone work). If you want to eat near the park, Dornan’s Pizza is good. Jackson Hole has a ton of wonderful restaurants. Liberty Burger is our favorite. They have a house chipotle ketchup that we usually buy several bottles of to last us through the year. At Jenny Lake, take the shuttle boat across and do the hike up to Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls. Jenny Lake has the better campground, but it’s hard to get a spot. Signal Mountain campground isn’t too far down the road and they have (paid) showers. There are also a ton of “sightseeing” things to do from the car (Moulton Barn – there are usually buffalo roaming the road, Chapel of Transfiguration, Signal Mountain overlook). String Lake is perfect for wading.
Lisa @ TechChick Adventures
You must get the GyPSy app for Yellowstone! It is the best! We loved it so much we got one for Hawaii, Grand Teton and Glacier when we visited. I can’t recommend it enough. It will give you a driving tour of the park and tell you the best (and “secret places”) to stop along the way. It also gives you great background stories (fun educational stuff!). Ok, just get. You will thank me :) Also, start your day early. The traffic gets bad if you wait longer and you see the best wildlife in the early morning. Being a camera with a long lense for great shots of bears (and binoculars). Have fun, it’s a great place!
Katie A
Oh my gosh that video is terrifying to me. I definitely take less risks than I did before, but what I consider a risk is probably pretty conservative too!
I carry stuff in my hands, in my sports bra, or sometimes tuck things into my hat. I even carry my water in a handheld bottle. I actually have been checking out the running vest option for longer runs. Belts never stay in place for me.
Brooke’s cupcakes have sprinkles, so they MUST be delicious.
Have a great day!
Erika
Can’t wait to read all the Yellowstone recommendations – we are planning a trip there for next summer!!
Um, no – that video made me want to puke! How do they not lose their footing?!?!
Lora
I need one of those spray bottles for my kiddos….do you know where you got it? I love the spibelt but lately I have been using my koala clip, both are awesome. Before kids no fear, after kids terrified of everything….took my kids on a chair lift the other weekend to go hiking at the top of the mountain and it totally freaked me out, being so high never bothered me before but I guess the combination of having my girls with me and the fact that there was no white fluffy stuff on the ground made me anxious….but super glad we did it.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Hey Lora! YES… here is the link: https://amzn.to/3eSVNZg. Koala clips are just the best ever. Oh those chair lifts scare me with kids too but like you said, always so glad we did it. Hope you have a beautiful Wednesday!
Rachel
I love the idea of “normalize it”! I am going to do this! I worked very hard to hit a 1:45 half-marathon last July – but then had surgery this March and twisted my ankle in May – I want a BQ – despite my setbacks, and never having done a full marathon (and no races on the books, thanks corona) – I’m going to “normalize it” and just do it! Thanks, Janae!
The Hungry Runner Girl
THAT BQ IS YOURS!! Keep me updated with it all and you are overcoming these setbacks so strong. Cheering you on Rachel.
Amanda Ward
NO. FREAKING. WAY. (to that video!) I nearly died just watching it!
I also have a question for you. what treadmill model do you have? I tried searching your blog and could find it! We are thinking of maybe getting one because gyms + winter + covid are leaving us thinking it might be a good idea. Thanks!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Hey Amanda! We have the NordicTrack X22i Incline Trainer! Overall we have loved it but recently there have been software problems that have been frustrating. Keep me updated on what you guys end up getting and that is such a smart idea to get one now.
Emily
A Brooke/Knox activity for Yellowstone: see how many different state/country license plates they can find! When I was little and we road tripped to Yellowstone I remember seeing a Hawaii license plate!
Do you have a strength training update? My sisters and I are doing a group chat to do 15 push-ups a day for this month. I wondered if you would share any tips you have for staying committed to strength training. Right now I am trying to alternate running and strength days because in the past I only lifted (if at all) the days I ran which didn’t always work well for me so I’m trying to build new habits.
Eveline
Not a running goal but at first doing a triathlon seemed crazy because I couldn’t swim, then I took lessons and now I’m training to do my first half ironman and completed a 5km ocean swim! I definitely wouldn’t have believed that I could do that a few years ago! I also knew deep down that I could run a sub 4h marathon and made myself believe that shaving 45min off my previous PR wasn’t crazy. And it worked!
I’m definitely a thrill seeker but maybe not so much of a risk taker.. Does that make any sense?
Also, I can’t really help with holiday recommendations but one thing I always need to be reminded of is that it’s OK not to fit everything in and sometimes to just enjoy a day staying put and not seeing any sights. You’ll never be able to see everything and it’s OK not to tick everything off your list!
Jen G
If you’re going to Yellowstone, see if you can manage Grand Tetons! One of my favorite vacations within the US. Your family will love the scenery and hiking opportunities.
We stayed in a rental condo in Jackson Hole WY, spent a portion of a week at Grand Tetons. Then drove to Yellowstone, stayed one night at the north edge of the park, then drove back to Jackson Hole.