ELEVEN YEARS.
I don’t know what it is about blogging, but it captured my heart after my first post on this blog. I remember the day I started blogging here—> I was sitting down on my couch with my laptop on the coffee table and some Skittles next to me while trying to come up with some random way to start a new blog. I had been reading blogs for a few months and decided it was something I wanted to do in my free time. I had a personal blog before that and wrote once a month but wanted one where I shared more about my running… 5,510 posts later, and I still love it. When people ask me if I ever run out of things to write about, I can only think of a time or two because it feels like I am just hanging out and chatting with my friends every day.
You being my friend over the years has meant the world to me. I can’t tell you how many comments or emails I have screenshot over the years that have helped me when I needed it the most. I have met/gotten to know the greatest people from blogging. I hope I’ve helped someone that was going through disordered eating, loneliness or a divorce. I hope that we’ve all grown in our running together and learned to better cope with the failures while better celebrating the accomplishments. I think we have found a lot in common with each other over the years while loving to see each other’s differences too. I hope you are okay with me continuing to share my tangents and training, and before we know it, I’ll be blogging about dropping off Brooke and Knox at college (THEY ARE HALF-WAY THERE).
I wanted to share eleven of some of my favorite pictures/memories from the last eleven years…
*This one was from yesterday… It just felt so so good to be back together with my crew again after a few days away.
*Feeling like myself again after divorce, loving life together with Brooke, and figuring out being a single mom.
*When we got engaged!
*When Andrew asked Brooke if he could marry me:)
*Seeing the four of them together in Christmas PJs.
*My first sub 3!
*2:49 wahoo with Emilee!
*Beck’s birth and somehow waiting until he was born to find out he was a boy!
I’d love to buy two people a pair of Brooks running shoes/trainers to celebrate today!
All you have to do to enter is leave a comment saying whatever you want or an emoji, and I’ll choose a winner on Friday!
930 comments
Ashley
I just wanted to say I have read your blog for YEARS! I absolutely love it – I usually read it on my lunch break :-)
Congrats on 11 years!
Heather Walker
Love your blog! You inspire me! I too went through a divorce and was a single mom! Our beautiful daughters are the same age. I’m happily married now to the most amazing man! Running has helped me so much with my mental health. I love how positive you are and your family is beautiful!! ?♀️
Raegan Heitzenrater
It is so so encouraging to see your marathon time and all the you have endured!
Jen
11 years is an impressive milestone!! When I read your blog, it truly feels like we’re just a couple of friends catching up. God’s Blessings on your anniversary and keep up the great work!
Rachel
Thanks for keeping me inspired after all these years!! LOVE your blog (and Brooks shoes!) I run most often in the Glycerin GTS and Launch GTS.
Amanda R
Have been following for many years! Thank you for sharing all things motherhood, running, and over all just showing up. Here’s to the next 11!
Erika
Wow. 11 years. The years go by so fast. I really enjoy your posts and visiting your blog each day. Your genuineness shows through very much in your posts. Thank you for sharing with us!
Alyssa
I have been reading since the Single Mom post…somewhere around there. Glad to be on your journey with you! Thanks for being such a fun daily habit for me :)
Joell
Happy Blog Anniversary!
Linda
I can’t believe how little Brooke and Knox were when you met Andrew.
Bri
Cheers to 11 years!! I’ve only been following for about 2, but it really is a highlight of my mornings!
Morgan
Congrats! I look forward to reading your blog daily! I appreciate your real ness on all the topics you share!
Renee S.
Congratulations ??? I have loved reading your blog every morning ?
SHS
Your blog caught my eye with pictures of donuts! I love that you love donuts and would post about them?… and all things running, family & spreading good! I’m old enough to be your mom and ironic enough I have a daughter named JaNae and another named Raschell ? ❤️???
Jane
11 years!? So grateful for this space on the internet you’ve created, Janae. Cheers to many more! Thanks for taking us on so many of life’s journeys with you!
Shelly
Happy anniversary! Been a reader since your driver’s ed days!!!
Alicia
I look forward to reading your posts each day. They are always very uplifting and I love how you find positives even when injured. My workouts have really changed over the last year, less intense than they used to be, but right now that is best for my body. During COVID I worked on running more and although I stepped away from that at the moment, you got me hooked on Brooks shoes for the times I have tried running. I love the support and comfort of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS. I hope you have a wonderful day.
The Hungry Runner Girl
ALICIA!! YOU WON!!! EMAIL ME ASAP!!!!
Brittany Falzone
You’re just the best! ?
Jennifer
Janae you are the best! Happy anniversary!! I’ve been here 10 of those years!! ❤️ I love the Brooks ghost or Levitate!!
Amanda R
You are such an inspiration to all many! For me In particular, I found you on Instagram and made my way to your blog and have drawn so much inspiration from you on running, motherhood, and what it means to show up. Thank you for being you and being so open and honest!
Keep on keeping on and congrats on 11 success years, here’s to many more! Xo
Carrie
I’ve reduced the amount of blogs I’m reading, but yours is one of my faves.
Jenny O'Neal
You seem like the sweetest most sincere person EVER.
I have just went through a divorce and it has been heartbreaking to say the least. I have worn my shoes out so I need some new ones! :)
Emily Falk
WOW!! Congrats on 11 years! It’s been a joy to read your blog and see your sweet family grow over the years :)
Christine
I’ve been a long time reader. I love your blog!
San
I love your blog and have been following for a few years now! I love how yo can make genuine connections through the blogosphere and find your people. I’ve been blogging myself for 16 years now and don’t intend to quit any time soon. It’s such a great outlet too!
Thanks for always sharing and letting us connect with each other! Such a gift. <3
whitney s.
Incredible! But also because I’ve been following along for so many of those years and the passage of time is a joker!
Cecilia Manzo
Been reading your blog for years! Congrats on 11 years! ❤️
Beverly Sidlo-Tolliver
Great Job! Congrats!
Kelly
Congratulations! It’s amazing how running takes us through life’s highs and lows and always remains this reassuring constant. Thanks for sharing your journey with running and life.
Caitlin
I can’t believe I’ve been reading this blog for nearly 11 years myself! Wow! I don’t even remember how I stumbled on it other than I was new to running and looking for blogs about it. I look forward to your next 11 years of blogging :)
Maddie
I have been reading your blog since my senior year of high school (2011!!) crazy. Thanks for all of the entertainment!!
Kelly
I’ve read your blog for years and years and LOVE it! Thank you for sharing!!
Kinzie Harvell
I’m a daily fan! Keep it up!
Sarah
Congratulations on 11 years!
Leigh
I just can’t believe it’s been 11 years!!! How time has flown. That video of small Brooke is too precious, her little giggle is the sweetest. Thanks for sharing your life these past 11 years. I have loved reading/following along.
Any
Been reading for. While. Love, love, love
Kristi
Thanks for sharing so much with us strangers! I’ve loved following along!
Alexis
Your blog has been a bright spot in my day for the past 8 year. Congrats on 11!
Michelle
I love your blog so much and have been reading since before you had Brooke! Thank you for being a light to so many.
Mandi
Can’t wait for at least 11 more years of reading !❤️
Stephanie
Happy blogiversary!!!!!!!
I’m so grateful for this space, and for you. Though we live very different lives in our pockets of the world, as I have had so much turbulence and chaos over the last few years–with me and Tom being the only thing to really anchor me and keep me rooted to this earth (more times than I care to admit), you’ve been a good friend and cheerleader. I love this space, and I am so grateful for it and for the blogger-friend I’ve found in you. :)
What amazing pictures sharing your journey over the last 11 years. Yay! :)
Mary
I’ve been here for 7 of those years!
Rhiannon
Eleven years!! That’s amazing! Thank you for sharing with us, inspiring us, keeping us entertained, and all the other things you do for us all! Here’s to the next 11 years!
Sloan Scott
I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your blog. I’ve been reading for about 6 years now and there are so many days I would get up and run because your post gave me the motivation. Keep it up Janae! You’re making a difference :)
Laura
Came here to say YOU turned me on to brooks and I’ve never looked back!! Congratulations on 11 years!
LG
Congrats on 11 years! At the risk of sounding creepy, reading about you and your fam is one of my favorite parts of each day!
Ashley
Yay for 11 years!!!
Emily
I have been reading your blog every morning for the past couple of years-it has become a staple in my morning routine! And it has inspired me to get back into running after injuries and you also turned me onto Brooks running shoes. Thank you for your blog, congrats on 11 years and look forward to following for another 11 years! :)
kelly
11 years!!! You are fantastic! And little Brooke in the video with Andrew is sooooo cute!!!
Sometimes I feel like I’m getting virtual support from a little sister (I’m older than you!) as we share similar issues in our life, like many here.
Oh, and keep with the random recipes. Hot Chocolate cookies are now in our winter rotation!!!
Lisa
Yay! Congrats on 11 years! Thank you for sharing your beautiful life with us ?
Emily
Awwww…Brooke and Knox look so little in your wedding pics! It’s fun to watch your crew grow up through the blog.
Anna Studstill
Love reading your blog and also love Brooks shoes!
Kelly
I have been reading your blog for years!! And I love it and your sweet family~!!
Amie
❤️
Samantha Soppet
Congrats on the blog-aversary! I’ve been reading since 2011! :)
Carey
Happy 11 years!! ? Love reading your blog!
Corey Gafnea
I love reading your blog daily and you have inspired many happy running miles!! Congrats on your 11 year anniversary and here’s to many more speedy miles.
Nancy Byrns
I’m following you for couple of year now and it so fun to see the kids growing like crazy.
I will love to have a pair of running shoes, I never tray Brooks one.
Nancy
Erin J Oakley
Thank you! I love following your blog–Happy Anniversary!
Christina
Happy 11 years! I love your blog :)
Scott Taylor
Congratulations on 11 years! I have enjoyed watching your journey through your blog and now Instagram.
Katie Murray
Your blog is the one I read everyday without fail. It’s been so fun to follow you and your expanding family. Congratulations ?
Emily C
I have been reading since 2010! I discovered your blog when I was training for my 1st half marathon in Chicago. I have been running in Brooks Ghosts forever and would love to try some something with even more support as I am getting older ;) maybe the Glycerin?
Amanda Millstein
Love your blog — thanks for sharing it with the world!
clk
Thank you for sharing the last 11yrs of your life with us! It’s been wonderful following you and your family and watching you grow to become such a talented runner. Did you know your blog is the first one I read every morning?! Congratulations on 11 yrs!
Janel
Congrats on 11 years! I found yours blog about 5 years ago and have been reading since then!
Micah Little
I started follow your blog after my 1st St. George marathon in 2019. My twin sister kept saying “I hope we see this girl I follow when we are here” sure enough you had just completed your sub 3 marathon and instead of leaving the course or getting on with your day you were still at the finish line and when we saw you, you were SOOOO NICE and from that day- I’ve been a fan . I will run my 12th marathon in less than 3 weeks in Indianapolis so hoping for a PR of <3:22! Wish me luck ?
Maureen
I love following along with your life! I am about to have my second baby and am so excited to get back to running :)
Moni
I’ve only recently discovered your blog but I check it everyday and your posts always bring a smile to my face :)
Veronica Gomez
Love your blog! Congratulations!!!!
Amy
Happy Blogging Anniversary!!
I’ve been reading your blog since your divorce and have loved following along with your life. I generally read it at work and was off for awhile with a baby in the NICU for months and then maternity leave in 2016, so I was a a bit shocked when I left and you were a single mom and I pulled your blog back up and you were suddenly married!!
Molly
Congrats! Thanks for sharing your life, your positivity and for keeping it real!
Katie Mohler
Wow 11 years!! What an accomplishment! I love to catch up with you every day and it keeps me motivated to run on those days I’d rather be lazy ?
Natalie S
Congratulations!!! You are one of the first bloggers I started following and it’s crazy to think it’s been 11 years!! Celebrate!
Erika
Your dedication (to running, your blog, and your family) is so inspiring to me!
Regina
Congratulations on 11 years! That is amazing! I come to your blog everyday. I love reading about your family and I have learned some things from you too.
Crystal Cardenas
Happy 11 years!
Nora Davis
Running shoes. ?
Karen Combs
Congrats on ELEVEN years! Your blog keeps inspiring me to get out there and run.
Jill
?♀️?♀️?♀️
Julia
Love you blog and the positivity you bring to the world! Congrats on 11 years!
Jenny
ELEVEN YEARS! Congratulations! I went back and read the old posts you linked to. It’s fun to look back and see how everything (even the things that seemed terrible at the time) fits into the big picture of life. My favorite posts are your sub 3 and 2:49 marathon recaps. Yes, I hope you’re still blogging when Brooke and Knox go to college!
Brenda
Congratulations on 11 years! I love reading about what you and your family are doing. :)
Melissa
Congratulations! 11 years is amazing ?
Rachel
I think I’ve been a reader for 10.5ish of the 11 years! Started reading when training for my first half in Spring 2011. Congrats on 11 years!
Emily
I’m getting married on Sunday and about to become a stepmom to 3 sweet kiddos! Your blended family has been such an inspiration to me. Thank you!
Erin Elmore
Congrats on 11 years! :)
Stephani Penn
It’s been a very enjoyable part of my life for the last 11years. Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Megan
:)
Imogen P
❤️
Carrie
Love your blog! I have read it even before Brooke was born!
Emily Ann H
Love seeing your journey Janae! Getting back into running after too long away and you motivate me so much!
Holly Gibb
I have read your blog on the daily for almost 11 years! I talk to my husband sister about you like we’re friends? You are a light on the internet with your positive attitude and real ness. And I love sharing the love of running with you! Thank you!
Mollie K
Thank you for sharing your beautiful growth and evolution. You’re always a bright spot in my day
Sara K
Congratulations!!!! Keep writing and I’ll keep reading!
erika papp
I’ve enjoyed following along your journey, thanks for taking us all along!
Laura
Congrats on 11 years! :)
Tara M Buckley
My running girls and I look to you for race motivation all the time :) !!
Katherine
I love your blog. I started reading it years ago, you have taught me a lot through my running journey.
Sue
11 years… wow! Congratulations! I have been reading for many years. It’s a fun morning tradition for me while getting the kiddos ready for school. Keep it up!
Kara P
Happy Blogiversary! I also have 4 kids, gone through a divorce and remarried, and (most days) love to run- although nowhere near as fast as you! I have loved reading and relating to your posts over the years. Thank you for sharing your world with us.
Rachel
LOVE your blog and have for SO MANY YEARS! Cheers to you!
Laura
Thank you so much for sharing yourself and your family with all of us all these years! I have enjoyed watching your running progress and your family grow. :-)
Carol Phipps
Love your honesty. Thank you for sharing your adventures! St George is on my list for Utah!!
Barb McLaughlin
Surprise me! You are the best!
Jamie Norris
Love your blog!! Here’s to (at least) 11 more!!
Elizabeth Carlson
Been following from the beginning, and I appreciate SO much that you’re still to your original blog style! It’s always so fun to read. :)
Madeline
Happy 11th anniversary!! Reading HRG is a daily activity for me that I enjoy so much – I’ve learned a ton from you about running, health, and family over the past couple years. Thank you for making such a nice, happy corner of the internet! :)
Sammie
Happy 11 years! I found Brooks thanks to you!
Stephanie W
Congrats on 11 years! I have been reading your blog since 2011 and its crazy its already been so long! Time flies. Please keep it up! I always enjoy coming here each day and reading your posts!
Tricia
Congrats on 11 years! I’ve been reading since the beginning! I think I need the stability of Brooks Adrenaline :)
Colleen
Congrats! You are the best. Keep doing what you’re doing!
Grace
I’ve love following you! We had our third baby the same week as Beck so you have been my inspiration as a running mama! Keep up the great work!!! ?
Anna
I remember finding you before Brooke’s birth! I’ve enjoyed reading ever since. :) happy Blogiversary!!
Chrissy
Time flies.
Jill Banaszak
I have followed your blog for over a decade – just love the encouragement and positivity you bring! Thank you for all you do!
Amber C
Congratulations!! I have loved following you through the years!
Katrina Henschel
I read your blog everyday at work at work during my lunch. I have been following your journey for 5 or 6 years!
I love watching your journey!
Erika
I started reading your blog a few years ago and discovered Brooks running shoes thanks to you :) They are truly the best- no wonder you named your daughter Brooke ;) Congrats on 11 years. I look forward to reading your blog for many more years and following along with your and your beautiful family’s daily adventures.
Toni Ynes
Congratulations on 11 years!! Wow Janae – time flies!!
That picture of Brooke and Knox from your wedding day…they look so little! And now they’re halfway to college!!!
Thank you for being you and I love your blog – you inspire me. XXOO
Toni Ynes
Congratulations on 11 years!! That picture of Brooke and Knox from your wedding day…they look so little! And now they’re halfway to college!!!
Thank you for being you and I love your blog – you inspire me. XXOO
Kristin
I’m so happy for you!! What a fun community you’ve built!
Abbey
Congratulations on 11 years!!! I love your blog!
Laurie R.
I’ve loved feeling like a part of your extended family and cheering your amazing accomplishments along the way! What a blessing you’ve been to so many of us! God bless your family!
Emmy T.
Your blog is truly useful, positive, and meaningful! You inspire others to be their best selves every day. It’s a joy to follow your running journeys and hear your helpful advice. Keep up the great work that you do so well!
Jess basso
Congratulations on 11 years!!
Jennifer
I look forward to reading your blog each day! I met you at Timp a few years ago, you are just as nice in person as you are online:-) Keep on writing!
Kristin Smith
Everything happens for a reason!
Lupita Kyle
Love your blog! Ive been reading it since Brooke was one! How fast time goes by!!!
Ginny
Congrats on your blog’versary!
Amy Marek
I love reading your blog! Congrats on 11 years!
Celeste
Congratulations on your blogging anniversary! I somehow discovered your blog last year and have enjoyed reading the positive mindset you share about running and life! Can’t lie though, reading about the food and recipes you share is great too!
Bobbie
Love your blog. Have a wonderful day!
Lori Sigfridson
Thank you for being authentically you and sharing your journey so openly. That is what I love about the running community, our willingness to share and support each other regardless of where we are in the pack. You have helped to connect the running community through your blog, offering a sense of normalcy during some pretty disruptive times.
Best to you and your family.
Lori
Raychel
Yay! Congrats on 11 years :)
Nicole S
congratulations on 11 years! I have been reading since about 2013, and love checking in!
Michelle
I love your blog and look forward to reading it everyday! Happy Blog Anniversary!!!
Mickie AndrePont
So happy you share your journey with us.
Rachael
I don’t comment much (except for my peloton encyclopedia the other day haha) but I’ve been reading every day for 8 years! Thanks for sharing the highs and lows and inspiring me to put in the work!
Taylor
THANK YOU for starting this blog! Your words have helped my training/racing, gotten me through a divorce and your blog in my inbox was something I looked forward to each day when I spent 7 months in a cardiac ICU with my son. You are amazing! Here’s to another 11 years :)
Johnna
Congrats on 11 years!! I first started following you on Instagram when I found your account through other runners. I’ve enjoyed your blog posts as well and have been encouraged and motivated in my running from your posts, so thanks for that! :)
Regina L Cormier
I have read your blog for YEARS! I absolutely love it
Kelly
Love reading about you and your beautiful fam <3
Amanda
Congratulations on 11 years!!
Christi Messner
I have read your blog for years and you helped me through my own divorce!
Luba Kielbasa
???
Deanna
Congrats on 11 years! I found your blog while training for my first half and have followed you for 7 years now. Love your running tips and enjoy seeing your beautiful fam. Cheers to many more blogging years!
Caroline
11 years, my goodness! I have been reading for years (though not 11?) and appreciate your honesty and tackling subjects that might not always be easy. Also, scrolling through those photos today, wow how the kids grow up so quickly!
melissa
I can’t believe it’s been 11 years! I started reading 7 years ago, 2 years before i had my first kid. I have loved following your postpartum/mom journey, and you’ve always been an inspiration to me!
PS – Giveaway timing is perfect — I’m due for some new sneakers as I get back into running post baby #3!
Erica Hunt
I have followed your blog since Brooke was a baby. I love how your story has evolved. Congrats on 11 years.
Alicia Wynn
Love reading your blog and watching your family grow! Also enjoyed meeting you at the Revel Mt Charleston expo a few years ago.
Ita W
Love love love reading your blog!
Patti S.
Congratulations Jenae! I think I’ve been following you now for about 4 years. I’ve loved following you through all of the milestones during that time and I love your positivity. ? Keep on keeping on ?