11th Blogging Anniversary (+ SHOE GIVEAWAY)!

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.

IMG 4277

*Brookie’s birth:

NewImage 5

*Feeling like myself again after divorce, loving life together with Brooke, and figuring out being a single mom.

498A2256

*When we got engaged!

IMG 8848

*When Andrew asked Brooke if he could marry me:)

*Our wedding!

Andrewjanaewedding 0011

*Skye’s birth!

IMG 9156 JPGIMG 3729

*Seeing the four of them together in Christmas PJs.

IMG 4950

*My first sub 3!

Screen Shot 2021 10 17 at 9 56 10 PM

*2:49 wahoo with Emilee!

DSC01442

*Beck’s birth and somehow waiting until he was born to find out he was a boy!

IMG 5709 JPG

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!

You May Also Like

930 comments

Reply

Hi! Thanks for all you do and share! It’s been a bright spot for me and my running for 11 years. And I’m a huge brooks fan so I’m certain we’d be running buddies in real life ?

Reply

I love your blog! I read it everyday. I’ve been reading for the last 8 years! You are doing an awesome job!!

Reply

I love Brooks running shoes! It has been so fun reading your blog over the years and watching your family grow! :)

Reply

I love your blog and have been reading since you learned you were pregnant with Brooke.

Reply

I look forward to reading about you and your sweet family each day. I’ve been here for only the last 5-6 years! 11 is amazing! Hope we can follow along for 11 more years!

Reply

Congratulations on the anniversary! I’ve been following along since before Brooke’s first birthday, and you’ve been with me through various stages of life: undergrad, grad school, work, marriage… You’re such a bright spot in so many people’s lives, but in such a genuine, real way, not pretending that everything is perfect. I used to follow so many blogs, but life got busy over the years and now you’re the only one I continue to follow. Other bloggers changed their styles to be more “evergreen”, but you kept going with the day to day experiences, and I love it. (Plus, we have the same birthday, so that automatically makes you cool.) Looking forward to all the years of blogging ahead!

Reply

What a journey! Your life has changed a lot but not your kind heart. I have been here since the sleeping under the school desk when you were pregnant with Brookie ha Daily dose of fun and running wisdom ?

Reply

Congrats on 11 years – that is awesome! I love reading your blog. :)

Reply

Thank you so much for sharing your life over the years! I have learned so much from you about running!

Reply

Thank you so much for sharing so much ch about running and about your like. You have the most beautiful family ever. So happy I found this blog. You inspire me everyday to keep on running
Cheers,
Jessica❤

Reply

I have followed you on your blog for quite some time now. Thanks for sharing your life & running. Have a great day!!

Reply

Hello! I have been reading your blog for YEARS!

Thanks for sharing. ❤️

Reply

Happy anniversary! I found your blog a few years ago and absolutely loved it. I went back to the very beginning and read every post! I’ll be looking forward to the dropping off at college editions LOL

Reply

Thank you for being willing to share so much of yourself and for being so kind and relatable. I know you have made so many people feel encouraged and less alone. ❤️

Reply

Thank you for all of your great running tips!

Reply

Sometimes when the world feels dark, thank you for being the light! Much appreciated

Reply

What a journey! Congratulations on your success.

Reply

Thanks for sharing your life with us. You have motivated me to keep going so many times, especially in the last mile of the Melbourne marathon when I could hear you in my head when I said to myself ‘what would Janae say’. You’re so inspiring and I love being part of your community, all the way from Australia.

Reply

Janae! I feel like you are an old friend! Congratulations!! Your words have helped me not only get through my first marathon but my own loneliness- especially on holidays. You’re such a bright light. Thank you!

Reply

Congrats on 11 years!

Reply

Happy anniversary! 11 blogging years is like 1,100 regular years.

Reply

Thank you for sharing everything over the years!

Reply

I look forward to reading your blog every day. Brooks are my favorites!

Reply

Thank you for your blog and congratulations on 11 years! I am glad you are back in Utah. I have lived near NYC most of my life but love love the rocky mountains. Seeing you in NYC was different. Your seem more like yourself ( via photos) in Utah. Did being in NYC make your appreciate Utah more? I know you already appreciate Utah but NYC had changed a lot in the last year. It’s not the same.

Reply

I love your blog and look forward to reading it daily! I love your positive outlook on life and you bring joy to my life daily! Thank you for sharing your world! ?

Reply

I love you your blog your family all of it and have followed you for 9 of your 11 years blogging and would love to meet you one day as I look up to you so much and how you live your life with balance!!! Thank you for still blogging!
?‍♀️??

Reply

Hooray for 11 years! I have read every single one of your posts!

Happy 11 years, Janae!

Reply

I am a total Brooks fan….have been for years! I love the Ariel and the Ghost!!!

Reply

You had me at shoes…especially Brooks! But I love, love, love your blog!

Reply

Congratulations on 11 years!! I enjoy reading about your journey. Your running goals are an inspiration to me. Thank you!!!

Reply

Hi! You are SO VERY inspiring. I look forward to reading your blog each mourning. Keep up the great work

Take care,
Robin

Reply

I love all your running tips and advice. Each morning I can’t wait to read your blog. You are my inspiration. ❤️❤️

Take care,
Robin

Reply

I rarely comment but I have loved “growing up” along side you! ? Congrats on 11 years!

Reply

Congratulations on 11 years! You are beautiful and you have a beautiful family. Thank you for sharing!

Reply

Love your blog and your sweet family. So grateful you allow us to follow along with your life. It’s a joy to be apart of it.

Reply

Love following you and your family on this blog! Not a lot of people blog so regularly anymore and I know I can look forward to yours every day ?.

Reply

Can’t believe it’s been 11 years! I remember reading your blog 4 years ago and wondering how you did it! But you really inspired me to start my own, so a huge thank you and an even bigger Congratulations!!! So happy to know you, Janae!

Reply

Congratulations! Excited to follow you on Peloton and the Blog! Happy healing with the PF, it is so frustrating!

Reply

Thank you for sharing life’s ups and downs with us. I look forward to your post every day.
Happy Anniversary!

Reply

Thank you for sharing life’s ups and down with us. I look forward to your post every day.
Happy Anniversary!

Reply

You are such a ray of sunshine, Janae, and I’m forever grateful I stumbled across your blog 8 years ago!!! Congrats!!!

Reply

I have loved reading your blogs over the years! The kids are so cute!! ❤️❤️

Reply

Hi Janae! 11 years?! That’s crazy! Thank you for sharing your life with us! I enjoy reading each day :)

Reply

Congrats on your anniversary!

Reply

I’ve been a reader for so many years and look forward to many more!! Congrats on 11! ?

Reply

I can’t believe it has been 11 years, I have been a reader for 7 and feel like I know you and your family. I love reading your blog and can relate to so many obstacles you have also endured.

Reply

I have loved watching your journey! Congrats on your anniversary!

Reply

Love looking through these photos. So much joy in these moments. Thanks for being a friend ?.

Reply

Congratulations on your 11 year blogging anniversary!

Reply

I’ve been here since 2010! Congrats on 11!!

Reply

Long time follower – the selection of posts is perfect on this one. Congratulations on 11 years :)

Reply

Happy blogging anniversary!! What an accomplishment! ?

Reply

Congratulations! Love your blog!

Reply

Congrats!! Love following along on your journey!

Reply

Congrats! I love reading your blog- you are such an inspiration.

Reply

Congrats on year #11!!! I have loved following along and all your motivation to keep signing up for marathons ?.

Reply

Love your blog Janea!

Reply

Congratulations! Love your blog- been reading for many years :)

Reply

I can’t remember how I first found your blog but I do remember seeing the post with pictures of Brooke’s first birthday! I think I like the tangent posts as much as anything because that’s how my brain works too!! Happy blogging anniversary!!

Reply

Congrats on 11 years! Thank you for sharing the ups, downs and everything in between with us for so long! I look forward to your posts and your positivity daily :)

Reply

Thank you for being so real!! From momming to running and all in between I love your approach and balance to life! ????‍♀️?‍♀️

Reply

Thank you for all you share. I have enjoyed following your journey over the years!

Reply

Congratulations! I have enjoyed following your journey.

Reply

I love your blog and just like how it’s having an open conversation! I’m pregnant now but can’t wait to get back out running (I can’t run while pregnant like you!)

Reply

I’ve been reading your blog since Brooke was a little girl.
Thank you very much for sharing your journey.
Congratulations on 11th!

Reply

I have followed your blog for many years now, love it! Cheers to many more!

Reply

Happy 11th Blogging Anniversary Janae! Thank you for sharing your life with us for all these years. Reading your blog has become part of my morning routine; it’s a great way to start the day!

Reply

Congratulations on 11 years! I love following along ?

Reply

Congrats! I don’t think I’ve done anything for 11 years!!!

Reply

It’s been greatsharing your side of the world with you. Your growth as a young women and wonderful mom has been amazing to watch. Thank you for your inspiring posts and engaging topics.

Reply

Congratulations on 11 years! Even with the ups and downs of life, you truly are living a beautiful life!!!

Reply

happy to have found this blog! congrats on 11 years!

Reply

Congratulations on 11 years! Been reading your blog for years and love following along! I also love brooks sneakers! ??

Reply

Reading your blog is the best part of my morning routine! Something I look forward to everyday! Thanks for letting us share in your life adventures and seeing and hearing the similarities in our own little family’s life❤️

Reply

Thanks for blogging thru it all. Love following along with your running & family.

Reply

Your blog has been a part of my day for years now. I always look forward to your posts!

Reply

it’s so crazy to think i’ve been reading all these years! i feel like we are virtual friends and love love love this blog ?your family, content, authenticity, honesty, information… it’s all so fabulous! thanks for being such an inspiration and so relatable. adore you ?

Reply

??‍♀️

Reply

Congratulations, what an accomplishment!!!

Reply

I love your blog and so happy we are peloton friends now!

Reply

Love your blog, Janae! Reading your posts over coffee is part of my ‘me’ time every morning! :)

Reply

Thanks for sharing your life and love of running! I can’t tell you how many recipes you’ve blessed our family with over the years too! From cookies to your mom’s lasagna… yum and mix that with fun of running… yessss! Cheers to 11 times 11 more years for you! ?

Reply

I love hearing about your running and family updates every day! Congratulations on your anniversary!

Reply

Congrats on 11 years – what an accomplishment! No wonder you are a good runner, you are so good at consistency! :) I enjoy reading your blog – whether I am able to read often, or just once in a while, I always feel like I can jump right back in and find some good ideas/recipes/advice/motivation/etc.

Reply

??‍♀️?

Reply

Congratulations on 11 years!

Reply

I love reading your blog, both the running stuff and all the kid stuff! Happy Blog Anniversary!

Reply

I love following your journey all these years. And I’d be much more excited to meet you than GiGi Hadid ?. I’ve running in adrenalines for ever!

Reply

????‍♀️

Reply

I’ve been reading you blog for 5 years and it’s my nighttime treat to read before bed. A few months ago, you posted a link to your 1st blog, so now I also get to read 1 or 2 of your earlier blogs each night. I’m up to 2012! You are a wonderful writer and a fantastic human. So happy I found you.

Reply

Congratulations!!!! Happy blog anniversary!! You’re my favorite blogger ?

Reply

Congratulations! I have enjoyed your blog for several years now:)

PS I wear night splints on both feet, wear power step pro tech insoles in my running shoes and do yoga on the daily. This has kept the plantar at bay for about five years.

Reply

Congrats on your 11 years! I love reading your blog, been reading for years!
I Love Brooks too! Currently like the Ghost 13 but ready to try some new ones!
??‍♀️?

Reply

Thank you for writing your blog. You are an inspiration! I remember commenting on your blog about having to celebrate the holidays by myself and you wrote the sweetest reply. I will never forget your kindness and how much it meant to have a stranger thinking of me and wishing me well. You have touched the lives of so many people. I always look forward to reading your blog!

Reply

11 years!! That’s amazing!! I think the only thing I’ve done for 11 years straight is wake up ?

I love that you just keep being you. Good job. Thanks for inspiring me and so many others!

Reply

Yours was the first blog that I got into following regularly, many years ago. You turned me onto cottage cheese + grapes and got me addicted to Brooks running shoes. It’s so crazy that its been 11 years. Thanks for showing up here and sharing your life with us.

Reply

Congratulations on 11 years. You are very inspiring in many ways!

Reply

HAPPY BLOGAVERSARY!

Reply

Happy 11 years!! ?

Reply

You’ve inspired me and taught me a lot about running over the years! I’m so glad I found your blog a few years ago! Thanks for sharing!!

Reply

Congrats on 11 years! ????

Reply

I’ve really enjoyed tour blog over the last couple years and it’s helped me get through some difficult times! Thanks for making every day seem like a fun and special one!

Reply

Yay happy anniversary!! I’ve been following for years and it’s nice to follow along with your growing family, life milestones, and accomplishments!

Reply

That’s so sweet of you to celebrate with a give away. I hope you keep blogging!!

Reply

Congrats! Thanks for keeping it real all these years :).

Reply

Awesome! Congratulations!

Reply

Congratulations! I love reading your blog ;)

Reply

Congrats on your blogaversary! Crazy to look back at the amount of things you e experienced over the years. It’s nice your kids one day can have personal memories through the blog too. ?

Reply

Happy 11 years to you!! ?

Reply

Congratulations on your accomplishment! I’ve enjoyed reading your blog over the years. Thank you for sharing.

Reply

I love reading your blog! You’re an inspiration for me and my running. I love Brooks shoes!

Reply

I became hooked on your blog when you recommended your brown Nike boots. I thought they were so cool and I bought some. My favorite shoes ever!!

Reply

Congrats on the 11 years!!

Reply

Congratulations on 11 years! Love reading your blog!

Reply

Congratulations on 11 years blogging!! I started reading before Broke was born so I’ve been around for a while. I love your positive attitude and I have gotten many delicious food and snack recommendations from you! Hahaha!

Reply

Congratulations on 11 years and all the accomplishments those years have brought Janae! I’ve loved following along :)

Reply

Congratulations!! You have absolutely been a positive influence in my life over the years I have been reading your blog. THANK YOU for what you do!

Reply

Love this! I always enjoy reading your blog! Found you 6-7 years ago when I searched for blogs about running while pregnant. There weren’t many and you were one of the few! And I’ve stuck with ya since:)

Reply

I love your blog. I’ve followed since the beginning. You inspire me. ❤️

Reply

Hey Janae! Massive congrats on your anniversary! I excitedly PM’ed you recently about my 3:04:48 London Marathon and you gave me hope that one day soon I might get that sub-3. You are an inspiration and so keep blogging and beaming out those positive vibes! Your energy extends trans-Atlantic!

Reply

WOW- congrats on a long blog life so far. And as you listed each one out, I realized I have been here for all of it. Great job moving forward through each thing and shining.

Reply

Congratulations, Janae!! I stumbled upon your blog only a few posts in and it’s cray to think I’ve been reading it for over a decade! So fun!! I love your love for it!

Reply

Congrats! I love your blog and all the stories.

Reply

I love love love your blog!! I’ve been around since before Brooke was born. I have loved watching you grow as a person and watch you beautiful family grow. Keep it up!

Reply

Congrats! Your blog gives me inspiration every morning to get out there and be the best I can be! Thank you for keeping it real and fun ?

Reply

I can’t believe it’s been 11 years! I love your positive outlook or finding the good in the bad! Here’s to 11 more years!

Reply

I can’t believe it’s been 11 years! Try a Peloton ride with Cody Rigsby if you haven’t already. So fun!

Reply

Congrats on 11 years! ?

Reply

Congratulations, Janae!!! I have followed you since before Brooke’s birth and it IS like having a friend that you check in on. I like your style. :)

Reply

I’ve been reading your blog since the beginning, Janae. So happy for you and all that you’ve accomplished. You are always such an inspiration for me with many areas of my life … running, marriage, life, etc. Thanks for all you do!

Reply

Congratulations of 11 years of blogging! I love reading your blog. New shoes would be super amzing! =) Have a wonderful day!

Reply

Congratulations on 11 years! ?
That’s amazing.

Reply

JUST.EVERYTHING.ABOUT.THIS.POST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I remember ALL OF IT! Could not be happier for all of you Janae. Congrats on your 11 year anniversary and for being YOU through it all. Through it all, you have managed to rise above and get through the worst of times to have what you have now. A beautiful loving family. You captured it all in this post.

Reply

You have a beautiful family!

Reply

Happy 11 years!! And Brooks shoes-yes, please!!!! :)

Reply

I’ve loved following your running over the years!

Reply

Love the blog, read every entry so far!!

Reply

Congrats! Love checking in here everyday!

Reply

Congratulations!

Reply

❤️

Reply

congrats on 11 years! I love reading your blog!

Reply

Congratulations!

Reply

Congrats on 11 years!! I have learned so much about running and training from you, I really do use what I’ve learned from reading your blog on a regular basis, so thank you!!! Currently training for a half marathon and very excited (I’m not a natural born runner, I don’t feel like it comes easy to me but here I am running my third half in a few weeks)!

Reply

Congratulations on 11 years! I’ve been reading your blog for years.☺️

Reply

Congratulations on 11 years! I’ve been reading your blog for years.☺️

Reply

So fun that you’re celebrating with a giveaway! I just had a baby on Monday and would love some new shoes for when I’m cleared to run in six weeks! :)

Reply

I read your blog every morning and have been doing so for YEARS! I started reading before I started running and I started running (in Brooks shoes) because you inspired me! Your positive attitude inspires me, especially on days when the world seems difficult and kind of dark. Thanks for being a light in it!

Reply

Thank you for the running wisdom throughout the years!

Reply

Congratulations on 11 years??

Reply

Congratulations on 11 years!

Reply

Thank you for sharing your love of running, family, faith, and life! I think reading this over a few years has improved my outlook and be more positive.

Reply

It is hard to believe the changes in your life over the last 11 years. So glad to see you happy and still running!

Reply

Congrats on 11 years! Love reading your blog, you are such an inspiration.

Reply

Still love reading all these years later!

Reply

Still love reading even 11 years later!

Reply

???

Leave a Reply to Adrienne Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *