Random things to discuss:

(tank, shorts, shoes)

8.05 miles @ 8:15 average pace + upper body strength + foam rolling.

The kids slept in more than ever…  the 4th of July weekend was an exhausting one.

We were all ready for bed by 7 pm!

Random things to discuss:

*Skye states that this is actually the proper way to wear a pair of Tevas.  Before I know it, I’ll see high schoolers doing this because Skye is a trend setter.

*Stalkerish picture–> Those men once went up and down Timpanogos 11 times in a row.  14 miles + 4,400 ft of climbing EACH TIME.  They only took two short 10 minute naps over the 11 times they did it.

*Any long-time readers remember my old scooter that I had?  Well, when I got divorced I didn’t get the scooter but I’m happy to announce that I am back to scooter life and I couldn’t be happier about it.

*Beck has been working on his six-pack.

*I used to be allll about the candy at the movies but now I cannot get enough of the popcorn.

*I love taking my kids on dates to Great Harvest for a slice of bread.  Can’t believe Beck is old enough to be sitting there with his own slice of bread now.

*Ummmm we need a tree house.


Moni said this in the comments yesterday and I wanted to hear from anybody else that has experienced anything similar… “Have you experienced headaches after races? I’ve done two races (Triathalon and HM) so far and I had bad headaches after both of them (no amount of water, electrolytes or ibuprofen helped).”

Those of you with a yard, what is the coolest part of your yard?

Who has a Great Harvest in your area and what is your favorite type of bread there?

What is your workout today?

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40 comments

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Sometimes I get headaches after running but they are almost always dehydration. And by the time I take ibuprofen and start hydrating again it’s too late so it takes a long time(and usually sleep) before it goes away. I don’t think it’s happened during races because I’m always so careful about hydration during races. Now a stress headache the night before a race? Almost every time.

We only have one tree in our backyard but it is at the very back of our property so there isn’t really a cool spot, lol. I would say on our back deck while it is still in the shade from the house!

I’m an hour from a Great Harvest but I love to go there. There is a chicken salad sandwich on cranberry orange bread that I love. I have them grill it and it is the best sandwich ever! I also like their cinnamon bread.

I did 8 miles this morning(SO hot) and a 10 minute Core for Runners class with Becs Gentry. I’ve walked about a mile so far with the dog–it’s just too hot for him to go too far right now so we are splitting up our walks into smaller sessions throughout the day.

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Yes to the headaches! Usually they start a few hours after. I agree with the likelihood that it’s dehydration. Make sure to be using electrolyte beverages during the race and to hydrate well in the days prior!

Workout today: 6-7 easy miles before hopping in the car to visit family at the beach. Happy Wednesday!

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I’m super prone to headaches in general. Yes, I would get headaches often. I still do occasionally, but they are much better. Things I found that triggered it was a heart rate at my suggested max (common to happen at races when you are pushing it) and lack of electrolytes. For the heart rate, I monitor it better now. I helped the electrolytes by taking Ultima powder both the night before and after the race. Or after a race or long run I will get a Hydration smoothie from Smoothie King. Another thing is ensuring you put back calories as quickly as you can regardless of hunger. What still triggers it that I can’t fix is PMS, outwide of being aware of when I schedule half and full marathons. So if it is that time of the month, I just know it will be much more likely. Really hope this helps! It is truly an experiment to get there and figure out what best helps your body.

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Thank you! I thought about the heart rate and as a result my blood pressure… That can’t be good for the small bloodvessels in the brain. Also PMS… that was definetly the case that day. I will make sure to get plenty of electrolytes in the days before my next race and see how that helps. Thank you again, I am really happy for you that your headaches have gotten better! Let’s see if I can get there too :)

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Yes I experience headaches after running sometimes and im sure its dehydration, but once the headache has set in its too late. Usually doesnt go until after a good nights sleep. I have to be very careful especially in the summer and try to have electrolytes before hot and humid runs.

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I have gotten headaches after a run but never a race. It’s due to exertion and I agree with the poster above, no amount of ibuprofen or hydration helps after the fact, takes a while to get rid of it.
Best part of our backyard, the trees. We have a lot of birds and right now a family of hawks. There are 3 “babies” but they’re older and learning to feed and catch field mice and chipmunks in the backyard. I love chipmunks so it’s sorta sad, but fascinating to watch the mom teach them and they’re so attentive.
No GH near me but sounds great.
Rest day from Peloton but may do yoga or stretch.
Have a good day!

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Headaches: yes! For me, it’s often from muscle tension from my shoulders & neck. Before I figured it out, they could last for 3 days, but now I can usually prevent or cut them shorter by using a lacrosse ball to massage those areas (standing against the wall or lying on the floor), plus other stretching/mobility for my upper body and, sounds weird, my tight hamstrings.

Beck’s face is probably what my face looks like with a Great Harvest slice–love that bread! I’m still bummed that the one within walking distance closed :( Spinach provolone, old fashioned white, pumpkin yumpkin…most of their menu!

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A tight upper back… YES! Thank you, I will definetly try rolling it out next time! I always run with my head thrown back and my shoulders squared like a soldier so my poor back is probs super tight :p

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Oh my gosh I’ve had this problem for years and it’s always held me back from running & racing. The heat seems to make it worse because I don’t seem to get headaches as often with treadmill workouts. I get very frustrated when people write it off as dehydration because I always pay very close attention to my hydration.

I think one thing that has really helped is going to the chiropractor because I do think it’s triggered by neck tension (they call it tech neck for people who work in tech and have to look at a computer a lot) a lot of the time. I usually go every 6 months or so and this seems to keep it at bay. I specifically asked him about the exercise induced headaches and he said that when everything is in alignment, exercise is great. But when things are out of alignment, exercise can put my pressure on those areas and you’ll feel worse. You can also search for neck stretches on YouTube for “neck tension headaches”. These help me a lot when I’m starting to feel a headache coming on.

Hope this helps a little!

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Skye is definitely a trend setter. She cracks me up!
Like Jen, if I have a headache after a race, it’s because I didn’t take in enough fluids. And same, then it’s too late and you’re trying to play “catch up” with your hydration, so the headache take as a long time to go away.
Tree houses are so cool. I always wanted one when the boys were young. The best part of our backyard, and probably one of my favorite “investments” is definitely the hammock. It’s in a cool shady corner of the yard with a big umbrella over it. It’s so nice and my husband and I are out there all the time.
Off for 4 early miles with friends, the some strength work, then finishing getting the house ready to host my book club tonight 😊
Have a great day Janae.

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I had an easy run. In 96% humidity. It’s best for me to not check the weather before I run, otherwise it’s too overwhelming.

I gifted sourdough yesterday, while baking one for myself. It’s so fun to give away bread!

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I sometimes get headaches after I run too, especially hard workouts/races. They can be caused by exertion. For me at least, it’s not usually a hydration issue. Unfortunately I haven’t found anything that helps. I’ll be interested to see if others have suggestions.

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You can just get a slice of bread at Great Harvest? I have to try this!!
Also, I have always wanted a scooter and feel like that is now a goal for next summer.
Husband and I are running and doing an “arms” work out today. :)
And Skye is totally fashion forward!

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I get a lot of exercise induced headaches. A lot of times if I know the workout is going to give me a headache I will take Tylenol or ibuprofen before I workout and that will help a lot.

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It is likely due to dehydration, so think about fueling and drinking more during the race. Watch sodium intake during the race and the carb content in your drink. No electrolyte drink is the same, some have only 250 mg of sodium and some have 1000. If you are a heavy sweater, you would need more sodium. Make sure you are taking in 60-90 carbs or more an hour. It also might be worth working with a sports nutritionist. Hydrating the days before your race is also important.

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I get headaches from exercise sometimes, and my tricks are a) to eat and drink enough before, b) to have magnesium the evening before (helps you sleep better too!) and c) to drink something nourishing and refreshing after (like chocolate milk or watered down juice). Hope this helps!

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The coolest part of our yard is not our yard but what is behind it – a 20+ acre park. Half of it is mowed with disc golf, play equipment, and open fields to play. The other 1/2 is woods and prairie. We see a lot of wildlife. Of course, there is a downside, like the buttheads that DROVE their pickup down the bike path and set off fireworks from the play equipment area last night. (The park doesn’t have parking – you have to walk in from the surrounding streets.)

We used to have a Great Harvest but it closed. :-(

I am doing a short run today (that is all I do) and going to the gym. My gym has “seasons” and this season is striking season so we do a lot of kickboxing. We will do 2 striking rotations, 1 powerblocks, 1 rack, 1 endurance, and 1 agility rotation, each one is 7 minutes a piece. The variety is great!

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I agree with what everyone else is saying re headaches and hydration/electrolytes. Lindsey Hein recently Anna Turner (Sports Dietitian) on her I’ll Have Another podcast to talk about hydration and electrolytes.

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Oh gosh I also get crazy headaches! Mine are usually loss of electrolytes plus not eating soon enough after a race. Unless it’s summer then it’s all that and the heat and humidity! 🫣
I’m currently saving up to get our backyard landscaped. I want gravel and a fire pit, raised beds and maybe a hot tub 😆. Right now there is no cool part of our backyard, it’s awful!

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I get headaches after long runs and races. I just always know that the day after a big race I will not feel good. For me dehydration is the cause. I usually forget to drink water after a race because I am just too out of it but if I do remember then I have less headaches the next day.
My parents have a creek in our backyard and someday that will be my land which I will enjoy fully.
I eat Paleo so I don’t eat bread.
I did a 6.5 mile track workout this morning and I hit all my paces which was pretty shocking in humidity.

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Dawn-how do you fuel using paleo before running? I’m allergic to wheat and avoid glutinous grains. I usually stick to a Larabar.

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Aren’t Larabars great? haha I live on those things! RX bars are awesome also before running. Yes, so if I am going to eat before running I also can eat bananas, plantain chips, applesauce, almond butter, honey, Paleo waffles, Paleo tortillas, and NSNG Ultra Fat packets.
There are probably a lot of other options but I do not live near a big city so my grocery shopping is limited. I order off of Thrive Market when I get bored with the lack of snack options in a small town.

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Good morning, Janae! Skye and Beck…cracking me up on the regular :o)
I had no idea so many people suffered from headaches after running or other exercise. That stinks and I hope everyone can find a way to prevent them and/or resolve them quickly when they do happen.
The nearest Great Harvest to us is 60+ miles away in another state, but maybe they will hear my pleas and put one closer LOL.
Workout today was core this morning and a hike tonight. It is supposed to finally stop raining by then…fingers crossed!
That tree house is awesome!! Coolest part of our backyard is the mini- driving range we built. It comes complete with a practice green and bunker. My game just has to get better, right?! LOL! Have an awesome Wednesday, Janae!

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Love the scooter! How fun!

My run today was 6 miles with 3×400’s on the track. Running 2 miles with the kids this afternoon.

I usually get headaches from dehydration, lack of salt or waiting too long to eat after a race. Only rarely can I get rid of it once it starts–kind of like hitting the wall, once you hit it, there is no going back.

My favorite part of our yard is our new patio. We got a solo stove, Adirondack chairs and cushioned chairs with footstools. It’s shaded in the afternoon and I can see the kids playing in the backyard and rollerblading on the concrete.

Have a great Wednesday Janae!

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Moni – I am interested in answers to this as well. I am prone to headaches at all races, no matter how far or short they are. I actually no longer race anymore due to not finding a solution. All I know is the hotter it is, the worse the headache for me is, and it will start mid-race, even at a 5K. I feel bad for anyone this happens to. It really holds you back from doing something we love so much. Wishing you the best in finding an answer to your headaches after races.

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Hi Michele,
I’m really sorry to hear that your headaches prevent you from racing :( I hope you can find some new things to try in the comments above, there are so many great tips in there :) I am really surprised so many runners have headaches after racing…

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Tell me more about the scooter! I have a scooter dream, but am too intimidated by them (and the need to get a motorcycle license to drive one). Do you just drive it around town? For errands or for fun? Love it!!!

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Follow your dreams on this one. It just makes simple errands SO much fun. Yes, a motorcycle license is necessary here (not sure about every state) and I just use it for close errands etc. I don’t want to be going over 40 mph on it so I stay on more residential roads but I can do quite a few errands in our close area. We also just go out on fun rides too. Brooke and I dropped off waterbottles for my run this morning last night and it was so much fun. DO IT and keep me updated. Andrew is going to write more about it on tomorrow’s post! Have a great day!

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Yay! Thank you! I look forward to his post! :D I think scooters are adorable, but also love the idea of using less gas for easy errands and commuting to work (I live very close to work and wouldn’t have to go over 40 mph!).

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Yes to headaches after races. Lately I’ve had them after hard runs and bike rides. I know it’s partly posture induced (too much WFH slouching) but it’s also related to the effort. I’m the same – water, electrolytes, food don’t seem to help. But Coca Cola seems to. I hardly ever drink it but when I have that rotten feeling after a hard work out, a cold coke sorts me out *shrug*. For the record, it’s the full sugar, full caffeine original version, not any of the low cal, low caf ones.

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Interesting that it is posture induced too! I mean, if a coke (I love coke) is helping you after a run, KEEP IT UP! Full calories/caffeine is the way to go. Hope you have a beautiful day, Andrea!

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Hi Janae! Ok, so I am a long -time reader but I do not recall the scooter…sorry! But I think it is so cool you have one now! I just wanted to comment about how you can’t believe Beck is old enough to have his own slice of bread. I remember (and this will prove I am a long-time reader, lol) when you took Brooke out to eat and she was in a high chair. You were shocked the server gave you a children’s menu. I think you said something like, “Is she old enough for that?” I remember because I had same experience with my daughter! Ha! I did a very sweaty, hot, humid run this morning followed by 20 minutes of pilates.

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Crissy! I am so glad we have been friends over the years! Oh my goodness, thank you for reminding me of that… I remember feeling so shocked ha. They grow up way too fast! GREAT workout today, that heat and humidity is making you so strong!

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Janae! Please all the details about the scooter. I want one but don’t know where to start. Thanks!

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You need one. It just makes a simple errand so much fun. I’ll have Andrew write about the details for tomorrow’s post after he gets off work if that’s okay. I was mostly just concerned about the color of the scooter and the helmets;) Have a beautiful day!

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Haha! Me too. The orange is spiffy! The helmet is cute too! I will wait for Andrew. Thanks, Belle

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My head is my sensitive spot, so almost everything effects it. Illness I get a headache, deydration headache, stress, talking, grinding teeth. Tylenol and ibuprofen never touch them, sleep and or my prescribed migraine medicine are the only things to knock them out. Maybe teeth clenching causes a headache if you grind when concentrating.

We have lots of land and a huge 2 acre yard, we love it.

We dont have a Ancient Grains but I think it would be fabulous if we did. WE LOVE BREAD around here.

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Ha sorry Harvest store. It’s been a week already.

We love everything about our yard, the swimming pool, gardening, playing with out pets, playing games (volleyball and football currently), reading in the hammock, the grass, watching the clouds and of course stars. Our most favorite is chasing fireflies!B

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Try Vitamin B2. I have had regular headaches for years in addition to running headaches. My doctor recommended magnesium and B2. I’ve taken magnesium for years but just recently added in B2 and it has been a huge game changer. I can run and not get massive headaches! Good luck!

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I could sing that headache song. Mine are TERRIBLE! I agree with everything that has been mentioned. I really try to take preventive measures: Relyte, water, Exceedrin before the run, food post run.

I also have VERY dry eyes. I wear my contacts to run and that is a trigger. I have to take them out immediately after the run or use tons of eye drops.

Good luck!!

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