My sister loves it when I’m not in marathon training because it means I have more time to hang out with her.
I got on my bike for a ride! It felt so good to spin my legs out for a bit… I have been off the bike so long that I didn’t know Robin from Peloton was pregnant!
I wore my Boston bra! I’m sure you hoped I would show you this close-up blurry picture, haha.
Board game appointments.
We figured out we could move our oven back in for a bit so we jumped on that and made roasted veggies with tortellini. A real meal at home felt amazing.
And a sweet friend of mine dropped off donuts from Bismarck Donuts. We all agreed they are our new favorite donuts in the area.
Today is our 7th anniversary since our very first date. The guy that set us up was one of Andrew’s coworkers and a friend of mine. Andrew and I had talked on the phone a few days before our blind date for about ten minutes, but that’s it. I’m sure I’ve told you this before, but when I told one of my best friends, Jessie, about my blind date and showed her his picture, she told me I had to marry him. She knew him and his life story and thought we matched perfectly.
I opened the door to meet him for our first date and instantly felt so calm (which is not a normal feeling for me, especially at that point in my life). I’m still avoiding telling our kids how long we dated before getting married (ehhh less than two months) because it sounds so crazy, but nothing had ever felt so right when it was all happening.
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I thought I would share my IG Reel here too… because this topic is so important to me!
We are coming up on SHORTS season (although, shorts season is year-round for me), and it is about to get hot.
I have met and heard from many women that don’t feel like they can wear shorts because of how they think their legs look. This is the year to stop thinking like that. It’s going to be hot outside, and you are working hard out on the run. You do not need to wear extra fabric and be uncomfortable because you are worried about what people will think of your legs.
Wear the shorts. Or the sports bra or whatever you need to feel comfortable.
We are the paintbrushes, creating amazing things and experiences with our lives… Not the artwork that sits there doing nothing just to be looked at.
Go be free out there!
If you have a partner right now, what was your first date with them?
Favorite way to cross-train?
-I really love the Peloton and it makes me want to go back to teaching spin again.
Has anyone been to a live Peloton class? Or know anyone that has? I would love to go!
If you are reading when Andrew and I got married so quickly… did you think we were nuts?
42 comments
emily l
Happy (first date) Anniversary Janae! As for getting married so quickly, I think it’s awesome- sometimes you just KNOW (especially if you’ve been through a marriage and divorce; you have a much better idea of what you need from a partner). My husband and I had our first date on November 8th and got married November 3rd a few years later. Also, please take all the high fives from me regarding your “Just Wear the Shorts” campaign! :) I used to hate my legs- due to a heart condition, my circulation is not the best and it leaves me with more prominent veins (not varicose veins, but still). I used to never wear shorts (in LOUISIANA!!) because I hated my legs. As I have gotten older (turning 39 this week), I just started not caring what people think. I wear shorts when I want (sometimes with some self tanner because my legs are PALE) and am so much happier and more comfortable. Life is too short to not wear shorts! :) Also, Peloton is definitely my favorite way to cross-train! Happy Wednesday, Janae!
Cindy
Hi Emily…..my legs are also super PALE….just wondering if you have a favorite self tanner? I’ve tried quite a few, but it’s always good to get another opinion!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Emily. You. Are. Amazing. I am SO happy you are wearing the shorts. Happiest birthday next week, I’ll eat some cake to celebrate you!!
Mary
Mary Smith from Mary’s whole life did one of the live Peloton rides. Her Instagram reel is below. She has celiac and eats GF. I remember it took her quite a while to figure out how to register for the live rides but she finally got in and looks like she had a great time.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrDqiAHtQU_/?igshid=ZWZhZTRhOWQ=
The Hungry Runner Girl
Thank you for sharing her reel with me, that was SO fun to watch. And now I really want to go to a class! Have the best day, Mary!
Molly S
I drove 5 hours to go on a first date with my husband. In all fairness he was at a different college which maybe makes it less crazy??
I hope that you have the first photo of him that you saw! Or maybe Andrew should keep that original photo handy for moments that you are a little frustrated with him. It’d be a good distraction. haaa
I am sold on Peloton rides for cross training and strength work.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Five hours… I LOVE THIS! Hahaha that is so so funny, I do still have that photo, I need to post it! Peloton just has it figured out… they have us all hooked. I hope you are having a beautiful day, Molly!
Arianna
Wait Boston gives you a BRA? Is that part of the swag?
I met my husband online because I was at a point in my life where I had my own condo, a great job and a lot of my own solid interests. I want to matchmake myself I guess. Anyway, typical boring restaurant first date, but I will say the minute I saw him, there was a ZING of “this could be something serious.”
I don’t believe in love at first sight but you just sort of know. And as an OG follower, I didn’t really find it that crazy when you married Andrew. You were single and working on yourself for quite a while. It wasn’t like he was the first person you met and you married him 2 months later!
I’ve gone back and forth on getting a Peleton for SO long… jealous! But right now the reformer Pilates is my cross-training of choice!
Congrats on 7 years! The internet says the gift for 7 is cooper or wool. New socks?
The Hungry Runner Girl
I didn’t explain that well… I bought my bra at the expo! I wish it would have been free! ZING… I love that you had that with your husband on the first date. I relate! You were your own matchmaker, so cool. I would love to try reformers Pilates. Thanks Arianna, have a beautiful day!
Arianna
That makes sense, ha! I love that you LOVE Boston so much you even wanted to get the official Boston branded sports bra ;-)
The Hungry Runner Girl
I have issues!
Belle
I don’t think you’re nuts. We met and married in 9 months but we already knew we would at 3 months. We are just really slow about planning. We met on an elevator at work. I said “cool tie” and that was about it. 9 months later it was permanent. That was 29 years ago.
I’m not running any longer and prob 10 pounds heavier as a result but, Janae, I’m going to wear the dang shorts this year! Thanks for the encouragement!
The Hungry Runner Girl
An elevator at work… okay, this is such a great story! I love it. Happy 29 years to you two. Hallelujah, get those shorts out and ready to wear. Have the best rest of your day, Belle!
Colleen Martin
Wow less than 2 months! When you know you know! I’m super impressed you started dating, got engaged, and planned a wedding in that time frame. How fun :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
To be fair, my mom mostly planned everything for my wedding haha. But I did pick out the dress;). Thanks Colleen, hope your day is a beautiful one!
Rachel
I was a reader when you met Andrew and I remember being so happy for you! At that point in your life, you had learned so much about what you didn’t want, it’s not crazy at all that you knew he was exactly what you did want!
My poor husband – our first several “dates” I brought friends with me because I didn’t get the picture… he finally had to spell it out for me, “Can I take just you to dinner on a date?”
Happy Wednesday, Janae!
The Hungry Runner Girl
CAN I TAKE JUST YOU TO DINNER ON A DATE…. hahaha! He learned he had to be very clear with you! You are so right, I knew exactly what I wanted and Andrew was it! Thanks Rachel, you too!
Wendy
Happy 1st Date-aversary! We had a 2 year engagement, but that really was because we were finishing college. I’m sure if we weren’t still in school, we would have had a much shorter engagement. I truly believe that if you know, you know. And going through what you did and being more protective of your heart and feelings, I’m sure you were very aware of that feeling, “this is the one.”
I would love to do a live Peloton class! I think it would be so fun, so much energy in the room.
I love using the elliptical for cross training, along with pilates and yoga. I really want to learn how to swim properly too. I think that would be awesome for cross training.
I’m making lunch for a sweet older neighbor friend today, so heading out for a run and workout now.
Have a good Wednesday Janae.
Moni
Wear the shorts! YAY! for me it’s the sports bra/bikini though. I will embrace my stomach this year. It’s a part of me and it went through all the thinghs I put it through. And it might not look like anyone else’s but how could it, it’s not anyone else’s it’s mine. I already got my first bikini ever so cue the sunshine on my pale belly :D
My favourite way to cross train: cycling (when it’s warm outside) and strength training
Enjoy your anniversary today!
Georgia Mae Morrison
My parents met in May and got married four months later, and my mom was 18! And here they are, 35 years later still happily married. So no, I didn’t think you were crazy :) I didn’t quite realize how crazy my parents had been until I turned 18 and was like wait I’m still a kid?!?! Hahaha.
Tracy
I forgot it was only a few weeks of dating, no I didn’t think you were crazy! Probably because you seemed so sure of it.
Cross training, I really need to pick up the weights again. Caroline Girvan youtube full body workouts made me stronger- I could feel my running was easier. I’ve been gardening like crazy so have put that on the back burner.
My husband and I were really good friends at first, I was dating someone else (ew). But that ended, and I think because we were late 20’s, it didn’t take us long to take the plunge. 28 years later, we definitely made the right choice.
Kari
Janae I feel like every new donut place your family tries becomes their favorite 😂 I found you after you and Andrew were already married and by then it seemed like a no brainer that you were a perfect March. 🤷🏻♀️
Kari
I meant perfect MATCH 🤦🏻♀️
Erica
Our first date was I took him as my date to a friends wedding.
Favorite cross-train would be a hike in the mountains.
Was I surprised, not really. I am a firm believer everyone knows sooner than they let on. I mean how many no’s have we known in minutes.
Alicia
I started reading your blog right around the time you and Andrew got married so I guess that means I’ve been reading almost 7 years! Crazy!!
My husband and I have been married almost 4 years but together about 14 years!! We were long distance a lot and did some traveling while engaged before planning the wedding.
Happy 7 years!!
Liz
Only would’ve thought it was nuts if there were huge red flags you were ignoring – which you didn’t seem to be, especially since you both already had a kid and similar lifestyles/beliefs/etc. Happy anniversary!!
Kathy McElhaney
My first “date” with Les was at a church function and he joined my group of friends afterwords. My brother was there and his quick friendship with Les really sealed the deal. We were eating at Lyons in Santa Maria and were there when the clock struck midnight to August 19th – Les’ 26th birthday! Pretty memorable.
Favorite way to cross-train = cycling, preferably outside but I’ll get on my trainer if it’s raining (I don’t have a treadmill.)
Happy 1st date anniversary!! I was definitely reading when you and Andrew got married and was so happy for you. Almost 7 years later it was obviously the right decision!
Amy S
Hi Janae! I remember when you started dating Andrew! I can’t be sure now but I think you mentioned that he had a lab and I remember thinking that was a good thing cuz dog people are good people and labs are adventure dogs! I can’t believe that was seven years ago??? Time sure flies.
My first date with my husband was a Linkin Park concert! We haven’t been to a concert for a while now but now I think we should.
Happy SEVEN YEARS!!!
Kelsey McDonald
Happy first date Anniversary! I had been reading your blog for so long & knew you wanted to find “the one”, so wasn’t so surprised when you got married so quickly!
My husband and I met at a running club in NYC. We were friends at first and eventually started dating! Our first real date was to a restaurant in Brooklyn in Feb 2018 and we got married in October 2020.
I am also obsessed with my Peloton, sometimes it’s more fun than running? Also so easy to do while baby naps! Can’t wait until he is big enough for a jogging stroller if you have any recs. I did take a Peloton live class when I first moved to NYC in 2016 (I was obsessed with Robin via her podcast appearances with Rich Roll.) The class was super fun but that was when Peloton was still under the radar! I’d love to go take a live class now.
Beth
I don’t think it’s crazy. Sometimes you just know. My husband and I will celebrate 16 married years in a few weeks, and have been together almost 19. I don’t remember all that we did on our actual first date (we had been friends before and done things as such), but I remember it felt different with him. And I had a hunch that was it. What a blessing it is to be married to our people. I’m so glad you found that in Andrew!!!
Anne
Hi Janae-
I don’t care what anyone thinks of my legs. For me, it is an issue of modesty. I think women these days are far too immodest with showing so much skin (barely wearing any clothes.) This is absolutely my opinion and everyone is different. Thank you for helping us all to think through so many important issues. You’re the best!
Anne
Kathee
I remember when you two got together. I was happy for you and it seemed perfect. I only know what you post but when you ended up getting married I was not surprised. I grew up mormon and it’s not that uncommon in Utah. Yours was fast though, but I did not think you were crazy. I was hoping it would be amazing and look at you two now! Perfect!
kelly
Ummmm, hello super strong runner legs! Goodness, you flex!!!! I think it’s hard to wear shorts at the beginning of warmer weather, but once it’s gets hot it’s like “well, it’s better than being nude.”
For cross training, my favorite is cycling. I don’t have an indoor trainer so I do my cycling outside. During the pandemic my kiddo swayed me into mountain biking (I’ve been a cyclocross and road cyclist for decades) and we did gobs of mountain biking. Guess what, my running improved. It was weird. My boyfriend doesn’t run so I swap out several days a week to ride and it’s a great mix. In the summer I also swim (running in the heat is hard for me). Running is just the best and most convenient but I find that my running improves with doing other sports.
Your family should do a “we try every donut in Utah and here are our faves” post/vlog! I’m not donut centric but every time you post donuts I turn a bit jealous because they always look so good.
Kara
I’ve been a reader since BA (Before Andrew) and I remember how happy I was for you when you started posting about him. I was also a divorced single mom. My husband and I moved in together after 4-1/2 months and married 8 months after we started dating. We are coming up on the 14 year anniversary of our first date & marrying him was the best decision I’ve ever made. When you know, you know!
Also, heck yes to wearing the shorts! I usually avoid wearing them, but you’ve motivated me to go buy a pair of running shorts.
Marissa
Yes! Wear the shorts! Have you seen the newest Dove commercial? Whew! It’s hard to watch but it’s extremely powerful.
I met my husband when I was a freshman in high school and our first date was 9/1/98, which means this year will be 25 years since our first date. Wow!!
I enjoy biking, walking, yoga, and strength for x-training.
Ha, well if you’re nuts I definitely am too since I got married at 18, straight out of high school! Not that I would recommend it, but I’m so grateful that it worked out for me :)
Kathy
As a longtime follower, I wasn’t weirded out at all when you make a quick call on Andrew. Your tone was different with him from the start. When you know, you know.
My husband and I had our first date the day I got back from a hiking trip at the end of 1L year in law school. We waited two years to get married, but frankly, we knew after two months. My parents met at the Christmas Eve service at church and were engaged a month later, married five months after that.
I’m not a believer in love at first sight, I’m more a believer that once you have seen a few red flags, you can recognize the absence of them quickly. When someone checks all your boxes and you are both happy and comfortable, why wait?
Kristine
Happy 7th! When you know you know. Out first date was at the beach. He brought a slack line. I knew there was something special about him and I knew I wouldn’t have my single life back lol.
Hope you had a great day Janae!
Martha
My husband and I were set up on a blind date. I had never met his friend and he had never met mine, but they were friends and they decided we should meet. My friend called me and told me, ” Just wanted to let you know this guy is going to call.” He did and that weekend we went to California Pizza Kitchen and Dave and Busters. We are still together 21 years later and have been married for 18.
Liz
Thank you so much for sharing your IG reel here too — more people need to hear this kind of thing, and we need to see/hear more people saying it. It’s a lovely metaphor! And so so true.
Elizabeth
I thought you were a little nuts because of how fast it all went, but I trusted your judgement and there were seriously so many green flags! I would have done the same! SO happy for both of you and your kiddos.
Congrats!
Jay
Respectfully.. it’s condescending when a skinny girl lectured the world on “wear the shorts!” You’re awesome and I know you e come a long way on accepting your body .. but you should also own the fact you’re not overweight and you look good in shorts. Some of us run marathons and are chunky and we need the leggings.
Kathy R
Our first date was 38 years ago! I was working in Macys, and he picked me up and we went to dinner, then back up to his apartment to sit on the outside deck to watch fireworks. Then I got strep throat two days later and we had to delay our next date – fortunately he was willing to wait. We just celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary last month!