I did it; I stuck to cross-training even though I so badly wanted to join friends for a run instead. I want to start thinking more long-term with my running and ensuring I’m doing things to help me be able to marathon for a few more decades.
Peloton friends–> Just in case you feel alone because it never seems to get easier… you aren’t. That thing is so hard.
I love it when Brooke wears my race shirts as pjs.
Beck actually woke up to see them before school, so I had to document this occasion.
Beck’s facial expression when he saw Andrew’s leg without the boot and where the incision was…
My sister started making these smoothies a year ago and told me to join her. I kicked and screamed for a year but have finally decided to have one every day; Andrew is joining in too. My sister got my parents and many other family members and friends to start drinking them, and they all CRAVE them now at this point. The smoothie has helped them to feel so much better in so many ways (I need my dad to write about the changes it has made in his life)!
I’m starting with .5 lbs of power greens from Costco, 1/2 cup chia seeds, water and a whole lot of frozen fruit in the smoothies to make this happen;). I’ll keep you updated on any differences I feel with drinking one of these every day and write more about what I learn about it all… I’m just beginning.
PS I use a vitamix blender to make sure I grind up the chia seeds so my body can absorb as much goodness as possible
I will try hard to get my kids to start drinking this too… here’s to a healthier winter for us this year and me not needing all of caffeine to make it through the day.
PS This is in addition to my daily eats… not subbing out meals etc.
Both of them were thrilled to be able to go on a walk together… even though it was a short one.
We realized we had matching pants on while we were out and yes, my toes were frozen.
Texas Roadhouse rolls and honey butter aren’t talked about enough. These things are so good.
Here are a few Friday Favorites for the week:
*Just one more reminder to not sit on the best running coat and vest sale ever.
*I’ve had this reversible sweater for a few years now, and it’s just as soft as it was when I first bought it. You can find this year’s reversible sweaters from Marine Layer here and here. Two sweaters in one:). Also, these jeans with the front pockets have been my favorite this year.
*This sweater shocked me by how soft it is… I could sleep in it; it is that cozy. I love it with these light joggers (size down).
*My favorite soup recipes are all in this post (also, my favorite quick TJ’s meals are in this one and my favorite salad recipes in this one).
*I’ve been wearing this bag with everything I wear. (top, similar skirt, another similar skirt, boots)
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Have you made any healthy changes in your life?
-Sipping on this smoothie (along with my normal meals) throughout the day instead of soda!
Any fun weekend plans?
Ever had stitches?
Question from Taylor to see if anyone can help! “Does sitting in the car aggravate your hamstrings and if so, what do you do about it? I’m just getting over a high hamstring flare but even short car rides make it flare up again!”
40 comments
emily l
Oh, I LOVE smoothies! I usually make a few a week with spinach, chia/flax/hemp seeds, peanut butter, some yogurt, and lots of fruit. Sometimes I’ll add in frozen riced broccoli or cauliflower for extra veggies. OK, you are making me crave Texas Roadhouse rolls with honey butter! I can probably convince my husband to go out and get some this weekend haha, he is always pushing me to eat more (even when I am stuffed) during pregnancy. :) Fun weekend plans: Mexican food tonight to celebrate the 12 year anniversary of our first date, baby shower for a friend tomorrow, and going for a 3 mi wog (that’s what I call my running during pregnancy, because I’m doing a lot of walk/jog intervals). :) Also, great job on getting in cross-training, I’ve been loving my Peloton lately to give myself a break from running when I need to. Have a great weekend Janae!
The Hungry Runner Girl
You’ve got the smoothies down! I’m with your husband, I think you need those rolls and honey butter daily during pregnancy haha. 12 years since your first date, Emily! Congratulations to you two! If I have another baby, I will steal wog from you;). Sounds like a great weekend! Thank you!
Sarah from Switzerland
Hi Janae! Love that reversible sweatshirt, will have to see if they deliver overseas :)
One big change I made this past year is about including more veg at every opportunity: since I’ve had some disordered eating issues, I try not to fret about getting my 5 a day or having veg with every meal, because that tends to send me back into control mode. But what I can do very easily is just keep a tupperware of carrots, or cherry tomatoes, bits of fruit etc. with me – I take it to work or on hikes, so I can snack on them or have them with my meals. Best hack ever!
Lots of love from cold snowy Switherland :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh my goodness, I feel you on that. I think that’s why I was so afraid to start this because I never want to jump back into disordered eating issues but feel good now about the addition to my day:). I love that you do that! I’m going to try that out too. Send love back and hoping you have some hot chocolate today. Thanks, Sarah.
Julie
Is it really 1/2 cup of chia seeds? If so did you have to slowly work into that much. That seems like a lot!
Allison
Agree. That can’t be right. Yes its “good fat, calories etc” but so aren’t avocados but eating 6 a day is not necessarily healthy. Recommended chia a day is 1/4 cup max but thats even a lot. I make a spinach plus a few pieces of kale, green apple, lemon, and water green juice and add a sprinkle of chia seeds and or protein powder most days.
Molly S
Okkk, I bought the Lulu coat! You have yet to steer me wrong!
How many oz does this smoothie make per person? And 1/2 cup of chia seeds-wow! I’m very interested to hear how this goes for you.
Way to go on Peloton! I am planning on doing a Peloton stretch class once a week in addition to allll the other running things. Anything to become 1% better!
Our main weekend plan includes my husband’s work’s annual grand tasting. It’s mostly wine but other drinks, artisanal chocolates (!!), the best cheese, local restaurants, etc. I’ll sip some fabulous wine but I’m ready to pitch a tent at the cheese and chocolate tables. :)
Have a great weekend!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
You will be thanking me all winter:). SO many chia seeds. So there is an explanation about why so many and it has to do with the amount of Omega 3s but I need to do more research before I try to explain it to a dietician haha. My smoothie today probably made 38 ounces if I had to guess… So I’ll be sipping on it for a while ha. Ohhhhhh that is a good 1% to add in and something that could be done while watching a show, you may have convinced me too. Okay, that sounds heavenly! Enjoy every second!
Natalie
Hey Janae! I make a similar smoothie. My kids LOVE it and request it often. Try adding a bottle of peach mango body armour lyte with a really ripe frozen banana. It makes it so creamy and we don’t even taste the greens (I use spinach- a LOT of spinach). I also add 1 C plain Greek yogurt and vital collagen protein to up the protein content. SO GOOD!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Brilliant! I will try that and this is so good to hear your kids love it too. It’s my new mission in life haha. Hope your day is off to a great start, Natalie!
Pegah
I love my peloton and just bought the vest yesterday!! Does this mean you plan to cross train 1x a week and still take a day fully off? So only run 5x week? Would be curious how you came about this! I’m deciding if I want to do 5 or 6 times in my next build up. Thanks Janae!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Yes, I am going to continue to take one day fully off and my plan (let’s see if I actually stick to it…) is to spend one day cross-training. A lot of my friends that have gotten in their 40s tell me they wish they did more cross-training and how important it is as they age to keep training and so that has influenced me. There might be a few weeks in marathon training where I don’t because the mileage is high but outside of that, that’s my plan. PLEASE let me know what you decide and how training goes. Have a beautiful day, Pegah!
Wendy
That sounds like my go-to smoothie. Super/Power greens, water, ice, 1 banana, a handful of blueberries, and then I throw in a seasonal fruit. I will sometimes add beets too.
I have been doing a lot of HIIT cardio workouts for cross training, and I love it. It feels good to work different muscle groups, or just work your muscles differently.
Have a great Friday Janae.
The Hungry Runner Girl
It is the same… Oh I love it, I’m going to try out some beats too. Great idea! You are on fire with the HIIT. That stuff burns soooo good. Thanks Wendy, you too!
Annemarie
Smoothies are the best, but yeah I have to make myself do it. Mainly b/c I hate cleaning the blender lol.
Taylor’s question: I used to have the same injury and sitting always aggravated it! My doc told me to take some of the pressure off of the area I should roll up a towel and put it under the lower part of my hamstring, while I’m sitting in the car. It definitely helps! I’ve used a sweatshirt too, when a towel wasn’t available.
Have a great weekend, Janae!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Bahaha the blender cleaning part is the hardest part. Thank you for the help for Taylor, such a great idea. Thanks Annemarie, you too!
Taylor
Ooh I’m totally going to try this. Thank you so much for the advice!
Arthi
Janae – My recent healthy lifestyle change was that I embarked on my hydration journey and bought one of these Amazon water bottles lol – https://www.amazon.com/Enerbone-Motivational-Drinking-Carrying-Leakproof/dp/B0BHV9JL4Y/ref=sr_1_15?keywords=water%2Bbottle&qid=1699211038&sr=8-15&th=1
I gotta get on that smoothie train though!!
For Taylor – I had high hamstring tendinopathy for like three years straight if not more. First it hit me on my right hamstring and then my left. Listen to Brodie Sharpe’s PHT podcast – He covers a lot of exercises that make the biggest impact. For me, what helped the most:
-Strength training – Twice a week for 30 minutes can make all the difference in the world
-Best exercises for the hamstring – squats, single legged deadlifts, these hamstring nordic curls (google them!), glute bridges, and single legged glute bridges.
This injury is literally such a pain in the butt but you can get through it if you’re really diligent about the workouts!! GOOD LUCK!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh my goodness, I LOVE that bottle. I’m going to copy you! Thank you so much for helping out Taylor, so sorry that so many people are going through/have gone through this. Hope your day is a beautiful one, Arthi!
Taylor
Thank you!!! I’m going to check this out for my hamstring! It’s such an annoying injury!
Taylor
Thank you!!! I’m going to check that out! It’s such an annoying injury!
Courtney
I can’t believe that you didn’t mention your Kirkland flip flops as one of your Friday favorites! 😁
I have had stitches when I had appendicitis about a year ago. Didn’t bother me too much, but I’m going to have to have gum surgery in a few months and I’m REALLY dreading those stitches. Rereading your posts about your experience with that is helping me feel a little better. Have a great day Janae!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Bahaha I would have if I could have found a link for them… I wear them way too much. Ou Courtney, I am SO so sorry. Luckily, the procedure has gotten so much better over the years. Just prepare yourself to take a few days off after from life (or maybe I’m a wuss ha). Good luck and keep me udpated!
Dayna
I use power greens in my smoothies–it makes such a difference through the day! Usually I take the bag of greens and blend it all up with a small bit of water and then freeze it in ice cube trays. Then I don’t need to worry about them going bad and it blends up easier. Lots of natural energy 😊
The Hungry Runner Girl
Okay, your ice cube idea is brilliant. This is so cool to hear that it has made a big difference in your day. I’m on day 1.5 of no caffeine… really hoping I can stick to this! Have a beautiful day, Dayna!
Julie
This is such a good idea! I’m going to try this.
Katie A
Thanks for sharing your soups! We are fully into soup season here. I was thinking a potato chowder sounds good this weekend.
We’re starting smoothies again today too! My kids have been super picky with food lately & we do not want to be sick all winter, so we are going to go back to making more smoothies – do you/your sister add banana to your smoothies, or just stick to the frozen fruit?. I like the idea of adding chia seeds. It’s amazing how the tiniest things can pack in so much goodness (same with flax, sesame seeds, hemp seeds..). Also, I just bought some new kid multivitamins – also in hopes of warding off sickness!
This weekend I really want to visit a local craft fair to look for some unique teacher gifts (to go with our usual gift card too) Happy Friday!
The Hungry Runner Girl
I think you are correct with the potato chowder! Tis the season for smoothies;). YES, we both add frozen bananas to our smoothies. I just toss them in the freezer before they are about to go bad in a bag. Good call with the multivitamins, I need to restock too. I love that idea. Thanks for the reminder to start looking for teacher gifts. Have a great weekend, Katie.
Tess
Talking about soup – I just made this soup last night, and it was pretty good!
https://damndelicious.net/2022/12/19/broccoli-cheddar-soup/
I know I’m a weirdo, but I would LOVE to see a pic of Andrews scar/stitches, haha. I love that stuff! I have a cool pic of my ankle from surgery a few years ago and it looks all weird like Frankenstein. My husband thinks there’s something wrong with me, but I promise I’m not morbid and enjoy seeing people injured, I just genuinely think the human body is crazy with it’s ability to heal and how doctor’s fix us up!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Thank you for the link, I will be copying you. Ohhhhh I might have to send you one! Reply to this email and I can send it to you. Haha I agree with your husband but Andrew is like you. The body is incredible!
Tam
I empathize with Taylor–am also working through high hamstring issues.
I’ve found that sitting on a rectangular shaped ice pack is really helpful–am betting this would ease her pain during car trips.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Tam, I am so so sorry. Keep me updated with how it is going for you and thanks for helping Taylor. Have a great weekend!
Melissa
Took your advice and jumped on the Lulu vest! Such a deal! And it’s cool to hear that you use peloton for your cross training. I love it for that, and I relied on it when it was the only thing I was able to do during a previous injury. I definitely got stronger! Post your peloton name if you’re ever eager for more followers on the bike :)
Suzanne
I drink smoothies too! Current recipe is a bunch of organic kale, half a lemon, half a lime, some assorted frozen tropical fruit and a little coconut water. Oh and always Himalayan salt and sometimes spirulina.
Veronica
My mom is doing smoothies to help with her arthritis and it has helped. But she is going I think too far with it and excluding alot of foods she says are inflammatory. It’s triggering for me with a history of eating disorder. If I eat so much greens and veggies I get too full and can’t have enough carbs. My mom still has some other issues. Cooking at home and having things in moderation… sleeping and managing stress I think will help overall with avoiding germs.
Warren Footz
my hams are okay, but I cannot sit in a movie theater or a concert or I have to have an aisle seat on a plane to stretch out, my knees become unbearable…I’ve tripped the odd airline attendant……
I’ve begun a conserted effort to get as close to vegan as I can…I have a wife and kids that won’t go anywhere near, so I have to cook more and make two meals or one that I can add to….but seriously the more and more I hear about how awful beef is for the environment, the less I want to still be a burger guy…..and yes I have juiced….those vids way back when hungry for change and fat sick and nearly dead changed my diet a lot….never knew there was more then one type f kayle!
Rachel
What do you use for liquid in your smoothies?
I absolutely love this idea. You’ve inspired me to cut my afternoon coffee habit haha
The Hungry Runner Girl
Yay! I seriously cannot believe the difference I’m already feeling! Just water for the liquid. I drink Core power separately!
Kristina
A tip I read in a smoothie recipe book once is that if you feel like your smoothie has a weird texture from the greens, blend the greens with your liquid first, and then add the rest of your ingredients. That ensures the greens are completely broken down (and you won’t find little bits of greens in your smoothie). Similar tip for the chia seeds – soak them in liquid for a while before putting them in your smoothie, and it makes them break down easier.
The Hungry Runner Girl
I needed both of these tips! Thank you!!!!