No need to put so much pressure on ourselves.

Rachelle and I planned to meet up early to go for a run and when she text me first thing this morning telling me that it was crazy windy (40mph..seriously) we decided to run side by side on the treadmills at the gym.   We had easy runs on the schedule and running in wind is anything but easy;)

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I hope that you get to meet Rachelle one day because she has the best attitude in the whole world and it is contagious.  She just WON a half-marathon with a time of 1:21!! Today we were talking about how she started doing really well with her running when she stopped stressing out over it.  She trains really hard but has a very laid back approach to  running. 

I tend to focus really hard on one race and stress/worry/obsess over it and that affects race day negatively.  Whenever I go into a race without putting a lot of stress on myself I do so much better (like when I decided to run my PR half-marathon the morning of the race).   I remember a few years ago I put all of my eggs in one basket (running sub 3 at Boston) and when I got injured right before the race I was devastated.  Beyond devastated.  I think having a more chill attitude about running/races helps us to avoid being so upset over bad races/runs/injuries.  

There is always another race to run.  No need to put so much pressure on ourselves over running.  It is just running after all and we do it because we love it.

I got to have a lunch date with Mer this afternoon.  She actually is the best.  

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I had my salad that I think about a few times a day.  Turkey, bacon and avocado along with some bread samples.

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And the first pumpkin pie of the season.  They were giving them out as samples which is very smart of them because I wanted to buy a few pies after tasting this.  

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Afterwards we got to party at Mer’s house with her dogs.  

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Every few minutes Brooke would randomly go over to Mer’s legs and give her a hug before getting back to playing again.  This little girl of mine is too much.  

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Are you laid back about running or do you stress our about races/times/workouts?  

Pumpkin pie….yes or no?  

Anyone else live near their grandma?

Easy run today?  Hard workout?  Rest day?  Inside or outside?

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90 comments

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Just think, you won’t have to use the gym’s treadmill for long! So excited for you that you won the one you were drooling over.

And yes to pumpkin pie…my all time favorite!

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Pumpkin pie – yes please. And I have no choice but to be outwardly laid back about my running because I am so slow it’s embarrassing so I just roll with it, like, “Oh me? I don’t care! I’m slow and it’s all good I’m chill and just happy to be exercising” and inside I’m seething with rage…

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My best races have always come when I don’t think they’re going to go well. I freak out when I set big goals for myself so my new thing is no expectations. I really hope tht strategy works for you with CIM!

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Rachelle is indeed highly awesome. You guys have way more will-power than myself. Just the sight of all those dreadmills makes me nauseous.

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I’ve already made one pumpkin pie this fall! It was delicious.

I’m super close with my grandma, but I recently just moved far far away. It’s been tough. I’m going to see her around Christmas though and am looking forward to do all sorts of grandma things with her.

Easy 3 mile warm up followed by lifting tonight.

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So so sweet Brookers. That girl needs a little doggy! Imagine the cuteness that would ensue, on the daily!

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Todays run was TOUGH. That is mostly because I did spin and took my first every body pump class yesterday. I am a *little* sore. I am working on being less crazy about running. I was just thinking earlier today how my first marathon didn’t go as well as I wanted and that I still have negative thoughts about it. I think it is important to chill out sometimes. I am not a world class athlete, I can simmer down.

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That picture of Brooke and your grandma is beyond precious. What sweet moments for you to cherish!

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Pumpkin pie: Heck YES!

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That is so cute that Brooke does that to/with Mer. Too adorbs!

I agree with that on pretty much anything we want to do well at–we just need to relax, calm down, and be positive-but not overly obsessed about it. It helps so much to not be too attached to the outcome & to just enjoy the journey. You’re so right!

Today will be an indoor day–teaching classes tonight at the gym! Hopefully it will get things moving with baby girl soon…. ;)

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I try not to get stressed but I am always nervous on race day! Yes of course to pumpkin pie :)

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Omg, Brooke is so sweet!! I bet your Grandma was loving it :)

I have a gym day planned, I could run outside but I’m thinking of switching it up and doing the elliptical for awhile instead. And pumpkin pie, yes. Always. The more whipped cream on top, the better!

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I stress when I wear my watch or have a race coming up.. so I’m trying to “run for fun” for awhile to just enjoy it :)

I don’t love pumpkin pie- but pumpkin pie flavored things are great haha- I’m obsessed with pumpkin pie coffee w/ the matching creamer.. soo good. And muffins yes bring it on!

Brooke is precious being so sweet with your grandma- I bet your grandma is soaking up those sweet moments! And Brooke’s boots= cutest thing ever!

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I had the same experience with putting too much pressure on myself before Boston a couple of years ago. I was determined to get a PR, and I trained really hard, got injured and was totally stressed out over the race. I was able to still run and DID end up getting a PR in spite of my injury (thanks to an awesome tape-job by my athletic trainer sister!), but the whole 3 weeks leading up to the race were full to the brim with worry, stress, depression, ect. I learned after that not to put so much pressure on myself. Now I’m much more laid back about training and racing.

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Brooke IS too much. Love her leggings + Uggs. The fact that she is all about hugs is awesome. Rachelle is an awesome runner; I cannot believe she is so laid back about it! If I were laid back, I would be running 10 minute miles all the time! I did that for years, actually, until I discovered how fun racing is.

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Those puppies are so cute! Babies + puppies = CUTENESS OVERLOAD.

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I super stressed over a marathon in August that was going to be my A-race and totally and completely bonked. Hard. So then I ran another one a few weeks later with the complete opposite approach and had a fantastic experience, so CIM this year will be the same–relaxed, cool, calm and collected. I decided that if racing ever loses the fun factor, then it’s not worth it (unless someone decideds to pay to run? Ha!)!
So cute that Brooke is so affectionate!

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I can’t get over Brooke’s little boots and “up do’s” lately! She looks so grown up.

Love your attitude re: your races and running. I think you’re spot on with everything!

Major YES to pumpkin pie!

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I need to be more laid back about my running. I stress over it so much that I’ve basically thrown in the towel before the race even starts because of all the “what ifs”. I’ve been working on relaxing, but I doubt I’ll ever be as fast as Rachelle anyway!

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Umm — YES to pumpkin pie. I don’t know if I can be friends with anyone who would say no to that question!

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Awww! Brooke is so precious! And it’s good that she gets to hang out with her great grandmother :)
And pumpkin pie? You betcha! I also like anything pumpkin-flavored.

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Pumpkin pie is one of my favorites so yes, all the time!

So cool that you are so close to your grandma. I don’t have any living grandparents, but I try to make sure my kids are close to our parents so they can have that bond.

I need to be a little more laid back about running, such a great attitude to have!

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I’m type A so I do sometimes stress over running. Even sometimes in a training run I’ll get down on myself if I’m not running at a pace I think I should be. But then I just remind myself that I’m running because I ENJOY it not because I have to run at a certain pace.

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Brooke’s little outfit is just adorable… she’s turning into such a big girl now! Glad you got to have that quality time with Mer and Brooke. It’s great for them to know eachother!

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I do stress about running too!

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Love Brooke’s outfit — the teal leggings & boots combo is too cute! What a sweetie :)

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Holy cow 40 mph?? I thought 25 was bad! Good decision running inside. I definitely used to stress about workouts. Now I don’t stress over them or races really at all, it’s a nice change :-) Nay on pumpkin pie… give me buttermilk or chocolate pie or rather cake, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, etc. I actually just bought a iced honeybun and some twinkies at the convenient store. Gross I know :-)

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So true about not stressin’! I just think there’s so much more to life and we need to have a balance and not like you said…put all of our eggs in one basket. It takes the fun out of it, you know?! Today was a run day for me! It was marvelous!!

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I wish I lived near my Grandma, or could visit her often at least. She just turned 91 last Friday and is the best of the best!

I did a very short run on the beach today. Long enough to get a feel for the sand and short enough to know what clothes I need to wear when running in the weather we’re having.

Oh, and pumpkin pie… well, yes! Even after working at Whole Foods as a baker, when we’d fill 50 gallon containers with pumpkin pie mix many times over, I still love it. Now putting my hand and arm in the cold container, that I don’t miss … much.

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I’m definitely laid back about running, but I’m not good enough to win anything! Haha.

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Great post! I think everybody needs some reminding to have fun with running every once in a while.
I can’t believe you would even ask about pumpkin pie. Does anyone really not like it? I can’t wait to make a homemade pumpkin pie this year.

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I have never met Rachelle and I can feel that greatness about her. I am sure she is a great friend! I think it is time to get Brooke a dog (hint hint)!!

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I love your approach to running right now – I think it makes the most sense and it’ll do you good in the long run. I’m a fan of pumpkin pie for the most part, but I am picky about it!

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Your grandma is so sweet I just want to hug her! Brings tears to my eyes at how much I miss my sweet grandma. I know you cherish every moment with her and how special that she gets to be part of Brooke’s life :-)

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Pumpkin pie is a big yes for me! And pecan pie. Or both of them together!

I don’t’ stress about running. I have enough other stresses in my life. After my injuries this last year, I am just happy to be running.

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I wish I was more laid back but I am like you – I like to analyze everything! That is my goal when I am back up and running though to focus on taking it easy!

Pumpkin Pie – YES YES YES!!!

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I always do better when I don’t put any expectations on a race. If I think about it too much I find that I self sabotage. Not good. Luckily I’m a lot slower now so it doesn’t really matter. Ha ha. Is it weird that I want to hug Mer?

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Today’s run was suppose to be a tempo run. It turned into more of a speed workout. It just felt good. Luckily it wasn’t as windy up in SLC. Although it did snow briefly on me. Brrrrrrr
Love pumpkin pie, more laid back with running!

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Definitely yes to pumpkin pie … but it has to have whipped cream on it! But my favorite is the gooey pumpkin butter cake Paula Deen makes. Oh my … so good!

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Those booties <3 I seriously wish that I lived near my grandmas, because grandmas really are the best — all the love and none of the discipline that come with moms ;) But my grandmas live in Poland, which is actually where most of my family is as well. Sad face for being so far away, but at least it gives me an excuse to head to Europe every now and then :D

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What restaurant is this? I need a sample!!!

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I definitely stress too much about running. I’m taking a hiatus now but when I had races on the calendar I would seriously stress about getting every run in! I’m not even CLOSE to speedy so it is silly to get that worked up over a hobby! I need to remember this when I start running again :)

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I agree, no need to add pressure to our lives – or our running lives.

One of my co-workers just did very well at an international ultra-marathon, and has such a humble, laid back attitude. He says that he doesn’t take his running seriously, and that he considers himself a husband and dog-lover etc. rather than categorizing himself as “a runner.” I think that’s so great, and I try to learn from someone who is successful in their field without having any (or much) stress about it.

And pumpkin pie? Yes please. I have a batch of pumpkin biscotti that a dear friend gave to me yesterday, it should be gone within 2.3 days. :)

Brooke’s Uggs are the cutest.

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I am totally laid back. I’ve had a couple times where I decided to shoot for a PR the morning of. On the other hand I don’t fret if I decide to tank a race and just enjoy the run. As long as they give me a medal, chocolate milk and a Creamie, I’m in heaven.

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That huggy pic kills me. My grandmas are all gone now…they were so awesome to me. My kids have good grandmas and both live within an hour of us.
Pumpkin pie is one of my favorites. Last year I even made a gluten-free, egg-free, dairy-free one because then I could eat it. It came out amazingly. Coconut milk instead of cream, gf cornstarch instead of eggs and an amazingly light and flaky gf crust. But I did miss the whipped cream that pumpkin pie NEEDS.
I put so much athletic pressure on myself when I was younger that learned the lesson not to a long time ago. Doesn’t mean I don’t still want to do well :)

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I love pumpkin but have never actually had pumpkin pie…this is the year to change that! Today was crazy windy here too in Sacramento (35mph). My easy run was anything but. I should have been smart like you and run inside!
PS- Brooke is so adorable! I know that you know that already, but I’m sure it never gets old hearing it :)

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i love your carefree attitude about running! it is JUST running, after all! no use stressing over what is supposed to be enjoyable and done for our health :) you have such a positive outlook!

on another note–i am a teacher and LOVED reading your posts when you were teaching pre-Brooke. I apologize if this is too personal, but have you thought about going back once Brooke is a little older? I just think you were fabulous, and I loved reading about your life while teaching (because I can so-relate!) Have you decided if you will work, or stay in Utah? Again, sorry if too personal, but I’m just curious :)

best of luck whatever you decide! i’ll keep reading because your attitude is contagious!

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It was craaaazy windy here, too! No running for me today! I did a full body toning workout instead! Your Mer is so cute! So special that she is in your life and that Brooke gets to know her. That’s not something to ever take for granted! :) As for pumpkin pie- a definite YES in my book. With lots of whipped cream. Like, a 1:1 ratio.

xo

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Ran outside tonight. It was absolutely perfect running conditions! In the 60s, no wind, no sun. I could take that weather all year round. Always yes to pumpkin pie! I can’t wait for Thanksgiving to eat some!

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You look more gorgeous every day, I swear!

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Love the pic of Mer and Brooke!!! Those are the pictures you will always cherish! And ummmmm…excuse me, but how cute is Mer in her adorable jeans?!?! =priceless pic all around!

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So glad I introduced myself to you at the gym. I’m sure you think it’s super weird all these people feel like they know you without knowing you. Ha! But it was good to meet you. I mean we do go way back…..I went to prom with your bro. So funny!!!

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I seriously am so so happy that you said hi! Made my morning!!!

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I am super laid back with running. Almost too much so. I just enjoy it and dont stress too much about pace/distance/whatever. Pumpkin pie=big yes.

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I stress out during training. There’s just so much pressure and build up especially when you miss a day or other barriers happen. By race day I’m usually good. At that point it is what it is. You can’t go back and change anything so you might as well just make the best of it!

My grandmother still lives near me. They moved here right after my parents did in the late 70’s so she’s always been in my town. My other grandparents were far away. I love that my children have grown up knowing their great grandmother so well.

Love pumpkin pie! No workout today for me. I’m at work on a 24 hour shift.

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Ah! Brooke kills me with those boots :)

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Oh that girl of yours! Makes my heart happy to see her with Mer. Love that you have such a close family!

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I’m pretty laid back about races and running :) I’m definitely harder on myself than I am on anyone else though.
I <3 pumpkin pie.
No grandmas left :(
I did an hour and a half pool run today. That may be more boring than a treadmill but at least I got to do it with a good friend :)

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I definitely do better when I don’t put the pressure on myself. It’s hard not to sometimes. I’m a work in progress when it comes to that.
So happy that you won the new treadmill. Can’t wait to see what you think!
Brooke and Mer – so very sweet!
Today was an easy day on the tread too. :)

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I love pumpkin pie and will it it cold right out of the fridge. I liked your comments today. I am nursing a bum hip and need to step back and take it easy for a week or two. Looks like less speed work and more slow and steady runs. It may be a welcome change.

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I love this post! And I wish I could be more relaxed about racing. I have never been able to sleep the night before a race, and I’ve raced more than I can count on both hands (I’m sure that’s normal though).
I’ve just written a post on running being hard work. It seems so obvious but I think we forget that running can encompass more than just pace and distance, it seeps into most aspects of our lives. It’s hard not to put pressure on ourselves when we put so much into it.
I really hope you can take the pressure off, and not only get your PR, but also enjoy the race!

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Pumpkin Pie. I tried so hard to like it when we moved here from the UK but OH it is disgusting. Such a slimy texture. But I did have pumpkin ice-cream this week and it was the best ice-cream ever; seriously amazing!

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I bet it made your Grandma’s day (week, year) that Brooke kept coming over to hug her legs – that is just too adorable.

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Pumpkin anything is fine in my book – well mostly. I just had pumpkin ice cream earlier :)

When I trained for my first half marathon I stressed about running a lot. I had to do the scheduled mileage, wouldn’t budge and ended up with both piriformis syndrome and IT band issues. Luckily I was able to run the half but it could have been much worse. That was in May and I just ran my second half in Philadelphia 2 weeks ago while training for my first marathon. At first I was crushed because not only did I not hit any of my goals but I was 4min slower than my first half. I texte a friend and as we talked I realized I had a great race! The weather was perfect, the scenery was beautiful and I turned on my watch, never looked at it and ran! I wasn’t stressed at all and never found myself saying “we’re only at mile….” It was FUN! I’m looking forwar to doing the same in Cleveland this weekend!

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Rachelle really does have such a great, upbeat infectious personality. Love her. As do you. You always put me in a good mood. So does Brooke. The boots only seem cuter with each picture. I mean…how is that even possible?? You are lucky to still have your grandma. Mine have all passed away.

All this talk about crappy weather does not make me want to come back anytime soon:(

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Awesome relatively relaxing indoor workout today – and going for a walk when I get home as been at a conference all day. I’ve never had pumpkin pie – it’s just not a thing in Australia and I want to save it for when I’m in US next. I love roast pumpkin – sure I’ll love the pie. :o)

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Very laid back runner, but in general I’m not very competitive.
Yes to pumpkin pie
Today is a cross training day, I’m thinking elliptical after work. I want to do yoga this morning but I’m still laying in bed…..
That’s such a sweet picture of Brooke and your grandmother (mine does not live close)

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A huge yes to pumpkin pie!

It is so lucky and wonderful that you live so close to your grandparents. I unfortunately don’t anymore and it’s kind of awful sometimes.

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Brooke hugging your grandma is the sweetest thing of all time.

I’m not a fan of pumpkin pie. I think it’s the weird texture that gets me. Plus, apple pie is so much more delicious!

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Does Mer have a Lhasa Apso? I have one and she is the funniest thing!

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I lvoe your story of the NOT stressing over your half marathon…I am taking a leaf from your book and not stressing when I race this weekend! And i love how you post Race recaps..I always learn alot from them :)

YES to pumpkin pie, pumpkin lattes, pumpkin candles….i have a problem :)
And i love my Memere! She lives across town and she is the BEST :)

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I’m obsessed with my Grandma! I used to live closer, now further away, sadly. But we have sleepovers because dinner is not enough time.

And I agree, after I got over my eating disorder & exercise disorder and I went back to running because I enjoy it. AND I improved. Go figure!

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That story/picture of Brooke hugging Mer warms my heart! What a sweet little girl!

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I am pretty laid back about running. I might be a little too laid back at times.

As soon as I can find a GF crust- yes!!

Only an hour away- but I need to see her more. Actually going to go visit today!

Rest day today.

http://expertbrand.com. Quality performance apparel for all activities!

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I like to think I am pretty laid back… or at least I try to force myself to be. I think we all get the race day jitters, but as far as training goes, I might be TOO laid back. Sometimes taking an easy day or a rest day is just a little too easy for me to do.

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I try to be laid back but it’s easy to stress over, but really, the only person pressuring you is yourself. LOVE pumpkin pie!

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Pumpkin pie samples?? Awesome!!

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KNEADERS! this is like torture for me since I don’t have one where I live.

Oh the cuteness of Brooke hugging Mer’s legs. Sweetness.

No pumpkin pie but yes on any other pumpkin bread, cookie, cake, etc. Oh I have a yummy pumpkin mousse recipe that’s so good if you want me to share!

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I try not to put stress on myself when it comes to races. I go into them wanting to run hard and do my best, but I don’t beat myself up if I things don’t get perfectly.

I’ve had a really good year of running, so I am kind of worried about being able to keep this up in 2014. I’ve decided though that instead of stressing, I will just adjust my training so that I CAN run just as well, if not better!

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I’ve become MUCH more laid back in my running this year. I still stick to my training schedule, but if I have an off day, I’ll modify my training and just have fun. And now? I’m faster than ever!

Big YES to pumpkin pie! MMMMMM!

Sadly, no :(

Easy 10k outside. I might have to break out the gloves for this one!

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I absolutely LOVE the picture of Brooke hugging your grandma’s legs! So precious.

We just moved back to where my grandma and grandpa live and my girls are in heaven!

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I am right in the middle of stressing/not stressing. Some days, I feel horrible about missing a run. But as soon as I start to get antsy over it, I remind myself “it’ll be there tomorrow.”

Pumpkin pie with LOTS of Cool Whip (it’s a Cool Whip delivery vehicle).

Your Mer is so cute. ….and how flippin’ adorable that Brooke goes to her, hugs her legs, and then goes back to the doggies. LOVE.

Rest day today. I’m gonna blast my legs working out tomorrow!

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I allllways stress about running! Partially because I’m still so new to it and haven’t gotten to where I want to be, yet :) . I was in the hospital recently and HEARTBROKEN to find out I couldn’t run my first half marathon of the season that I was training so hard for, so thanks for reminding me there’s always another race to run <3

P.S. pumpkin pie is bomb-diggity – but have you tried pumkpin mac n' cheese yet?!

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That picture of Brooke and Mer is possibly the cutest thing ever. Today is a rest day and I have a 15K on sunday! Pumpkin pie is pretty much the only type of pie I like, so I definitely indulge in the fall.

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I am currently on a break from running, but every race I ever signed up for made me nervous and caused lack of sleep!
I am loving Brooke’s big eyes and the hugging picture…so sweet!
pumpkin pie is a favorite at my house…my daughter would eat it all year long, so
it has also made some summertime appearances here as well!

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I had every intention of coming home and doing some crazy workouts, and then I got home and collapsed onto the couch and realized my brain and body needed some couch time.

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love on your Mer as much as you possibly can! I have no living grandparents, and they are muchly missed!

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I am getting ready for my half right now…sitting her drinking coffee (don’t know how you don’t drink it- I give you so much credit! :) ), and this was JUST what I needed to read. <3 Thank you for the perspective.
ADORE Brooke's boots. Gabriella needs a pair…except it's still in the 90s here…lol!

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I’m laid back until race day comes! Then I get some arbitrary number in my head that will make me feel “super accomplished”. It’s weird. But then again, I’m weird.

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Thanks for the great advice about not taking running too seriously, Janae. I had to pin that to remind myself of it in the future (“There is always another race to run. No need to put so much pressure on ourselves over running. It is just running after all, and we do it because we love it.”). I also struggle with taking running too seriously.

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