The alarm went off at 5 am this morning. I hit snooze once, fell back asleep, and then successfully woke up the second time my alarm went off. Knowing that I’m only a few minutes away from a warm cup of coffee usually helps me get out of bed. I headed into the kitchen with only one eye open (half asleep?), made my coffee, and now I’m going to fit in my recap post before my fun adventure today. Becca and I are going on a ten-mile hike to celebrate her two years of living a healthy lifestyle. We decided to make our hike a yearly tradition. You can follow our hiking road trip today on my snap chat! (@taralynnmcnitt)
I started last Tuesday morning with a light run around the neighborhood. I scheduled a 90-minute deep tissue/sports massage for the afternoon, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to workout for a couple of days. Even the light runs in my neighborhood are still tough because of the hills.
After my run, I added more of the flowers to the pots. 🙂 I am officially the crazy flower lady in the neighborhood.
My massage felt really good. It was a little bit painful because it involved a lot of stretching and pulling. She told me my right leg was extremely tight compared to my left, so I’ve been trying to stretch as much as I can. Sports massages are so good for your body when you’re training. They increase blood circulation to help relieve muscle tension, reduce soreness and help you recover faster. After the ten-mile run on Saturday, this was exactly what my body needed.
After my massage, I headed over to Whole Foods and picked up a ton of water (to flush toxins after a massage) and coffee for Becca. She took a quick break from work, and we just chatted for a bit. We basically sat there aligning our schedules for the month.
I picked up dinner at Whole Foods, too. They had the paleo rice and jerk chicken on the hot bar, two of my favorites!
The pups and I headed out for a walk, and then relaxed and watched movies for the rest of the night.
I spent Wednesday working and that is pretty much it. Exciting! I know 🙂
Breakfast: Pumpkin Spice Cheerios + Oat Bites & almond milk. That combination was the most exciting thing I did all day.
To be fair, it stormed all day long. It finally stopped at 7 pm, so the dogs and I headed out for a four-mile walk. They are finally walking together and behaving so well on walks. They used to pull me in separate directions, and it was impossible.
Breakfast for dinner: two slices of Applegate bacon, Muscat grapes (seriously the best grapes in the entire world), and an omelet made with two yokes + four egg whites.
My grandma and my uncle were in town on Thursday! They came over after my spin class, and I drove them all around Charlotte so they could see the city. Leo just loved my Grandma.
We headed to Hobo’s for lunch, and started with the fried green tomatoes! When I was a little girl, my cousins and I would always watch “Fried Green Tomatoes” at her house. She recorded it on an old VCR, and it was one of our favorite movies. So this dish was fitting 🙂
I ordered a cobb salad. It came with pecans, bacon, grilled chicken, spring mix lettuce, tomatoes, egg, and avocado. Hobo’s salads are huge!
After lunch, I took my mom and uncle Josh to Amelie’s for an afternoon cup of coffee. My uncle told me that my grandpa always loved his afternoon coffee, so maybe that’s where I get it from. Cheers to you, Grandpa!
The pups were in heaven!
I headed uptown for a kickball game. When Meighan and I got there, we thought it was strange that the field was empty. When Meighan logged onto her email, she saw that our game was canceled. We decided to head over to the park to workout instead. Some of you probably already saw us running the football obstacles on Snapchat.
We are now convinced that playgrounds are so much more fun when you’re adults.
The boys were excited about their new treats 🙂 I found fun Easter treats at Petco! They love Bocce’s Bakery.
So playgrounds may be more fun for adults, but safer for kids. This is why I know I’m getting old. Check out those fun playground injuries. The top left is the large knot on my foot, the bottom left is where I hit a metal bar, the top right is my hip bone from who knows what, and the bottom right is my swollen and bruised knee from the cement. Oh, and all of those bruises are from the same fall. Luckily my hair covered the big knot on the back of my head.
Friday morning breakfast: 2 slices of bacon, scrambled eggs, English muffin with butter and raspberry jelly.
I finally unpacked the boxes in my office. I spent the morning hanging up photos and organizing shelves. My dad built me a huge wood desk for the office, and I need to take the time to set everything up eventually. Working from my kitchen table has been my strong suit.
Later in the afternoon, I picked up my family and headed to the Legal Remedy Brewery for wine and appetizers. The southern style poutine is no joke. I was so mad at how good it tasted. Crispy fries smothered in beer cheese, bacon, and pepper jelly.
5’oclock somewhere?
One of our favorite restaurants in the Charlotte area is the Garden Cafe. If you type “garden cafe” into my blog search box, you’ll find all of my posts about this place. I just love it. We wanted our Friday family dinner here.
I had been keeping a secret from my family all day. Around 10 am, my phone said “Pentagon calling,” and you never want to decline a call from the Pentagon, so I answered. It was my brother 🙂 He said he was going to drive down from D.C. to visit the family, so we decided to make it a surprise.
My parents were already at the restaurant, so when we walked in, my mom was almost in tears. She hadn’t seen my brother in so long, and she was ecstatic that he was there! It took her a few seconds to register who it was in her head. My mom had this blank look on her face, and it was so funny.
Meighan and Kyle joined us for dinner, too!
We all started with the fried green beans because it would be a sin to visit the Garden Cafe without ordering them. I had a Moscow mule too 🙂 One of my favorite dishes there is the surf n’ turf. It’s just so big and filling, so my mom and I always have them split it up. It comes with potato gnocchi, shrimp, and garlic spinach.
Sin #2 – Not ordering coffee and dessert at the Garden Cafe. The desert is the grand finale, and I could care less about ordering dessert anywhere else, but it’s a must here. It’s not the type of dessert ordered on the internet or from a food truck. It’s homemade southern style dessert made right at the Garden Cafe. They are known for their buttermilk pie, so we always treat ourselves to that little piece of heaven. The chocolate peanut butter pie tastes just like fudge, so we sneak that one in there too. The desserts are so rich and fulfilling that everyone can steal a couple of bites and be content. There were eight of us and we still couldn’t finish the two slices of dessert on the table.
Perfect night with the family <3
I had an early wake-up call. Becca and I went out to shoot some photos for a FUN new post coming up. I can’t wait for you guys to see it.
I headed to Whole Foods when we were done to pick up some food to bring out to my parent’s house. It was one of the prettiest days, so we were going to spend some time in the backyard.
I had no set plans on a spread, I just grabbed everything that sounded good for a smorgasbord.
Since my brother is a pescetarian, I bought some fried tofu for his salad.
We played so many games of ping pong, and my parents still beat Kyle and I….twice. We snuck one win in there, but that doesn’t help when it’s best of three.
Whole Food’s vegan oatmeal raisin cookies are to die for! They were chewy and so flavorful. I didn’t even realize they were vegan when I bought them, I just thought they looked good, oh…and they were! They were the hit of the spread. They were especially good with coffee.
Grumples and Leo live a pretty fun life. Spoiled with treats, playdates, walks, and couch cuddles.
Being out in the sun and running around with the dogs wore us out. We headed back to my place to get ready for the night.
T.C. came out with a group of friends uptown. We started at the rooftop bar for some drinks and then headed over to Fahrenheit. Everyone was hungry when 1 am rolled around, so we ordered some interesting appetizers.
Don’t forget to check out my Charlotte Guide if you’re visiting the city!
Not only was I exhausted on Sunday morning, but had the worst allergies. I only had one glass of wine and a ton of water because I knew I had a run planned in the morning.
I finally bought Nuun because of the recommendations but…is this stuff supposed to taste good? I could hardly get it down. Someone tell me a better flavor to try, please!
Before heading out on my run, Kyle and I took the pups for a neighborhood walk. It was hot out on Sunday!
I fought through the allergies on this run, but it felt good. Meighan got her run in on Saturday while I was out taking photos, so I had to fit mine in on Sunday. We have done a great job sticking to the training schedule! After the half, I am going to put together the training plan we created and followed.
I ran all the way down Sugar Creek Greenway, back up through Queens Road, and finished at Freedom Park.
*when you are running paths, please be vigilant, share your location via GPS with a friend, and never run a secluded trail by yourself*
I wanted to keep going. I wanted to hit eight, but I had to remind myself that six was the plan and to save my legs for the upcoming weekend. Meighan and I have our last long run together in Charleston on Saturday!
It’s crazy to think that last year, six miles would have been a challenge and impossible in my thoughts. Now, I feel like six miles is nothing and it’s hardly a workout. I used to say “never” all the time. This training has really changed my mindset for the better. I’m creating a healthier mind, a stronger body, and a happier lifestyle every time I go out there for a run.
When I finished my eyes were watering and I could hardly breathe. Gotta love allergy season!
I parked right next to GNC so I could grab water and a protein bar afterward.
Spring is finally here, and I took some lovely photos on the way home. I loved everything about the gorgeous flowers and front porches.
Kyle and I went for afternoon coffee and macaroons 🙂
For dinner, I had a salad with a hamburger patty on top. SO GOOD!
Yesterday morning, I tried out a Quest Cereal Protein Bar…they are AMAZING. I just ordered three boxes on Amazon because of how good they were. They are only 110 calories, 10g net carbs, 12g protein! I’m excited to take these on the go!
I headed out for a four-mile run in my neighborhood on Monday morning.
After my run, I had scrambled eggs and kiwi!
I picked up Whole Foods for dinner, some snacks for the hike, and headed to bed early!
I can’t wait to share my fun hiking trip with you on the blog & don’t forget to follow my Insta Story/Snapchat for live updates!
Questions for you!
1. Do you have any yearly traditions with friends?
2. How do you ensure your safety on trails?
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Your Whole Foods takeaways always look so good and get me drooling, haha.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you 🙂 I should stop going there so much haha
Alison Williams says
I love when you take photos of houses & front porches on your walks and runs. Nothing finer in the South than a front porch. Most of those houses look like a cover of Southern Living magazine.
Have fun in Charleston! What a fine, fine place.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Alison! I love the southern charm 🙂
Alison Williams says
Oh.. and you should post a photo of your office when you finally get it completed and set-up. (if you don’t mind) I love home offices!!
Taralynn McNitt says
I definitely will!!
Ann says
Is this Alison Williams from Caledonia??
Jessica says
Ugh! I can’t ever get over poutine! We have a local restaurant that got us started on it and now we are making it at home and seeking it out. That one looks amazing!!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jessica!
Poutine is so gooooooood!
This was definitely different than Canadian poutine, but SO GOOD!
Kelli says
Haven’t started any annual traditions with friends yet, although now that my husband and I moved to Michigan’s U.P and are so far away from friends/family we may have some in the making!
I really enjoy trail running (and there are so many awesome options near me!) but it’s difficult because your so secluded and sometimes don’t have the best cell signal. I’ve been using GLYMPSE on my phone and send it to my husband in a text so he can see exactly where I am and if I’ve stopped or gone off of my originally planned path…if so he’ll know something is up.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Kelli!
Michigan is such a gorgeous state. Yes, totally make those plans/traditions happen!
It can be very scary. The hike yesterday had no cell service so a buddy system + safety gadgets (love that word) were necessary!
It’s great you have that plan with your husband!!
Have a great week.
Carrie this fit chick says
I love your hot pink running pants!! So cute! Oh my gosh, the allergies are getting to me too. I’ve been sniffling, eye watering and sneezing like a BOSS. Kind of sad to say I don’t have any yearly traditions with friends! My boyfriend and I have our own yearly traditions, but that’s about it
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Carrie!
Thanks so much 🙂 Got them from Asics!
Boyfriend traditions count too!! xo xo
Have a great week.
Taralynn
Candice says
Those Quest Cereal bars, OHMYGAWWW. They are awesome. The Waffle flavor is my favorite. MMM waffles.
Taralynn McNitt says
I LOVE the waffle one too! The cinnamon roll one is great as well;) HONESTLY, LOVE THEM ALL!!!!!!
Candy says
You’ll be great for the half….I did one a few years back and was convinced I wouldn’t finished as the longest I’d done in training was 9, but we smashed it! XO
Taralynn McNitt says
That is awesome to hear! I am so ready for the half 🙂 IS IT APRIL 30TH YET?!?!
Carly says
You and Kyle are so cute! So happy that you both found each other! 🙂 How did y’all meet?
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Carly!!
I am so blessed for him.
I will share the story one day ! 🙂
xo
Emily says
Love your blog posts, they always inspire me to get out of the house and do something active! And loving the layout / furniture of your new house 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Emily!
Thank you so much! I will totally do a before/after of the house eventually!
xo xo have a great day.
Linda @ The Fitty says
I’ve been thinking about using the aptive app for marathon training–any thoughts, Tara? What do you think of the app? What should I know or be weary of?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Linda!
I’ve never heard of/used the app! So you probably know more than I do. Have you tried reading the reviews on the app page? That may help! xo
Amina says
My friends Crissy, Iris & I go camping in Chincoteague, VA every summer!
It’s so relaxing to just enjoy the simple things. We hit the beach, grab some delish BBQ & almost always have an afternoon nap!
I haven’t been running outside lately, super cold in MA right now. When I do though, I try to go during the day or in a well lit area. Constantly checking my surroundings. I can totally sense when someone’s close too.
Taralynn McNitt says
That sounds like so much fun! I used to camp in VA with my family when I was a kid.
I love the simple things too.
Hope you get warm weather soon!!! I love that you are always checking your surroundings. SO IMPORTANT!
Jenny Lynn says
I am so looking forward to hearing about your training schedule!! I ran a half this past weekend and I made it through — but definitely feel like I could have trained a little better for it. GOOD LUCK!!
Taralynn McNitt says
I’m pretty excited to do the write-up!!
Nice job & congrats on finishing your half!
Paris Farrell says
The Nuun watermelon active’s are the best in my opinion, they also came out with a vitamin/active tube that is strawberry melon and it’s pretty awesome!!
Taralynn McNitt says
I will try that!!
Lattany says
I love Nuun! It’s my favorite hydration for marathons and halfs. Try adjusting the amount of water you add up and down. It’s supposed to be a very light flavor (kind of like gatorade) but some people like it more concentrated. My favorite flavors are pink lemonade and lemon lime. Triple berry is good, too!
Taralynn McNitt says
I am totally going to try out a different flavor. So many people love it, so I must have just tried a nasty flavor lol
Bethany @LuluRuns says
I love love love all your photos. They are so gorgeous!
I love NUUN, but I’ve never had the strawberry lemonade flavor. Normally, I buy the triple berry (or maybe it’s mixed berry) lemon lime or orange! Maybe try those out?
So excited for you that your runs are going so well! Isn’t is amazing what we can do when we put our minds to it and follow a plan?
Hope you have a fantastic day hiking!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Bethany!
I am going to try a different flavor! So many people like it, so I really must have chosen the wrong one!
I agree X 100000000 I never thought I’d EVER be this successful with running. Just makes me want to get out there and go go go!
The hike was so fun!
Hope you have a great week! xo
Brittney says
Sorry you didn’t like the NUUN! I have the Lemon/Lime one or something like that.
Taralynn McNitt says
I am going to give it another shot! Apparently I chose the wrong flavor!
Megan says
Girl, where do you keep your camera when you’re out on runs? Also, what kind do you have?
I recently learned that you can send your GPS location to friends and family through Facebook Messenger. I think that this will come in really handy when I start getting back into walking and running on a regular basis after baby number 2 is born. I’m 37 weeks and I have zero energy for exercise at the moment. I miss running. 🙁
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Megan!
I use my phone when I’m out on runs lol I don’t lug around the fancy cam 😉
I always have my GPS location on through texts on the iPhone with my mom, kyle, and Meighan lol I’m not sure about the Samsung smartphones, but it’s good to know that facebook messenger allows you to share!
Congrats on baby #2! How exciting!!!!
xo xo
Vanessa says
Lovely blog post, just as usual! I enjoy how you motivate to be active and live a healthy life, but most encourage to just be happy and positive even if things don’t always go as planned!
I hope you are okay with me sharing this here: With some classmates from my university we were diving into the relationship between fitness role models and self-confidence. The result is this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hAdIEst4NU
We would love to hear your (and everyones) thoughts on the video.
Thank you so much! <3
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Vanessa!
Thank you very much 🙂
Being healthy and happy has been my longtime/long term goal!
Thanks you for sharing and I will check out the video when I get a moment later this afternoon!
Taralynn
Megan Bressler says
I need this running plan/schedule you are doing!
Taralynn McNitt says
Meighan and I are going to post it when we are done 🙂 GOTTA cross that finish line first! xo
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
Lovely weekend with family! 🙂 Every year two of my friends and I do an afternoon tea together usually around Christmas time. It’s a fun tradition!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Heather!
It was such a fun weekend.
That is such a fun and cute tradition! I LOVE THAT!!
Parker says
Your grandma is adorable, you look so much like her! I am also training for a half marathon in May and I am running about the same pace you are right now 🙂 I agree, those 6 milers now feel like nothing! I thought I’d never get to that point.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Parker!
She is seriously THE CUTEST.
Congrats on training! Crazy to think how far we’ve come and how it all pays off! I can’t wait to get back to my normal fitness schedule of 3-5 miles + circuits, but it’s all worth it right now! Can’t wait to cross the finish line!
Please keep me updated on your training & race!
Have a great week!
Taralynn
Parker says
I definitely feel you with wanting to get back to normal training, 3.5 more weeks to go, for me!
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol my body is definitely going through a transition right now! My mind needs to catch up 🙂
Katie Meshko says
Awesome post!! Love seeing all the great pictures you take. Your dogs are adorable. It always looks like a good time. & I have to agree on the wholefood’s pictures… make me so hungry! :p Thanks for sharing with all of us!! 🙂
-Katie
http://www.meshkomoments.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Katie!
I need to cut back on all the Whole Foods. They just make it so easy and delicious! lol It feeds into my laziness!
Hope you have a great week!
Taralynn
Izzy Bruning says
All that food looks so good! 😉
Izzy | Pinch of delight
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Izzy! 🙂
Liz says
You look so much like your grandmother!
xo, Liz
http://lipstickandconfetti.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol you should see photos of her when she was younger! I know what I’ll look like at 76 😉
Lulu says
I thought the SAME THING when I saw that photo! Gorgeous!
Abbey says
Hi Taralynn!
Just wanted to suggest using Clif Shot Bloks in Margarita flavor for your long and/or hot runs! They taste way better than nuun and give your body extra electrolytes and sodium to keep you really hydrated. I tried to post this on your last run’s comment section but I don’t think it went through. Anyways hope it helps! Have fun!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Abbey!
I will look into those! Thank you for the recommendation!
Brooklyn says
Great job Becca!! A hike is a wonderful way to celebrate a healthy lifestyle 🙂
All of your food in this post looks incredible. You had a great week of eats!
Family time is so important. I love how your brother surprised everyone 🙂
http://www.justbeingbrooklyn.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, B!
It’s such a fun tradition.
& THANK YOU! Love a week filled with healthy & yummy eats!
My brother is so much fun to hang out with! Glad he came down!
xo
Andrea says
Hi Tara! Stupid question…when you make bacon, do you just pull two slices out of the package at a time? I feel like whenever I do that, what I leave in there gets gross. Thanks for all of the food inspiration! LOVE your blog! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Andrea!
Not a stupid question at all.
I actually bake them ALL at the same time and then wrap the extra cooked slices in tin foil and store them in the fridge. When I’m ready to use the precooked ones, I microwave them for 15 seconds or just throw them into the frying pan.
I know what you mean about the bacon getting gross!
Have a great day!
Taralynn
Tara @ Run and Live Happy says
Looks like you had a fun weekend! All your food always looks so good! I like the Nuun fruit punch, orange mango, lemon lime, and cherry limeade!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Tara!!
I will have to try a different flavor! I just didn’t like the strawberry lemonade at all! Lol
Have a great week!
jordan @ dancing for donuts says
ohhh my gosh your neighborhood could not be prettier!! and i love that you call yourself a crazy flower lady, i’m the same way! i’m in a new apartment this spring, but i think i’m going to spruce up our patio with some new flowers & herbs! they make such a difference in my mood 🙂
also HOW good are those quest cereal bars?! i like them so much more than the originals.
p.s. congrats on hitting your running goal!!!!!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol I am totally a crazy flower lady and I 100% blame my mom for this addiction. They truly do make me happy & instantly put me in a good mood!
THOSE QUEST BARS ARE SO GOOD!!!!
& THANK YOU! I still have the half to complete before I’m in the clear, but I’m so close!:)
K Orman says
I do not like the Nuun “Active.” Try the Original Nuun electrolyte enhanced tabs.
Sooo much better!
Taralynn McNitt says
I had no idea there was a difference! Maybe that’s what happened. Thank you!
Casey the College Celiac says
Especially now that I moved to Colorado Springs with my folks for the next few months, I bring an airhorn and pepper spray with me on trails (for animals or otherwise). And I LOVE long walks and hikes with friends – such a fun way to spend time together and catch up!
Taralynn McNitt says
That isn’t a bad idea at all. I should definitely get one for my hiking backpack!
My friends and I LIVE for our long walks/hikes!
Have a great week, Casey!
Katie Magier says
I had to laugh as I was reading your blog today. I bought the exact same Nuun flavor this past weekend and thought the EXACT same thing! blegh. I couldn’t even finish it! I’ve been following your blog for years and I think you’ve got great taste. I feel so much better knowing I wasn’t the only one who didn’t like it! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Katie!
Glad I’m not the only one hahaha
I took two sips and thought dehydration sounded better than chugging the rest. I even plugged my nose and just couldn’t get it down! I know it’s meant to help you, but I just couldn’t do it lol
I’ll keep you updated on some more flavors/other products!
xo xo xo
Kendall says
Your blog posts always make my day! Favorite blogger 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!!!
Ginny Bryzgalova says
Love this! My friends and I have tradition to go to the same cafe we’ve been going to since the beginning of high school (so 6 years and counting!). It’s great because we are all so indecisive and it makes making plans so much easier!
Taralynn McNitt says
That is adorable! I love that idea. Reminds me of Gilmore Girls for some reason lol
Have a great week!
Emily says
Hi Taralynn!
I love reading your blog. your posts are so down to earth and relatable! My friends and I don’t really have a yearly tradition… i feel like every year since I finished college has changed dramatically! But we do run a lot of the same races throughout the year! BTW you will do great for your first half! you’ve trained way more than I ever did for mine and somehow I made it out alive lol. JK. The half’s are so fun and the perfect race for anyone wanting to push themselves to the next level in running. and you’re right it is amazing how far people can come with running. It amazing to think that 3 miles was a lot at one point! I did read somewhere though that female running performance peaks in our mid- to late 20’s so maybe that’s why lol. As for safety- I always try to run with a buddy. the only place i run alone is around my neighborhood. I also always carry my phone and my keys. I never run at night or too early in the morning..which is unfortunate because I would love to make use of the morning hours but it hasn’t been getting light here until 7! and i have to leave for work at 7:30.. Basically all the usual… mainly a running buddy is preferred for me- makes the run more fun anyways!! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Emily!
Thank you so much for the kind words about my blog! 🙂
You made me feel pretty great about this upcoming race, so thank you! I am honestly so excited for it. I love all the safety precautions you take while running. Unfortunately, you can never be safe enough! Glad you run with someone!
Running with someone is always fun too!
Harriet says
Hi Taralynn, Try the lemon lime nuun, that’s the one I use, the strawberry lemonade was not the best.
My friends and I try to get together every two years as we all live in different towns and countries now, its usually a 4 day catch up at the beach. We are all ment to catch up this weekend but cyclone cook is currently hitting us and we have been told not to leave town as we my not get back in.. this is our second cyclone in under 2weeks!
To keep safe on my tails my mum usually tracks my gps. Plus I have a tracker on my dogs collars in case we get separated, so myself or my mum can track them. Haven’t had to use it yet (fingers crossed!!).
Hope you have a great Easter holiday.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Harriet!
I will definitely give the Nuun another shot! Must have been a bad flavor.
A beach day with the girls is wonderful 😀
I have NEVER thought about putting a tracker on my dog’s collar! I think that is a great idea.
Have a great Easter!!
Sarah says
Love Nuun, HATE strawberry lemonade (definitely their worst flavor) – try the Ginger Lemonade (Love this hot && cold!) and the Watermelon – you wont regret it, I promise! (side note, Blackberry Citrus has become a favorite as well… I started using it as a mixer with the occasional cocktail but now that I’ve had it with alcohol I cant drink it before a run, the taste throws my brain off but it is delicious!)
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol I should have done my research first! I will totally try out a different flavor!
You convinced me with the word “ginger” 🙂
I will have to try to mix it into a protein shake or smoothie!
Thanks for the recs!
<3 Taralynn
Carly says
I hope you and Becca had a wonerful time on your hike! I can’t wait for the weather to cooperate here so I can get hiking again! On trails I don’t know I always go with someone and keep my dog close for safety, on trails I’m more familiar with and comfortable on I only go alone after telling a few different people where I’m going and when I plan to be home again, and of course bring my phone and my noisy dog moose who’s barking startles most anyone or anything!
Your Whole Foods dinner looks delicious, they are building one a few miles from my house and I’m impatiently waiting for it to be done so I can try out their hot bar!
Whenever I walk my mom’s dog and mine they ALWAYS want to go in opposite directions! What is your secret? 😉
Your family time looks like a grand old time! I love hearing stories of people suprising people they love! I am planning a trip to surprise my parents this spring, and I can’t wait to see the look on their faces!
The picture of Grumples (above the cookie) may be my all time favorite! Such a cute one! Am I that crazy dog lady now that I have favorite pictures of other peoples dogs? ha 😛
I don’t know if it counts as a tradition really, but a few of my friends and I make it a point to see each other once a year. Some of us live half a world away from each other (USA to Norway), so having a yearly visit helps keep our relationships strong, and always gives us something to look forward to!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Carly!
I hope you get some great weather soon. Hiking is so fun and I love getting out in nature. Sounds like Moose is your biggest protector and I love that! Grumples has a pretty mean bark, but he wouldn’t last over four miles on a trail lol.
OMG, Be careful. Whole Foods is an addition haha
Leo LOVES being right next to Grumples on the walk, so I just got lucky. NO SECRET.
So great you are going to surprise your family. THATS THE BEST! I used to do that all the time when I was living away from my family.
Grumps is so cute, especially when food is around.
That is totally a tradition and it’s so great you make that time for friends!!
Have a great week!
Brooke says
Your grandma is so cute and you look just like her!!
Can you share your current run playlist? I would love some suggestions!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you 🙂
Yes I will do that! Just made a new one today!
Shannen says
Your grandma is adorable! And I loved you hiking snaps! Can’t wait for the blog post!
I don’t have any heart traditions but yours sounds like fun! Currently my best friends are all around the world, so just being able to see them is enough for me!
I always take my dogs with me on trails. Especially, Oliver! 90+ lbs of pure guard dog! I would feel a safe walking alone with him in the middle of the night.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Shannen!!
She really is the sweetest and so silly!
So cool that they are around the world. What a great way to travel and see friends 😉
Glad you go with your dogs!!
xo
Katie L says
Loving your recap posts. I just binge read about ten of them!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks for reading!!! 😀
Chantelle says
I love how long these posts are! I keep your weekly update blog in the background while I do work and study, and just pop in to read a few paragraphs and look at some beautiful photos. Please never stop doing these posts! Also, I popped Charlotte onto my USA Bucketlist. I think I’ll try to convince a couple friends or my BF to make a weekend trip down within the next 6 months. teeheeee <3
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Chantelle!
That made my day 🙂 I will try to do them as long as I can!
Totally visit Charlotte! It’s a gorgeous city!!
Have a great weekend 🙂
Taralynn
Judi says
Can’t wait for your training plan!
Taralynn McNitt says
I’m excited to write it after our half!
Ariel Kimble says
I totallllly see you in your grandma! Same cute smile and eyes! Them genes be strongggg girl, and also love the longer recaps 😀
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol thanks Ariel!!
Kelsey says
Do you eat anything before your runs? A lot of times if i don’t have something, I feel sick to my stomach if i work out or run.
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes, always! I fuel two hours before a run! Usually a banana + English muffin or energy bar.
Kelsey says
Do you eat anything before your runs? A lot of times if i don’t have something, I feel sick to my stomach if i work out or run.
Taralynn McNitt says
I eat about two hours before my run!
I usually have an English muffin + banana