Hello! How are you doing? Today I’m sharing 20 random facts about me and my blog and life and la-di-da. But first let’s talk running and eating…
This morning I started my day with some toast and iced coffee before my run. My parents brought me this coffee from Hawaii a while back and I forgot about it in the back of my fridge!
Post-run I had an amazing protein shake with a new-to-me protein powder from Daily Burn I’m reviewing soon.
I’m super super picky about protein powders and was in love with my old one. But the one I used to drink is soy based and I’m trying to cut back.
Love a protein powder that’s just good straight up without a bunch of add-ins for when I’m in a rush!
Lunch was the usual salad, sweet potato, la-di-da. No picture since it’s always the same just like I like it.
But dinner was fancy!
I received a Blue Apron delivery knock at my door around 2pm. Perfect timing and it was amazing. All of this came with the make-it-yourself-dinner kit – shrimp, rice and salad. Love love love.
Luckily, my Curly was here to enjoy it with me!
Ben is back for some quality time with Vegas. Oh, and he’s chilling with me too. These curls are the cutest, but they’re getting out of control. I’m going to try and put them in a pony tail soon…
I was tagged by a few people on Instagram for 20 things about me. I was going to skip it since I don’t think there are 20 things you don’t already know, but we’ll see what I can (over) share…
@fitness_fashion_mom called me out Friday! Thank you gorgeous!
20 Things About Me
1. I don’t have a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle… with red hair. My brother and I are the only ones in my immediate family with red hair. We’ve heard stories about a great great grandfather, but don’t know for sure.
2. I went to Catholic school from 1st to 12th grade.
3. I was Captain of the Cheerleading squad in high school.
4. I danced ballet folklorico from 1st through 7th grade and performed at Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm.
5. I met my best friend in 1st grade and she went home and told her mom I had red ‘these’ (points to eyebrows) and ‘these’ (‘points to eyelashes’). I love her.
6. I broke my finger playing catch with my brother in 11th grade.
7. I got caught drinking one wine cooler in high school and basically didn’t drink at all after that until I was 21.
8. I don’t like good-byes and just hang up the phone when the convo is over.
9. Same with parties, I just leave. I’d like to think it’s a coping mechanism for some deep seeded issue and I’m not a jerk.
10. I got my tongue pierced for a hot minute when I was like 18. Eh. Not proud of that.
11. I went by myself to get a tattoo when I was 19 or 20.
12. In college I did an internship at local news station KTLA and then was a production assistant for the morning show for a while. 4am call time. No joke.
13. I found my cat randomly walking around an outdoor shopping center and took him home.
14. I was a local cable reporter after college. It was hard work and intimidating and scary sometimes, but I loved every minute of it.
15. My biggest regret in life is not being more aggressive in pursuing that career path. #Sad
16. I met the guy I would later marry on eharmony. Our third date was to the Grand Canyon.
17. A few weeks after getting married Ben and I packed up all our stuff in his truck and moved from California to Maryland. After running through one winter in the snow I was outta there and moved back to CA!
18. I haven’t done it yet – but I can 100% eat a whole watermelon in one sitting. I know a lot of people say they can eat A LOT, but I can eat A LOT A LOT.
19. I ran 9 marathons in 2015. I’ve run one 30 mile race. I like to run. And eat.
20. I started Run Eat Repeat to write about training for my first marathon and losing weight. I NEVER expected it to turn into this… it’s my full time job! It’s my business. It’s grown into a dream with amazing readers and runners and friends and more.
Thank YOU. Truly truly.
Deb says
5 facts about me …
1) I love reading your blog. I was on vaca for 2 weeks, and on my top 10 list of things to do when I got back was catch up on my reading .. .your blog!
2) I want Vegas.
3) I have a rescue cat (but have room for Vegas)
4) I’m taking a Spanish class and need someone to talk to (can we be friends?)
5) I wanted to be a cheerleader in HS, but just don’t have the rhythm (still not a good dancer).
Bonus fact ….
I kinda borrowed your running pose (b/c it’s so darn cute!)
runeatrepeat says
Love it Deb! You can totally have Vegas 🙂
Amy @ runlikeabird says
I had no idea you were married! Loved this 20 random things; thanks for sharing, Monica!
Here are mine:
1. There’s a radar MPH sign outside of my neighborhood, and I LOVE sprinting past it at the end of my runs, trying to hit 10MPH before I’m done. My neighbors think I’m weird when I cheer at the end.
2. I’m lactose intolerant. My favorite food is ice cream.
3. Human deaths and sadness in movies don’t make me cry, but if you put a robot or a dog in peril, I am an absolute puddle. Yeah, the robot part is weird. I just love robots.
4. I’m less than six months away from finishing my masters degree. I can’t wait to have more time to do things… like RUN.
5. I knit and sew quilts like a boss.
Betsy says
1. I used to absolutely HATE cats…. Then I got my own, and now I almost love my cat more then my husband.
Betsy says
The computer messed up…. It only got a little bit of my first one… Dang. I’ll write it later
Amy Ramos says
Awesome post today. Random facts about me:
1. I was born on Friday the 13th at 9:13 a.m.
2. My husband’s birthday is on 13th and we got married on the 13th.
3. Two of our cats are names after San Jose Sharks hockey players
4. I have always lived in the Bay Area.
5. I was the first person in my family to graduate with a college degree.
6. An extra one for funsies- I worked in a candy store (called Kid in a Candystore) when I was in college. That was the best job ever (my thighs agree!).
Nicole says
OMG I also had my tongue pierced for a hot minute when I was 18, 8 months to be exact. I got it to make my mom upset, and then I took it out on her birthday. #momissues
Courtney! @ Redefining Athlete says
I knew I wanted to adopt a cat, but the shelter volunteer made me nervous so I just pointed at one and curled up in a ball and took it home without petting it or even seeing her face. Dodged a bullet on that one because she ended up being the best.
Jess @WanderlustRunning says
1. I’ve been friends with/dating my husband since I was 14. We’re now 27 and just got married in November. 🙂
2. I have an autoimmune digestive disease (ulcerative colitis) which makes running an interesting challenge sometimes.
3. I got hired at the job I’m currently at because I impressed one of the interviewers with having coached high school boys rugby for 3 years. (and I’m qualified for it)
4. I lived in Alaska for 3 winter months after graduating college and LOVED it.
5. I want to be a travel writer some day.
Nikki says
I relate to you with #1 but with blue eyes. My son has bright blue eyes and my husband and I both have dark brown. None of his grandparents or aunt or uncles have blue either. It goes back to his great grandparents!
Sally @ sweat out the small stuff says
1. I love dark chocolate but will pass up milk chocolate
2. I was widowed at 25.
3. Because of 2 I discovered running to help me with my grief
4. I have an amazing boyfriend now 16 years later and am a living example of being patient 🙂
5. My labradoodle is the cutest dog ever 🙂
Losing Lindy says
1. I had my tongue pierced too…what was I thinking?
2. I have three tattoos, I want another, but not sure what I want…something that reflect my Mr. 7.
3. I have 3 brothers, no sisters.
4. We saved both of our cats.
5. Our Blue Apron experience was a true fail.
tess says
1. Since I’ve just stalked your blog and commented on about 10 posts, I’m going to say I love the 20 question posts. I love learning about people. It’s when they are the most real. So then you get to learn all the little tidbits about your readers, too. So interesting!
Sorry I over commented. I get carried away.
2. My husband proposed to me four days after we met and we’ve been married for 29 years in May. And we still like each other. 😉
3. I work in a primarily Korean bank.
4. I’m Celiac and hypothyroid, allergic to chocolate, caffeine and alcohol. Which makes me sound SUPER FUN doesn’t it? Fear not…I seek out joy and we find each other.
5. My grandson (he’s four) calls me “Babe”.
Kerri says
Yay, Ben’s back!!!
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner says
I have eaten an entire watermelon before and proudly waddled like a nine month pregnant woman afterwards. 🙂
Jen says
1. I always wanted twins, I babysat for twins, and nine years ago I gave birth to twin boys.
2. I ran my first half marathon at Disney Wine and Dine in 2012. I only did it so I could go to Disney World for a vacation. Three weeks later I signed up for half marathon #2. I have since run 7 half marathons and am getting ready to run marathon #3.
3. I let my friend triple pierce my ear when I was 18. I have since let it close up.
4. I would love to move to Florida for the HOT weather and to be closer to Disney.
5. I have four kids that range in age from 21 to 9.
Kelly M says
1. I have a dog and a cat. Both were shelter animals and I love them so much!
2. My cat was morbidly obese when I got him and he developed diabetes. I give him insulin shots, changed his name to Beetis, and we make the best of it :).
3. I’m graduating from nurse practitioner school in 8 weeks!!!!!!!!
4. I ran my first marathon last fall and relied heavily on your blog for advice!
5. Starbucks is one of the main food groups in my diet. I try to cut back and always fail. There are worse things….
Alexis says
I never knew you were married! Love your blog!
renorunrgrl says
1) I met and married my husband within an 8 month span. We’re celebrating our 21 yr. anniversary this month. : )
2) I am a sushi fanatic, can’t get enough of it.
3) I speak 3 languages fluently and even though I swore to my parents I would NEVER use it, I now have a job I got because I knew the three languages.
4) I’ve been trying to get the guts to start a blog but keep putting it off
5) I HATED high school and don’t understand the people who are still friends with and hang out with people from high school.
runeatrepeat says
I love your #1!
3. What 3?
4. Do it.
5. I loved HS, but college was just okay since I had a boyfriend the whole time and sadly don’t have any friends from college…
tess says
Three languages! nice job! And congratulations on 21 years!
Alisha @ Real Girl Running says
Thanks for sharing!
1. I was a top level junior tennis player here in Aus
2. I quit tennis because I would have had to have back and shoulder surgery to keep playing
3. I met my husband on RSVP
4. My husband is from Northern Ireland – Irish accent all the way! Swoon …
5. We got married in Hawaii
Danielle says
Glad to see Curly back 🙂
I found my cat wondering around the streets of DC and took her in! She was a scaredy cat initially but she’s warmed up to us over the last 5 months.
runeatrepeat says
🙂
Elena says
L-O-V-E-D this post and glad Ben is back to hang with Vegas;-)
1) I proposed to my husband
2) I have a tattoo wedding ring
3) my mom is one of two girls, I’m one of two girls and I have two girls . In a weirder twist my mom’s sister is childless and my own sister is childless……….wonder if only one of my girls will have kids?
4) When my two cats and dog are near me I say “Hi pet collection” 🙂
5) I didn’t run anything over a 5K until after I was 40
runeatrepeat says
Love all of these! What is the tattoo – a ring or a name or??
Elena says
When we first started dating there were no cell phones so we had pagers……….and paged 123 for “i love you” so the tattoo is a X123O for the hugs and kisses and i love you!
tess says
Over 40 here, too and my husband works in a vault so he STILL has a pager. So we still text numbers to each other. I just texted him yesterday, only we text 143 for I love you. Then he will email me back…1432.
I love your whole comment. So fun.
Courtney! @ Redefining Athlete says
I love this! I really want a tattoo wedding ring, but can’t decide on what to actually get.
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
For as long as I’ve been reading RER, I didn’t actually know you were married to Ben! 🙂
runeatrepeat says
Ha! About two years ago I transitioned him to be less and less on the blog because of some mean comments. I never intended him to not be on it at all, but then stuff happens…
Losing Lindy says
mean comments at Ben? That is horrible, I love it when he is around.
AmyD says
Why do people think they can be mean? Ugh! I liked seeing Ben again. Y’all are adorable!!
Jenny says
I love your blog!
1. Same thing in my family with the red hair except now I have a daughter and she is my redheaded twin!
2. I lurv caffeine, but especially coffee.
3. I have an autoimmune thyroid disease and have been gluten free for 6 mths to see if it improves my health.
4. I have lost a lost of weight 8 years ago and now am serious about exercise and clean eating.
5. I am now a non-drinker.
runeatrepeat says
All I want in life is a red headed mini-me. Lucky!!!!!
I have a low T3 thryoid and was g-free for a long time, but I didn’t really feel like it helped too much 🙁 How’s it going for you? I’m sure we have different issues, just sharing my lil tidbit.
tess says
I am hypothyroid and Celiac. I’ve been gluten free for a year in April. Mine has helped a ton. I hope this helps you and you feel better. It usually isn’t a cure all but it can alleviate a lot of the worst symptoms.
Lesley says
1. I also can eat a whole watermelon in one sitting. I’m trying to be patient for watermelon season…
2. The checkout girl at my produced store makes fun of me for the amount of bananas I buy each week (18-20 on average). She also makes fun of my watermelons during the summer!
3. I’m starting a blog and will be launching later this month. I’m excited and nervous all at the same time.
4. I was a sprinter in high school but started running long distances last year. I’ve found that like the longer distances better.
5. I keep lip balm everywhere: all coat pockets, my purse, bedside table, bathroom, and kitchen. Melting fears are the only reason there isn’t any in my car.
runeatrepeat says
Ha! I am surprised no one has ever given me a hard time about buying two (BIG) watermelons at a time!
tess says
Softlips…my brand of lip balm. Everywhere. Every pocket, every purse. every drawer on every floor. At work. In the car. On my run. I must have it. In my wallet in case I just grab the wallet. Heaven forbid I am stuck without it and I get dry chapped painful lips. I can so relate.
Kaelene @Unlocking Kiki says
Running in the snow for one winter is enough for me to want to move back to sunshine too!
Heather @ Run Eat Play says
I totally leave places without saying goodbye too! And I dislike hugging people. My hubby is the opposite and must say goodbye to everyone. No.
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says
I had my tongue pierced too! Now I’m like what was I thinking.
Cheri @ Overactive Blogger says
I have a terribly-behaved orange cat named Martin that we picked up living in a Wal-Mart parking lot. He was very tiny and he had fleas everywhere! We still have him.
runeatrepeat says
This made me smile 🙂
Shawna says
mmmm love Hawaiian coffee! i brought some back last time i went and am sad it had to end. love these fun facts! 3rd date to Grand Canyon = not too shabby.
Gretchen | Gretchruns says
1. I also hang up without saying good bye. My family hates this
2. I played saxophone in marching band at Penn State and was in a documentary about joining the Blue Band
3. I only applied to one college
4. I’m getting married in the Caribbean next year!
5. I had very short tenure as a tattoo designer for a few friends! I also designed my own tattoo.
Javonte says
Kauai coffee… awesome!!
die-lard.com says
I love coffee from Kauai! 🙂
April says
I’ve visited the Kauai coffee factory before! Love their coffee 🙂
I didn’t know that you used to work for KTLA news. It’s my favorite (I’m actually watching the morning news right now lol).
Sherilyn says
1. We got our cat from Craigslist. He is orange and white and looks a little like Vegas.
2. I went to the west coast for the first time in December and LOVED it in San Diego.
3. I have four tattoos, got my first when I was 16 and my most recent in December.
4. I have no sense of style with clothes or hair. I thought this would happen naturally in my 30’s but turns out it requires actual effort.
5. I am a nurse on a medical floor and it is very stressful but I love it.
AmyD says
YES! On the style. But I’m ok with it. It’s not something worth putting effort in for me. 🙂 I’m sure we are both awesome!
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says
1. I hate the feeling when I take my shoes off and my socks come with them.
2. I am an addict in recovery
3. I eat dates with homemade almond butter like it’s my job.
4. I have one midget thumb (not the technical name).
5. I can make my tongue look like a clover. Maybe I’ll use that one this weekend.
Megan says
Can we be friends?
I just found your blog recently and it is so refreshing to see a real woman who is honest with her audience!
5 things about me…..
1. My love for coffee knows no bounds…I use to drink 12 shots of espresso a day. Delish!
2. I have a dog named Higgins…you know…from Magnum PI.
3. I am in naturopathic med school. 281 days to go.
4. I have approximately 11 bars of dark chocolate stashed for an emergency.
5 I have a brown thumb. I kill plants with out even trying. <– Hopefully this doesn't reflect on my ability to be a good doctor.
Cheers!
tess says
Me, too on #5! I am a little nervous to be around someone’s beloved plant. Just being near it I might kill it. My sister can grow something by breathing on it. So wrong.
Ashley @ Saving Money in your Twenties says
I am the same way with red hair!! NO one in my family has it except me and now my niece. So weird how that happens?!
Cortney says
Same! I didn’t know there were so many of us!
My mom was trying to dye her hair red for years, but it’s dark brown so it never really worked. When I came out with red hair she questioned the powers of hair dye for sure!!
Patti says
I love that coffee!
kristin | W [H] A T C H says
i visited kauai coffee in the fall — so, so good.