Running makes us better at life.

I actually do have the best siblings on the planet.  I get to see my sister almost daily which is awesome and even though my brothers don’t live close they have each called me almost every single day (and some days multiple times a day) since everything happened.   I told you, they are the best.

DSC 5705

The brother in the blue shirt shares with me the best analogies about running and life (he was a super speedy cross country and track runner in high school).

When talking about this situation that I am going through my brother tells me to just take one mile at a time.  That is the exact type of thinking that gets me through speed/tempo workouts and something that I rely on to get me through a race.  If I just stay in the day and get through the day (and sometimes hour) then clearly I can do it again and again and again.  When I look too far ahead in the future (i.e. when I am on mile 5 and start thinking about mile 22 of the marathon) then that is when I get discouraged and feel the weight of the situation.  Taking one day at a time makes everything so much easier.

Let’s talk about hitting the wall.  Mentally and emotionally when we are going through really tough times we feel like we have ‘hit the wall.’  It seems as though there is no possible way we can put one foot in front of the other when that wall is hit.

But we do.

IMG 1246

I have hit the wall in every single marathon that I have ran.  I hit them hard.  Did I quit?  Heck (sorry, Utah word) no.  I pushed through the pain no matter how bad it hurt.  I may have slowed down a little bit and needed extra resources like more fuel and water but I still finished, and I finished strong.   Same thing in life.  I hit the wall recently.  Hard.  BUT I am pushing through it, I may slow down a little bit and need a lot of extra ‘course support’ but we as runners know that we can push our bodies and minds to do the unthinkable.

When our legs get tired, we just pump our arms harder and we will keep going.

It is almost as though all of this running training that I have done over the years has helped prepare me for tough times in life.

We all go into our long runs and races knowing that there are going to be really tough times throughout the run but we still do it because there is nothing like that post-run high that happens when we survive and make it through something extra hard.  We realize that we are stronger than we ever thought possible.

We all know that life is going to be difficult sometimes but if we simply understand this and use these hard times to strengthen ourselves, bounce back and move forward with hope, we will be okay.

Keep running.

You May Also Like

266 comments

Reply

Love this post :-) I’m going through a rough time myself (though not the same as your situation), and I couldn’t agree with you more.

Running has always helped me get through the really tough spots. While not on purpose, I find myself running a lot more when life gets really rough. It’s certainly therapeutic, but you’re right, there are so many parallels with the way we navigate our lives. I’ve always though that if I live the way I run, I’ll be set!

Keep up the positive attitude!

Reply

You got it girl. All you can do is put one foot in front of the other and keep going forward, just like a race. One mile, step, hour, minute at a time. Surrounded by all your loved ones, I have no doubt you’ll pull through this love <3

Reply

So true…and why worry and concern yourself with “future” fate – that you have no control over anyways!

Reply

LOVE this post, Janae! I am so happy that you have such a great support system to help you through. You are in my thoughts and prayers! You are strong and can make it through this… just take it one day at a time.

Reply

Great post. You are AWESOME!!

Reply

This totally just made me tear up. You have an awesome brother. Sending you love.

Reply

I love that you aren’t pretending everything is 100% perfect for us, yet you’re clearly able to put things in the most positive light and make every tough time in life a lesson. Thank you for keeping it real, Janae!

You’ll get through this. <3

Reply

I totally agree with Lisa!

I’ve run through, and away from, the hardest times in my life – it’s what got me through!

Reply

Hugs, Janae. You’re doing great <3

Reply

Beautifully written.
Thinking about you.

Reply

This is great- we all go through tough times whether in life or a workout and it’s important to use your resources (family, friends, crowds, music or whatever) to push through and make it to the other side. There is a light at the end of the tunnel!

Reply

You are awesome. that is all:)

Reply

Virtual hugs to you Janae!! With your drive and determination you will break through this wall. There will be good days and even better days ahead for you. Just live in the moment and enjoy your baby girl as much as possible.

Reply

I have followed you for years, my boyfriend thinks I am nuts because I constantly show him pictures of Brooke (lets face it she is the cutest thing EVER) like I know you guys. Your news broke my heart even though I have never met you, but this post is the exact reason why I have followed your blog for so long. Life isn’t perfect but you some how always find a way to look at the brighter side of things. And in a world filled with Debbie Downers it’s nice to see someone who is going thru more than I can imagine figure out a way to push thru and find the the good things. The analogy your brother gave you hits home right now with me….sometimes it’s about just pushing thru the next hour and realizing that you can do it.

You will be ok…this wall shall be broken as well!

Reply

I love this comment, Kelly…my thoughts as well!! So grateful for Janae’s overall positivity even when times are rough.

And my boyfriend also thinks I’m nuts, since I’ve been in tears about Janae’s situation ever since she announced it and he is like, “but…you haven’t even met her ever???” He does not get it but I know all of her other readers understand the bond :)

Reply

This post gave me chills… Keep running Janae! We’re all here if you need a little extra course support as well :) Lord knows you support us!

Reply

Weird to be following up on another Ashley’s comment, but exactly this! There’s nothing more really to be said, but we’re here to provide as much course support as we can from afar!

Reply

This blog post is amazing. Marathon running has always helped me with my resilience in life. The best to you friend. Glad to see you blogging.

Reply

You’re awesome. Just thought you should know. Thinking of you. You’re a super strong gal- you’ll get through this. Glad you have such an amazing family ;) (((hugs)))

Reply

Some pretty smart words from a pretty smart lady. You’re right — we WILL be okay.
-Emily K.

Reply

I LOVE running/life analogies. I spent the weekend with Elaine Dalton (former General Young Women’s President) and one of the reasons I absolutely adore her is because as a seasoned marathoner she wrote an ENTIRE BOOK in a running metaphor (A Return to Virtue).

Running teaches us so much about ourselves. It makes stronger. More willing to stand up for what we know is right and more willing to stand alone when others around us are choosing poorly.

You are amazing.

Reply

I love this! You’re such an inspiration.

Reply

Girl, this is just what I needed to hear! You are one amazing lady, and inspire so many of us to do what we need to do everyday. Don’t give up! You got this :)

Reply

Perfect. Keep your head up :)

Reply

This is a great post and a great analogy and just what I needed to read today. I’ve been very nervous about getting back into running (6 weeks postpartum), so much so that I haven’t even tried (though I feel great) because I’m afraid of the journey of getting back into the running shape I was in over 10 months ago. I think I’ll try and go for a run this evening….even if I only make it a few feet!

Reply

Beautifully written Janae, absolutely beautiful!
Constantly thinking of you…just don’t want to blow up your phone with texts & calls. But I’m always here if you need to talk, vent or eat ice cream with someone :)
Love you!

Reply

Great analogy hrg! You have such amazing support from your family, that is awesome. I wana make u a big sparkly GO HRG sign that you might see at a race except you could see it every day! (Holy heck I’m cheesy) Just know you blog readers are here to be your course support. Way to stay positive-this is why I come to your blog

Reply

love this. just keep running, janae. you are awesome. sending positive thoughts from the other side of the country …

Reply

Love this post! Keep your chin up, you will get through everything.

Reply

This may be one of my favorite HRG posts ever. Running prepares us for so much more than crossing a finish line. Hang in there and keep moving forward!

Reply

You are AMAZING!!!! So many running analogies for life, I love love love this. Think of your blog readers as your course support, too :) we are all cheering for you girl!

Reply

Your brother is a very wise guy;) I love the analogy of running and life, and I think it fits for every high, and every low.

I can’t imagine what you are going through, but just know I am praying for your happiness and healing. Stay strong, internet BFF:), and as my friend Dory would say, “Just keep running (swimming)!” :)

p.s. You “forgot” to post a pic of Brooke in this post. Please correct this oversight ASAP! :)

Reply

I love this! Janae, this is so true! I hope you’ll keep this in mind when those tough moments hit out of no where, try to remember this! Thank you for writing this. We can use this so many times in life.

Keep your chin up girlie!

Reply

Janae,

I’ve been reading (and LOVING) your blog for a while now but I’m new to commenting…but I had to take this opportunity to say that this is exactly what I needed to hear today! Thank you for your openness, even during the tough times.

You inspire me!

XOXO,

Beth J

Reply

Your brother sounds like a great guy and it sounds like he gave you the perfect analogy!

When we lived in Utah we regularly heard the phrase, “Oh my heck;” and we haven’t heard it since we moved away! :-)

Reply

You have such an inspiring attitude, and I just have to say, brothers are the best! “One day at a time” is my personal mantra. Keeps my perspective in the right place.

Reply

It’s crazy how one of our biggest passions is there in more ways than one to help us get through the most difficult times. We are all stronger than we think we are, we just have to believe in ourselves and in the process. Keep your head up girl, we loveeeeeee you!!

Reply

Hey, I am so sorry that you are going through a hard time…. you definitely have the right attitude! and I definitely agree with your comparing running/life. =)

But don’t forget that even if you don’t have the right attitude sometimes that would be perfectly normal.

Do you have the new song from Katy Perry “Roar” you should buy it. I love it.

Reply

You are just so inspiring. Really.

Reply

Two words: GREAT POST!

Reply

Great post! Never met you, but you have been on my mind and in my prayers. You are inspiring and motivating.

Reply

I love this post so much.

You are seriously so inspiring!

Reply

This is a fantastic post & so so true!!

Tough stuff makes us stronger, but taking it small chunks at a time makes it bearable <3

love ya!

Reply

I think heck can be considered a mormon word as well;) Because I say it and I’m from Washington. Families are awesome, I’m glad you have such a great support system.

Reply

Heck is definitely a MI word too! This post is a great analogy. Stay strong.

Reply

Very strong post, keeping going girlfriend you can do anything through Christ who strengths ..and running :) AMEN

Reply

beautiful

Reply

I love this and completely agree with you pretty girl. Running is totally comparable to life and I think that is the best way to look at situations positively and know that everything will be ok. You are so strong and not only do you have an amazing family, friends, and Brooke, you have the entire blog community thinking about you and you are going to be ok!! WE LOVE YOU JANAE (and Brooke :)) !!!!

Reply

You are my favorite blogger. I love how you keep it both positive and real. Keep on doing what you’re doing :)

Reply

New reader. Never once posted on a blog before. You are AMAZING. Such an inspiration in so many ways. Because of you I’m ready to dust off my running shoes so I too can push through the walls.

Reply

This post is so true. I loved every word of it. You are so inspiring, Janae! I’m in tears over here, but i also feel empowered and motivated! Keep running. :)

Reply

perfection

Reply

Well, there you go!

Reply

Agh, this is so true. Thank you for the reminder. It sounds like you’re handling everything with grace.

Reply

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Reply

Love you girl. Perfect analogy. You will get through this and be stronger for it! You are such an inspiration! Here if you need me!

Reply

Love this post..it relates to life exactly. You have such a positive attitude and kind heart which is so encouraging. Keep being awesome.

Reply

What a blessing to have such an amazing family. And yes, I totally agree, I think running analogies sum it up perfectly :)

Reply

You are an inspiration. Continuing to send you and your family lots of love and course support. :)

Reply

I’m so happy that you have such an amazing support system in your family. Your positive attitude is inspiring. I have no doubt that you and Brooke are going to get through this tough time and come out of it even stronger.

Reply

i couldn’t agree more! i can apply this analogy to my personal life, as well as my running life (currently taking a break because of health-related issues). even though life isn’t the easiest at the moment, i know that i’ll come out stronger and cross the finish line because, like you, i have lots of family support. thanks for the motivation <3

Reply

So true – one foot in front of the other! Stay strong, Janae!

Reply

You got it, girl!!!! We have to keep going in the rough times. I wrote about this earlier this summer too. I’m in a very hard parenting time with my kids. A lot of my days feel like I’m sandwiched in between beauty and brokenness….
http://teamorphans.com/blog/2013/06/13/between-beauty-and-brokenness/

Hang in there!

Reply

Well put girl! And yes, it’s definitely true-running and life are pretty similar and running surely help you becoming a stronger person…

Reply

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.

Winston Churchill

Keep running.

Reply

Great post Janae! A true analogy for your situation. Stay strong and know that all of us will keep holding you up, fortifying you, and shielding you.

Reply

Awesome!

Reply

You are so brave Janae, and so positive. You will get through this, we all love you!! :)

Reply

Janae, one of my best friends in the whole wide world went through this same thing and at the time, she had a hard time putting 1 foot in front of the other. But she did and now she is remarried with a baby on the way. It took a while to get to this new happiness, and there were a lot of walls she came up against, but I’ve never seen her so happy. I know you have a long road ahead of you on a route you’ve never run before, but we will all be here cheering you on along the way. Think of us as your waterstops, with plenty of candy to help you during those walls. :^)

Reply

Your words made my eyes fill with tears. You are such an inspirational, uplifting, beautiful person. I wish I could thank your family for being there for you, and for helping mold you into the amazing person that you are :)

Reply

Hey J:
I have been reading for a while and have never commented. When I first read your post regarding what you are going through, I seriously cried for a while, and that night I woke up several times thinking of you. I have loved reading your blog and hearing about your life. I am so sorry for what you are going through. Somehow you make everyone feel close to you because of your great way of communicating through your words and photos. Even though I am much older than you (I have a son who is 13!) and not nearly as good of a runner as you, I feel that we could be (and are friends).Your family support is fantastic, I am so happy that they are there for you. Best wishes!
Melba

Reply

Thank you so much Melba and we are friends:)

Reply

Truth!

Reply

Thanks for the post, Janae! I spent the weekend on the couch with ice cream to nurse my recent break up blues. This post helps me get up, dust off, and run the blues away! You’re the best! :)

Reply

Love this post too!!! It is so true and right on! Thanks again for the inspiration. :) You are incredible!

Reply

Beautifully said. Your positive outlook has always been a breath of fresh air and an inspiration to find the good in life. I think all the comments you’ve been receiving give you some indication of just how well you are thought of, and I hope they give you strength and comfort when you need it most. You will get through this!

Reply

Great post! Another that I read recently was “It’s not how much further you have to go, it’s how far you’ve come.” That really resonated with me as it could be applied to so many aspects of life and obviously running. I always think “OMG, I still have x miles left to go!?” Instead, I’m training myself to think “Wow, I’ve already gone x miles!”

Hang in there chicka, we’re here for you and Brook.

Reply

This was just an inspirational post!!

PS–how long are you staying in Utah for?

Reply

You are incredible, Janae. You have inspired so many with your positive attitude and joy for life. The world is a better place because of people like you :) I appreciate so much you sharing your heart and soul with complete strangers. We love you!

Reply

Thank you for this post, Janae! It’s a great analogy and something I really need right now!

Reply

Thank you for this wonderful post Janae.

I couldn’t agree more with you about what running teaches us in life. When life gets rough, my body and mind yearns for a run. I need that run! We run through good days and bad days, joy and grief, trials and tribulations. I really appreciate your courage to share this will all your readers and want you to know you will definitely bounce back stronger and happier. Love from New Zealand!!

Reply

Beautiful post! Prayers are with you and Brooke. You keep your chin up and keep taking one day at a time. The sun will shine on you again!

Reply

You are such a positive person Janae, Brooke is super lucky to have you as a mom. And don’t you worry, when you are having an off day-we’ll have your back!

Reply

Thanks, I really needed this post. I just started up my bakery business this summer. I have a great family to support me, but it’s been tough. I’m working 16 hour days and still trying to keep up with my workouts. I’ve only had one day off this entire summer (July 4th), and am working through a concussion right now (seriously, this is my life). I’m really sorry for everything you are going through, but thank you, thank you, thank you for this post. You are amazing for holding your head so high, and I wish you and Brook nothing but the best!

Reply

*Brooke!

Reply

Thanks for sharing this. I love it. although I hate to hear you hit a wall, I am glad to hear you have such amazing support. I would love to have that kind of support from my family surrounding me if I had to go through such a difficult time.

Sometimes people wonder why I continue to sign up for one half marathon after another. I love the challenge, I love the push, and I especially love the runners high I get after each race,

Stay strong, keep pushing, lean on support, pray, and you will be a stronger person. XOXOX

Ashley

Reply

SUCH a good post/perspective! I learned the same things when I was going through that “situation”. You WILL survive and you WILL come out stronger and better – something that you don’t ever think will happen, but it does when you take the time you need to work THROUGH the situation instead of ignoring it. Your still in my prayers girl! :)

Reply

awesome post and I love your great attitude!

Reply

I’ve been reading your blog for a while, but never really commented. This post really hit home though – even though I only “found” running about a year ago, it has helped me through some of the most difficult situations and experiences I’ve had to deal with – not only because I find running to calm me down, but because it’s helped me mentally build strength. You will absolutely come out ahead on the other side, and cross that finish line grinning just like you do at any race you run. Hitting the wall is a part of life just as it is a part of running – the biggest thing is to always remember that you KNOW you can make it through that wall. You seem to have such a great support system around you with your family & friends, and of course Brooke.

Keep pushing through, you know the finish line will come soon enough :).

Reply

Awesome post! You are so strong.

Reply

Amen!

Reply

Beautifully written… You WILL get through this!

Reply

well said.

Reply

Lovely, just lovely. Just keep taking one mile at a time :)

Reply

Gotta love that brother in the blue shirt. He is one of my favorite people ever! (and his wife is pretty cool too) ;) Glad you have such an awesome family to be there for you.

Reply

Love this janae! I relate life to running as well and I’m a much better mom when I take one task at a time. You are such an inspiration and I’m so sorry for what you’re going through. Just know you have more support than many people could dream of.

Keep running and writing :)

Reply

You’re awesome. Keep the good attitude. Still in our prayers.

Reply

Oh friend, YES! Keep running. You’re going to get past this wall. Sending hugs and prayers your way!

Reply

Thinking of you Janae. You are obviously an incredibly strong person. You will pull through this! What a great mental outlook on it all. Sending lots of love and good wishes!

Reply

What a beautiful post! And so perfectly true. So glad you have such great support to get you through this tough time.

Reply

if you haven’t, please listen to the song “overcomer” by Mandisa. In my mind, music is therapy sorta like running is! This one really – especially while running – is one way i keep going. Love this post <3

Reply

Running helped me overcome the hardest thing in my life – which happened while I was deployed and homesick. Running is therapy for me. No matter what is going on in “real life”, the road is always there, always open.
Love this post, friend and love you! xoxo

Reply

I really admire your ability to keep your head up and such positive spirit during such a difficult time! The hard times only make us stronger people in the end!

Reply

I have a daughter near your daughter’s age and I couldn’t imagine adding the struggles of life and love with your spouse to the mix of everything else you have no your plate. You are a tough woman and will make it through all this stronger than before. And you will always have your daughters beautiful smile (and running) to keep you going :)

Reply

Great post and analogy. Everyone’s emotional endurance and perseverance is tested at some point in our lives and pushing through it help us appreciate better times. You’re very lucky to have such a great support system.

I’m currently at the post 1 year mark of a very difficult time in my life (the hardest thing I’ve ever emotionally gone through), and although I can’t say it’s void from my mind, I can say I’m a “heck” of a lot stronger.

I’m very sorry for what happened to your relationship, and wish you nothing but happiness.

Reply

Just wanted to let you know you are an awesome person and mother. This post made me tear up a little but it’s so true. You spoke to my heart. Just know that every mile brings you one step closer to the finish line. You also get stronger with every mile.

Reply

Hi, This is my first two weeks reading your blog and I am addicted! It is the last thing I read at night and the first thing I read when I wake up in the morning. In fact, I think I have HRG-fever. You are quite inspiring and your attitude is infectious. I am working towards running my first marathon in 2014, and you are helping me get there, one blog at a time! ;-)

Reply

Powerful words. Thanks!

Reply

You. Are. The. Best. S e r i o u s l y. I loved this. and i love your blog. and i love you. i want to punch billy in the neck for letting you get away. (not that i know deets and not that it’s my business. but i can’t help it. and i’ve never punched anyone in the neck. but i’m sure it would be painful). i think the world of you even though we’ve only ever talked once at yogurtland. also, the other night when you went to yogurtland with ash, i’m pretty sure i JUST missed you and was a little sad about it in a non-creeper way. anyway. i just want you to know that i’m praying for you and am grateful for your blog and the inspiration i get from it. sometimes when i’m having a crappy run i think about how much faster/farther/harder you run, and i tell myself to get over it (pretty sure it’s normal to think about you when i run??). okay. i’m getting crazy here. i hope some of this made sense. the end.

Reply

Thanks for continuing to inspire so many, even during a difficult time. You rock! :-)

Reply

Well this made me tear up. Even during tough times you still are a shining light. You got this girl, thank you for continually being an inspiration to so many of us!

Reply

I admire you for your positive outlook on life. And I love that you have such an amazingly supportive family. Hang in there, things are bound to get better. I found this quote on Pinterest the other day and thought I’d share:

“On particularly rough days when I’m sure I can’t possibly endure, I like to remind myself that my track record for getting through bad days so far is 100% and that’s pretty good.”

Reply

You are amazing, and so is your family. I freaking love you to pieces! xoxoxo

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *