The good, the bad and the ugly of 1/2 marathon or marathon training.

I ran 9 miles on the treadmill this morning.  That means I had 9 miles to think about random things like—>  the good, the bad and the ugly parts about training for long distance races:)  Here is my list… add to it in the comments PLEASE!!!

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(someone’s addicted to their garmin;)

The Good:

-Accomplishing a long run or speed workout feels pretty darn good.  It is kind of addicting.

-Seeing improvements.  I think humans love progression in all areas of life and when training for a race we see a whole lot of progression.  

-Running more miles means you’ve gotta keep up with those miles with calories… and we like calories :)

-If you run with a group, you will most likely bond even more on those crazy long runs that you go on together.  

-The end result is that you are running X (i.e. 13.1 or 26.2) amount of miles.  Not everyone can say that they have done that!

-You have a great excuse/reason to buy more workout clothes—>  um, hello.. you are always running and you NEED something to run in!

-In the summer:  Crazy tan lines from running outside so much.  Some may put this in the bad category but for some reason all of the tan lines make me feel hard core. 

-You will memorize every word of your favorite runnings songs because you will be listening to them a lot more than usual.  This is always impressive when you bust out song lyrics in front of other people.  

-You will sleep like a rock.  I find whenever I am marathon training I fall right asleep the second my head hits the pillow.  I like going to bed at night knowing I pushed myself.

-You are setting a great example to your friends/family/kids/co-workers/neighbors about the importance of exercise and setting goals!

The Bad:

-Your grocery bill.  Burning 1000s of calories from all of your running can be quite pricey especially if you are refueling with nutrient dense foods.

-You will probably lose some friends due to the fact that you go to bed at 8:00 pm for your long run each weekend.

-More workouts = I should wash my hair more often.  Key word—> should.

-The aches and pains that hopefully just stay aches and pains and don’t turn into injuries.

-Foam rolling is an important part of training but man, that thing induces a lot of pain.   

And The Ugly:

-The chafing.  I have quite the nice little sports bra chafing scar hanging out on the top of my rib cage.

-Your toenails.  

-Me doing Yasso 800s on the treadmill.  That wasn’t pretty yesterday.  

And a few things from today. 

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I think it might be time for me to get a new gym bag.

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Lunch hit. the. spot.  Bbq shredded chicken, cucumber and avocado sandwich with an organic protein smoothie

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Spent a few minutes at the park with my Paige this morning.

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My mom made this Cranberry Jello for the first time a few months ago and ever since then we request it at every family get together.  It is sweet and tart and just amazing.

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What do you have to add to my list about the good, the bad and the ugly;)

Jello person?!?

Do you have cute feet or runner’s feet?

Have any aches or pains right now from training?  Where?

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122 comments

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When a new song comes on the radio and your first thought is “Oh my gosh, this would be the PERFECT song to do speed work to.”

When I see a carb and do a mini-speed workout to sprint to it.

Love all things on this list, have an awesome night!!!

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hahaha yes, that is exactly what I do when I hear a new song:)

mmm…. carbs.

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Me too!! I just added a few songs to my playlist but I have to wait. Rest day tomorrow since I have run 3 days in a row (which is a lot for me).

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The bad is the chafing. I got some awful thigh chafing from a run in the pouring rain last week. I am still recovering.

I used to lose a toenails but after working in running speciality, I learned wearing the right sized pair of shoes helps to reduce that. I haven’t lost one since!

I hope you are having a great day J!

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This list is so true!
Jello: yes, but I never make it.
My feet are actually pretty good. I use dark polish to cover up the occasional black toenail:)
I’m feeling coming back from achilles tendinopathy and feeling good from the rest!

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SOOOO good that you are feeling good after taking some time away from running! Good call on dark toe nail polish!

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Cranberry jello sounds delicious! Cranberries are a favorite of mine. Now that I think about it, I haven’t had jello in a long time.

I’m feeling pretty good right now, but I have a feeling I’m going to be sore tomorrow. My upper body workout this morning was intense!

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Good: You always come home in a better mood than when you left. Even if the run wasn’t good.

Chafing sucks. I have a sports bra scar as well. I’ve never lost a toenail before. I’ve been doing marathons for 9 years and done over 30 now and still nothing. I sorta feel left out of an exclusive club or something! My feet are…feet? I don’t think any are pretty but they aren’t mangled or anything!

I love jello. Husband hates it. Plus side – more for me!

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Aches and pains are always my calf and shin from previous injury. And I most definitely have runners feet!
Your Yasso’s yesterday inspired me to do my own today! Although much slower….

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WAY TO GO on your workout today!!! Hope your calf/shins aches go away forever!

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The good: training makes my mental math skills sharp since I’m always calculating goal pace, time, or mile splits. I’ve become better at mental math than my engineering husband!
The bad: my wedding dress was too big on me because I started half marathon training 6 weeks before the big day! I had to slouch because it felt like it was going to fall off if I stood up straight!
The ugly: snot rockets on long runs, especially if it’s allergy season.

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That sandwich looks AMAZING. What kind of bread is it?

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Hey Stephanie! It is Squaw bread from Costco. It is our absolute favorite!

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Runners with cute feet are annoying. Although a little nail polish hides my missing toenail I seem to loose the right big toenail every September. Weird.
I’m sore all over. 3 long runs in 26 hours for ultra relay training.

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You are incredible. Great job on THREE long runs in a little over a day!?! You are my hero. I agree, runners with cute feet… not fair.

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The Ugly- my hair used to fuse into super knots on long run days that were humid! I had to braid it and put in extra bands and it would still knot up.
I recently chopped it off and couldn’t be happier not to deal with that anymore!

I have terrible feet, but got a pedicure hours after finished my last half- hot stone massage and sugar scrub on my legs was AMAZING!

I’m always a little achy in my hamstrings and IT band from training, but luckily I have been injury free so far in my “running career” since 2012!

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TOENAILS! I am so glad I am not the only one that has issues! How do you bring that up in convo with your friends that aren’t runners……awkward!!

When I run long runs I just wish I had buddies to run with. The few friends I have here that run are all on different schedules than me and have kids.

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You just don’t bring it up with non-runners. I wear socks at all times.

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No jello. Gimme cake. Thanks.

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I managed to hurt my foot on a run a couple weeks ago. I made an appointment to get it looked at but I had to paint my toenails a dark shade of purple before I went ;) I was so embarrassed by my three black toenails… Which I’m sure he’s seen a million of! But yeah, the ugly is definitely the aches/injuries. It’s tough to not run when your training plan is laying there screaming your name.

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hahaha good call on painting your toenails right before the appointment.

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Loved your list.!! Agreed with them all.

And awee. Your gym bag. I have a suuper nice gym bag that I have NEVER used. I put gym bags to shame. Unlike you.

And oh gosh I have crusty runners feet..
and I have been out wi th an injured groin for the last almost 2 weeks :/

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I never had great feet but they are in their own category now. Not good! Agree with everything, except sadly no tan in the summer since I run so early!

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I just started day 2 of my first marathon training! So I am loving today’s post. As far as the good, nothing felt better than crossing the finish line of my first half marathon. So thinking of that is going to keep me going during training for the full.

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You’ve got this Eileen! I am STOKED for your first marathon!!!!

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If you need a new gym bag that’s a sure sign that you definitely need new Lulu workout clothes. ;)

Hope y’all are having a great day!

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I REALLY like the way you think.

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Your sandwich combo looks so good!! I’m going to have to try that flavor combo!

I’m a jello pudding person if that counts! Love me some chocolate pudding. :D

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I don’t eat jello, just think it’s gross (sorry!). But, I have really ugly runners feet, and I recently started doing yoga. Everyone in yoga knows when you’re a runner because you have the ugliest feet there!

I agree with your whole list :). You do find out who your real friends are when you train for an endurance event bc they will understand that you go to bed early and not think you’re lame. They’ll also do nice things for you like have a water bottle out when you run near their home, ride a bike beside you, answer questions, etc.

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Cure for the sports bra chaffing – body glide across that area when getting dressed. Life changing.

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Good: just how good a nap feels on Sundays
Ugly: every now and again I’ll hit a hangry moment.

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Funny how you mentioned pain, because about 4/5 of the way through my run this morning, I rolled my ankle completely sideways and took a spill. It’s not looking pretty at all and I am currently icing like a mad woman. Sad day.

The Good – Amazing people you meet.
The Bad – Injuries
The Ugly – Bathroom issues. Never pretty.

My left foot is really cute while my right foot is not. Poor righty.

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The bad: people are always accusing me of limping (in a very accusatory fashion), because I am often hobbling a little thanks to sore quads (downhills), little aches and pains (distance in general), and a tricky ankle/achilles that almost never bothers me running but acts up later when I am walking.

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I know what you mean about the limping accusations!! It’s like, I’m tired, OF COURSE I’m not floating along, thanks so much for pointing that out.

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I can’t remember the last time I had cute feet. Even though summer is my favorite season, I dread wearing sandals for this reason!

My injuries tend to involve either shin splints or Achilles tendinitis. But I know a lot of good stretches so I try to keep them at bay.

I love jello!

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I’m plagued with the Achilles problems, too. So mean. And I know the stretches and the maintenance. But I still slack occasionally and apparently you just never ever ever get to slack ever again.

#noflexibility
Sadness.

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My feet aren’t completely runners feet but they aren’t pretty feet either!

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I actually have fairly decent runner’s feet – it wasn’t until the tail end of marathon training that I had blisters and stuff.

No big aches/pains from training – but I am keeping it light and easy!

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So true about the toes and basically everything. But all the good really outweighs the bad. My plantar fascia is bugging me a ton right now. I’m doing a lot of golf ball rolling right now.

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I try my hardest to have cute feet butttttt you know how that goes! I feel like pedicures are totally wasted on me!

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My toenails have not seen the light of day in over a decade. Dark polish is mandatory. So that’s kind of an ugly made good. ;-)
I also miss my warm bed in the morning, but the benefit outweighs the need for a few extra minutes in bed!
The good: I am mentally sane when I run regularly!

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The good: a sweet new PR or really great run.
The bad: the number of dollars I spend on new shoes, hahahah!
The ugly: snot rockets, bathroom issues, ponytails dripping with sweat and my feet!

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Ok I love that you said SHOULD wash your hair more often… I sometimes feel like I am the only person that doesn’t wash my hair everyday! How often would you say you do wash yours because today is Wednesday and I haven’t washed it since… well i’m not so sure I want to admit that on the internet!!haha!!

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HAHAHA TMI on the internet is never a bad thing;) On average, every 3-4 days. I have issues.

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Ok well if 3-4 times a week is you having issues than I must need professional help cause I am more on the 2-3 times a week side… whoops!!

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Not 3-4 times a week… every 3-4 days a week so at most 2 times a week:)

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Jell-o…..yes please!
My toes took a beating training for a running the Dopey 48.6 But who cares……I was and still so happy that I did it! :)

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I agree with all of those and one on my list in the ugly category or maybe just bad would be the laundry increase. I personally hate doing/putting away laundry but when I have stinky sweaty clothes I feel like I should probably wash them asap.

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SOOOOO TRUE!!!!!!!

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There are so many good things! I love the good!
The bad, for me lately, is that even though I keep going on with the rest of my day-after a long run I am TIRED!!!!

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I have ugly runner/gymnast feet….no amount of lotion or nail polish can fix them!

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The good: sounds silly but I feel so gorgeous after a long run. This transfers positively into certain relations with my husband. Maybe I’m the only runner?

The bad: my workout laundry basket is always stinky.

The ugly: I use my gloves as kleenex. Gross, I know.

I am currently training for my first marathon and feeling so good about it. My only complaint is that my hamstrings are feeling especially tight lately. Maybe I need to work out my post run stretching routine.

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I seriously love what you said about feeling gorgeous after a run. You are awesome and I don’t think you are alone;)

YES YES YES!!! Work on the post run stretching. You are going to rock your first marathon!

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YES Kristen work on your stretching! I got injured after my first marathon bc my hamstrings and IT bands were so tight it threw off how my knee was moving andO started getting terrible knee pain if I tried to run. Had to go to physical therapy and took about 2 months off running at least. Stretching, foam rolling and strengthening my flutes has helped prevent it from happening again! It was so hard to get into the stretching habit at first but you get used to it. Good luck on your first marathon!!! :)

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LOL strengthening my GLUTES. Not flutes! Oops :)

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Don’t even get me started on our grocery bill! A bit obscene for 2 people but what can ya do? We love our good food. That bbq chicken and avocado looks amazing. And the jello–gotta try it. Thanks for always posting the recipes. I love that. I think my feet look OK because I always get pedicures but when I go in and they take off the nail polish, usually 2-3 nails are just black and blue (hey, I am just happy they are still there!)

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I just started training for my first Half, so I have nothing to add…yet. I am sure I will by the time I get done in May! I will ♥ this post on Bloglovin though…so I can go back and re-read it as I get futher into my training. So far I haven’t hit many of them yet. Like going to bed at 8pm? The horror!! I cannot imagine..I’m a night owl, so that scares me. So far I get up around 7 or 8 and run around 9 or 10..

So far I have pretty runners feet…I hope that lasts..
Oh and yes….LOVE JELLO!

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So true about the toes & everything else too! My plantar fascitis is cramping big time lately. I’ve been having to roll with the golf ball. Ugh…

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yumm that protein drink looks delicious! How is it?

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Haha Yes, yes, yes to your first three “Bads” I eat a TON and spend way more money than I probably should on groceries (weather that is due to running.. who knows :))
I also don’t think people who aren’t close friends realize that I’m not kidding when I tell them how early I go to bed haha.
And the hair… yep, I could probably train for an Ultra and still not wash my hair every day… whoops!

Before I picked up running, I ran for 16 years. To say my feet are callused would be the understatement of the century. I’ve actually never had a pedicure because I am scared to get rid of them haha.

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Do you use something to track your calorie/carb/protein counts?

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“-You will sleep like a rock. I find whenever I am marathon training I fall right asleep the second my head hits the pillow. I like going to bed at night knowing I pushed myself.”

Does this mean you’re tired for the rest of the day? How do you usually feel after your daily workouts for the rest of the day?

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I have had so many aches and pains and injuries. Currently runners knee on the right side and my calf/peroneus muscle is just tender 24/7. Talk about foam roll pain. And my left hamstring is tight and kinda tingles. I’m a mess. Phooey.

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I LOVE the feeling of accomplishment that comes with training for a race! It is the best! I have only ever trained for half marathons, but I bet a marathon is even more incredible :) I am with you on the ugly feet ha! I always have blisters, even if I am only running short distances and not training for anything ha!

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I am a jello person, and I love fruit in my jello! :) That looks yummy!

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I miss training!! I don’t have any races on the schedule right now so my runs are all just easy. I do try and do a longer run on Saturdays and I can feel such a difference on those days! I’ll admit, I do miss constantly being rungry. I have a pain in my left hamstring not from running but from my basketball game last night!

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I grew up with my My mom making g s similar jello mold. Only it had a layer of sour cream in the middle! :)

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I would add happy endorphins to the list and keeping relationships with family/friends/loved ones sane. A negative for me would be waking early and lost time for other activities that just can’t be squeezed into the day.

That sandwich looks yummers! Which reminds me that I have a delicious avocado waiting at home that better ripen soon.

Have a wonderful evening!

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I actually get tired of eating during high mileage training times – I’m just constantly hungry! My non-running friends get mad at me when I whine about it though :)

I never go out of my way to have jello, but it’s really good when I do have it.

I have runners feet. For sure. Keep socks on ’em! ;)

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Training….the good: not having to make a decision at 5:12 a.m. what type of run I am going to do (thank you, training plan!); the bad: anxiety about injury (Boston, I will run you); the ugly: the pain of fingers warming up after a super cold run.

Jell-no. Texture issue:)

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The good- endorphins endorphins endorphins!! :) I may be running off them right now :) not gonna lie, my feet are a hot mess. #worthit :)

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The good:
Being able to eat whatever you want
The finisher’s medal and t-shirt
People think you’re less crazy when you’re running to train v. running for fun

The bad:
Waking up at 4:30 AM
Gu costs way too much money

The ugly:
Black toenails
Swollen legs
The smell of my dirty clothes hamper

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For serious chafing under the ribcage, I use deodorant first then body glide!!!!

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Brilliant.

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Deodorant, then body glide, then a top coat of Vaseline. I have thigh-chafe issues.

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The Ugly: Runner’s trots. Let’s be honest–we’re all friends here. I’ve come home with one less sock on more than one occassion!

The Good: You are so impressive to other people! I’m constantly told that I run SO much. It makes me feel good!

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I just picked up gelatin and pure grape juice today to make my own jello this weekend! So yes, I’m a fan :)

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Sports bra chafing scars are seriously the worst. The last time I went to the doctor, I had to explain what was going on there.

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The tan lines definitely make me feel hard core!

My gym bag is the exact same (thanks lulu!) in only slightly better shape.

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No problems with toenails but super U-G-L-Y blood blisters and huge callouses on the feet and toes. Should I pummice them off, or are they needed for future runs? I’ve asked but never settled this question.

No Jello for me. Weird food of which I ate too much as a child.

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The Good: When you look around you, take a breathe, feel your lungs fill with air, and realize the world is beautiful.

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I have monster callouses on my big toes and the back of my heels is always dry. I can proudly say, though, that I have never lost a toenail. It may have something to do with my feet being a size 8-1/4, so I wear an 8-1/2 shoe which leaves plenty of room for the toes (no jamming into the front of the shoe).
The bad part about running: meniscus tears in both knees, posterior shin splints and a terrible vertical stress fracture in my right tibia. I’m actually recovering right now from the stress fracture. BUT: after being sidelined from running for 2 months and starting back in December, I can now run 3 miles – 3 times a week without pain. Ortho said to take it really SLOW, so I’m listening (for once).
The good: running after you’ve been sidelined for awhile feels SOOOO good. I’ve learned to cross train and “run” on the elliptical. Coordinating my running shirt, shoes and calf sleeves!!!!
Best of all…a clear head when I’m done.

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I’ve been reading your blog for a while but never comment. I love it. Thanks for making me want to be a better runner… I just finished my first half and signed up for another half. I love your list. I never had bra chaffing until I ran that first half…it was not pretty. As far as toenails go, my husband’s a podatrist so he always assures me that my “ugly” feet could always be worse….and he gives good foot rubs too.

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Running just makes me happy all the time.

This is a very nice list.

My nail girl is constantly wondering what I do to my feet. LOL
You would think the same answer “it’s my running” would sink in. But…no.

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The good: training for a distance race makes me feel hard core. I like feeling hard core. Don’t you? Also, I get focused and goal driven which I think are good traits.
The bad: taking it indoors (even though it’s improving my speed) and driving DH crazy because I make him go to the gym with me ALOT.

Jello: I can take it or leave it, but it has to have cool whip or forget it. I prefer pudding.

My feet are mostly in good condition for now. I get occasional blisters but they aren’t dry and rough. I think I am working on the first lost toenail. It’s been looking and feeling weird for a few weeks. We shall see.

My right leg usually gives me grief in some form or another. Right now it’s my right quad and is agitated by a 9 mile run followed by leg day at the gym. I will go to the chiro soon because getting my hips lined up helps with the whole leg thing.

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Oh…. And another good: NEW RUNNING SHOES!!!

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I have NO IDEA what kind of running form I have that would give me this but I always chafe on the fleshy bit of my right upper arm. Not my left one, just my right one. Lame. And I have a chafing scar from my water belt during my ultra. I kinda like it though.

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I suffer from really bad plantar fasciitis right now. I was supposed to go to the gym after work today but I was on my feet for 12 hours and I just about wanted to cry from the shooting pain. So that to me is the ugly!

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Not to brag, but I think I have cute runners feet! They do look a little worse for the wear after some long runs though. Thank goodness for pedicures!

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I still have my toenails… But no matter what shoes I wear, I always get blisters on long runs! And sometimes they are gross blood blisters and people always point them out. I don’t like them, but I dont hate them enough not to wear sandals in the summer!!! Gotta love/hate a good foam rolling sesh!

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Wow, J. You hit the nail on the head with the good, bad and ugly. I think you could add to the list “major bragging rights” and the ability to be part of the “running community” — right? Happy training! :)

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The good – when you nail a hard workout (800 or mile repeats) with the times you were aiming for and you just. feel. awesome!
There are so many good! Making it to the top of a gnarly hill on a trail run and be rewarded with a beautiful view… running a PR, making great running friends…

The ugly – bathroom issues on a long run – and having to get picked up, because it was THAT bad. UGH.

Feet are feet – they are in a better category just after a pedicure… I need to schedule more of those :)

Your Mom’s jello looks so much like the jello dish my Mom makes for Thanksgiving!!! Whoa!

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Total runners feet!

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I’ve had bad experiences with jello. Mostly green. So it’s not really something we “do” around here.

Cute feet or runner’s feet? I have ugly, duck feet — but they’d look that way if I was running or not. They’re probably my least favorite feature.

I’ve learned to pull the drawstrings out of my capris because once I got the worst chafing. Didn’t realize it until I stepped under the shower and OUCH! did it hurt.

The only thing I could think to add to the bad is the extra laundry. I also have a friend who always asks how many miles I ran over the weekend — so in the good column — the “admiration” from others. :)

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The good – that after run high, especially after a long run or a PR during training.
The bad – running in the summer, it gets pretty hot in Idaho not matter what time you go, all that sweating leads to chaffing which leads to just painful!
The ugly – toenails – I 100% agree. I have the ugliest feet. I danced from age 4-20 so that started it, then I started running so they never stood a chance!

Jello is one of those desserts I forget about, it’s so good! I usually only eat it though when I’m sick.

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Yes runners feet ughhhhhh! and i have got horrible red scar marks underneath each boob with sports bra chafing :s still love it though x

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the ugly is definitely the chafing- I’ve got scars on my back and chest from bras and hydration bags. Another bad/ugly can also be getting up obscenely early to get a long run in before a weekend jam packed with plans like weddings!

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Bad = long runs when it’s cold and dark outside
Good = long runs when it’s cold and dark outside (!), getting warm afterwards, and spending a good percentage of your free time reading running blogs and articles so that you know you’re in REALLY good company!

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Running aches and pains: my chin and jaw- I fell really hard on my run this morning and have a nasty cut on my chin and my jaw is so sore that I can only eat soft foods. Hopefully I wake up a bit better tomorrow. Unfortunately I have to wear a dressing on my chin for the next week and I have so many work meetings to attend! Can’t remember the last time I fell while running. At least no one saw me fall! And it gave me an excuse not to do my hill repeats this morning. Got to find the positives!!

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The good:
After you get to put your feet up, watch tv series and feel totally not guilty!

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My hip area has been giving me some pain after my 16 miler this past weekend…I did my last run today before the 18 miler so I am hoping a solid day of rest tomorrow will help! Any tips for pain in that area? Nothing awful- just noticeable.

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KT tape! There’s a video on YouTube. It’s really helping my hip pain that started after an 18 miler on Tuesday.

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Oh the high grocery bill….the worst!! I have “organic tendencies” (i.e. I mostly buy organic) so this quickly added up last summer/fall during marathon training. Oh and I’m still losing toenails, and my marathon was in October!

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The good: You are constantly accomplishing things you thought you couldn’t do! That’s the best feeling in the world to me!

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Is that a half eaten cookie in the compartment in your car picture?!?!

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HAHAH close… half-eaten KIND bar:)

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The good: feeling strong and confident
The bad: exhaustion is a normal part of my routine now
The ugly: injuries, chafing, and falling once in a while :-/

I have feet that only a runner can appreciate ;)

I am dealing with PF and I’m not super happy about it. My podiatrist is working with me so that I can continue to run through it. I’m currently icing, seeing a chiro, wearing inserts, and a boot at night. Next up is therapy and possibly shock wave therapy. I’m also seriously considering acupuncture.

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I have cute feet… from a distance;-)
I actually have dorsal midfoot exostosis- a bony lump on the top of my feet. I have to pick shoes carefully to fit. OH, super sad moment recently, I tried on the pair of Frye boots I’ve wanted for years and realized I can never wear them:-(

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My family makes that same cranberry jello and is always a big hit! We add some chopped celery, too to give it a bit more crunch and a little bit of fiber.

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Now that I know how much easier it is to run w another person, running those long distances by myself on a treadmill is much more tortuous. That is definitely a bad thing. What would make it good is if I was at my old gym where there was a giant cardio cinema where you could watch movies on a giant screen in the dark and run. That was definitely good.

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I think I have cute feet? But I try and get a pedicure every so often so I can keep them from looking terrible!

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It is impossible to have cute runner feet lol. Even in the summer I wear shoes because nobody needs to see the terror that are my feet!

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I am training easy right now. I have a half marathon in June and a full in November, so I am easing my way up. I can already hit 10 miles no sweat so I am just waiting for some warmer weather to start doing speed workouts.

I do not have cute feet. Only babies have cute feet.

I don’t know how I feel about jello……………I like jello jigglers sometimes……….

And I would say the good-feeling pretty amazing when you tell someone you are running today and they say “how far” and you say “just 12 miles” and they go “JUST?!” makes me feel good!

The bad-rain………..when you start the weather is fine, you get half way in and realize you still have over an hour of running and suddenly it is pouring!! I love the rain, but only if I am prepared to run in it.

The ugly-the layers of sweat, salt, and snot that cake on your face!

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For the summer I would say chafing in spots you never imagined would be top of the list!! – and you think “drenching myself with water during the long run to cool down wasn’t such a great idea after all!” :)

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The good:
Eating all the food.
Catching up on podcasts or audiobooks.
Salted caramel Gu.

The bad:
Trying to get to bed early enough to get a decent amount of sleep before waking at 4 am for a run.
Fretting over aches and pains (ended up with a stress fracture during my first half-marathon training cycle).
Having to run in the dark b/c it’s the only time I can fit it in… I like the quiet but sometimes get the heebie-jeebies.

The ugly:
Toenails, for sure.

My mom has been making that same (basically) jello recipe since the dawn of creation and everyone loves it! She has to make it for all family functions, but she makes like a triple batch b/c my cousins all fight over the leftovers. Best addition- she waits until it is half-way set, then sprinkles mini-marshmallows over the top. YUMMMMM!

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HA! The bad: going to bed at 8:00 pm. So true! I guess waking up at crazy early hours on the weekend to fit in a long run is another bad addition to that one… it’s so hard to get up when the family is all sleeping in!

Chafing is definitely the ugly. And sleeping like a rock is one of the best perks! No problem sleeping here, just wish I could sleep MORE :)

I have “runner’s feet” but do my best to keep my nails painted to disguise that. I’m tempted to try Jamberry nail things on my toes but thought the running may destroy them… maybe it’s worth a shot to have cute feet for once!

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Also need a new gym bag. Also find it expensive to buy good food. Why do we get punished for buying healthy food when junk food is so much cheaper?? It will pay off in the end i hope :)

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Wonderful blog. Thanks for sharing.
Marathon Training Program

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I’m more of a cyclist and want to start running, but every time I hear a runner talk about chaffing and their feet, I start to think I will stick with cycling! lol

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Not really a jello fan…
13 marathons and 15 halfs, and not one blister on my foot! They’re looking pretty good! :)

Need to stay on top of keeping my quads, hammies and glutes loose otherwise my knee gets pulled out of alignment – OUCH!

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I definitely have runner’s feet.

Also – chaffing. So, when I reached ~10 miles in my training last year, I started chaffing on my rib cage right under the bottom band of my sports bra. It was only on long runs. It was driving me insane (and it was quite painful). I bought a few rolls of coban and I would wrap just under the bottom band of my sports bra and it did the trick at allowing the area to heal while I continued training.

Now, I’m really picky about my sports bras (I know exactly which types of materials will chaff me and which won’t) and I haven’t had a recurrence of the situation. Hopefully that helps :)

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The WORST runners feet EVER. I lose toenails like it’s my job…and YES I have tried everything. *sniff sniff*

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