It’s been a long time since I hung out on the sidewalk for a bit because I was beat after finishing my workout. This week has been a tough week of workouts because we are doing a cycle of 3 weeks of buildup followed by 1 week of recovering (next week—> mileage/intensity cut down). The workout itself was tough but the combination of this week’s workouts leading up to it made it feel extra hard.
I texted my coach afterwards and he was very sympathetic towards my complaining:)
1 mile warm-up @ 8:07
15 minutes @ tempo = 6:42 average pace
4 minutes @ recovery pace
15 minutes @ tempo = 6:40 average pace
4 minutes @ recovery pace
15 minutes @ tempo = 6:37 average pace
4 minutes @ recovery pace
1 mile cool-down @ 8:04
10 miles total with a 7:11 average pace. Besides being pretty tired after this, I am excited because that tempo pace is starting to feel a lot more comfortable than it used to.
Bring on the recovery week:)
A reader sent me this quote yesterday and I kept thinking about it during my run. I love it because our thought processes shape everything and such simple words can make a huge impact on us:
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Somehow Brooke still loves me when I am a sweat ball after a workout.
Breakfast——> pancakes.
Lunch—> turkey burger salad with string cheese and banana/almond butter.
And my favorite cooking buddy.
PS this makes me really happy! I don’t know Amber personally but a lot of my running friends do and I am SOOOO stoked that she qualified for Olympic Trials! Her first marathon was in 2000 and she finished in 4:23 and two weeks ago she finished Grandma’s Marathon in 2:41:19!!!! The last four times she tried to qualify for the Olympic Trials she finished within a minute of qualifying… she kept on trying and got it last month. She is amazing!
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Pancakes or waffles? What do you prefer?
What did you have for lunch today?
Who has done Grandma’s Marathon? Thoughts on the course?
What year was your first race?
62 comments
Susan
Waffles! Lunch today was a burrito + baby carrots. I have only done one race in my whole life. I was 11 years old and ran a 5K just on a whim. I finished in 30 minutes and was so proud of myself!! Amber’s story is so inspiring!
Stephanie
I like both! And with bacon!!!
Lunch was a turkey sandwich.
My first race was last year. Cancer is what got me running and I haven’t stopped yet.
Johanna B
Lunch today was a jalapeno cheddar burger with no bun, green beans, homemade mashed potatoes and a fresh fruit salad. It’s my Friday and it tasted wonderful. Enjoy the 4th.
Sarah @ SarahRuns26
I go thru phases, but generally speaking waffles, with peanut butter and berries on top.
My first race was in 2006 and I’m at 36 marathons so far! Grandma’s marathon is on the list that I still want to do!!
Heidi @ artistandathlete
It’s a gorgeous course!
Johanna B
Sorry, I forgot that I wanted to answer this question.
My first race was the Crescent City Classic 10K in New Orleans. I have never been as proud as I was walking under that finish line and getting my t-shirt.
Angela @ North Idaho Runner
Pancakes….with a light spreading of almond butter and then topped with pure maple syrup…. this is the best running food if eaten about 2 hours prior to heading out
A bacon, egg + potato burrito from my fave Mexican place that is conveniently located down the alley from our office…
First race was early 2014….I’m a relatively new runner!
Natalie
That’s a tough, solid workout you had. Nice!
I love pancakes and waffles. Can I just have both??
I had a turkey sandwich and Wheat Thins for lunch with gummy bears for dessert. :)
I can’t remember when my first race was. I’m trying to decide when my next one will be, though, which is encouraging after not being able to race for so long now!
Rachel @ Simply Rachel Nicole
The story about Amber is absolutely incredible!!! And that quote is so amazing! I love it!
Kathee
Pancakes….Sammich….2010.
I ran too this am. 6am, 6 miles. Man it’s getting hot early. Running up the canyon tomorrow. Love our mountains!!
Jenny
Waffles because they dont get soggy as fast.
Today I had an egg salad. Yesterday I was inspired by your salads for lunch so I made one. Deliciousness. That will be happening more often.
Thank for that!
Stacey
Both!! I love syrup, so whatever vehicle it may be, it’s amazing. For lunch today, I had a banana and spinach smoothie with a turkey sandwich, chips, and teddy grahams. Delish. I’ve never run Grandma’s but it sounds really fun. My first race was in 1995 — so this is my 20th anniversary year of that race!! My second race was July 4, 1995, and I’m running it on Saturday to celebrate :)
How amazing would it be to qualify for the Olympics?! I’d only need to knock off… 50ish minutes from my PR time. A girl can dream…
Nice workout! Oh, and I love your tank top!
Catherine
Ummmmm…that shirt!!! Where?! How much?! Gimme!!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Hey Catherine!! I got it from Nike about a year ago… I’ll check around to see if I can find it anywhere!!!
Hollie
That workout just sounds intense. I always run in the morning because it’s just so hot in the PM.
I like waffles better because you can add more syrup LOL.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Your syrup comment is one of the many reasons I wish we could hang out in real life.
kellye
Where do you get that pancake mix?! I saw it on shark tank and am not sure where to find it!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Hey Kellye!! You can order them here: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_grocery?ie=UTF8&field-brandtextbin=Kodiak+Cakes&node=16310101
Seriously so good!
Tara
Biggest Loser Pancakes!! You can’t even taste the cottage cheese and they freeze well!
The Hungry Runner Girl
I’ve always wanted to try out pancakes with cottage cheese. I might have to try out their recipe! Thanks Tara!
Nona @ RunningHigh
Pancakes! Lunch today was thai food for my coworker’s birthday! Wooo free lunch!
Natalie
My first race was in high school for cross country!!
Amber’s story is AWESOME. So inspiring!
Ooooh, l love pancakes and waffles!!
Lunch was a big salad and fruit
I have heard nothing but great things about Grandma’s Marathon. I want to run it because I love Minnesota. #beautiful
Molly Rose
pancakes AND waffles! don’t make me pick, I thought we were friends?!
“grandma’s marathon” is a pretty funny name for a race! I am always in awe of people who start their love for running at one pace and then get crazy fast!? big congrats to Amber!!
Doni @ My adventures in living
Wow! Amber’s progression is amazing!
Pancakes. Definitely pancakes.
Great job on your tough workout!
Caroline
Waffles & pancakes remind me of holidays in the U.S. so both please :)
Sweaty hill reps this evening but felt good after.
I’m going to think of Ambers progress at my next “I can’t, I can’t, I can’t” session!
Tedi @ Running With Infertility
I had a turkey roll up (turkey lunch meat, pickles, and a string cheese) it was pretty fulfilling. :) I also had a little hummus and celery, OH I can’t forget the chocolate cinnamon bears! yum!
The hubby told me about Amber last night – I couldn’t believe the progress she has made. It gave me some strength to know that I can get faster. :)
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
Pancakes over waffles, but I’d never say no to waffles.
Lunch was a burger and fries. Heavy, but it’s my favorite post race food!
I ran my first race in 2014, so I’m still pretty new to it all!
Jeanne
Grandma’s Marathon was my first marathon 20 years ago and is my favorite. I’ve run it 4 times and the half marathon several times, as well. Lake Superior is on your left the entire time and is just beautiful. Throughout the race you see the lift bridge in Duluth, your final destination. It’s mostly flat with a few hills in the last 6 or so miles. Very beautiful, I highly recommend it!
The Hungry Runner Girl
That is so so awesome Jeanne!! You are making me really want to do it now! Sounds beautiful!
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job
Lately I think I’m more of a waffle girl. I have those pancakes at home here and I wasn’t a huge fan. I also only made them with water though so maybe I will try with some milk or something to fluff them up a bit!
Jen@milesandblessings
When you do long speed work like that do you do it on a track or just look for a flat road :)?
Pancakes…but I honestly love both!
Kim
I ran my first BQ at Grandma’s Marathon. Beautiful point-to-point course and it’s fast. I know so many runners with marathon PRs from Grandma’s. The water stations were awesome – both sides of the road and really long! Duluth has a small-town feel and it seems like the whole town is helping out with the race in one way or another. If you go, make your hotel reservations early.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Wow, that sounds absolutely amazing. I’m going to have to do it next year:) Thanks Kim!!!
Suzy
My first full marathon was in 1998, when I was 20 years old and I finished it in 4:16. The fastest I’ve run one since then was in 2012 in 3:10. Amber’s progress is really inspiring! Thanks for sharing that. How cool.
MK
So inspiring! It’s awesome to see momma runners doing big things (like you!!)
Sally @ sweat out the small stuff
Waffles!
First race 2006 first marathon 2011
I had cereal for lunch. Yup. It was yummy.
Jessica @ VEGGIE RUNNING MOMMA
That sounds like a REALLY hard work out. geez your coach has really been working you. lol Good job girl.!
I love pancakes and waffles.! I will never choose.! lol
My first race was like 2004 or 2005. I was just a wee jr higher so ready to run my first 3k.
Jennifer @ JenChoosesJoy
Waffles!
Lunch: pitaya bowl with kiwi and peaches on top
First race: Country Music Half Marathon
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me
I love the shirt from your workout! Also, might I just say, you seem like you are killing it this training cycle! I don’t know the first thing about training for a marathon, but you continue to impress me with your dedication, Janae. I just know this one is it.
Pancakes or waffles? Pancakes. There is no comparison.
For lunch today I had a cool egg salad sandwich that hit the spot perfectly!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
Always pancakes. I can’t even remember the last time I ate a waffle. Do you think you would ever try to qualify for the Olympics?
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona
I’m all about pancakes!
Sarah
Holy smokes! Ambers story is incredible!!!! I love it.
tess
I love her story…So great. I’ve followed her progress only recently and I’m so excited for her! What amazing progress.
Now I want pancakes.
tess
I love her story…So great. I’ve followed her progress only recently and I’m so excited for her! What amazing progress.
Now I want pancakes.
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul
What an awesome cooking buddy!
Amanda B @ Cupcakes & Miles
Pancakes! Definitely!
For lunch I had a spicy tuna wrap from Earl of Sandwich.
I haven’t done Grandma’s yet, but I would to.
And, my first race was in 2012. It was my first 5k.
Amanda @ Slimplify Life
If Amber could just pour her 4xx –> 2xx time into my life that would be great. Or maybe share her secrets?! GO GIRL!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West
Protein pancakes all the way! I had a green smoothie for lunch today, and it was delicious. Nice job on your tough workouts. What’s that saying? What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger? So true!
jade
I prefer waffles…so many tiny pools for the syrup! I had spaghetti and meat sauce for lunch.
My very first 10 K race was so far back, I think dinosaurs still roamed the earth. First marathon was in 95. Grandma’s Marathon is one I’ve always wanted to do, and Amber is amazing!
Mary
How do I determine what my pace should be for a tempo run?
Nina
Pancakes, I never really feel full from a waffle which is weird since they are the same ingredients. I had Ezekiel toast with almond butter and banana. My first half marathon I wore my Team in Training singlet and compression shorts. Sunglasses and a hat. I have the finishers photo. :)
Olivia Crew
The year of my first marathon is 2015!!! That’s right, I will be running my first marathon in October and I could not be more excited! :)
Adrienne
WAFFLES!!!
Julia Thorne
My first marathon is coming up this year!!
Ocotber 24 2015 :)
Molly
What happened to your wireless headphones?
Stephanie
Thanks for sharing the quote. :) glad it helped you through that crazy-hard workout! I’ll definitely be using it to push through when doubt tries to creep in. Mental toughness!
My first race was two years ago. I’ve not been a runner for long.
Pecan waffles are where it’s at.
Melissa
-Pancakes!
-mixed green salad with strawberries,raspberries and black berries.
-my first race was 2 years ago Run for your heart 5 k :)
T.O.
I love Kodiak Cakes! Those are the best pancakes because of all the extra protein, especially if you use milk instead of water and add an egg. Makes me feel like I’m having a hearty breakfast instead of an indulgence…until I add the syrup. I can only ever find that brand at Super Target.
Sara C.
Does Amber have a blog? She seems like such an amazing woman to know and a great motivational woman!
Paige S
I ran Grandma’s two-ish weeks ago too! It was my first marathon, I got a BQ, and I loved every second of it! You truly run 20 miles in the woods next to Lake Superior and the majority of the race is downhill. I highly recommend it!
Pancakes allll day long.
Losing Lindy
How awesome for your friend. I can’t get over how much Brooke is looking more and more like Curly.
Did I miss Brooke’s birthday?
Kay
Wow what an amazing accomplishment for Amber!