The Timp Half-Marathon starts nice and early—> 6 a.m. I LOVED the early start time because we avoided running with the hot sun beating down on us.
I boarded a bus at 4:30ish and got to the start with about 45 minutes to go before the gun went off.
I ate a piece of bread when I first woke up, a jam sandwich on the way to the race, this honey stinger waffle (about 20 minutes before the gun went off) and a bottle of gatorade. I think I may have had a tad too much before the race started because I felt pretty nauseated and really full for the first 5 miles of the race. You live and you learn. It is always hard for me to figure out exactly how many calories before a race will give me the right amount of energy while at the same time avoiding having too much in my stomach to run hard.
When we first got up to the start the moon was crazy bright and it was pretty chilly. I brought a sweatshirt and sweatpants to wear over my clothes and I was very grateful I did because even with those things I was cold.
I was happy to run into Heather, Amber and a few of our other friends at the top. I was starting to get nervous about the race as I was waiting at the top by myself but as soon as we started talking and catching up on life I felt at ease and ready to run.
We dropped our sweats off right before the start and moved to the starting line. I put in my headphones, made sure my shoes were double knotted and said a quick little prayer:)
The gun went off right at 6:00 and we were off. I started the race in second place and moved up to the first girl for about 4 miles. At about mile 9 a different girl passed by me and she looked incredibly strong. She ended up finishing about 110 seconds in front of me and she has some crazy fast marathon times too. As she passed by she said some really encouraging words to me, smiled and gave me a thumbs up. It was beyond nice and it pumped me up at a time that I needed it. After she passed me I was determined to not let anyone else pass me (and obviously try to catch up with her which didn’t happen:) but I did hold onto my second place.
I don’t actually remember a lot of things from the race but that always happens whenever I have a good race. It means that I am in the zone and pushing myself and focusing on hitting the paces I want and so I don’t really notice my surroundings. I went out really fast (mile 1 = 5:45) and told myself to hold onto that effort for as long as I could. It was too intimidating to tell myself to push that hard for the entire 13 miles but I just kept thinking to hold onto it for just one more mile and that turned into holding the same effort for 13.1 miles—> Although mile 9 was a tough one for me mentally and physically and I pulled back a bit.
There were also plenty of times along the way that I really wanted to quit. I started to tell myself that it would be okay to just pull back and call the miles that I did do already a ‘tempo run.’ When I had those quitting thoughts I lectured to myself that this sub-3 (that I crave so badly) is not going to come easy. I’ve got to do the hard things to get there. Also, the night before the race my mom gave me her usual pep-talk (I really will record her next one because they are that good) and I kept thinking about that the last few miles to help me to keep pushing.
I took one gu along the way and I started to eat it at about mile 6. I took a little bit at a time because my stomach wasn’t feeling super great and I couldn’t handle the whole thing all at once. I am glad I forced myself to eat one (even though I had no desire to) because it gave me some definite energy. I didn’t start hydrating until about mile 6 because the aid stations were pretty congested at the beginning. There was an early start time for this race if you were worried about not hitting the cut-off time to be out of the canyon and so it wasn’t until the second half of the race that I was able to grab some water.
The first 7 miles had a HUGE AMOUNT OF DOWNHILL with a few flat stretches and slight declines too. This downhill was great cardio wise for me but I remember thinking at the end of the 7 miles that my legs/muscles were shot. There was a lot of pounding in that first half of the race which hurt for the second half. The downhill sped me up for the first half but slowed me down for the second half. BUT the downhill helped me to really cruise in order to give me a great time. It was a great exercise for me in learning to push through wasted legs even though endurance wise I felt great… does that make any sense?
I was stoked to see the track because I had my people there in the stands and I knew I just had a little bit left to push. A race that ends at a track = a very good idea.
I just needed a second to catch my breath at the end but I didn’t have to do my usual ‘lay down on the grass because I felt like I was going to die after a race’ thing … baby steps.
The course was a bit long… the website for the race says that the course is measured out by them to be 13.36 miles long.
My garmin actually came up a little short for the length of the course (I hit 13.3 miles) or maybe I actually ran the tangents properly for the first time in my life. The last .3 I held onto a 5:49 pace and felt strong so that made me happy.
Josse made the last mile of the race awesome. She rode her bike to the race and would cheer me on and then ride her bike .25 miles ahead and wait there to cheer me on and continued to do that until the end. I loved seeing her smiling face and also to see my other really good friend (TOBY) along the way. I think I teared up when I saw both of them. Races get me all emotional. It’s weird.
My sweet mom. Don’t know what I would do without her and I get super excited to see both of them at the finish line of my races.
Danielle and I decided that we are going to do some of our training runs together and I cannot wait.
Everyone had a really great racing day!
I finished 2nd woman and 10th overall (men and women—> a total of 1337 runners).
I can’t thank you guys enough for all of the support along the way. I sure love this running community.
A few random things about the race:
1. It was my first time racing in the Brooks PureCadence 4s and I loved them. My feet problems are 100% gone and that 1.5 weeks off/recovery that I took must have just tapered me really nicely for the half-marathon. Speed bumps along the way in training are normal.
2. Last year I didn’t start running again until the beginning of August. I had taken a bunch of time off last summer due to injuries and mental burnout and so my training for the St. George Marathon started later on and I ended up running a 3:12 at the marathon. I think that with the base and times that I already have (and 9 weeks of work still to do) that I will definitely hit my goals… I just have to zone in on keeping myself injury free.
3. I haven’t been this sore in a long time. Ice bath + foam rolling + stretching were my best friends this weekend.
4. My goals for this week—> sleep and loads more water.
5. When my legs were done and wanting to quit, I focused my attention on pumping my arms (and then my legs just naturally had to keep up). It works every time.
And that’s a wrap. 9 weeks left until my marathon and I am feeling more motivated ever to get that sub-3.
————————————————
What were two highlights from your weekend?
Favorite half-marathon course that you have ever done?
What time do you prefer races to start?
What are your running/health goals for this week?
142 comments
Erica {[email protected]}
So badass! My goal is a sub 2 hour half post-baby. Current PR is 2:10 so I think it’s doable within the next 12-18 months.
Jennifer @ JenChoosesJoy
Incredible race!!!
2 highlights: gorgeous weather and family was in town
Fave half: Seaside half marathon
I love early race starts.
Running goal: our track group has a 1 mile time trial. I’d like a pr…eek!
Meghan @ getoffyourbuttandrun
Congrats on second place female! Sounds like you got a lot of mental practice in for this race. I know that is biggest place I struggle and it slows me down during the full marathon.
I prefer races to start between 6 and 7 am to avoid the heat!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
What a recap! I also have always gotten into those thoughts where you go “if I relax a little now those other miles were still a tempo” but then I’ll usually tell myself I did not pay money/brave the parking, etc to run a tempo run :) Love how tough you are on your race days, very inspiring!
Sarah @ SarahRuns26
Incredible race!! You can definitely do hard things! You are doing everything right so I have no doubt that you will hit your sub-3 goal!
Hollie
I really like early morning races as well. I find that I do so much better in the cooler temps. When I saw this, I was estatic for you Janae. You have been working your butt off for this and you truly deserve the PR.
Flower
I went snorkeling in the Keys and I loved every minute of it!
I love early start times especially when it is a longer race and I absolutely love those tree trunk podiums, how cool!
Hannah @ Will Run For Coffee
AMAZING time, well done!! :)
Plus a very early start – I think I would actually throw up if my alarm went off that early.
Natalie
Congrats!!! That’s an AWESOME race, girl! I’m with you–I love the early start times. My favorite half (The Cowtown Half) starts at 7 a.m., but I think a 6 a.m. start would be fabulous!
My running goal is to be HEALTHY and to work toward some new PRs coming up soon. Thanks for some extra inspiration!! :)
Kristina @ Blog About Running
CONGRATS!!!! You had such an amazing race and I am so happy for you! :)
That is so sweet that the woman who passed you said some encouraging words. I think that small act really encompasses what being a runner is about. Running at the pace you two were running it would have been easy for her to just run past you and conserve that little bit of energy by not saying anything, but she sent you words of encouragement – I love that!
Meredith @ ImRunningWithErasers
Wow amazing job! Congrats! 6 am is very early, usually I’ve started at 7:30. My favorite half is oakbrook because it’s on the woods and on the road so there’s plenty to look at!
Kaitlin
You are amazing! Congratulations on your race; that is incredibly fast.
Weekend: sailing on Lake Champlain and enjoying the sunshine, and running my first 10K ever…accidentally.
Favorite race: Middlebury Half Marathon (VT)
Start time: 8am or 8:30am
Running goals: Some rest/some running – half marathon training for me starts soon.
charlie
Congrats speedster! That is so incredibly nice of the girl that passed you!!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie
Awesome job! Can’t wait to see you hit your goal in the marathon! :)
Jessica
Congratulations- it must be SO amazing to actually place in a race!
I prefer to start as early as possible- I love running while the sun is coming up, and I like to have the day to myself to celebrate after a great race.
Katherine @ Sweet. Southern. Run.
Congrats on your finish, that’s very exciting! I much prefer a race to start early in the day. I think the sunrise gives me this crazy burst of energy and running with the sun is just fun for me. Great job again at your race, I know you’ll hit that sub-3 marathon!
Emily @ My Healthyish Life
What a fantastic race, Janae! I’m so excited for you to tackle this next marathon. My favorite half marathon course was in Miami along the water :)
Lauren
Always amazing!!! Congrats on this race, Janae…there is nothing in the world like hitting a solid PR and knowing you ran the best you could!! You will get this sub 3!!
Love those shorts too!! :-D
Caitlyn @ Candid Cerebrations
Congrats! You did so great. I could never imagine running that fast. I prefer to start races at 8am. While I consider myself a morning person I don’t really like getting up too much before 6am and I like having time to really wake up and eat before a race. My highlight of the weekend was that I went kayaking. I haven’t gone for years, great upper body workout too.
Anne @ annetracks
Congratulations on an Awesome race! You are going hit that sub 3 this year I can feel it!
I like early morning races, the earlier the better for me.
Jamie
Congratulations on an amazing race! What a speedy time – that sub-3 is all yours! I’m looking forward to focusing on my stretching this week – really needs to happen :)
Sabrina Alexandra
Congrats on a great race!! I prefer a morning start so I don’t have to sit around thinking about it all day. Of course, assuming I actually sleep the night before.
Two highlights: I got a new (rewarding) job and my boyfriend and I bought a new car!
Aaryn
Sometimes I get freaky weird emotional, and just now, reading this, got me teary-eyed.
You are such a stud. And how awesome and encouraging were those words that the gal told you as she was passing you for first? Geezo, Pete, that is just awesome. I like a heart like that.
Amazing job, Janae! So inspirational. You deserve all the good feelings you’re feeling and to rest up! Happy Monday lady!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood
Congratulations!! You are such a beast. Your family is so adorable and supportive, you’re a very lucky gal!
Tiffany @ The Chi-Athlete
Now THAT was a fantastic performance! Congrats!
My fave half marathon course is the Austin HM ——> My hometown + hills to make you feel like you are alive and dying at the same time. It’s glorious.:)
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine
What an incredible race for you! I think I would really like a 6 am start time for a summer race although that would mean a really early wake up. I cant wait to see how the rest of your training goes because you are doing amazing! I know a sub-3 marathon is in your future:) Congrats on a great race!
Joy
I am totally choked up reading your race recap! Racing gets me emotional too. :)
You gave it your all and finished with a fantastic result. Congratulations on such a great time…and good job with all that hard work you put in!
Donna
You are AMAZING. I can’t wait to see how you do at St. George, I’m thinking you will CRUSH the 3:00 time goal!
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
Congratulations, that’s such an amazing race! I loved reading your recap and about how you pushed through those harder miles. I’m so happy for you – both on the race and that you’ve found another great pair of shoes that work!
Gracie
Wonderful race, love to see you hit those goals! Take it easy this week!
Pam
you continue to amaze me with your running talent & strength through all you’ve been through. you keep knocking those walls down & showing what Janae is made of. I have no doubt you’ll attain your first (not last) sub 3 at St. George. I’m happy that I’ll be there to give you a XO when you do!! great re-cap Janae, I enjoyed reading it. I love early start times & the girl that passed you & said encouraging words to you made me smile! :) your mom + family + friends = best support team Enjoy recovery week friend
Meghan Weller @RunningKentuck
Thank you for continuing to be such an inspiration! I love hearing about your training and races! I can’t wait for you to get that sub-3!
Courtney
Congratulations!!! I get emotional during races also and for no reason at all, it’s usually when I see little kids cheering you on or if I see my hubs and girls it’s all I can do to control my emotions then, I’ve been know to run off to the side to hug and kiss all 3 of them because I’m so excited when I see them!
My favorite race is the Amarco Houston Half Marathon and I would love a 6AM start time but the earliest I’ve ever done is 7AM!
Amy @ They May Be Light
Sounds like an incredible race! I have been focusing on so many other things in my life running has fallen by the wayside. I swore I’d never be that runner that “used to be fast”, but here I am. All of my PR’s are at least two years old. I wish I had the mental brainpower to try and fix that but running actual workouts seems so heavy right now. Every time I read race recaps it makes me yearn for the results, but not enough to do the work involved.
It is so exciting to see you achieve new PR’s on your way to accomplishing your dreams!
Kristen
Two Highlights:
1. Chilling on our deck, reading by the pool. I love love reading in the sun and having my daughter want to take a break from swimming and read with me was amazing.
2. Family movie night. We introduced the kiddo to National Treasure and she loved it!
Sam @ See Sam Run
Amazing race – you are incredible!! I only dream of running that fast! The best part of this weekend was going to Montreal yesterday.
My main running goal right now is to get my leg healthy and finish my first marathon in one piece!
Melissa
Congrats on a great race! Incredibly inspiring :) Love the recap and the honesty you write with.
-2 highlights: Family time and my daughter having her first lemonade stand to earn money for a doll she wants.
-I LOVE early start times. When I ran that 20km in July it didn’t start until 8:15, I was not happy. I would have liked a 6:00 am start, but I guess that’s because I’m use to running at 5-6 am
-Mainly just getting my workouts done. I might have to get creative because my husband is gone later this week, so with a little one you gotta do what you gotta do!
Caroline @ The Little Things Blog
Congrats on an awesome race. Even though I don’t like the early wake up time, I love when summer races start so early to beat the heat.
Jessica @ VEGGIE RUNNING MOMMA
Great recap.!! You must be so happy about your race and from seeing such great results.
I don’t like 7 am starts, but I totally get it in the summer. Kind of why I shy away from summer racing though. Oh yea and I don’t like the 7 am starts because it’s too hectic with living out of the area and with a 2 year old.! Lol
meredith @ Cookie ChRUNicles
Seriously awesome race- congrats! I love that it started so early to avoid heat – I wish they would do that here, I would probably run more warm weather races if they did.
Laura
So awesome Janae! You are incredible :)
Heidi
FANTASTIC job!!!!! Way to go! :)
Nicole (Cuckoolemon)
“As she passed by she said some really encouraging words to me, smiled and gave me a thumbs up” I LOVE THAT
What a great race. Your splits are incredibly fast. CONGRATS!!
Maddie @ Dixie Runs
You are seriously amazing girlfriend!! I love your positivity and how much gratitude you show to everyone who supports you. You are so lucky to be surrounded but such great people that love to cheer you on! And of course you have all of your readers to, but we can’t always be there in person :) You are going to get that sub 3 in no time!!
Amy @ FitnessMeetsFrosting
A.MAZE.ING. You rock!!! Congratulations on a wonderful race! All that hard work is paying off :)
Nikki
Congrats! Those results are amazing! I’m all excited and giddy for you just reading this post. That sub-3 is yours!
Suzy
You are such a gifted runner! Congrats again. I totally know what you mean about the trashed legs but fine cardio. That’s the payback of a downhill course. Most people don’t realize just how much it hurts! Keep icing your quads/knees or whatever hurts the most. Ice really does help.
Natalie
Congrats!!! You crushed it!
Annette in GA
Congrats on a great race!! Seeing how hard (and smart) you train is an inspiration to me. My running group always says “Trust the Training and Respect the Recovery”. Enjoy your recovery week!
Katey
I’m so stinking proud of you! I realized that I’ve been reading your blog for years and you’ve been chasing that goal.
I am a slow runner and I just had my 3rd baby. So I love hearing about your successful races. It motivates me to get back out and run.
Jen@milesandblessings
That is crazy fast!!!!! My favorite half was a Chicago lakefront half I did several years ago…it was my first and my PR.
Angie @ Pace With Grace
Congratulations, Janae!! You did an awesome job and should feel so proud for pushing through and doing so well! You are definitely on your way to that sub-3!
I like 7AM or earlier race times. I think in the summer, the earlier the better!
Two highlights from the weekend was being on the lake and fun times with friends!
AmandaM
Congratulations!! You will surely get that sub-3. No doubts here! I like the early races too.
Jenny
I love that your mom is so supportive and such a great cheerleader for you. Support systems are great.
You’re a beat. Mile paces is the 5-6 minute range, especially for that long seems crazy fast to me. Maybe someday I’ll be that fast.
Good job!
Jenny
I love that your mom is so supportive and such a great cheerleader for you. Support systems are great.
You’re a beast. Mile paces is the 5-6 minute range, especially for that long seems crazy fast to me. Maybe someday I’ll be that fast.
Good job!
Lisa Larsen
I ran Timp as well, and so much of what you said was the same for me. For some reason I was really queasy at the beginning, but it got better with a few miles. I really struggled at mile 9 – it was my slowest mile by a long shot. I’m still working on being able to run a HM with no walk breaks, and mile 9 was where I had to walk for a minute. Overall I did okay for me. Not your speed -LOL- but a good pace for me. I measured 13.3 as well. Loved the medal! This was a beautiful course and I’d do it again.
Monica
I’m so happy you had such a FANTASTIC race!!! Good job!
Two highlights: Running into a girl I knew a decade ago & seeing how well she’s doing, and this song – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXoZLPSw8U8
(I found the song on this blog: http://tarasabo.com/)
Brittnee
I love reading your race recaps!! I can feel the race excitement just reading it! I love races! Anyway, CONGRATS on an incredible one! You are such an inspiration and are proof that good things come when you work hard!!
Ellie
What a great race! You are really fast! I have been reading your blog for about a week so you might have posted about this already. Do you take off after a race? How many days? What type of training do you do? Are you an 80/20 approach person? What is your recovery pace? Do you do intervals (like 400m repeats)?
I raced on Saturday too! I did a 20K and also got 2nd! The woman who beat me was a super fast collegiate runner X-)
Your daughter is adorable!
Liz
Wait, did I read that right!? Did you get a new half PR!?!?! Way to go!
Erica
More water for me too.
Was just in CO, where I drank more out of wanting to combat any altitude issues. I felt great, and want to keep that habit going.
Great race!
Char @ Nutritiously Fit
GREAT JOB!! I actually thought of you on Saturday morning when I was running up a hill and I was like- I JUST need to pump my arms and I’ll fly up this hill. It worked like a charm ;)
Arthi
Congrats!!
I am so with you on the early start times. I’d take a 6am race day over an 8am any day.
Highlights of the weekend: Awesome 16-miler … National Friendship Day celebrations … And um, the series premier of Bachelor in Paradise :)
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries
You’re a total rockstar! Congrats on an awesome race, Janae! Aaaand I LOVE your shorts – too cute. Where are they from?!
Tiffany
Congratulations on your awesome PR!
I would love a race start that early. I’m planning on doing the Walt Disney World Marathon in January 2017, and that race starts at 5:30 am (last corral starts at 6:45, which is still early).
Merri Hackett
Awesome race Janae! You are too legit :). It was great to meet you at the race!
Kathy McElhaney
Amazing race, Janae! Incredible speed.
I love early start times – 6:00 a.m. is great. The Honolulu Marathon starts at 5:00 a.m. – very dark in December, but it keeps the sun off for a while.
This is week 3 of marathon training – the first 2 weeks have felt charmed and I’m hoping for more of the same. At 51, I’m looking for a sub 4:00.
Christine
So incredibly happy for you! I love how another person’s running can be so encouraging and motivating for others! (Your running is certainly that way for me!) I’m in Week 1 of Half-Marathon training for a race in October and November. Working hard to set a new PR in at least on of those races!! Looks like you need to change your half PR time at the top of your blog! So excited for you.
Denise @ An Academic Athlete
Congratulations on your PR–that is such an incredible time and the race recap was very fun to read. :)
I’ve only done one half marathon course (two years in a row), so I guess I’ll have to say the Monumental Half in Indianapolis. I need to branch out and do some different courses!
Kristin @ The Donut Runner
You are seriously SO AMAZING. Reading your race recaps makes me a bit misty eyed sometimes because you’re so inspiring to me.
Is it weird that one of the things I’m most concerned about with my upcoming Half Marathon is figuring how much to eat/hydrate before the race? I haven’t built up to super long runs yet so eating a few bites of food just to get something in my stomach is still acceptable, but I worry for later.
Traci
First highlight of the weekend was a 9 mile run with temps in the 70’s! Second highlight is that I wasn’t horribly sore so maybe the strength training & foam rolling is working! Love early starts! Doing my first Disney race in Nov. & it’s starts at 10:30 PM. Not sure how I’m going to like that.
Nicole@thegirlwhoraneverywhere
This is a terrific race recap! I’m so proud of you and the fact that you had a bunch of sub 6 minute miles in those legs is pretty darn amazing. So proud of you girl!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
You are so inspiring Janae! I love that you can take time off for running to appreciate your body and let it recover. I know you will crush that marathon goal.
Andrea
Congratulations on an amazing performance! You are truly inspiring. I’m hoping I’ll get to say “hi” to you at St George before you take off in a speedy cloud of dust!! haha Did the winner of the race take off before the awards ceremony? It looks strange that no one is standing on the #1 place.
Dana
You’re amazing. Congrats on an incredible race!
Annie R
Janae! I’m so incredibly psyched for you! You did amazing! Very impressed with your physical AND MENTAL toughness!
Two highlights: Incredible steak dinner with my boyfriend’s family in celebration of his dad’s 80th birthday! And Body Pump on Saturday! I’m already feeling stronger and I think I’m kind of addicted to it now!
Fave half marathon is a little hard because my experience is pretty limited but I think it’s the Chilly Half in Newton, Massachusetts. It’s like behind the scenes of the Boston Marathon course, we actually go DOWN Heartbreak hill and explore the fancy neighborhoods a bit more! Despite being SOOooo hilly, it’s pretty great.
Health goals for the week: Get this stupid foot of mine fully healed. And also start watching what I’m eating more. I’ve noticed my body has been changing (in a bad way) over the last couple of weeks due to my injury and not really changing my eating habits. Need to get that more under control until I can hit the roads again. :(
Bets
Congrats on such a great race! The course looked absolutely beautiful.
Valerie
Amazing!! You rock Janae!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona
Congrats on the awesome race! 2nd woman? That’s quite an accomplishment. It sounds like this puts you in a good spot for your upcoming marathon.
Rebecca@RunningFoodBaby
Congrats on a great race!!
I like races that start early, but not super early. I’m not really an early riser and I find that my morning routine gets too disrupted, which can cause issues. I do like evening races though!
I have only run one half marathon route in Ottawa, so I guess that is my fave and perhaps I should try some more!
Christy
You are my running hero! You’ve worked so hard, have so much drive and are such a smart runner you deserved this PR! You are so lucky to have such an amazing group of family and friends who support you and your efforts. You will have no problem reaching your goal of a sub-3 marathon.
Kris @ Canadian Girl Runs.
CONGRATS!! So speedy and I’m so glad you had an awesome race!
Crickett
Wow! So very impressive and inspiring–both the race and all your supporters!
Fave half = Nebo half. Almost completely a steep downhill race. It was the training race that pumped me up for last year’s St. George where I then earned my first BQ.
Cassandra
I’ve been reading your blog for years and I love your countdowns to your races! I feel like I’m getting ready for a race too. The race this time is baby number 4 and I can’t run for now due to contractions. I’m due near St George so I’m running vicariously through your blog. You are doing great and thanks!!
Megan D
Girl. So freaking awesome. Sounds like it was tough, but you pushed through and came out on top. Just like you will do in St George!! I KNOW it.
My goals for the week are to get back to exercising. I feel like such a lazy bum for taking most of the week off, but I know it was best for me. Now that my mouth is a little better, it’s back to the grind ;)
6am is the PERFECT start time for sho. I want to do this half next year. The list of races I want to do is getting long soooo my body better freaking get it together so I can start crossing races off my list!
Emily
You are amazing!!! Congrats on a wonderful race :)
Kay
What a fantastic race, congratulations!
Sally @ sweat out the small stuff
Dancing with my boyfriend at his dad’s wedding. Such a highlight!
And playing truth or dare with his daughters on the porch last night.
I’m a fan of the half marathons I have run in Philadelphia and I also loved San Francisco too
Caroline
Amazing, Janae!!! Congrats on a wonderful race!
I’m sure the runners in us will understand me when I say ‘yay!’ for soreness…because it shows that you pushed and left it all out there on the course.
Hailey
That’s an amazing time! I have no doubt you will hit your sub-3 goal. I’ll be running my first marathon at the end of February and your training is an inspiration, especially with having your foot issues right before this incredible performance. Great job :)
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul
Way to go girl! You are a rockstar!
Kaye L
HUGE Congratulations to you! Way to ROCK out that half sister! So motivating to me…a slow, old, runner….not old and slow, just slow first and then old..(although I’m only 52 so not THAT old!)
Jaclyn
Congrats girl!! so proud of you!!!!!!!!
Caroline
Totally unrelated to this post….but I just heard that it is national watermelon day…..
Not that you need an excuse to eat it….but just thought I’d pass that info along.
:)
Kim
Congratulations! Truly a bad ass and you should be so proud of yourself!
Grace @ Diary of a Running Snail
Congrats on an amazing race! You are truly an inspiration. Also, those canyon views are out of this world!!
Favourite half marathon course: The Canadian Run in Ottawa along Mooney’s Bay… gorgeous view AND it ends on a track just like this one! So fun to see your family and friends in the stands:)
Theodora
Oh hello, you’re epic.
Nona @ RunningHigh
What an incredible race!!! Congrats to you lady! You’re gonna kill that marathon!
Elena
Amazing race and awesome re-cap. You are so motivating – I really enjoy following your blog! I might have mentioned this before but I have adopted the “I can do hard things” mantra as well as the arm pumping advice :)
What were two highlights from your weekend? – canoeing with my husband and running 10+ miles with my husband using the maffetone method (new to us but fun).
Favorite half-marathon course that you have ever done? I did a destination race in Willamette Valley in Oregon – wine country. It was beautiful!
What time do you prefer races to start? 7am is perfect
What are your running/health goals for this week? – Strength 3x this week in addition to my running!
Monica
CONGRATS!!! You are SO speedy!!! You make me want to be a better runner. Ever considered being a running coach? ;)
I like early starts as well. Cooler and you still have a good chunk of your day left.
2 highlights from my weekend were going to Albuquerque with my daughter, mom and niece and building an awesome fire for s’mores.
Goals for the week: I start marathon training next Monday so this week is all about rest, hydration and easy runs.
I don’t generally do races in interesting places do to being geographically incapable. I did enjoy the Dallas PCS Half last year though. It was cool and drizzly. My fav weather. I’m doing the full this Dec!
Tedi @ running with infertility
Wow! I ran the same race Saturday and will be doing a recap of the course soon! I just kept thinking how I wanted to be out of the canyon cause it felt like it was killing my legs!
My favorite half marathon course is the St. George half that’s in January. It’s hard, but so pretty. I love the red rock! I won’t be able to to it next year – I’m doing the dopey challenge with friends!
Olivia Crew
Just awesome. Great work – so inspirational. I’ll have to try focusing on pumping my arms next time I feel like I’m on dead legs. You have SO got this sub 3!!!
Lora @ Crazy Running Girl
You are SO amazing!!!! Way to rock it, girl!!
Boston Jen
Janea, wow! Your hard work has really paid off! You inspire me! What an amazing role model you are for Brooks too! Well done lady.
Nina
1. NYC shuts Park Ave. 3 Saturdays in August and my team went in to run it this weekend. 2. Having iced coffee and hanging out in the park with my husband and dog. It was relaxed and lovely.
Fave half marathon – probably Nike Women’s race in DC. It was a fantastic course and there is something truly amazing about running past the Lincoln Memorial.
It depends on the time of year/weather. When it’s hot I prefer earlier, when it’s cold later in the morning so the sun has a chance to warm things up. (and 9 am for a race seems so civilized).
Amy @ Life to the Full
Congratulations on being 2nd female and that’s one super awesome finish time! You’re going to get that sub-3!!!
Stephanie T
A new PR???? Amazing! Great job!
What were two highlights from your weekend?- I got to spend a weekend at the lake with childhood friends and their husbands/kids, who are all growing up to be great friends as well!
Favorite half-marathon course that you have ever done? I have only done one, so I guess Branson, MO is my favorite! I did love it.
What are your running/health goals for this week? I need to push myself for speed. I got the long slow distance down but need to increase speed.
Rachel
Congrats on your great race. It looks amazing being able to run/race in the canyon.
Two highlights from my weekend:
1) Great long run around my local lakes.
2) making white chocolate chex mix.
Also, very important that today is National Watermelon Day. I know you are a fellow watermelon lover so I hope you are celebrating and eating lots of watermelon. Cheers!
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner
Great job on placing second! You are such a rockstar. Hope you rest up the remainder of the week :)
Hannah
I’m going to run my first 1/2 in December (as a training race to run my first marathon in Feb. ’16). I’m going to start training in October. At the moment, I’m working on building a good base to train. My goal for this week: get better sleep and run 4 days this week.
If you have any first time race advice, I’m open to hear it! :)
the silent assassin
Congrats J! What happened to the first place (W) for the podium? And wow, you are still up on your toes at the finish! Awesome!
Julie @ Run Away Freckles
That sounds like a great race! I haven’t raced this summer and this post has sparked that idea in my mind. Maybe its time to go back to training.
Elle
Congratulations on 2nd place… and a PR, right?? Way to go!
Natalie
Congrats on a fantastic race!!! Your splits are super impressive.
Love your wonderful network of people around you. Moms are the best!!
Keep reaching for the stars – that sub 3 is coming in October!!!
Annette@FitnessPerks
You’re so amazing!!! Way to rock that race, Janae!! <3
Cortney
Congrats on an awesome race!!
Jenee
Goodness gracious, you are fast. I really enjoyed this report! It sounds like, even though you were in the zone, it was a good race for you. Sorry you were feeling sick at the beginning, I’ve had that happen and it’s no fun. Reading this, though, I feel like mentally it has really pumped you up. Second overall is awesome! You ran so well, and hooray for not collapsing at the finish. You look strong in the photos. Way to go, way to go! Congratulations!! *thumbs up*
Amy
Congrats!!! You totally rocked that race and you got that sub-3 in the bag! Way to go!!!
Kristen @ Glitter and Dust
Nice work out there, Janae. That must have given you a huge mental boost for how much your training and hard work is paying off – because it is!!! I loved hearing about the positive encouragement from the other runner who passed you. That is what the running community should be all about!
I don’t have any current fitness/running goals (aside from do what I can) because I am 34 weeks pregnant, but my long term goal after pregnancy is to run a 1:30-1:35 half marathon!
Amanda
Way to go, Janae! That’s so great!
You’ve been working so hard to get to that sub-3 and I know you can do it!
Half Marathon James
I normally don’t eat that much before a half marathon. Some coffee and porridge with a banana is normally enough for me.. Running when full is never good…
Cathy
Your time is amazing! Congratulations – all that hard work is paying off!
Hope you see this comment – I wanted to mention that as a new-ish runner (to 1/2 and whole marathons) it is so incredibly helpful to read about your thoughts during the race, especially the wanting to quit part. It really helps to read about that part of the process, and know that it is normal, even for a super-fast experienced runner! I’ll remember to pump my arms more when I get tired too…….
Cathy
The Hungry Runner Girl
Hey Cathy! Thank you SO much for your sweet comment! YES, you are soo right. We all have times where we really just want to quit but we push through:) Keep up the running Cathy and have a fabulous week!
Becky
That’s just amazing!! :) congrats!
Emily Cooper
Awesome job, Janae. Congratulations and keep up the great work. You are an inspiration.
Karen
You are amazing Janae :) Well done!
chiara
So proud of you, Janae!!!!!!!!
Kelli at Not Your Mama's Marathon
All I can say is WOW. You are so talented! You totally have the potential to run in the olympics someday. That is no joke. Go for it, dream big!
Two highlights from the weekend: 1-Boating on beautiful Lake George, 2- ice cream at Martha’s
I prefer races to start at 6 or 7 because that’s when I start my long runs!
Running goals for the week: crush my workouts even though I’m on vacation!
Anne
Congratulations on an amazing race!
On a random note – the pic on your home page of mtn biking and your recent comment about biking down the ski hill… can you talk more about your experiences in a blog post? I’m just getting into mountain biking and thinking of a trip to Utah. Would love to hear your stories!
Rachel @ Simply Rachel Nicole
Way to go Janae! You are truly amazing!!! :)
Prashanth
That’s badass!! Even my pace is 5:45 too – but that’s for a KM not a mile :P
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats
Congrats! YOU ARE AMAZING. You show all of us that hard work, dedication, and taking CARE of yourself will get you where you want to go, no matter where that is! So so proud of you and inspired by you!
Heidi @ artistandathlete
Atta girl!!!! I’m so proud of you! <3
Valerie
Wait! So this your half PR right?! Congrats.
Annette
Congratulations, again! You crushed that half! Wish I could run that fast :)
I had a great long run this weekend which pumped me up for NYC and was nice after the horrendous run I had the week prior :) I love early start times – Disney starts at 5:30am and I wake up at 2:30-3am because I take a shuttle and you have to walk to the start. It is a little too early but I love their races!
Barborka On The Run
Great job Janae!!! You are so damn fast! What a motivation! I am sure you will hit that sub 3 hour marathon … you are speedy monster :) You are great motivation for my training for that sub 3. Can’t wait to follow you towards the race this autumn.
Jesica @rUnladylike
Awesome recap and CONGRATS on your PR. You are so amazing and I have zero doubt you will hit that sub-3 at St. George. Can’t wait to write you another congrats message then. Keep up the awesome work and training. You’ve got this! xo
ruth
You’ve probably already done the math but if you adjust your time to a 13.1 mile course with your last mile pace, you end up with about a 1:20:38 (wow!). And if you convert that over to an estimated marathon time, you get 2:48…you are going to rock the St George Marathon! Sub-3 should be in the bag if you stay injury-free and the weather cooperates. *highfive*
Griff Graves
Congrats Janae on a solid half marathon! Sounds like your training is going well. My wife really loves your blog and we have actually started one of our own! It sounds like fueling was kind of tough for this one. I actually just wrote a blog recently on our site about marathon fueling. Here it is… http://www.cgravesrun.com/marathon-fueling-little-things/ I am actually running my first marathon this fall and my coaches are big on fueling and the science behind it. One thing that helps get down the gels easier is chasing it quickly with water. The blog shows how we do it! Hope it helps some! Good luck with St. George!
Mark Schiffrin
Congratulations on a strong finish! Thank you so much for sharing this recap! Running a full/half marathon was my dream in my teens and early twenties, but bad knees and other life things have made the dream slip further and further away. Your posts are definitely inspiring for all the runners.
Joe
Hey Merri, did you work at out west food and fuel? I worked there with you and my older brother.
Liz
I realize this post was years ago haha, but I’m trying to find a white tank like that. Do you know what brand this one is? Thanks!