Today I had my last run in my favorite canyon before the marathon. There have been many many runs done in this canyon over the last 16 weeks in preparation for this marathon. There has been a lot of sweat, frustration, confidence built, paces hit, laughs, gu eaten, focus and growth along this little trail.
Just one more shoe selfie with all of the leaves if that is okay with you.
While today felt better than my last two runs, there was a lot of doubt floating around my head. Doubt in myself as a runner being able to hit the goals that I set for Saturday and doubts in pretty much every other area of my life… doubt was my middle name this morning.
And then I remembered this quote (well, I remembered the just of it…) at about mile 3 and I told those doubts to take a hike. What is the point of doubting myself getting my sub 3 marathon? By doubting myself I am going to have a self-fullilying prophesy and be too afraid to even try on Saturday. Why not think the absolute best of my abilities and if I don’t hit my goals, oh well… I will know I tried my absolute hardest and I will keep on working and trying until I do get it. Doubt won’t get us anywhere worthwhile. Once I stopped the doubts the pace felt easier and I started enjoying the run again.
The next 4 days are going to be crucial for me as far as getting out of the depleted state I am in from the IBS and not getting in enough calories… I know if I can do that, I will have a great race.
8 x 30 second strides (averaged around a 5:45 pace) w/ 1 minute recoveries @ 8:00 pace in the middle of the 6.6 miles. 4.5 miles tomorrow and I am going to practice taking in some fuel during the run tomorrow to see how my stomach handles it.
Breakfast of champions before my run:
-A Wendy’s baked potato from the night before:)
-And a bottle of strawberry gatorade. My new favorite gatorade flavor.
Some randomness!
-Brooke is still loving school and learning all about dinosaurs.
-Costco has restocked my absolute favorite blankets. Hallelujah. They make the best gifts too:)
-While I love my wireless headphones, I am going to be using these ones for race day. I don’t want to worry about one more thing to charge and last year during the St. George Marathon they didn’t turn on and I didn’t have any music (AHHHHH!!!!!) so I am going to play it safe. So far I am loving these—> they stay in place (I never have to adjust them) and they have great sound.
-I miss donuts. And I am sure they miss me.
-Brooke tells me this joke all of the time and she thinks it is hilarious. I think my nephew taught it to her.
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What type of headphones do you use and love?
What was your breakfast today?
Something random from your day please??
89 comments
Maddie @ Dixie Runs
I love the leaves in that picture!! Fall is the best running season :) I use wireless headphones and absolutely love them.. they are the Jaybird Bluebuds X and one charge lasts about 8 hours so I usually don’t have to worry about them dying on me!
Random thought from my day: I got my name changed today!! I got married on Sept 6 but just now made it over to the wonderful social security office to make it official
Nina
Congratulations!
tess
I think that requires actual mental fortitude! Like calling the cable company. Or the cell phone customer service. Social Security can suck the life right out of you…even if you are doing it for a fabulous reason like you did! Congratulations!
Meagan
Congratulations! I got married last year and I absolutely love it!
Jennife @ JenChoosesJoy
I haven’t tried wireless headphones yet. Change is hard, lol!
Breakfast: pre-track gu and then a post-run Cocoa banana smoothie!
Random: like a big dork, I’m making tacos for dinner, because Taco Tuesday!
Jen@ milesandblessings
Hey Jen….what is your go to gel of choice?
Jennifer @ JenChoosesJoy
I rotate between Huma Gel, Honey Stinger Gel, and Chocolate GU!
RunnerGirl
Huma is great! I’ve tried a lot of different gels and I think this one is the easiest to tolerate – for me, anyway!
Hollie
I had eggs for breakfast this morning.
I think it’s so normal to be nervous before a race. I know you haven’t had the absolute best lead up but I’m really confident you’ll do well Janae. I cannot wait to hear how you do this weekend.
Today I got lost and ended up a rest stop on the turnpike…who knew you could access them from via running.
Brittnee
Don’t ever doubt yourself for a second, because no matter what happens on Saturday, you are an AMAZING runner and a huge inspiration to all of us!! You’ve worked so hard, and you have so many people cheering for you!!! And we are all going to be cheering (probably virtually lol) at your finish on Saturday!! I haven’t been able to run any races I signed up for this entire year due to constant injuries, so I’m living all of the training and race week excitement through you! Thank you for sharing your journey with us!!!!
I love my Beats wireless headphones. They actually stay put in my ear even on the windiest days!
Natalie
Aww I love jokes! Thanks for brightening my day!! :) And I hope your tummy issues get better! I know how NOT fun those can be.
Today I found out it was a coworker’s birthday (I don’t know him very well), and I gave him a dinosaur sticker. He was so happy! Stickers really make people happy, no matter how old you are.
Angela
Headphones: I prefer to run without them and instead I stuff my phone in the pack straps over my shoulders. That way I can hear my podcasts (enjoyed listening to you on Runners Connect!) and books and still hear everything around me.
Breakfast: coffee and a Honey Stinger Waffle because I was running late and planning to run 8 miles (which never happened but will tomorrow).
Random: Super sad to see the plans of the Black Lives Matter St. Paul group to disrupt the Twin Cities Marathon.
Good wishes: I will be crossing my fingers for you on Saturday that everything comes together for your best race possible!
Sarah @ SarahRuns26
I’m running at Twin Cities this weekend and all this protest stuff is mentally exhausting! Just what I DON’T need before a race! :(
Angela
I’ll be thinking of you and all the other runners and protesters, hoping all the runners get to finish safely without interruption and the protesters stay safe too. Good luck Sarah! I hope you have a great race in spite of the protest.
Sarah @ SarahRuns26
Thanks Angela! I’m hoping it turns out to be nothing and if it does, hopefully everyone is safe!
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
I haven’t tried wireless headphones yet! I only listen to music when I run on the treadmill so I just use my basic iphone headphones.
My breakfast was a big bowl of oats with carrots, apples, and chia seeds – yum!
Random thought of my day: my parents are adopting a new dog and I really want them to get a Boston Terrier mix!
Sarah @ SarahRuns26
I hate when stuff doesn’t work on race day! It just gets me out of the zone mentally! Good call using something you know will work!
Breakfast today was a plain, white bagel. I only ever have them race week!
Shay @ Great Now What
Mmmmh mhhh- baked potato! You keep getting those calories in! I had a quiche leftover so it was heaven.
Ariana
Hey Janae,
It has been so fun following your training throughout this marathon and previous ones! I am training for my 3rd (the NYC Marathon) and have been struck by an IT band injury. After missing 2 key long runs over the past 3 weeks and probably another one this weekend, this leaves me with room for 1 more before it is time to taper…I am seeing PT but they don’t really have much of a plan for getting me to the start line feeling prepared rather than terrified I will DNF.
I am wondering if you OR ANYONE READING THIS! has experienced a really big kink in their training plan. My longest runs have been 13 miles x3, 15 miles, 17 miles, and fingers crossed i can have a 19 or 20 before the taper. I was right in the 35 miles per week range for a good 6-8 weeks before this issue came up…unfortunately I can only go on shorter runs and amp up the cross training for now.
Any advice is welcomed…I am inside my own head and I don’t think it is the best place for me to stay :)
Nina
My friend is actually having the same issue for NYC. Keep in mind training is cumulative. You may not have the race you were counting on but if you feel good you can still have a race. Can you run/walk as another solution? Again it may not be what you hoped and dreamed but it’s a way to get it done.
Ariana
I guess run/walk is an option but once it starts to hurt, its almost harder to stop running and start back up again :(
I have started using a compression strap around the IT suggested by my PT which helps a bit. I just can’t imagine cross training enough to equal a 20 mile run and getting to that start line feeling positive.
I am also having trouble letting go of my sub-4 hour goal but if i can be at peace with just finishing that may help my mental game.
Sarah @ SarahRuns26
Obviously listen to your doctor as far as if it is safe for you to run or not, but there are training plans that will have you do long runs as short as 16 miles. So assuming your PT is good with you running and thinking that you won’t do further damage, the runs you have put in should get you to the finish line. I think if you decide to do it, just remember that the experience is the most important part and you know your body and its limits, so listen to that. And honestly, DNF isn’t so bad either. I would rather not finish than end up more seriously injured later.
Jenny
Be patient with your self and listen to your dr and body. Do your best and leave it all on the course but don’t make the injury worse–be smart. I hope you get feeling good enough in time!
Ariana
Thank you so much for your encouraging words! :) Going to focus on running smart and having fun at a great event and just keep reminding myself of that
Jenny
Good for you. Remember: if you don’t do as well as you’re hoping for this race, there is always another race.
tess
Many races with kinks. For sure. I’ve had races I thought I just couldn’t do and ended up saying, “what the hell” and throwing in a last minute 18 miler on the Thursday before the race just to see if I could and I did and that was it. That was the training. I’m way not fast. And I deal with Achilles every few years (like right now) but yes, how about trying Galloway? And if you have done 17, I think you can do the 26. I am not a doctor so don’t sue me.
I also think lots of IT band rehab is in order. So…all the usual stuff. Foam roll like it’s your best friend. Really really. I would rest it…I wouldn’t run that last long run but that’s me….for a while anyway. Give it a few weeks to try and heal. Stretch with lots of runners yoga love. You’ve put in the work. Accept you are running this race for the experience and not the time. And I might consider the treatment that Janae does? I can’t remember what it’s called but she swears by it.
I like what Nina and Sara say, too… because I ran NYC last year and it was amazing. Just for the experience. Oh my gosh it’s just a great race for the experience.
So I’ve had a lot to say and it’s probably too much but I’ll end on this.
Don’t push your body. Listen to it. Do you want to run today? Or do you want to run forever. I live by that. I’m 48 and I’ve been running since I was ten. So when I need to rest I listen to it.
And get out of your head.
Kristine
Definitely words of wisdom everyone could use. Thank you!
tess
You’re welcome… I hope I helped a little. It’s so emotional when you are talking about a big race like this. Or really any marathon when you’ve put in such time and training.
Cate
I bet you sticky rice, or even a plain baked potato would be great fuel during your run. Seriously.
Christina
Oatmeal complete from trader joes my go to breakfast. Today I ran a 4 miler after not running all week due to being sick ugh and I have a half marathon I’ve been training for to try and get sub 2 hour. Half is in 2 Sundays from now but all things in perspective. I still didn’t feel good today. Aren’t we going to SO appreciate health when it’s back?
I know you will have an awesome marathon!
Jen@ milesandblessings
I had shredded wheat for breakfast and use Yurbuds too and love them!
Doubts is my middle name so far this week. My legs are tired and I have not been motivated my last 2 runs. Today was particularly hard and an 8:30 mile pace felt like such an effort every step…UGH!
I struggle with my race nutrition and don’t think I have even read about what you use in here….what gels do you like and how many and how often do you use them in a race? So far candy has worked the best for me…but I kind of hate that and want to use something else.
Tracy
I absolutely love my Beats Wireless headphones!
I had a pumpkin bar from Trader Joe’s and a small glass of chocolate almond milk for breakfast.
Nina
I had chia oatmeal pudding for breakfast with strawberries and raw cacao nibs.
My husband continues to improve since surgery and bless him, he felt well enough to do the breakfast/lunch dishes today. It’s the little things!
Natalie
Breakfast was oatmeal and fruit!
I don’t use headphones, but I do want to get waterproof ones for the days I am running in the pool :)
Random: my daughter brought the most beautiful picture home from preschool today!!
Kristin
That view of the leaves is amazing. I would run that same trail every day too in the fall!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables
I have some Koss headphones that go over my ears that I love, although my husband loves him too so he’s kind of claimed them as his own ;)
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
I deal with a lot of self doubt in many areas. It’s hard for me to remember it’s pointless – I need that reminder a lot.
Cheryl
What are those headphones?? I’m having issues finding ones that stay in..
It’s reassuring to hear I’m not the only one that has doubts about running…. I do EVERY TIME I go out..
The Hungry Runner Girl
HEY CHERYL!!! Here they are! I hope you love them too!
http://www.target.com/p/yurbuds-focus-headphones/-/A-14488589#prodSlot=dlp_medium_1_7&term=yurbuds
Gabby @ gogabbith
I have Phillips headphones. I don’t love them but they get the job done. Something random: I saw a spider on the door to my apartment building and ran in screaming and now I am trapped in my apartment until the spider leaves.
Kristina @ Blog About Running
I use Yurbuds as well – they really are the BEST!
You totally have the right attitude heading into this race. I need to channel your spirit!
Kaella On The Run
I love my yurbuds! They never fall out but I wish they came with extra ear pieces because sometimes I’ve lost a few :(
I have been following along on your journey to a sub three for years. You continue to amazing me with your ability to handle training while being a single mom. You always put Brooke first but continue to be an amazing role model for her. No matter what happens Saturday know that you an inspiration to so many people who aren’t afraid to take a chance on their dreams and never give up on reaching them despite all the setbacks that life tends to throw our way. I’ll be cheering you on friend!!
Heidi
I agree on the extra ear pieces!!!! I had one fall out and before I could get to it, my 3 month old puppy ate it. I was so sad.
Natalie @ Never Serious Blog
That Costco blanket is THE BEST! And I just can’t get over how big Brooke looks with her long, gorgeous hair!
Love the fall feet selfie :)
Flower
Ah Fall, that’s the season between summer and winter right? I have such a hard time remembering because we only have two seasons, hurricane and non-hurricane and I prefer the later.
Also, you really need to try strawberry watermelon gatorade, it’s a game changer.
Now, you’ve done all the hard work, get ready to rock that marathon and get that sub 3!
Dejah
Janae you can do it!!! No training plan is ever 100% perfect, but you’ve put in all the work to accomplish that goal of yours. If you don’t achieve it, you’ll come back stronger next time. I’m super impressed by the fact that you’re attempting a 3-hour marathon!
And Brooke’s joke is so cute!!!
Scott hambly
Apple and Yurbuds. Toast and peaches. 86 degrees today and not 107.
Jenny
For my bday I got some Mpow wireless earbuds. Took a few tries to get used to them. Did a lot of adjusting because I have tiny ears and now I like them. What kind of wireless do you have?
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
I use Jaybirds for headphones but they can be unreliable at times and not turn on or synch for no apparent reason.
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul
I needed to read this today. I’ve been really struggling with doubts. Thank you so much!
Molly Rose
How cute is your daughter?!
This mornings breakfast was a Quest bar
I use yurbuds too, but not the wrap-around-your-ear kind— I need to try those out!
Aunt Janae— YOUVE GOT THIS! no more doubting yourself mmk?? :)
Heather
I had half a whole wheat bagel with lots of peanut butter, because peanut butter is so good on everything.
I have to wear over the ear headphones because my ears are literally too small for any others
You are going to crush this race, hands down!!!!
bakingrunner.blogspot.com
Samantha
oh man Janae. this post just explained everything that i’m feeling. i’ve been struggling with so much doubt since breaking up with my boyfriend of five years. it’s caused me to fear so much about my future and doubt that I am smart enough to finish nursing school this year. i hope you feel better!!!!!!!!!! Your “I can do hard things” motto has gotten me through so much but I also repeat God is within her she will not fail to myself when i am struggling. You are so strong.
Kathy McElhaney
I really want to switch to wireless headphones but I love my tiny iPod shuffle which is not Bluetooth enabled.
Post run breakfast – green smoothie: almond milk, spinach, frozen banana, peanut butter and protein powder.
Random: Hawaii does not show any signs of Fall so I’ll just enjoy your leaf pictures!
You are gonna do great on Saturday!! I’m running a 25k race on Sunday and I’m working on my doubts and trying to decide how hard to run this since I have a marathon 5 weeks later.
chiara
same headphones, and I love them!
Grant
I used to run wearing Beats. Yeah, huge Beats that covered my ears and were always covered in sweat by the end of my run… Now I just use Skullcandies, which fit perfectly in my ears.
Same breakfast as every day: oatmeal and fruit.
I’ve been having groin pain when I run and today I went to my doctor… we think I strained my groin doing ab exercises. For months I have run six days a week, and so not running for several days has been – as I’m sure all us runners understand – very difficult. Trying to stay patient, focus on recovering, and be thankful that my injury isn’t anything more serious… Wish I could somehow transfer to you the extra running energy that I won’t be using on Saturday!
T.O.
Janae, you can do this!
Tara
You’re going to do great! I cannot wait to see how you do this weekend!
Melissa @ See Dav Run
Ooh, thank you for the headphone suggestion! My head (and my ears?!) are funny-shaped and I struggle getting things that will stay on/in during a run.
Breakfast was my favorite Starbucks hazelnut latte and an almond yogurt bar. Meant to get to my yogurt, but literally JUST remembered it languishing in my purse.
Don’t doubt yourself – you inspire so, so, so many people! Remember how many miles got you to this point; it’s such an amazing thing, and you’re going to rock it!
Jenni
Have you read the ingredients of Gatorade…it could be hurting your tummy!! :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
Very true… I haven’t had any since this morning so I’ll just keep experimenting around! Thanks Jenni!!
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner
I use Yurbuds and I love them but I always seem to loose the ear pieces. Once they are in my ears they stay put though. I go through those like candy. Here’s hoping to a good rest of your week Janae. :)
Meagan
You can do it! I can’t wait to hear how your marathon goes/(went?) I know you’re going to put everything you have into it and I hope you’re able to reach your goals!
Today I started a round of antibiotics for my UTI :( Hopefully it doesn’t get up into my kidneys…
Patti
When you wear headphones with cords, what do you do with the cord?? Mine always flap around and end up driving me nuts!
Good luck with your marathon! You are gonna rock it!
Gracie
I don’t think you should doubt yourself. You worked really hard and completed some awesome workouts. You’re very prepared, and our bodies have a way of knowing that it’s race day and suddenly behaving. You’ve got this!
Jess W. @ Run Life Co.
Strawberry is my favorite Gatorade flavor, too! Brooke’s joke is too cute…love when she starts cracking up.
I still use my Skullcandy ear buds from a few years ago…they’re comfortable and have never failed me! I’m too cheap to invest in wireless headphones right now anyway.
My breakfast included a coffee for National Coffee Day and a bagel from my favorite cafe to celebrate my roommate’s birthday! Happy Tuesday! :)
Emily
My girlfriends and I do a favorite things party every year and last year that blanket was one of my favorite things. Still is! You are going to do great in the marathon! And I hope you don’t think I’m a creeper if I see you and come introduce myself. :)
Angie @Run Which Way
Seriously your pictures need “like” buttons.
Julie VerHage @ Post Grad Inspiration
You got this girl! Just think about grabbing a huge diet coke and donut at the end of the race to push you through ;) I know that’s what I’d do!
CARLA
nothing but sending you love and adoring your honesty.
xo
Sally @ sweat out the small stuff
I had a waffle for breakfast.
I need new headphones. Gonna check yours out.
I just lost my iPod shuffle so I need to try and get away with using my iPhone. Hopefully it won’t drain battery too much.
I had a horrible dentist appointment. He took X-rays and noticed decay under a crown. Gonna have some major and expensive work done the week after my marathon. (Yup. Refused to start it before. )
Pille @ LivingOnTheRun
Breakfast was muesli with blueberries and a banana.
I should find out today if I got a place in the ballot for London Marathon!!! Exciting!!
I’m liking the leaves in the shoe picture. Hope your stomach feels better for Saturday!
Stephanie
Good luck! Hope you get a bib for London!
Pille @ LivingOnTheRun
Thank you Stephanie, didn’t find out today so hopefully tomorrow. Fingers crossed!
Melanie in Charleston, SC
I’ve been faithfully following your journey and am so excited for your sub 3 race this weekend! You will do this! You are such an inspiration to me.
Marissa @ Run Riss Run
Love the fall pics and Brooke seriously has the best smile!
I use Jaybirds. I sort of love them. My ears are small and I find that I have to readjust too often but the sound quality is great and I love not having wires.
Breakfast is an egg and toast with pumpkin butter.
Random: I have a training today and I am so sad to be out of my classroom :(
AmyD
Maybe add some salt to your potatoes and rice for some electrolyte balance – you’ll be sweating a lot with the higher race day temps. Good luck! You’ll do great!!
Kay @ Goaloflosing
Whyyyy don’t we have a Costco. So jealous of your Costco finds!!
Rachael @ Catch Me if You Can
those fall colors though!!!! love the shoe selfie with all those leaves!!! i hate wireless headphones just for the charging reason, i tried them but running with just my thoughts is so boring i cant handle it, got to have real headphones…well similar to the ones you are going to be using. good luck with your race, i hope your ibs gets itself under control that is absolutely no fun.
Traci
I don’t wear headphones. I use part of my runs to pray & the other part I just turn it on & listen without headphones. I need to go to Costco & get some of those throws. Breakfast was toast with almond butter, honey, chia seeds & raspberries. Along with a big glass of chocolate milk! Random – I went to the eye Dr. & she told me to take fish oil & flax seed oil. Who goes to the eye dr. & comes out with a script for supplements??
Amy
Following your blog and St George training journey inspired me to finally stop making excuses, train for, and run my first half this past weekend! The day of the race I kept thinking of Ephesians 4 – Run the road God called you to travel. It completely erased my doubts. As runners we know sometimes the hardest step is the first one out the door. :) Be proud of how far you have come!
Wishing you all the best!
Nikki B
I use and love Sennheiser “adidas”headphones. The are the type that are headband style that float behind your head, under your ponytail if that makes sense. They sit just behind your ears rather then inside your ears so there is no slipping out and you can hear road noise, cyclists etc. They are not wireless. I absolutely love mine and they are going on 4 years old now.
I eat fruit & nut granola cereal from Whole Foods Market pretty much everyday.
Stephanie
I use Yurbuds too, and I love them! I have some wireless Photive Sport earbuds, but they are noise cancelling so I don’t feel safe wearing them on my runs outside. I wear them on the treadmill only.
Breakfast is the same theme every work day: whole wheat/grain toast w/ almond butter (or peanut butter, or Nuttzo…) and 2nd breakfast was peach Greek yogurt w/ almonds. Lotsa protein up in here.
Random: I turned my coffee pot on to auto start this morning, then must have turned it off when I checked to be sure it was on, because when I was running out the door to get to the gym for a run before class… NO COFFEE. Thankfully, the day has improved since then!
Laureen @peachylau
You can do it xxx
Kelli
I just found out a race I am running in this weekend “strongly discourages” iPods and MP3 players. I am bummed…has anyone ever gone rogue and just listened to their music anyway??
Good luck with St. George, Janae!!! If anyone has it them- YOU DO!
Meg R
You CAN DO THIS!!!
Caitlyn @ Candid Cerebrations
I had a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich for breakfast. My favorite! And I usually don’t eat breakfast but I was absolutely starving.
Randomness for the day, I asked for a raise back in August but they told me to wait until they figured out this next year’s budget (I work in the world of grant-funded academia) – well I found out I’m getting it. YAY!
Jill @ RunEatSnap
I didn’t even know they made wireless headphones! But wow, a marathon with NO music, that would be tough especially if you were used to training with music. This morning I had my usual breakfast of a fruit smoothie with greek yogurt and Eggo cinnamon waffles (so good!). Good luck in your training and marathon! Believe in the hard work you’ve put in and you will do great!
Emily
Hey Janae,
I really hope you have a good race despite some physical setbacks. I pray that your body would be strong by God’s grace, and that you would make it through the race and enjoy the moments.