I am sure you can all agree with me that with each race or run we learn something new. In the case of my 1/2 marathon this last weekend I learned a book’s worth of things. I thought I would post what I wrote in my running journal. Beware, it is pretty honest and you may realize I am even crazier than you thought.
1-Train in harsh conditions. The treadmill is awesome and allows me to keep up with me reality show addiction but I can’t use it for every single run.
I need to learn how to run in heat, cold, wind, fire….ya know?!?! Don’t expect a race to be perfect because it won’t. If you can train in all conditions and push yourself through the harshest temperatures and courses then you will have that edge on your competition. You weren’t born with a whole bunch of natural running talent but you were born with the drive necessary to train as hard as necessary to do your best. Although, you were born with the natural ability of letting your body recover for large amounts of time……couch and refueling are my best friends although the bed sores are not.
3-Get organized. Maybe don’t get to the race destination the night before at 10:30 P.M. and stay up late talking with friends after a car ride of gummy apple rings and twizzler munching. Also, find out exactly where the dang race is. It didn’t help that the email they sent just listed the park name (no address) and changed routes 3 times in the last week but I still should have called and figured out exactly where I needed to be. PS The race directors did a truly amazing job with this race between the course scenery, volunteers, aid stations etc……mother nature was the beast and tried killing me.
5-Get a running coach!!! I am so happy that I have Alex to coach me now. This was the biggest lesson I learned. For some reason I thought that running on a whim and just trying to fit as many mile as possible each week was going to make me a rock star. The 3 girls that beat me ALL had running coaches and they couldn’t believe that I didn’t. Yeah, I am learning the importance of an expert and an outsiders perspective on my training:) It is time to learn about pacing, racing strategies and training galore.
6-Accept that some things are out of your control, like the weather. I guess I could have put some clothes on to stay a little warmer:)
7-Trust my training. When those negative thoughts start creeping in, push them out with the thoughts of the hard work that you have put in. (I am working on a post all about the mental aspect of running and working out because that is something I really struggle with).
8-Eat and drink during a race even if you don’t feel like it. I caused my own stomach to hurt during the race because I was so frustrated with myself and I didn’t drink or eat a thing because I didn’t feel like it. Yes, I know that was the stupidest thing I could have done. Your body needs to be refueled often during a run in order to preform your best.
9-Don’t put so much pressure on yourself because guess what…..there will ALWAYS be another race to reach your goals. Life isn’t perfect and I can’t expect myself to be perfect but I can go out and give my all and ENJOY it at the same time.
It was awkward when a teacher walked into the faculty lounge and caught me taking a picture of me hugging myself…..they have no idea about my blog or my weirdness for that matter. I think she was scared.
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What is a running/fitness lesson that you have learned recently?
What is your latest food obsessions?
-Besides skittles of course I am OBSESSED with Clementines. I have eaten 7 today. No chance for me to get scurvy. PS I eat them whole. I peel off the skin and pop the whole thing in. I am weird.
Would you rather workout in the heat or the cold? Humid or dry?
-I think the dry heat because that is what I am used to.
Do the people you work with know about your blog if you have one?
-Nope, they already think I am crazy enough by eating 4 lbs. of raw veggies for lunch everyday and my obsession with running.
111 comments
Pam
FIRST!
Pam
LOL okay I'll go read it now…
Rose
Most of the people in my life don't know I have a blog, and I like it that way. Sure it means fewer people read me, but it also means I don't have to worry so much about what I put on my blog.
Amanda@runninghood
You are a fast learner Janae! These are some great lessons that take some of us a lot longer to learn! You're so good to yourself. Thank you for loving you. ;) I've learned that I'm capable of way more than I have believed up until now. I like the heat better than cold probably. Hmmm, that is a tough one. My colleagues at work know about my blog…since i"m a SAHM, my coworkers are my kids. :) Ha, but seriously , my teacher friends know about it if they are friends with me on FB. I share my blog with people I know or who are close to me because it is a big part of me!
Amanda@runninghood
Ha! Pam makes me laugh!
WannabeRunner
Well said, Janae. :)
Katy
My co-worker know about my blog, and they are always asking if I'm going to post "this and that" on my blog. They think I'm such a dork, but I don't care because I love it. :)
the dawn
i totally agree with the need to get used to the variable conditions. i made a deal with myself this winter: one run a week MUST be outside. usually it's been my long run because i'm too lazy to layer up when i'm "just" going to run 5 or 6 miles. it's worked out pretty well for me. i can still do my track and tempo on the 'mill when its gross out.
love all the lessons learned!!
Laurie
I love clementines, they are so tasty. I prefer the heat to run in. I'm used to fairly humid, but would probably prefer dry.
Good job on your lessons, those are all great things to remember.
Pam
I can only imagine what that teacher who walked in on you today thought. That's just priceless. haha
I definitely prefer the cold over the heat because around here there is NO SUCH THING as dry heat. It's all humidity all the time from April to October.
Of my real-life friends/family, only my husband, my sister, and one friend know about my blog. And I hope to keep it that way.
CaitlinR
Great post! I know you think you don't do enough training outside in bad weather, but I do not mind running in bad weather and I envy your ability to run on the treadmill! I would rather run outside in the snow and I often DREAD doing a workout inside. You are so mentally tough for doing this. Take some credit! Treadmill running is NOT easy. I purposely have been using you to motivate me to do some more of it so I can be as tough as you!
Julia
Love this post!! Lately I have learned to stay positive and train the runs that I am most afraid of…like speed, in crappy weather and hills. Those are the workouts that are making me better. The others are easy because I know I can do them…it is nice to push myself to something I never thought I could do before! I like to run in like 40-50 degree temps…no humidity!
Latest food obsession is bagel thins with pretty much anything on them! They are delicious!
I think you are fabulous by the way and loved seeing you this weekend and LOVE reading your blog every day!
~Mrs. Guru~
I love clementines as well. However, I like to eat them piece by piece.
Emily
My philosophy is: you have to train in EVERYTHING to be prepared for race day. Last weekend I was almost blown over by crazy wind gusts in DC…I just kept chanting to myself "this will make me stronger for boston, this will make me stronger for boston."
I'm obsessed with clementines. Also, edamame is a pretty much a daily fixture in my diet. And goat cheese.
50 degrees is perfect running weather in my opinion.
nanosandc
You are so lucky to have a coach!! I want a coach but it is really hard to find one in Wellington, I wish Alex had a brother who lived near me..
Alexis
BOSTON will go better b/c you are learning how to race with each race you complete. You will beast it up!
Stephanie
I work with one lawyer…and NO I will NEVER tell him. BUT..my friends and family all know about the blog. They go between fighting to get attention on it and hating me for having a camera wherever I go. hehe
oatsandspice
I don't think I'll tell the people I will be working with about my blog either – I kind of like to keep it to myself :)
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn
Dry heat is thee best! Slash its fine I eat clemetines whole too:)
Girl you are GORGEOUS!! Some of my friends and school buddies know about the bloggy, they love it times a million which makes me so happy:)
I agree with every single word. Harsh conditions could poss be running in the desert loaded only with Swedish fish and coppertone. Let's try it!
Julie
I love the self hug picture! Sweet! I bet your really freaked that other teacher out :D
Jenn & Kev
haha… your funny!! I always laugh out loud when Im reading your blog and my hubbs always looks at me so weird!
Ok, Your so right!! I love those things you wrote….I got this really great running app on my phone and decided to just do whatever I felt like the past few days and I just havent felt as good as when I was doing exactly as it says…So, Yay for coaches, even if mine is electronic.
My blog about food def. doesnt apply to you! Your huge bowls of broccoli are my inspiration! I say you need all that food for the amount you run!
Your the gorgeous one, I want to look like you!! :) Can you teach me those bangs, cause I would love to hide my big ugly forehead! :)
Your the best!
Love ya, jenn
Jenn & Kev
haha… your funny!! I always laugh out loud when Im reading your blog and my hubbs always looks at me so weird!
Ok, Your so right!! I love those things you wrote….I got this really great running app on my phone and decided to just do whatever I felt like the past few days and I just havent felt as good as when I was doing exactly as it says…So, Yay for coaches, even if mine is electronic.
My blog about food def. doesnt apply to you! Your huge bowls of broccoli are my inspiration! I say you need all that food for the amount you run!
Your the gorgeous one, I want to look like you!! :) Can you teach me those bangs, cause I would love to hide my big ugly forehead! :)
Your the best!
Love ya, jenn
Katie
I should have read this before I backed out of running outside today because it was to cold, rainy and windy! I actually got dresses to run outside in my rain jacket, went outside, felt how cold and windy it was and so nuhh uhhh :(
I learned lesson #9 big time Thursday, I put so much pressure on myself I was ready to get sick before my race!!
I haven't even told all of my family about my blog!
I plan to start telling more people and when I start working at the beach my co-workers will probably know because I plan to take lots of pics of our beach workouts and going-ons. Plus we all talk about everything during our sits so it is bound to come out :)
ktlhouse
I agree with all of your realizations ;) You make me laugh w/every post…I can totally picture your colleague walking in and thinking what the hell!
The lesson I am still trying to learn and do myself…rest days!
Dry heat, I think!
Katie :)
keepingupwithkaren
i love clementines, i was obsessed about a month ago. right now, it's sunflower butter in protein shakes. just posted my favourite smoothie combo on my blog.
perfect running temp for me is 10ishC (50 F).
Katie
Also I like to workout in humid heat, cause I always run worse in the heat so I need to get used to it and I love a good sweat. Plus I love summer and here it is humid, so it might be harder, but it makes me happier than the cold. Race wise I would rather race in dry heat, but obvi cool but not cold would be the best :)
fitchocoholic
Great post!!!!!!
Current food obsession: papaya and these yummy chocolate filled cookies! they sort of look like fig newtons except for bigger and chocolatey! =D
Dorry
loved reading your thoughts – especially interested in hearing more about how things go with Alex. I had a challenging/miserable run this morning because of chilly strong winds. I just wanted to give up, but I pushed through to 8 (planned to do 9). They can't all be good ones! My last 2 8-miles runs were awesome. Gotta keep positive. You know I love clementines. Can eat like 17 in a day. I don't mind cold running if I'm dressed well. I learned today that wind is my enemy. My new co-workers at lululemon know all about the blog!
sugarandsneakers.com
All very good lessons! Experience is always a harsh teacher.
I would have paid good money (by good, I mean like $5) to see the teacher's facial expression when they walked in on you taking the picture!
Kate
The people I work with do in fact know that I blog. That is why I have to keep certain things hush-hush. For instance, I took a "sick day" when I wasn't really sick and in order to seal the deal, I wrote a post and mentioned how sick I was. Oh boy. That was bad. I felt major guilt, so I won't be doing that again!
Runners Fuel
PB & bananas are my thing right now. My co-worders support me and my blog.
hungry-dancer.com
This was a great post!!! I am currently obsessing over sauteed spinach. I never how many pounds of spinach I could go through in a week! My co workers know how crazykins I am so I force them to read the blog!
Danielle
A few of the teachers I work with know about my blog because they have one, too. And, they are my running buddies so I haven taken 290324 pictures of them. I didnt want them to think i was just obsessed with taking their pictures. : )
Shannon
Way to make some lemonade out of this weekend not working out how you wanted. Life is all about perspective and how we grow from what we're handed, and you've done just that! Yay for positive thinking :)
winstead family
i, too, didn't quite meet my goal for my race, but i definitely learned alot about myself and my struggle mentally. i am anxious to read what you post about it!
lately, i LOVE raisin toast with apple butter. :)
it's SUPER humid here, and i hate it, so definitely the cold…which we get like, 2 weeks of here in MS>
i work from home, freelancing…so not really. HA! maybe one day we can team up and i'll design you some cool shirts to sell. ;)
check out my website one day http://www.jennywinstead.com
Laura @ Meet Virginia
I laughed out loud about you hugging yourself and it made my abs hurt. I am so obsessed with clementines right now, too! I love it because you can eat like 50 of them. I had 3 today. :)
katelyn w
These are such great lessons! As a new race runner I will gladly take all the help I can get!
Victoria (The District Chocoholic)
I tell the kids I coach #1 all the time. At the pool, they are like "THE SUN IS IN MY EYES." Because *that* will never happen at a meet.
One way I put some of my races in perspective is by thinking back to what a coach once told me – "in-season races are the best preparation we have for championship races." Each race you run is the best practice you can get for Boston(!).
2ndquarter
Great insights!! I love the "trust your training" part…it's so true!! I was seriously amazed when I started running 4-5 miles without feeling like death. Training works…you are a machine!!
Mary (Sisters Running the Kitchen)
that is so funny that a teacher walked in on you taking a picture of you hugging yourself! hahahaha
catiepat
I love this post! We all have so much to teach ourselves. You're totally right!!! Everyday, every race, every run you learn something new about yourself!
Some people at my work know about my blog. But I've only given the address to one person! She's my friend :-)
RIght now I'm obessed with making homemade turkey burgers. Oh… and I LOVE cupcakes. Love them.
I'd rather run in dry heat! I'm originally from Oregon and used to it… Moving to New York and dealing with the humidity in the summer makes me so cranky!!!
Caitlin
Give your body time to heal! I've been loving pretzels and omelets lately. You are so cute, good luck with all your new info!
Gracie (Complicated Day)
All great advice! I can't wait to see how coaching works out!
Julie D.
I love your attitude to do all that it takes to become better, faster, stronger!! :) I laughed out loud at the self-hugging picture. ya, that would be an awkward moment.
Kristy
I'm laughing so hard about the teacher walking in on you taking your own photo. You are the best! Congrats on getting a running coach. I think that will be great for you.
I don't mind running in the cold or the heat. I would have to stay I prefer the cold.
Bess@Bess Be Fit
I'm definitely learning the importance of REST! I took an off day today because my legs been hurting…I am going to try to stay off it until hopefully it doesn't hurt anymore (which I pray is only 2-3 days!) I'm also obsessed with grapes and chobani flavored greek yogurt.
I also would prefer running in the heat. After playing soccer in the middle of the southern summers for my whole life I am must better conditioned and used to heat rather than cold!! I'd prefer to sweat my butt off than to freeze!
Laura Frey
All very true. I have been complaining about the wind around here being 15mph+ on my long runs and track. But today when a gust blew in my face I ran harder until it was gone. Mentally, it's a good lesson and makes race day much less daunting.
Caroline
Running lesson: I ran with Dean Karnazes on Saturday..for real..next to him for about 5 miles and I talked to him and he was saying it is important to ENJOY running that it does not become a "job".
Food obsession: Lucky lemon smoothie at juice it up!
I prefer running in the cold and dry. I hate the heat with a passion.
my blog is top secret! none of my friends know about it, nobody in my family and not even BILL!!! see I am weird also.!!!
ShortSkirts
Love these comments they are great!
I like running in like 40 or 50 degree weather so far and sunny. But given that seattle doesn't do sun this time of year the overcast thing is ok too.
Some of my coworkers know about my blog and read it.
Right now I really love avocados mmm and chick peas. not together, but separate so good.
runningonwords
I'm also obsessed with clementines, although, if I eat more than two I get a migraine. I'd definitely rather run in dry, although I'm not sure about hot versus cold.
No one I work with knows about my blog. No one in my family does either. I like it that way, although I always write as though they could be reading it.
Thanks for posting your list. It definitely gave me some things to think about before my first half in May.
whatkateiscooking
I had seven clementines yesterday! Haha, I am a little obsessed too :)
Nicole Wagner
what a great post…and ALL great lessons to learn my friend!
I am like those 3 other girls….i can't believe that you are as fast as you are without a coach and without EVER having done speedwork? !!! I told my coach that and he agreed you're about to hit a whole new realm.
latest food obsession?
Usana's low glycemic reset. trying to get off my sugar cravings:)
I would rather workout in cold than heat. I can put on my more clothes and wear foot warmers:)
not many work people know about my blog…yet. we'll see.
kay.tee.
At your #7- I added some of your half playlist to the mega playlist I put on shuffle for running. Although I have a good 40 songs on there, Linkin Park's Crawling keeps shuffling in ever since. I hated the song in highschool but have been loving to run to it. I am sure you added it to your list for the very reason that I love it. When it says "Fear is how I fall, confusing what is real" I remember that I can do it and that thinking I need a break or can't go any further is just fear creeping in. Thanks for being a mega inspiration to me Janae!
Holly
Totally agree about training other places than just the treadmill. I tried doing that with my last half marathon & it's just not practical. Now I train outdoors & indoors. I love being in nature- I just let my mind run free.
And, I'm SOOOOO bad about eating during races too- I actually HATE doing it. I try to take something during practice runs- like gu or other types of gel, but they always make me sick :( blah! I need to find something that will not make me sick, but will help keep my energy up.
SO excited for you & your new running coach :) How was your track workout today???
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
Awesome post Janae – I love how you reflect on your training all the time. You're so inspiring! My co-workers don't know I have a blog. In fact, one day at lunch they were making fun of sometong on FB who uploaded pictures of what she ate the day before – ummmm yeah, about that. :)
Molly
Cracking up at the teacher walking in on you taking a picture of you hugging yourself. See you love yourself enough not to care :) And anyone who can run a 1/2 or full marathon is my hero. You go girl.
evamadera
Isn't hugging yourself the greatest? I discovered this after a run where I got a scare and thought I was being chased by a pit bull.
Good luck in your training! And keep up the weirdness. It's awesome!
Carrie
I love this post! It is fun to write posts like this so that you can look back at them and see how far you've come. I especially like #11 :-)
Food obsessions? Greek yogurt (I know, cliche) and wraps- I will put anything in a wrap- eggs, turkey, cheese..etc..
My friends/co-workers do not know about my blog and I kind of like it that way!
Lindsay and James Cotter
well said friend. YOu are so wise and will learn from each race. And now, we will all learn from you.
:)
Lindsay and James Cotter
well said friend. YOu are so wise and will learn from each race. And now, we will all learn from you.
:)
Jessica Miller
I'm always in awe of people who are so speedy and don't drink water or eat gu! I'm attached to my hydration belt and gu! I over gu sometimes too i think haha.
I always thought you did track workouts! They def. helped me improve! I improved my first marathon time (3:40 to a 3:23!) I know the plateau is coming soon, but I'm going to keep pushing until I get close to 3 hours!
I look forward to seeing your new discoveries. There is so much to running and health! It's fun to read what other people learn!
Trying To Heal
ya know, i used to have the same jitters when i was on the hs cx team and we always combated the nerves by telling ourselves the same thing! there would always be another race if this one didn't work out how we liked. we do the best we can at the time and go from there! we always told ourselves we were great just the way we were!
and i run in heat. i love running in heat. the perfect running degree is 75, but i never mind even when it's up in the 90s or 100s (but that's kinda pushing it…heh).
latest food obsession? bok choy and organic local carrots. omg they taste soooooooooooooo different and better than the crap you get at the store!!!
girl from florida
I JUST posted about an awful race I had this weekend, where I did the same thing and just beat myself up (of course, I am nowhere near the same league as you are, but this was only my second 5K in my life :))
runyogarepeat
I love these lessons you've learned, and I'm so glad you have a coach now! I've learned to be flexible with my week, I can adjust my daily workouts if I have extra energy or if I'm sore.
Latest foodie find: dark chocolate coffee truffle bar, this was gone in 2 days, but only cause I wanted to save some for the second day.
Page
Hey lady…I know you've heard this before but your time is still AMAZING! And I'm not just saying that to be nice…I don't like fake niceness. Seriously, you did a great job and you should be proud of yourself.
runaroundaroo
Sweet teacher's lounge couch… ;)
Honestly, if the trails are clear I'll take cold running over hot running. If there was a way to magically clear the ice and snow off the trail I would be happy with year round winter…if the sun still shined!
Some people think I'm weird for blogging, others think I'm a little obsessed with myself…oh well, I like feeling cool with my bloggy friend! ;)
Christine
Some of the people at my work know about my blog because I post it on Facebook. But, if they're friends on FB than I'm okay with it (except that one time I got put on the spot for hating Shakespeare during out English department meetings).
Puddles of Run
Thank you for proving that even great runners can feel bad about a run. I had a rough one this weekend in a race and I've been pretty hard on myself about it. Thank you for posting this in perfect time!!
Beth
Those are really great lessons to learn!
And that pic is too funny. My coworkers do NOT know that I blog. Although I usually write my posts in my open cube at work…
Cynthia
Great post. I learn so much from you and your blog! I love that pic of you hugging yourself!
Tina @GottaRunNow
I really like clementines, too, and peanut butter or almond butter with apples, too. I always double tie my running shoes. Great tips!
Jess @ Blonde Ponytail
Fabulous journal entry and lessons that we can all benefit from. I learned that EVERY run will not give a "runner's high", endorphins yes, but the feeling of endless energy and invincibility–no. boo.
So excited to learn more from you AND your running coach! Just think of your potential?! You haven't even come close to peaking! AMAZING!
I am obsessed with avocados lately–may have been due to your blog pix, but regardless–I heart them lately!
p.s. you will be a +900 followers in 2 days–I feel it in my bones!
thevitaminbee
This is my first time posting here (I've been lurking for awhile) but I think this is an awesome post and that you are so great!
From my perspective, you were DEFINITELY born with some natural running talent! You are so awesome and inspiring. I hope to be half as good as you someday!
I recently learned that rest days count as training days! I'd rather run in humidity than dry heat but 60-70 degrees is my perfect temp. And I am completely obsessed with grapefruits. They are just so dang good.
Suza
I prefer HOT over cold and I don't mind dry or humid. But I guess I'm more used to humid. Imagine how awesome your training would be if you could travel a lot – see beautiful places, taste ethnic candy and train in a variety of weather!! It would be so cool!
Ly*
I really wanted to join a running group they have back in Argentina… you have a nutritionist, a sports medicine doctor, a customized running training… but I just don't have the time to do it! ): When you go to med school, your life is 99% brain training, 1% body training (IF you manage to work your time out AND if you make it your priority). ):
I def prefer a dry weather. And I'm starting to like running in the cold. I don't know if it's because I'm in Brazil and the sun is killing all my running times, but I'm pretty sure I'm gonna regret saying this when winter hits me lol. (I really really hate winter…).
I don't think anyone knows I have a blog… I mean my sister does but she's lame and never comments ): Besides, some of my friends do know but they're too lazy to think something in english to comment so I'm left abandoned lol (/drama queen).
xx
littlemissfitnessblog
I definitely prefer cold over hot. I moved from the midwest cold to the south and it's hard to get used to this hot humidity!
I'm in love with Menchie's lately—frozen yogurt with all your fav toppings! :)
solarpowered
Very few of my every-day-life people know about my blog. I'm not sure why, actually. I just don't tell people about it.
And I like your #11. For one of my 18 mile races, I went out on the course the night before and wrote chalk messages on the road from miles 11 to the end. Inspirational, happy, positive mental attitude messages :)
Siobhan @sio 'n the run
I would have loved to see that teachers face who walked in on you! hahahahha Awesome!
This post is so inspirational. Along with you. You are just a delight! :)
michael. mindy. dane.
i am excited for your mental post. ha. that didn't sound right. i mean i'm excited for your post about hte mental aspect of running. i am s l o w l y trying to run more, and i know i could do so much more if i could get over my freaking mental blocks. it is so frustrating! ah! so anyway…i am looking forward to that! love love your blog!
Lisa {eatprayrun-lisa.blogspot.com}
okay, i guess i don't care that i'm #74 to comment (maybe #75 by the time i finish writing) because I LOVED THIS POST. i feel like i just got to know you a whole lot better. 1. i appreciate that you're so willing to be human on here and let everyone see you being you. that is awesome, and not something everybody is able to do. 2. your thoughts on your race were really honest and insightful. congratulations to you for being able to digest the race and turn it into knowledge to better yourself in the future. i could really relate to #'s 1, 7 & 9. #1 – i wrote a post about getting too "comfortable" with the ol' treddy and then getting a reality check when you actually head out the door for a run. #7 – i too struggle with the mental toughness that's necessary to excell at running. i've never really been a person to push myself hard to do anything. i like to use running to experiment with this part of myself. #9 – yes, there IS always another race. you are sure to rock your next one.
and, as if this comment wasn't long enough…fitness lesson: LOTS since i started reading all these blogs. i'm a big ol' newbie, so there's lots to learn. latest food obsession: grapefruit, apple butter, 8 ounces Bolthouse Farms Mocha Cappuccino Perfectly Protien blended with 5 ice cubes. yes, some of my co-workers know about my blog and read it. you should totally tell. love your break room hugging photo!
okay, now i'm prob #82.
Nicole
What a great motivational tool. Keeping track of how your races go so you can look back and motivate yourself in the future! how wonderful. I'm excited about the new coaching thing.. i hope it goes great :)
athletic chick
Congrats on a successful race!! You're my hero. :)
Right now I'm eating a lot of homemade zucchini bread w/ dark chocolate. Yum.
I prefer training in dry heat, and I keep my blog pretty private. But I LOVE reading yours!
Nicole @ Of Cookies & Carrots
All of these are amazing. Honestly teh fact that you've come this far WITHOUT a coach of any sort is a testament to how amazing you are on every level. This is all so insightful and I just KNOW you will be able to apply it for your next race!
I am also obsessed with clementines… I sort of stole a bunch from my dev psych prof when she brought them to share last week. I think i ate 5. YUM!
Nicole @ Of Cookies & Carrots
All of these are amazing. Honestly teh fact that you've come this far WITHOUT a coach of any sort is a testament to how amazing you are on every level. This is all so insightful and I just KNOW you will be able to apply it for your next race!
I am also obsessed with clementines… I sort of stole a bunch from my dev psych prof when she brought them to share last week. I think i ate 5. YUM!
pajamachef
great lessons! right now i'm into frosting. yup. it's delish! oh and homemade granola bars. :)
itsagoodmorning
I love this post! Honest, no excuses and very real. A plan is good. There are a few people I watch run along without a plan and while they are good, they would be SO much better with a solid plan with workouts that had a point. Good for you for getting a coach.
My perfect running conditions are cool (65-70) and foggy! Something about a foggy run puts me into the best mood. However, if I want to be honest about what I need to run in, it is hot and humid because I struggle in those conditions. Believe it or not, we can get some pretty serious humidity here in Minnesota…probably has something to do with our 10,000 lakes.
People I work with know I blog, but family doesn't – at least not that I know of. I just sorta keep it quiet because I married into a judgemental group and it's better to just keep under the radar.
Pam
I love this post Janae!! I especially agree with #7 and #9!! Remember it's okay to make mistakes as long as we learn from them!! :) You are going to apply all of your lessons and do soo GREAT in Boston!! :)
My running lesson…resist the urge to go out too fast at the beginning of the marathon. First mile shouldn't be your fastest mile!!
I like to run in dry weather mid 60's…PERFECT!! I love fuji apples!! w/trader joe's cruncy/salted peanut butter!!
Have a great evening!! :)
itsagoodmorning
One other thing I forgot to say is consider heading out to off road it one of these weekends. Trail running will actually be a bit slower than roads and especially so if you have a lot of elevation changes, but it also kicks your but into shape! My road running changed significantly once I got into trail running. It's also a nice change from the paved paths and much easier on the joints.
Zaneta
haha… you are too cute!! LOVE the pic of you hugging yourself! Just for that, and the fact that a teacher now things you're a freak, I'm sending a hug your way ;) You'll have to hug yourself again… cuz im here, and you're there… but you dont have to take a pic this time ;)
MuncherCruncher
You are amazing girlie. Thanks for the text today! You made my day! I'm sorry the race wasn't as perfect as you'd hoped, but it definitely looks like it was worth every minute. You are absolutely amazing, and I'm sure this will only make you better. I can't wait to see you! Maverick tomorrow?
Stefanie D.
You are so awesome! I am very obsessed with clementines right now as well. Thier just so easy to peel and eat. Much better than regular oranges if you ask me. :)
My co-workers do not know that I have a blog…and I think I would feel semi-weird if they actually read it. Because then they would know how strange I really am….I don't know that I'm ready to out myself just yet!
JJK
Hey Janae! It's Jessica (emailed you the other day!) I officially started my blog! Still learning how to use it, but it's getting there! Thanks for the advice and all the inspiration! You rock!
Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner)
Seriously, I don't think I NEED that running coach with you around!! You are AMAZING!! I have been neglecting my outdoor runs recently too in favour of the treadmill (and it's tv…) and I need to get my butt back out there in those winds!!
I can't WAIT to read your post on the mental aspect of running! I put a lot of pressure on myself too to achieve my goals. I think that race was actually a really GREAT thing as you seemed to learn so MUCH from it!! And now you're teaching us…yay!! :D
Oh, and I know you love Kara Goucher as much as I love her+Paula Radcliffe, and I thought you might like to know that last week I went to a Sports Nutrition sesh with a leading Sports Nutritionist who works with elite runners including Goucher and Radcliffe!! He was AMAZING and I learnt so much AND he's met my heroines!! :D
P.S. Sorry this is the longest comment in the history of the world but I thought I should remind you that you are totally GORGEOUS and hugging yourself is totally normal. At least, that's what I tell myself anyway…! :P
Amanda
Great post :)
I love your attitude, keep it up, rockstar.
For me, just recently it's been all about peanut butter sandwiches.
untilyoutri
Hey, hun!
My runner's world quote of the day today made me think of you:
"It takes faith and the courage to risk failure in order to realize one's destiny. Having had my share of failures throughout my career I know that it is well worth the risk."
Ryan Hall, American long distance runner and winner of the 2008 United States Olympic Marathon Trials
Not that I personally would call your race a failure, mind you. I could only dream of being as super speedy as you;) But I know it can be frustrating when you toe that line and end up not getting the results you had hoped for. You'll be there soon, I know it! Congrats on your running coach!:)
Sabrina @ Radioactive Runner
Loved reading this…and love that you're so honest and open.
Looking forward to reading your post about the mental aspect of running!
Jennie
In college everyone made fun of me for worrying about getting scurvy. You're going to be awesome, and you need to allow yourself the time to mentally prepare before a race!
Missy
I like to run when it's cool but not cold…warm but not hot! The humidity down here last summer was awful and I was practically melting during some of my night runs.
No my co-workers do not know about my blog, it's kind of my personal place and if someone falls upon it then so be it. But my friends do know about it, my best friend and sister knew about it for a while but I just told the rest of my friends recently.
Kathie
love the self hug pic. too cute. great lessons learned.
Megan
I'm looking forward to your post on the mental battle. It's my biggest struggle!
Jen
I always think of a race that didn't go the way I wanted as a stepping stone to where I want to be. When I have that magical race, I'll be able to look back on the hard ones as the ones that taught me what I needed to learn to get there. It's all about different experiences. It's what makes us who we are in running as well as in life. And it only makes us stronger. I love your lessons learned and your getting caught taking your picture!
gwenniepie.com
You are an inspiration lady :) Our lives are so different, but I still connect with things you said to yourself in this post. XOXOX
aliruns
You are awesome girl!! Figuring all of this out now, will only help you improve your times in the end.
lifeisbeachykeen
I love your 'lessons.' So true. There will always be another race, but it's definitely hard to remember that when you are sucking in the current race. (and getting 1st place in the 20-30 definitely was not sucking).
My family & friends know I have a blog. I have no coworkers so there is no one to tell. I didn't tell anyone @ my old job because I didn't want them creepin' on me.
Big Daddy Diesel
– I learned, no matter how hard I try an push through the pain, i will need that surgery to see if I can run pain free
– Spinach is my latest obession, breakfast, lunch and dinner
– Perfect workout conditions for me are 70, dry
– nope, they dont need to know
Mallory
Great post. I think we've all learned some of those lessons the hard way. I think the biggest lesson I have learned recently is to cut myself some slack. We are all our own worst critics and if we can forgive ourselves for something, chances are that next time will be better.
Currently I am loving Frosted Cheerios as a late night snack :) I prefer running in the heat. No one at work knows about my blog!
endlessrunner
Running is such a mental battle, you will rock it in Boston Janae!!
Katie
My pasty white face made it on the blog! I love it! Thank you for the long talks and good time together! We love you guys!!!
Adrianna
fantastic post! you are such an inspiration girl. i love this blog so much!
dry and hot, fo sho.
obsessed w/ sweet potatoes. although this is like 3 years and on-going… so good!
Liv
All of your lessons are so true, and not just for training for races, either. It's true about every goal we try to attain.
Just last week, I sprained my ankle during a run, for the first time ever. It wasn't too bad, but I have to stay off of it for two weeks. It hurt a lot to hear that, but I guess it's a great reason to take a break and get excited for running again!
Oh, and I've been obsessing over navel oranges lately. They're so good this time of year :)
ratherthecouch
Ha! I love that someone walked in on you hugging yourself and taking a picture of it! Sounds like a lot of good lessons. I give myself pep talks during my runs. Out loud if I'm having a particularly tough time. I give myself pep talks when I'm skiing too. Haven't yet in yoga…they like you to be quiet. Anyway, I'm rambling. You are so much better than you realize.