NYC Marathon is less than two weeks away and I am preparing myself in many ways besides just trying to figure out how I can meet Lauren Fleshmen and convince her to coach me.

Laurenfnov200

(Source)

(From Runners World...In her words:  “I started running in eighth grade.  I was late to P.E. class one day, and as punishment my teacher told me I had to collect recyclables around school–which was really humiliating–or run in the junior high track meet.  I ran the mile in 5:50 or 5:55 and came in second.  I thought, well, maybe I’m pretty good at this.”……her mile time in 8th grade was half the time that I did when I was in Jr. High…..rude).

Her hardest workout to prepare for the marathon was a 15 mile tempo run @ 5:30……No big deal, don’t we all do that workout?

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What I am working on over the next two weeks to make sure that I am ready to run NYCM (not because I want to PR or anything but so that I have an enjoyable ((should enjoyable even be in the same sentence as marathon?)) time and I finish):

1–SLEEP CITY.  Sorry, Billy we will be going to bed at 8:30 p.m. for the next little while.   You will just have to wear an eye mask so that the daylight doesn’t keep you up as you are trying to fall asleep.

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2– Study the course and prepare mentally (which for me means to remember that I am just doing this one for fun….I will do my best as I stay injury free!)

3- Run less obviously:)

Pete Pfitzinger said HERE, “You should run about 1/3 of your normal weekly training volume in the 6 days leading up to the race. For example, if you normally run 60 miles per week during your marathon preparation, you would run 20 miles between Monday and Saturday before the marathon.”

-For me I have peaked at 32 miles per week while training for NY= about 11 miles of running the week of the marathon and some cross training.

4– Focus more than ever on eating my whole grains, proteins and fats.  Since we try to spend the least amount of money possible on food…..that translates to a whole lot of egg and tuna sandwiches and whatever else I can find in my cabinets.  The week of the marathon I will consume about 65-70% of my calories from carbs….that should be really hard to do;)  I think it is also really important to drink cytomax and lots of water.

If the carb is brown it means it is a whole grain right?

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5– Avoid stressful situations = Billy, will you do all of my errands and maybe even come sub for some of my more stressful classes so that I can stay home and watch Oprah reruns:)  I want to try to stay calm and confident and I will pack my bags in advance so that I can avoid stressing myself out for no reason.

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Don’t forget to enter my RUNNING SHOES GIVEAWAY!

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How do you prep the weeks leading up to a big race?

What is the farthest race that you have ever traveled for?

-New York.  I am hoping that being at sea level will make running feel a lot easier.

How about everyone share the next race they want to PR in?

-For me I am thinking that next June @ the Utah Valley marathon will be a PR race:)

Anyone run when they were in JUNIOR HIGH?

-Occasional jogs with the sister but not exactly a 5:50 mile.

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162 comments

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I always pack my bag like a week ahead of time! It definitely saves me any freak outs.

The furthest race I’ve traveled for is Columbus Marathon, living in Wisconsin.

I hope to PR in this triathlon I’m doing in 3 weeks!

I did run in middle school-I was a top runner for cross country…then what happened?! Ha!

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You ARE going to PR in your tri in 3 weeks….that is so exciting! Whatever, you STILL are a top runner!

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I taper before a marathon, but I am not so good at tapering for anything else.

For some reason taper is stressful to me.
The farthest that I have gone for a race was from Indiana to Los Angeles for the Surf City USA Marathon, although the trip was really just planned to visit my in-laws.

I’m hoping to run and PR in a spring marathon, probably either Country Music or Illinois; we’ll see I haven’t been able to run regularly since March 27.

I went out for track in junior high, but I insisted on throwing the shotput because my best friend did that. I didn’t agree to run until high school

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What did you think of the Surf City Marathon? I hope you are back on track and getting that pr on March 27!

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Looks like you have a good plan! I didn’t run until 3 years ago. I absolutely despised running. My next marathon is ING Miami in January and I plan on focusing on getting there injury free. The farthest race I everl traveled for was a year ago- to San Fran- for my first marathon!

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I want to do San Fran so bad. I can’t wait to read all about you running Miami!

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I liked Surf City! It was a fun course with great crowd support.

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Great prep list! I know you’ll do awesome!

I’ve never traveled for a race … yet.

I never ran consistently until this year.

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You seem to have prepping down to a T- I’m sure it will all pay off at the race! Man I hated running in junior high! We had to run the ‘monthly mile’ which at the time seemed like a marathon. Needless to say, my PE coaches gave up on me and finally accepted that I would only walk the mile- what can I say, I was good at convincing :)!

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Oh…we had the monthly mile too and I think I walked half of it ha! My how times have changed for us:)

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You are so inspiring, Janae! Already tackling a marathon [in which you will dominate!] not long after being injured.
I will PR at a 10k this winter cause I was sloowwww last year. But no other races until my first marathon in April!

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Thanks Karla!! AHHH SO excited for your 10k pr! Which marathon in April?

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I’m doing the RnR Country Music Marathon in Nashville. I am beyond excited for training to start–although some of those long runs will be brutal to be doing without a training partner. =/

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Lots of rest, sleep, crosstraining, carb loading.
NC to Phoenix or Vegas. Think they are about the same in terms of distance.
I hate to put it out there, but my PR race is 11/13. Backup is 2/25.
DID NOT run at all until I was in my 30’s.

I hear NYC is AMAZING. Just enjoy the course, the crowds, the support. You will be great!

The Kidless Kronicles

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11/13….AHHHH I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU!! You are going to rock it and I can’t what to read all about your PR:)

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I haven’t really commented before, but have been blog stalking you for a while:)…and I am so excited for you and NYC! NYC is my dream marathon!

I haven’t traveled far for a race, but when I run my first marathon, but I have gone far enough to have to stay in the race hotel which I think is so fun! I’m all for making the whole weekend an experience!

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HEY GIRL!!! You are NUMBER 1!! I tried to leave a comment on your blog but it went to spam, will you save me:) You are going to rock Houston!

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the furthest i’ve traveled for a race, half marathon, is from san antonio, to dallas. i have no idea how many miles that is though. i did run into skinny runner’s husband in the elevator while at my hotel in dallas that year though. kinda cool.

never ran in junior high or high school…i danced :) started running seriously when i was 40 years old.

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That is awesome!!! Hopefully we can meet in a hotel elevator someday ha!

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I prep for a marathon by running and cross training! I’ve traveled just several hours for a race…..and next year I am doing a half ironman—and I can not wait!

Good luck, girl!

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You are going to rock your half IM…I can’t wait to read all about it!

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Ooo I’m so excited for you! Leading up to a big race I try to do all the things you mentioned, with a big emphasis on eating right. It’s that special time when I actually try to limit the amount of dessert I have every week, and it’s tough! I also try to stretch and foam roll every night before bed, even if I’m not feeling sore. Gotta loosen up those muscles! I’ve never traveled farther than the next state over for a race, but I’d love to do the Big Sur Marathon or maybe London one day.

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I need to work on the dessert thing these next few days…it really is SO hard though! I want to do London too…lets plan it out to do it the same year:)

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Hi Janae –
Just a thought here – 11 miles in the week before the race seems really light. I’m not sure how well that rule of thumb works when your peak mileage is 32 miles. I’d probably treat it like a regular week, but just not run for a couple of days before hand since there hasn’t been a significant training volume/workload that you’re recovering from. So since the race is on a Sunday, maybe something like:
Sunday (week before): 12
Mon: cross train (easy)
Tues: 7ish, maybe with a few 3-5 minute pickups
Weds: easy cross train or off
Thurs: 5ish, plus a few strides
Fri & Sat: off (stretch, maybe super easy elliptical or something on Friday)

For what it’s worth…

-Amy H

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AMY….seriously, thank you so much!! As I was thinking about it this morning it did sound a little on the light side but I just worry about getting injured ya know:) I have a half marathon on Saturday (not racing, just doing it for fun), how would you adjust it….just keep it the same except the Sunday run on Saturday?

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Hmm…yes, I’d probably just do the half marathon Saturday, and then keep the other runs sort of like I listed above. And of course, do your other injury prevention things, like eating well, foam rolling, ice bathing (not that I do that one, but I hear people like it), gentle yoga.

I think you just want to go into the marathon well-rested (but not de-trained), carb-loaded, and with everything feeling good to maximize your chances of meeting your goals. You also need to be realistic though. Not to be a complete downer, but there is a possibility that something will start hurting during the race. I think it would be a good idea to map out your plan for various scenarios like that ahead of time. (Man, I do sound negative and I really don’t mean to, but given the prep and your main goal of just having fun, you want to be healthy and ready to train mid-November, not dealing with some new issue.)

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Not at all…seriously, I have been thinking about these things too! I am taking my phone so that just in case I can call my sis to have her come get me:) I completely agree that it wouldn’t be worth it to get hurt just to finish the race, I would rather be able to continue to run without a huge injury. Thank you so much Amy for all of your tips and if you think of any others PLEASE let me know!

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SINCE you’re going to be so close to me (kinda sorta… new york IS on the east coast), how about you come play with me afterwards? or maybe I’ll just have to come cheer you on and then go visit my old hometown in NJ. :) just agree, okay?

I ran a mile for field hockey in middle school and cried when my mom made me train for it. seriously.

YAY FOR TAPERING TOGETHER. we’re so cool.

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Dang we are cool! I think I might just have to come play with you:) You should go back to NJ…seriously, we would have so much fun together!

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nyc is less than 2 weeks away?! yikes. i think its the farthest ive traveled for a race. or maybe massachusettes is father, i dont know. geography was never my strong suit.

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I don’t know either and I used to teach geography;) Wanna meet in NY for a cupcake?

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i am like SO EXCITED FOR YOUR MARATHON you have NO IDEA! i think billy needs to twitter every second of the event! you know for SURE i will be following it!!!!!love you and your attitude you are gonna KILL IT!

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Thanks girls! I will try to get my sis to tweet for me:)

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Lots of rest, good food and less running!
I traveled to Anaheim for the Disney Half Marathon, we drove it – about 3000km!
I hated running when I was younger and only started to run 3 years ago :)

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WOW….that is a long drive! I bet it was totally worth it!

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Yay, I’m so excited you’re doing the NYC marathon! I live in NYC and although I am not running, I will be watching probably in Central Park :) I’m so excited for you! If you need delicious Manhattan food & restaurant suggestions for after running the marathon you let me know! Haha

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AHHH this is so exciting! Wanna meet up for froyo the day before the race and yes….please send some suggestions. We want GOOD pizza!

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Yessss, definitely! Phileo Yogurt in Greenwich Village rocks :)

Bleecker Street Pizza is AMAZING! My fav. and Food Network’s voted #1 pizza so that means it’s definitely delicious, haha.

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sorry to be creepin on this comment but pizza artichoke in nyc is the BEST pizza!

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Mmmm I forgot about Artichoke! Also yummy :)

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AHHH Thanks Erin and Rachel, I will be going to BOTH of those places!

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Go to 16 Handles!!!

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I’m hoping for a PR at my half next month in Philly! We’ll see though… In junior high my life was soccer, soccer and more soccer. You couldn’t have paid me to run for the sake of running back then. It’s funny how much time can change things :)

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WAHOO FOR YOUR PHILLY PR:) That is so crazy because that is how BIlly was too, he would ONLY run if it was playing another sport and now he loves just running!

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I love grocery shopping the week before a race. I know all my go to lead up meals I want to be having so it is an easy list to make. Cheap or not, eggs and tuna are both on this list. :)

I want to try and PR in this half marathon I am doing this Saturday. Janae, you seriously have gotten me addicted to these double digit runs!!!! How’s the body feel post your 21??

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That is such a good idea Erica, thank you so much. You better email me on Saturday after your PR:) My body is feeling awesome, it is kind of strange to not be in pain ya know! Glad you are hooked on the long runs:)

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hahaha–i just read about Lauren this morning while reading the new issue of RW and i was thinking about how kick butt she is!

Farthest race…not too far, just philly and long island. i REALLY wanna travel for the disney half or full marathon though.

I just PRd at my last half…now i’m setting my sights on a full marathon. 2012 is the year!!!!!

I was wayyy too overweight to really run much as a teenager…my cousin was and still is a beast at running though :)

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I love that you just PRD and I am STOKED for your marathon! Which ones are you thinking about? Yay for Lauren, she is incredible!

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i’m STOKED for you running NYC (and maybe a little jealous, hahaha)
i think you are going to have a blast…anyone that I know that has run has said it was a phenomenal experience!

i’m gonna try again in the lottery for NYC next year, if i dont make it, I will join Team in Training and run the Philly marathon for charity…that marathon will definitely be dedicated to Kev ;)

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Preparation for races: Try not to eat sweets, I am really horrible at this. No soda, also really horrible at this. Sleep as much as possible. I personally try to eat as I normally would any other week.

The furthest I have traveled was to Chicago for the Chicago Marathon last year! I loved the race.

Next Race: Hopefully a marathon in the east during the spring!

Definitely didn’t run in Junior High!

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Lower sweets intake…..NOOOOO:) I will try my hardest ha! I have always wanted to do Chicago! Let me know what marathon you plan on this spring:)

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You’re going to do awesome – just don’t put pressure on yourself!! HAVE FUN!
I didn’t start running until high school. I was way too busy playing with Barbies in Junior High.

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Okay, I thought I was the only one playing with Barbies in Jr. High;) American Dolls too!

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I’d like a marathon PR this year and it might be at the Louisiana Marathon this January. I am actually making myself prepare for it, as in training schedule and all, which is impressive for me.

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WAHOO Louisiana Marathon PR…I can’t wait to read all about it and yay for training schedules:)

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Wow NYC is so soon! I feel like it creeped up on us! I taper for 2 weeks before a marathon and start packing early because I’m terrified that I’ll forget something! Also lots of rest, water, and yoga.

The farthest I’ve travel was to Las Vegas last year!

The next race I want to PR in is the ING Miami! So excited for that race!!

I ran in middle school. Thats when I found out I was a really good sprinter. I also did my mile in 5:58…which is crazy because I will probably never see anything close to that number ever again!

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WHAT…holy cow Brandi, you are incredible!! Wow!! I think you should come run Vegas this year;)

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Brandi IS going to be in Vegas this year. I’m currently stalking her. :-)

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I love Lauren Fleshman, too!!! I love that she’s an amazing athlete and super smart (my inner nerd cannot be kept down). The farthest I have traveled is to Boston for the marathon (I was a slow charity team runner not a qualifier…) and I’m hoping to PR in the Snow Canyon half in two weeks! Not sure I can but it’s the first time in a long time that it looks like it’s in the realm of possibility. Have an amazing time in NYC!!

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You ARE going to PR in your half and I want to hear all about it!

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Thanks for the support and encouragement, Janae!! I can’t wait to tell you all about it in exchange for hearing about the NYC marathon!! Can’t wait to read your posts on it!

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You’ll do awesome! I may pr at the Halloween half on Saturday since it’s downhill, but I’m just going into to have fun since I just did a half 2 weeks ago. I started running when I was 13 and actually liked doing the mile in PE. I think I could do it in like 7:20 back then. I ran pretty consistently just for exercise but didn’t start doing races until I was 22.

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WHAT….7:20 in junior high, you are incredible! We need to meet up at the half!

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My BEST tip for prepping for a travel race and remaining stress free is MAKE A LIST. Like do it today and keep it with you so you can add items to it. I think about race day (and days before and after when I might want to run on the trip) and go head to toe of what I will wear on my body. It really reduces stress. Don’t forget chargers for things!

The furthest race I traveled for was San Francisco earlier this month. I am FINALLY getting off California time and went to bed at a reasonable 10:30 last night (it had previously been 1-3:30 in the morning, which does not make the next day much fun!).

I am doing a 5k in December and I really want to PR in it. Even if only by 1 second. That’s my goal!!

I ran in Junior High and I was okay. I did well in the relay (4×100) and in the 100m.

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GREAT ADVICE…thank you so much! I will totally be making a list now, thanks so much Malory! I want to run San Fran someday! You are going to rock your 5k and get that pr!

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I need to start getting my stuff together for this marathon! Technically this will be the furthest I’ve traveled for a race (and I’m only from NJ!). I’m afraid if I start getting stuff together already that I’ll start freaking out prematurely LOL!

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Ha…me too!! I don’t want to freak out either….maybe we should just start making a list of what we need to bring:)

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Your list sounds very familiar :). Lots of sleeping and eating of the carbs!
So far the furthest away race I’ve done is Portland, OR (Foot Traffic Flat). Come January it will be DisneyWorld!!
I’m thinking the Utah Valley Marathon will be my next opportunity to PR at the marathon distance. By PR I mean finish probably an hour after you ;). Love that marathon!
I ran short distances and hurdles in track a little in jr high/high school, but not for long! I started my distance running ‘career’ last year at the young age of 30! Yeah, a little late to the game.

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Not late at all…..30’s is when a lot of distance runners peak. Girl, I can’t wait to meet you on Saturday! Email me your stuff! PS the UV marathon is going to rock!

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I ran the mile in junior high for gym class, but I’m pretty sure the fastest I ever ran was in the 9s. 5s is just insane. I want to be her!

I prepped for the race by sleeping like it was my job and restraining myself from running. It seems to have worked out.

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You were way faster than me:) YAY for sleeping and it definitely worked out for you!

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Great Marathon tips, I’ll be saving this post!

I want to run my first 10k in November if my IT band cooperates. It’s my first so I guess that will automatically make it a PR! :)

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Bummer about your IT band….are you going to PT for it? So excited for your automatic pr…you are going to rock it!

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You’re going to be completely prepared Janae! I’ve traveled a lot but never for a race, but I’d like to soon. A race vacation sounds great!
My next PR…well my first marathon is in 3 weeks. So that’s an automatic PR!

I ran a little when I was 12/13…but I honestly have no idea what my times were. It was just to get ready for soccer season!

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I am stoked for your guaranteed marathon PR:)

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So really random, I totally had a dream that I decided to do the NYC marathon with my brother. I think it’s because my husband has an interview there. Weeks leading up to a big race I usually just try to keep myself calm because I tend to freak out right before. The furthest I have traveled for a race is a sum total of an hour. One day that will change, when my husband gets out of school and we start making the big bucks (and of course after we pay off school loans…). Since I live in NE and our town did their last road race 2 weekends ago, I am going to try and PR in a Turkey Trot race when I am visiting family in KY. And as for running in high school, we had to run a mile and I hated it.

You are going to do great at the NYC marathon! Bummer that Billy can’t come with but it’s great that you sister is able to join you!

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AHHHHH I think you should:) I like your dream! How about you come race in Utah and hang out with me when you are making the big bucks. Thanks so much Ann!

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You never know, maybe one day we will meet up! My husband and I LOVE Moab Utah. We have been like 3 different times now. We go for some quality rock climbing, hiking and of course to visit some amazing slot canyons. This last time we totally got rained out and had to leave early :( But if I am ever in your neck of the woods I will let you know!

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I travelled to Alaska for my first marathon. Amazing!

I will PR in a marathon next year, just not sure which one yet.

Have fun tapering!!

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ALASKA…that is AWESOME!! What marathons are you trying to choose between?

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Not sure yet :-) There are a few local ones in WI that would be alright, but I would love to travel somewhere, so we’ll see!

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I have run in Colorado and in NYC, obvie. NYC is like running in an air cloud, comparatively.
The farthest I traveled was to Seattle-but I also have friends there, so it worked out!!!
The INGNYCM is a great course. There are a few challenging hills and a couple of really ugly areas, but some really gorgeous views (especially on the bridges).

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Good to know…I am hoping that the air cloud helps me out:) I want to try Seattle someday!

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I am running my second marathon on SUNDAY!!! I am only traveling 4o miles to DC to run the Marine Corps Marathon with Team in Training. I ran the Country Music Marathon in 2007 and finished in 4:10 (nothing too stellar) and am hoping to finish this one in under 4 hours (even 3:59 would be acceptable). We shall see what happens. Yesterday I stepped funny and now my sciatic nerve hurts. I hope it goes away before Sunday.

This week I am trying not to sprain my ankle, drinking lots of water, eating lots of carbs, and cutting down on greasy foods. Marathons are stressful!!!

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WAHOOOO….good luck on your second marathon, that is incredible!! Whatever a 410 for your first marathon is incredible!! Can’t wait to hear all about your sub 4!! Yes, be easy on that ankle!

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It’s so exciting that your marathon is almost here! Can’t wait to see how you do! My training plan has me peaking at 40 mi/week. My knees have been hurting so I hope I’m not over doing it! Obviously, I cannot wait for the taper!
I will be traveling the furthest for the Bass Pro 1/2 marathon in Springfield, MO next weekend (from OK). I’m hoping it’s a PR for me as well! And the Dallas White Rock Marathon Dec 4th will be my first marathon so it’s an automatic PR.

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Praying for those knees of yours! Good luck in your 1/2 and I want to hear all about it! I also want to hear all about your marathon in December!

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Great plan friend! I think it is incredibly important to stay calm and visualize yourself running the race. You have done the training and the race is your reward for your hardwork. Your last tip about stress is very important. I always seem to have the most stressful things happen in my life the week of a race and I hate it. But what can you do.

Love you friend! Have a wonderful day.

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I hope you get to meet Lauren Fleshman!!

Good luck at NY – enjoy the experience and have fun! :)

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In the weeks leading up to a race I try to get more sleep and increase my fluids. I’d say I increase my carb intake too, but let’s be honest, I always eat a lot of carbs. :D
The furthest I’ve gone for a race was to San Francisco (from NY) for my first marathon in 2009.
I didn’t like running in junior high. At all. I was super slow.
I am not registered for a race right now, so I don’t have my eyes set on a PR at the moment. I’d really like to do the Vegas half, but I’m not sure if I can swing it.

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I want to run San Fran so bad! I think you should do the Vegas half…I AM and we can hang out!

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My friend IS coached by Lauren Fleshmen…so maybe you can convince her :) See you in nyc soon!

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SERIOUSLY…..that is awesome!!! I really want to try:) SEE YOU SOON!!!

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How do you prep the weeks leading up to a big race? Sleep, eat repeat :)
What is the farthest race that you have ever traveled for? Marine Corp. (DC)
Anyone run when they were in JUNIOR HIGH? I ran from the security guards when I cut out of school. Does that count?

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I usually obsess over the course, plug in my previous races into every race predictor calculator I can find, drive my boyfriend crazy, and eat lots of carbs!

The farthest I’ve traveled is to Seattle, which really isn’t that far from Arizona. But I will be going to Boston in April!!!

I am running the Tucson Marathon on Dec 11th and hope to PR!! I’ve been training hard core and really want a sub 3:30. You could do that in your sleep!

I ran a few miles here and there in college, but didn’t really start until 3 years ago. I love it!!

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I am so excited for you to do Boston and I can’t wait to hear all about your sub 3:30 in TUCSON!!! Seriously, you better email me all about it!

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I wish you the best of luck prepping for the marathon, so pre, during and post marathon because you deserve to have a super duper amazing race.

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WOW, Laura thank you so much for your sweet comment! Hope you are having an amazing day!

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I just read that article and died when you said a 5:30 min mile. That is insaaanneee!!! I was in sports in middle school (mostly competitive cheerleading) so the only running I did was with the team for conditioning.

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I feel like prepping for a marathon is my normal life – eat tons of carbs, drink tons of water, go to bed early. I prepped for the marathon I am running on Sunday by running another marathon last week :).

Having someone teach your stressful classes – now THERE is an idea I can get on board with. I just need to find some volunteers.

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I’m simply in awe of anyone who can run a mile in under 6 minutes. Or 7 minutes. Just amazing. And then to do tempo runs for 15 miles at that pace? It’s like superhuman!

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That sounds like a GREAT plan! You are going to rock it girl!

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Ahhh, I love the laziness of taper. :-)
My furthest race was in Myrtle Beach. Maybe an 8 hour drive. But next month, I’m doing Vegas. Oooh! Flying for a race. Exciting. :-)

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AHHH Can we hang out in Vegas together?

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Yes! I’m thinking we find Vegas’s best froyo and see who can make the heavier cup.

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Challenge accepted!

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I think that the Utah Valley Marathon should definitely give you a PR. Everyone I have heard from says that they got their personal best there. They have good pricing, and it is really scenic.

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There is a new race in Mesa AZ that everyone should put on their calendar for their next race…The Phoenix Marathon. The event includes a Half Marathon, 10K, and FREE Kids 1K Fun Run.

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I ran cross country in 7th grade! Sort of loved/hated it. I’m speedy and have decent endurance…it’s HILLS that kill me. Anyway, love you and know you’re preparing in the best ways for the race!!

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Sounds like you are going to ROCK this race!!! I do the exact same things before a big race (which for me has never been more than 13.1) – catch up on sleep, eat more % of my food from carbs, try to be chill about life, and wayyy less mileage – I usually throw some strides or a little (brief!!) speedwork in there just to keep my legs fresh, but I usually don’t run more than like 4 miles a day during my taper. I’d actually be interested to see how much better I can perform now that I’ve graduated…needless to say in college, the only “preparation” that was easy to do was the carbs and the less running haha.

AND OMG LAUREN FLESHMAN IS MY HERO!! she’s just coming off an injury too! You two should totally team up! :-D

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Usually leading up to a ran, I just taper. I should think about mentally preparing for them. Good advice! Mostly I think about what race is next so I can keep up my endurance. The furthest I have traveled for a run is AZ.. big whoop right? haha Its nice there and my mom lives there so its nice to have a car full of snacks after the run! Score! I would like to run the Florida keys Ragnar one day. The next race I’m running in probably won’t be a PR for me, but I’m totally fine with it. I’m running the AZ half marathon with my mom (her first!) and I want to be there for her ever step of the way!
I didn’t run in school.. at all! I was on the Drill Team and ran a marathon a year after I graduated… not the best idea because my training was terrible but I’m so ready to jump on my 26.2 mile horse and show it who’s boss : )
I’m so excited to hear about how the marathon goes, you are gonna rock it!

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hi Janae! so what is cytomax? and how do you figure out which are the good sports stuff/mixes/bars/gels and what are not so good for you/dont work well.? experiment?

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HEY KARISSA!!! Cytomax is a a complex carbohydrate, electrolyte performance drink. My old coach recommended it for me and I love it! It is a lot like gatorade but I like it even more! I also experiment a lot!! That is the best way to figure out what works for you. Let me know if you try out the cytomax!

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I read that article about Lauren Fleshman, that is awesome that she is making her marathon debut at NYC! Have fun at the race!

This was the year I was supposed to travel out of my home city to do races, but I was injured and couldn’t do any of them. I guess the furthest away that I’ve done a race is back in high school about 200 miles away from home.

I did track in junior high, no idea what my first mile time was in 7th grade – it might have been like 6:30. But Lauren Fleshman running 5:55 for the mile in 8th grade is nuts – I’m shocked she came in 2nd! I just checked my old high school records, and the fastest girl we had senior year did it in 5:43. I bet Lauren got her time down to like 4:45 by senior year or something! haha

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NELLY….you are SPEEDY!! I know, I couldn’t believe she was second either! Hope you are having a great day!

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You forgot #6 – extra fro-yo for calcium…or hot chocolate. Tough decisions!

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CARA…..how did I forget?!?! You are so right!

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I hope you meet her! please ask her to coach me too.

At first I misread her quote, and thought she ran a 5:55 mile while picking up recycling. hehe. Thanks for the pre-marathon advice….I will keep the 30% tapering rule in mind when I wind down in 4 weeks

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I completely misread that quote too ha! Is there any way I can track you for your marathon?

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First….I can’t believe you take the time to respond to all your commenters! You have SO many! That is extremely, extremely thoughtful. And I guarantee you made each persons day better because of it.

I’m betting CIM does have a tracking system the day of the marathon — I’ll find out more and share my bib # as the race gets closer! Will we be tracking you in NY? I can’t believe how quickly the race snuck up…it always happens that way

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I can’t believe YOU have the time to answer me….mrs. LAWYER and running 100 miles in a WEEK!!! Okay, so any advice for us about law school. Where did you go again? Billy is really wanting to go to UCLA!

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Lawyers love giving advice, so yes, I have a ton of it :) UCLA was my first choice for law — it was my undergrad, and it is such an amazing college. You and Billy would LOVE Westwood, and you will love running around westwood/santa monica/ brentwood/ bel air. I got waitlisted with a 164 LSAT score– Billy will get in for sure with his high LSATs. The few people I know who went to law school at UCLA seemed to like it as much as one can like law school. The campus is stunning…the gym is rad…there is fro-yo evvvverrrywhere.

I went to UC Hastings law school in San Francisco. The school has some major flaws, which I will only get into with you if it ends up being a real choice for Billy. It’s in a “bad” neighborhood. And the weather sucks.

My last tips: as he probably knows, CA has the hardest bar exam — something to consider when deciding where to practice. Also, despite being super bitter about law school when I had trouble finding a job and thought I was going to be wallowing in debt forever — I’m actually super thankful now that I went to law school. I really enjoy my job. Billy seems extremely bright, so I’m sure he will succeed and earn a fantastic job.

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The farthest race I have traveled for was Boston Marathon. and the shortest was two blocks down the street from my university- Palm Beach Marathon.

I like traveling farther for races- there is a sense of adventure and a little bit of fear to overcome. I always feel stronger in the end!

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Two blocks….that i AWESOME!! Still so jealous of your Boston:)

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The farthest I’ve traveled is from here in the Northeast out to San Francisco. Running over the golden gate bridge was worth every minute on the plane.

I’m hoping to PR in the Philly Marathon in 3.5 weeks! Since it will be my first marathon I suppose technically it will be a PR as long as I finish, but I’m hoping to go under 3:25.

I ran in junior high, but I think one of my crowning achievements at that time was running 2 miles in 16 minutes…I was hardly breaking records but it got me started!

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WAHOOO!!! You better tell me all about how you PR in Philly! What plan have you been following? You’ve got that sub 3:25! You were a junior high rockstar!

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Hi there,

I grew up with Lauren in Southern California and we went to high school together. We were on the cross country and track teams together. She’s pretty amazing and has been since she was little. Anyways…she has her own blog…which I’m guessing you follow, but just in case, here it is.

asklaurenfleshman.com

You can submit questions to her and she answers them in a timely manner. She’s been through a lot in terms of injuries and she writes all about it….kind of like a therapy session that she shares with runners the world over. It’s very motivating and inspiring.

As a side note, if you send her your copy of the November Runner’s World (she’s on the cover) and a postage paid, self-addressed envelope, she will sign it and send it back. She pretty much rocks and that just adds to it. I think she’s only doing this until the marathon, so you better get on it if you want it.

Keep up the blogging! It’s good stuff!

Jasmine

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Jasmine, you absolutely made. my. day!!! I will be sending her the magazine! You went to high school and ran with her…that is AWESOME! How is your running going? I love her blog and have some questions I want to submit, wahoo! Thanks again Jasmine!

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It was definitely pretty awesome to be on the team with Lauren. She’s one of those runners who is overflowing with natural talent, and we all followed her around hoping some of it would spill on to us. :-) No such luck.

I’m competing in the Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon in 2 weeks (Nov 4). I’m feeling good….like PR good. Hoping to finish in 1:45 or so. Good luck in New York!!

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That is awesome Jasmine! Let me know how you do in Indianapolis….you’ve got that 1:45!!

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Good luck in your marathon! Lauren lives about twenty minutes from my house, and I ran with her a lot during winter break. She’s really nice! I’ll tell her you say hi haha

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Logan…YOU BETTER!! Don’t tell her about how obsessed I am with her ha:) Really, I think you should:) Have a great day Logan!

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Love your thoughtfulness and planning going into NYC. Yes, stay injury free and carb load with cupcakes! ;)

Like you, I nail down my nutrition and the days leading up to a marathon I limit fiber intake and dairy. Plus, I hydrate and throw in some electrolyte in their too.

I ran/jumped in Junior High and High School, but I thought distance runners were crazy–how the times have changed!

HOpe to PR in Vegas HM but I’d be okay with just running!

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I know you’re going to do great in New York!!!
I traveled from New York to Oregon for my first marathon! The Portland Marathon : ) It was on Oct. 9th!!!
I’d love to PR in the Red Rock half marathon I’m running in March. The course is super hilly so I’d be super proud.
I was never on the track team in middle school or high school. I used to hate running!

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I prep normally by trying to drink lots of water and eat healthier but sometimes the bad foods creep in there somehow :)

Farthest so far is Seattle RnR last June (I live in Idaho) but I’m hoping for some further ones next year, maybe on the east coast.

Going to run my best half marathon time in Vegas RnR this December :)

Didn’t run much in Jr High :/

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So far the farthest I have traveled is Florida for the Disney Marathon…but in January I am headed to Arizona for the Rock-n-Roll marathon. ( I live in upstate New York). In December I am headed to D.C. for the Hot Chocolate 15k- http://www.hotchocolate15k.com/ running and chocolate! I AM IN!!!

I want to PR in Arizona.
and I ran in JR. High…..

you are going to rock it in NYC!

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Be prepared for warm weather for the AZ RnR, especially coming from upstate NY!! A lot of people don’t realize it will get into the 80’s even in January, so I try to tell everyone!! It is a fast course though, good luck!

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I’m so excited for you Janae! I really am. I remember the first time I found your blog and I was like “who is this girl…she is one fast cookie….I hope to be like her one day” and then to see you were injured and not running it was kinda weird for me b/c I never got to creep all those running marathon crazy training posts (well I did but later lol) and now you are running, but being so smart about it. It must be hard not to push yourself and want to PR on a race. but I just wanted you to know that the way you handle your injury and trained for this race is very inspiring in itself and I am sooooo proud of you!

can’t wait to see how you feel on race day!

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Girl, your comment made my day!!! I am happy I am injury free too:) Hope you are having an amazing day!

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I am doing the Two Cities Marathon on the same day you do the NY marathon! This is my favorite race of the year and it is in my hometown. I hate traveling long distances for races but 5 hours is my limit. I am very overprepared for races usually. My patented move is to pin a garbage bag to the back of my number in case of rain!
Good Luck everyone, keep on running.

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You are going to rock your marathon!! I can’t what to hear all about it. PS…brilliant idea about the garbage bag, I am going to have to steal your idea:)

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BTW you should really beat Lance’s time, that guy is too good at stuff. ;0

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I did not run when I was younger, but I wish I had because i love it so much now.

The farthest I’ve traveled for a race was to St. George from Washington state. The elevation change from Utah to NY will be much easier than mine was. You’ll love it!

I’m hoping to PR in a 5k in December. I would LOVE a sub 20. I did a 20:35 this past weekend, so it may be close, but possible!

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WAHOOOOO!!! Congrats on your awesome PR…you are incredible and you’ve got that sub 20!

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Thank you for posting these, I totally took note of them as tips! My last long run before my first full is this Thursday then it’s taper time…woohoo!!! So excited for you at NYC! Prayers that you have an awesome race!!

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Out of pure boredom, I shall answer all of your questions today! Yay for you!!!!
1- I prep by eating a lot of carbs and doing my best to cut out sugars, and all dairy. (Dairy gives me serious issues!!) I also do a lot of reading about marathons and sleeping.
2- Furthest I’ve ever traveled was to Phoenix, AZ for the Del Sol Ragnar this past February. Traveling in a snow storm BITES.
3- Next race I’m going to PR in is the Halloween Half this weekend. I’m thinking fast thoughts! Hoping to hit in the 1:30’s.
4- I ran track in 8th and 9th grade. In the 8th grade I ran the 400 Meters (In about 1:04) and in the 9th grade I ran the 200 Meters and the Medley Relay. I don’t remember my time for the 200 Meters and it makes me sad! I do remember that I made it to Region though (which was the furthest we went in Jr. High).

Yay! Good times. I think you should repeat injury free, injury free, injury free over and over again in NY. Running at sea level is going to rock your socks. Just wait!

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If you meet Lauren…YOU NEED TO GET THE SECRET TO HER ABS!!! That girl has the most amazing abs of any distance runner that I have ever seen, clearly she knows something that the rest of us dont!

I ran in middle school, no exciting achievements there. The only reason I joined xc and track was because there were no tryouts or cuts!

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Yay Janae!!!! I’m so excited for you in the marathon!! You’ll do amazing! Farthest I’ve traveled for a marathon was Morgan (really far I know ;) I’m running Utah Valley in June as well and hope to PR for that!! Ps: I think it’s awesome that you’re running this one for fun!

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Congrats on YOUR July marathon!! When are we going to go running together?

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Haha thank you! I can’t believe you remembered that! We definitely need to go running together, we just need to wait until I can get up to Janae time ;)

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I am already biting my nails in anticipation of your race! AHHHH!

My next big goal is to run Boston pain and injury free!! I need to heal up ASAP because I want to start running in prep for Boston training.

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I have goosebumps. You are going to do amazin’!

I started running in 7th grade – it was pure fun until high school, then it got really competitive (which I like!)

I traveled from PA to CA for the Big Sur River Run (though I was visit my family, too… so I don’t know if that counts or not).

Have fun and don’t stress. You have this in the bag.

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I want to PR at the Just Cuz Half marathon in 2 weeks. I’ve never, ever had time goals before (I have a fear of failure.) So for me to even speak of a PR is a big deal. However, only 7 weeks out of surgery, and I’m not too optimistic about a PR right now.

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Perfect post! I am tapering for the Marine Corps Marathon this Sunday! Obviously I am running a lot less but I try to eat pasta every night and feel like I gained some lbs. It works for me! I often feel sluggish during the week but race day morning I’m ready! I need to foam roll and ice bath more…. And I’m trying to sleep too!

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I’m in Junior High and I run!! :)

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I love Lauren Fleshman! I don’t want to make you TOO j to the ealous, but I met her last year… I work for a provincial sports organization that hosts championships for high school athletes (like the state championship equivalent, but for ontario), and Lauren was at our Cross Country championship last year and helped give the athletes their medals. She was super nice and the kids were super excited about her :)

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I have a love/hate relationship with marathon prep – love the extra time off my feet, hate the worry that comes along with it!

Brown carbs are definitely good for you – I’ve heard the sweeter the better too?!

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I made it to state in JR high for Cross Country. I was the 7th runner so my time didn’t count, but it was a fun experience. It rained the whole time and we climbed up a hill using our hands and feet because it was so muddly and slippery.

Hoping to find a half marathon to PR in before the end of the year. Hard to do as the weather is getting colder!!!

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I traveled to Alaska for my first marathon. It was SO great! I loved it! For my next marathon I’m traveling to Rome!!!! AHHHHH!! I can’t think of anything better than carb loading on delicious pasta, pizza and gelato-then running around a city that I LOVE!

I want to PR in my 5 mile race this weekend! Eeeek!

And I was definitely NOT a runner in jr high. or high school. or college really. running is a new thing in life!

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Before a race I have a pasta night earlly in the week but stick to a veggie burger the night before–protein and carbs and a mini milkshake for some calcium. Makes me sleep better. I dont eat as much peanut butter, chips, granola, heavy baked goods/ foods that basically just sit. I drink a lot of hot water throughout the day.

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I LOVE your blog! The NYC marathon goes down Lafayette avenue right in front of the brownstone I live in between miles 8 and 9; my roommate and I will be on the look out to cheer you on!

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AHHH LAUREN FLESHMAN!!!!

I MET HER!!

I am on the Cross-Country team at my high school in Oregon and for a team dinner we were surprised with Nick Symmonds and Lauren Fleshman and two other track&field people on their way to the Olympics!! IT WAS AMAZING!! My friend started crying when she saw them and it seems like something you would do! hahah!! ;) Lauren Fleshman!! She is so inspirational I almost fell over when I was talking to her!! :D

If I ever met you I would probably be starstruck!!! hahaha! :D

I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!! :D :D :D

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