My SLC 1/2 Marathon Recap

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The results are up for the SLC half and my official time was 1:40:54 but technically since I am pregnant and running for two you can just divide that number by two and it looks like I set a new world record:)  There was a total of 3500 runners and I took 258th….way cooler than Billy’s 40th overall place:)  The winning male time was 1:08:37 and the female winner was ANDREA (our cutest friend:) with a 1:18:13!!

Our alarm clock went off at 4:30 a.m. and I can’t tell you how much more fun it is to get up that early for a race when Billy was doing it too.  We hurried and grabbed all of our stuff and hit the road.  Blood Orange Chobani and grapes for me.

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This race was kind of put together in a SHORT time (because of a change of race directors etc) and so honestly I wasn’t expecting it to be smooth at all but WOW….they nailed it.  We parked and they had TRAX (SLC’s rail system) waiting for us, we jumped on and it took us right up to the starting line.

I entertained us on TRAX by taking pictures of every little thing.  The best way to make strangers around you think you are crazy.

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We got to the start, got in line for about 15 minutes for the porta potties (the smell of those things is deadly), grabbed some water and went to the starting line.  Billy took a warm-up jog while I stood there and people watched.  My favorite thing to do.

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The elite ladies.  Andrea is in the white top and black shorts and is just about to take off to WIN.

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The first few miles were downhill which is always awesome because it warmed me right up and got my legs used to the idea of running.  The course really is so beautiful and there were TONS of aid stations and volunteers along the way. There are a few less fans along the way compared to Boston and New York;)  The fans that were out were awesome!

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I got to see Billy zoom past me because there was a turnaround along the course (those pics will be in his recap) which was awesome…who doesn’t love a screaming, jumping up and down pregnant wife during their run?  I am sure that is what fueled his PR.

I kind of forgot if there was anything eventful along the way until mile 11.5ish.  Basically you come onto state street and for the next mile there is an incline with a STEEP (probably being dramatic here) hill at the end.  It was pretty warm by then and the hill was trying to kill me so I slowed down to a 48 minute mile for the last hill;)  I remember that same hill for the marathon 2 years ago at mile 25, not nice.

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The finish line was right by where the Jazz play and the chute was really organized.  You got your medal, your picture and tons of food. They had apples, bananas, popsicles, yogurt and of course chocolate milk.

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I got to see TOBY

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I finally got to meet Stori (she promised that she will run with me next time I am in Cali)

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and a bff (in the black top, we even had bff necklaces for a few years that we wore everyday) that I have known since 4th grade.  It was her FIRST 1/2 marathon and she ran it in 1:43!  The cute girl in the white (Keri) WON the SLC marathon last year but is also expecting this year and did the 1/2!

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BIlly and I both tried to think of any cons about this race but the only one that we could think of was the hill at the end, I guess we need to get some hill work in our training.  We will both take a few days off from running because we gotta be ready for our Anniversary 1/2 Marathon in 2 weeks!

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What have you been up to today?

Was your FIRST race experience a good one, a so-so one, or a not so good one?

Would you rather the uphill be at the beginning of a race or the end?

What do you think is the worst smell in the world?

-Porta Potties.

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65 comments

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Dang woman, even pregnant, you are 14 minutes faster than I am! :P

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I’d much rather get the big hills out of the way at the beginning of races before my legs turn to jelly haha. My first race experience was a great one, probably because of the race I chose (the Tunnel to Towers race in NYC). Theres nothing like the first one!

Congrats on your time. Much faster than me AND pregnant. You go girl!

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Your baby must be superfast, you can take photos during the race and still crack such a good time! You will need a lot of energy to chase that superbaby when he/she starts walking!

Worst smell in the world is smelly armpits in a cramped bus/train on a hot and humid day. I die!

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Awesome recap Janae! You rocked it sounds like you had fun too–well besides the hill.

My first race experince(s) were not so good. My first race–a 4 miler, I did all my training on a treadmill (running outside was so hard!) and my second race–a HM I had just recovered from a knee injury, 20+mph winds and an extremely hilly course. thankfully its been much better since then;-)

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A gym trip, brunch, cleaning and reading on the deck in the sunshine! It is gorgeous out today:)
My first race experience was great, I loved it, and just wanted to run a half marathon with no goal, so even though I did not push myself I still came in at 1:58 – then I got the running bug…
End of the race. My first/only full marathon had a hill at the very end of the race, and while I was super tired seeing and hearing the finish line kept me going strong up it.
Olives. Yuck.

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great job!!! i wish i lived out that way to run this race! I took my first spin class today, I loved it!!! such a good workout!

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I totally agree that hill at the end was the worst, even if it wasn’t that big. The after race treats are definitely my favorite thing about a race. MMMMmmmm…

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Today I did a 15 Miler since I’m getting ready for my FIRST marathon in July!!!
I’d rather have hills early on, for sure..
I live around a lot of Summer camps and the worlds worst smell is CAMP BREAKFAST… Yuck!!!!
You ran an awesome half :-) So did your hubs- congrats to you both!

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SO wonderful to see you yesterday! HOW can you look so cute after running? That hill up State Street was a beast…only because it was at mile 12.

Good luck on the anniversary run!

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It still amazes me how you can run those times while being pregnant!

Today was a rest day … just because because I did not run a 1/2 or anything … I was just tired from running around for my daughter’s Prom … she was beautiful am I allowed to say that … ;) go check out her pics … proud Mamma … :)

So today I opted to make focaccia for the first time … yes, I was spoiled … used to just buying it … but making my own was worth it … just like eating it in Liguria … REALLY …

Other than that my day has been lazy in every sense! :)

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Yeah girl get it get!

What have you been up to today?

O just running my half marathon today no big deal. 2 hrs and 34 mins? Idk if that is official time I will let you knw when i do :)

Was your FIRST race experience a good one, a so-so one, or a not so good one?

My first race last yr, a 5k, wasnt too bad.

Would you rather the uphill be at the beginning of a race or the end?

how about the middle?!

What do you think is the worst smell in the world?

-beer, farm animals, cigarette smoke

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You’re so speedy even when pregnant! lol… and you look cute after running fast too! lol.. what’s up with that? ;) Great job on the race! Can’t wait for Billy’s recap! :)

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Congrats! My first running race was SO cold. It was about 24 degrees, and the city had decided to blow out the sprinkler system in the park we were running in (it was a 5 mile race) so there was ice EVERYWHERE! I was so happy that I didn’t fall haha And as it turns out, I was pregnant then but didn’t know it yet – which made it even more special when I found out I was pregnant and ran my first race.

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My first race was just a couple months ago! It was a great experience and I loved every second of it. Okay, not really during the race when my face was frozen and I thought I might pass out lol, but everything else was awesome!

Wow your childhood BFF did awesome for her first half!!

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I like an uphill at the beginning so I don’t go out too fast!

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Congrats on the awesome finish while pregnant!

I just ran my first 1/2 a few weeks ago and it was so disappointing! The course was a ok, but a little hillier than expected (Charlotte, NC) and I experienced a sharp pain in my hip that lasted the entire final five miles.
I know everyone has bad races, so I just need to make myself get back out there and start training again :)

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I still hate that stupid hill at the end. I did the marathon in 2010 and it made me feel a little on the defeated side after 25 miles..

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Congrats on the time and I’m glad you saw so many friends!

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It’s been a rainy day here so I have just been relaxing and preparing for getting back to work. I was off almost all last week! I also got in my first run since Boston today and it was great :)

My first race experience post high school was great. It was a 5k and reminded me how much I love running and glad I was getting back into it.

I have to agree with you on porta potties. Horrendous.

AWESOME race! The hill question is tough. I’d probably say the end because if I start out too slow uphill, my race is ruined mentally. Not a good way to look at it but it’s happened to me before.

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Well you know what I was up too ;)! That looks like such a fun face and I would have been right at the top creeping. Don’t you love the chocolate milk they give? I’m seriously addicted and could drink gallons upon gallons (as well as muscle milk). Anyways-have a great rest of your Sunday!

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Sounds like a great race! Most importantly you had fun!

I would rather run uphill at the end. If it was at the beginning and it was painful, I would just be mentally messed up for the rest of the race.

Porta Potties are definitely the grossest and smelliest things EVER! I’m so glad they started putting hand sanitizer dispensers in them. It’s something but it’s still gross!

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Ahhh that hill at mile 25 was completely brutal, but I survived! I had an awesome marathon experience which I will post a link sometime in the future giving all of the details no one wants to know. haha I kept my eyes out for you, but didn’t see you (or Billy) so if you ever do a blogger meet up in Provo before you leave, let me know. OR if you ever visit your BIL in Rexburg, I would definitely treat you to some good ole fro-yo (:

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GREAT recap of it! I agree-the hill at the end was deathly. SO mean to do that. ;)

Awesome that your friend won the 1/2! SO cool. One day we will meet, for sure!

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You amaze me with your mad running skills whilst pregnant. And you look like you are having the time of your life-which is most important. My friend Ben took third overall in the half-that is going to be billy next year.

My first half was the top of Utah and I thought the hill at the end was mean. I have done the Ogden half and the hill is at the beginning and I would have to say I liked that better. Not as appealing is the smell of the dog food factory in downtown Ogden. Bleh. It’s about the same as porta potties.

Today we are just being chill. Hanging with my cute little fam. We just played chutes and ladders and now we are going to make some pizza for dinner.

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You are so awesome! My little sister is training for her first marathon in May and did a 20 mile run on Saturday and her last 13.1 miles she ran alongside the 1/2 course during the race haha. She said it was a really fun course!

Hills are definintely better at the beginning! Finishing downhill is the best in the world.

Oh man porta potties has got to be the absolute most horrible smell!

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I missed your post announcing you and Billy’s anniversary half marathon but that is so awesome!
I met a couple at a half last year that was running it to celebrate their anniversary (I believe their 25th actually!) and they did indeed wear matching outfits only she in a skirt and him in shorts (thank god).

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My half next weekend in Nashville is supposed to be really hilly, but I’m hoping the hills are just rolling hills vs. extreme hills! ;) Congrats on another awesome race!

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Geez woman, pregnant and 1:40?! I am in AWE!

My first race was a 5k and I totally shocked myself (in a good way) with my time…it was fantastic!

And I would always rather get the hills out of the way. Hills at the end = :(

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Awesome photos, and congrats on the race! It looks like a beautiful course.
I’d prefer hills at the end. I’m a strong runner with more endurance than speed, so I’m better off with the tough stuff towards the end!

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First of all, you are AMAZING for running such an awesome race with a little one in your belly :-) You are awesome, Janae! I hope this doesn’t sound creepy, but sometimes I think about you while I’m running and it makes me run faster :-)

Congrats to your friend on winning! The race looks absolutely gorgeous.

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So glad you had fun!

My first race was AMAZING, even though I discovered a new rule: never put a song from a musical as your last song on your playlist. I cried while crossing the finish line, and was kind of totally embarrassed by it. C’mon, it was Jo from Little Women singing “Sometimes when you dream, your dreams come true in extraordinary ways…” Combine that with crossing my first finish line and my boyfriend cheering me on…agh, tears! Kind of embarrassing to cry when finishing a 5k, lol. Ah well. Sure I’ll cry at my first marathon, too : )

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go outside girl! e

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What an amazing 1/2 marathon time!!! You should be so proud of yourself. My first race experience was a good one – a marathon in 2008, my second child was 10 months old – I was super happy to have BQ’d with my first race.
I would much rather the hill be at the beginning!
And wait until you have an infant pooping a puking – you might change your ‘worst smell’;)

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Hills are the worst!

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Man congrats on a wonderful race! I honestly give you so much credit for running that well even when pregnant. Putting me to shame!

I am strange and would so much rather an uphill at the end, I feel like my legs are more in the groove by then. The worst smells when you run are cigarette smoke or manure. Woof.

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Great races for you both! I love how pretty it looks there!

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Everything smells when I am pregnant. It’s like I have a bionic nose. I couldn’t imagine going near a porta potty while with child. Ew! Today was relaxing, church and relaxed poolside.

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You can still smoke me. Baby J would’ve kicked mah butt in this race. I really like the idea of a downhill start–nothing’s worse than a mean, steep uphill.

Congrats on a fabulous race–so impressed that you can run a 1:40 and keep your HR down!!!

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That hill at the end was horrible! Glad someone else thought so too!!

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I love the picture of the elites at the start and how they all have their hands on their Garmins.
You never cease to amaze me.

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I love that you had so many friends at the race!!

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WOW! You are fast! The elite lady in the blue sports bra was one of my professors at BYU and I believe she placed 2nd. She’s crazy fast. I would rather not run uphill…soo…yea.

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You are still running great! I would much rather run uphill in the beginning of a race when I still have all my energy. By the end of a race I usually don’t want anything working against me.

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Congrats, Janae! I can’t believe you ran a 1:40 pregnant! You are my hero!!!! :) Congrats to Billy!

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that is the cutest size of choc. milk ever!! haha…sorry, just had to say that. great job at the race even with baby in tow! :)

still, have to say again billy’s doing awesome and congrats to him on that new pr!! and also to Andrea, way to tear it up, girl! :)

as for hills, i’d rather end on a down, at least end faster. lol

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I hated that hill! That’s all I gotta say.

But, congrats on the time!

Josher
MeJosher.com

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Woooooohooooooo!!!!! Way to knock out a half while pregnant. You’re so cool. Sure glad you are my friend :). Wasn’t it the perfect morning for a race?! I love that half and really want to do it next year. We’ll see what the year holds for me, though :). I can’t wait to read your speedster husband’s post!

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Way to go on an awesome time….you killed it! In all my workouts, I prefer to get the ‘hard’ bits done earlier so I would have to go with the hill being at the start of the race…I rather finish strong!

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Congratulations, to me your time is really, really awesome :) Since I had to step back from actual running again, I`m going to start of fresh and with hills included. I know how good and important they are.

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AAAACk congrats again Janae :)

You rocked the heck out of that marathon and yes, your little sweet baby got a world record! (1:40 divided by two hahaha.)

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I just realized you can tell your baby that it was racing before it was even born! This kid is going to be born to run.

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You are so awesome running while pregnant!!!! It’s still early here so I’ve only eaten breakfast hehe but yesterday I got a run in which was exciting because I’m recovering from an injury AND we went to the flyers game! :D

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I don’t remember my first race very well, though I know it was a Race for the Cure 5K in the Twin Cities and I ran it with my mom. I remember my first half marathon very well–the Garry Bjorklund 1/2, which is the 1/2 marathon that takes place during the Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, MN, and follows the shoreline of Lake Superior. I get to run it again this June–the first time since I first ran it almost 20 years ago! Can’t wait! It also has a bit of a hill (Lemon Drop hill) towards the end…mile 10, maybe? I don’t remember it being too bad. I think I like the hills somewhere in the middle so that you can pretend you’re running all downhill for the rest of the race. =)
The course and weather for your half look beautiful–I’m really missing my gorgeous spring runs in the mountains as we just moved away from Colorado last summer.

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Yep, you REALLY are wonder woman ;) I am seriously SO amazed by you & your running ability!! Amazing…just simly amazing :)
Congrats on your race! & I love that you were able to cheer for Billy during his PR!!

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My first race was a Turkey Day 5k, and it was only 12 degrees when I got up that morning. If I remember correctly, it was 24 degrees during the race. I know it was only a 5k, but it was SO COLD for west TN.

Porta Potties and that sawdust stuff they use at schools to cover up throw up win the worst smells for me.

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My husband and I were in Salt Lake for our anniversary trip, and I kept seeing the runners and wondering if I’d randomly run into you! Apparently, you were all glamorous and eating delicious food by that time anyway.

Congrats on the race!

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My wife was in front of you in your photo going uphill at mile 11.5. She’s the one in the bright green top – finished 1:40:46. This was her first race since having a baby last year on 3/31/11.

Congrats!

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This race was my first and favorite too!!! State street is killer – I say next year the race ends at liberty park :) Girl, you are sooo speedy – and this was just a ‘fun’ race for you! Geez woman, give me some of your fastness :)

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Woot woot! Go Janae, awesome job!! Anniversary half sounds so fun! :-)

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I’m really impressed with how fast you can (conversationally) run while pregnant. Can’t wait to coach you to a sub 3 marathon next year :-)

You are not exaggerating about State St- its a death march and that last hill is definitely worthy of using all caps on STEEP

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for the provo half you should do a get together beforehand! either dinner or froyo!

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WOW! You are amazing. You put my half marathon to shame when I was 30-weeks pregnant. I swear, my finishing time was an elite’s runner full marathon time. HA. Great job!!!!

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I think you should totally get the world record.

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Even pregnant you are still 9348539857439 times faster than me!

My first race experience was pretty awesome, it was a 5K hosted by my college that I ran 5 months ago and even though I had a super slow time (36 minutes!) I felt accomplished that I ran the entire way! And there were 10+ flavors of cobbler at the finish line, very yummy. Now I’m hooked on running races!

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Hi cute Janae! I just read this :) You are amazing! How many more races do you plan on doing while pregnant? Did you find out what you are having? So fun to officially meet you! We really should get together sometime and talk running and pregnancy :)

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