A 1/2 marathon in the weirdest place ever.

I am unusually extra happy today.  It may be because I slept the entire night without waking up once and when I did wake up this morning I ran 5 miles and they felt awesome.  I am keeping my pace at about an 8:30 mile still but I don’t know how much longer I will be able to do that.  We have another half in 3 weeks so I need to get in 1 or 2 10-milers before then but I am thinking that a slower pace will be the way to go for me.

Speaking of half marathons, this dude did one on a treadmill while ON a hot air ballon.  I feel like I would get so sick from all of the wobbling back and forth.  When we have gone on cruises in the past I always try to run on the treadmill but end up getting really seasick, I can’t imagine running on a treadmill up in the air.

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I don’t think I have put on a creepy faced picture on the blog for quite some time so I thought today would be as good of a day as any to throw one in.  I am over the whole utensil thing and now just bring a bunch of cut up fruit to dip into my yogurt for breakfast.  I also can’t eat enough hard-boiled eggs which my students absolutely love to smell when they walk into the classroom.

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Lunch was pizza.  I usually get the salads at school but I can never pass by the pizza on Mondays.  It is on a whole wheat crust so that clearly means it is healthy.

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The highlight of my workday was during a driving test.   It was very entertaining watching the cop try to get the cow off the road.  I bet police officers never have a boring day, they probably come home with the most interesting stories.

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What is your comfortable running pace right now? Does it change daily or do you have an average pace that usually just feels good?

Ever been on a cruise?  Where?  Were you able to run on the boat?

When is your next 1/2 marathon?  Which one?

Utah Valley on June 9th.

Top 2 current favorite yogurt flavors?

-Blood Orange and Lemon.

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56 comments

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That is CRAZY that he ran a 1/2 in a hot air balloon! WOW. I’ve never tried to run on a boat (never been on a cruise), but I could totally see it making me seasick!

That is an awesome pace you’re running while pregnant–sooo impressed! My pace is about 8:40ish right now, but I need to train for longer distances soon!

Fav yogurt flavor: raspberry or pomegranate. YUMM!

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That is nuts about the half!! Wow, not sure if I could do that because I would be convinced that I would fall out of the hot air balloon. I am totally obsessed with yogurt right now, I don’t care about the flavor, I’m eating it haha.

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I went in a hot air balloon once and can’t ever imagine running on it! I think my two favorite yogurt flavors are chobani apple cinnamon, and plain because then I can add whatever I want into it (granola, berries, jelly, almond butter, mango….all together)

I went on a cruise in high school to Aruba, Curacao, St. Maarten and St. Thomas and I’m pretty sure all I did was eat and not run.

I’m not running a half but I have a five mile race this weekend and there is a half that starts at the same time! I’m still recovering from my last one though so unfortunately I can only do the five mile race. I’m joining my cousin for her last two miles in the half so I can experience some of the excitement!

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My pace is about 8:30 or 9 on longer runs. Still slow but I’ve improved a lot since I first started running at about 11 or 10 pace. I’ve never been on a cruize and I’m kind of scared to go- just kind of freaks me out! My next half marathon is July 14th in New Braunfels. It’s sponsored by a fro yo company- Score!!! My favorite yogurt flavor is vanilla and blueberry!

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My pace is about 11:00/minute right now. Slow! Once when running with a friend who has gone sub 3:00 on the marathon he told me, “I don’t want to sound mean but I honestly didn’t know it was possible to run this slow” It’s possible ; )

Never been on a cruise, would love to do a Greece cruise! Too bad my husband would prefer an Alaskan cruise. I guess it’s good we can’t afford either right now.

Running the Nanny Goat 24 hour this weekend. 1 mile loop, 24 hours of fun. Even as slow as I am I should get in a few half marathons.

I like plain greek yogurt with a little honey drizzled on top.

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I am the same way girl, at least we are doing it!

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Wow, that guy is crazy brave to do that! I would get sick too.

I’m running the Nike Women’s Half on October 24th! In San Francisco!

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I ran on the Disney Cruise ships twice and loved it. Early in the morning, surrounded by ocean, blue skie, nobody on the track except one or two folks rubbing their eyes and drinking coffee, and breathing in the salty, ocean air was so refreshing. I ran 2 hours and then ate well all day.

My next half marathon is the Ann Arbor – first half of the marathon, directly followed by the Ann Arbor – second half of the marathon, on June 17th.

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A half…on a hot air balloon? Well that’s a first!

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That dude is freakin’ crazy! Running in a hot air balloon??

I work in Law Enforcement and yes– the officers do come back sometimes with the most entertaining stories!! I’m glad though, ’cause they have to wade through so much tough stuff, death & danger; it’s good that they get some light-hearted moments!! :)

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I love the cow on the road. My hometown (Canyon, TX) once had a ton of turkey’s make there way up from the canyon and it blocked the whole of main street traffice. It made the front page of the paper. haha.

probably 9min/mile. I had to take about 3 months off due to legg injuries, and now that it’s so hot and humid it’s hard to keep my old pace. But I’m not giving up, just taking it slow and steady and reminding myself to keep going!

No cruises yes.

My next isn’t probably until the fall. It’s too much to deal with in Houston. I’d probably die of a heat stroak!

Really only 1 fave flavor: very cherry.

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When I first started running, 10:30-ish felt good, but now I consider anything above 10:00 “slow,” and “good” is 9:00-ish. I’m thinking about doing my 2nd half marathon this fall (running in the summer is reserved for the early hours, as in before 6am, so no races until the weather cools down.

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You are amazing! Running a half so far along in your pregnancy is incredible. I hope that when I am pregnant one day, I can run through a good portion of it.
I have my first full marathon on Sunday (excited but scared) and am considering doing the Madison Mini (a half) in August.

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Next half marathon is end of August, where I hope to sub 2, if that tells you anything about my comfortable pace. :) If you start to get flustered about slowing it down, I’ll book that summer trip to Utah and you can just think of it as running with a friend at her pace.

PS Black raspberry yogurt.

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Hot air balloon? Crazy! I don’t think I could do that wobbling either!
Your pace is great. I’ll never forget getting passed during my first 10K by a pregnant lady. It was pretty demoralizing. You’re that person now.
My next 1/2 is in August.
Have a great day!

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I worked at a women’s correctional facility and boy do I have stories!! You’ll never guess where a woman tried to hide a hamburger one day….

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That is absolutely crazy! I’d be terrified that I’d fall off or something. I definitely won’t be trying that haha

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I went on a hot air balloon in Napa Valley several years ago. It was scary enough just being UP there (although it was beautiful) … I can’t imagine running a half-marathon up there! People are seriously nuts.

And I’ve been on 3 cruises … 2 in high school and 1 in college. So it’s been about 10 years since I’ve been on one. But this summer, Brandon and I are going on a cruise through the Western Mediterranean in Europe! I can’t wait! :)

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That’s awesome you are still running. I think pregnancy would only make me want to eat and shop for baby clothes!

I ran on the TM almost every day on my Bahamas cruise in March. The gorgeous view made time fly, but I did lose my balance often when the waters were rough. Amazed I never fell off completely!

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oh opps I knew I left my cow somewhere!

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For me comfortable pace is right around 9:20-9:40, its not the fastest but I like to enjoy a morning run and not have to worry about really trying. I do need to get a little faster.

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Police officers definitely have very interesting stories, although a lot of the time they have pretty awful stories… I guess it depends on where they work!

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I work in law enforcement and can assure you, police officers never have a dull day! People and animals do some pretty crazy things!!

My next half marathon is in September – relay Rock ‘N Roll Denver!! Woohoo!

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I tried running on a cruise in march and made myself so sick! I couldn’t even eat dinner and that is RARE. My first half is June 24th in Fairfield, CT. I’m so excited! I am a yogurt fiend. My favorite is chobani black cherry, but I most often eat plain with a teaspoon of almond butter swirled in. Yum!

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I’ll be there at UVM doing the full! So excited :)

I’ve been on 5 cruises, but they were all before I started running, so I can’t answer the running on the cruise question :( Next one, though! On the DIsney Cruise Line, there is a 5K on Castaway Cay!!! I can’t wait to do that.

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Haha my pace right now is about 12:00 since I am just getting back into running after surgery last year, even more depressing my husband keeps it at 5:30-6.

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That’s in my city! It was BIZARRE because I had no idea it was happening, then on my way to work that morning and the hot air balloon was hovering REALLY LOW next to the road I was driving on. I slowed right down to see what was going on, and saw this man kinda bobbing up and down in there. hahah. Hot air balloons are super common here (especially in autumn/winter.. I usually see about 5-10 every morning), but I’d never seen anything like this!

Oh my goodness that photo makes me want pizza and a ginormous salad soooo baaaaaadddddd!

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We were just on a cruise a couple of weeks ago, and YEAH the treadmill running was definitely an experience. But at least it made it less boring!

My next half is in St. Louis in October. It’s already too hot here to be racing anymore until summer is over!

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I am doing a full in Oct. And I think I’ll do a half in Aug as part of my training….it’s weird to say that lol!

On another note, speaking of cows….since I come from the land of cows, WI, my boyfriends first car accident involved hitting a cow…those suckers don’t budge!

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Hi janae! I’m running my third half in three weeks, and my comfy pace is around 10:30/10;45. I have to admit , my heart sinks a little when I read some of the comments saying that 10-11 is too slow. I know no one means to sound harsh, but i guess I second guess myself at times and wonder if I could really be faster? Well, for a 38 year old mom, who’s only been running less than 2 years, I’d say I’m doing just fine! This is not my career but something I love, and hopefully will continue to do in the future:-) I wish everyone the best in all thier races!

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JODI! WAHOO FOR YOUR 3rd half marathon, that is beyond exciting. Jodi, you are doing absolutely INCREDIBLE!! You are doing way better than I was doing after just two years…I was maxing out at 8 miles. Maybe the person saying that has been running there whole life ya know? We are all at different levels but YOU are a 38 year old mother RUNNING 1/2 MARATHONS….not many (not many at all) people can say they can do that. You are incredible and keep running!!!

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I agree!! :)

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Pre-surgery my comfortable pace was about 8:45 – 9:00. During my first post-surgery workout I managed a 15:00 for 4 miles. I did incline intervals and my hammies burned. I felt a little pathetic and like I needed to explain to everyone around me that I was recovering.
My next half isn’t until October and I am so excited for full on training to begin.
P.S> My friend got into St George for her first full. She is stoked and a little scared.

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Haha I love your questions for today, well timed :) I just got home last night from a cruise and I ran every single day on the boat! The boat had a running track around the upper deck (I thought I died and went to heaven when I saw it!) but it had some pretty rough wind up there when we were moving. I didn’t get seasick at all on the treadmill, though every now adn then I would feel like I was running up and downhill as the boat rocked a little!

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The thought of that hot air balloon running kind of makes me queasy…I can’t imagine. Plus, HOW did he think of that???
My next half is the Grandma’s (Garry Bjorklund) in Duluth, 16 June! Yay!
Right now, my happy/just cruisin’ pace is about 9:00. Trying to bring that down gradually over the summer, so I can PR something in the fall, though.

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My running pace changes pretty much every time I lace up my shoes. Haha the only thing that stays consistent is that it’s slow ;) hehe but that’s ok!

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I’m a 7:30 girl myself…if it’s easy/moderate pace and I’m not thinking about it, it’s about 7:30.

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I’m not a very fast runner–my average pace is around 9:45. I’m about 30 seconds/mile faster than I was last year, so I’m hoping with continued training I can drop to 9:00/mile by next year!

My next half isn’t until September. :-/ I just a ran a half yesterday, and am still basking in my runner’s high!

Is it weird that I’m freaked out by cruises? It just doesn’t seem natural for that much stuff to float around out in the ocean! I’m weird, I know!

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I’ve never been on a cruise and I’m okay with that. No way I could run on a tread mill on one or a hot air balloon. I get motion sickness what too easy. Even from gas attendants trying to wash my windshield. I have to ask them to stop. Yep, I’m a treat to be around!

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I am running the Utah valley half too! Not sure if it’s the smartest thing to do the week before Ragnar but oh well :)

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Wow that is CRAZY…even more considering it felt like running uphill! And I like the way your school canteen thinks- pizza definitely makes Mondays that much more bearable :)

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My pace is somewhere around 8:30-8:50 now, hopefully I can keep that up over longer distances since my longest run is 4 miles.

My first (!) half marathon is either going to be the Lululemon Half on August 11 or the local International Music Half on Spetemember 30. The Lululemon one is expensive – $128 CAD – but it comes with a pair of lululemon shorts that are probably worth $55 + so I dunno, it might be worth it!

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wow, to be honest i’m pretty sure i’d somehow end up being shot off the treadmill and sent air-born. maybe i’d have to run with a parachute just in case. ;)
have to say that pizza trumps salad ANY day and yummy on that lunch! :) Hope you’re having a great night!!

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Comfortable pace is about 8:30-8:45 these days…I want to stay in the 8s as long as I can but I know once the belly gets a bit larger, the 9s will be where I am. =(
It stinks b/c there are no half marathons out here (within a decent driving distance) for a while – so I’m not sure if I’m going to be able to do one this time when I am pregnant…We shall see!!!
Hope you are feeling great, mama!

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Hey Lady!
Ive missed you!
The fact that youre still running and that you are running at that fast pace amazes me. You are incredible!!
My avg pace lately has been around an 8:45-9:15. I’m still trying to build back up. I’m running the Gold Coast half down under here in Oz on July 1st, so I’m hoping over the next month to get a little speed back.
Favorite yogurt flavors – lemon, vanilla, banana.
Miss you, J! So glad you got a girls’ wknd away with chocolate chip cookies!

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I think the strangest place someone could run a half marathon would definitely be in a hot air balloon; that or underwater?!? Very strange. I have my first half-marathon coming up next week Sunday and I am soooo jazzed for it! I will be running with my BIL, while my adorable sister and niece cheer us on.

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i’m pretty passionate about chobani passionfruit

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My comfortable running pace is about an 8 minute mile on the road and a little slower in the treadmill.

Can you imagine being a police officer and getting a call that there’s a cow in the road and now you have to go get it to move?

I’ve never been on a cruise. I have dizzy issues to begin with, so I”m pretty sure it’ll never happen.

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Oops, I just left a comment on your last post before I read this one! I think it’s interesting when you share preggo paces! Anyway, you answered my question, and I think it’s cool if you keep sharing this info. It’ll be interesting to see if you slow another 30 secs or a minute or whatever after a few more weeks, then another 30 secs after another few weeks, or whatever. Would be fun to see your averages and how they change — and then it will be awesome to watch them go the other way when you start ramping back up to pre-baby, whenever you decide to do that!

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My FIRST half marathon is September 9 in Chicago! YAY!!!!!!!!!!! I actually start my first training run today. :)

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I’m going on my first ever cruise this July!!! I’m so excited :) and yes, I’m planning on running during the trip– hopefully no seasickness here!

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Omg I’m getting motion sickness just thinking about what this guy did!

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Too many comments to see if someone said this already….

…Hot air balloon rides are actually very smooth. It probably wasn’t all that bad to run on a treadmill on one.

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Running on a treadmill on a cruise is SO hard. Even when the seas aren’t crazy, there’s still that subtle sway that has me bouncing all over the place. I stick with ellipticals when (if!) I workout on a cruise! :)

Still not running due to the ankle, so no half marathons on tap. But I do have a 10 miler I registered for last year coming up in September. I hope I can run by then…eek!

Favorite froyo flavors … peanut butter and banana. Preferably swirled together! My favorite flavor combo everrrr!

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My next is the Buffalo half marathon finishing on the 50 yard line of the Buffalo Bills field. I hope to sub 2:00. My first half was about a month ago and I did 2:09. However I had a really slow 10k this past weekend so trying to not let that get to me.

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Even yoga can not fix that problem.Do you have any other tips to share with our readers about staying healthy and fit as a busy mom on the go?

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