When it isn’t convenient.

I think you’re doing a great job with Brooke, and keeping a positive attitude through everything! Hang in there!

Running really does help, doesn’t it? My goal for ’14 is to get into the NYCM and to PR in my half time (after recovering from having a baby in January ;)

I love that you related such a serious topic to running. It makes it easier to think about. You have amazed me throughout this time with your positivity and I know your strength will continue to shine. I can’t wait to follow your training through 2014!

Such a great post and a good lesson. I think you’re a terrific mom, and I’m pretty sure Brooke feels that way, too :)
I don’t know what my goals for 2014 are yet! I had a challenging racing summer, so I just want to have fun and run lots of trails this summer!

I think you are doing a pretty great job :-). You are not only a person I look to for running inspiration, but you are someone who treats everyone like family and you don’t find that much these days. I hope you have a great week with your family and friends. Love u!

My running goals for 2014 are to run one race a month.

Love love love this post. I try to remind myself of this every time I hit a rough patch. I’ve started a habit of counteracting every negative thought with a positive and its done wonders for my outlook. My running goals are to run a few halfs (first in February!) then maybe conquer a full ;)

Running really is a metaphor for how we should approach life. My goals for ’14 include staying injury free, listening to my body, and thoroughly enjoying the races I do. I’ve been too focused on numbers/time and noticed I’ve been missing out on the atmosphere during the run. I was injured during the Turkey Trot and walked/ran with my hubby. It was a completely difference experience to hear what others were saying around me and be present in the moment!

I know that I’m from the outside looking in, but it appears that you are doing such a lovely job of being a single mom to little Miss. Brooke. I would love to run a 3rd marathon this year and hopefully PR this time!

Ps is that a sugar glider? One of students has one and has shown me pics before and I remember it being adorable like that!

PR at the Houston Marathon in January.
Stay healthy and hopefully break 13 hours at Ironman Lake Placid in July.

Keep up the great work. Great post.

Every person everywhere should read this :). I have no doubt that you inspire and lift up many, many people each and every day <3.

I love this post. It is the truth. Nice job putting it into words. :) I believe you can do it!

Such a sweet post, Janae, and so, so true. I am definitely praying for you this week as you are separated from your little one and for your new year–I have a feeling you will have an awesome one!!

My running goals this year are to sub 1:30 in a half marathon (30 seconds away!) and sub 20 minutes in a 5k (6 seconds away!).

you are an inspiration janae. your classiness, kind heart, and your love for others truly shine through your blog and you make us all feel like family. i wish you all the best in 2014!

Sending hugs your way. I love how you relate this to running and how you have dealt with this divorce. Though I haven’t been able to see you, it definitely seems like each of those goals are a reality, especially being the best single mom to Brooke! The love you have for her is so amazing.

Goals for 2014, work more towards enjoying my workouts and figuring out what makes me feel the best (cardio every day, only runs, etc..)

Going to tackle my first 26.2 in June, with a bunch of shorter races before then (Key West half in three weeks!) Started my training in October and I am having a blast, feeling super fit and strong already.

I was contemplating hiring a life coach, but soon realized that running and gardening can help me figure things out . Both activities are meditative and provide beautiful metaphors that I can relate to all aspects of my life. So when life poses difficult questions, I highly recommend taking a run and planting some seeds!

Everything you say is this post is so true! This week will be hard but I know that you will be able to endure through this time when things aren’t convenient! :)

My 2014 running goals are to run more races than I ran in 2013 (shouldn’t be hard since I only ran 4) and PR in the marathon – hopefully even go sub 3 hours in the fall!

I saw one of those monkey’s at my local zoo and really wanted it as well haha. Those are some great goals girly! :)

My running goals are to run a sub 30 minute 5k, run another half marathon, and run more miles than this year (400).

Love, love, love this post! And you are so right – it’s when things are tough that we really have to dig deep and make a choice to be the person we want to be no matter the circumstance. For the record, I think you’re doing an amazing job. <3

Such a great post, awesome reminders on many levels. There is no perfect time for things in life, there is no perfect day, or person- so do things when it’s NOT convenient because it will make you stronger and because you never know if you will get that other chance.

2014 running goals: Half marathon PR, and complete first Ironman

Beautiful post!

Running goals are to incorporate things that will make me an even better runner. (strength. stretch, hydrate, speed work, etc.)

I just have to say that I am inspired by you! I am really bad at giving up when things don’t go my way with training for a race. If I have a rainy day and can’t run, or something else comes up I don’t handle it well at all. You have kept such a great attitude through everything you have gone through, and judging by all the smiles Brooke has in every picture you share of her I think it’s safe to say she is one of the happiest ( and cutest) little ones I have ever seen. That says a lot! My running goals for 2014 are to run the big cottonwood full in September. I wanted to this year, but it didn’t happen. And also to just run to enjoy it again. I was so focused on a pr every race this year that I kind of lost the joy that I got out of it when I first started running.

No one ever said life was convenient, but a good outlook certainly helps you get through the bad days. And Trader Joe’s pecan pie ice cream. That makes it really easy to not only be nice to other people, but for them to be nice to you.

It’s so true and we adapt to that so willingly as runners but for some reason struggle with it so much more in our personal lives. For what it’s worth, I don’t know you but you are so great at putting on this positive outlook and moving forward despite all the turmoil and you can see from Brooke’s happy little face that you’re doing a wonderful job of imparting the same on her.

Also…what kind of monkey is that?! He is SO cute

Great post!! I never thought of it that way, but you are so right!!! I’m just trying to get faster! I’m really hoping to do a 5K in 21 minutes!

Janae, I hope that you continue to share your tough moments with us in addition to your happy ones because they are so relatable and they help us all through our own tough times.

Also, we want to be there for you – through the good, the bad, and the ugly. This post was so real and absolutely refreshing! Sending you much love <3

Beautiful post Janae. You are an amazing writer, and I love how you relate tough times in life to running- seriously MAKES sense. & I feel like yes, it’s a REALLY hard situation in your life, but girl it is going to make you SO SO STRONG! Stronger than you already are, and you are one of the strongest women that I know. XO

Thank you for this! I’m in a not-so-convenient time in my life right now, and this was something I needed to hear (and now need to practice).

I’m just returning to running after almost 8 months off due to injury and overhauling my biomechanics and form, so my running goals involve trusting in the process (it’s going to take some time to get back to where I was in speed and endurance) and embracing racing and running for fun (not always for a PR).

Keep up the great work in running and in life, Janae!

Girl, I love this this post. I think part of it is also being able to make amends, forgive yourself, and move on when you *aren’t* the picture of grace and perfection.

Your post also reminded me of a quote I really like from Buffy: :)
“Bottom line is, even if you see ’em coming, you’re not ready for the big moments. No one asks for their life to change, not really. But it does. So what are we, helpless? Puppets? No. The big moments are gonna come. You can’t help that. It’s what you do afterwards that counts. That’s when you find out who you are.”

Awesome post! And what is that cute animal?!

Whenever you are having a hard day read this post back to yourself and it will encourage you to push through the hard times with grace :)!
My goals in general for running are a 1:30 1/2 and a 3:15 full…..any step I make toward these goals in 2014 is great for me :)!

Love this. Hang in there!

Great post! Love that pic of you running–so awesome! My goals are the run a 5k in under 27 minutes in the spring and under 26 minutes in the fall. Little compared to most people’s running goals, but it’ll be a big stretch considering in the past, most of my 5ks have been in the 32-35 minute range. :)

I love that you over share, it’s part of your charm.

I just wanted to say 2 things: 1) I too struggle sometimes to adhere to my “no excuses” rule – you know, like when it’s freezing or raining outside or when youre tired because you stayed up too late or had too many cocktails, or when you don’t have a lot of time to spare or you Just Don’t Feel Like Going – but, you go anyway. It kind of how they call yoga a “practice”, because it will always be something you work hard to improve at.

And 2) as much as you are dying that Brooke isn’t with you, enjoy the time to yourself. It is a rare occurrence that we get “time off” from the job of full time parenting and it can be really rewarding and relaxing if you can let go of the angst. Which, by the way, is another practice. :)

Hang in there girl, you can do it!

I’ve always like the saying, people are like tea bags, you never know what they are made of until you put them in hot water. I hope your downtime is going great. Here’s a great video by Brandon Heath….”Give Me Your Eyes”. Great lyrics and shows how we perceive people really makes a difference and I think, affects how we act towards them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5AkNqLuVgY
Throw in a few verses and I think you’ve got a great sermon Janae! ;=)
I’m trying for a 3.5 hour marathon this year.

Janae, this post was SO GREAT!!! You are doing hard things and you should be really proud of yourself.
I couldn’t agree more…that its easy to be your best when its convenient and it sure is hard to be your best and be jolly around others when you’re not feeling your best. I appreciate you relating this to running and it is so applicable in all other areas of life too!
My running goals for 2014 are to 1. learn how to do negative splits 2. actually *pace* myself during my spring half-marathon (and potentially a Fall marathon) and 3. to not get burnt out on training and remember the reason that I run is for fun and fitness!
Sending you lots of jolly thoughts to get through your day. Thanks for posting and sharing your thoughts with us!

You’re amazing! Love this post so much. I appreciate when you “over share” as you call it. I KNOW it helps others so much. Huge hugs to you beautiful girl!

Wonderful post Janae!! Posts like these are why I love you! You are a strong, kind and courageous lady who not only has the support of a great family but you’ve got all of us too! We love you just the way you are!

I think you’ve done a beyond outstanding job of staying positive and bringing joy to people on a daily basis through all of this. I’ve often wondered as I read your daily posts if you’re really doing as well as you seem to be doing as you’re going through this time in your life. Hang in there, Janae! I think you’re already a version of the person you described above. Xoxo

I’m thankful to have a friend like you that speaks right to my soul. Ha ha really though, everything you said hits home. What’s funny is I havnt met you but when im telling someone about something you did or said its always “my friend ” this or that. Your blog helps me want to be a better person and a faster runner. My goal is to go for a BQ. Thanks Janae for putting it all out there.

Very well said, Janae. This is my favorite thing you have written.

Maybe it’s this time of year because I am feeling the same way right now! How to he the person you should and want to be!! Thanks for sharing!

I’m running my first half in Feb, exactly 21 days before my 30th bday! That my goal so far:) but I hope to do at least 1 other half in 2014.

Any advice you can give me on compression socks for my race, and fuel during a half? Do I need it?

Thanks,
Brooke

Well, you are doing a great job. You are an amazing friend with such a great attitude and personality. I love being around you because you always bring such positivity even when you are going through hard times. I love this about you and you are such an example to me because of it.

I will have to tell you my goals tomorrow ;)

I have been reading blogs for years now, and I have to say that your blog is seriously the most real and down to earth blog out there. I find it SO incredibly easy to relate to you, which is why I have been a reader for so long! This post was so moving and so true, and just what I needed to read this morning. I may not be going through a divorce, but everyone struggles at various points in their life and it’s so important to focus on the positives and all the good we have in our lives rather than the negatives. Even though I live across the country from you, but I feel like I know you as a friend – I’m sure many other people feel that way as well! You are an incredible mother to Brooke, and she is so lucky to have you. Thank you so much for posts like these!

Beautiful post! This is a very tough time for you, and you are being so strong! My running goal is to run a full marathon!

Wow. Thank you so much for this reminder! You are so inspiring and my New Years Resolution is going to be “be kinder to people even when it isn’t convenient.” Thank you for the awesome start to my morning!

i really loved this post! it was so honest and very inspiring – and i love how you were able to relate it to running. it makes SO much sense and i think a lot of us can relate to this message. you’re doing a great job with brooke! sending you hugs & prayers :) i hope 2014 is the BEST year for you both!

Great post Janae! My goals for 2014 are to run my first marathon (LA in March!) and perhaps PR in the half and 10k distances. I’d also like to get a little leaner and stronger, need to increase my weight lifting.

Beautiful post! For what it’s worth, I think you’ve done a wonderful job of achieving your goals. Your posts are always motivating and uplifting. By the way, I hope you don’t mind if I steal your goals for my own!

Love this post!

I have a daughter a month younger than Brooke and I know how hard it can be doing things on your own. I love how you are able to see the positive side of things even when you are facing such a tremendous challenge.

Running isn’t something that comes naturally to me but it’s a goal of mine to run a half. I’m signed up for the NYC half in March and I am determined to do it! Lately I’ve realized that I need to train my brain to push through my run even when it starts to feel really tough. Bad weather, being bored on the treadmill, etc. are no excuse!

Thanks for the inspiration!

I hope things get easier for you. I know what difficult times are like and yes they definitely show our true colors. You will get through this. There are much worse things that could happen even though I know this is really hard. You are a good mom so just focus on that and how happy you make Brooke.
I have lots of goals but being more consistent with strength training is on top of my list.

well said! I had a terrible day yesterday and was just thinking about everyday life along the same lines as what you have stated. When I worry, I tend to get angry, mean and bitter to all those around me. It’s my family and close friends that I lash out at. I need to work at becoming more compassionate when others are in need and not so mean. Everyone deals with their emotions in different ways. I must continue to work on dealing with inconveniences in a better way in 2014. Happy New Years!!!!

My running goals are to run when I want to and let go when I dont. I run for fun and when I lose sight of that it becomes an exercise addiction/control issue for me.

I like the idea of finally running a marathon and would love to run it in less than 3 hours :) But we shall see how the year goes for me running-wise. It is a hobby, and not my only hobby, and I need to be better at keeping it in its place.

I love what you said about being grateful when complaining is easier. I fall into the complain/mope trap wayyy to often, and I really have so much to be thankful for. So thanks for putting that goal out there! I am going to go for that as well.

My running goal next year is to win the UP Finals. Last year I got 4th as a freshman without really training hard. Next year I’m determined to train fast and WIN!

a non running goal is fully recover from my ED. I’m happy to say I’ve made so many improvements but it’s a long road to fully recover. You’ve helped me so much!

Running goals for 2014:
run my first marathon in February!

After that, I just want to find races that sound fun and possibly run an ultra also!

I may not be going through a divorce, but I related like crazy to what you said. We’re all just trying to do the best that we can – and I think you’re doing great :)

Janae, you are such a great inspiration! Really proud of how you are representing yourself and caring for your daughter during this difficult period! Seriously, you are amazing:)

My running goals…. For the first half of 2014, just maintain my fitness and have a healthy pregnancy. Running is pretty much done for me until after baby, so I plan to do lots of walking, yoga, spinning & body pump. For the 2nd half, looking fwd to getting back to running, doing a few 5ks and losing the baby weight!

Thanks for lifting me up when you’re the one who needs more of it!
I hope to actually run in a race this year – hopefully a half marathon. I’ve always been turned off by races and running surrounded by so many other people running, but my blog reading has inspired me to give it a try!

SUCH good advice! Through my own divorce – and many other little (big to me) trials throughout the years – I’ve also learned that you find what you are made of when you GO THROUGH the trials! Everyone with a perfect life and lots of money can be happy (at least that’s what we all think…) but it’s how you handle yourself when things are out of your control – your response. Too many times, I think people try to avoid facing what they are going through and feeling and they never really learn who they are or what they are made of – and then they drag that baggage around for years to come. As hard as it seems NOW, your doing the easier thing by facing everything NOW – for both you AND Brooke! The things we learn through trials could never be learned without them! :)

Thank you for this little bit of inspiration! I am hoping for 14 races for 2014.

I love you, Janae! We are going to hang when I get home! We can laugh, cry and talk our little hearts out! I’m so proud of the woman you are becoming, you are a true inspiration to so many! I am proud to call you my sister!

Janae! I read often but never post. I was a single mom at 16. I am who I am now because I suffered and learned “what I was made of” as they say, early in life, with someone else I had to stay emotionally stable for; my daughter was always watching. I’ve read your posts and it brings back that bittersweet time for me.
I cried and lost myself and cursed and was mad at night when she was asleep but in the daytime I learned everything would be okay because I forced myself to stay okay (just okay, not cheery-lets not go overboard) and to learn to be okay by myself. I didn’t need anyone and I got to know myself, every facet of me, really well. We lose this when we are attached to someone else in a marriage because “me” turns into “us” and your identity is changed. Not to mention after a new transition like mom (there is no “I” in mom).
I can associate with a lot of your posts!

Stay real to yourself, never try to fool yourself into being pleasant or funny or anything you know you are not at the moment. Just be you and be okay with you, grieving the loss of your marriage/ relationship/ family and into the scary (BUT FREE!) world of being a single mom/lady.

My fav quote by a great lady:
“A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it’s in hot water.”

― Eleanor Roosevelt

Love this. I can’t imagine how hard going through a divorce must be (I’m currently engaged and I can only begin to conceptualize how horrible it would feel if he wanted to call it off) but I am so in awe of how amazingly you have handled it on your blog. You’ve never talked badly about him, called him out, revealed anything about what happened (way to go on that one- I know I’d spill the beans somehow), and have been so focused on what’s best for Brooke. You are such an amazing sister in Christ and I’m praying for you <3

Love this post! Thinking of you and sending good thoughts your way during your tough week!

Great post! My 2014 goal is to run a half marathon in under 2 hours which means I’m going to have to run when it is inconvenient to me and do speed work when I don’t want to.

Thanks for your insight. It touched my heart! I appreciate the relation to running. So true.

All I can really say to this post:
1. Thank you for writing it. I know it resonates with a lot of people, including me.
2. You’ve been demonstrating throughout this time period that you really are an amazing lady, and a wonderful mom.

<3

This is random but I know you’re ok with random… I started watching Parenthood (because of you) and Lauren Graham (Sarah Braverman) reminds me of you! You could totally play her other daughter in Gilmore Girls. Also, in both Parenthood and Gilmore Girls she shows the strength it takes to be single mom. Like you, she shows how maternal love enables you to handle the tough stuff.

Great post! I love the inspiration to be the person you’re meant to be and how you allow it to fuel your running. My running goals for 2014 include boosting my 10k time and running my first (and second) half marathon! I’m a fairly new runner, so I’m seeking all kinds of advice and ideas :) Happy New Year!

Very well put, Janae! Life is messy and inconvenient sometimes. My greatest treasure is my late mother’s Bible. She had it during an 8 year battle with breast cancer and the loss of my brother. There are SO many notes and they are ALL positive. One of my favorites is “What happens around us is largely outside our control, but how we choose to react to it is inside our control.” You have been an example of this during this difficult time.

My 2014 running goal? Pick up the pace! I have the Honolulu Marathon in December and I’m looking for one in the Spring.

You inspired me to get back into running when I first started reading your blog a couple years ago and you continue to inspire me daily! My running goals are to run several 5k & 10Ks and at least 2 more Half Marathons and set new PR’s in each half.