I have 1,000,000 thoughts about today and I don’t really even know where to start but I do have one really important thing to say.
Thanks Sissy.
I saw her at mile 20.5 and just hugged her and cried for at least a minute telling her how I couldn’t finish (not because of my injury but for a few things I will tell you about later).
She looked at me and then said, ‘Let’s do this.’
She ran from 20.5-26.2 side by side with me. In flip flops and jeans.
My new favorite memory ever with her.
3:29:13.
See you soon Boston 2015.
318 comments
Jen
Sister love!!! Congrats ;)
Leigh
Your sister is incredible! Please relax and take care of yourself….
HilJo
And that just made me tear up. Sisters are the best. And you are strong!
Hayley
Amazing!!! This made me tear up!
Lindsay
This is amazing! Best sister ever.
Ruth
Haha yes!! I bet your sister has plenty of experience chasing after kids in flip flops so this is basically no different :) I knew you could do it!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats and way to go, so much has happened over the course of the last year for you and more than anything you DESERVE this. Woo hoo boston!! And don’t forget to go to mikes pastry on my behalf ;) xoxo
Macy
Great job Janae! How’s the leg feeling? Your sister is awesome. Go get some froyo, you deserve it!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Thank you!! It feels really great! Hope you have an amazing day and I can’t wait for the froyo:)
Lauren
Your story gave me chills…amazing!! Congrats :)
Jenny
Congratulations, Janae! It’s wonderful that you have such a fabulous and supportive sister. :)
Emmeline@RunForThePizza
Amazing! Congrats :) and what an amazing sister!
Lily @ Lily Runs the World
Man, that is awesome. Congrats on finishing!
Kelly
Amazing! Congratulations on your finish…I can’t wait to hear the story :)
MartinaNYC
Girl, I know this is far from what you wanted, but you made it and that makes me so freaking happy for you. I hope your leg feels ok. We are all very very proud of you. And yay for Boston 2015! Sending you a huge hug. Congrats.
Allison
Great job!!!! Can’t wait to hear about it!
Claire
Wow congrats! So happy for you! God sure blessed u with one amazing sister!
Cami
I seriously started crying when I saw this picture on instagram. I’ve followed your blog for a few years now and I’ve been thinking about you all morning. You seriously rock! Way to finish!
LeAnne
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! I’m glad you were able to finish! Sisters are the best!
Flower
Dang it! That almost made me cry! (And it made me miss my sister.) What an amazing sister and best friend you have! Treasure it forever! Congrats! I knew you could do it.
Muncher Cruncher
So, maybe I just started crying when I read this. Congrats girl! I love you and your sweet sister so much!!! Sisters are the best. I can’t wait to hear about it!! Xoxoxo
Laura
Such a great memory to have!! I ran the half today and hoped to see you finish, but I must have missed you. Congrats on finishing after battling your injury and congrats on a BQ!
Bonnie
WAY TO GO! (read daily, don’t often comment) What a story, what a sister. Can’t wait to hear the whole thing. Enjoy your day and incredible job – wahoo for Boston!
Christie
Congratulations! You made me tear up! Way to go!
Kris @ www.Kris-Lawrence.com
I can’t wait to hear more and I have to say this brief post almost choked me up. I can imagine my sisters doing the same thing. Nothing beats that love and support. You may not have gotten that time you wanted but for the rest of your life you and she will be able to say “Remember that time you helped me finish a marathon in flip flops!” <3
Hollie
I’m really happy for you Janae.
Ashley
Congratulations!!! Sisters are the most amazing gift ever! Yours is a true gem! Way to go. You are STRONG!
Whitney
You are awesome!!
Kris @ Canadian Girl Runs.
CONGRATULATIONS! That is awesome, you have the best sister. Can’t wait to hear about the race!
Tedi
You are amazing!! I’m glad you did it!! That is so amazing to have a sister who runs the last 6 miles with you!
Leah @ Running with the Hayneses
Awww, your sister is the best! And I bet she won’t come to anymore races wearing flip flops! ;)
Congrats, and I can’t wait to hear all the details!!!
Anne
Ahhhhhh. I am honestly holding back tears right now. Congratulations I am so happy for you and you certainly have the most amazing sister!!!!!
Angie
Wow, 6 miles in flip flops! Yikes!
You are amazing and I look Forward to watching you prepare for and run Boston. You have an amazing sister too.
I wait not-so-patiently to read your recap. Enjoy the rest of your day!
Kaella
YOU DID IT!!!! So happy and so proud!!! Congratulations!!!! Can’t wait to hear the rest of the story!! And Boston… Wow… So exciting!!
Amanda
Congrats! Sisters are the best! I got lost on the way to my half this morning and didn’t make it in time to run. My sister called me and knew just what to say to make me feel better. :) have a great rest of your day!!
Victoria @Smiles 'n' Snuggles
You and your sister rock! Congratulations!
Janelle
This made me teary! Glad you finished and your leg is feeling ok. Congratulations it is a huge accomplishment just to finish the race!
Jill
I have tears in my eyes!! You are so blessed! Great job today!
mia
Congratulations Janae! Sounds like you ran a strong race. I know this wasn’t the time you were hoping for, but I hope you realize how inspirational of a race you ran. I think you may find that running this time, in this race has helped you grow so much more then a sub 3, both as a person and a runner. Your sister sounds so great. You’re surrounded by so much love and support!! <3
Jill
Amazing sister! In flip flops?! Congratulations, Janae! You can do hard things!
Amy @ Life to the Full
6 miles in flip-flops and jeans?! Now that’s love :) You have the best sister in the world!!!
Congrats on your BQ!!!
Izzy
I’m running my first marathon in three weeks and don’t even dream of getting sub 3.30.. you did it coming out of an injury and after 5 weeks pool running.. JUST. AMAZING. Congratulations, Janae!!!!
Jordyn@ yogirunnerlife.com
That is unbelievable. Sisters are for times like this <3
Brittnee
Incredible!!! What a great memory!!! So happy for you! Congratulations on an amazing race!!! You are so strong and so inspiring
Tina @ Jog Wild
That kind of makes me cry a little. And go go go Boston!
Katie
That is just awesome!!! So happy you got to run, pain free, and finish in a way you will always remember.
Kara
Amazing!!! What a sweet memory, such a great sissy! Congrats!!!
Livi
Oh my gosh Im going to cry! Nothing like a sister! Way to go!
Kristy
Wow. This just made me cry. What an amazing sister you have.
Amber
WOW go Janae’s sister! Great job Janae, your an incredible inspiration.
hayley
you and your sister are amazing, this gave me chills. good job janae, and good job sister!!
Danielle
crying!! Sisters are the best!! So so happy for u!
Katie
YES! Wahoo! Made me tear up! What an incredible sister memory to have and AWESOME that now you can get to Boston! Congrats!!!
sarah
Go girl! I got the chills all over!
Carly
Awesome! Made me tear up, sisters are the best!
Christina
That is the SWEETEST thing ever!!! Tears here. I love your sissy!!!
You did it you are amazing!!!
Andrea
<3 I just got chills reading that!
Erica
Congratulations!
What a memory you will have with your sis forever!!!!!
Love that you went with the yellow……such a happy color .
Theresa @ Running In Stitches
Janae congrats on finishing what sounds like a tough race – and on the BQ! Also major props to your big sis for helping you through it. I would totally do this for my little sister (it’s kind of written into sister code right?) enjoy your, well earned, rest.
Ellen
OK, so……that picture speaks volumes. You both are truly blessed. I have three sisters and know that feeling of sisterly love. Congratulations Janae!
Katie
Well done! Your sister is awesome. See you in Boston!!!
Kelly
Congrats! And hooray for wonderful sisters!
Debbie @ Deb Runs
Congrats! It sounds like you’ve got the world’s best sister!
Nicole
CONGRATULATIONS!!! My heart is shining like a Care Bear reading about your sister and her love for you. What an amazing day!
Alisha
I am crying. You and your sister are amazing. I am so proud of both of you!
bridget bergstrom
I’m so happy you were able to race and finish! Great job!
Sally @ sweat out the small stuff
So congrats!!! But now please make sure your dear sis stretches and cares for herself. Oh my. I can’t imagine running that many miles in flip flops. Happy for u! Pool running works!
april
ahh congrats, janae! pool running did pay off :) you are amazing – definitely my running inspiration! now go rest and eat lots of ice cream :)
Domi @ Eat, Pray, Lift
WAHOOOO! Way to GO, ya rockstar! I am honestly so inspired by your determination and spirit. Your sister is a champ for running the last 6 miles with you, but that just speaks to the incredible relationship yall have. Can’t wait to hear more about the race!!
Emily
Oh my goodness you have an amazing sister, Janae! Congratulations you are a superstar!!!
Kristina @ Blog About Running
Your sister!!! Amazing!
Congrats to you for finishing in such an awesome time! I’m sorry that something came up that bothered you a lot, but you kicked trash for finishing! Also sooo glad to hear that the leg is feeling good after 26.2!!
Kristen
Tears… All down my cheeks!
macalla
This made me tear up. Such a sweet memory to have forever! Can’t wait to hear about this marathon journey. Great job!!
sara
Tears. Bet she will never spectate in flip flops again ;)
June
This wins for best comment in my book, so true!!!
Hailey
This definitely made me tear up just a tad. Talk about a memorable race! Congratulations on pushing through!
Pip {Cherries & Chisme}
Yeahhhhh!! And what an awesome sister! Well done :)
Monica
Way to go Janae. I’m in tears for what your sister did for you. You have the best family!!!
Rachel @ Blonde with a Chanse
What an amazing sister you have!!!! Way to go girl :)
Heather
Absolutely love this post! And I’m Super proud of you! Today was a tough day and you really dug deep for that finish! I love you friend. I’m so Happy to spend part of today with you! It meant the world to me! Love you!! And your sister is amazing too! Tel her for me! :) xoxo
Kara @ Kara in the Kitchen
Oh my goodness that made me cry!! The love between sisters is AWESOME! Go you & go sis.
Jasmine
WOW! That’s amazing! Brought tears to my eyes, you’re sister is amazing for doing that! Well done, I bet you feeling awesome :) Congrats
Emma-Jane
Well done Janae! You are amazing and your sister too! Way to go :) :)
Holly
Of course, I’m crying! There’s just nothing like family to pull you through! Love it! Good job! You are amazing! So proud of you and all that you have done! Hope the rest of your day is relaxing :)
Becky @ Ok, so here's the plan
Wow, your sister is amazing! I’m glad she was there for you! :)
Beth
What an awesome sister! Cannot imagine 5+ miles in flip flops! I think you owe her a pedicure ;). Way to go on the BQ!!
Carol
Way to go!
Haley
So many congrats!! You are amazing…and so is your sister! <3
Emily
That made me tear up a little bit- I’m living across the country from my sisters and miss them a lot. You are lucky to have her!
Bree
Love this!!
Kari @ Running Ricig
Wow! What an awesome sister!!
Laura@twinsontherun
Wow, what a story and cherished memory for the two of you! You are both amazing!!!!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
Sisters are the best!!! Can’t wait to hear the whole thing. Awesome on the BQ! I guess she’ll probably rethink the next spectating outfit. That’s an incredible memory to have.
Anna @ That DAMM Runner
NICE!!! I can’t believe your sister did that – that’s love :))) Can’t wait to read the full recap. Way to go!!!!
Katie Did What
This made me cry. Such a sweet sister you have!! Amazing job!!!!!
xo
Judith
Congrats! I’m glad your leg seems to be ok.
I know the value of a strong supporter when the going gets tough. In my last marathon, I had a terrible middle segment with GI issues. My husband jumped in at mile 18 when I wanted to quit and ran with me for three miles — and he’s not even a runner! I felt better after mile 21, so I’m glad he made me tough it out.
He wasn’t wearing flip flops, though. Your sister is a keeper!
Jamie
What an amazing sister! Great job today Janae! You are incredible and really inspire me to try hard and “do hard things”! I ran the marathon today also….and my sister came and ran the last 4 miles with me! She is just as incredible as your sister, and my very best friend! Sisters are the best!
mary
Your sister is the bomb. Any chance you two will be near the marathon course of Ironman Coeur D’Alene in two weeks? :-)
Congrats on a smoking time. Pool running must actually work!
Maria
Family and siblings. Really, nothing else better. This is so heart warming and I couldn’t be happier for you!
Lyndsey
BEST SISTER EVER!!!!!! I love this so much.
Polly @ Tasty Food Project
Congrats on finishing your race! That’s so sweet of your sister to run with you!
morgan
holy cow- 6 miles in flip flops! I can’t imagine.
Amanda
This is the sweetest blog entry I have ever read. You and your sis are adorable.
Greta @ fueledbyfresh
Congrats!!! You’re sister is terrific!!!
Bethany
Congratulations! Your sister rocks! There is nothing else like sibling love.
Kristi
I love it! That’s true, unconditional love right there.
Cindi B
Awwww, congratulations! What an excellent sister!
Heather @ GirlGoesRunning
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I don’t know what’s more impressive: That time or your sister running 10k in flip flops and jeans! You are amazing. I hope you are having the best celebration ever. You certainly deserve it!
Tracy
oh wow, good for you – and what a family you have :) !
Kim
You are amazing and your sister is extra amazing!!!
Way to go!!!
Heather E.
I ran the half today and totally saw your mom and daughter on the sidelines waiting for you. I almost said hi and that I was a blog reader of yours but didn’t want to sound like a stalker! Haha Great job!! It was a fun race!
Tammie Brenton
Awwww Way to go! Seriously impressed after all of those weeks of pool running! Not sure why you thought you couldn’t finish but what a blessing God had waiting for you! Not only did you finish, and qualify you have a wonderful memory with your sister. Another reminder that we are not in this life alone, we need each other. Congrats!
Bryn
Again, you are SUCH an inspiration. I teared up reading this… not only because of how strong you are but because I have an amazing older sister who would do the same. CELEBRATE!
Allison
I’ve been checking all day and saying a few prayers for you. This post just brought tears to my eyes! Yay for amazing sisters and perseverance. Can’t wait to hear the deets.
Courtney @ The Sweet Uncertainty
So stinkin’ excited for you and cannot wait to hear the recap! Please don’t leave out any details!! :) You AND your sissy are amazing! Congrats, girlie!
Amy
That is beautiful. With a sister like that, the numbers on the clock just don’t matter. Excellent job , Sisters!
carolee
AWESOME! !! CONGRATS Janae! What an amazing day for you. ..and your sister is incredible!
Toni Ynes
Congratulations! Yay!!!!! That picture made me cry! Prayed for you this morning & so proud of you!
Claire @ for the joy of running
Woohoo! Awesome job, you are so inspiring! You and your sister brought tears to my eyes, what a special sister you have!!
Megan
Congratulations!!! I have read your blog for a while but never actually commented. After this post I felt I needed to thank you for your inspiration and strength. You are absolutely incredible. I completed my first marathon this year and I could t have done it without your blog. Thank you for continuing to push me and make me a better person / runner, I can’t wait for you to conquer Boston 2015! You are amazing, keep being you and absolutely killin it
Anna
You and your sister rock! I hope your leg feels good and that your sister’s feet aren’t too sore!
Jan J
Yep. TEARS! Way to go!!!
Marissa & Run Riss Run
You are one blessed lady!!!
Three Healthy Mommas
Good job Janae! I’m so happy you finished and that is so sweet your sister was by your side. I will be watching my dad in Boston 2015!
Lindsay
That made me cry. what a wonderful sister :) Congratulations, Boston will be lucky to have you there
Priscilla Long
Congratulations!!! Been pulling for you all day! Isn’t it beautiful when the Good Lord smiles directly on us with great people and amazing accomplishments!!!!
Allyson
You are amazing and I teared up reading this. Sisters=the greatest things ever!!!!!
Erika
You are my hero! I am a long time reader (first time commenter) and was thinking about you all morning during my run! I am so happy that you not only finished with your injury, but Boston qualified. Amazing. I live in Boston and can’t wait for you to finally get to run so we can see you finish!
Mercedes
I’m so happy for you! Congrats!
Lindsey
Oh I just cried for you reading this. So incredibly proud of you. What an inspiration!
Jessica @ Sweat Is My Sanity
Trying not to cry my eyes out, but that is so touching. I’m sorry it was rough for you for whatever reasons. I’m so happy you have an incredible friend and sister to be there for you Janae. What a great memory. She’s a keeper!!
xo,
Jess
Wendy
WOW… amazing time both with the training challenges you’ve had, the crying jag, and running along your sister in flip-flops. Goodness, your next one this fall is going to ROCK!
Hope everything’s okay and you’re feeling on top of the world!
Holly
You two are so lucky to have each other! Congrats on finishing!!!
Gretchen
Awesome!! Congrats! And your sister, in flip-flops? Amazing! :)
Lindsey
This is so awesome. Congratulations!!
Eunice
I know that time is slow for you, but I am still in awe of you. You will always be my super woman! Congrats on finishing, and I’m sorry it wasnt in your sub-3 goal. You’ll make it some day. It’s inevitable.
i’m so happy for you for finishing, and for your sister being there. that’s what matters most. Congrats!!!!
Kathryn
This is my first time commenting…I’ve been following your blog for a while and think that you are amazing, incredibly strong, and inspiring!! I love your positive attitude and look forward to reading it daily! Congratulations on finishing today! I was filled up with tears – what an awesome sister you have!!! Congrats! :0)
mollyrose
YOU ARE AMAZING JANAE. Know that k? That pic of u and sis is beautiful.
Diane
Love your sister!! She is a rock star for stepping up to the plate for you. You are incredibly blessed with your loving family – your head rubbing Mom, etc. etc.
Congrats on finishing ! You’re amazing!
The Silent Assassin
All your social media reaches are blowing up. If you make it this far in all the comments. …just know you are blessed. Know that you have touched and inspired a million supporters. Thank your sister for us. She did what any of your readers would do if we were there. Thank you for letting us peak into your life and being an inspiration. Mahalo J!
Ashley
So proud of you Janae! My mom said she saw you and your sister and she was rooting for you! Can’t wait to hear more about it! Love ya girl!
Kate
Your sister running with you seriously brought tears to my eyes! So sweet! What a great sister you have!!
Anne
You guys ROCK! Congratulations to you both..Awesome…Awesome….Awesome!!!
Runner Girl Eats
So many congrats! That is so sweet of your sis. So happy for you :)
Liz
Awww, that made me cry! You have an awesome older sister. But you are also awesome for finishing such a mentally and physically difficult race! Hopefully the two of you enjoyed some R&R after. Rest up! I can’t wait to hear more details.
Rebecca
Yay Janae!!! So glad you finished and your leg is okay. What a great bond you guys have–and so great you treasure it.
@meganmayerfitness
That’s so awesome! Congrats!
Kim
Congrats Janae!!! You deserve it! You finished strong and qualified for Boston! Those Boston hills are no joke! I ran the heartbreak hill half last weekend and that was brutal. I have even more appreciation to all the Boston marathoners who tackle those hills and then still have another 5-6 miles to go after. You’re going to rock that race. I can’t believe your sister ran that fast and far in jeans and flip flops! Your sister is awesome :) treat her to some froyo :)
Kim
Congrats Janae!!! You deserve it! You finished strong and qualified for Boston! Those Boston hills are no joke! I ran the heartbreak hill half last weekend and that was brutal. I have even more appreciation to all the Boston marathoners who tackle those hills and then still have another 5-6 miles to go after. You’re going to rock that race. I can’t believe your sister ran that fast and far in jeans and flip flops! Your sister is awesome :) treat her to some froyo, a foot massage, and a pedicure :)
Marley
Congrats!! You are awesome and so is your sister!!
Heather
Congrats! You paced me until the half until I could catch up to my husband. Thanks for the help towards my BQ too!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona
Congrats! That’s so exciting especially considering the injury.
Chelsea
Congrats on an incredible run and BQ! You still run faster than I could on my best day:) Your sister is amazing! My older sis is my best friend in the whole world and I loved reading this!