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
hilary
So happy for you!! That is almost my exact BQ time and I will be there in 2015 as well! You are amazing!
theresa
Isn’t it great how sisters can pull you out from despair? I have a sister that does that exact thing. Congratulations to you for gutting it out and earning a trip to Boston! Also congrats to your sister for being the support you needed at that moment in time:)
Jarrelle
Great Job, Janae!!!!!! And sisters are the best!!!!!
Molly@This Life is Sparkling
This is so amazing. Congrats!!
Diana
Totally agree!
Julie @ Coastal Runner Girl
That’s awesome!!! :)
Mia
God Bless sisters I tell ya! I don’t know what I’d do without mine! What an amazing experience and Janae be proud of all you have accomplished thus far! All of us are proud of you and I am so thankful for your uplifting blog! Lots of virtual hugs and positive encouragement coming your way!
Rachel
Congratulations! Your sister is officially the sweetest girl in the world. I’m sorry you felt so bad, though. :( I hope you are still happy with your performance, as you should be, because 3:29 is a great time, even if it’s slower than you are capable of. My long-term goal is to run a time like that!
Ely
Sisters are the best, congratulations on your BQ you deserve it. Virtual hugs coming your way
Kelly
Eeep! Boston….even better! You deserve it–so happy for you! Your sub-3 will be here soon!
Melissa
God this makes me want to cry out of happiness and love for you. What a tremendous sister and love and family you have. It’s not wonder you have such love in your heart as well, even when it’s hard. You can do hard things! So proud of you J. You’ve become a friend through the years, and beaming with pride for you both. And for Brooke! :) <3
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles
Awesome finish! Can’t wait for the recap. Your sister is amazing! I am trying to figure out running in flip flops for 5 miles! I don’t think I could do it…
tess
You have an amazing sister. And I hope her achilles is okay after running in flip flops. Yikes. But SO proud of you. You have earned this with all of your hard work.
Lindsey C
You made me cry crocodile tears and then I immediately sent the link to my sister! I don’t even REALLY know you, and yet I am so proud of you – and your sister!! GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!
Nicole
Is it weird that I don’t know you but I’ve been thinking about your race today? :)
This picture gives me the warm & fuzzies.
Family members are truly God’s blessing.
Goooood job!!!! U r awesome!!!!!!!!!!!
AmandaM
So incredible! You both are rock stars but how the heck did your sister do that?? Shows the miracle of love. Truly touching.
Jenee
You’re lucky to have such a sweet, supportive sister! You’re both amazing. Way to go!
Monica
You made me cry! What an amazing sister you have and congrats on your BQ!
kiales
Ha I cried reading this. Congrats! And yay for sisters!
Corrine
I love you and your sister. Congrats!!! So excited and happy for you. I love you and your blog because, for me, this is really what running is about. Personal accomplishments, with family and friends and love as a main support. SO happy for you, and I love your sister even more for running in jeans and flip flops for a 10k to help you finish. This is family, this is love, and this is what running is about.
Corry
I got tears in my eyes reading this….I have two sisters and wish for the kind of relationship you have with your sister. I would be there for them like that, but it would never be reciprocated :( Great job on finishing…happy your leg held out. Can’t wait to hear the rest of the story.
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections
Wow, congrats on that, girl! I’ve only run 1 marathon before, but I also thought I couldn’t finish after mile 20. Just so hard! That’s really awesome of your sister though!
Tracie
SISTERS! I’m pretty sure they are the greatest gift on the planet. Great job to you, and great job sister for pulling you through. If only we could see ourselves as our sisters see us! Now go enjoy some froyo!
Rachael
So very happy for you!!! Congrats for finishing in a very difficult year.
Monica
I keep re-reading the last few sentences and I’m sitting here a teary mess! Sisters….they are amazing. What in the world would we do without them? So happy for you!!!!
Maureen
Congratulations, Janae!! You are so lucky to have a family like yours, but I am sure that you know it. I can’t wait to hear the recap of your race. The photo of you and your sister brought tears to my eyes.
Chrissy @Pink Polish and Running Shoes
Congrats!!!
Wendy
Wow!! Good job to you and sister!
Megan @ The Skinny-Life
Congratulations! You did it! What your sister did, was truly amazing. True demonstration of love.
Kari Burghardt
Sobbing here! I’m so freaking proud of you for so many reasons. xoxo
Ali
Big congrats!!! What a moving picture and story. I can’t wait to hear more about it!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama
Freakin’ amazing!!!!! You are one strong woman and you have one awesome sister! Congrats!
Kim
yah definitely teared up. i’m sorry the race didn’t go how you wanted it to but it’s incredible how much love and support you have in your life. there is always another race and i have no doubt you will fulfill all the dreams and goals you have in your heart.
Peachylau
Great job, you can be proud of yourself
Amy
You are amazing! Such an inspiration!!!
Kate
this give me chills every time i think about it
Nicole@thegirlwhoraneverywhere
Oh my god this is reaLly the best story EVER… I love it! Huge congratulations, I can’t wait to read all about it!!!
Carson
Congrats! Can’t wait to hear about it and so glad you have such a wonderful sister to be there for you.
Courtni
What a beautiful bond! Congratulations to you! Wishing you peace and comfort for whatever is troubling your mind today. :(
You are inspirational!!! Truly!
Kashi
Congrats!!! I seriously think there is nothing better than the love of a sister. So happy you have yours!!!
Abbi
Wow, what a blessing! You have such an awesome support system. Cheers to a job well done-by you and the sis :)
Miranda
Your sister is awesome!! Congratulations on finishing and qualifying for Boston!
xoxo
Moira
No matter what hardships you have in your life you have blessings to counteract them. What love from your sister. Congrats to you on BQ!
Megan
Such a blessing that your sister was there to support you! I’m so happy that you finished! Congratulations!
Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More
Sister of the Year award material right there! Congratulations on your race!
Tracey
Sisters make the world go round- Janae I’m so proud of you!
Lisa In NC
Totally crying, congratulations!
Ivy Teixeira
you did it!! it’s true, you CAN do hard things. congrats! can’t wait to hear more about the race!
Losing Lindy
I hope you have iced, ate and had a nap. I am super excited for #boston!
Bee
Congrats on an awesome job done! Sissy is awesome too! This is the sweetest story it made me cry. I miss my sister.
Kylie
Well done! You totally inspire me every morning when I get out of bed and it’s freezing(I’m in Australia ) I think Janae does it and I keep going!!! So thank you and well done!!!!
Maddie
Makes me tear up. Congrats Janae, you’re a strong one!
karen
I wish I had a sister, and I wish my daughter had one two…but she’s just got to deal with two older brothers :) Your’s seems like pretty much the bomb. Congrats on a BQ post injury!
Susan
You’re both amazing!! Congrats on the great race and finish…anxious to hear more!
Nicole
Yaayyyy, you rock! Way to go, girl!
Michelle
Congrats Janae! I have read your blog for so many years I feel such strong emotions for you today! You are such an amazing, strong woman and I just congratulate the heck out of you.
Jen
Your sister is the best. I know you really wanted a sub3, but that memory with your sister will be cherished so much for the rest of your life. You are an inspiration, and your family rocks!
Megan
You are amazing.
Period.
Kristen @ Glitter and Dust
Epic story. Congratulations, Janae. You are just amazing (and I love your sister too)!
Betsy
Congratulations Janae! I’m so thrilled for you and also so happy that you have your sister – they really are the best.
Leanne
Congratulations! Sisters=Best Friends! You are both great inspirations to everyone around you!
Christine D.
Congratulations! And that is the sweetest thing ever! Sisters are the best. :)
Cait the Arty Runnerchick
this picture is beautiful in every single way possible!!! congrats!!!
penny
Brought a tear to my eye, love the bound you girls have.
Niki
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE you both!!!!!! That made me cry!
Lindsey
This made me cry! So proud of you. You are amazing!!!
Holly
I am so crying….my sister is running a marathon next weekend and I would like to say I could run 6 miles in flip flops if that got her to the end. Best. Story. Ever.
Caroline
okay, maybe I teared up a little bit while reading that – sisters are the absolute greatest. Congratulations :)
Kathryn Shaffer
I ran Utah Valley today too! I was just telling my family about your story, and they totally saw you and your sister while they were waiting for me to come in! They were amazed at the flips flops! I also BQed!
Victoria
Congrats!
Nicole
I shed tears reading this. What an incredible person your sister is an what an amazing accomplishment for you with all that you’ve been through in training. We’ll done! Time to celebrate with a big froyo :)
Kristine
Crying! So happy for you. And your sister sure is something special!
Annie
Well Done Janae and Sis! Enjoy the post-marathon recovery/rest! :)
Annie
Lauren
i cried reading this and seeing that picture. what an amazing family you have, Janae. You are so blessed and the best part is you know that :)
Elizabeth
Chicaaaaaaaaa — you ROCK! Woo Hoo!!!! Amazing job well done – and you brought tears to my eyes in sharing your story of your sista’s incredible love and support. That was so beautiful xx
J @ semplicemente ... J
I love this. I love my sister and this made me emotional, as I know she would do this for me too!!!! Congrats. You are awesome.
Ashley g
Way to persevere! You’re back in the marathon game now, and you will get that sub 3 soon enough. Take care, enjoy your accomplishment, and eat all the effing junk food you want, sister. You’ve earned it.
Also, your sis is a rock star. You are so lucky to have such a supportive family.
Courtney
You’re amazing!! Nothing good comes easy and you’ve worked so hard. Can’t wait to hear the recap; I was thinking about you and saying a prayer this morning for you.
jan
Dang, I think running 6 miles in flip flops and jeans is as impressive as running a marathon! What an awesome sis!! You are lucky to have each other. I’m sorry it wasn’t the race you hoped it would be but glad you were able to finish w/ a BQ. Congrats!!
Michele
Woohoo! Congrats :-)
Lou @ Running Through China
Congratulations!! You are such a great runner! And your sister is such as great sister too! :) Enjoy a good rest now Janae, you deserve it :)
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries
This made me CRY! So incredibly sweet of your sister. And so proud of you. Congrats my friend. You deserved that finish. xoxo
Kelly
This was so sweet and beautiful it made me cry! I feel like this should be a movie! Great job!
Tantra
Wahoo! CONGRATS doll! I’ll see you in Boston!
Caroline
Congrats on your BQ!!! I can’t wait to hear more about the race!
Kelly in Canada
You have such an amazing sister!! You are both my inspiration!!! :-)
Runwright
Congratulations on the finish and the BQ time. That was an awesome thing your sister did but then you and your family seem awesome, or at least you talk of them in such endearing ways, we all think they’re awesome, and that speaks volumes. You are truly blessed.
Pam
Oh my goodness! I’m all teared up! Congrats, that is such an amazingly huge accomplishment on so many levels. Also, your sister is the best. Pedicure and new shoes for her, ASAP!
Therese
Those must be some great flip flops-she should get an endorsement deal.
Caitlin @ Happy 'n' Hungry
Congrats on your Boston qualifier! I couldn’t imagine being in your sisters’ shoes (ha!) and running that many miles in flip flops!
Juliana
Congrats!!! This brought tears to my eyes and what a wonderful sister you have!
SASSY
Amazing finish. You are truly blessed. XOXO
Hayley in Training
You did it! You did it!!!
Deirdre
Congratulations today. You are an all-round inspiration and role model to me xx
Cornelia
You are fantastic. Many greetings from Italy
autismmum
Fantastic effort. I wasn’t sure you’d be able to get through it with your injury. And you qualified for Boston – awesome!
Katie
Long time reader, first time commenter. This post gave me chills!!! Congratulations!!! That photo is absolutely priceless. Can’t wait to hear the details!!!
Melissa E.
Congratulations! It’s amazing how running is truly a metaphor for life.
Sarah
Your sister is amazing, and you are a total rock star!! Congrats on the race and qualifying for Boston!!!!!!!
Miriam
You are amazing for running a BQ after weeks of pool running.
Your family is amazing too, I don’t know that I’ve ever seen such a wonderfully supportive group of people.
I’ll be cheering at the sidelines at Boston in 2015. You’ll be amazing.
Lindsay
Congratulations!! You are so blessed to have such a wonderful sister!
Melissa
You and your family (including Brooke) are an incredibly inspiring. Not just in running but so much more. Thank you and congratulations!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles
The relationship that you and your sister have is beautiful. Congrats lady!!
Loribeth
Sweet! Great time!
marti
omg CONGRATS. this is soooooo awesome!!!!!
Amanda
Great job! You have an awesome sister!
Amy @ runlikeabird
The relationship you have with your sister is inspiring! Congratulations on your finish, and congratulations to your sister for running 6 miles in flip flops! Goodness gracious, I hope she doesn’t have blisters from that!
Leslie
That is awesome!!!! That you finished with an amazing time of course but what your sister did!!!! Priceless!!!!! Sister of the year Award!!!
Taylor
So sweet! Brings tears to my eyes!! Congratulations!
amy
Wow! U did it Janae! I knew you could. I guess u know that pool running helped. Your sister is so sweet. What a great feeling to be loved like that. Please frame that pic of u and her running. That is a great reminder of love and support. I can’t believe she ran in flip flops!
Congratulations!
Rebecca
So lovely. I told my own sister about this today. Your pic with your bangs friend in the next post moved me to tears. I hope you are feeling ok physically and emotionally today and even though we have not met, I am very, very proud of you.
Niki
Congratulations Janae!!! I am a long time reader, first time commentor :) I thought about you and prayed for your race yesterday and I don’t even know you!!! I cried when I read what your sister did, that is so amazing :) My sisters and I are so close as well and I love seeing others share that bond. You did awesome and should be so proud!!! You and your little Brooke are so adorable and inspire me :)
Sonia the mexigarian
Yay!!!! Congrats on the BQ!!! And your sister freaking rocks doing those last miles with you. Of course you know that but what an amazing thing to do :) wishing you a speedy recovery and lots of love!
Katie
What a heartfelt, emotional post! Such an incredible story all the way around. Congrats on qualifying for Boston!! This just made me wish my sister was going to be in Duluth next weekend when I run my first marathon!
Kate
Didn’t just make me cry. You made me cry like a baby! Congrats to you both! I can’t imagine running in flip flops! I can’t wait to hear the whole story. So glad your injury let you run it and BQ!
Cheri @ Overactive Blogger
You are amazing. You are such an inspiration to me!
Jen @ countryroadrunnerwi.blogspot.com
Way to go!!!
Crystal
Way to go!! So, small world. I’m in a running group here in Houston (I moved from Provo 4 years ago) and one of the ladies I was running with yesterday follows your blog as well. You were thought about during our run :) Does that sound creeperish? haha… sorry. not sorry :)
Summer
YAY!!!!!
Lauren @Will Run for Boston
This made me tear up! You have such an amazing sister and such a special bond with her! Way to go girl can’t wait to see you at Boston 2015!
Nicole
Congratulations Janae! I am so proud of you.
Shanna
I’ve read your blog for a long time and always love what you post but this one is the cutest thing ever!!! What an amazing family and sister! Congrats on your BQ!!! All of your hard work, dedication and love brought you to that finish! :)
Susan
Beyond excited for you! Congratulations and then some :)
And what your sister did for you goes down as one of the very sweetest, most unselfish acts of kindness I have heard of.
How blessed you are!!
Sarah F.
Janae, I am guessing that finishing that race yesterday meant much more than running 26.2 miles. You truly can do hard things, especially when you have the support of your amazing family and friends who give you strength. Congrats on the race, amazing to BQ at this point with all you have gone through recently. Rest up and know that bigger/better things are to come!
Leigha @ Minougirl
CONGRATS Janae!!! I’m so happy for you!! Nothing like a sister to help you get through the bad times <3
Amy
That gave me goose bumps.
Cassie
Wow wow wow! What am amazing sister you have!
Teared up reading this :) I have 2 sisters and there is no other bond like it ;)
Nicole @ Pink Elephant on Parade
Love is running 6.2 miles in flip flops and jeans. Congratulations on your marathon and having an awesome sister!
TheGreenMiler
Congrats! Awesome time! Awesome sister! Jeans & flips! Someone loves you a whole bunch!
Allison
Congratulations! You’re awesome and inspiring. This post made me cry- I’m glad you have such a supportive sister! :)
Shelly
Your sister is so sweet! Congrats for finishing!!!!!!!!
Eliza
The night before the marathon (my husband was running in it), I was researching where to stand side line to cheer him on and happened across your blog. I spent some time there amazed by your triumphs and felt hope even amidst your trials.
Fast forward 9.5 hours later. My boys and I stood sideline cheering on the runners, waiting for my hubby – right near the intersection at the Riverwoods, mile 20.5. I was already emotional (always am as a sideliner during a marathon) witnessing countless acts of love towards and amongst the runners. Along came a cute girl, with pretty intense emotion written across her face, close to tears. There was someone who new her, called out, go Janae. I followed suit. It was ten feet beyond me that she fell into the arms of a woman who, by the looks of her, could only be her sister. She cried, said it hurt so much, and her sister said, “do you want me to run with you?” Off they ran. I almost called out to them to offer my ankle socks and Nikes to the sister in flip flops. Dang.
After the race, I told my husband how sometime he needs to be a sideliner just to witness how awesome and emotional it all is. I told him about this exact story. I told him about you and your sister.
Thanks, in the most by chance way, of making a difference in my life.
Kim
CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am hoping to run Boston 2015 (I am from Boston!)
Tabaitha Kaye
What an amazing testament of your relationship with her! Congrats on finishing and your time! You rock!
janet
Wow! Your sister is a big ball of amazing awesomeness! I wish I had a sister like her. You are also an incredible runner and no matter what hardship you faced during the race, you still finished with a great time. Congrats on BQing!
Megan
Janae you DID IT!! Yippee! Look at all the people who were rooting for you! We should all be so lucky to have an amazing sister like yours. Family is everything :)
Tiffany
That thing about your sister seriously made me tear up!
Corrie Anne
Congrats! And your sister is pretty amazing.
Lisa @ Exercise eat repeat
Congratulations, i am so pleased you have done it and how wonderful that your sister was there for you.
Samantha @ 24to30
Congrats! So happy for you!
Monica
Okay, that made me tear up.
Donna Gallant
This made me cry a little at my desk. How lucky the two of you are to have each other.
Maria
That’s fantastic! What a wonderful sister!
Tara
That is so insipiring! An act of true love as Olaf would say!
Brooke
Congratulations! You’re amazing and so is your sister! Enjoy your rest days!
Kerry @ Half Healthy, Half Nuts
OMG, this made me cry a little bit!!!
Jill B
That is truly awesome that your sister ran the last part with you (in flop flops no less!!)!! You’ve got a great family!! Congrats and can’t wait to hear more about the race!
Valerie
Just said “This is so great!” out loud! Proud of you! I saw Jess Underhill (racepacejess) this weekend and told her how much I love your blog. We chatted about how sweet you are! You deserve this BQ!
Kay
What an amazing connection the two of you have, this is so awesome!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus
CONGRATS!!! What an awesome time and what an awesome sister!
Leah @ Dine n Dash Runners
Amazing!!
I hope you are relaxing today!
Bridee
You earned this BQ!! So happy for you. Your sister is the BEST!!!