The week of a race I like to…. and Boston training week #15

But first, a few things that happened yesterday:

-Brooke went to church with my parents (I stayed home just in case I am still contagious) and she came back with some art work.  Brooke insists on climbing up to the front seat door to get out of the car:)

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-Made myself some blueberry power cakes for breakfast.

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-Drove the remote control car off of the couch close to 400 times and watched Brooke laugh hysterically after each time.

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-Went on a walk with Brooke to remember what it feels like to be outside again;)

-Made my favorite meal for dinner.  Crockpot bbq chicken (just chicken, a little bit of water and bbq sauce in the crockpot for 4 hours on high) over a baked sweet potato and topped with avocado.

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-My dad stopped by to deliver us brownies from family dinner since we missed it this week.

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The week of a race I like to…

-Read over my training log and remember all of the work that has gone into the training and get excited to party.  The race is the celebration/party of all of the training and hard work that you put in over the months leading up to it.

Paint my nails a fun/bright/race day color.  (Goodness, this blog is deep)

-Go to dinner (usually at Kneaders for turkey sandwiches) with my mom for a pep talk.  Her dad was a cross-country coach and she heard many many running pep talks over the years that her dad gave to his athletes.  She is an expert.  Maybe I will record this week’s pep talk and post it for everyone else racing soon.

(from our Kneader’s pep talk before the St. George Marathon last year)

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-Say more prayers than usual. 

-Tell any and all negative thoughts to take a hike.  

Cut back on my fiber intake and up my carbs and protein a bit.  

Choose sleep over anything else once Brooke goes down to bed.

-Start packing my suitcase (for destination races) and triple (okay, quadruple) check that I have everything packed and ready to go.

Glue a water bottle to my right hand (I am left handed and need that hand to write/eat etc) so that I drink water like it is my job over the next few days.

-Watch as many inspirational running movies/clips as possible (going to see McFarland USA this week!!!)

-I finalize my marathon playlist.  This playlist usually goes through about 4 drafts before reaching the final product.  (I’ll post it this week)

Stop eating candy.  Okay, this is the first time I am trying this one but my mom told me to do it so I am going to listen to her because Moms are always right (I am a mom but I am rarely right so that saying isn’t actually accurate).

Until we meet again dear friends:

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-Wear in my new shoes a bit.  A few people have asked why I get new shoes right before a marathon.  The PureFlows just work for my feet and I love having a fresh new pair of them for the marathon.  I like them to be broken in a little bit (like 20-30 miles) but still fresh and extra comfortable so that it feels like I am running on clouds.  I would never try a completely brand new type of shoe for a marathon but I have been wearing the PureFlows for many years now and my feet are just used to them.  This will be my first time running in the 4s but I have only noticed very tiny changes from the 3s so my body/feet will be just fine racing in them:) I’ll do a full review on them after the marathon.  

I do know already that we (me and the shoes) are in a very long term and committed relationship:

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I tapered pretty hardcore this week:)  Two things popped up that forced a little extra rest than what I was planning on but in the long run I think the extra rest will pay off!

Monday:  Off.  My foot was swollen the day before and I wanted Dr. B to have a look at it before attempting to run on it.

Tuesday:  7 miles @ 8:06 pace.

Wednesday:  8 miles @ 7:08 pace.  

Thursday: Taught some spin and 4 miles @ 8:34 pace.

Friday:  8 miles outside @ 7:25 pace. 

Saturday: Off.  Just the thought of running made my throat hurt even more.

Sunday:  Off.

27 miles total and lots of rest.

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What are some of your race week rituals?

Favorite inspirational running movies?  Who has seen McFarland USA?

How many miles did you get in last week?  What was your best run?

Would it be extremely hard, easy or somewhere in the middle for you to give up candy?

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107 comments

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Aside from freaking out, packing and repacking 20 times I don’t have a lot of race week rituals. I love crock pot anything over a sweet potato with avocado, that’s a great combo! Food wise marathon week is always a lot of sweet potatoes, chicken, avocados, and plantains :) Feel better!

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I try to sleep alot more and just eat as clean as possible. I have worn the same shoes for YEARS also, so wearing a new-ish pair on race day wouldn’t scare me at all. Not like trying something completely new!

I love watching St. Ralph. It’s even about the Boston Marathon!

Depends on the week. Some weeks I would have no problems giving up candy, others it would be super hard.

Hope you’re feeling 100% today!

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Race week rituals: more sleep, more carbs, more water, and lots of list making for packing and race database week mileage: 72 miles
I don’t eat a lot of candy. Cookies on the other hand would be very hard!

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One of my favorite running movies is Spirit of the Marathon. I love that it shows the perspective of runners at all levels.

Giving up candy for any amount of time would be pretty difficult. I could maybe try giving it up for a few hours… Maybe ;)

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I am definitely a candy lover so it would probably be hard for me to give it up! But if I was training for a race then I would be able to cut back… i think :)

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Those are some great rituals, especially the pep talk from mom and telling your negative thoughts to take a hike (I need to try that one!)

My husband tells me all the time to cool it on the candy, and it makes me so sad.

My running mileage has been super low since I’m not training for anything and have been focusing on weight lifting… maybe 10 miles last week?

Question: how many miles do you put on your shoes before switching?! I feel like you’ve addressed this before. But I’ve started logging my miles in excel, and I’ve noticed around 300 my knees ask for a new pair. I’m sure everyone’s different but wanted to hear from a professional ;)

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Giving up candy would be easy, but ice cream, never! Cannot live without ice cream….it isn’t natural.

Hope you feel better, and I am also soooooo excited to see McFarland, USA, aren’t you?

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I would love to start running with others. I just need to take the plunge and do it. Also can’t seem to give up all sweets. I’m hoping there is an acceptable amount instead of just doing away with them.

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The beauty of the marathon (over half-marathons and 5Ks) is that you have 26.2 miles to make sure you’re hitting your pace. If one mile felt really bad, no problem…you have 25.2 more miles to make up for it. Longer distances allow room for forgiveness. And really, crossing the line of ANY marathon is a huge accomplishment. So excited for you to run Boston, I hope you enjoy each mile!

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-My race week rituals include getting a lot of sleep, hydrating, and carbing up!
-I got 30 miles in last week. It wasn’t a ton but I got some good workouts in!
-I’m not a big candy person. When it comes to sweets, I love baked goods and ice cream! I don’t eat them very much at all, but those were much harder to eliminate from my diet than candy.

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Oh my gosh, a brownie delivery?! Isn’t that the life! And I’m notorious for packing and repacking – I think I would have to do it 10 times if I were traveling for a race and I’d probably still forget something, haha.

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I always watch Spirit of the Marathon before races. It’s hard to find now so I might have to order it on Amazon so I can always have it!

I ran a 5k with my BF and a 10k right after. They were both amazing races and I felt terrific! It’s so great seeing all your hard work pay off…half training is right on schedule.

Hope you feel better soon and enjoy your final week of taper! Go Janae Go!!

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I hope you’re feeling better! How nice of your dad to swing by with brownies!

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Hope you feel better soon! Good thing it’s taper week. It’s like a forced rest so you can come back with a vengeance!

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My race week ritual includes more carbs, more sleep, more water, and doing my nails.
Last week was 15 miles plus a half marathon!
Giving up chocolate is challenging for me, but giving up other candy is manageable.

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I got in 12 miles last week. Not a lot, but a lot for me! I managed to get my 5 miles done yesterday and I ran the entire 5 miles (no walking and one stop for a few seconds for a light to change).
It would be hard for me to give up candy. I have a giant sweet tooth which is why I have so much trouble with my weight!

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OK, I am revealing my age here, but a big pre-race secret weapon is getting my roots done. I swear it makes me run faster!!! Seriously.

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Makes total sense :) I LOVE IT!!

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The week of a race, I try not to think about the race or talk about the race at all. I will give myself too much anxiety.

I love the movie Without Limits. It’s a Prefontaine movie and so good. It’s also very quotable!

There is no way I could give up candy. I’ve even thought of using gummy bears as fuel if I ever decide to do another marathon.

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I do use gummi bears as fuel! They work great. I’m Celiac so I have to be a little creative and they work perfect for me. I’m also highly addicted to candy but do periodically give it up for awhile. I will almost always have gummi’s though. They seem so mild and happy. I love gummies.

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Good to know! Thanks, Tess! :)

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Those PureFlows look FRESH! I like the colors/design a lot! Those shoes are going to carry you all the way to an amazing BOSTON finish! :D

My race week ritual is to listen to give my body lots of extra rest – I try to sleep an extra hour or so each night. I think that also makes it easier to get up at early o’clock on race morning!

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I always work on my running playlist the week of a marathon.
I got in 16ish running miles this last week and a TON of walking miles. I was on vacation and walked 15 miles alone in Washington DC on Saturday!

I won’t ever give up candy. end.of.story!

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I love to watch motivating movies. When I saw Spirit of the Marathon II, I wanted to run straight out of the theater and do a few miles. I will listen to the Chariots of Fire theme to pump me up.

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McFarland USA is a really great movie! You will love it. I don’t run near the mileage you (or most of your readers) do. I only logged 3 running days last week for a total of 15.5 miles. I was happy w/ that. I also had 2 speed sessions on my bike and a swim. If I had candy in my house, it would be hard to give up but once it’s out of sight, then I can manage better. I like all your week before marathon ideas. You will be awesome!

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I’m building on the race rituals since I only did my first marathon…. yesterday. Still buzzing (and recovering).

I think it’s really hard to give up candy/ treats/ chocolate but I always feel so good for doing it.

Boston is so close now and you have done he hard work. You’ve got this and you will nail it!!!!

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It would be easier for me to give up candy if I did it “by accident” than if I told myself. The more I say no, the more I NEED IT.

I know whenever I try to cut back on sweets, I’m all about fruit. So much fruit.

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I’m a lefty too :)….I could give up candy no problem just don’t ever ask me to give up peanut butter!

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I really want to see McFarland USA, you will have to let us all know how it is. :) My best run last week was a 5k race that my friend’s mom planned–the weather was perfect and the little town was adorable! I could give up most candy, but I would have a hard time with chocolate!

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I love the pureflow 3, but haven’t tried the 4. I heard the tongue is different, have you had any problems with it slipping to the side, does it have anything to hold it in place?

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I actually haven’t had any problems with it slipping to the side yet. I will pay close attention though and include it in my full review. Thanks Elizabeth for the heads up!

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Good news! Look forward to your full review. Have a great time in Boston!

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I always get my nails done pre race- something really bright usually!!
I tapered back to 35 miles last week, normal workout schedule just with fewer miles. I will cut WAY back this week with a tiny bit of speedwork on Thursday but everything else super easy.
I debuted my new shoes at a 20 mile race a few weeks ago and agree that as long as you are already used to the brand and model it actually feels great to have fresh shoes for a big day!
Good luck with the final countdown and feel better :-)

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Dad’s who bring by brownies are the best!!!

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Do chocolate chips count as candy? ‘Cause I NEED them in my yogurt and my apple/pb bowls.

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McFarland is actually about 30 minutes from where we live so we rushed out to see it and we went back with our kiddos because it was such an awesome movie! You will LOVE it!!

I was actually able to run a whole mile last week without pain and I am so excited!!!

I hope you feel completely back to normal really soon!!

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Without Limits is my favorite inspirational running movie for sure! Also, having never run a step without music, I ran the entire Boston Marathon without any because the crowds were so amazing that I wanted to take in all the cheering, etc. and I never once even thought about putting my headphones in! Can’t wait to cheer you on from afar through the best race of all time.

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Looking back at your training log is as great idea! I’m also going to be looking at my past race recaps to remind myself that I can go, and have gone, 26.2! I’ll be drinking a lot of water too, and cutting back on the salads.
Last week I ran with some friends, and those chatty runs remind me how much I enjoy running :)

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I love the color of those shoes. One thing I hate about womens shoes is all the bright colors and pinks and oranges. I wish they made a dark pair in the kind I need to I am not blinding people as I run by them.

Glad you are feeling better!

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I hope you are feeling better soon!
*I love desert runners (netflix) just to watch ultra-marathoners being completely awesome is inspiring!
*I ran a total of 10.8 miles last week, I am totally proud of myself and my progress. Best run was Sunday with a run of 5.25 miles! It’s been 13 months (do to ITBS) since I’ve ran more than 5 miles :) Hooray!!
*I could give up candy. I don’t eat it. But chocolate that’s another story, those are fighting words, lol!

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I did my first destination race this weekend, and halfway through the road trip (it was only 4 hours… but still, destination!) I was like, “Did I remember my shoes?!” Luckily I did, but MAN that was nerve-wracking. Next time I should just wear my race-day outfit on the drive down, just in case.

Good luck in Boston!

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How are you feeling? I am really hoping you get your sub 3 at Boston! I’d be so frustrated to get sick so close to a big race but maybe the extra rest will end up helping in the long run. Good luck!

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are you going to share your goal time?

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Hey Ashley! So I feel like I am trained for a 3:05 at Boston but would absolutely love a sub 3! Here’s to crazy goals;) Hope you are having a great day!

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1) What’s the deal with McFarland? Is that a new movie out or an old one? The one with Kevin Costner right?

2) OHMYGOD – COULD YOUR MOM PLEASE GIVE A PEP TALK? What does she even say? I think you are so lucky to have such supportive, encouraging parents. My Mom would tell me…”Don’t hurt yourself…Don’t make yourself sick….I don’t think you should go that hard, you might get sick.”

Where’s the eye-roll/angry face?

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The deal is that it’s a true story…yes the one with Kevin Costner and he actually had a few of the actors be from McFarland the location where it took place. Very inspirational since most high school students don’t have a half ounce of discipline and drive or hardship these kids went thru.

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I tried the Pure Connect 4 and the tongue is longer than on the old models. What happened to me in a practice run was the tongue was longer/higher than my sock and it rubbed my foot on each stride. I ended up with a blister(s) in that spot. And, did they hurt! Just make sure that does not happen to you when you are running Boston. Your socks might be higher than mine. I believe the Pure Flow 4’s tongue is about the same length as the Pure Connect 4. Good luck!

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VERY interesting, thank you for sharing this with me Mary! I will pay extra attention to the tongue length on the 4s! I appreciate you taking the time to tell me about this!

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Go see Mcfarland right now!! It was so good!!

I could totally give up candy. Chocolate is more my thing, but I don’t eat it every day.

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Moms ARE always right! And I’m a mom, too, now, but I agree with you that I definitely don’t always feel right. Well, except I’m 90% right when my husband and I disagree. :-)

I’m so excited to follow the last part of your journey to Boston!!! WOO HOO!!! Sending you tons of good vibes! <3

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Your mom is right about the candy. :) And giving up sugar is hard!

I like to eat more greens and berries the week prior to a marathon. (or 1/2). Greens have nitrates and are supposed to help you breathe better. (they also clear out mucus which is good when you’re sick). I rest and check/recheck my packing if I’m traveling to a race).

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I’ve read your blog almost daily for quite some time now and it’s awesome to see how zen you’ve become about missing some training runs due to extenuating circumstances. Kudos to you! I hope you feel better soon and I can’t wait to read about how amazing you’ll do at Boston!

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Thanks Alicia, I really appreciate your comment. I have sure learned a lot over the last few years:) Thank you and I hope you are having an amazing day!

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Giving up candy would be extremely difficult, but I probably should be doing it too. It’s a sad, sad time.

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Spirit of the Marathon and Spirit of the Marathon 2 are still my ultimate fave running movies! I always cry and wind up wanting to jump off the couch and start training for my next race! :)

I think I may be able to give up candy, but NEVER would I be able to give up chocolate.

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I’ve actually always eaten candy the day or two before a race just to up the good old blood glycogen levels! But moms ARE always right, so listen to her, not me!

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Where do you buy the pancake mix at? That super delicious. Good Luck at Boston, but most of all have fun and enjoy the journey.

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Hey Maria! I bought mine online here:
http://store-8625e.mybigcommerce.com/mixes-syrups/

Seriously SOOOO good! Thank you so much!

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Loved Spirit of the Marathon 1 & 2. Also recently watched Desert Runners on Netflix, a documentary about some ultra runners. It was really good.

I could give up candy, but not sure I could manage giving up baked goods and ice cream!!

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Good luck meeting all of your goals for the taper. I always cut back on fiber and sugar and focus on eating protein and carbs. Good call! I’m not very good at giving up sweets, but can do so for a short period of time.

My night-before-the-race ritual is to eat pasta and Dungeness crab. Crab is loaded with protein, potassium, and salt, the perfect combo to get my body ready. I always eat peanut butter the morning of my race too.

McFarland USA is a great movie. You cannot walk away without smiling and feeling good…. And having an itch to run.

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hahah- that picture with the candy is awesome :) I just finished my left over jelly beans from easter and now I’m so sad that I don’t have them to snack on this morning! wahhh. Glad you’re feeling better and glad you got some extra rest time because of it! :)

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Hope you’re feeling better!! I love Kodiak Cakes!! I’ll have to make them with blueberries sometime instead of the usual chocolate chips. :D

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I’m going to sleep like a CHAMP this week because I know that next Sunday night, I will have barely slept at all!!
i’m also going to be running in a new pair of Pureflows :) (the 2s) I can’t wait to feel their squashy-ness on my feet next Monday!

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I have heard that giving up candy/sugar decreases inflammation and had a friend of mine give it up before her marathon this year. She BQ’d then ate a cinnamon roll. I’m going to do it before my first marathon in May. Now that your mom said it, it has to be true!

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Giving up candy/fro yo/baked happiness would be the most difficult thing of my life. I have gone a whole month of my life without sugar….so I know it can be done for at least that long ;) but I see no reason to ever see if I could go longer.

I am so excited for you. One freaking week. You are going to rock it.

Those shoes are purrrrdy.

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I love that painting your nails is a pre race ritual…. Gotta keep it fun, especially if you aren’t having any candy!! :)

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i am so stinking excited for you!! i’ll run vicariously through you ok. :)

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Water and sleep — definitely the two most important things! You’re so close, J! :)

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Race week = more sleep!

Injured runner = 0 miles :(

Easy to give up candy, hard to give up chocolate! Haha, you are going to rock Boston!

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Good for you for giving up candy – i am curious to hear if you notice a difference! I could give up candy easily, but chocolate would be a different story!

I just ran my first race on Saturday (10k). I didn’t have nearly as much of a taper as you, but I had a Coe extra days off from runni g and I made sure to plan some fun things to do with my daughter in those days to take my mind off the race a bit.

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I’m not so much a huge candy fan, but I love sweets in general. Desserts, sweet drinks, etc…I’m such a sugar addict. So right now I’m in a bad phase of my “addiction”. :P So it would be pretty hard to cut out my sugar intake!

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I love painting my nails a specific race day color before a big race as well!

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I ran 24 miles last week and I think my best run was probably an easy run Saturday afternoon. It was so sunny and beautiful, plus I ran while my car had an oil change and I was pretty pumped at my multi-tasking skills.

Can you blog about MacFarland USA? I want to see it and would love to hear what you think. Also, I have a half marathon in 2 weeks and need some playlist inspiration. Feel like spilling what’s on your Boston playlist? Pretty please!

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Hi Janae!

I’ve been reading your blog for over a year, but never commented but felt compelled to wish you luck at Boston. Our half marathon PRs are nearly identical, and I ran 2:57 last year at Boston so I know you’ll get that sub-3 :) Totally gonna be looking out for you and hopefully running into you at some point up there (literally or figuratively haha).

Be careful that first half- don’t get sucked into KILLING it because you’ll pay for it the last 10k.

Also, I’m a huge chocolate addict and giving up candy for this week. Already freaking out just thinking about the chocolate peanut butter eggs sitting in the cabinet waiting to be consumed in 8 days.

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HEY ALISON!! Your comment seriously made my day. Thank you so much for the advice, I needed to hear that! What corral are you in? Hahaha I totally have my candy waiting for me to eat the second I finish!

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I’m wave 1, corral 3. #2722 :)
I have a friend just behind you.. 2/2 who is also going to be sub 3.
Have a blast; I’m so excited!! Also, check out old south church, or “church at the finish line.” They do a special blessing of the athletes where all the runners stand up and get a special prayer. I think services are 9 & 11 Sunday morning. Definitely a highlight every year for me.
Can’t wait to read about your experiences… a week from today you’ll be DONE!!

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This isn’t really a ritual, but it’s something I will 100% be implementing from here on out. The night before my 2 longest runs (18 & 20 milers) I’ve made pasta with meat in it, but I’ve added a TON of salt to the water I boil my pasta in. Like, a TON. Both runs have been INCREDIBLE too, so now I’m convinced it’s because of the salty pasta. The night before my next marathon I’m staying in a hotel and I think I’m going to make this that day and bring it with me even, so I can have it the night before. I swear it works like a charm!

I like watching Without Limits before a race :-)

52 miles last week. Best run was definitely my 20 miler! My fastest 20 miler to date, my fastest long run to date, and it was the first one I could wear shorts for! It was so good and I felt like a billion bucks and 2 days later I still feel great from it!

Somewhere in the middle for me to give up candy. I go through phases :)

I’m so excited for you and all the Boston runners! I’ll be cheering you on in Cleveland circle!

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Oh I hope you feel better before next week! You have worked so hard for Boston. Rest up lots, you won’t lose your fitness! :)

Spirit of the Marathon (1 & 2) are by far the most inspirational. As for books I liked First Marathons for a little inspiration. I love hearing about peoples experiences with the marathon!

I rarely eat candy (mostly just chocolate) so it would be pretty easy for me!

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I’m tapering, too… For a marathon on Sunday. :)
My best run was just a couple miler that I did on a hotel treadmill.
I was on the road last week, and I hadn’t slept well in the hotel bed, but I made myself get up and run on the treadmill anyway. It was the win of getting up and going, even though I didn’t want to! Sometimes taper runs are really hard for me… I’m usually an all-or-nothing kind of person, so it’s hard for me to cut back without totally relaxing altogether. :)

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Oh I loved watching McFarland! Our boys who are 9 and 6 also enjoyed it! One side of our family is also 3rd generation Mexican and can relate to many aspects of the culture. But SO good on so many levels!! Now I want to see it again.

So I also got new shoes (same model I always wear) for my marathon about a week and a half out and 20 plus miles were plenty broken in. I was so nervous about not tying them too tight race day I think I retied them four times my husband who’s not a runner just couldn’t understand my obsessiveness. It had to be perfect!

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O000000h now I’ll have to skip tomorrow’s run so I can watch all the movies suggested!! Thanks guys.

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Dare I ask ……..When exactly is the Boston Marathon?

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Hey! It is in one week from today! 4/20!!! Hope you are having a great day!

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ohhh hope you are feeling better! i gave up all processed sugar for 30 days and it. was. hard.

what was even harder was that i had to admit i felt much better and had increased mental clarity. dang it, because my tastebuds love it. i’ll be curious to see how you feel!

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How many miles do you estimate you get out of your PureFlows?

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I usually get about 400 on each pair. Most people get a little bit fewer (300ish) than that but I have had zero problems getting 400 out of them:)

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It would be tough for me to give up candy as I have a big sweet tooth.

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You are going to love McFarland!! It really is super inspirational. I almost to go for a run right afterwards! Since I used to live in Fresno (close to Mcfarland) I have actually met some of the guys. They still run some of the local races so it’s pretty neat.

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You got this!! You can do hard things!! Sending positive thoughts your way!

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Race week rituals include thinking about how much it is going to hurt and how I am READY. Drinking ALL the water. Sleeping whenever I can.

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I got in 18 miles last week………I missed one run because of the pollen. So much pollen. I think my clothes became yellow just from me standing outside.

I eat about the same before my races, but I lay off the salads a couple of days before, and the spicy food, too. I also don’t try any new foods a few days before the race.

I think I could give up candy if I wasn’t trying, but telling myself I can’t have something makes me want it more!

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I absolutely have to have the chicken thing first thing tomorrow. I love that so much. And with sweet potatoes. No one in my family will eat it but me. It sounds SO good. And I don’t even like barbecue! Could be that I’m really hungry but man that sounds delicious right now.

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Yay for left handed people!!
I hope you feel better and well rested for Boston!!!

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I totally do the same thing with shoes for the marathon. I love having a fresh new pair to race in. HEAVEN.
You totally have to post your Mom’s pep talk!!! Moms are the best, aren’t they?
So cool that your Grandpa was a CC coach.
Race rituals: Sleep and more sleep. Naps, check. Going to bed early, check.
Carbs, lots of self talk, prayer and focus. The work is done – it’s all mental now.
Haven’t seen McFarland USA yet and can’t wait to see it!
I’ve been walking a lot this week and knee surgery on Thursday!!!! YAY!
I love chocolate, but I can give it up before I race.
On Monday I’ll be resting and cheering for you!!

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I’m going to be watching the marathon from Natick, and I’m SO hoping to spot you! I’ll cheer for you really loudly!!!! You’re going to rock it!

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Thank you so much Mer! I really appreciate that:)

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saw McFarland the day it was released, ( I live in Central California) It was awesome! You will be inspired!
Your sweet potato with chicken and avo looks amazing.
I run in Addias Boosts and always get new ones to race, a couple weeks prior to break in as well. Funny how brand loyalty is a thing.

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this is SO random, but mind telling me where you got your couch from?! I love the color!

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Hey gorgeous! It is from RC Willey! Can we please play together soon?

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Race week i drink lots of coconut water and nuun. ZERO candy, lots of sweet potatoes, plain bread and plain pasta (because my stomach hates me) I’ve been wanting to see McFarland so bad! I’ve given up candy for the next 2 weeks! I’ll be running the BAA 5k, cheering at the marathon and then running the NJ marathon the following weekend. It’s torture! Can’t wait to see how Boston goes, you’re going to rock it! I’ll be cheering!!

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I spend most of race week looking back at my checklists, and checking/re-checking my packed race gear. I remember being such an inexperienced/unprepared runner for my first 5K (in Jamaica!) that I forgot to bring my GPS watch and my visor. I also ran in capris and a s/s tee in 90+degree with humidity instead of just shorts and a tank. Duh. Never again. I also try to enjoy the taper by binge watching a whole boatload of movies.

20 miles last week. Best run was a 7 miler in preparation for a 10 miler in early May.

Extremely hard for me to give up any sweets! My dentist loves me because I probably helped him pay off his dental school debt!

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What are some of your race week rituals?
**Morning of race, pbj sandwich. Always.

Favorite inspirational running movies? Who has seen McFarland USA?
**I like Rudy a lot. No running movies are coming to mind… please post if you liked McFarland or not!

How many miles did you get in last week? What was your best run?
**Not too many. Good run today, though. 4 miles at 7:30 pace, without coughing or hard breathing.

Would it be extremely hard, easy or somewhere in the middle for you to give up candy?
**Super easy, I don’t care about candy. If I had to give up dark chocolate, though, there would be a long mourning period. I hope we never break up.

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I always have to do my nails before a race as well. It seems to boost my confidence in a weird way.

I can’t wait to read your race recap! I’m hoping to qualify this year!

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I always have cheese enchiladas for dinner the night before a race. I know it is a weird pre-race food but it works for me! My favorite running movie is obviously Forrest Gump, not exactly a “running” movie but I find the running part hilarious. I did not get in too many miles last week, traveling all day Monday and was fighting off a cold all week plus I was thrown back into work! Getting back on track with the Tone It Up Bikini Series starting today. It is somewhere in the middle for me to give up candy. I can go months without eating it. My roommate has a slight addiction so unfortunately there is always candy in the house. Trying to cut back, but gummies are always calling my name!

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I haven’t seen McFarland USA yet, but want to. At this point, I’ll probably wait for it to show up On Demand.

At this time next week you’ll be savoring the memories of your first Boston. Don’t forget to enjoy the race! Can’t wait to read your recap!

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The week before a race I like to hydrate like crazy, eat sushi, and go for walks with my husband and son :)
Giving up chocolate would be a challenge for me!! I told my husband I was going to cut it out this month…. And then bought chocolate chips! I’m working on it…,

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I think that these tips are excellent! I hope that you are feeling 100% soon!!!

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