Why the long run is kind of addicting for me.

Twenty miles is a long time to be running.  I have run this distance many times over the years of marathon training yet a 20 miler never ever gets remotely easy for me but that is why marathon training is kind of addicting for me… these long runs are a huge challenge yet we do them anyways and feel pretty incredible/strong/accomplished after we do them.  

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I felt flat from step one but that is pretty normal when your marathon is THREE WEEKS AWAY.  The taper will help big time with that flat feeling and I’ll be all set to go on race day.  Thinking about taper time got me through some of the toughest spots during the run… just knowing rest is around the corner helped a lot.  

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The first 10 were at a little under 7:30 pace and the second 10 were all at a little over a 6:30 pace.  There were some definite breaks along the way too for things like:

-Fuel and some water.  

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-Little areas like this where I was nervous that I was going to slip and break my head so I walked over them.  

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The waterfall view from the above bridge.  Also, there were a few stoplight breaks because I hit some red lights but other than that I am happy with the pace and where I am at a few weeks before race day.  

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I was pooped when I got back and Brooke made sure to warm me up with her pink blanket.  

I’m more than ready for today’s rest day.  My goal is to take less than 1,000 steps and recover from yesterday the best that I can.

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Sissy invited us to a soccer game and Brooke watched pretty much the entire game (she starts soccer soonish herself!)

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My brother-in-law brought us sandwiches (with the best turkey ever), fruit, veggies and brownies.  He is a good man.  The weather was perfect and BYU won!

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Another dinner with my girls.  

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And a cup of hot chocolate with my favorite mini marshmallows for dessert. I have a thing for hot chocolate—>  it warms me up and it is chocolate so yeah.  

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What sports did you play/love growing up?

What is your Sunday going to involve?

What has been your running fuel of choice these days? 

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78 comments

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I played volleyball growing up and was a runner, of course! Maybe one day again I’ll be able to run long distance. For now, I’m loving my injury free body. Happy Sunday!

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My Sunday will involve lots of REST and pain relievers to get over the soreness from my marathon yesterday! I like the gatorade chews for fuel or the sports beans…they are better to eat than gu!

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I was really into basketball, dance and gymnastics growing up. I ran in middle school and a little in high school, but really got into running long distance during my college years :)
My Sunday is going to be full of playing with the kiddo, enjoying an unseasonably warm day (high of 65 degrees!) and some online Chrsitmas shopping (I want to be done by the end of November!).

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Awesome job on that 20! I just took 7 days completely off after running my 18th marathon so I plan to do an easy run today and then go to the Steelers game!

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Way to go JENN… your 18th marathon?!?! AMAZING!

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I’m sorry to be THAT person, but “have run” or “ran.” Never “have ran.” Sorry. I hate being the grammar police.

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Thank you for being that person… I need the grammar police in my life daily:) Thanks Amanda and I hope you are having an awesome day!

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Clearly you like being the grammar police ;)

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I feel your pain! I’m a stickler for good grammar and sometimes I don’t know if it’s appropriate to correct it or if the writer will be offended. :)
Thanks for being a good sport, Janae! :)

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I started running competitively in second grade. I am terribly uncoordinated so I didn’t do other sports.

My day is all travel! Heading home from Charlotte after the marathon yesterday! I’m ready to be home!

Running fuel of choice has been Honey Stinger chews! I love them and they don’t upset my stomach!

I love mini marshmallows! They are my favorite in hot chocolate!

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I never thought I’d miss the 20 mile long runs, but now that my marathon is over and I am in recovery I do! Great job!!!

I haven’t had any hot chocolate yet this winter, but after this mornings run I think it is exactly what I need (with LOTS and LOTS of marshmallows!)

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I played traveling soccer all growing up! I think that’s why I live for my long runs too and the thrill and competitiveness of marathon running too! LOVING those marshmallows! Gonna have to go make me some hot chocolate now!

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I loved gymnastics growing up and never thought I’d run. Now I totally relate to that feeling of the long run accomplishment – it’s like no other feeling and it’s totally addicting!

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I have always loved hockey (not playing, just watching) as well as baseball, basketball and even football. I have always loved watching and following sports…Best feeling ever is finishing a long run for sure! Have a good rest day.

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I rode horses growing up. We didn’t have an equestrian team at my high school or anything, but I spent a lot of time riding.
-Sunday plans cleaning…

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Awesome job on your 20 mile run! I would say it takes talent to hit the 7min pace exactly. I played soccer for 11 years when I was growing up. I also did hurdles and pole vault in track. Good memories.

My Sunday is going to involve a run, coffee with a friend, and lots of football!

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I played soccer when I was growing up and still kiss doing it as an adult. But I could never play now. The older I get the more I worry about breaking bones and injuries interfering with running. So I play an adult rec kickball league instead.
Awesome job on the 20 miles.

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I am spending my Sunday with my little NICU babies at work.

I tried to play basketball growing up because I’m 5’10” and everyone told me to, but I was terrible. I was played and loved volleyball and I ran track as well.

I have recently started using packets of honey as my fuel. I miss the caffeine in my SC Gu. I wish I could have caffeinated honey. That would be awesome.

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I played volleyball in elementary school and never thought I would be a runner! I need to chabge my running fuel and want to try Salt Stick + Hammer gel. Gu just isn’t working for me.

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Congrats on the 20 miles! Love your winter clothing picks in the last post. I’ve bought several things you’ve posted in the past. The Brooks vest is a winter must! Wondering what headband you had on in the first pic? Think I need that too! :)

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Hey Madaline! Thanks girl! It is a Brooks headband but I can’t find it online anymore… here is a similar one though:

http://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/greenlight-headband/280317001.010.html?CAWELAID=120170360000062797&CAGPSPN=pla&mkwid=sZoSYQlLP_dc&pcrid=75095686586&pmt=&pkw=&gclid=Cj0KEQiA96CyBRDk5qOtp5vz8LkBEiQA6wx8MMMnYnqCuY4QOqGy0nDLTCtilhDUnJrqoOx7ChwjHEAaAlbU8P8HAQ

I hope you are having a fabulous weekend!

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Salted Caramel GU is my pick too!!! Actually, the only one that I have been able to stomach! A friend of mine told me to try the salted watermelon and I did pick up one… only one…. going to try on a training run.

My weekend consisted of spontaneously running a half yesterday (I missed Rock n’ Roll last weekend and I was all trained up) … I did PR! WOOT!WOOT! 2:06:10.. goal sub2, but I will take a PR! Race went great, but my battery died in my tahoe that has 400,00+ miles on it…. trying to hang on to it, but I might have to give in and get a new car like you did!

I loved to play softball in high school, but I was always on the dance line and was a cheer leader :) So wished I had found the love for running back then and did the cross country team, so foolish back then! I hated running then…. if only i had tried, maybe then I would have found the love that I have for running now. LOL! :D

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I second the Salted Caramel GU. It’s only recently that I have tried bringing fuel along for my runs, because I have gone from ½marathon to marathon training. Of the GUs I also like the ones with chocolate (outrage) – it’s like chocolate fudge:)

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hmmm, I have never tried the chocolate one you mentioned…. I think I will pick up one! Sounds delicious!!! And, I LOVE chocolate!!!! I too just went from half marathon training to a full in March! Eeeek! It will be my first full marathon! I am nervously excited!!! Good Luck to you on your training!!! :)

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I think chocolate outrage tastses like Tootsie Rolls. Not bad. I can eat most of the Gus. Did not like Maple Bacon though, which is shocking because I love me some bacon. And cannot do strawberry banana…love strawberries, love bananas just can’t somtach them together.

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I participated in absolutely zero sports growing up. I ran on my own a bit in high school but other than that, nothing. I get all geeked out now when people refer to me as an athlete:-)

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I’m going to take photos of a friend and her husband today for the Christmas card.
Then I’m taking my dog to the park and doing some shopping and chores and tonight I’ll join my family for dinner.

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I love me some Clif Bloks for fuel! Favorite are the classic strawberry, black cherry, or the margarita ones!

Sunday plans involve hopefully resting and recovering after my 15-miler yesterday! I may go for a swim … But we’ll see how motivated I get :)

Congrats on the 20! Rest up and enjoy your Sunday!

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I have a couple errands to run today,but I am looking forward to some nice relaxing later on. Yesterday was just a go-go-go kind of day, so today needs to be uneventful.

Lately, I am loving the Tri-berry GU packets.

Happy Sunday!

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Wow, you are so speedy! Excellent job getting the 20 done! You must feel great! Sounds like you are totally ready to dominate your upcoming marathon. BTW, I love salted caramel GU too! Have you tried salted watermelon? That is randomly amazing too. Have a happy Sunday!

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Amazing effort, esp with the slippy parts.

My wife and oldest just finished their first ever 5k minutes ago. They were walk/run I am home with the babies.

It was a Chocolate Run with hot cocoa, chocolate milk and fondue featured at the finish line.

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Their 5k was a 52 minute PR…lol. Apparently my 9 year old was slowing my wife down. Considering it was the wife’s first race ever, and after 5 months of new baby and sleepless nights, not bad. I’ve successfully infected them because they already signed up for a St Pats run now too.

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I ran cross country in middle and high school and did dance from age 2 to about 10.
Today is recovery from yesterday’s marathon…………..so stiff!
And I like Huma gels in Blueberry and Strawberry.

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I played soccer for 8 years and never thought I would be a runner! Running was just a necessity of the game to me at the time. Boy, has that changed :-)
Awesome job on your 20 miler! I also am a fan on the salted caramel GU and also like Honey Stinger Energy Chews.
My Sunday- got my run in, now house chores and relaxing!

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I tried Tailwind and I love that on my long runs. You just mix the powder into your water. I rarely need much else when I use it, sometimes I’ll have some Pomegranate honey stinger chews.

I am prepping meals for the week ahead and going along with what the hubby wants to do. We’ll visit his parents at some point. I have done a pretty good job on giving him a good weekend!

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You are crazy fast even on your long runs! You are going to smash that marathon!
I was into dance growing up.. I was useless at everything that involved throwing, hitting, kicking or catching the ball (I’m pretty sure I still am).
I’m still recovering from knee injury but I managed a gentle 25 minutes on the treadmill today so that was a definite higlight of the weekend.

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For my half last weekend I used Chocolate #9 and I really loved it. It tastes like cocoa and only has 2 ingredients. It didn’t hurt my stomach at all. The only problem is I worry I have it all over my face by the end of the race, but this run didn’t have photos so there was nothing to worry about! Plus did I mention it’s delicious?

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Congrats on your long run! I did 23 yesterday, but my miles were at 7:40! One day I hope to be able to run as fast as you :)

I tried every sport under the sun growing up, but my favorites were basketball, softball, and volleyball. Oh, and of course cross country!

Sunday plans include church, grocery store, and lots of recovery!

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I played soccer for 16 years growing up, from the age of 3!! I also dabbled in basketball, hockey, curling, cross country, swimming, and more!

My Sunday = a sleep in, pancakes, a run, and a massage :)

Go to running fuel is always honey stinger energy chews!

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Janae! I picked up some HEAD running gloves from Costco yesterday (on sale for $10!) and I love them! I also started using the salted caramel GU and you’re totally right about them tasting like candy! Did my first and last 20 mile run for this training cycle, and ended up with a 7:15 average. I have no idea how you sustain a 6:30 pace for ten miles! You’re a superstar!

I grew up playing baseball, soccer, and basketball, but would have to say soccer or baseball was my fave.

Sunday includes lost of rest and hydration. My legs hurt, and I feel like I’m getting sick :(

Enjoy your rest day, and let’s avoid the taper crazies!

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Congrats on 20 miles! It’s so exciting that your marathon is coming up so quickly. I can’t wait to read along and find out how it goes. I’m rooting for you!

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I ran a half marathon this morning! 1:45 on minimal training so I am pretty happy:)

They passed out mocha gu at mile 6 and it was awesome ! Chocolate and caffeine and coffe flavor is the best

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The mocha flavored GU is awesome! There is an espresso one also with 2x the caffeine!

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Love that hot chocolate mini marshmallows all the way!

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Not unlike Brooke, I LOVED gymnastics when I was little. I would always scour the TV guide to find out when it would be on. I also always watched football, Basel, and soccer when my brother played.

Congrats on 20 miles! I also worry about slipping on ice- better safe than sorry!!

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20 miles in 2:20 minutes! I was still running my 13 when you finished 20! You have always been so inspiring to me, and that’s why I keep reading your blog! :)

I played soccer for a few seasons growing up. I actually was playing on a co-ed team earlier this year when I injured my knee (no tears thankfully!). I couldn’t run for 4 weeks, and it killed me! Glad I am back to running again!

Sunday involves church and relaxation. Except I have a meeting tonight at 7pm. :(

I tried the salted caramel gu, and fell in love. Yesterday was the Mixed Berry Gu, and that isn’t that bad.

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i do sooo many sports growing up!! Off the top of my head- soccer, horse back riding, sailing, swimming, tennis, gymnastics, t-ball, dance…. i still play soccer now, in addition to running. And when I can, I horseback ride! it’s SUCH an expensive sport, that I cant go that often :(

i fuel with salted caramel gus too! so delicious.

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I played soccer growing up too! I’m excited to hear that Brooke is going to try it!

My Sunday is basically going to consist of church, laundry, grocery shopping, dinner with a visiting friend tonight, and stretching. I did 20 miles yesterday too (for the first time!), and my calf isn’t too happy about it.

This is my first time training for a marathon, so I haven’t tried out many different kinds of fuel. On my long runs lately, I’ve been using candy corn, since I got a giant bag of it for like $1 the day after Halloween, haha.

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I didn’t participate in sports until almost high school.

My Mr. 8 is in a swim club and he swam 25 yds yesterday streamlining under water the entire way doing the butterfly kick and fins. No breaths the entire way! So impressed by this. ;)

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Running 20 miles is amazing. It really is!! And the feeling when you are done!! Hope you are having a nice Sunday.

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Congrats on 20 miles!!! That’s amazing!!! I’m in the beginning of my training cycle for my first marathon so 20 miles seems like a TON of running! :) You’re awesome!!

Growing up I played Softball, then started competitive cheerleading once in Jr. High School.

Sunday plans are running 3 miles, followed by relaxing/Netflix watching!

My running fuel of choice for my longer runs are usually Gummy Bears!! :)

Happy Sunday!

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Great run! Makes me really look forward to start running this winter again as soon as my broken foot will allow it. Running in winter is the best!
I really know the addiction, though I rather know it from short distances ;)

When I grew up, I loved my taekwondo courses and playing volleyball in team. I also practised swimming, ballet and gymnastics. Just started running when I was heading up to be 30…and fell in love :-)

Running fuel…gummy bears as well!

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I just ran three mile yesterday, and once I hit about 2.3 miles, I was completely thinking about you and how this was only 10% of a run for you sometimes! You will never cease to amaze me Janae! Every marathon runner! Man, I want to do it myself one day and you continue to motivate me.

Your background for the run was stunning!

I was a gymnast growing up and miss it whenever I think about it! Sunday for me is involving somer reading and lounging around. Running fuel has been bananas! Cannot get enough!

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Very nice run! I totally agree with you on the 20 mile run. It’s hard but once you finish you feel like you can do anything, except for sit down without pain. LOL!

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Did you run those 20mi by yourself?! If you did, you’re amazing! Amazingly fast too!

For years I was a vanilla gu fan. Several years ago they must have changed the formula and added caffeine. After a half marathon and a marathon I would be doubled over in stomach pain for hours. I’ve since been a fan of crank sport e-gels. I love all their flavors. They all taste like sweet-tarts.

It’s our last day on Kauai so we are spending it on the beach.

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You ran 20 in the time it took me to run 13.2 today. So you can imagine how long 20 takes me. Lol

I didn’t do sports as a kid.

I like a variety of Gu and Jelly Belly Sport Beans.

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Oh my noodle, that is an amazing run you had!
Growing up (still in the process ;) I played volleyball, basketball, track, and soccer!
Sunday involves- run, church, work, homework, swindle the partner in crime to go for ice cream, rinse, and repeat.
Fuel choice that sits well: to be determined. So far, my stomach is very picky and rejects most things mid-run.

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I haven’t run long in so long (due to injury) that I forgot my fuel on my 16-miler today! Normally I prefer plain vanilla GUs but when I swung by my house to pick something up all we had were Cliff Shot Blocks (that’s my husband’s preference), so Cliff Shot Blocks it was.

Growing up I played basketball (point guard), softball (shortstop–we won the state tournament when I was 16!), soccer (just one year in high school…I was not that good…but because I could run without getting tired I was assigned to midfield–ha!), and I ran cross-country. I also did a bowling league for many years, up until high school–it sounds cheesy but it was tons of fun and I even had several games in the 200s! : )

This Sunday I am working :(

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I took ballet and gymnastics for a little while when I was little, but my parents let me quit when I didn’t want to do it anymore. I didn’t get back to any organized sports until high school cross country.

My Sunday was full of errands, running and yoga. Not bad at all.

GU is always my go-to fuel. I also like Huma gels, but they are way more expensive!

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After reading about your 20 mile run, a question = when you said you walked thru the snowy parts, stop for fuel and water, and red lights, do you stop your watch? I’d love to see what other runners say, too. I bet it’s very split. I tend to stop mine if it’s going to be for more than a few seconds, but i know in a race, the clock doesn’t stop if I do.

anyway, great job on your long run. It looks like you’re ready for your upcoming race!

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I do stop my watch for those parts! I try not to stop it for very long though. I don’t stop it during speed work and tempos (unless forced to stop at a light)… does that make sense? Yesterday I was wasted so I wanted to make sure it was clear I did take breaks… race day let’s hope I don’t ha. Thanks Missy and I hope you are having a great day! I will have to ask this question to everyone soon!

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Absolutely incredible 20 miler! Seeing the snow and ice on that bridge was not good… I live in Alberta Canada and I think, for the second year in a row, you guys are going to have a worse winter than us!

I ran a great half marathon today!

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What an amazing view! I need to find some great places to run, sometime!

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I played softball, soccer and basketball as a kid- and still play softball on a women’s casual league to this day :) currently enjoying the Jelly belly sport beans as fuel. The texture works for me!

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I won a race when I was 5!!!! I played soccer, basketball and ran cross country and track in high school. I would run to and from soccer and basketball practices. I had lots of energy!

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My Saturday involved lots of homework, nannying, and then an overnight shadowing stint in the emergency room! It was so fascinating and definitely opened my eyes to career possibilities. 20 miles is a long time to run!! I doubt I’ll ever run that far!! But that’s ok :)

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I need suggestions for running fuel! What is everyone’s (vegetarian or even vegan) favorite. I haven’t tried anything more than gatorade yet, but I did my first ever 10 miles yesterday and at mile 8, hunger hit. Hard. And I thought. Uh oh. I gotta figure this fuel out!

Janae, you are absolutely a rock star! Seeing things like you posting a 20 mile run at 6:30-7:30 pace is so inspiring and one of the things that has loured me to running!

Today was spent celebrating my first anniversary. My husband and I went to a cave and then hopped over to another state park. It was a great day!

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‘Ellie Slices Bagels’ Ellie is a wonderful person, an amazing runner and vegan. She would have some great fueling suggestions! :)

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Thanks, Jade!

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Our Sunday involved newborn photos in our home :-) I was always really interested in basketball growing up but for some reason, I never played. Right now our 3 year old is really into swim classes. When I get back into running, I’m interested in testing out real food on my long runs. NUUN and some GU flavors really cause me some GI distress while on long runs. I used to think this was normal, but I come to find out it is not!

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PLEASE tell me that photo is before you ran 20 miles…?
Approaching training for my first ever marathon next Spring! Managed to get a ballot place for the London Marathon on my 5th consecutive entry. Pretty stoked to run my first/last marathon in my beautiful capital city. Will be stalking you on here over the next few months (more so than normal…) for all sorts of marathon tips/tricks/motivation for sure! :)

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I love the long run! Tho I’m still not in marathon training so a 20-miler is ages away! Looks like stunning scenery for the run :)

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I just wanted to chime in that your marshmallow to hot chocolate ration is on point!!! Great work on your long run. Enjoy the taper. Don’t stress…you are going to kill it!

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Hey! Kinda random question here, but I was wondering how you found your running coach? And do you like the kind of coaching style you have now?? Thanks !

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The only running fuel I can handle is Powergels and even those are barely tolerable.

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Sunday was a six mile walk to convince my toddler to take a nap, no long run but I missed it!

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dang that is one big hot chocolate! i have been searching for the perfect hot chocolate since i had an amazing one at a block party and have yet to find it. one of these days ill find it, cherish it, and share it with the world!!!!!

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I love how many marshmallows are in that hot chocolate haha!

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