I am in desperate need of your advice!!!

Yesterday I did 8 miles @ a 7:18 pace with 8 x 45 seconds (1 minute recovery after each one) FAST.   I came home and foam rolled for a very long time because it seems to me like one of the law’s of physics = your body will be as cranky and as angry as possible during the taper.  

I only have short runs from here on out until the marathon.  Just two more runs to be exact.

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It’s always fun when you leave your water bottle in the car overnight and then discover that the remaining water turned into ice in the morning.  That is how you know the weather is just delightful:)  Arizona, I’m really ready to spend some time with you.

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December 1st means the holiday attire is in full force which Brooke is already loving.

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We met up with the sissy for lunch and do you spy our twinner freckle boxes?  Okay, so when we were younger they really were identical and not so much anymore but we still think it is cooler than it really is.

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Twinner salads too except she had to ruin hers with pickled onions.  

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I tried to explain to Brooke the importance of sleep during race week and how we should take a nap together but she disagreed.  

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Gurus sweet potato fries.  This is on my list of top 5 things you have to eat if you ever come visit my area. Dipped into fry sauce.  Just ridiculous.  

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Brooke rocked it in the ornament making last night too.  Target has the best easy crafts ever.  

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This is where I need your help.  I love advice.  Like love it.  I need all the help I can get in every aspect of life ha but let’s zone in on running today.  

First, Michele sent me this text full of amazing tips and it was just what I needed!

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I need your advice too.  We all experience a wide range of emotions and pain throughout a race… none of us escape it:)  So what is it that YOU do to help you keep moving forward?  What do you do to help you to hit your race day goals? What do you think about?  What mind games do you play?  I will be rereading your comments over and over again leading up to the race so please share what you do during a race to help you to have an awesome day!  Fill me in on your thoughts/mantras/quotes/anything… I NEED YOU… just 5 more days!!!!

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147 comments

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I always have to ask myself is it my body that is tired or my mind? If it is my body is it because something is really wrong or because I’ve been running for 3+ hours. If it is my mind, then I try to use a mantra (I can do hard things, your body is strong, so is my mind, etc). Sometimes when it is my body that’s hurting, I count steps. I won’t look up until I’ve counted 100 steps (or something like that). It works for me!

I love Brookes reindeer sweatshirt! Do they make that in adult sizing?

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Love your friend’s advice, and the way she spells her name ;) My advice is to accept it’s going to hurt A LOT if you’re going to make it happen, and that it’s temporary and that you 100% can do it! When doubt is let in, things get bad. We can’t doubt ourselves for a second if we want to do incredible things!

Also, I love Brooke’s sweater :) Christmas clothes on kids make me happy!

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The most important thing I do is repeat ‘I believe I will do this’ over and over. Trust me, if you tell yourself you will it will happen. On a side note you need to try dipping sweet potato fries in marshmallow fluff, it will change your life?

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J, with respect to pain, I like the mantra: This too shall pass. It is temporary. You can survive anything that is temporary, and all things are temporary! But the main point of this note is to say how proud I am of you and what an inspiration of perseverance you have been over the last months, much less years. To deal with not being able to run the marathon days DAYS before the race due to your stomach issues: how crushing !! But you just dusted yourself off and got back up and started training again when you were healthy. Unbelievable. I will be praying for your sub-3, but who cares, you are a ROCKSTAR with or without sub-3. So go on with your bad self!!

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I love Michel’s advice about being your own best friend. As soon as you start thinking negative thoughts everything becomes 10 times harder. Sometimes I smile even when it’s the last thing I want to be doing to trick myself into thinking I’m having a good time.

I also always have a song on my playlist that is THE song. It’s the one that I know I can listen to on repeat for a little while to pick myself back up. Usually it’s a song that has a strong connection to a happy memory for me and just listening to it makes me happy again!

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My marathon is Saturday and I’ve been struggling with the same thing! I’m so physically ready to pull a huge PR, but my mental game during this training cycle has been off and I think I put a lot of pressure on myself, but I need to be my own best friend too!

I listened to Sage Rountree’s Run to the Top Podcast (I love yours too by the way!) yesterday and I think it’s going to help me SO much she talks about different levels of goals (although I know you’re really shooting to break 3:00) but that takes a lot of pressure off as well as preparing for anything that could happen during the race and how to respond.

I’m running the St. Jude marathon so my mantra is all about the kids and that The Lord is my strength therefore I am strong! We’ve put the work into now we just gotta let our bodies do their thing! Good luck!

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Just remember that you are SO ready for this. You’ve worked your tail off, and it’s time to let that hard work shine. I always remind myself that the pain will only last a bit, but it’s worth it. Plus, it’s another day to do what you love: run. Oh, and at least one smile per mile. :) YOU’VE GOT THIS!!

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During races, I break it up into little chunks. So for a marathon, I would just say that I have to run 4 10k’s, then just a mile and half! That way, I’m focusing on a shorter distance and it’s not as intimidating. Each segment I’ll think of a different person (you could focus on Brooke, your siblings, your parents, and your friends). It really seems to help me! I also listen to music during races, so for the first half I listen to podcasts so I don’t start too fast, then I turn on music and it gives me a second wind!

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For my last marathon, I trained with a running group. We call ourselves “Pink Nation” but our mantra is “All Go. No Quit. Cowboy Up.” It basically means, when things get hard, the only solution is to suck it up and overcome. We even had fake tattoos made up. I put it on my wrist during the race so I could visibly see it when I needed a pep talk and my own thoughts were getting in the way. Worked like a charm around mile 22!

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honestly, i keep reminding myself how LUCKY i am to be out on the course. lucky to… have the body that lets me move, let alone move in ways that many people are not fortunate to experience; afford to get to the race; buy a registration; have family and friends there supporting me; have a heart that pumps blood to me and muscles that are strong to carry me; have a home to return to after the race; be in a country where women are encouraged to get out there and be equals. that may sound cheesy, but counting my blessings can really make me look at a challenge as a gift instead :]

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When I am in pain and struggling to get through the second part of a half marathon, I think about my lowest point in my autoimmune illness struggles–when I was too weak and sick to walk up a flight of stairs. I think about how far I’ve come since then and it motivates me to keep putting one foot in front of the other. I think, if you could have the strength to come back from that, you have the strength to get through this race. You are a strong woman who has overcome adversity too, so remind yourself that you have the strength, motivation and power to meet your race goal. Best of luck!!

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I often run with the motivation of who I get to see when I’m done. I don’t get to see my family often, so when I know my mom is waiting for me, it gives me that little extra oomph! I also tell myself it’s supposed to hurt, because that’s how I know I’m working hard!

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You are so well prepared for this marathon – you’ve done all of the training, and even though the race will have hard moments, the hardest work is complete. Don’t let any doubt of your abilities or yourself sneak into your mind during the race – believe in yourself!
Brooke’s reindeer sweater is adorable! I love holiday clothes.

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Knowing its supposed to hurt at a certain point has helped me. Also fueling regularly and knowing I ll be held accountable by all the family and friends cheering me on. I don’t want to have to explain any excuses. I want to know I have given my all for that day no matter what.

You can do this! You are amazingly trained and strong!!!!

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I remember all of the people who doubted me and that quitting would prove them right. So I remind myself of how far I have come, how capable I am, and how wrong all the people who said I can’t do something are. And then I think of all the people who supported and believed in me and keep running for all of them!

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When I am running a goal race, I keep picturing myself crossing the finish line with that goal time. Think of how happy and proud that would make me- to accomplish a big goal that I’ve always wanted to fulfil. But in the end, I do think to myself that running is something that I do for fun- that I should take it seriously but not to the extent that I would feel down when I don’t meet my goals. I think about how there are so many other more important things in life as well, and that I’m lucky! I know you often think these things as well, it’s just good to keep reiterating. GOOD LUCK!

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Brooke’s sweater is ADORABLE!! Holiday apparel for kiddos is always the cutest <3 When I get to a tough spot during a race, I always think about crossing the finish line and how proud/happy I'll be at the moment. Sometimes it makes me tear up and then I tell myself to suck it up and I only have "x" amount of time or miles left!

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I have a few go tos, but one I rely on often is visualizing where I want to be and not focus on where I am. Picturing yourself running hard and crossing the line :)
My last race I used one word every time I felt tired- PUSH :)

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Best of luck at the marathon!! I’ll be there running the half! All the way from South Dakota!

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I have a tendency to curse at myself. I get stern and give myself a talking to. I usually remind myself how privileged I am. Some are fighting illnesses like ALS or cancer. I chose this pain of marathon running and I better suck it up. :)

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Once I hit the halfway point in workouts or longer races, I always think of the ratio of miles/reps done to the ones I have left. So, I did a 10 x 400 workout yesterday. After five (when I was still feeling pretty good), I thought “5 done, only 5 left.” Then, after my sixth, I thought “6 done, only 4 left.” Instead of having to do as many as I’ve already done, I have to do two less than I’ve already done. I do the same thing with miles on a long run. It’s weird, but it makes me feel like each mile counts as two. And it helps me remember that I already did ten miles at that pace– I can definitely do two more! Or whatever the exact numbers are for that long run.

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Janae, you have WAY more experience running long than I do, but in my first half-marathon this year, I did what Michele suggested – I was SUCH a cheerleader for myself. “I’m amazing. I’m DOING THIS! I’m going to finish a half-marathon today!!” Also, I do triathlons, and sometimes I pretend I’m running the last part of the marathon section of the Ironman, and that gets me all excited and pumped and “YEAH!!!”

You’ve put in the training. You’ve put in the foam rolling and the rest and the eating well and taking care of yourself – YOU GOT THIS. You’re gonna rock it :)

Yeah it’s gonna hurt, it’s going to be tough, but you are tough. You can do hard things. Go get it!

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You are going to do so great on your race, I know it! Look back on your blog posts at all the work you’ve done girl! I use a fitness tracker so sometimes I will go back and look at my past workouts and that helps me when I don’t feel like doing anything.
To keep moving forward, I usually like to think about how far I have come and all the hard work I have put in to it.
To hit my goals, I like to play a song that speaks to me and motivates me to push myself when I am feeling like I want to quit. I also give myself some sort of reward for after a race or tough run. My favorite right now is hot chocolate since it’s cold outside. Sometimes it’s yummy food, new workout clothes, taking a much needed tap, or getting a hot bath. Hot chocolate and a long Netflix binge sounds perfect right now!
Some mind games that I play when I am just feeling tired on a run is dividing up the miles so that they don’t seem like too much. I also watched this show Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt on Netflix and one of the things on there is that she can do anything for 10 seconds. It seems silly but I think of that and it makes me giggle inside and I’ll start counting. I also start looking around me and try to focus on the surroundings more instead of how tired I am.
You have done so much hard work and you are so ready for this!

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How sweet that you always look to our comments to get you through it! The things that always get me through is just looking to the next mile. Like, okay I can go from 17-18 miles, and then I deal with that mile when I get there! I know that I’ve read one mile before. I chant to myself these quotes: “I can do tough things” … “Relentless forward motion” and something that I heard that always sticks with me is that we all set limitations on ourselves based on what society tells us that we can complete when in reality our bodies and minds have so much more, so you are as limitless as you decide you want to be!!! YOU GO GIRL!!!! Can’t wait to hear how it goes!

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In the pain and the fatigue of my marathons, and even my half marathons, I would tell myself that I have been through worse things than this, and that I am tough enough to endure to the end. I would repeat in my head: hard things call out our courage and strength. See the tougher things I’ve been through here–> http://www.shawnlilywheatfill.blogspot.com/2009/04/tender-mercies-of-lord.html

Also, I learned this from friend & elite marathoner Nan Kennard, she said when she races, she always begins to repeat in her mind: “light on your feet, faster turnovers” So I have always repeated that in my head the end miles of any race and it works! Your legs follow your mind! :) Good luck Saturday

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It might sound silly, but a girl I used to run with in high school would yell “Run Faster, Done Faster!” to all of us during races. I use that as my mantra sometimes now, especially in the last mile(s) of a run/race when I’m really hurting and just want to walk.

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i like this one!

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“THIS is the stuff that makes you TOUGH.”

^^^ The super chess (and yes, rhyming haha) mantra that I repeat to myself when doing hills or waking up early to go run in the cold or doing anything that is difficult but good for me. The things that are hard and painful but also make us stronger and better at running/persevering/living….it’s doing those things that shape us into the kind of people that are TOUGH as nails and can accomplish anything we set our minds to. Even the hard things.

Good luck on this taper!!

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During my XC races, once my legs start to burn, I tell myself that I like the pain. It may or may not be true, but I’ve gotten pretty good at convincing myself its actually a pleasant feeling.

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You should have tried the pickled onions too, because fermented foods are gut healers. My advice is start eating some. Your taste buds are hooked on sugar but once you eat less sugar, you’ll crave it less. Sugar just feeds the bad bacteria in your body and causes it to flourish out of balance. Given what your stomach has been through lately I’m surprised you’re still eating so much sugar. Fermented foods have the healthy, friendly bacteria your stomach needs to be healthy. Start eating and drinking fermented foods including kefir (there’s even non-dairy kefir made from coconut), Kombucha drinks, pickled foods, etc. You’ll notice a difference pretty quickly. ;)

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***This. Seriously, I am a sugar -freak! If you get off it, your stomach will do so much better. It is truly so bad for you and my guts thank me so much when I go off it. Kefir is really helpful as well – great advice!!

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Only deal with the moment you are in.
You will always be ok in that moment.

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I’m headed off to Scottsdale to run the Hot Chocolate 15k this Sunday the 6th. One quote I always repeat to myself when I hit the hard moment is one from Unbroken ” A moment of pain is worth a lifetime of Glory!” I also break down the mileage into smaller segments. I also think of seeing my boys at the finish line. Leading up to the run/race I do small runs, pick out a cute running outfit( from my closet) and most of all think of the accomplishment that comes with finishing the race! Good Luck on your taper and you’ll do great in Tuscon

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When I was in college and going through a rough time, I saw a sticker that someone had stuck to the wall of my building’s stairwell that said, “You are so much stronger than you think.” …which of course made me burst into tears. :) BUT it is so amazingly true, and we all need to hear it!

When I hit hard points in my runs/races I always say (aka pretty much shout, but in my head) “I am strong. I am fast. I am powerful.” So simple, and it does the trick. Sometimes I add on different adjectives, depending on the situation and what I feel I need to be reminded of.

Another trick that I just started trying (courtesy of Mario Forleo) is saying “and this is what I want” throughout my run. It trains our brains to fully embrace the circumstances of the present moment, and it reminds me why I’m out there.

Hope these come in handy! I know you will do absolutely fantastically, and you will be in all of our thoughts and prayers this weekend. xoxo

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You have GOT THIS!! I cannot wait to check Saturday afternoon to see your amazing time!! When I am feeling rough in the middle of a race my mantra is “this too shall pass”. And the second I cross that finish line I don’t even remember the pain during race- it always passes! :) You work so hard and you will nail this race goal!!!

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I remember you telling us about this drill you did with some girlfriends during a really hard workout on the track, probably a couple years back now, where each lap you each would dedicate to someone in your life. It stuck with me because I thought it was such a cool, passionate way to push through your running. So maybe when you’re really starting to get tired/feel you might not make your time/getting down on yourself … turn your mind around and think about someone and run hard for them! :)

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While it has been a LONG time since I have done any serious long running (hello preggo with #3 and the other two are 3.5 and 1.5). Not thinking about where I am and how far I have left to go was my mind saver for me plus I love always having upbeat songs that I loved to sing along too playing in my ears. I also really really love crossing that finish line. Probably the reason I kept running those long hard runs. I have signed up for a 1/2 a few months after baby is born and am terrified that I will have a hard time training with three small kiddos and a full time outside of the house job. But I am going to do it, no excuses! Can’t wait to hear how the marathon goes. I bet you will feel amazing!!!

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When the pain starts, the only thought I give it is making sure it’s not injury like pain. After that I just focus on breathing and reminding myself why running is fun. On the shorter races I focus on their person in front of me and getting past them. I’m really bad at sinking myself out when people pass me so I work hard to make sure that doesn’t happen.

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I like to think about the fact that no matter what, 3-4 hours from then I will be showered, changed into comfy clothes, and either really proud of myself or really regretting not pushing harder. The pain will be the same either way so I might as well push to hit the paces that I have trained for. I also think of a fun thing I am going to be doing that day so that if the race doesn’t go my way, I can still have something to look forward to and to help me see that running is just one of the many things that bring me joy!

Good luck this weekend! I will be rooting for you :)

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I remind myself that the work is done. The race is the celebration of the early mornings and tons of miles. I visualize myself feeling strong and holding good form the whole way (no hunchback staring at the group, head up). I also save my music to start at mile 18. I know that is about the time when I start to fade and doubt creeps in. It gives me a mental boost and also gives me something to look forward too. This also lets me be more aware of my body and tune in to the race. Best of luck! You got this!

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I would love if you actually did during the tough times when you are trying to hold pace. I’m just getting into endurance sports and I have a hard time holding my “easy” pace. Help! Good luck, I know you will get your sub 3 marathon, because you have God on your side and a positive outlook on everything!

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Before you know it, you’ll be at the finish line with your loved ones and the whole thing will be over. Embrace every second of race day … Even the painful parts … Because it’ll be over SO fast and you’ll be soon enjoying good food and good memories :)

GO GET EM!

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It really helps me to remind myself that the time I am racing and uncomfortable is small in comparison to the rest of the day so if I just keep pushing now, I can celebrate the rest of the day. Its a little mind trick :-). I also like to think about the reasons I run and for who when things start to get hard. It provides a boost that helps in pushing through. I also pray! God has brought running into my life (and yours!) for a reason so stay confident in the gift!

You’re going to do so well! Can’t wait to read about how it goes!

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The pain is temporary thing helps me a ton. I also always plan a vacation for the week after a marathon so I think about that during the painful times of the race. I think about how much better I will feel looking back on the race if I push proudly through the pain rather than let the pain defeat me. If I don’t push on, I’ll look back and think I “should have” persevered (“should have” is my least favorite phrase because once X is done there’s nothing we can do to go back and change X!). Good luck!

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Hi!
First of all- you are going to absolutely do amazing and rock your upcoming race!! You are so wonderful and made of magic :)
Anyway, on my long runs, when my body is aching and I am feeling tired from the week, I like to repeat this mantra to myself ; “I am a vessel of peace” and then smile- a real smile and hold it for a few seconds and then take a deep breath. It helps me to drop the struggle that I was holding on to, and I find it reassuring as well. I learned about that mantra when reading an article by Doreen Virtue who was talking about clearing away negative energy and allowing our brightest lights to shine in an uninhibited and loving way.
I’m cheering for you!! Enjoy Arizona!
Warmly,
Amanda

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Oops- sorry! My name got scrambled up some how. Still waking up ;)

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I always tell myself that everyone else around me is in the same level of pain, in fact, probably worse.

The moment you think it is just you is the moment you think it is ok to stop. It is never ok to stop if it is just your pain you are fighting against and not an injury. Run strong, Janae! You’ve got this!

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“never ok”…hmm – I’ll disagree with that. It’s up to the individual what they want to do. It won’t be the end of the world. I’m competitive but I don’t believe we should look at whatever happens as a failure.

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Jenni – you are so right when relating it to other people. I just have that as a personal rule for myself. :)

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I understand! I used to have that as a rule, but I found it started to take the enjoyment and love/appreciation of just being able to run and move out of it after a while. But that’s been my realization after a long time of doing the opposite.

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Repeat after me:

I WILL get a sub 3 marathon in this lifetime. If not this race, then the next one. If not that one, then the one after that. I will meet my goal at some point. I trust my body, I trust my coach, and I trust my training. I will give everything I have this race, and I will be proud of myself regardless of time.

And as for you, Doubt and Negative Thoughts, you can take a hike – because my healthy voice is stronger and louder than you. I know you will be there at the marathon, and I am NOT scared of you. I am not letting you steal my joy. I WILL get a sub 3 marathon, whether it’s this race or another. But I will not let Mr. Doubt and Ms. Negative Thoughts win any race of mine.

Bring
it
on.

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Interesting. I don’t use a lot of mantras or hyping myself up. I just try not to think about the pain or fatigue, just work on one mile at a time and don’t worry about the other 6, 10, 15 or 20. I also tend to strategize in my head in terms of racing with people or catching up to someone as a goal or when to speed up or when it’s right to grab water. It distracts me and keeps the race on an Objective (non-emotional) level.

“Do It Anyways” is usually where my thoughts lead. It’s like when you don’t want to go out and run in the freezing cold or after a long day at work or early in the morning in the dark and you (“you” being “us” in general here) hmm and haw. There’s no point in thinking about it cause you’ll talk yourself out of it or make it a negative experience. You Just Do It Anyways.

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I like to chant “I can do this clap clap clap clap clap” (but not saying clap, just hearing the noise (<— am I making sense)) and I like to time it to my cadence. It helps me bring my cadence back up a little bit & I like cheering for myself.

I also make up "chants" to the beat of Gwen Stefani's Bananas song. So yours could be "This road leads to Brookers, B-R-O-O-K-E-R-S"

^Wow, these sound weird-er when I type them out. Haha. But anything I can concentrate on other than my legs seems to help me.

Anthem by Pitbull is my go to song. Despite being many years old, I could listen to it for hours & not be sick of it. I like the beat.

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During my last half marathon I surprised myself and ran it faster than I thought I would. When I got to mile 11 I was hurting and SOOO wanted to walk for a little while. I kept telling myself “If you haven’t slowed/walked yet, don’t do it now!” So when you get to those last few miles and you’re hurting just think back on the 20+ you’ve already knocked out and keep pushing!

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Dealing with race day: I either have to count to 100 over and over…or do the toes to head check (said as feet hit the ground) encouraging each body part to relax : toes toes toes toes, feet feet feet feet, calves calves calves calves, knee…etc etc etc, naming as many body parts as possible and trying to concentrate on each one as I say it. It is a good distraction and again, encourage you to not tense up (messing up form).

On a different note – please send me a hot and crispy order of those fries and sauce, stat.

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When I am racing and hurting, I think about all of the things in life that I have overcome and I use that to fuel me to keep pressing on. Run to overcome. That is my mantra. I know that you have overcome a lot of hardship in your own life. Use the race as a celebration of where you are now and to display your triumphs! Oh, and when all else fails, just pray! Actually, probably should just start w/ that one :)

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So I have yet to run a marathon but during half marathons when I suddenly start to feel it and need to switch away from the negative thought process of I can’t keep going this fast, I tell myself this is a routine run, I have covered these miles before and most certainly can do this. Run your own race, keep moving it’s almost over and when it’s over you will say, so that wasn’t so bad, I could have kept going…. Does it always work? Yes and no but it’s worth a shot!

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When things get really tough and I want to quit, or slow down, or otherwise deviate from my race plan or goal I ask myself; “Am I sick?” If it’s no, then. “Am I injured?” If it’s also no, then I remind myself it’s supposed to be hard and how crappy and disappointed I will feel after the race knowing that I “gave up”. I’ve done it before (give up that is) and that feeling of regret stings for a long time. Especially with endurance races, because it’s not like you can sign up for another once the following weekend, and SO MUCH time and training go into it. Trust your training, embrace the suck, and revel in the victory. :-)

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“RUN THE RACE, FINISH THE COURSE. JUST GO.”

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I always tell myself that pain/discomfort is normal and to not give up- you trained for it and know you can do it and don’t want to throw that away the day of. It also helps knowing everyone else is feeling bad at the end, too, so if they can keep moving, so can you!

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Usually I prefer words like “you can do it”.
But when it’is really hard, I simply count from 1 to 10, over and over again, until the run or race is over.
Good luck!!!

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I’m sorry to tell you it’s not that warm in Arizona right now. It’s been a high of 60s and freezing in the morning and night. Hopefully it will warm up for your visit!

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I count things when I need to distract myself, particularly on a hill. Count steps, or breaths, something that I am in control of. Or I just count to 10 over and over…it sounds lame but it keeps me moving!

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I can’t wait to see how you do – I know you’re going to crush it! I try to remember that I’ve done this before and no matter what I know I can finish. I can do this. And I can do hard things. :) Just keep running :)

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I think about special people in my life that can’t run (an aunt with MS, a 17 yo friend of my son’s, Jesse, that was in an accident last year and is paralyzed #84-he especially inspired my 1/2 this fall when he was in the homecoming court and his bio said, “Jesse participates in football, basketball and track”.) I think about how thankful I am that at 41 I CAN RUN! I’m healthy and I remind myself that I’m comfortable at hard paces.

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HAVE FUN
The best marathon I’ve ever run was the one that I had the most fun with. I gave high fives to spectators and hit their “Hit Here For power” signs, and gave anyone finger guns who cheered for me (either by calling out my name or yelling things like, “good job yellow tank!”) Connecting with the spectators makes things more fun!

SELF TALK THE MINOR PAIN AWAY
As an experienced runner, you know the difference between race day pain that is the sign of something serious or just “I’ve been running for 18 miles” aching and soreness. When you have any pain, assess if it’s the serious or not so serious type. If the pain is not so serious (meaning continuing on with it won’t cause a bigger injury, for example), I literally talk to the injury and tell it to go away. “Knee soreness, you’re not real and I won’t tolerate your BS,” I tell it. This helps to override my brain going, “Ahh pain, you must stop running!”

MATH GAMES
During a race if things are tough, I fill my brain with math to give it something else to think about. My watch is pretty basic (Timex Ironman 50 lap) so math out my splits, what watch time I’d need to hit at X point to achieve Y goal, etc.

FOR ME, KEEP THE MUSIC UNEMOTIONAL
My first few years racing I tried the “think of the people who inspire you” to motivate me to race well. I would put music on my playlists that meant everything to me and remind me of those people. Well, this super backfired for me. I would end up a sobbing mess and I would lose focus. Now I race to top 40 pop and upbeat songs that I like, but don’t mean “OMG THE WHOLE WORLD” to me.

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There are two things I have done in the past that have really paid off for me:
1. I mentally dedicate the hard miles to someone who has lifted me up, someone who has been a friend, someone who is important to me, a loved one who has passed, etc. I think about how proud and lucky I am to have their support and I run the mile for them. It gives me perspective and keeps me smiling!
2. I add words of encouragement to the back of my shirt with iron on letters. The first marathon I ever ran I put “You Got This!” on my shirt. As I ran people responded with thanks (because that was what they needed to see) and some with encouragement. That give and take has made for many an awesome race!

Good luck and May you have the wind ever at your back!

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When i did mine i focused on a loved one for each mile and did it for them. Also i was going through the parts of me that didnt hurt. Mainly my fingers and trying to think of what colour to paint my nails.
You will be amazing. You are hard on yourself and need to realise you can do this.
Love the tree dec. Your girl has talent. And so do you.
Wishing you a great run. You dont need luck you will rock it. ?

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First of all, you will do AMAZING! You’ve been a huge inspiration to me as I’ve been injured since mid-June. It’s so hard to not run!
When I race and I’m hurting, I look at the runners around me. I tell myself those in front of me are feeling just as bad, or even worse, and they are going faster than me so I can keep going. To distract myself I pick someone to chase, pick them off, and then find another “victim”. Once I pass myself I tell myself they can’t later pass me. These little things keep me moving!
You’ve put in the work, you know how to run this distance, and you’re hungry for your goal. Everything is lining up, believe in yourself!

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I once read that instead of just ignoring the pain, you should instead acknowledge it and then let it go. I thought it was such a ridiculous statement, but then I tried it on my very first 20 miler. It totally worked. When my legs were hurting when I still had about 5 miles to go. I said (out loud) “My legs hurt” and then I put it out of my mind after that. I ended up having an awesome run (runner’s high..YES!) and finished strong. It’s so amazing that you can just give it a name, acknowledge it and then tell yourself to move on from it, and your mind just takes over!
Oh, and my mantras are “finish strong!” and “let’s do this!” And for when I feel spent towards the end “you can do anything for ___ minutes” or “anyone can run _____ miles!”

Best of luck in AZ! You will be amazing! RUN STRONG!

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Just SMILE smile and smile some more. Be ever so thankful that you get to do this amazing sport. Find a volunteer to breathlessly thank, a kids hand to high-five, or someone to smile at to take your mind away from the pain for a few brief seconds.

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Good luck Janae! You’re gonna kill it. I always tell myself “I’ve done this before, I can do this again,” or “it’s just one foot in front of the other.” I also think about my loved who have passed away, as well as my family and friends that supported me through training. At the mile marks, I dedicate the following mile to one person by thinking about/ praying for/ running for them.

This is a great link with tons of mantras (one for each mile of the marathon)! http://www.runladylike.com/2012/10/27/26-2-running-mantras/

PS – Remember to do what your mom told you before St. George – Smile every time you think about the race. :)

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Repeat after me — I am comfortable being uncomfortable.

You got this, girl!! I know you’re going to do great things in AZ!

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I remind myself when it’s tough of tough workouts I have done in training and how I pushed through then so that I can push through now. I also think of my future self and think “how will my future self feel if I let up now vs. if I keep pushing hard”. Good luck!!

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I honestly try to enjoy the race experience as much as I can. I think about the months of training I have put in for this ONE race and this is my chance to give it my all. Yes, it’s hard, but that’s why we train for it. Yes it’s long, but that’s why we woke up early, ran in the dark and cold, and laced up our running shoes even when we didn’t want to… all for this race. You are going to do amazing Janae, but most of all I hope you enjoy the race. Brooke doesn’t know the difference between a sub-3 and a 5+ hour marathon, you are role modelling health and happiness no matter what. YOU GO GIRL. <3

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I am beyond excited for you! This is your race!! My race mantra is “Calm, fast, strong.” I say those words over and over again. My favorite quote is from Kara Goucher, she said, “Do the work. Do the analysis. But feel your race. Feel the joy that running is.” There will be hurt and pain, but the joy will win in the end. The best of luck to you!

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You totally got this! Just keep repeating to yourself positive things and watch it work its’ magic: “I feel great!”, “I am having so much fun!”, “could this day be more perfect?”

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You are going to ROCK the marathon! I know it :)

1. I think about the people waiting for me at the finish line. I also think about all of the prayers I know they’ve said for me, and all of the happy thoughts they’re sending me. I pretend it’s fuel!

2. I remember all of the other hard things I’ve gone through– both physically and mentally. If I could get through those things, I’ll get through this race.

3. Focus on the mile you’re in. I repeat “one mile at a time” about a million times every race.

GOOD LUCK!

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During the Marine Corps Marathon this year I used a mantra I saw somewhere on your blog. When a hamstring strain I had the whole time I trained started hurting around mile 22 I repeated over and over, “I am comfortable”. I also found myself praying and thanking God I had His strength in me to allow me to run! I probably said I am so thankful I have legs that can run 100 times-even out loud! You’ve got this!

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I think it is best to keep it simple. Just run your own race. You have trained so hard for this and have overcome so many obstacles during this training period… this is the fun part! Put into action all the hard work you done. And then go treat yourself!! Brooke will be at the finish so I am sure that is a good motivator for you!!!! GOOD LUCK!!

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There are a few things I do.

First of all, I talk to myself in a soothing, calming, comforting way. I literally say: “Melanie, you are okay”. “Melanie, you are doing great.” I intentionally use my own name to address myself and talk TO me. Somehow it helps. This tends to happen most in the early stages when I am finding my pace and my main goal is to stay calm and serene because there is a long way ahead.

The other thing I do is mental shouting. It really “pulls me together” in a an intense effort, think climbing a hill, or the final two miles when you hurt SO BAD but you can’t afford to slow down because you are *** this close*** to your goal. I remember reading another runner’s blog, and she kept telling herself throughout her run. This is a test. Then she would mentally shout back “OKAY!!!!”

The final thing I do is tell myself THIS IS IT. I’m not dreaming about it. I am living it. This is the real thing. Not the vision, not the dress rehearsal. When i finish and go home, I will either remember a victory or a defeat. It is all about THIS!

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First of all, yum on those sweet potato fries!!! Second some mind games I play is if I stop its just going to take that much longer to get to the finish line. That works majority of the time. If Im someplace fun like Disney I tell myself its just going to be that much longer until I can enjoy the magic that is Disney. If Im some place boring I imagine the nice shower/soak that is waiting for me when Im done or the people waiting for me at the finish line.

What an awesome text from your friend that alone is so helpful!

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I believe in mental preparation: your friend is right – the pain WILL come, you know it will. I take a few days before the race to mentally “run” my race, and give myself a plan to manage hard spots. Close your eyes, try to vividly imagine the race, and imagine the tiredness/discomfort/etc. setting in. Time for a mantra? Need a gel? Focus on the goal/finish? Give yourself some options – when race day rolls around, and you’re in “that place” – remember your plan, put it into action and go!

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I’ll be reading the comments on this one- lots of great advice!!

xo

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I’m no expert but, I do a few things: I tell myself “I can do anything for a half mile” and then after that half mile I tell myself the same
thing. This doesn’t apply on race day but, when I’m on the treadmill and I just want to stop, I go faster, which shows me I’m obviously not tired enough to quit. And finally, the song that got me through the end of my last race: Andy Mineo’s You Can’t Stop Me. Seriously. There is no better song to have in your head when you just want to quit.

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I have followed you for a long time. I know you can do this – you are more prepared than ever it seems. Think of all these wonderful people who read your blog who believe in you!

I am a huge believer in “seeing it all go down”. I have researched a ton of professional athletes, been friends with some of the most successful in their field and the reigning truth is to see it before you do it. Visualizing the race, your times, your speed, your stride and seeing your time as you run across the finish line is the most important thing at this stage. It may sound silly or new age-y but it isn’t. Your body is very obedient to your mind – this is why we breathe or move our fingers. So if your mind can see it, your body will follow. Your body is very trained and obedient to your fabulous mind. Visualize every day before and especially the night before this race – be calm and just relax and picture yourself through this race – go over the course and your plan. Picture your trained race time and crossing that mat.

As you run each mile, pick something to be thankful for – be it a nice tree or a fantastic sign of a person cheering or whatever.

My mantra when I am tired and near the finish is simple – “Finish Strong” I repeat it over and over until my poor, tired body is obedient to it.

You will do fantastic – you have a whole crew cheering you on and a fabulous family and a daughter who is watching everything you do – you are her hero!!

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I try to repeat mantras to myself over and over again like “up and over”, “you’ve got this”, and “you are so strong.”. I think positive self talk really does help. Also, I try to remember how blessed I am and my gratitude. My dad was adopted, as much of his family had died in a fire when he was a kiddo- one of those siblings was named Mimi and apparently, we would have gotten along great. She always liked racing the boys and was a little spit-fire ;). I try to remember her as I run and pretend she is next to me, cheering me on and telling me to “toughen up” and that I’m a strong woman who’s got this. I try to remember to run for those who can’t, to be strong for those I can be here for, and that this pain is nothing compared to the fire within me.
With God and my aunt Mimi on my side, positive self talk, and thankfulness for a sport that got me through tough times, pain aint nothing but a thing ;)

You’re a Spartan woman, girlfriend- you are gonna do great in this race because you’re tougher than nails.

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My running mantra is “I will, just watch me”. It lends itself to all the running highs and lows depending on the tone the voice in your head takes ;)

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My brain can be a real jerk during races, but what I did during my half marathon seemed to work, I PR’d :). Everytime I wanted to take a walk break or stop or slow down I would do an analysis of my body and figure out was it my legs, my lungs, or my brain. If it was my brain I told it to shut up. If it were legs or lungs I would still wait until my next walk break (die hard walk/run interval runner) and seemed to do the trick. The last few KM when the going was really tough I just kept saying over and over again (out loud like a crazy person) “I can do hard things” and it helped give me that push to keep going to the end.

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Heya Janae! How cool is it that you are asking for advice from those of us who usually look to you for advice!?! I guess that goes to show that we are all just here in this world to help each other out. :)
I am nowhere near the awesome runner that you are.(Your times are awesome!)
I am training for the Charleston Marathon in January and like you I have a very important race this weekend. My mantras are endless…here a just a few.
Trust your body and your training.
Philippians 4:13
“Nothing else matters. Nothing else matters but right now. Bring the fire. Bring the passion.” from Russell Wilson earlier this season
“My legs are not tired!” from a post earlier in the year from you…quoting Brooke
I envision my son who is a football player who plays with his whole heart and say
“Andy’s Mom is not a quitter! Be Beast like him.”
And…just RUN HAPPY!
I will be cheering from you from Florida! I know you will do AMAZING!

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Know that when you run we are all running in spirit with you!! Running is such a solitary sport; yet we runners are all kindred spirits- we know how important the mental part of running is, and whenever we start to doubt ourselves it helps so much that others are sending strength and good wishes! We runners are one at 100% supporting achievements and bad outcomes for we have all been there and we know how hard it is, yet how lucky are we to be able to do something that we love so much!

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Favorite mantra re: pain in a race:

“I WILL succeed and it WILL be painful.”

Accept that it will hurt. Another hill? Bring it on. Wind? Bring it on. You got this and you are STRONG. Also, realize that the time you are racing (3 hours :)) is relatively short in the big picture so leave it all out there! You will be so glad you did.
XO
You can do it!!

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I sing “99 bottles of beer on the wall” :) It’s a great distraction! Good luck to you!!!!

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before my marathon a few months ago, my grandma told me “you’re not going to win, so don’t hurt yourself.” this cracked me up, aren’t grandparents supposed to say i’m the best and i can do anything? but i loved how good this was. during my race i stayed strong, but remembered that there will be future races if this doesn’t go as planned.

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Dorothy Beal has a great post about how she prepares mentally for a marathon:
http://www.mile-posts.com/marathoner/i-am-in-pain-the-marathon.html

The line that gives me the chills is this one:
“Mile 26: I will soar on wings like EAGLES – I will praise God for my legs – my lungs – I WILL FIGHT. I will not be beaten. I am in pain will run through my head but out loud I will say YOU GOT THIS GIRL. YOU GOT THIS GIRL.

My body will scream out to stop – my body will try to tell my mind what to do. I RUN THIS BODY – not the other way around. I tell my body to run fast – it does not tell me to stop.”

Good luck!

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I can. I will. I am.

I can do this, because I am trained.
I will do this, because I am strong and want this more than ever.
I AM doing this. Holy cow, this is happening… it’s time to go.

You are SO ready for this! Go chase that 2:5x dream! GO JANAE!

LOVE reading your blog!

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I’ve never done a long race but I’m training for my first half in February. I also tell myself…”you’ve given birth two times! You can keep running!” Having a baby might not be harder than a marathon but it’s pretty stinking hard! You can do anything if you can have a baby! :) You’ve got this!

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I like to remind myself during races that I LIKE what I am doing. I paid for this and really, this is part of what I live for! Why else would we put ourselves through such difficult training if it wasn’t for making ourselves a better athlete, a better person, and able to complete such a daunting challenge. It’s time to celebrate that the time has come to complete what you are EXCITED to do.

And also think about the donuts, pizza, beer (for me) and diet coke (for you) that come along with the accomplishment!!! ;)

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So my last half marathon – I PRed by a good 15 minutes. What helped me through was keeping my head up (literally and figuratively), focusing on the sights ahead, and around me. In particular, being mindful and thankful for my surroundings and for the even having the ability to run. Like, “hey this is a pretty awesome view – look at all these mountains around here”. Second, I definitely had some phantom pains going on, and reminded myself that I’ve felt those before, and they’re not real. Third, this race had a pretty cool feature of sending over my splits to my family via text, so that was a good motivator to keep up my pace :P You will do an awesome job at this race regardless of whatever strategy you use!!

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I would die in Utah. I don’t know how you deal with weather that freezes your water bottle!!! WHAT?!

Mantra: Be kind to yourself. You’ve done every thing you needed to in order to get that sub-3. Race day will be race day and regardless of the turnout, be proud of yourself.

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Well I’ve only just completed my first full but I took my coach’s advice of breaking it up the mileage into different chunks and never thinking of it as a whole 26.2 miles (until after you finish). He suggested to think of it as a half marathon, then 5k, then counting down from 10 miles to the finish line. All distances that I knew I could easily achieve, that I had achieved many times before no problem.

I had family at mile markers 18 and 23 so I broke my race into a few more pieces – half marathon, then 5k, 2 miles until I see my cheering squad, then 2 miles until I’m in the Bronx, 1 mile until I’m back in Manhattan, now just 2 until I see my cheering squad again, and then just a 5k left easy-peasy. Personally, I thought it really helped.

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I place racing games with the people in front of me. I pick one person far enough ahead and tell myself not to let the distance increase, and to decrease it instead. I don’t rush myself on this – I tell myself I have the whole race to do it, but it ends up happening much sooner.

I also periodically try to exhale in a long sigh. Maybe every 3-5 miles. It’s a little trick I have where I pretend that if I can sigh like that, it must be easy.

Don’t second guess yourself now. Think about all your training and your fitness. Think about God and how he’s gonna strengthen you. Think about celebrating your run! You’re gonna do great!!!!

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I like embracing the pain too! Might be weird but I know it will hurt so when it does I’m always like yes! Also I read from someone’s blog that changing up how you run helps too. Doing some high knees or strides REALLY helps the ache in my quads. Also I’ve had some really good tempo runs where I focus on the ache/pain in my quads and focus on maintaing that feeling and turning my legs over instead of mentally disengaging from the discomfort. This has resulted in tempos where i actually hold my pace! You have great runs like this too so I know you’re going to kill this marathon!! Best of luck to you!!!

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During my races I think about my daughter and husband at the finish line and I feel like that propels me to move forward. And I am all about the concept of my legs may be tired, but mentally I am strong! Good luck, I know you are going to do absolutely amazing!

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When I hit the wall or start feeling like a need a boost, I start making up a song or poem in my head about every mile. For example, mile one it was all so fun, mile two my legs were feeling new, mile three I was so full of glee… and so on. It is distracting and kind of fun to reflect back on the race.

I also like to make eye contact with people who have come out to cheer and support the runners. I smile and say thank you as much as possible (even if I am feeling tortured). ☺

Plus, I just recently went through a natural childbirth… if I can endure that kind of pain, I can endure anything. That is my new measure or “scale” for pain. ☺

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Remind yourself that running is fun… you paid to do this, and to enjoy everything around you!

Have fun and good luck!

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This may seem weird, but I think of two people when the going gets tough: 1) My great-grandmother, with whom I was really close and who passed away five years ago, and 2) My grandfather, with whom I am also very close. When I think of my great-grandmother, I think about her watching down on me and then I don’t want to disappoint her (it’s weird why this works, because she would never actually be disappointed in me for something like flubbing a run! But I find a second wind and do it for her). When I think of my grandfather, I think about how we was a special-forces soldier at war at a mere 16-years of age, and how if he could do the things he did then the least I can do is tough out a hard run; and I suck it up and I do it for him.

And then I have a whole arsenal of motivational quotes that float through my head. Sometimes I’ll focus on one and repeat it like a mantra; other times I’ll toss around a few. I have a Pinterest board dedicated to motivational running quotes that I look through every few weeks during training to keep me motivated : )

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Well mine is not exciting, but I do math the whole time. When I hit a mile split and the person calls out the time, then I start calculating how fast the last mile was, my pace from the start of the race, where I will end up if I keep that pace, etc. I wear a watch, but I can’t see the numbers that well while moving, so I keep up with it in my head.

Good luck with your race- I can’t wait to hear how you do!

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I haven’t run a full marathon yet but have run 4 half marathons. When I start to feel pain and struggle I think about 2 things:
1. Really tough things that I got through in my life to remind myself I CAN do hard things.
2. People in my life that I have lost who fought hard to be here but couldn’t. I continue on in their honor – remembering their struggle.

Good luck Janae ! You are gonna do AWESOME!

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This pain is TEMPORARY

I GET to do this

I can do hard things!

And I’m going to have to side with your sister on her salad toppings.

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Smile. Smile at those who pass you (that’s a lot of people for me!) and smile at those you pass (probably a lot more for you!) Thank the volunteers, tell them how awesome they are when they hand you water. Stay in the mile you’re in – I learned that from you ;)

It’s going to be a great day for you, Janae!

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One thing I remind myself is the I GET to run and there are so many people for so many reasons that do not get to run. This thought shifts my attitude from pain/frustration to gratitude.

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When I was running my first-ever 12 miles this past weekend, my sister-in-law shared with me Oiselle’s motto: Head up, wings out! I LOVED that. And it worked. Even thought it was cold and raining on us the whole 12 miles, we kept saying, Head up! Wings Out! And that pushed us forward.

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I really believe in “run the mile you are in”.
Yes, it’s going to be tough, at times super tough, but you are ready to do hard things :)
No regrets… Leave everything you’ve got out there on the road. Also, concentrate on slow controlled breathing. You are going to be so happy when you cross the finish line with your shiny new PR!!! :)

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I love the Oiselle motto as well! Head Up, Wings Out! has kept me running a few times during races and training! I also like to include motions with it so that I’m not just thinking it but also acting it out – so I will physically lift my chin a bit higher on head up and spread my arms like an airplane on wings out. It’s kinda cheesy but also fun and makes others around you smile so you can feel good about helping them too! I also do the counting steps for a while if I feel like I can’t keep going – this helps a TON at the top of hills – once you crest the hill just count 30 or 50 or 100 steps and by then the pain of the hill has passed and it is so much easier to keep going.
Good luck with your race, I’ve enjoyed reading about your preparations and advice for training and it has helped motivate me to get back to running.

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Just repeat over and over: I AM AWESOME. I AM AWESOME. It totally works. I like sort of over the top mantras because they kind of make me laugh. So I just think of the most over the top thing I can think of to trick myself into continuing to run.

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The pain is temporary, but the glory (or success, or achievement of my goals, etc.) is forever.

Or one of my favorite quotes about learning….General Patton said: “By perseverance, study, and eternal desire, any man can become great.”

Study and training are about the same in this context. That in combination with the perserverance and desire will get you where you want to be.

I like pushing it up hills…and (honestly) past people. It’s not nice but it gets me moving faster. But you need to run your race strategy.

You’ve done the work, you’ve got this run. I’m so looking forward to watching you rock this race.

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Pineapple juice

Peanut butter

Burritos

Food…

But also that I just need to stick the pain for X more minutes then I can lie down, eat LOTS of food and not move ever again ;)

YOULL BE FAB!!!! (No matter what time! :))

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You got this J x

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I’ll definitely be scrolling through all of these too in the days leading up to my marathon!

The simple mantra that for some reason I always repeat to myself is, “You can do this. Just keep going.” It’s not even something I plan to tell myself anymore. It’s like a subconscious response to thoughts about being tired. …And when that mantra gets old, that’s when it’s time to distract myself with a podcast or music!

We all believe you’re going to crush this, Janae, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself! As you always say, it’s just running. It’s something we like to do, it isn’t what makes us who we are. Even if you miss your goal, you’re still an AMAZING runner, and there’s always another opportunity.

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This probably isn’t what you’re looking for, but gospel analogies abound for me when I’m having a tough time in a race. It’s so easy to relate what I’m experiencing and learn about how Jesus Christ suffered to help us. Every single marathon I’ve run I’ve learned something new. Here is one of them: https://theymaybelight.wordpress.com/2014/09/20/being-an-active-participant-in-our-own-salvation/

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I repeat things to myself like “Pain is temporary, pride/victory is forever,” I can do anything for 10 minutes/1 mile/whatever milestone you need to get you through, the faster I run the sooner I’ll be done, etc.

I also just focus on the moment and try not to think about how many more miles I still have to run. I know you’ve talked about that before, so you already do it but it totally works! OH and focusing on what I want for a post-race treat always helps motivate me. Apple fritter anyone? ;)

I can’t run right now due to complications with my pregnancy, but when I can run again and I’m having a particularly tough day, I will absolutely remember this time in my life when I couldn’t run and remind myself how LUCKY I am to be able to run. Focus on the fact that you GET to run!

You’ve totally got this :)

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Simple as it sounds, I always tell myself “I will never regret going faster.” It’s always true!

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I always remember that the pain is not a matter of if but instead when. I would also try to think back to any of my hardest workouts and remember that I was able to push through those! Also, break up distances! I would trick my mind this way. A mile interval was just an 800, 400 and 2 200s. If that makes sense. Somehow that always helped.

And last, remember you went through labor and gave birth to a human. If that doesn’t make you feel like super woman, I don’t know what will!

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I saw a sign at my last marathon that said “You can. You will”. I loved it, and used it as a mantra the rest of the race. You’ve put the training in, you’ve hit the paces, so you can do it and you will do it.

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I think about my kids – I want them to learn to keep going when things get hard – to chase goals with everything you’ve got – I hope and pray my running teaches my kids that – and so thinking about that keeps me going when it gets HARD! (and every marathon gets HARD!!)

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My boyfriend is in the military and there is a saying that goes “stay the course”, which works both literally for running and figuratively for basically every other tough situation you may find yourself in. It always helps me!

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I tell myself that I’m not tired. I had a baby 7 months ago and if I can do that, I can certainly push through this run/race! Our bodies can do amazing things!

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I switch up what I tell myself at different points in the race, but always some variation of: “Run fast, live fearless” and when all else fails, “Just make it to the next mile” ;)

You’re ready Janae! I know you’ll accomplish everything and more in this race on Sunday :)

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My mantra “the faster you run, the faster you get done” :-) Keep putting one foot in front of the other! You’ll do great!

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You are ready for this Janae! You’ve put in all the hard work and it will pay off!

When it gets though I usually try remind myself of how proud and happy I will be when I finish the race knowing that I have given it 110%, and how disappointed I will be with myself at the end if I give in to the temptation to stop/walk/slow down, especially knowing that I can definitely do it…

“Pain is temporarily, pride is forever” right!?

Good luck!

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Ohh ps. Yes to the run in Australia! Let me know if you ever come over :D

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i have only run one marathon but when I felt the pain, I reminded myself that I didn’t decide to do this because I thought it would be easy. I don’t want it to be easy. I want to challenge myself physically and mentally. I want to see how far I can go. And that I have gotten though harder things than this. I’m strong and this is just one of the tangible ways I can show it.

Not sure if that seems negative but it helped for me :). So excited for you!!!

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Tara,

I definitely agree with you: I wanted to push myself both mentally and physically. Although the farthest distance I’ve run is a 15k, distance running has always been a challenge for me. I want to see how much my body and mind can handle!

Janae,

You are amazing and you’re going to kill this race! I always remind myself that I love pushing limits and reaching my goals. I guess I just try to stay positive even when it hurts! ??

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Something I do to take the focus off me and on others. I dedicate each mile to one person or group to think about and pray for. I save the last 0.2 milesthanking God for the blessings he has given me and reflect on how my body and mind got me through this amazing accomplishment. I wish you the best you are strong person both in body and mind. I know you will rock This!
Enjoy this race I love this course it is beautiful and not too crowded.

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You are going to fly through 20 miles like nobody’s business. You are fit and strong and well fueled and I honestly don’t think you will have any stomach problems throughout this marathon. Your final 6 miles will be tough. Mentally very tough. Your music will help you immensely.

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I get like you before running a marathon. I know find it is part of preparing. The actual race isn’t painful when you have prepared physically and mentally. You are mentally preparing by ask such a question. Once you start you will realise ‘oh gash I can do this and the pain you were fearing isn’t bad at all. Trust you training, you have this, have a feeling you will enjoy racing it.

I think if my daughter and family. Besides that just repeat a mantra that works during any down patches.. Along with repeating mental form checklists such as relax shoulders and control your breathing. Oh and definitely visualise finishing with your goal achieved and the amazing food you can enjoy with Brook and your mum post run.
Goofluck, don’t put pressure on yourself. If it’s not your day (which it will be) you will be closer to achieving it next time. You are incredibly brace voicing your goals and sharing them with us all. I love the quote ‘run the first third with you head, second with your heart and the third with your personality.

Xx

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When the pain and doubt starts creeping in I like to repeat to myself “yes, you f@#$ing can!”

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When I start to doubt myself and want to quit, I remind myself of the time I was injured and couldn’t run for several months. During that injury, I promised myself that I would never skip a run or give up again if I was able to run post injury. Reminding myself that I GET to do this, not that I HAVE to do this helps me immensely.

Also, when I start thinking negatively about myself, I pretend like one of my running friends is with me. I listened to a podcast recently about how much harder we are on ourselves than we are on friends. I’m focusing on talking to myself from a friend’s perspective instead of being mean to myself when it’s not going well. We’re all cheering you on, so you can have a lot of different voices in your head if you need them! :) Good luck HRG!

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Focus on each mile, and stay in the mile. Don’t think of the miles that have past or the miles to come. Just focus on keeping your pace for each mile.

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I once read that, when the going gets tough, dedicate each mile to someone/something that has helped or supported you along the way (there is a non zero chance I read this on your blog. If so, my bad). For me this has been my mom, my boyfriend, my best friend, my running shoes, my favorite tank top. Or I’ll try to think about how running is a celebration of the gift that is a healthy body, and how lucky I am to be able to do this. Try to refocus on thankfulness and grace. It’s hard. But it helps.

I’ll be sending you good wishes on Sunday!

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I’m not a runner like you but my mantra while running is: because I can. We are blessed that we can. And it’s enough to push me when I’m tired.

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Dude that text message is what I needed to hear emotionaly right now. Going through a gut wrenching break up. Trying to be my own cheerleader to keep my chin up and keep going. Right person, wrong time for him. I hate this stuff.

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For longer races (halfs and fulls) I like to find something fun about each mile number (mile 13, I’m in the teens! mile 21, my mileage is legal!). Even if everything is hard and I’m trying to beat myself up, it’s hard when I have to stop and cheer the mile I’m in. :)

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“Are you moving forward? Then keep going.”

“I can, I will, I am. I AM.” (repeat a bajillion times)

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I tell myself “I don’t have to finish, I WANT to finish”
and “If I can just get through miles 13-20 I’m golden”

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So excited for you Janae! I always say to myself “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” :) it certainly helped to get me through the Chicago marathon as well as other times in life!

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