Provo City Half Marathon Recap!!!

The alarm clock (I have a Justin Beiber song for my alarm clock, not normal for a 30 year old) went off at 4:15 on Saturday morning.  I did the normal discussion in my head, “WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS.. my bed is so comfortable and I’m so tired!” that happens each time I get up crazy early for a race. I usually continue this discussion all the way until we get to the starting line.  Then once the excitement builds, I see all of the other runners, I wake up a bit and remember why I do it and think about why don’t I do this more:)

We drove to Provo, parked, jumped on a bus right away (I love it when there are barely any lines and everything runs smoothly because when it is that early… organization makes me extra happy) and they took us to the starting line.  Point to point courses are my absolute favorite and race courses that Josse and I run at least once a week= even better.  We could probably run this course with our eyes closed (slight exaggeration but you get the point).

I went for the bagel with jam for breakfast and it did the trick.  Keeping things super fancy around here.  I try to eat breakfast 90-120 minutes before a race and then something like a gu or honeystinger waffle 30ish minutes before the race starts.

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Hanging out with Josse and her sister at the start (we were there for about an hour before the race started) was a good time.  Josse asked if I wanted to do a warm-up but 13.1 miles is a long ways for me at this point so I didn’t want to add any more mileage to my legs.  Next time:)

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It was really cold before the race started but once we got going the temperatures were the definition of heaven.  For more than the first 1/2 of the race we had a cool tailwind while we ran.  For the last 6ish miles there was a slight headwind but it was the refreshing kind of headwind where you barely even notice it is there but it did an amazing job keeping my body nice and cooled off.

One of the many uncontrollable factors of race day is temperature and HOLY cow it makes a huge difference in our performance—>  for the good and the bad.  I definitely had the perfect weather advantage on my side Saturday.

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All week leading up to the race I made the decision that I wasn’t going to come up with my goal race time until I got to the starting line.  I had a few options….  I could push it and test out my fitness or if I wasn’t feeling super into it (or if my IT Band was being annoying) I would have a fun time running with my people there and run with them instead.   I LOVED not putting any pressure/stress on myself leading up to the race even though I knew deep down that I would get up there and want to try to run fast.  Mind games, I love them.  Stressing out about running takes the fun out of it for me so I loved having a no stress approach to the whole thing for the week leading up to it and I think that is why I did better than I was probably ready for.

Mile 6 was the toughest for me for some reason and of course that last mile when your legs are telling you to stop but other than that I felt pretty strong throughout the race.  I counted steps like it was my job and tried to rope in the person in front of me so I could catch up to them.  I reminded myself how normal it is to have a few tough miles thrown into a race and that those miles fly by and the good ones come right after.

I also put my garmin on mile splits instead of overall time for the race which I loved.  I really wanted to try to go off more of effort and to keep a steady effort throughout the race instead of staring at my watch and trying to do math the entire time trying to figure out what mile splits I needed to finish at x:xx.  Running is fun for me when I run like that and let my body get to work instead of running numbers/paces through my head constantly.

Like I said before, this course is just my favorite.  I love that I know it so well and have so many great memories along the way.  It is a straight shot and so you don’t have to make a bunch of turns or anything, you just keep moving forward and at about 1 mile away from the end you can see the finish line with the Provo City Center Temple in the background.

I finished first in my age group (5th female overall) in 1:26:08 (6:35 average) pace and my splits looked a little something like this:

6:20, 6:25, 6:39, 6:29, 6:35, 6:34, 6:41, 6:40, 6:43, 6:40, 6:52, 6:35, 6:29.

The first 1.5 miles of the race are SCREAMING fast so I felt like I did a good job holding back for the first few miles because I wanted to push it more but decided I’d rather have a little bit more in the tank at the end.  The 6:52 mile has a nice hill in it and I focused on keeping a steady effort for that portion and not stress about the pace on my watch because I wanted to kick in for the last two miles.  Something that I loved along the course were the amazing police officers directing traffic that were so good at stopping cars long before I got to the intersection (I feel like I ran alone or with 1 person close by) for the last 5 miles.

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I caught this sweet picture of Josse coming in! Her 1/2 Ironman is in two weeks so she took this race as a tempo run and rocked it!

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I had my normal runner’s cough once I stopped running (does anyone else get that… anytime I push myself I can’t stop coughing for about a minute or so once I stop running) but I felt pretty great and did a mile cool-down afterwards.  Maybe this was just a fluke of a race and the Weather Gods helped me out majorly yesterday, but this race made me super excited and motivated for the rest of the year of races.  It’s going to be a good year.  AND HALLELUJAH that Josse (her sister needs to move closer so she can join us) and I will be training for a marathon again together this fall!  I wish you guys could meet her, you would love her.

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They had the normal post-race food and also french toast at the finish line.  It was really easy to get my bag of stuff and the whole thing just went so smoothly.  How about next year we do a big meet-up at this race so you can fall in love with it too ha.  Who’s in?  Cafe Rio and Yogurtland on me afterwards;)

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Random thoughts about training that I am having:

*I think our fitness truly does carry over.  I did do some speed work for this race but going into it I wasn’t sure a 1:30 was possible because I really didn’t feel like I had done enough to train for it.  BUT I think our previous training cycles and the work we put into them do carry over to the next ones and we build upon those.  Last years training was NOT a waste (even though I didn’t hit my goals for my races) but it just gave me a solid base to train on this year!

*I’ve come to the conclusion that speed work (for me at least) on the treadmill can transfer over nicely to a race.  This season of life = I’m on the treadmill more often than outside (it’s a good thing I love the treadmill too) and I always worry that doing my speed work on the treadmill won’t translate over to a race.  I do do some of my speed outside so I’m sure that helps but I’ve come to the conclusion that basing my workouts off of effort is key.  If my workouts on the treadmill (whatever the pace may do) feel like a hard effort then they are doing something right for my running.

*

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PS A few people asked about my race outfit that I got at Utah Run—>  I wore this top and these shorts!

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And a few things from Mother’s Day yesterday (by far my favorite Mother’s Day I have EVER had).

*Brooke must have known that snuggles were the main thing that I wanted yesterday.

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*We had SO many delicious berries for breakfast.

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*I’m dating somebody that is beyond incredible and he brought over and made the best breakfast for us.

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*We hit up church!

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*And my mom made lasagna for dinner and we all lived happily ever after.  This lasagna is everything.

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*Only THREE days left to get your new favorite running shirts/tanks/flowy tanks!!!

TankPink

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Anyone else get runner’s cough once they stop running after a race or hard workout?

WHEN IS YOUR NEXT RACE?  Anyone else run the Provo Half on Saturday?

Do you have a local race that is your favorite?

Have any running/life/exercise/anything goals set for this week?

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66 comments

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Yes! I did a mile dash race and had a cough/sore throat for days after. I broke 6 minutes, though :). Worth it!

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I don’t get runners coughbut I get allergic rhinitis and I sneeze like crazy.

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Nice work lady!! I do plenty of treadmill speedwork too and think it transfers over perfectly fine. Running outside is always easier so I ignore the treadmill skeptics.

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Josse and her sister look so much alike! So cute! Congrats to all of you on a great race! It’s the best when the weather cooperates on race day!

We volunteered at a local 5k this weekend. It’s always so fun to watch the people come over the hill and see the finish line! No races on the books for me yet. I might do a marathon with my sister in July (you’d think I’d know if I was going to do it by now) so I should probably get in a couple long runs before then, huh?

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INCREDIBLE! Look at your splits, they are beautiful! :) Congrats on running such a great race and taking first in your AG!

My favorite local race is the Fort Lauderdale Half in November. It was my first half marathon a few years back and I will do it every year that I am able to for the sentimental value, and also because I can walk to the starting line from my apartment :). I love that the course is the same one that I train on so, similar to you and Provo, I think I could run the fort lauderdale half with my eyes closed!

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I get that runner’s cough too! Didn’t realize it was a thing, just thought it was my body being weird. Glad I’m not alone!

This week will be a lot of strength training and stretching, but maybe not any running. Still trying to get over a knee issue so don’t want to start running again too soon.

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Nice race! And I’m totally in for the race next year, especially if post-race froyo is involved. :)

I have a couple of local races that are my favorite: The Cowtown Half and the Dallas Half. I didn’t get to run Cowtown this year, so hopefully that will be in the cards next year! My main goal right now is just to get back in shape and start pushing myself beyond my limits.

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I did the Cowtown Marathon this year and it was such a good race minus the weather being really warm.

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Incredible, congrats! You are a seriously amazing runner and inspiring me to get back to it more this week after a little break. I’m planning to get some yoga back into the routine this week too.

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awesome work! this race seems beyond amazing. I’m currently still trying to get over some tendonitis and I think it’s going well. I’ve got a 5k race this weekend that I’m still debating about whether or not I want to do since I haven’t run in basically 3 weeks…it’ll probably be a game time decision.

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Congrats on first in your age group and a great race! Local races are my favorite also, especially local half marathons.

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I would seriously love to run this one next year. I’m totally down for Cafe Rio afterward. It’s my favorite post race food!! And I never say no to frozen yogurt ;)
Nice work lady!!! And happy belated mothers day.

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Your Justin Bieber remark made me LOL because I am going to see him on Friday… and I am 35yo…. No excuse, I just like his last album ;-) You were very consistent thoughout your race! Amazing job! And you’re so lucky to have a training partner like Josse! Glad to see you had a nice Mother’s Day too! I am trying to take a step back in my HM training this week and regroup all my energy because I think that I peaked too early. With 3 weeks to got before my race, it is not good news but I will do my best to try and be as fit/recovered as I can for race day. Live and Learn ;-)

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I make my 9 and 11 year old daughters listen when one of his new songs come on. They get really mad at me…..but I like his new stuff.

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Awesome race- congrats!!! I need to find more straight point to point race courses! And yes, agreed that the speedy treadmill runs carry over for us!

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It sounds like a great race for you Janae and you did all the right things. You’re right, there is no need to push at the beginning. Like you, I would rather have more at the end of the race.

I like to eat about 2 hours before a race too. I think it sits well in my system. I actually never warm up for a half marathon (or marathon). It has worked for me so far.

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I always have a cough when I run too! I seem to get it when I start really pushing myself during a race and then at the end. I always thought it was undiagnosed asthma but maybe it’s normal!

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I don’t get runners cough, I get hot saliva. It’s gross.
Nice job on the race!!!!

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Congratulations on an incredible race!! I do agree with the fact that your fitness carries over from season to season. I think a break between cycles is essential too! My favorite local race is Boston Marathon :)

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Amazing work, Janae!!! You are so speedy! I enjoy reading about your race day strategies! Thanks for sharing your tips!

I cough after I really push myself, especially when it’s cold out. Runner’s World has a question and answer article titled “Why Do I Cough After Cold Runs?” written by William O. Roberts, MD that I just found googling the subject. I’ve always wondered why it happens, but I’ve never looked it up! Good question!

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Congrats on your race!! When the weather is perfect I feel all around so much more confident on race day. I have a half in 2 weeks and I like how you waited until the start line to come up with a goal time.. That’s a good idea!

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Congrats, girl! You rocked it out most definitely! SO SPEEDY!!!!

We had a great week at the Bello casa, racking up 114 miles, with 50 of them on Saturday/Sunday back-to-backs, including some trails. I just posted a blog and pictures of our adventures, including some tough trails.

Our next race is a trail 24 hour on June 4th and then the 48 hour on July 4th weekend. We love racing season!

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Great race!! Having the weather work in your favor is such a huge bonus. I’m realizing I like point-to-point runs as well, what’s up with that? What are they so fun?

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Awesome job! Nice splits too :)

My next race (I think) is the Diva Half marathon in September (Peachtree City, GA) – my daughter wants to do it and it will be her first half :)

I’m relatively new to my current state (GA) but I did an amazing half marathon last month and will definitley do it again – it was the Peach Jam Half! When I lived in Iowa, I loved Dam To Dam and did that multiple times – it was a great race. Also, the Living History Farms off road race was fun too – everyone would dress in costume and it was on trails, over and through creeks, up hills, etc. Very messy but fun :)

Your Mother’s Day sounds wonderful – glad you enjoyed it!

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Awesome job! You rocked that race! Yay for great race days!

I don’t have a race in my sights yet, I just started running with a coach, so we’ll see what happens! I’m just excited I GET to run! Yay!

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Just wow! Amazing job! Seriously, you are going to have the best year and you’ve got a crew up in Chicago cheering for you the whole way through!
I don’t cough much after a hard race but I usually get a headache because I don’t drink my normal coffee beforehand- yep, not an addiction at all ;)
No races until my biology starts to cooperate with me if ya know what I mean ;) Just training to train because I love it and it fends off the crazy.

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Have two races coming up this month! Pacing the 2:00 finish group for the Michelob ULTRA Half Marathon on May 22nd and then running the Soldier Field 10 miler on May 28th!

Life goals this week – REST. My mileage the last couple weeks has been over 50 which is a tad too high for my body’s liking. Gonna try to cut back this week and chill out a bit more :)

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Congrats on the race! I have a 5k coming up at the end of May that my hubs wanted to do, it’s local and should be fun! I don’t have any favorite local races yet as we have only been in our current city for a year. I’m looking for a race to do in June, but I live in TX and those are hard to come by due to the heat. Next race after the 5k actually on the schedule is a full in November (Route 66). This week I’m working on moving my runs to morning runs, part for the heat and part because we are getting busier during the weeknights due to a new climbing gym opening up! :)

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Congratulations on a great race and Happy Mother’s Day, Janea! What a pretty medal (I love pretty medals… Yes, I pick races based on the quality of medals haha!)

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Wow! You are amazing girl! I think you found you’re calling with half marathons!

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I can not get over your pace, that is incredible. I did my first local race yesterday (Tinkerbell Half Marathon), and it is so much easier when you don’t have to fly and travel to get to a race. I think you and Brooke should come run it next year, she would love all the costumes! I do cough afterwords, I thought it was just me! This race started “training season” for me, another half in June and then training for the Chicago Marathon so I am going to do a lot of stretching and yoga this week to help my legs recover. Congratulations on an amazing race!

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Congratulations on a great race!!! It looks like a very pretty course too :)
I often get that runners cough after a run, especially if I’ve pushed myself hard to finish strong… weird!
Thanks for always inspiring us during your training and your races!!

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Way to go girl!!

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I get runners cough if I run in the cold or while I’m getting back into shape and after most races. Then I end up losing my voice for a few hours off and on haha.

I would totally take you up on next years race, although you’d probably smoke me haha, I’ve never done a half before but It’s one of like to try.

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I’m hoping to do my first run post partum sometime this week – so excited! :) a friend of mine did the PCHM this last weekend too and loved it. I’m totally planning to join you and her next year at it! (Just not as fast as you) :)

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Janae! Way to go! That’s awesome- way to work hard and reach your goals!

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Ottawa Race Weekend is my favorite race – I’ve run it every year since 2010. I was supposed to run the marathon this year, but went back to the half marathon because of shin splints :-(

I used to get runner’s cough after finishing 400m races in track. I would have to go to the side and just hack for 10-15 minutes after!

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After my last hard race, it hurt my chest to breathe in for a few minutes…weird!!

Next race is probably a half sometime in the next month or two! I just registered for my first FULL MARATHON that is on Oct 16th in Lowell, MA. Aiming for a BQ. Really excited to train for it in Boston and run along the Charles this spring/summer!!!

Goals for this week = run in the morning at least 4 days! (monday = CHECK. 5 miles done and done).

I’m so glad you are dating someone incredible because you deserve incredible!!! have a great week!

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Saturday was the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon here in Indianapolis. This year they “officially” offered a challenge in which you could do the 5K first (7:00AM start) and then filter back in and do the half (7:30AM start) so that you could get a bonus medal. I did not train for this and had no business doing the challenge but that’s what I had registered for so I decided to have a fun day. Took lots of pictures and did some Instagramming along the way. This race is always well supported and lots of fun along the course; bands, square dancers, cloggers, cheerleaders, etc. It was the 40th anniversary and it was a party from start to finish. I had a good time and that’s what mattered to me. I have another half on May 28th and hope to do better at that one. If you ever have the chance to come to Indianapolis to do this race I would highly recommend that you do so!

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YAY for a great race, Janae! I love reading happy posts like this from you! Also, I’ve never heard of a runner’s cough before! I didn’t know that was a thing.

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Oh man, I love Justin Beiber. Good job on your race! Those are awesome splits.

I would definitely go to Utah for the half and meetup! :)

June 4th I’m running the San Jose Giants race. It’s one of my favorites!

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Congrats on an awesome race!!!!! I feel the exact same way when my alarm clock goes off on race mornings!
AH! I get that cough too!!!!! It is usually after races and not always just right away. It actually usually carries through that day! A couple of times I have actually gotten a hoarse voice too.
We are supposed to close on our new house Friday!!!!

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I had a bagel for my race breakfast too… except it was HALF a bagel, and I was running a MARATHON. not my smartest move… I regret not eating the whole thing (and maybe a banana too!) because I hit the wall at mile 19 and had to drag myself the last 7.2 miles. Lesson learned!!! Nice job on your race :P you killed it!

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i dont get a cough but when its cold and i push myself i cant stop sneezing…super annoying. your so right the weather can totally make or break a race, when its hot out that just zaps the life from me. that lasagna looks delicious!!!

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Feeling the need to post this morning and tell you that I did not want to do my tempo run this morning. At. All. The covers were holding me hostage. But I read your post in bed, fought my way out of my comfort zone and got my booty moving. Ran 5 miles at a 8:30 average pace – last mile was under 8 minutes! This was HUGE (!!) for me. Just starting running again after a long hiatus. About a month ago, running for 30 minutes straight and hitting anywhere over a two mile mark was winning in my book.

My first half marathon is 13 weeks away so my goals for this week is to stick to my training schedule as close as possible.

Anyways, just wanted to say THANK YOU for blogging and sharing your passion. I’ve been following along for years and always look forward to your posts!

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Michelle!! Thank you so so much for commenting and I am so happy that you got out and rocked your TEMPO run and you nailed it with that last mile too… WAY TO GO!!! Please keep me updated with how your training and race goes. Thanks Michelle, that means a lot!

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I definitely get the runner’s cough!! I am glad to know im not alone. haha
my next race is in about 20 days!! I’m running my first half- marathon. I am pretty nervous!
I think my next running goal, after doing the half, is to finish a marathon.

great job on your half! I can’t believe how fast you are!!! :)

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I did the Provo half, too. I’m much older and slower :) but I had the same relatively awesome experience with the race–well organized, perfect weather, familiar great course, etc. And even though I am older, I really enjoy your blog and appreciate your tips and advice and honesty.

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SO glad that you loved it too!!! Seriously, such a great race! Thank you so much and I hope you are recovering well!!

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Congrats girl! That’s an awesome race that you had time-wise, and mentally you were super on point (honestly just as, if not more, important).
Also so glad someone else also experiences the runner’s cough. I thought I was the only one. People are like oh goodness are you okay because I sound like I’m having some sort of asthmatic episode or dying, but it’s just a weird cough. Oh, the human body, capable of so many wonderful and strange things!

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Some of us Hoosier gals may just come do Provo soon! It is now on my bucket list! Great job Janae!!!

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Let me know when!!!

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I have the runner’s cough when I run a race with hard effort. I use an inhaler and need it only when I race. I can run the same effort in speed work and don’t need the inhaler.

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I always cough as soon as I stop when it’s cold outside. Never during the run, just right after. My exercise goal for the week is to start lifting weights.

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Congrats on a great race! Sounds like a fantastic Mothers Day wknd. Glad you have a great guy spoiling you. :)

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Wow amazing time Janae! :) and man you must be beat from that half lol do you normally take a rest day the day after a half or do you do a recovery run?

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Hey Valerie!! I took a rest day after the half and then did an easy run today!! Thank you and I hope you are having a beautiful day!

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Oh okay sounds good! I wanted to ask you in your opinion is it a good idea to take a rest day after you run a half? Or even a long run? I ran for 1 hour and 34 minutes yesterday for my long run and was wondering if taking a rest day would be beneficial or if running an hour would be okay today?

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Great job on your run!! I usually take a rest day after my long runs but everyone is different and learning to pay attention to what recovery your body needs is key! If you are feeling wasted and too sore then I would take the day off. If you bounce back quickly and feel great to go for a run, then do it! Recovery is just as important as training so either a day off or an easy run today would be ideal!

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I’m only speedy in my dreams. Congratulations on your fast finish!

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I get the runners cough too! Especially when I am really pushing myself. Congratulations on your run- such a epic time!

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I have got runner’s cough a couple of times, but not normally. It sounds like you totally kicked butt in your race! That’s amazing! I just had my little boy last week so right now I am still resting and recovering so no exercise for me. :)

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huge congrats and incredible job!!! you are super inspiring. get. it. girl!
also, walking up to Beiber at ANY age is a-ok ;)

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Awesome race! This recap was just what I needed to read this week. I have a marathon coming up on Sunday, and my training has not been what I’d like it to be. But I’ve had several excellent marathon builds in the past, so I’m hoping my body will go on auto-pilot and remember what to do. Thanks for the reminder that it is possible and that past miles do make a difference!

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I get a wheezing cough sometimes if it’s chilly and pushing myself hard. That garlic bread looks amazing! Is that tomato and mozz on top?! Yum! Great job on the race! That’s an incredible time and very inspiring! In glad you felt good with no stomach issues!!!

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French toast at the finish!? YUM. So, this question is kind of random, but you did mention the word treadmill in this post, so I’ll just go with it. I am currently researching new treadmills as my birthday gift to myself (yay!), and I am wondering what your favorite treadmill(s) are, and what other people really love :)

thanks in advance!

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