28 laps at the track and an Ultramarathon

When I woke up this morning I had the best idea ever.  I wanted to run with my sister and came up with the perfect way to do so.

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We didn’t plan to match but we are able to communicate telepathically and knew that it was a red shorts and black top kind of a day.

We went to the track for our run so that her kids could run with us when they wanted and play in the field when they needed a break.

Best running partners ever and they already have great form.

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We did 7 miles together but I made my sis really slow down with me.  It is really easy to get down on yourself when you are running in the heat because your pace slows down and your run feels so much harder than normal. Even though we know that it is the heat slowing us down it is hard to not think you are just being weak.  After a few laps of feeling lame sauce about how slow I was going I snapped out of it and started reminding myself that you HAVE TO adjust your pace when running in the heat.  Just know that it happens to everyone, don’t get down on yourself about it!

I am going to miss my mom’s fridge so much.  It is so organized and always fully stocked with fruits, veggies and TURKEY!  I am curious to know how much her grocery bill will go down after we move.

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9 out of 10 times I go over to their house there are donuts.  The coconut portion is reserved for me.  Post lunch dessert is the best.

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Ever heard of the Bad Water Ultramarathon, aka the world’s TOUGHEST foot race?  It was held on July 16-18th this year (it has been going on for 35 years now).Screen Shot 2012 07 17 at 10 13 00 PM

The first place male, Mike Morton, finished in 22h, 52m and 55s.  The first place female, Sumie Inagaki, finished in 29h, 53m and 9s.

The course goes through 3 mountain ranges with extreme temperatures and there is a total of 13,000′ of vertical ascent (and 4,700′ descent).  How fun do these elevation maps look to you?

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Too bad this race is invitation only because this would be a blast if we could all get together and run it…..  On second thought, how about we plan to meet up in Hawaii and run a few miles along the beach and drink fruit smoothies and play in the ocean all day instead?

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Have you ever done an ultramarathon?  Do you have any desire to run an ultra? Anyone ever want to run Bad Water?

What was your last track workout?  Moms reading:  do you take your kids to the track with you so you can get your run on and watch them at the same time?

How much do you slow down when running in the heat?  How does the heat affect your running physically and mentally?

Did you ever go run when you were a kid?

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84 comments

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My friend had a friend running Badwater! He finished in 37 hours! Holy crap. I cannot wait until she talks to him! What was it like? Do you sleep? How much do you eat? What’s it like?

I LOVE bringing my daughter to the track. She usually bikes while I run. Yesterday we both rode a bike. Awesome feeling teaching her to be active!

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NO WAY!! 37 hours…that is so crazy! I want to hear all of the details once you hear them. That is a great idea to bring bikes, we will be copying you!

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You’re such a cute pregnant lady…you almost don’t even look so far along in this pic :)
Bad Water is crazy. Before my husband had to pull out of his 100miler for his IT band issues, he seriously considered it. CRAZY kids.

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Thanks Liz!! How is your hubby’s it band? I can see Billy wanting to do crazy races like this too!

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I love track workouts and do them about once a week. I usually take my kids. They bring bikes or scooters to ride around the outside. They also play and run, it works out great for everyone. They actually look forward to it all week.

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That is so awesome! We are going to copy you and bring bikes and scooters next time. I love that your kids look forward to it!

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I have no desire to do an ultra marathon – ever. I think it takes a certain kind of crazy (and I mean that in the best way possible) to run them.
I don’t do track workouts often enough but I have taken my kid with me. RIght now he’s conditioning for football 3x week so I do my workouts while he is conditioning.
I run in Texas heat all the time so I’ll blame my slowness on that :) Actually, I keep telling myself that training in the summer will translate to a PR in the fall.

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I don’t think I do either, I think we are crazy enough with wanting to do marathons right? That is so awesome that you are doing your workouts while he is conditioning. I have no idea how you run in that heat, it nearly killed me today!

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I have heard about that ultra but have never seen the elevation maps! Wow! I second the beach idea!

Speaking of Ultras. There is an Ultra that begins at midnight and then meets up at the San Fran Marathon start line to finish the Ultra in like 12 days. My running group will be there. I was thinking of running the Full Marathon next year so maybe we can meet up if you are at the race :)

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YAY let’s get planning our beach party:) Oh my goodness, that is so awesome about that Ultra. UM YES we better meet up for the full next year but how about we do before then too!

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Any time I am out in your neck of the woods I will def give ya a heads up. I will be at the Marine Corps Marathon this year as well (running the 10k) in case you are coming to that event. Im in the MD/DC area so if you ever make it out here let me know I am totally down for a meet up–with the probability of it including fro-yo being pretty high :)

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THAT is crazy! I would never want to do an ultramarathon-EVER. Props to them though!

NICE work on the 7 miles! It is hot out there!!

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That’s pretty intense, earlier this year I read up on the “Barkley Marathons” which sounds like the craziest thing ever. Mad props to people who can and do these things.

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One of my best friends aunt ran badwater a couple of years ago. She is amazing. She also ran a marathon every day (starting in Logan and ran all the way to st george and then ran the st george marathon the next day). Speaking of amazing – that is what you are! I can’t believe you would think you are lame for running (your version of slow) in the heat. Hello?! Pregnant AND heat – you are awesome sauce just for getting out there!

The heat ZAPS my pace…badly. I was just discussing with my neighbor my utter distaste for running in the heat. I would much rather run in 7 degree weather (totally done that) over even 80 degree weather. I can only take off so much clothing before I blind all of Utah!

Never ran as a child. Unless I was trying to get to my friends house as quickly as possible, or somebody said ‘Ice cream!’

I have taken my kids to the track. It does work out pretty nicely. But I would still rather run before they get up.

My mom still gives me food when I go to her house. Even though I live an hour and a half away. She is swell like that. I could totally see your mom sending you packages of Costco goodness after you move :)

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oh geeze I ran in red shorts & black tank top this morning, too! I’m still so impressed that you’re so active soo close to your due date!!

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Bad water would be so freaking good.

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I am not going to lie, when I was reading the article I seriously thought that it was something that YOU would do!

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The ultra-marathon really does not sound appealing to me at all! I am definitely not hard core enough for that.

I slow down a lot when I run in the heat too. Especially here in Utah where it is so dry!

Also, love the matching outfits! Great minds think alike :-)

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7 miles in the HEAT with a baby strapped to your belly…you go Janae!!! I am a baby myself and it has been so hot here (90* at 7:30am!) and the highs have been like 105-110 consistently, so whatever running I do is on the treadmill. I am such a baby that I have done multiple 18-22 milers on the treadmill before because the weather was totally not cooperating.

I’m running my first ultra in November and I am sooo looking forward to it! It’s a road ultra though, maybe next year I’ll find my first trail ultra :)

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Congrats on another awesome run. You don’t even look pregnant. I want to smack you (in a sweet way, of course!)

PS. Badwater is on my bucket list – plan is sometime in the next 10-15 years (when the kiddies are older so I can train appropriately). Wanna be on my pace/crew team? =) =) =)

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you and your sister are too cute together. i love the matching outfits. ;)
honestly that bad water ultramarathon sounds like torture to me. lol. HUGE props to anyone who does that!

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Okay, you must have heard my woe-is-me comments about my run this morning and how SLLOOOWWW my pace was. The humidity was terrible this morning! Thank you for reminding me that the heat and humidity affect even the best of the runners :)

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MARY!!! Okay, I forgot about humidity…that seriously KILLS ME!! You are incredible to run in the heat AND humidity! YOU GO GIRL!

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I have done one ultra and loved it! Mine was “only” 50 miles though. I’d like to do a 100 mile ultra someday but I don’t think I’d ever want to do Badwater. Mainly because I am at my worst in the heat!
Ultras are great because the vibe is so more laid back than at marathons or other shorter races–it’s very chill.

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ONLY 50 miles… girl, you are amazing!!! Seriously, give me your endurance.

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NO desire to run Batwater, I don’t think I could even crew it – I would melt instantly in that heat.

I have done 1 50K several years ago and hope to do my second 10.20.12 – kinda starting from scratch though so have a ways to go. There are 2 50 milers I have my eye on early next year too.

My last track workout was probably in high school.

I am slow without the heat and really slow with the heat ; )

My 4th grade teacher was really into running and our class would have our own running group outside of normal PE and recess. She even had us do some local 5K races – so much fun! When I got back into running as an adult and ran my first marathon I found her on Facebook and told her she had started it all way back in 1984.

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I have no desire to run an ultra. But that being said, I am in awe of those that can and do. It’s absolutely amazing! My last track work out will be tonight! I actually really like them because they switch things up, so I’m excited for it. Today it’s a lot cooler than it has been so it’ll be nice to not have to battle the heat/humidity. The heat really affects me and reminds me that I should do some runs in it a little more often so that I can learn to adjust better. I never ran as a kid unless it was while playing.

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I’m all for the Hawaii idea!!
I never ran as a kid unless it was to play sports, then I was all in…I always said that I just never understood how someone could “just run!” and that I “wasn’t a runner.” Both statements make me laugh now :)

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I paced my hubs for 30 miles of his ultra last summer – he’s big into the 100 milers and REALLY wants to do badwater – he has a poster of it. He is doing the Leadville 100 next month. crazies. but I really want to do the VT100 next summer – first I have to do a 50, so I better get on that!
It depends on the heat – if it’s really humid, which it is here, it’s usually around 30seconds slower per mile if I don’t push it. Or, my pace doesn’t slow down, but I can’t always run as far. Depends on where I am mentally:) But it doesn’t usually get to me.
Have a great night!

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KATIE! If your husband gets into Badwater and my buddy gets in we can PACE and hang out and eat Jelly Beans!

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I wanted to run an ultra after I read “Born to Run” but I quickly snapped back into reality. I never ran as a kid (I was a swimmer and we biked after dinner as a family) and didn’t start til I was 29! Better late than never ;)

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I haven’t done an ultramarathon…yet…it does intrigue me though! Nice run, especially in the heat! I am definitely a bit slower in the heat…if it’s too unbearable I tmill it. I can’t take the humidity and that’s been brutal here in the NE for the last couple of weeks…today is supposed to be the last of it though (I hope!). You could always have your parents ship you guys food! LOL…like little care packages with all your favorite things from home!

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I have never ran an ultra, but I have a friend who does and he absolutely loves them!! I kind of want to run one, only because I love running so much, I would never get bored or hate that I was doing it. But at the same time I’m afraid of running one because of my shin fractures

My last track workout was tuesday and I ran 8 – 100M sprints. I loved every minute of it haha just kidding. They were hard but it was nice to have something to push myself at.

I use to ride my bike with my dad when he ran. I think that’s what really got me started in running. Because when I got into 4th grade he started letting me run with him. He’d run ahead of me then run back to me the whole time. But now I’m the one that does that to him (on the few occasions that we run together) ;)

Check out my blog here :) http:/runningsprinkles.blogspot.com

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Hey I saw you running this morning when I was passing the Provo track! You are so awesome to still be running so much when you are so far along. I hope that I can first get healthy enough to even be running that much now so that I can be like you when I get pregnant!

I don’t think I have a desire to do an ultramarathon, but I definitely want to do more marathons and try some half marathons.

I ran summer track for a few summers starting around 4th or 5th grade. I think my PR’s were 3:30 for the 800 and 15:00 for the 3K! Or maybe it was 16:00… Haha. Oh, and I also tried the 100 and the long jump – I wanted so badly to be a sprinter, but it wasn’t meant to be. I then started running cross country in 7th grade and am still going through withdrawals from not competing on a team. It has been waaaaay too long since my last track workout. Or even my last real running workout. I hate injuries!

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I do have a little urge to do an ultra someday, but probably not Bad Water! I do get bummed when running so much slower in the heat, but I try to remind myself how much faster I will be in the Fall when it gets cooler.

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I have NO desire to do an ultra. I don’t even have the desire to do a marathon … yet. I’m pretty happy with the half marathon distance.

I slow down a lot in the heat, which is sad because I’m slow already.

I never ran as a kid just to run. I just did it for sports.

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I hate track workouts. It’s funny how engrained it is for me, though. I used to run 200s, so now whenever I hit the curve of a track, I start sprinting. I can’t get it out of my system. It really messes up track workouts.

I’ve never done an ultra. I’m thinking marathons are my farthest distance.

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The heat never used to bother me until I got pregnant and my dr did his best to scare me. Now the heat mentally bothers me because I spend my whole run or ride worried about overheating the baby! I just don’t know how my body will warn me!

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My friend just crewed a guy at Badwater…watching the FB updates were so cool, inspiring and NUTS! My friend is trying to get in and asked me to crew if he did…I don’t know if I have the chops, but it is SO cool! P.S. Those donuts look delicious.

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I just had to say that I too wore a black tank and red shorts for my run today! Great minds think alike!

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haha! Wow! That ultra marathon looks ridiculous!!! I don’t think I’d ever be able to pull off an ultra marathon let alone the Badwater one… jeesh!! lol…
That’s fun that you and your sister matched without trying!! You two are so cute!! I absolutely LOVE your baby belly!! I’m so excited for you and Billy! You’ll be great parents and your house will for sure be filled with love and laughter!! :) yay!!

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I think Ultras/Ultra Runners are the coolest ever!

I just finished Scott Jurek’s new book and it was so amazing! It’s definately not something on my bucket list, but I find the sport fascinating, and something we can all learn so much from!

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Yes, Yes, Yes I want to run an ultra marathon someday. Does my birthday 46 mile experience count? Not sure, since I only ran 20 of the 46 miles. But I will run an ultra someday. I need to get a marathon under my belt first.

We had a guy that ran Badwater come talk to our youth group. He also ran some crazy race that was also 135 miles down in South America in Brazil somewhere in the mountains. He also ran Leadville. His car license plate reads CXXXV (135) because he’s done so many of them cool huh? He also has that tattooed on the back of his leg on his calf. That guy was impressive and motivating! It was so fun to listen to him talk and ask him any questions we wanted.

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Oh there are also you tube videos of Badwater that are pretty fun to watch!

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sis runs! i love it! you two are adorable. I bet your mom is going to miss yo coming over. Bittersweet, yes?
and that ultra is a dream of mine, amazing!

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Woah, so wild your post this. I asked Chris as dinner last night “do you want to do an ultra together?”

I love running at the track with friends. I have one girlfriend who gets totally anxious in running groups cause she wants to go her own pace. The track is perfect for us!

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I’m obsessed with Badwater! I told myself that I need to stop stalking badwater lol..amazing what those guys and gals can do. I do prefer stalking Badwater than actually running it though :) My next race that I love to stalk is Kona…although I guess this year you could also include the Olympics too.

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So fun that you all went to the track together. My mom and her friends used to run/walk at the school track while the kids would play.

I loved running when I was a kid. The relay races were always my favorite during field day in elementary school and I was beyond excited when I got to join the track team in middle school.

I am hoping to run a 50k early next year as my first ultra :)

The heat has been so intense recently and since I am not training for anything right now I have been sticking to the treadmill and my pace is still suffering. It just means when it cools down we will be super fast :)

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I had to go through a track workout in the hot humid Florida Summer heat today. After a lap warm up I was already dripping. We did 2000-1600-1200-400-400 mile. I seriously wanted to give up half way through the 2000 because my times were horrible and I was being so hard on myself (and I am NOT carrying a 35 week baby ;) )… I too had to remind myself and snap out of it, because running a little slower in the heat is better than skipping it and making excuses to not do it, right?!! GREAT job on your run today :)

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I’m actually reading “Eat and Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness” by Scott Jurek. I’m not sure if you’ve read it but I think you would enjoy it—sooo inspiring (he has won the Badwater Ultramarathon twice!!). In the book he talks about his life and his journey to becoming an elite athlete all fueled by a vegan diet.

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Come to Hawaii and run the Maui Marathon, 17 miles of oceanfront racing! I’ll be your tour guide for all of the best running spots and smoothie places :)

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I am going to take you up on that offer! I sure hope you weren’t kidding!

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My offer stands, I will start crafting you and Billy a lei and harvesting a load of mangoes and papayas!

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I have no desire whatsoever to do an ultra. I want to eventually do a full marathon but I am definitely not there yet. I’ll stick with half’s for a while longer and eventually attempt a full. At this point that is my limit!

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Hey janae! you look SO GREAT!! thought this lil article might interetst you ;)
http://www.fitsugar.com/Kara-Goucher-Losing-Baby-Weight-Training-Olympics-24030273
^ it’s your girl, kara!

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I’e never done an ultra, but its on my list! I don’t get why so many people aim to do a marathon, but so few do ultras! I know a marathon on its own is insanely painful, but I think it would be pretty badass to have the distinction of doing an ultra :)

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I used to think that I was a short distance type of gal but I love trail running so much that I’m debating giving an ultra a try when I am older! For some reason ultras seem more attractive to me than marathons, although ideally I will do one of those too in the next year or too :)

Way to be positive about running in the heat! I always just slog around and think about how much it sucks and therefore rarely ever have good runs in the heat… maybe I just need an attitude adjustment!

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I was actually just thinking today of how much the heat can affect me. I thought I was doing great staying hydrating and getting stronger about running in the heat and the -BAM- last night’s boot camp must have kicked my butt because I woke up feeling awful. I didn’t get out to run til around 4 and I felt fine then. Looking forward to some cooler temperatures!

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I have zero interest in ultras. Zero. I don’t get the concept. At that point, it’s not running, it’s torture. Twenty six is enough for me, and I can still RACE at the end, not stumble in on broken feet, lol!

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I’m tentatively planning my first ultramarathon for February 2013. It’ll be a 50k at the Cowtown Ultramarathon/Marathon/Half-Marathon in Fort Worth, TX. I’m so anxious about it! I am running my first full marathon in a few months, and thought – what next?? Then found a 50k. My husband thinks I’m nuts!!

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Both of you look so cute in the matching running attire. Oh my! I think your baby wants you to run Badwater! Go for it !!

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Props on your mention of Badwater! I ran a 100 miler a few months ago and after 35 hours in the heat, I SWEAR to you I saw a unicorn and had an extended conversation with Care Bears. My mind was slightly fuzzy by the end.

(Although that sounds ever so slightly better than 28 laps on the track. Well done!)

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Janae, I’m glad you brought up the struggles in the heat. I thought running this past winter and spring was easy peasy and now I feel like I am crawling when I run outdoors. The best thing to do is keep my head cool and cover up with a hat!

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Just started running ultras this year and I love it! It’s such a great experience running in trails all day long. Don’t think I’d ever do Badwater though!! I work at a running store that caters to trail and ultra runners and both of the owners have done it. It’s so awesome to have people coming into the store prepping for their next 100 miler and hearing all sorts of great stories.

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I was told by a friend who read in runner’s world that the heat makes you run 1 minute slower per mile! That’s a huge slow-down!
I don’t know if I would ever do Badwater just because of the heat….do you know how freaking hot it is in Death Valley right now?! It’s disgustingly hot. You think Utah is hot…OMG. I grew up in a town where temperatures are the same as D.V. and its even way hot at 4 a.m.
But on happier note- I think doing an ultra would be an awesome experience! I just think that it would make the marathon seem that much easier :)

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When I was in school, we had to do “The Mile Run” once a month in PE….at the time it seemed like such a LONG distance and I used to dread it…and would walk a majority of it! I kinda wanna go back in time just so I can crush each and every “Mile Run”!

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You are the cutest pregnant runner girl ever! You don’t even look pregnant except for that adorable bump, the picture with your sis and you I can hardly tell your preggo. You both are super stunning :) and cute with the matching running gear!

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Holy cow, Janae! You got so many comments on today’s post. I love the cute pictures with your sis and her kids. I <3 her. Tell her she looks amazing and that she needs to call me. ;-) How funny that you guys were matching and you didn't even plan it!

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Janae you have to listen to ultrarunnerpodcast! You will LOVE it I know- people talking about running for hours.
I just listened to one about people who ran bad water. Crazy!
Anyways- go to ultrarunnerpodcast on iTunes and download some- it’s free!

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Awwwh – that’s so cute that you matched!

I am working my way up to running a 5k – so a ultramarathon is a long way in the future.

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You and your sister are so cute! The heat really affects me. If I don’t get out by about 8:00 in the morning; I’m taking my run to the treadmill. This Texas heat is killer!

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Man you two are gorgeous!! And seeing you run at Provo High makes me miss it! Many hours spent out on that field/track with girls that loved or maybe hated running. I cannot remember which. Good times! Love you!

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Thank you thank you for the paragraph about coming to terms with harder runs in the heat. I live in STL where is has been 95-100 most days ALL SUMMER and of course I chose this time to start training for a full marathon. I ran a half in May, so I was excited to jump but into training but then felt like crap once I started long runs again and was having trouble even finishing! I was getting so down on myself thinking i LOST IT or something crazy like that, but reading that everyone has problems running in the heat gives me confidence to remember that if I just stick with it it’ll get better once fall is here!

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My good friend Mosi kicked ass at Badwater this year, finishing in an impressive 37:11:08. In addition to the insane elevation climb up (and back down) Mt Whitney (the highest point in the 48 continuous states), it also runs you through Death Valley where temps sore into the 130s. Basically it’s 135 miles of hell and my friend totally conquered it. =)

I’ve run two (much lesser) ulrtras: The Big Schloss (34 miles in the mountains of WV) and the NF 50k (31 miles in hilly VA). Both were great experiences and unlike anything I’ve ever done before.

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Running in the heat DEFINITELY affects my speed, motivation, everything. I am in Mississippi for the summer and if you don’t get out by 7am, it is hopeless (and probably not smart) to run. Any time of day, it is 90+% humidity. It has made me so much tougher! But I’m going to be in Utah this weekend and will have no humidity to run in!
Have you read Born to Run? It is all about ultramarathons and an AMAZING book! I think you would love it.

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I’ve run 5 ultra-marathons>1 50 miler & 4 50K’s, all on trails. They are different than road races & most ultra runners are so laid back and awesome. I still love marathons, but I enjoy my spring/summer ultras too.

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I am definitely NOT an ultramarathoner, but my husband has started running ultras. He’s been running with his great friend and mentor, who qualified for Western States (and will HOPEFULLY get a bid later this year!). The two of them just ran a 40-mile training run (WHAT?!) this past Saturday and talked all about running Badwater someday!

I definitely do not thrive in the heat, so this summer has been brutal! Way to kill your run, even in the sweltering heat!

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One of my gym instructors did an ultra marathon last year in 23 hours – crazy man!

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I’ve been doing ultras for a year now. I’ve done a 50k road, 2 50k trail, a 56k trail and a 100 mile trail and 2 250k stage races in the desert. Road races are so boring after doing trail ultras. The trail running community is much smaller and I think they are friendlier too.

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I want to bring V to the track with me, this is a great idea!

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I’m kinda on the other end of the ultra spectrum, both in distance and in temperature. My 3rd 50K was on the Iditarod Trail (snowmobile trails) in February across Alaska. It sorta rocked. :) I have no interest in the heat whatsoever.

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The running group I joined up with once we moved has a track workout every wednesday night in the summer. It’s killer-but I look forward to it. I’m hoping to talk my family into doing a couple track workouts with me when I’m in UT next week. I tried to bring my kids once when my husband had to work late-I caught one peeing under the bleacher, and another peed his pants all less than 5 minutes into my run so I swore off bringing them for a while.

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You and your sister look so cute!

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