Provo City Half Marathon Recap

I absolutely loved the Provo City 1/2 Marathon.  I will be back every year.  As much as I love traveling for races and seeing new areas, there is nothing like sleeping in your own bed on race night and running a course that you have done a million times in your training. 

I woke up at 5 and quickly got dressed and triple checked that I had everything with me.  My dad drove and we went and picked up the girls to head to the starting line.  It was so nice of my dad to drive us so that we didn’t have to wake up earlier to take the bus.   In the car I ate my bagel with jam, a banana and part of a granola bar.  I woke up really hungry and so I ate more than I usually do on race morning (usually I am too nervous to really eat much at all).  

The car ride to the start was a blast and even though I didn’t run the race with any of my friends, it is just so nice to have the before and after the race with them and to give each other pep talks.  

It was about 40 degrees at the start (MY FAVORITE RUNNING TEMPERATURE).  We did a 1 mile warm-up (about 10 minutes), walked around a little bit, dropped off the bags and made our way to the start.

The gun went off RIGHT at 7:00.  Honestly, this race was absolutely seamless.  The course was perfectly marked, plenty of volunteers/porta potties/aid stations and the finish line goodies were amazing.  

The girls… AMAZING!  (Jen ((1405)) finished in 1:19:xx and took first! Everyone else came in 1:26 and under…  they are all incredible)

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Sara saved my life.  I forgot my fuel in the car and she gave me one of her gus. Now that is a good friend. I absolutely NEED some sort of fuel for a race and so even though it was a gu, I knew I had to try it.

Thoughts= amazing.  This IS my new fuel for races.  The flavor was beyond good. Try the salted caramel gu asap.  It probably took me 2 miles to eat the whole thing because I just took a little bit at a time. I felt instant energy (maybe just the placebo effect..) and I loved it.  It was so nice to not have to chew anything like I normally do for fuel, I am a salted caramel convert.  I am going to try to take more water with it next time because my stomach did cramp a little from it. 

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Things I actually somewhat remember from the race:

-My iPod died at mile 12.  I know.  That was super annoying (isn’t it funny how such little things are really annoying when you are exhausted during a race). I turned to counting steps once that happened to keep my brain occupied.  I guess how many steps it will take me to get to the next street/light/finish etc to keep my brain from telling me to stop.  I do weird things.

-At one point a really smelly livestock semi drove by me and I thought the smell was going to kill me (another little thing that I was super dramatic about because I was tired).

-I felt stronger than I have at the end compared to previous half marathons… must be those 20 milers we have been doing.  

-The weather could not have been more perfect.  Spring races are the best… it is just the winter training that you have to endure through to get to the spring races.

-I loved finishing in downtown Provo on Center Street.  I have a lot of good memories in that area.  The marathon I am doing next month ends at that exact spot too!

-I can’t thank my mom and dad enough for all of their support.  My mom watches Brooke race mornings and brings her to the finish and that means so much to me.  

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More leg than you were probably hoping to see;)

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Call me cheesy but for that last .2 miles I really wanted to push it (I had a guy that I really wanted to pass and my legs were burning) I just kept saying, “Brooke, Brooke, Brooke” in my head and that pushed me because A) I was excited to see her and the faster I finished, the sooner I got to see her and B) She makes me really happy and thinking about her instead of my muscles almost exploding helped me to finish strong.

Exactly 13.1 miles on my garmin, I adore when that happens.

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Positive split for me… first half in 41 minutes (6.55 miles), second half in 43:43.  I’m okay with that because that is just how the course is.  The first half is easier (and the first 1.6 miles is really downhill which is great for speed but hard on the legs) than the second half so I feel like I gave an even effort throughout (although mile 10 I kind of fell apart for a few minutes and slowed down for no apparent reason, that mental game needs some work). 

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Did a slow cool-down and finished off the day with 16.4 miles and then an ice bath in the river.

Medal and the goodies (they had Trader Joe’s there!) from the finish line.  They also had french toast (from a really good restaurant in the area), popsicles and plenty of water at the finish line.

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A few people asked about my outfit.  Everything was ridiculously comfortable and I will probably wear the same thing for the next 45 races that I do.

(From Instagram—> HUNGRYRUNNERGIRL)

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You can find the TANK HERE.  Obsessed.

The shorts are the Nike Revel 2s and I got them at UTAH RUN (now located at 211 East State Street, American Fork, Utah).  They by far have the cutest running clothes that I have ever seen in a running store.  

And of course my BFF Brooks Pureflow 2s.  

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How often do you race?  How often would you like to race?

GU FANS!?!?! What is your favorite flavor?  Who has tried the salted caramel?

What is your goal for your next race?!?! 

Best part about your weekend?  Give me the details!

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133 comments

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congrats!! You are so amazingly fast.

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Wow, you girls are so speedy – congrats on a great race!!

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Congrats! Fantastic Race!

I don’t race too often. Usually a few races in the fall, a few in the spring and 1 in teh summer. I’d like to try to race more often!

I have never tried GU…. kind of grosses me out, but I don’t know how I couldn’t like that salted caramel flavor…looks like I’ll have to give it a try! Do you think it’s better than chews?

I was supposed to race a 10 miler yesterday but chose not to because of a nagging hip pain that I’ve been having…please go away!!! My next race is in 2 weeks..it’s a half marathon…I hope to PR…but we’ll see! Let’s get to the starting line healthy first.

My best part of my weekend was my 40 mile solo bike ride!

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You are a speedy bunch of girls! Excellent race, send your speedy vibes this way;) My goal race is a 1:40 half in September and a 4:00 full in October!

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Great race recap, and congrats on an incredible time!
I’m a GU fan and my favorite is the Espresso Love, yummy and I can use the caffeine boost.
My next race (and every race) goal: a PR! :)

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Is that guy behind you in the black the one you were gunning for? Looks like you reeled him in :)

Ugh to the livestock truck! That must been so brutal. I used to have to run past a pig farm. Gaggggggarrific.

Awesome job, Janae! Love the shots of you at the finish!

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A pig farm… Ouch! Yep, that is him:) hope you are having a great day!

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Great race, Congratulations!! You are SO fast. Never tried the salted caramel Gu but I will now.

Best part of my weekend was finally taking some steps without crutches. Underwent an ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair in my right knee and mentally it has been so tough. Miss running so much, but happy to be recovering.

Brooke is beautiful, you should very proud :)

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Woohoo!!! Way to go! It does look like a perfect race day.

I like chocolate GUs – some people say they can’t stand them, but I don’t mind them at all

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Congrats on such an amazing race Janae! You take super photogenic pictures when you’re running and I love your race day outfit! I race in spurts- sometimes it will be every weekend for a month or two, and other times i won’t race for 4-5 months. I don’t think my body can handle really frequent races even though I love them and would do them every day if I could.

I’m a swedish fish eater when it comes to race fuel. I don’t think I’d be a fan of the texture of gu, but everyone at the store I work at raves about the salted caramel flavor so it’s the only one I’d probably be interested in trying.

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Congratulations! This makes me really want to run a race. I ran four half marathons in the past year and I really want to do another one soon. My knee has been bothering me a bit, but I’m hoping some stretching/icing/strength training will take care of it. My goal is to break two hours this year!

I really like the salted caramel GU, but sometimes it gets a little too sweet for me. I like the chocolate ones that have caffeine in them a lot.

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Congrats on an awesome race! I love the Peanut Butter Gu and have used it in my last two races. April was a fun racing month for me and now for some time to build up mileage before marathon training : )

Have a great Monday!!!

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Great job! I did the Pittsburgh marathon relay yesterday and it was so fun! I love seeing all the half marathoners and full marathoners finish and see they pushed themselves! Loved it!

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Sounds like a great race! That scenery always amazes me. I usually take Gu as my fuel but I’ve never tried that flavor. I like tri-berry, peanut butter, and chocolate. Congrats on an awesome race!

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Never race enough!
I have never tried GU-just cant get past the consistency/texture. Although salted carmel intrigues me!

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You are crazy fast and I love your race outfit!!! :) I want that shirt- what size do you have?

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Thank you! It is a small! Seriously best top ever!

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Thanks Janae! Just ordered it :) I love your blog so much. You give me so much runspiration!!!

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Great Job Janae!!! All that hard winter training is paying off.

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WOW you are one fast girl! Haha my half marathon took my 2:05. Seriously, you are incredible.

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Great race Janae! Strawberry banana is my absolute favorite GU. I’ll have to try that race next year. I hope your having a Marvelous Monday!

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Best part of my weekend was my half marathon PR!! I beat my last time by 8 minutes!!

I find that I fuel better with honey stinger waffles than GU, but want to try the salted caramel ;)

Great job in your half :) You are so stinkin’ speedy!!!

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Ahhhhh huge congrats on your EIGHT minute pr!!!!!

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I’ll have to check out the salted carmel flavor- it looks delicious! I LOVE your outfit for the race- so cute and colorful! Congrats on running a really solid race.

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Amazing! You and your friends are the speediest ladies!!!

I race less than five times per year. I put so much pressure on myself leading up to the race and most of the time would rather just run for fun with a goal that I have a couple of months to train for.

I’m not a Gu fan … the peanut butter flavor is okay in a pinch for me, but I prefer chomps!

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Congrats!!! 6:28 pace is so fast!! I can’t even do 1 mile at that pace.

I haven’t tried the salted caramel gu but I’ll have to check it out… I usually stick with the strawberry banana or mixed berry :)

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Congrats on an amazing race!!

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Congrats speedster!
I can’t stand Gus. The texture and temperature make me gag. I always fuel with Honey Stinger waffles or gummies.
I wish I raced more, I haven’t even signed up for one yet this spring! Still coming back from having my baby in January, and I’m afraid to race because I know my time will be slower and even though it shouldn’t matter, I think I’m prideful.

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Great recap! You and your speedy ladies are so inspiring.
I have running events on the calendar every month except August but none are really goal races at this point.

My niece turned 14 yesterday and spending time celebrating with her was by far the best part of my weekend.

I don’t use gu but I hear so many love that salted caramel flavor.

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Congrats on a great race! I am rather jealous of your finish line goodies – ours yesterday really need some work lol…I may try the GU now that you are totally raving about it. I usually go with jelly beans but you have me interested in giving this a try.

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You are AMAZING!!! Congrats girl, you are such an inspiration what an fantastic finish!

My favorite races are half marathons! I race all the time…for me that is just one of my favorite things to do so I try to do at least some sort of race whether it be a 5k or not every month.

I love GU!! Before my last half marathon a couple of weeks ago I almost got the salted caramel, but went with the chocolate instead because that’s what I always use but I do the same thing that you did…I take a little bit at a time and spread it out over a mile or so!

Best part of my weekend was going to a bachelorette party in Chicago! It was a blast :)

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I race very very infrequently. If I had unlimited funds and time I’d race once every three or so weeks, but different kinds of race.

My next race is wednesday- hill race- and the goal is to finish faster than last year!

This weekend i had a great Saturday with my girls: haircuts, bowling, dinner and a few drinks, then sunday after working on the am I had posh afternoon tea (sandwiches and cakes etc) with my mum, aunt and grandmother- a very girl focused weekend!

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Congratulations! Looks like a great race and I love the pics at the finish! I don’t race all that often (only been running for a year) but I just signed up for my first marathon. It will be the Baystate Marathon in October. I am kind of freaking out! Maybe I can turn into Shalane or Kara by the end of the summer ;) have a good Monday.

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I hate GU’s…but in my quest to find something that works for me…I have to say the salted carmel GU’s are by far and away the best!!!!! I used them in my last marathon…they still don’t sit completely well in my stomach….but they are the best!
My next 1/2 is the end of this month and I want to break 1:30.
Your livestock truck makes me laugh because when we lived in Iowa one of those would always pass me on my runs….such a pain…I would be like gasping for fresh air!!!

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I didn’t run a race this weekend, but I was a spectator at my first marathon. We ran around parts of the city to watch the Pittsburgh Marathon yesterday. I’ve never watched the elite field finish in person – only on TV – and it was incredible to watch and be a part of. So inspiring!

Congrats on your half marathon…I’m going to have to try the salted caramel GU…I’ve been hesitant, but you’ve convinced me.

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Congrats on another great race!!! You are so fast!! You look so strong in those finish line pics! I laughed out loud about the livestock truck! Sometimes I wish we could record our thoughts during a run or race.
Gu is the only fuel I use now. I used to eat the Sport Beans, but I like just taking the Gu all at once and being done. I always know when I didn’t drink enough water with one though, hello side cramp. My favorite flavor is Espresso Love, I love the extra caffeine kick.

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Wowza you girls are fast!! Great race!

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I really like the salted caramel gu! It takes me a few miles to eat it though and I always sip water while eating it or my stomach cramps up. Congrats on a great race!!

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LOVE the salted caramel GU!! I discovered them last fall and was so excited since salted caramel is my absolute favourite. I buy them by the box!

Your race sounds like it was awesome. Sadly, the 1/2 I ran on Sunday was poorly planned, expensive and the course was LONG! I still PB’d but am ticked that my PB was actually by alot more but the Internets won’t reflect that. I’m weird about that kind of thing.

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Great race report!

Thinking about you today.

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COngratulations! You did GREAT! And I love th at all of your friends were just as fast as you!! I ma going to look for those shorts when I go shopping today. I just NEED them as I LOVE turqoise!!! :)

I like that your mantra was Brooke in the end. Honestly, sometimes I chant things like that too to get/keep me going strong!!!

My next race is this saturday, i cannot WAIT!

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Congrats on a great race! I don’t consider myself a cheesy person but I ALWAYS think about my kids during the last mile of a race and combined with the adrenaline it seems to propel me to the finish line! (and I sometimes get choked up too!) I saw an ad for that salted caramel and really not sure if I could handle all that flavor during a race…they all taste way too sweet to me to begin with but maybe the “salt” part counteracts that?

Ideally I would love to race 1/month, but it seems like I’ll have 2 races one month and then none for a couple more…etc. I have a 10k this weekend and another one in june and I am hoping to at least come CLOSE to my pre-injury PR, although weather this time of year can be too warm. So we’ll see. Really just looking to have fun and a nice adrenaline kick from racing.

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Congrats on your awesome race time! It amazes me how fast you are! Yesterday, I ran in my first marathon relay. Our team did great and better than we expected. We were all thrilled! It was pretty awesome seeing the fastest runners coming through while waiting at our relay exchanges. Blows my mind that people can run that fast for that long!

I have never counted my steps before but I did yesterday too! I was near the end but hitting a mental wall so I was trying to distract myself.

While it was my first relay race, I have raced individually before, but I still love the amazing support that the crowd gives to everyone and the racers give to each other. The whole race experience and energy is awesome.

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Girl, you are crazy fast!! I seriously hope that one day I can be running in the 6’s. Congrats on your time :). My favorite part of the weekend was just honestly being able to see my boyfriend and being able to hang out with him, and of course our bike/skateboard ride, that was fun :)

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That is the best flavor GU. I use GU on my training runs but on races I think PowerBar gels go down a lot easier since they are a lot thinner. The chocolate outrage GU is really yummy too :)
Congrats on a fabulous race!!! I did a lot of back to back long races through the winter and started to feel a little burned out so now I’m just in regroup mode and taking it easy until marathon training starts back up in July.

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Wow, great run, Janae! All that training (and knowing when you needed a break) really paid off. Your friends are super speedy!

I love that you were thinking about Brooke. I think about my little girls when I run, and it definitely keeps me going when I want to stop.

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I love the salted caramel gu but I just can’t touch it in anything longer than a half because it totally kills my stomach. I use to race at least once a month but I’m not racing so often anymore because I’d rather improve my time and train a little harder.

Also, I have those shorts too in the exact same color and they are the most comfortable EVER! Great job and you look super strong in your pictures!

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Last year I did 3 1/2 marathons and 1 full. This year I am sticking to 1/2’s. I’ve done 1 so far and I have 3 more on the books :) So apparently, I’m doing around 4/year.
I like Gu, at least I like the energy it gives me. So far, the peanut butter is my fav, and yes, you have to drink it with water.
My goal for my next race is <1:50 for a hilly 1/2
Best part of my weekend was coming home to see my family after being out of town for a work trip.

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You know you are super speedy when the crowds haven’t lined the finish line and there is no one around you in those last few pictures. Yep. Your amazing. That is all;)

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congrats on an awesome race! you and your friends are SPEEDY. so awesome about trader joes at the finish line, by the way haha

I dont race that often…usually a fall marathon, a half in spring or fall, a ten miler in summer and spring and maybe a couple others. i would like to race more often, however. i ran the Broad Street 10 miler in philly yesterday…it wasnt a PR but I was happy that i kept a steady pace since usually i go out too fast and suffer! haha! I am running a 10k on MDW, too.

i have actually never tried GU…the consistency always grossed me out. I usually do shot blocs. maybe ill try GU in a training run though.

my goal for my next race (the 10k) is (1) negative splits and (2) PR

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Congrats on a great race! And I have to thank you for posting your half marathon playlist recently. I adapted it for a 10K this weekend and set a new PR. I loved the tunes you suggested – thank you!! Way to go this weekend!

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I strive to run like you.

My weekend was sub par at best..but man oh man, I know what you mean about those gu’s. They are hamazing.

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Congrats on a great race! Salted Caramel GU is my favorite too. It was just seasonal over the holidays but thankfully they make it yearround now. That’s really nice that your friend gave you some too!

I’m amazed at how seamless you say the race was. I have yet to run a race that was really well put together. My marathon yesterday was kind of a disaster when it came to start time, water stations, etc. Oh well!

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Awesome job!!! I love your mantra at the end ;)

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Ps. Great job in your half!

I LOVE to race… In april I raced every weekend except one… May, will probably be about the same… I won’t this weekend bc I have a REALLY long run.

I’ve been chasing 1:30 for the half… I just ran a half this weekend and while I pr’d I didn’t hit 1:30…. I’m debating doing another half in two wks. It’s suppose to be a VERY flat course, but I’m waiting to see the weather.

Best part of my weekend was meeting up with old friends on Long Island. We watched our children play together, drank wine and had a lot of laughs and great food!!!!

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What a GREAT recap. I’m always so impressed with your running strength. You have your struggles but you push through and totally kick it up and finish strong. Such a strong runner, Janae. The Gu sounds delicious… I love caramel.

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Congrats on your awesome race!

I hate GU–sorry. :) I think they have the nastiest tasting gels. Hammer gels are the best!

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Wowzers- that is some fast running! I ran my half in my pure flows this weekend too, they were just lovely :)

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Nice work lady!! Your form is incredible. I need help with that, especially at the end of a race when I’m tired. You’re amazing!!! So in awe of you.

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awesome race!! that IS a cute tank. i also randomly count footfalls or seconds while i run sometimes… it’s all about the mind games :)

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It had been 5 months since my last race…until yesterday when I ran the BMO Vancouver 8k. I had signed up for the Half but dropped it down when I was almost constantly since between Jan-April and had a ton of other things go on personally that threw off my training. Definitely not a PR, but it was really great to just run with no grand expectations and to just enjoy the gorgeous views of Stanley Park, downtown Vancouver, and the North Shore mountains! :) My next race is the Run for Water in Abbotsford BC in 3 weeks, and after that the Rock n’ Roll Vancouver Half in the fall. I can’t wait to train all summer long! Early morning summer training runs are my absolute favourite!

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Wow, you made out like a bandit with race swag! You and your friends are so speedy!!

I usually only race a few times a year…though this year and last year are definitely less. I think I’m counting giving birth as my 2014 marathon.

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Good job on the finish! I love the roctane gu in any of the flavors. I need the caffeine.

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Congrats! You are so fast………..I can’t even imagine being that fast! I guess I would like to do about 3 races a year, more than that gets hard with a full time job and hot summers!!

The only gu I can stand is chocolate outrage, probably because it has the consistency of icing rather than gel……………but I got pretty messy eating it in my marathon and had chocolate all over my hands! I want to try the salted caramel!!

I have a half marathon on June 7th…………hot here in the South! My ultimate goal is to break 2 hours (last year I finished this particular race in 2:03) but I will be happy just to finish, seeing as I don’t know what to expect weather wise………..we could have 85 degree weather, or torrential rainfall and thunderstorms that day, so unpredictable!

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And best part of my weekend……….participating in a dragon boat race for charity!!

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I wanted to do the Provo half but had other races! I love it when races are well put together. I’ll have to put it on my list for next year.
Also will have to try the gu, been struggling with fuel for my longer races and rides and so far i haven’t found anything good.

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Congrats on another speedy race!!

I’m not a fan of gu….it’s a texture thing. But salted caramel anything can’t be bad, right?!

This year I have been racing more than usual. It’s good for me to have some goals to keep my training up. However, I have a race this weekend and I’m really not looking forward to it. It’s an 18 miler (I know, weird distance) and it will be the longest I’ve ran since my marathon in March. I’m also doing this one alone, so maybe that’s why I’m not as psyched about it.

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You are so speedy! I can’t stomach the texture of Gu, so I have to go with something more solid for fuel during a race.

No races in the immediate future on the horizon for me. I have a 10k in June and a half marathon in September that I will start training for soon.

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I’m so happy for you Janae and I know how motivating it must have been for your upcoming marathon. It sounds like Utah is such a fun place to run. I do agree with you, I had the option to stay at a friends house for my 10 miler this weekend but honestly nothing beats just sleeping in your own bed on your own schedule. I woke up at the same time I would have anyways.

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I am a HUGE gu fan. My favorite is definitely the salted caramel, too. :) It was one of the first ones I tried, and I’m definitely going to stick with it. It just seemed like it gave me more energy than the others, and it tastes the best. :) They cause very slight cramping for me, but it’s totally worth it.

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Happy Cinco De Mayo! A great excuse to eat Mexican food today. ;=)

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Congratulations!! Amazing. I am coming to Utah in July and can’t wait to go to the Utah Run store.

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GREAT JOB!!!! The scantron tank is seriously the best. I want (need?) one in every color.

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I have only done 2 half marathons, and both within 5 months of having babies, so my goal was just to drag myself across the finish line… I don’t have as much time to devote to running as I would like, so my next race will be a local one in the fall – City to Sea, ends at the beach, and I’m determined to REALLY train for this one and set some ambitious goals…
Espresso Love Gu is awesome (extra caffeine!), but salted caramel sounds yummy, gotta try it!
This weekend was filled with lots of fun at the beach & park with family & friends – but listening to my 4 & 2 year olds singing the Frozen soundtrack was the best part of my weekend (actually the best part of everyday is hearing them sing – it’s just so stinking cute!)…
And now it’s back to work – the weekends are just too short!!

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I knew you would love that flavor! Goal next race… Break 130. Thank you again for setting the pace! You’re the best!

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That is my goal for a half, Sara! When I come to Utah in July, I am going to visit Utah Run. Maybe we can discuss training strategy for breaking 1:30 :)

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Salted Caramel is my absolute favorite! You blog makes me miss running sooooo bad. I am 9 weeks pregnant and my morning sickness has been so bad I haven’t been able to workout at all. I’m hoping soon I can get back!

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I don’t race often now because I am in grad school, but I kind of like it that way because it keeps racing a special experience and a chance to see progress.

GU has always tasted a bit too sugary to me but I still like it! :) The best part of my weekend was celebrating the Kentucky Derby! I live in Ky, so it’s a really fun time! :D

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Congrats! Looks like a pretty race from the pictures. It always helps when there is good scenery. I did the San Diego R&R a few years ago and it was all highway. I hated it. I haven’t signed up yet for my next race, but it’s on my mind. It’s only been 3 weeks since I’ve recovered from my foot injury. I’m having mental difficulty pushing beyond 10 miles right now. I could always do 13 miles no problem so not sure what’s going on there. Maybe I need to give my body more time.

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Girl you are a hover craft at the end!! Great job!

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Good job! I’m not a racer because I’m just way way too slow but I do enjoy waiting at the finish line to congratulate friends and family who raced. My sister is doing her first triathlon in July and I’ll be waiting for her at the finish.

Best part of the weekend was watching the Bruins win on Sunday and just having a nice relaxing day with my boyfriend

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Congrats on the great race! Love Gus! Chocolate outrage is my fave (it’s like eating a tablespoon of fudge!) and I use it running and biking. Just make sure you drink enough water with it, as I’ve ended up with leg cramps doing long rides over passes.

Did bloomsday yesterday and it was great! I’ve never run with so many people in my life… There was no room to pass, and my pace varied so much because of it. Any advice on how to do better with this on huge races?

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Way to go Janae! You are training with the right girls to get your sub-3! Congratulations!

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I ran the Provo half on Saturday as well. I really do enjoy that race. I had my best time ever in a half. I finally came in under two hours. My last 2.1 miles I had to do in 17 minutes to get my goal and I did it. I imagined that everyone else in the race was feeling as tired as I was, they were still running and so I kept going. The salted caramel gu is my favorite. I got some for Christmas and have been hooked ever since.

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Huge congrats Megan!!!! Way to finish strong!!!

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WoW!!! Your whole group did amazing! You girls kicked booty! Congratulations!!

I do 2-3 half marathons each year. That is enough for me. Keeps me motivated without burning out. Sometimes I’ll throw in a duathlon for fun and I’m always up for a 5K if someone needs someone to do it with them.

I LOVE Gu. I use vanilla flavor because I know it won’t upset my stomach. The salted carmel sounds delicious. I might need to try it.

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Is it ok that it made me teary? I miss racing and all my friends. I need my lower limbs to work with me this year, because they have held me back for 2 years straight. Tomorrow is the BIG St. Geezy announcement. I hope we both get in.

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Well done Janae! Delighted for you!

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So fast!!! Such a strong finish…you’re such an inspiration. I’m running a half in 2 weeks and I’m hoping for 2:30. I’m SO SLOW but I am proud of myself for even running that far. It’s the little things in life…like running races and people cheering for you at the finish line! Congrats!!

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I love the salted caramel gu. I buy them in boxes and go through them faster than any other flavor:p

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congrats, janae! you are so speedy! all those 20 milers are definitely making you an even better runner. you’re going to absolutely crush your upcoming marathon! =)

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Way to go on the half!!!

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Great job! Your time amazes me, and motivates me to train harder! I love your recaps!!! What kind of Oakley’s are you wearing?

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I haven’t run any long distances lately so I haven’t needed gu– but I keep seeing that salted caramel flavor and kinda want to start training for something just so I have an excuse to try it! haha

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Congrats my beautiful friend. Love everything about this and you!

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You are so so speedy. How do you run so fast and look so beautiful at the same time?!?
Sending positive vibes and prayers your way, I know today might be a sensitive time for you.
You got that sub-3 no prob :)

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You look so strong driving to the finish line. Amazing!
I have a 10km race on June 1, my first race back since injury. I usually only run in about 2 races per year, but due to the injury I haven’t raced for a couple of years. I am so super thankful to be back! No goals set at this point, just glad to race at all. Hope to run a half in the summer, and maybe one in the fall too.
I hate GUs, mostly because of the texture…and also because of the time that a chocolate one oozed down the leg of my running tights. Let’s just say it could have been mistaken for something other than chocolate…

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I ran the Vancouver Marathon! My quads are toast this morning. The weather was rough rain and wind the whole race. But I finished!

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I have not seen a more beautiful mid stride in my life! SO STRONG, Janae, SO STRONG! In more ways than one <3

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Salted Caramel are by fat my favorite Gu! Second is peanut butter, but you aren’t joking about the extra energy it gives. I have tried other caffeinated Gu’s but none give me the energy the salted caramel does. It is a seasonal flavor (winter flavor) so if you really love it you can order it on Amazon, that is what I had to do for my half in DC.

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I used GU for years, but recently switched over to pomegranate Honey Stingers. I want to go on a long run every day just so I can eat them! Yum!

I met a bellow blogger for the first time and run 14 trail miles in Great Falls Park along the Potomac River on Saturday. It was very fun!

I’m racing once a month this year… a mixture of halves, 5K’s, and ten-milers. So fun!

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Way to go!!!

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You go girl! Loved your recap. I’m glad it was such a great race! Love your tank and shorts!

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Congrats on a fantastic race!! The salted caramel is amazing! I’m also an Espresso Love fan.

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OISELLE is the BEST!!!! I just discovered them here in Charlotte along with INKnBURN!!!! Great job! I did not do a 1/2 this past weekend but I did do a 5k to benefit juvenile diabetes!!! My hubby was there and my sisn law, bro n law and amazing little nephew came to cheer me on!!! Love those family fans!

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Do the tanks run true to size? Smaller or larger? I’d love to order one online. It looks like the perfect tank top!

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I feel like the small is a little bigger than most smalls which I love!!! Does that make sense?

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Awesome race!! Way to push yourself! I love that thinking of Brooke helps you finish strong!

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Congratulations, Girlio! Sounds like an awesome race.

Totally know what you mean about sleeping in your own bed and being really familiar with a course. We have so many half marathons around here that it’s easy for me to do.

I go back and forth on the GUs. For a while that’s all I did. Then I did shot bloks for a while. Now I’m back to GUs. Haven’t tried the salted caramel, but duh….I will! My go to flavor on the GUs has been vanilla. My million dollar idea for them would be to make them with a resealable top like the baby food/applesauce packets that are all the rage now. Like you, it’s rare that I’d ingest one all at once. And those things are STICKY! so if you end up not eating it at once, you will undoubtedly end up with sticky fingers.

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So, did you beat the guy you were trying to catch? :)

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The Provo half was my first half. I did it the week before I moved away. One of my professors convinced me to do saying it would be a good closing chapter to my time there. I’m so glad that I did it :) And I’m so glad you did amazing!

best part of my weekend was hiking. It was warm (some said it was hot) here (San Diego) and I hit the trails with my dog.

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I ran the race too! Not as fast as you but I had a PR of 1:47! I’m really excited about it. I used to do the gu chomps but this race I used honey stingers pomegranate passion flavor. No stomach cramps for me.

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I don’t think that exact Garmin thing has happened to me yet!

But you are so right, there is nothing like sleeping in your own bed on race day eve, and knowing where you’re going. Makes everything much much easier I feel like!

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Congratulations on a race well-run. Sometimes positive splits are the best way to go–just look at this year’s Boston and realize every race is individual and there’s no one ideal or rule.

So are you and the girls planning on forming a pack in any upcoming races? Since you’re similar speeds it might work out in a marathon…

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Girl you are amazing!!! And wow, 13.1 exactly on your Garmin?! Way to go!

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Wow you are speedy!!! Way to finish so strong!!!

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I’m a gu girl for sure. The salted caramel is the best but I don’t think I really dislike any of them, except maybe lemon sublime because, gross. I can’t chew anything when I’m running so I’ve never understood chomps or things like that. You definitely have to have water with the gu though. You are a brave lady, trying out a new fuel on race day! I am so freaked out about that I probably would have just suffered through with no fuel and paid for it later.

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Ahhhh you’re just amazing!! Congrats on the race!!

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I’m on a half marathon race per month. Started last September. The OC (half) Marathon yesterday was number 8. I sprinkled in a few marathons in that 12 month span as well. Phoenix back in March and Big Cottonwood to cap it off in September. Thanks for sharing your race recap…you ladies are uber fast! Stay blessed! TSA

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Congrats on your great race! You are a superstar runner and such an inspiration to a newbie runner like me!

I have a question about Gu and other gels. I know most runners take them over the course of a couple miles because you absorb it better that way (and it causes less discomfort). What do you do with it in the meantime? Do you just hold it in your hand or put it away? And when you’re fueling, do you keep running while you’re “eating”? I have been trying out different products to see what works best, and I think that I tolerate most things well with no tummy trouble. I have been trying to eat them while continuing to run too.

Thanks!

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I like Gu, the chocolate reminds me of chocolate buttercream and the Power Gel orange creamsicle flavor is freaking delicious! I definitely prefer gels over chews. And your half time is amazing! One day I’ll break a 2 hour half, just no idea when!

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Congrats on a fantastic race!

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Congratulations! I’m not a race girl but love to hear about yours!

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Salted caramel gu?! Wow, sounds quite tasty! Congrats on doing so well on the race!

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Whoa, I’ve followed your blog for about a year and didn’t realize you ran this! So cool. I must’ve seen you at the start.
Is there a group that trains in the Provo/Orem area? I’m looking for other ladies around this speed to train with.

Thanks,
Marren

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You are crazy fast. I currently have a very swollen knee…so I bought a new grid roller and put myself on the injured list

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You are SO FAST! This post makes me want to sign up for a race!

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Congrats on a great race!
I scheduled 4 races this year so far, and maybe will be 5 soon. I’m pretty new to running regularly so this season is an experiment. I also don’t run very far at this point 10k will be my max this year) so I haven’t had the need to try fuel like Gu.

One of the places I train starts by the city sewer plant. The smell is awful and it’s a good reason to hurry through that part of my run. If the rest of the trail wasn’t so perfect (and not too far to drive), I wouldn’t dream of putting myself through the stench. It actually makes me really angry to smell it since it’s right by the river and I think they should run a cleaner facility. Cattle trucks are nasty and you have to watch for projectiles!

My next race is Saturday. My goal is to finish faster than the last two years I’ve run it. Should be a reasonable expectation since I’ve trained far more seriously than ever before.

Have a great week!

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Congrats on your speedy half. Your upcoming marathon will be a piece of cake :) I loved this race recap and I agree that although “away” races are great, there is something special about home races. As for the salted caramel GU, it is obvious that you have way more of a sweet tooth than me ;)

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Congrats on the really awesome finish time! I do really like the new salted caramel Gu! But when it’s hot outside (most of the time here) my favorite is the Island Nectar flavor.

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Your speed makes me wish I was super fast. I PR’d this weekend in the half (1:41:55) and am definitely proud of myself but, wow, congrats to you on your regular speedster running ways.

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Amazing job!!!!

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So fast! For me, 8 min/mi is speedy. How do you get so fast?

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