We are figuring out what is going on…

I am absolutely blown away by your comments/emails yesterday.  I can’t even explain to you how much you guys have helped! 

I’m going to keep this post short because I am pretty tired/weak/nauseated/woozy as I write about this (I write my morning posts at night and schedule them for the next day) but I wanted to fill you in on what they found!  

PS I do not like needles but as I was writing that I realized nobody actually likes needles so it is kind of pointless to say because it is probably just a worldwide fact.  

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They found 2 problems during the scope that were the causes to all of my symptoms.  I am so relieved to have answers and to be on a plan that should get me back to feeling good again soon.  The next few days will still feel pretty awful but knowing it won’t be this way for much longer helps a ton!

They found inflammation in my stomach and they took 2 biopsies.  He said one of the ares is almost at ulcer level and that is why it is so painful—>  aka why I haven’t been able to eat much at all for the last few weeks.  They also found a problem in my colon and I am on a lot of medicine for that.  

PS I was hoping to be wearing a garmin and not a hospital band this weekend but things don’t always go according to our plan and that is okay.  

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I was pretty excited about the socks that they gave me… almost as good as running socks:)

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With the problems found during the scope I asked what would have happened if I had tried to run the marathon.  The answers were—>  a lot of pain and I wouldn’t have made it at all because of the second problem.   I know I made the right decisions and I’ll come back stronger and fitter for my next race.   

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And three more pictures from our day (I am pretty sure I am now sleep writing so yeah…)

1.  Doggies in each hand 90% of the day.

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2.  Megan and Lindsey stopped over and Brooke was pretty thrilled to see them.  I think I have been a little too boring for her lately:)

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3.  What happens when I tell her it is bedtime.  She is pretty good at hiding.  

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Good luck to all of the St. George runners!  You are going to crush it and I’ll be there next year with ya!  

What do you have going on this weekend???

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94 comments

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Feel better! Glad you’re getting some answers. Sending hugs :)

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Im so sorry you’re not out there running but your health is much more important! I hope you are feeling better soon!!

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Relieved to hear they found some things! Hopefully you’ll be in the road to recover and running your next race!

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Glad to know you have a diagnosis and are being treated properly. Everything happens for a reason, we just can’t always see it. Listen to your doctor and take care of yourself.
Thanks for keeping us posted :-)

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did they find lymphocytic colitis by chance? Inflammation in the colon? And gastritis? I have had life long stomach issues and swear giardia threw me back into a tailspin when I got it! I had LOTS of helpful advice as far as making it feel better- especially without medicication (I didn’t want steroids). In sorry you are going through this! It really is the worst. Let me know if you want info!!!

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Sometimes the hardest part of being sick is not knowing why, so I am sure it is a relief to know! Good luck!

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Janae,

I am so sorry for the recent turn of events but am glad you have some answers. Last year, one week out from the Chicago Marathon (my FIRST marathon ever!!) I collapsed on a taper run and was found to have three pelvic stress fractures. It was devastating, and I can empathize with how you feel now. What I have learned from all this, having just completed my first race back, is that the body really is one amazing thing. After 5 months of crutches I thought I was going to be broken forever, but just like fractures, and GI issues, the body will heal. All in good time with good care. Look out for yourself number one and remember that we are never given anything we cannot handle. Thinking of you!

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What a very good thing you didn’t run! Nothing is more important than your health!! Sending good thoughts and prayers for your speedy recovery!!

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Oh my gosh Janae, I’m so glad you didn’t try to run this weekend! I hope you feel better ASAP! Take care of yourself- sending positive, healing thoughts your way

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I am so glad you have a diagnosis and know you won’t be feeling this way much longer. That has to be a huge relief. For me I always want to know what is wrong and not be left to wonder if I’ll ever feel good again. Hopefully soon you can have a donut to drown some marathon sorrows and then start back on the running road. This weekend I am boring, lots of laundry and baking, games with the kids and college football. I am in North Carolina and the rain we are having is almost at biblical levels so trying to find stuff to do indoors. Take care!

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God luck in your recovery Janae!
I am so glad that the doctors found out the cause of your pain, and that now you can work towards getting better!
Thinking of you

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Feel better!
Rest it up now.
You will tear it up on the next race.
The irony is that you managed an entire training cycle injury free.
Sigh. Hang in there

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get better soon! Stay tough! I’ll run a few miles for you tomorrow.???

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Wow…DEFINITELY good that you didn’t try running the race! But now, with knowing what’s going on, as opposed to all the uncertainty, there’s a plan to get you healthy. Hope you feel better soon!

My weekend plans? Lots of relaxation today and running a marathon tomorrow, with the goal of it being my first sub-4:00. But, I’ll take nailing the race nutrition, which I’ve been struggling with, over the time goal. :-)

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I’m so glad you found some answers. Take care of yourself and rest a lot this weekend. There will always be another marathon!

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I’m relieved for you that you have a diagnosis and a plan forward; not knowing is the worst. Prayers for a speedy recovery and an even speedier next race! :)

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Take care of yourself and hope you feel better soon!!!

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I’m so sorry to hear about your tummy issues, that sounds so miserable. You definitely made the right decision re the marathon. You will come back from this even stronger, like you always do! Feel better soon & rest up.

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I’m so sorry to hear about this. I’ve really enjoyed reading about your training. Glad that you are getting treatment. You’ll be back on the pavement soon (and you’ll be healthy). Get some good rest and feel better!

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I so glad you’re able to get answers!!!
I have an 18 miler. It’s crazy that it’s my drop week mileage, lol!

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So glad they are getting you some answers. Do they know the cause? I am getting from your posts that these are manageable/curable conditions? Get better fast, we want to see you in your awesome running, casual wardrobe and posts of beautiful Utah. Hospital gown/posts :(

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I’m glad you have that little Brooke to keep your spirits up. She’s adorable and I’m sure she’s also pretty entertaining.

I hope that you will be better soon so you can start working on plan b.

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I am so glad you had the scope and found answers. At least you know what it is and are focused toward healing yourself. I don’t like guessing the diagnosis and trying medications. Rest up and feel better!! I have a Breast Cancer 5k on Sunday and the weather is finally getting a bit cooler for Florida, 68 degrees in the morning, so I am looking forward to it.

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Good to hear they have a plan to get you feeling better again! Prayers for you and Brook that life gets back to normal soon!

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Janae-I have been reading your blog every day for years and have never commented but I have to today bc I went thru the same thing! I had gastritis and two ulcers and you are 100% doing the right thing bc running actually aggravates them which I kearned the hard way thru two emergency surgeries! You WILL get better and be a more patient stronger person on the other side. Its frustrating and not fair, but God only gives us what we can handle. Running will always be there and you’ll appreciatr running at a whole new level. I ran Boston this year and cried so hard for 90% of the race it was a serious breathing problem ;)
Thank you for your blog.
Xo

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At least you can be properly treated now! Let the healing begin. I hope you feel better soon.

The concert I was attending is cancelled due to the high winds and flooding in NYC. I am going to run, treadmill if it doesn’t stop. I would like to avoid getting hit with a tree branch. Mani/pedi since I am going to my friends wedding tomorrow!

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Oh man–I am so sorry you’re going through that. It sounds so miserable. That said, I’m glad the Drs will be able to help! And huge bummer on the race, but I’m glad you got more confirmation from he doctor that it would have been a problem to run it. Your time will come! Take care of your recovery from this issue, sort out the stresses you have control over, and hopefully you can go into your next marathon with an easier emotional load! I am 100% rooting for you whenever you run this race :)

Good luck with your recovery from these GI issues. I’m glad you have your family so close!

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So glad you’re getting some answers and not just trying to ignore the problem. There are going to be marathons the rest of your life. No hurry!!

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Getting some solid answers is always such a relief. Hope you start feeling better soon, Janae. Sending tonnes of good vibes your way <3

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I’m glad you are getting answers Jamae. You are smart and you will come back stronger.

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I’m so happy you got answers! And also relieved for you that you ended up not doing the race. That would have been awful! Feel better soon :)

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Glad they were able to figure things out quickly instead of putting you through more tests! Rest up and get better soon!

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Get well soon, Janae. You’ll be back to running before you know it and we are all here to keep you company while you heal.

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Sorry to hear things aren’t going as planned for your race but glad you are on the up and up! I spoke at the Twin Cities marathon expo yesterday about nutrition for running performance and I plan to walk over to the race course near my apartment and cheer on some marathoners tomorrow! Hope you feel better soon.

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I was really crossing my fingers for you that the problems were just stress and that they would go away — but I hope that you’ll be cured with the doctors help very, very soon!

P.S. I thought that childbirth (or in my case labor then an emergency c-section) would help me get over my fear of needles — but nope. I still am just as afraid as ever! Needles just stink!

Feel better soon, Janae!

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I’m glad to hear they’ve figured out what’s wrong so
You can start to feel better soon. I really hope the colon issue isn’t anything too bad. Rest up and get better!

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Sending prayers for your strength and quick recovery! Glad they found out what it is. Hopefully you’ll be out there again in no time!!

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I’m so glad they have figured out the problem and can start helping you! Obviously you made the right decision about the race but I know you will come back stronger than ever. I hope you are feeling back to yourself very soon!

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So glad that you found what was wrong. I know we have never met, but I’ve been following you for years and feel like we are friends (is that weird??). There will always be races, but there is only ONE Janae. Hang in there and keep up your awesome attitude!

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I’m glad that you’ve gotten some answers. Now knowing what’s wrong and how to treat it must be a huge relief. You’re in my thoughts and I hope you’re feeling back to normal as soon as possible.

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Prayers sent for a speedy and easy recovery! I’m glad to hear that the dr found out what is going on so you can come back healthier and stronger!

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So glad you are getting answers!! Still saying prayers and sending positive vibes! :)

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I am so sorry you have to go through all theis. Bit I am glad that they figured out what’s wrong. Hopefully you have a speedy recovery. :)

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I’m sending healing thoughts your way.
Hope to hear soon that you are enjoying an apple fritter with a diet coke!

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Glad you’re get answers. Speedy healing!

I’m resting and hydrating like a boss today. 25k race tomorrow!

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* getting answers. Duh.

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Rest well, Janae!
So relieved you have some answers and can start healing and moving forward. This seriously shows how tough you are…but also so smart to back off just when you needed to, even though it was an extremely difficult decision.

Sending love & positive vibes.

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I’ve been following your blog for a little while now, but posting is a first! I’m really glad they found out what has been going on (not knowing is always stressful). Praying for a fast and steady recovery! Your progress has been really inspiring, and has pushed me to get to the next level.

Today is just lounging around for tomorrow’s half! It’s my 4th and looking to sub 1:30 it!

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So glad they’re going to fix things for you! I totally dedicated my windy, rainy 12 miles to you this morning, btw. (East coast, so hurricane-related weather.) I thought of you when I wanted to stop and it motivated me to keep going. So thanks for that! :-) Can’t wait to hear about your recovery and how awesome you’ll feel getting back to your normal self.

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So glad you found the answers to your ill health. Wishing you better real quick. Just being with the beautiful brookers and those lovely hugs she gives you will keep you strong im sure.
Sending best wishes to you and your mum. She is amazing. Xx

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Janae – I am so so sorry. This really sucks. I want you to know that as cheese balls as it is, during my 12 mile run this morning I thought of you and took a second to be thankful that I was out there able to do it. I was getting a little frustrated with my pace so I tried to focus on that. Next thing I knew I was speeding.

Also, you have such a great attitude but remember it’s okay to be pissed off! You worked so hard for this and timing is everything with marathon training so it’s totally valid to be upset.

Okay last thing…I am a nurse so I hope it makes you feel a LITTLE better that once an IV is inserted it is a small flexible piece of plastic in your arm and the needle is only used to put it in. Hope you are feeling okay.

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I didn’t know that about IVs. Thanks!

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I’m glad you have some answers! Hopefully you’re feeling an I to normal again soon and I’m sure you’ll crush your next marathon!!

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I know it’s tough to miss that race that you have worked so hard for. That happened to me three years ago and I remember feeling so sad on the morning of the race. Your health is the most important though. Everything happens for a reason. You are a tough cookie and will get through this!
This is one of my favorite weekends!! GenCon! #mormon

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Holy crud Janae! I just met you this morning as I was out for my run and listening to the Run to the Top podcast with Tina Muir. I’m sorry you’re not feeling well and I honestly hope you are okay and that you will be well soon. My prayers are for you to heal and recover. The marathon just like running, will be there when you are ready to run again. I heard you say that this morning Janae. Now it’s your turn to hear it and believe it. If I am correct, I believe that today is about listening and receiving guidance. Listen and you will know. I will too. You are a wonderful person, I felt that today. So hang in there and be true to that, and smile. Have a great one and thank you for the motivation today and your insights on running and being a good person. Sean

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PS. I thought I should answer you’re question. It’s a relaxing day and I’ll be catching the Gen Conf broadcast all weekend. Good stuff!! :>) That’s what I was eluding to in my post above about listening. I love to run and I run far and often but it’s not my first love. Gotta keep things balanced you know.

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Oh man, those problems are such a bummer, but glad they’ve figured out what’s wrong and you’ll be better soon!! Sometimes it’s nice to be taken care of, so hopefully you’re taking advantage of that aspect in your whole crazy situation!

Weekend plans: Target run with my roommate and lots of lounging. Hurricane Joaquin is hitting the east coast, so it’s been chilly/rainy here…even turned on the heat last night ahhhh. Fall is officially here!

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Just know that the hospital bracelet and those tests make you as tough as those running the marathon today! You’re one Tough Hungry Runner Girl!!????

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Praying for complete healing for you, Janae! I admire you for listening to your body and going to the doctor rather than pushing through the marathon and doing more damage.

My weekend? I’m home with the kids while my husband is busy with harvest. I’m hoping to go out for a short run tomorrow. After my half marathon last weekend, I took a whole week of running just because my body needed a break! I’m thinking I will run a full marathon in May 2016 and thought a little downtime would help before I gear up to run a full again (it’s been a couple years since my last full!)

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Oh, I am so glad you finally got some answers and can start looking forward to some relief soon. I’ve been thinking about you, so this is great news! :)

And, I’m totally with you on the slipper socks. They win!

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Hope you get some much needed rest. I think the rubber design on socks is supposed to be on bottom to prevent you from slipping when walking on floor, gave me a chuckle to see you wore on too like it is. Design! LoL! But seriously, get well soon! Running will always be there! Health more important

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Hey, longtime reader here but don’t think I’ve ever left a message. I had ulcerative colitis when I was younger and had a total colectomy at 13, so been feeling your pain and sending good vibes your way!! I hope whatever is going on passes, but if you have any questions or need any support never hesitate to shoot me an email!

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Hang in there!! I hope you get better soon. I feel so bad for you, I’m sure it must be very painful. Positive vibes coming your way!!!

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I’m glad they figured it out and you didn’t run. But so many positives, you kicked butt with that training plan, it was not a waste. Get better soon

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I’m glad to hear they’re on the path to figuring this out. Get a lot of rest and keep taking care of yourself!

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I am glad that you are getting answers and sending healing prayers your way to a speedy recovery!

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Oh No, I hope you start feeling better. At least you know what is going on and they can treat it. This was God’s way of keeping you safe and healthy, because if you ran that race it would have been devastating. Brooke is so adorable and I could not see her in that picture(hahaha). Get some rest.
bakingrunner.blogspot.com

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So glad you are getting things figured out! Answers always make me feel so much better! Keeping you in my prayers <3

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you being able to share this all is super awesome. sometimes our bodies know what’s best for us more than our minds and hearts — and it sounds like your body was asking you to slow down, relax and take some time for youself :) no doubt that you will be able to crush your goals in the future, but for now — enjoy taking some time to step back and reflect!

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So glad they found the problem. I know it will be hard to take it easy but you will feel so much better….. besides think of all the apple fritters you will be able to eat once your stomach gets better. Take care and hope to hear you are 100% better soon

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Brooke’s hiding spot is the best. Feel better soon and you’ll be back out there!

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VERY glad to hear that the Drs are able to give you some answers and get you on the path to feeling better. Just focus on getting better and you’ll nail whatever race is up next for you.

This morning I went to play paintball with some people from work as a Team Building outing. Now, I’m just cuddling with the kitties on the couch.

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Glad you’re getting answers! I’ve had my own problems in this area, especially before a run, so it’s interesting to hear what medical diagnoses there are. If Brooke loves dogs, I recommend the Melissa & Doug dog bed with 6 stuffed dogs. My older daughter (10 now) carried these dogs, attached them to leashes and loved them for years.

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Glad you got some answers! Feel better soon!

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I am so sorry to hear about your stomach and colon but happy you figured out why there was so much pain! I’m sorry you couldn’t run St. George! Your training has been amazing and so inspirational this (and every) training cycle. You are extremely fit!!! I hope you continue to feel better and heal!! I was also glad to hear that your mom is adapting to the vision loss and was happy to hear your sisters back is doing better!! You’re in my thoughts! Keep staying positive❤️

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I thought of you this morning on my long run around the Brisbane river in Australia. I’m doing the Melbourne marathon in 2 weeks and thought how awful it must have been for you. Sounds like you’re being looked after by the best and will come back stronger like you always do. Thanks for always being an inspiration. Take care

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Sending lots of love and hugs!

“Every day above ground is a great day! Always remember that” – Pitbull

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Glad they figured things out for you – sending up prayers! Thought of you this morning during my “long” run (just signed up for my first half and training has begun, eeeek). Remember that you’ve got grit, you’ve got strength (mental AND physical), you’ve got support, you’ve got a ton of people in your corner, and YOU GOT THIS.<3

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So sorry to hear about all of the stomach trouble you’ve been having and missing St. George, but it is so much better to take care of your health so you’ll be running strong again soon:) Sending you lots of good healing vibes!

Ran St. George this morning, absolutely beautiful and great race. Unfortunately, after mile 8 I got some mild altitude sickness that led to a tight chest, difficulty breathing and a worsening headache throughout the race. Ended up with oxygen at a med tent at mile 20 and walked to the finish. Not the PR race I was hoping for but I finished.

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My daughter runs away when I say bedtime, and hides, although her normal hiding place is her bed under the covers (it’s a win for both of us)!

It is a torrential downpour here in WNC this weekend , so we have done a whole bunch of nothing except lay around, and binge watch kid movies.

I hate hearing that you are sick, but it is a good sign that you know what it is. I hope you feel better very soon!

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Sad to hear you are wearing a hospital band not your garmin but I hope things are more on the path to getting you better! I went through lots of tests in the past few years trying to figure things out and it’s scary when things are unknown. Keeping you in my thoughts!

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Well I had high hopes that everything would come together for you for this race but clearly you made the right decision. I’m so sorry you are not feeling well. Get well soon and get back out there, and I know you will reach your goals in time because you are being so smart about training and taking care of yourself. I feel exactly as you do about training — I enjoy the journey and any race day is just a bonus when it works out. I look forward to hearing what’s next for you!

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I am so sorry to hear you have been sick. Answers are a good thing. No doubts you will be back stronger and fitter once you recover. X

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Knowing is half the battle, GI. Joe….Yes I’m a nerd.

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I tried running a marathon with mine, and promptly vomited at mile 18. That was hard day.

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Janae. so sorry to hear about all of your health issues and that you cannot do the race you trained so hard for. Your last post was very admirable and you seem like such a great, positive person. It feels good being able to finally pinpoint the gastro issues i’m sure. I wish you a strong and speedy recovery!

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That’s great that you can get some answers. I am wishing you a speedy recovery.

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so glad you found the problem and are feeling better emotionally!! Now to just heal your body and get your energy back slowly :)

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Prayers that you begin feeling better. You are not out – just taking care of yourself – the absolute right decision. At the end of the day, your health is paramount and your daughter seeing you make good choices is icing on the cake. Please keep posting. You think your important posts are about running. I disagree. You are posting some of your best posts now. Although your posts about running are awesome too. ;)

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I’m glad that you were able to get some answers- a step in the right direction to feeling 100% for sure!

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i’m just catching up, and let me say, i’m so sorry to hear all of this! prayers and hugs your way. get better soon!! you will come out even stronger, and next year, kill all. the. races. :)

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I’m just catching up too. I’m so sorry you’ve been suffering but so glad your doctors have found the cause. Here’s hoping for a quick and full recovery! ❤️

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Hi Janae! I’m new to your blog, but am having fun reading your post. I’m so sorry to hear you aren’t feeling your best! Here’s hoping you’re better soon and get back to doing what you love spending time with your daughter and running! :)
Much love,
Anu xx

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I’m glad you finally have a solid diagnosis! I hope you feel better soon.

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