Jeanelle Answers the Tough Questions
Great advice from a busy mom that'll help shape your own training
I often ask runners I admire to answer some questiosn that I think you, the reader, will find informative or helpful.
In case you missed those, you can find Tim’s, John’s, Todd’s and Andrea’s below:
Jeanelle’s answers are going to inspire you and help you become that better athlete that you’ve always wanted to be. I am so happy she was able to take the time to asnwer my questions and I hope you enjoy reading about her.
If you have questions for her - or for me - you can reply to this email and we’ll get back to you!
Happy reading - Marc
MP: You’re running at such a high level right now. Have you always run or are you new to the sport?
I have always run but not with the focus that I do now. In high school, I ran track to stay fit for Fall sports and in college, I ran on my own to stay fit outside of the field hockey and lacrosse season. After college, I continued to run about 3x/wk.
To add some excitement to my runs when I was younger I’d sprint between telephone poles but that was about it. I didn’t wear a watch and to know how far I was running, I’d drive the route. I had no running goals back then, I just liked exercise and wanted to be in good shape. I signed up for races but I had no idea what racing a 5k or a 10 miler should feel like. I just ran.
In my late 30s a friend asked if I’d train for a half with her. After I finished I realized that I ran that half marathon faster than the one I did in my 20s. That excited me and got me curious to see what I was capable of. That’s when I started training for races.
MP: What’s your favorite race distance to train for?
I’d say the marathon because I feel so accomplished after finishing these big, hard workouts. A marathon training cycle is so exhausting but I feel it’s a true test of grit and strength (mental and physical). This is important to me. The marathon has not come easy for me so training for this distance is a challenge that I want to keep taking on. I love how much I learn about myself each cycle.
MP: What gear, gadgets, or tech do you believe helps with your training?
There are a few things that come to mind and it’s nothing too technical. I love my noxgear lighted vest with lamp attachment. It’s bright and fits snug, I can wear it on any type of run without it moving around and it’s so lightweight I forget I have it on. Owning shoes that you’re excited to put on and that fit well (I ran in a half size too small for a long time before I realized I needed to size up), investing in a foam roller, bands and sliders for that pre and post run work that can keep injuries at bay.
MP: How are you able to balance your job, kids, and family with training?
This is something I’m always working on and trying to figure out. After work is for family so runs always happen early. I’m very fortunate to have a job with a flexible schedule which allows me to shift my work day if my plan calls for a longer workout. I use my rest day as a true rest day and try not to think about running or any other type of exercise. It’s my day to let all of that go and give full attention to everything else. Running can become consuming, especially when you’re training for a race that’s important to you. I’ve learned that taking an extra rest day here or there isn’t going to affect my training (and may even help it). If I feel overwhelmed, stressed or just too tired, I take the rest.
MP: Have you ever faced a particularly tough challenge, like an injury or setback, and if so, how have you dealt with it?
I am very fortunate to have never had a major injury. I have had minor pulls/pains/aches that have caused me to rest and seek out PT. When I started doing my PT exercises regularly I realized I had weaknesses in my glutes, hips and hamstrings. I kept up the prescribed exercises, even after I no longer had pain. Later, with the guidance of my coach, I started a pre-run warm up routine and post-run conditioning 3x/wk. This has been a HUGE help in keeping all of those aches and pains away. I wish I had started doing this sooner.
MP: Do you have a least favorite workout?
800s. I always kind of moan when I see these on the schedule. In general, I prefer workouts with variety (3k@HMP, 2k@10k, 1k@5k) as opposed to workouts that repeat the same thing over and over (20x400@10k).
MP: You’re a big contributing member of run856, how has that community influenced your experience?
I found Run856 when I started training for the half I mentioned above. This is when I discovered that people train for races, have coaches, share workouts and run together! It was a whole world that I didn’t realize existed and I wanted to be a part of it. I’m grateful for all of the wonderful people I’ve met and love seeing familiar faces at local races. I’m inspired often from many in that group.
MP: If you could give a piece of advice to someone who is just starting their running journey, what would it be?
Don’t give up or feel defeated when it gets hard. Know that you will have days where you feel like you’re floating and days where your legs feel like bricks. Seek out other runners, join a running group or club. Don’t ever apologize for “being slow.” Everyone can benefit from slowing down once in a while. Slowing down is one of the smartest things I’ve ever done for my running.
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Quote of the Week:
Starting my day with exercise gives me a big mood and energy boost throughout the day and makes me feel like I've accomplished something right off the bat.
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