Janell Marie, RunCanvas
Meet Janell Marie, who is currently training for the Boston Marathon in April. She has a wonderful blog over at runcanvas.wordpess.com. In addition to training for t
he Boston Marathon, Janell is also a cross country and track coach. Thank you Janell for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer the below 13.1 questions. Janell is truly Runspirational and I’m sure you’ll love reading her answers as much as I did! Good luck at Boston!
Background
Janell is a mother to a wonderful little girl with the most supportive husband a woman could ask for. She teaches middle school science and coaches cross country and track. She competed in cross country, track, and soccer in high school and college. After college, she was a bit burnt out and sort of fizzled out after graduation.
Seven years later she had an emerging teaching career and growing family. She decided to start running again after the birth of her daughter. She had no idea how her world was about to change. She loved running, but more than running, she loved the running community. Thousands of miles later, she is super grateful and is getting ready to take on Boston.
Social Media
Instagram: @RunCanvas Twitter: @RunCanvas
Pinterest: @RunCanvas Blog: RunCanvas
1 – What is your favorite thing about running?
This is hard because there is so much that I absolutely love about running. If I had to pick my favorite it would be the personal challenges you set for yourself and the amazing feeling you get when you crush your goals. It’s amazing how hard running can be at times, and how miserable it can be. All of that is always worth it, when you cross the finish line.
2 – What race did you qualify for the Boston Marathon at and what was your time?
I qualified for the Boston Marathon at the 2015 KC Marathon. This was my first, and only marathon I have run so far. I completed the race with a time of 3:10 and got 3rd place overall female. It was a very memorable day for me.
3 – What are your goals for the Boston Marathon?
Mostly, I want to walk away knowing that I put in my very best for the day. I want to reflect on my training and be satisfied, looking back without regrets. As I get closer and my training is more geared to race specific workouts I will narrow down my time goal. Right now, I am leaning toward a sub 3 hours goal time.
4 – Besides Boston, what is your top goal for 2017?
After Boston I want to increase my endurance base during the summer months and then focus my training on half marathon distance. I would like to shave a bit of time off my current half marathon PR, which is 1:22:50.
5 – You said you were a bit burnt out from running after college and stopped for about 7 years. What was the biggest thing that got you to decide to start running again?
Shortly after having my daughter I was struggling with anxiety and poor self-image. I used running as an opportunity to destress and began to feel better about myself. I enjoyed running for no other reason, but a chance to get out and think. I kept running because of the races and local running community. Running has given me a whole new world of amazing, inspirational friends. Running has built up my self-confidence and showed me that I am stronger than I ever thought possible.
6 – You coach cross country and track. What is the best piece of advice you give your athletes?
You don’t have to run, you get to. I want each of my kiddos to build a lasting love for the sport. I want them to define what success means to them, and help them reach those goals. I tell them from day one, they are going to work harder than they ever thought they could. Each one of them who sticks with us, will look back and say it was worth it.
7 – What has been your all-time favorite race and why?
My favorite race so far has been Rock the Parkway. It’s a super flat, pretty competitive half marathon right here in my hometown. I love that it brings out the entire KC running community. I ran Rock the Parkway as my first half marathon in 2015 and set my current PR there last year (2016).
8 – What is your favorite distance to run while training?
An easy 8 miler seems like the just right distance for me. It takes me about an hour to complete and when I am done I feel like I have done work, but I don’t feel all that tired. Usually, it’ also the perfect distance to clear my head from a stressful workday.
9 – You have run 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, and marathon. Which one is your favorite race distance to run and why?
I really love running them all, but I think my absolute favorite would be the half marathon. I compete well in the longer races, but it doesn’t take quite the everyday commitment of a marathon program. A half marathon is usually pretty enjoyable until about mile 6 or 8. Then it’s a guts race and I like to believe that’s where the fun begins.
10 – What are your three favorite songs that motivate you when you’re running?
I am a complete nerd and love running to throw back songs from middle school and high school. Nsync, Brittany Spears and Backstreet Boys always put a smile on my face, and an extra spring in my step. I also really like Tootsie Roll by 69 boyz, ha! I may have actually danced to that song around mile 14 during the KC Marathon.
11 – What three races are on your bucket list that you haven’t run yet?
Boston Marathon will be my first race, outside of the KC area. So, it’s a pretty big list. Three races I am looking at doing are the Chicago Marathon, Cal International, and the Rock N Roll Las Vegas.
12 – What is the one running clothing item or accessory you can’t live without?
I guess my GPS watch. I have quite a bit of running clothes but I don’t think there is one item that stands out. I’m not going to lie, I do like looking good when I run. So as long as it fits well and is comfy, I love it.
13 – What has been your favorite race medal that you’ve received and why?
Probably my first Rock the Parkway medal. It was the first race I deliberately trained for. The medal represents the goals that I set and reached, plus the many, many friends I was able to make along the way.
Bonus Question – Where is your favorite place to go on vacation?
Vegas Baby! I have been 4 times and I was married in Vegas. It’s been a few years since I have gone and I am totally itching to go back.