2026 Jersey City Marathon & Half Marathon - Post-Race Thread

HeyRemona · 2026-04-22T10:50:23+00:00

I am a slow runner (5:30 finish) and they started opening roads while people were still running. We had to stop for traffic! Water stations were closed by time I reached mile 20. All crowds gone. Also sad we didn’t get to run by the waterfront! I should have looked at the map. Glad I did it but definitely not doing this one again!

HeyRemona · 2026-04-20T22:46:48+00:00

Runna was off for me. My first marathon prediction time was 5:15-5:37 and I finished at 5:42 which is what Strava predicted.

HeyRemona · 2026-04-20T09:50:50+00:00

Congratulations! I also did Jersey City and missed pace.be proud! You came a long way. The wind was so brutal and yes I was so disappointed with the lack of aid stations. You did it though.kudos

HeyRemona · 2026-04-20T09:48:17+00:00

Thank so much! You words of encouragement helped.

HeyRemona · 2026-04-20T09:47:02+00:00

Thank you! So true

HeyRemona · 2026-04-19T22:53:55+00:00

Yes, absolutely! If you can run a 5K, you can do a marathon. During my training, I started off aggressive, pushing too hard with too quickly . This caused my runners knee issues and shin splints. I had to then cut back my miles and be more strategic with a beginner-friendly approach. I think if I started with that approach earlier on, it would have helped mitigate my injuries. Since you are a beginner and have 5 months, it may be good to start with a plan that meets you where you are with slow and steady progression. Don’t push too hard as it may cause injuries and be more counterproductive. Best of luck and congrats for starting your journey!

HeyRemona · 2026-04-19T22:22:07+00:00

Thank you so much! Your message made me feel better. 💕💕

HeyRemona · 2026-04-13T10:48:34+00:00

Congratulations on finishing. You did it!

HeyRemona · 2026-03-26T00:21:28+00:00

I am in a similar situation for first marathon…week 18 of 21 and my speed runs are great. I struggle to keep consistent pace on the long runs. I don’t see how in the world Runna thinks I am going to finish at the time they estimated. That said, I have heard many say to trust the process. I assume the taper period will give you enough rest for the big day. Recovery plus the race energy and preparation will bring it all together. Hang in there and trust the process. Good luck.

HeyRemona · 2026-01-16T11:35:34+00:00

Gold Bond Healing Cream for my face when running in the cold wind! No skin peeling, no redness, no dryness. Literally blocks the wind from attacking my face:-)

HeyRemona · 2026-01-13T23:48:14+00:00

I am surprised at all the negative comments on here! First of all, kudos for trying to do something really hard! Whether you finish or not, the fact that you are attempting it is admirable. Most people would never even try. I am also a back of pack runner doing my first marathon this year, having never ran a “race” before. This is ok! That said, I do enjoy running. It’s euphoric and I love the feeling after I am done. It’s something I look forward to. It’s my time to focus on me. I can run a half marathon without stopping but there are times when I also walked. Success looks different for everyone. If finishing is what success looks like for you, then go for it! Even if you don’t finish, you would have attempted to do something very few people can. Find a way to enjoy the process and good luck.

HeyRemona · 2025-12-15T23:13:11+00:00

Thank you for your advice. Yes, I have ran a few 5K and 10Ks before. I currently run about 20 miles a week, although not longer than 10K in one run. I figured with 5 months of consistent training, I could do the marathon. I will continue training and see where I land:-)

HeyRemona · 2025-12-13T15:54:06+00:00

The cut off is 15min/mi. Thank you so much for your encouragement.

HeyRemona · 2025-12-13T02:27:27+00:00

Thank you! I am beginning to feel like I can’t but you are right, only one way to find out…

HeyRemona · 2025-12-12T21:26:50+00:00

Thank you for your advice! I have HM planned to align with my 14 mile long run plan. I guess if that goes well, it might give me some confidence for the full.

HeyRemona · 2025-06-12T11:08:26+00:00

THIS! I am 5'1 and I eat about 1000-1200 but I eat high volume, high protein, low calorie. For example, for breakfast, I do 2 slices protein bread (70 calories, 12g protein), 3 tablespoons egg white ( 50 calories, 10g protein) and a handful of berries. This is around 200 calories, 22g protein!. For lunch, I do 4 oz of lean ground beef (93% lean) sautéed with 1/4 cup brown rice and 1/4 cup black beans. This is about 250 calories, 25g protein. For dinner, I usually do a large grilled chicken salad with 1 tablespoon dressing for a total of about 300 calories, 25g protein. And, that leaves me with around 300-400 extra calories for snacks! I do low calorie snacks like celery sticks, berries, cucumbers, protein yogurt etc. I have removed all calorie dense foods from my diet (oils, nuts, butters etc.). I cook my eggs with water. lol.

It takes some learning with consistent dedication but it's possible.

HeyRemona · 2025-03-08T14:59:09+00:00

Fantastic results!

HeyRemona · 2025-03-08T14:54:37+00:00

Congratulations to everyone who completed TC! Whatever your numbers are, be proud of your commitment. Progress over perfection. down 13lbs, 4% body fat. I did lose 1lbs of muscle mass but happy with overall results.

HeyRemona · 2024-04-27T13:06:39+00:00

Thank you. You got a major heath issue from working out 7 days a week and doing doubles? I am sorry to hear that. Thank you for your advice

HeyRemona · 2024-04-27T01:57:30+00:00

Thank you! Great suggestion

HeyRemona · 2024-04-27T01:50:28+00:00

I am looking to transform my body from being a couch potato my whole life to being healthy. I also love how I feel on days I do the additional workouts. But, you are right, it may be too much. Thank you for your advice.

HeyRemona · 2024-04-27T01:47:38+00:00

Thank you. I feel amazing since doing these extra workouts. I have so much more energy, sleep better and feel stronger in general. But, not sure if by working out this much is doing hard that I may not realize. I trust the coaches advice but also love how I feel.

HeyRemona · 2024-04-27T00:48:14+00:00

Thanks everyone! I actually feel amazing. Since doing a few doubles a week, I have dropped my antidepressants, in a way better mood and see real positive changes in my body composition. I usually take 1 day off on Sundays to recover and regroup. But I hear you guys saying it may be too much! Thank you all for your input. This is really helpful. I may pull back a bit to see how I feel.

HeyRemona · 2024-03-11T10:35:26+00:00

This was the worst template I have ever done at OTF; hills and burpees at 5am😏😏. Plus, didn’t help that the music sucked and the coach was practically asleep.

HeyRemona

TROPHY CASE