I should’ve realized that I was going to be a gigantic waste of space today after running 18.0 miles.  The nice thing about being self-employed is that you make your own hours, but TRUST ME, I still have a ton of work to do (like, err, write a book in 4.5 weeks).  Today definitely needed to be a productive day, and it ended up just being a recover day.

 

I did get some studying done for my Anatomy test tonight, but not nearly enough… Maggie helped me learn about the digestion system. 🙂 She is a really good study buddy.

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I fell asleep on the floor for a few minutes and then moved it into the bedroom.

 

When I woke up, I realized that I was severely dehydrated.  I weighed myself and clocked in two pounds lighter than I was this morning before my long run (bad, bad sign, especially considering that I eaten several meals!).  So far, I’ve drank another liter of water, and I’m starting to feel better.

 

Eats thus far included Greek yogurt + Grape Nuts before my nap:

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OJ:

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Baked tofu drizzled in maple syrup, Brussel sprouts, and brown rice:

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I heart tofu, I really do.

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Brussel sprouts, not so much:

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And brown rice with a slab of real buttah is AMAZING. 

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Due to my mid-day nap, my eating schedule is incredibly off.  I’m finishing up this meal now (at 4:30 PM)!

 

Success Story!

 

Remember a few months ago, I shared this an e-mail from a reader named Amy?  She originally wrote, “I have 2 kids, a 5 year old and an 8 month old. I also have a twin sister and while I was pregnant last, she lost a huge amount of weight, which completely inspired me to do after the birth of my daughter. Twins can be very competitive! I have never been athletic but would work out on the elliptical trainer and call it a day. Now I am running 5 miles on the weekend and during the week I swim about 30 laps or work out to my P90X dvd’s. I have done 2 5k’s and now working on a “mini” triathlon in September. I’ve lost 20 pounds!”

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I got another e-mail from Amy today.  This time, she said, “When I emailed you last, I was just getting ready to start training for my first triathlon. Since completing that, I have done a reverse duathalon (ride 9.2, run 5.6, and ride 9.2) and now I am getting ready to start training for my first half marathon that will be in February.”

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Amy, you ROCK!  How inspirational is that?

 

What have YOU accomplished?  Seriously, do a little bragging in the comments section.  It makes YOU feel good, and it inspires others, too!

{ 69 comments }

 

  • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) November 5, 2009, 4:44 pm

    I literally could not run a mile until a few months ago. Now I can almost run 3. It’s not much but it’s so exciting to see myself improve little by little every week. I’m going to try to run a 5k in a few weeks! I’ve almost lost 8 lbs since I started running 5 times a week which is awesome considering I want to lose 30 lbs.

    I seriously cannot wait until I can run 5 miles!

  • Kara November 5, 2009, 4:53 pm

    WTG Amy, and to Caitlin on the 18-miler!!

    This isn’t a super-recent accomplishment, but I’ve successfully kept off 60+ lbs. for over two years now! I also just started my own fitness/weight loss blog (after months and months of hesitating), and I’m so happy I did! 🙂

  • Meredith November 5, 2009, 4:53 pm

    I ran the Detroit Half Marathon last month where I set a 4-minute PR and won my age group… my plaque came in the mail this week! I smile every time I think about that race and running in general. 🙂

  • haya November 5, 2009, 4:54 pm

    amy looks amazing! i am always in awe of moms who manage to balance so much. new babies are a lot of work.

    what have i accomplished lately? well. just did half marathon #6 a few weeks ago- have taken off over 30 minutes from my original time. i guess that’s something.

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is November 5, 2009, 4:55 pm

    I can run 1.5 miles! This is huge, since I have never been able to run EVER.

  • Susan November 5, 2009, 4:56 pm

    I loooove that picture of Amy at the end – so triumphant!

    My most recent accomplishment is quitting my job! SO happy I decided to take the jump and take my happiness into my own hands 🙂

  • Holmgirl November 5, 2009, 5:04 pm

    I ran my first race a couple of weeks ago: the Marine Corps 10K. When we started training, I could barely run a couple blocks down the street– I was much more of a treadmiller. Seeing baby steps of progress throughout training was rewarding enough, but getting to cross a real-live finish line at the end of the race was plain old awesome. I wore my medal around the rest of the day.

  • Lele November 5, 2009, 5:07 pm

    Brown rice is also amazing with a little bit of sesame oil. No words!

  • Evan Thomas November 5, 2009, 5:08 pm

    I go to an ivy school college, do well in my classes, run 60-70 miles a week, and run a succesful blog, not to mention manage to maintain my all natural diet. I rock. Thanks for doing this; I really needed that to cheer me up at this time of day 🙂
    I love brussel sprouts. Honestly they’re one of my favorites! And I’m just starting to like tofu, too

  • mcari November 5, 2009, 5:11 pm

    cailtin, i love this post..thats an amazing story for her!

    for me…a year ago i couldnt run a mile. since then, i’ve lost 20lbs (which was very necessary), ran two 5ks, one 10k, and two half marathons. it was really hard work but completely worth it and im so happy it took me a full year to do. im looking to mix up running with other activities now, but im secretly planning on trying the philadelphia marathon next year…secretly bc my friends seem to think its crazy 🙂

    congrats on your 18 miles btw!!!!

  • Courtney November 5, 2009, 5:12 pm

    I got a job in the fitness industry today! My dreams of pursuing a fitness career after 10 years in corporate land are on the way!
    Oh, and we have those Hoegarden glasses too…and it makes me giggle every time I use one. I’m very mature!
    Courtney
    Adventures in Tri-ing

  • alli November 5, 2009, 5:12 pm

    way to go amy! i respect and admire mothers who take such good care of their babies, but also make time for themselves!

    5 years ago, when my hubby and i first got married, i could barely run one (ONE) lap aroud the track. however, i kept with it and progressed. i pretty much never ran more than 3 miles but then the end of last may i committed to really improving and i started back up at the track. november 11 i ran 13.1 miles around the track before 7 am when i had to leave for work! i still cant believe i did that and i am pretty proud of myself for doing it! i’m hoping to run another 13.1 miles at the same track this november 11th 🙂
    ANYBODY can do ANYTHING they put their mind to!

  • Leah @ L4L November 5, 2009, 5:12 pm

    Such a great story!

  • Gina November 5, 2009, 5:13 pm

    I’ve finally started morning workouts and I feel great! I also just started a blog to keep track of my workouts and progress so that I can run in a race in 2010.

  • Diana November 5, 2009, 5:14 pm

    Well, I lost 61 pounds. I did it on my own, with a lot of research. I exercised (bought a treadmill), completely changed my eating habits, cried a lot, but never stopped trying. It was not easy.. but I am here. 🙂

    I’ve never tried brussel sprouts… most people tell me they suck though, maybe that’s why I still haven’t had the guts. :p

    • Rachel November 7, 2009, 6:47 pm

      Personally, I LOVE brussel sprouts. (But I’m weird.) lol. Try roasing them with some olive oil and garlic.

  • Jane November 5, 2009, 5:14 pm

    I agree Evan, with the time change, coming out of work to a dark sky can be a downer! Thanks for the opportunity to brag, Caitlin!
    I have been inspired by this blog to run more – in the past I would usually run about 2 miles, but my last two runs have been 5 miles. Last winter I would hibernate and not do a ton of outdoor exercising after dark, but this year I purchased reflective gear and have been able to still run after work. I am even considering getting into tofu!

  • Emily November 5, 2009, 5:15 pm

    Four years ago I lost almost 40 pounds through good old fashioned diet and exercise. Although I tried to think of it as a lifestyle change more than anything (cliche, but true!)
    Even harder than losing the weight was keeping it off! I keep trying new things to stay in shape, and this summer finally got into running! I ran two 5ks, and will hopefully reach my goal of running a half marathon in the spring.

    great post Caitlin! I suddenly feel so good about myself haha

  • Britt (Runnerbelle) November 5, 2009, 5:23 pm

    Since 2004 I’ve lost 15lbs and completed 12 marathons! I just completed the most recent one this past weekend, the NYC Marathon!

  • Marlene November 5, 2009, 5:26 pm

    Brussels Sprouts can be good. I really like ’em. I steam them (but not too long) and then add a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice. Then, I top them with slivered almonds. Oh, yum.

    Also, I’ve seen Brussels Sprouts shredded and served in a coleslaw instead of cabbage (since they’re just baby cabbages anyway…)

    Your 18mile run is incredible!! As a Canadian, I always have to make the conversion to Km’s for it to make sense to me. 29km!!! Incredamazing.

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) November 5, 2009, 5:26 pm

    No heart for Brussels!?!? Sad 🙁 I ran today too and have been a complete waste of space since!

  • Linzi November 5, 2009, 5:29 pm

    YAY on the 18! I have recently accomplished my goal of running my first 10k. This is just one goal of many leading up to my first marathon next year. The training you and your girls are doing have inspired me that it is possible.

    In less than a year of working out and becoming more healthy I have managed to lose 17lbs and have a goal to lose about 20lbs more. I love the idea of being proud of your accomplishments!

  • Jenna November 5, 2009, 5:31 pm

    omg i love brussel sprouts!! they are delicious 🙂
    jenna

  • Erin November 5, 2009, 5:34 pm

    I’ve run 2 half marathons when if you had asked me this time 2 years ago if I would ever run further than a 5K I would have thought you were nuts! Heck, if you’d asked me this time 3 years ago if I’d ever run a 5K I would have laughed in your face.

    My sister in law roasts brussel sprouts. It’s the only way I’ve ever eaten them. They’re really, really good that way.

  • Ami November 5, 2009, 5:39 pm

    Did you steam your brussel sprouts? I find they taste amazing if you bake them in the oven with some olive oil and spices. I generally dont like steamed veggies though. It doesnt bring out any flavor in them and just makes them a bit slimy.

  • Wendy November 5, 2009, 5:40 pm

    Great job on the 18 miles this morning! You definitely deserved a cat nap + lazy day after that.

    A big CONGRATS to Amy for her accomplishments. I’m a mom, too, so I know what a balancing act parenting can be. I am raising two small kids (4 and 2) basically alone (long story), working ~10-15 hrs/wk (physical work on a farm no less), substitute teach on occasion, and I’m studying to get certified to teach high school chemistry and physics. Over the last year, in the midst of all that, I’ve trained for and run my first two half marathons! I ROCK!! 🙂

  • Caitlin@TheTwentyFifthYear November 5, 2009, 5:43 pm

    Wow, this is so motivational to read!

    I was never a runner either, as in 2 minutes on the treadmill was out of the question. For my 25th birthday in September, I ran my first race – 5K for my Bday – and I am running a 5-mile Turkey Trot in Austin, TX in three weeks from today!! It’s great seeing personal progression even if there’s not much weight loss. I FEEL so great and hope to begin training for a half after this next one!!

  • Ally November 5, 2009, 5:49 pm

    That picture of Amy is awesome! Well, first of all, major shout out to you on the 18 miler! That’s a freaking far ways, isn’t it??! AWESOME!!

    Let’s see–I ran a kick butt half marathon on Sunday. Sure, it wasn’t as fast as I’d hoped–started off waaaaay too fast and got a teensy bit burned out–oh, and got heat exhaustion at mile 12! But! But! I had an awesome time, felt elated when I finished, and shaved 4 minutes off my first half marathon time (this was my second). I felt like a rock star when I crossed that finish line–no matter how slow I was!

  • Shelly November 5, 2009, 5:57 pm

    In January, I started running 2 miles at a time and as of last weekend I was up to 11!! I never envisioned running more than the 10K I was initially training for, and actually intended to never even run 6 miles again, but I got hooked! 🙂
    I plan to run my first half marathon in December!

  • Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries November 5, 2009, 6:08 pm

    OMG I totally forgot about grape nuts!! I haven’t had them in forever, and I miss them! Especially the trail mix… mmmmm.

    Also, studying in a bedroom is a lost cause for me!

  • Claudia November 5, 2009, 6:11 pm

    About three months ago I could not run for 30 seconds straight…but since I started training for the Livestrong Challenge 5k in august, I have gone from a 16 min mile to 12 min. Wahoo! Oh, And I lost 20 lbs!!!!! Thanks for the inspiration to live a healthy lifestyle!

  • Sammi November 5, 2009, 6:12 pm

    I started running routinely in the spring. The loop around my house is 2.6(ish) miles. Recently I started running that loop twice around which is about 5.1 total. I’ve ran two 5ks so far. My time on the second was 27.49 🙂
    A goal of mine is to keep making my way up to higher distances when it comes to races. Hopefully, one day I’ll run a marathon 🙂

  • Rachel November 5, 2009, 6:31 pm

    I ran the Marine Corps Marathon a few weeks ago and finished in 4:06… 6 months after giving birth! And I am about 6lbs under my pre-pregnancy weight! Yay!

  • Ashley November 5, 2009, 6:33 pm

    I went through a period where I was dating this emotionally abusive guy and was really depressed, where i didn’t care about taking care of myself anymore. I lost weight, cried all the time and was incredibely unhappy. When he broke up with me right after our two year anniversary and I found out that after defending him to my friends and family he had been cheating on me the whole time, I snapped out of it. I picked up running, taking a month to build from incline walking to running a mile and two months later signed up for a marathon. Two years later and I’m dating a great guy, have completed TWO marathons, four half marathons, a 20k trail race and am gearing up for more! It’s all about learning to believe in yourself. : )

    • Caitlin November 5, 2009, 7:41 pm

      i am glad you found self love. its the best kind, after all.

  • FoodCents November 5, 2009, 6:34 pm

    Every day I can put one foot in front of the other, I am proud of. It may seem small to some, but when you are not guaranteed the ability to walk on a day-to-day basis, it is beyond great the days you can.

    • Caitlin November 5, 2009, 7:40 pm

      TRUTH!

  • Tami November 5, 2009, 6:40 pm

    great story. i was battling an injury but I finished my first marathon a few weeks ago. the weather was horrible, snow, rain and about 30* but i pushed through and it was an amazing experience. i can’t wait to run another one some day. i am challenging myself in 2010 to learn to swim and to complete 3 sprint triathlons

  • Erin November 5, 2009, 7:05 pm

    Woohoo! You guys rock!! It is incredible to see 35 comments that all are such great achievements 🙂 Caitlin – you have (and are) a gift for allowing people to see how awesome they actually are. Thanks for the boost. Congrats on your personal distance record today!! and we are all sending you good vibes for your test tonight.

    • Caitlin November 5, 2009, 7:40 pm

      <3

  • Michelle November 5, 2009, 7:23 pm

    Like Ashley, I ended an emtionally draining relationship. I have started loving myself. Have ran a 10k and 12km race. Doing my FIRST Tri this weekend. Have LOST and MAINTAINED and 100lbs weight loss. Moved to Australia by myself and loved it here. Decided to quit my job and start nursing school–my dream.

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) November 5, 2009, 7:26 pm

    I trained to run a 5 mile race a few years ago and then hurt my back and required spinal fusion to fix it. My surgeon told me I would probably never run again. Now I’ve run 3 races this summer/fall and I’m faster post surgery than I was pre. 🙂

  • Amber from Girl with the Red Hair November 5, 2009, 7:27 pm

    Two years ago I lost 25 pounds and have managed to maintain my weight loss with healthy eating and exercise.

    Also, last January, I started running and have since ran three half-marathons and a handful of other races. If someone had told me a year ago that I would run THREE half-marathons in 9 months I probably would have laughed in their face 🙂

    Great post, Caitlin! Very uplifting to read all these awesome success stories!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) November 5, 2009, 7:47 pm

    I love brussel sprouts! I think that some people are just veggie people, and others are more fruit people. I like veggies a LOT more than I like fruit, as I find fruit too sweet most of the time.

    I haven’t accomplished much yet in the fitness area – but I am working on it. But in life – I graduated with my first degree at 21, and paid for my entire university education myself by working part time at DQ. I also completed my second degree at Christmas while working full time and doing it. I am now finishing up my honours thesis, and then I am doing my masters, also while working full time (60 hours per week).

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl) November 5, 2009, 7:48 pm

    OMG I totally didn’t realize dehydration is that visible. How much water do you generally drink a day? I’m preeetty sure I don’t drink nearly enough, whoopsies. :/

    • Caitlin November 5, 2009, 7:51 pm

      only on long runs. i drank about a liter during but it didnt seem to make a difference (i sweat like a piglet).

  • Kathleen November 5, 2009, 7:50 pm

    Love all the accomplishments and positivity!

    Side note though: if you love tofu, but not (yet) brussel sprouts, you might try this recipe (so delicious & easy tofu and brussel sprout dinner): http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/caramelized-tofu-recipe.html

    or if you want just a side-dish brussel, nothing but rave reviews for this one: http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/goldencrusted-brussels-sprouts-recipe.html

    in case you haven’t seen these before! they are so, so good.

  • Katie November 5, 2009, 7:54 pm

    Ran two half-marathons. I also have started to slowly begin to defeat my disordered eating and accept me for me. That las tone was huge. I am truly happy most of the time for the first time since I was a kid. It’s liberating. I now eat to fuel my runs.

    I get dehydrated a lot during runs. And I drink water like crazy when I run and electrolytes. I totally wish I could do DIsney it sounds like it will be a blogger party! Stupid Disney hotel prices.

  • Katie November 5, 2009, 7:55 pm

    Oh and I LOVE brussel sprouts! So delicious.

  • Nikka @ HealthfulGirl November 5, 2009, 7:55 pm

    3 months ago I began a journey to becoming a healthier, happier girl. I have discovered so many things so far and I have discovered a new me. I went from eating garbage and taking the bench to my own life to signing up for my first 5K in Decmeber! I try and make small positive steps each and everyday that are adding up to something great, I just know it!

  • Tammy November 5, 2009, 8:06 pm

    I just ran my 2nd marathon with a new PR! YAY!

  • Lauren November 5, 2009, 8:15 pm

    Completing a Half Ironman! Now, someday I’ll do a full one… 😉

  • Amanda November 5, 2009, 8:30 pm

    Congrats Amy!!!!

    22 months ago I began my weight loss journey. I weighed 276lbs. Today I weigh 178lbs for a total of 98lbs! I started running Aug 2008 with C25K. I could barely do the 60 second intervals. On October 11 I ran my first half marathon and finished in 2:26 (25 mins faster then I expected!!)..That is my success story!

  • Megan November 5, 2009, 9:09 pm

    I ran my first half marathon in september in under 2 hours! I began running in january of this year 🙂 you were definitely one of my inspirations!

  • Jessica November 5, 2009, 9:25 pm

    nothing to do with running haha…..almost ran a mile this week…BUT my body is bulit for walking and I am keeping it that way….

    BUT….I FINISHED A TWENTY PAGE PAPER tonight….
    and THAT is my accomplishment,
    One semester and two classes until I have my Masters.

  • caronae November 5, 2009, 9:48 pm

    I ran my first half marathon in under two hours this past spring! I was proud of myself. Today, I wrote a paper and took a hard test that I think I did well on!

  • Meg C. November 5, 2009, 9:51 pm

    I ran a 52:46 10K which was a HUGE pr for me!

  • Ellie November 6, 2009, 12:42 am

    When I was in high school, I was severely anorexic and I alternated being a compulsive overexerciser with being too thin to be allowed to exercise. In college, I stuck with overexercising, then gave it up, gained weight, got a little chubby and hated the way I looked. Now, finally, at age 22, I started swimming a while ago and it revolutionized my life. Back at school I’ve been swimming 1.5 miles 3 times a week and biking/lifting to fill in the gaps, I love the way I look and am satisfied with how much I work out, I lost the excess weight and I feel stronger and fitter and happier with my body than I ever have been before. I don’t care if I don’t match up with my anorexic weight, I feel like I look super cute and I have enough energy to push myself to the extent that I want to. So that’s my bragging about myself. It’s a long haul and I’m not there yet (I have fitness goals like sprint triathlons and achieving higher swimming standards) but I’ve come SO far from the anorexic 17 year old I once was.

    Thanks for all you do, Caitlin, and thanks for the chance to brag about our progress!

  • Oxidaisy November 6, 2009, 6:37 am

    So here is my bragging: I can run 5k even though I have never been a runner. But my biggest achievement ever was walking 200k in 4 days, that is 50k a day!! And with no injuries! And let’s not forget the 500 training k’s I did in the months prior to the event so I could make it. Go me hahaha!

  • Michelle November 6, 2009, 7:40 am

    Tomorrow I am running my 10th half marathon! I have also completed 2 full marathons. All of this in just 3 years. 🙂 Yay.

  • JAG November 6, 2009, 7:41 am

    I have lost 50lb this year and completely transformed my shape. It was hard work at times but so worth the effort. My before and after pics are here – http://www.jagsfitnessblog.com/2009/11/mixed-day.html

  • Jason @ Cant-Coach-Desire November 6, 2009, 8:26 am

    I dropped 100lbs. over a 3 year period. Then, I picked up running and have been PRing in every race I have entered as I just keep getting faster(I know it’ll end at some point). I went from not being able to run at 270lbs to running 6:30s consistently on tempo days so I’m pretty stoked.

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat November 6, 2009, 8:51 am

    In 2007, I changed my lifestyle and lost 70 lbs. Then I decided to tackle running, starting out at 2 minute intervals and built up to running a half marathon (and several other shorter races). But I think my biggest accomplishment is that I have maintained the loss, coming up on 2 years now 🙂

  • Jess November 6, 2009, 9:19 am

    Thanks for providing the forum for this! I could run probably a mile about a month ago, and by slowly but steadily increasing (and quitting the smokes) I can now do a 4-miler and feel wonderful while doing so- that’s the best part! thanks, caitlin! You are an inspirating.

  • Jess November 6, 2009, 9:20 am

    oh, and i started a blog as well 🙂 http://www.upsanddownes.wordpress.com really looking for a “topic”- husband says I should hone it in more, but Im not good at not being random- any ideas?

    • Caitlin November 6, 2009, 9:23 am

      there are blogs about anything and everything, including random things 🙂 all that matters is that you find a voice. check out http://www.graduatemeghann.com and do a keyword search for blogging 101 for other blogging tips.

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