Steps to a Long Run

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Tomorrow morning, I am running 18.0 miles with Megan and Ashley.  This is will be longest run EVER.  I’m PUMPED!

 

How do you prepare for a really, really long run?  I’ll tell you how!

 

Step 1:  Start carb-loading the day before.  I like to have some carb-rich snacks before dinner.  Today, I had Grape Nuts + Greek yogurt:

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And an apple + crackers:

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Step 2:  Eat a slightly larger dinner than usual.

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Bonus points if you can get someone else to make it for you.  Extra bonus points if they speak in a British accent and wear sexy office clothes.

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He made me pasta with black beans, zucchini, green beans, and fettuccini sauce.

 

Step 3:  Pet your dogs because they are really cute and shiny and soft.

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Alright… that has nothing to do with long runs.  But, it’s fun nevertheless!

 

Step 4:  Lay out your clothes, Body Glide, and other gear so at the crack of dawn, you can find the strength to put on your shorts.

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Step 5:  Prepare your water and mid-run fuel (we loop back to the car to refill our bottles):

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Step 6:  Set your alarm for an insanely early hour.

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Step 7:  Get to bed EARLY!  🙂

 

Before I go:

 

  • Side Note – Tonight I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Mimi Nichter, an anthropologist who actually invented the term “Fat Talk” and wrote a really awesome book about the subject.  If you’re interested in that sort of thing, this link has the first few chapters of her book!
  • Side Note 2  – I am have test on the digestive system tomorrow night in Anatomy class, and I am so scared that I could poop myself.  No pun intended.
  • Side Note 3 – If you e-mailed me/commented in the last three hours, and I haven’t responded, you KNOW I will!  I was just prepping, interviewing, and cramming studying.  🙂

 

Have a WONDERFUL evening!

{ 65 comments }

 

  • Lauren @ Team Giles November 4, 2009, 9:48 pm

    Dinner looks beyond delish!

    Good luck on tomorrows run, you’ll do great!

  • Britt (Runnerbelle) November 4, 2009, 9:51 pm

    Best wishes with the long run tomorrow! Relax and enjoy!

    Are you bringing any Gels or Gu with you? Gotta stay fueled! (well at least I do on those longer runs)

    • caitlin November 4, 2009, 9:54 pm

      yes! definitely. or i would chew off my arm.

  • Jenny Eastwood@ JennyLikesToRun, On a mission to run a marathon to fundraise for The Breast Cancer Foundation November 4, 2009, 9:52 pm

    Have a fantastic run tomorrow!! I can’t wait to read the recap 😀
    Just wondering, how do you carry your water when you run? I have trouble with this because I hate carrying a water bottle so I end up not drinking water at all. I take a CamelBak on trail runs. How do you carry your water?

    • caitlin November 4, 2009, 9:54 pm

      in that smaller bottle, but we loop back to refill (and i drink all the water shown in the process). i also have a camelbak and its great, but i prefer holding my water.

  • Julie November 4, 2009, 9:54 pm

    Good luck on the run!!!

  • Melissa November 4, 2009, 9:56 pm

    Good luck on your run tomorrow. Great that you get everything ready ahead of time! I need to follow your organization skills so I can get myself up and out the door for work in the am. (I’m not up to running 18 miles quite yet!!!)

  • Kristen November 4, 2009, 10:04 pm

    Good luck! I know you will have a great run and a great test. Remember, digestion starts in the mouth with the enzymes in the saliva. (I have no idea what your test actually covers, but that’s one of the things I remember about the digestive system from the class I took oh so long ago)

    And that is a great doggie picture- I just want to reach through and pet him.

  • Susan November 4, 2009, 10:05 pm

    Gaahh, I’m up at 4am for work all the time, but I cannot imagine running at that hour! Good luck Caitlin!!!

  • healthy ashley November 4, 2009, 10:05 pm

    Yes, please wear your shorts tomorrow!

    Can’t wait 🙂

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl) November 4, 2009, 10:11 pm

    Good luck on your run AND your test- you’ll ace both! 😀

  • Evan Thomas November 4, 2009, 10:13 pm

    Good luck on the run! That’s insane. You’ll really pile on the miles!

  • Bernadette November 4, 2009, 10:13 pm

    18 miles!! That is awesome! I am so glad your hours ahead of us so I can read all about it bright and early!! Good luck on the run and the test!

    Sleep well!
    xoxo
    Berni

  • Bec November 4, 2009, 10:15 pm

    good luck with the 18 miller and the test tomorrow!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) November 4, 2009, 10:16 pm

    I am super exited to hear how your longest run EVER goes! I am really wishing I lived in Florida right now so that I would have warm weather to run in, and people to run with 🙂

    Also, best of luck on your test girl! You have a lot on your plate right now, and you seem to be doing a hell of a job managing it all – you should be very proud of yourself for all of your accomplishments! I LOVE hearing about it all, and coming along for the journey. In case I haven’t told you lately – your blog is my favorite blog to read!

    Now, get back to that cramming 🙂 Just kidding – get some rest, you have a big run tomorrow!!!

  • Lizzy November 4, 2009, 10:19 pm

    good luck tomorrow caitlin! 🙂 you’ll do awesome

  • Nina November 4, 2009, 10:19 pm

    GOOD LUCK ON YOUR RUN, C! you are an amazing woman!! and you will ROCK that test.

  • Matt November 4, 2009, 10:22 pm

    I like pasta before a long run too 😉

    Good luck tomorrow!

  • Katie November 4, 2009, 10:25 pm

    Good luck on the run! I can’t eat pasta before my long run 🙁 I am having a hard time fueling so I don’t get tired during a run. I am always STARVING by mile 5 or 6!

    Ugh I have a test tomorrow too big one that no I haven’t studied for.

  • Devan G Newan November 4, 2009, 10:28 pm

    Have an amazing run!!

  • Deva (Voracious Vorilee) November 4, 2009, 10:31 pm

    I can’t wait to hear how your long run goes :-). Do you run a loop several times when you’re doing your long run?

    • caitlin November 5, 2009, 4:38 pm

      yup! usually.

  • Bethany November 4, 2009, 10:32 pm

    Good luck!!!!!

  • Kelly Turner November 4, 2009, 10:32 pm

    lol i get up for work at 3:45am for work every morning- I wish i could wake up earlier to get my workouts in but it would be inhuman

  • Amy November 4, 2009, 10:34 pm

    Rock it tomorrow Caitlin! 🙂

  • Madeline @ GreensAndJeans November 4, 2009, 10:40 pm

    I get tired just thinking about running 18 miles! you’ll rock it!

  • Katie - Life Discombobulated November 4, 2009, 10:43 pm

    Random thoughts in no specific order: Good luck on tomorrow’s long run! All of that food looks SO good… And, it’s really cool to me that an anthropologist came up with the concept of “fat talk” — I’m an anthropologist! Hmmm… Maybe I can parlay that into some sort of research project in the future…

  • Amanda November 4, 2009, 10:44 pm

    Have a great run!! I am amazed by you – I remember when you were on your hiatus and now you are doing 18 milers!! PS Maybe you should make a vlog with the husband so we can all hear his accent 🙂

    • caitlin November 5, 2009, 4:35 am

      heheh he’s shy 🙂

  • Tracey@tropicalhappiness November 4, 2009, 10:46 pm

    Wow, 18 miles. I would be intimidated by 8, not to mention 18!!!! GOOD LUCK!

  • maria November 4, 2009, 10:52 pm

    Thanks for the guide. I know this will be helpful as I (safely) increase my mileage! 😀

  • Ginny November 4, 2009, 10:52 pm

    New adventure. Awesome! Uhh – definitely put the shorts on, ha ha. Good Luck!

  • Diana (Mymarblerye) November 4, 2009, 10:54 pm

    What do you think about when you run? I get so bored easssillyyyy.

    • caitlin November 5, 2009, 4:35 am

      it hurts to read with someone else. maybe try listening to a podcast? two posts before this one has a bunch of good suggestions.

      • caitlin November 5, 2009, 4:36 am

        woah im tried. i meant, it HELPS to RUN with someone else

        • RhodeyGirl November 5, 2009, 8:14 am

          I was so confused by your reply! Were you dreaming about being sick of reading something? hahaha!

          I listened to podcasts yesterday on my run for the first time and WOW the time really flew by. I also agree that it helps to run with someone, but for me it has to be someone who wants to CHAT! Both PB and my friend Dadri don’t like to chat and run.

  • Marissa November 4, 2009, 10:55 pm

    Husbands rock 🙂

  • Tay November 4, 2009, 11:26 pm

    Good luck tomorrow! On both the run and the test 🙂

  • Jenna November 4, 2009, 11:41 pm

    good luck tomorrow girl!!
    jenna

  • SweetiePotato November 4, 2009, 11:48 pm

    good luck with your run tomorrow!!

  • Diana November 4, 2009, 11:59 pm

    First off, Good luck on your big run! Secondly, oh my god, you love grape nuts, too? I’m a huge grape nuts fan, but everyone I know thinks I’m nuts (haha) for liking them!

    • caitlin November 5, 2009, 4:35 am

      i feel like an old lady when i eat them LOL

  • Kara November 5, 2009, 12:35 am

    Have a great run! I’m convinced the dog pets will be the secret to a wonderful 18 miles 🙂

  • Anna November 5, 2009, 1:54 am

    You’re going to rock your run and do just what your body needs – cause you spent time with your puppy, and that’s the step so many people overlook. Seriously, good luck on your run, and remember that your doggy is waiting for you at home thinking you are absolutely fantastic! I hope all the healthy glowing energy stays with you and helps you conquer your test with ease.

  • Lara (Thinspired) November 5, 2009, 2:46 am

    NICE on the hubs making you dinner! That needs to happen around my house more often 😉

    Good luck with your run, Caitlin!

  • Sarah (Finding My Balance) November 5, 2009, 5:09 am

    Go, Caitlin, go! I know you’ll rock your long run, and your test! Have fun and good luck!!!

  • michelle November 5, 2009, 5:10 am

    I never have been “hungry” on a long run- until last week when I broke my 14 mile one- I was staaaaarrrrrving!! 🙂 What are your favorite ways to fuel in a long run?

    • caitlin November 5, 2009, 5:13 am

      i really like clif shots because they are organic

  • Stacey November 5, 2009, 6:15 am

    Woot woot! Have fun on your insanely long run tomorrow!! And I mean insanely in a good way of course 😀

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is November 5, 2009, 6:38 am

    Good luck on that big ass run! 🙂

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) November 5, 2009, 7:43 am

    Good luck! That’s SO awesome! I can’t wait to hear about it, and I hope Megan’s toe is ok…
    That’s so great you got to interview the Dr. who coined Fat Talk. I’m itnerested in reading that portion of your book.

  • Ashley November 5, 2009, 7:55 am

    I have a test on the digestive system in…an hour and 5 minutes! Eeek! If you promise not to poop yourself, I won’t either! 😛

  • Tina November 5, 2009, 9:19 am

    Dang, this reaaaally got me craving grape nuts. And yogurt.

    Good luck on your run!!

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing November 5, 2009, 9:27 am

    I don’t know what’s in that dinner your husband made but it looks really yummy!! Perhaps you can put the recipe up?? :O)

  • Matt November 5, 2009, 9:42 am

    Hope the 18 goes well! I totally hear you on looping back to the car to refuel… I hate carrying stuff with me! But now that I’m doing trail running and ultra training, they tell me I need to just get used to it. Blah.

    4:15? Do you wear a headlamp?

    • caitlin November 5, 2009, 4:39 pm

      nope. i gets light out fast now!

  • Ellen Collis November 5, 2009, 9:45 am

    Your dinner looks SOOO good. Well, I’ve got the cute British boyfriend, now all I need to do is convince him to cook me yummy, healthy dinners instead of asking me if I want to split a $5 footlong from Subway! haha
    http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/

  • 4shley (FitBits) November 5, 2009, 9:55 am

    I think puppies are totally a secret to success!

  • Karla November 5, 2009, 10:06 am

    That pasta dinner looks so delish! What kind of noodles and sauce did he use?
    Good luck on your long run! Can’t wait to hear how it went.

    • caitlin November 5, 2009, 4:39 pm

      it was some organic sauce and pasta we got at the farmers market, actually!

  • Carolina John November 5, 2009, 10:11 am

    haha, have fun studying the digestive system. i think the poop joke was intentional, and funny! Hope your long run went well caitlin.

  • skinnyrunner November 5, 2009, 10:31 am

    good luck on your long run! i always find that petting my dog helps. hehe.

  • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) November 5, 2009, 11:15 am

    good luck on the run and the test. You’ll get through it!!!! Keep positive!

  • kilax November 5, 2009, 1:03 pm

    Hee hee! I am laughing at the bonus points to step #2! My husband often makes dinner, but in his street clothes, sometimes in a normal voice, and sometimes in the silly voices we do!

  • Nicole (dishin') November 5, 2009, 1:46 pm

    That is so awesome! Congratulations! You must feel so good…and that fountain does look refreshing!

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