Off Road Run

on December 14, 2009
in All Posts

I have met my deadline and turned in the first draft of the Operation Beautiful book!  I might have to make revisions very soon, but for this moment – I am DONE!  🙂

 

The Husband asked me how I would like to celebrate, and I replied, “TRAIL RUN!”

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Trail runs are my FAVORITE!  I love how low-pressure a trail run is.  I don’t think about my time; I just enjoy my surroundings.

 

We went to the nearby Moss Park and ran 3.25 miles along the Split Oak Trail. 

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We literally were running in the middle of nowhere – we didn’t see a single other soul.  We did run into over fifteen whitetail deer! I loved to watch them bounce away when we came up on them!  :) 

 

When we found this huge, peaceful lake, I was so happy.  We just stood in front of it for a few minutes and listened to the birds cry and the fish jump out of the water.

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Not to be all sappy, but as I come up on my 1 year wedding anniversary, I just want to say that I AM SO HAPPY with the Husband.  The last six years have not always been perfect, but we are at a wonderful stage of our relationship and feel closer everyday.  Sometimes I get e-mails from people who think we are “perfect,” and I just want to say that we are not perfect… but we work on our relationship.  That’s the best kind of love, I think.  I wish all of you the kind of happiness we have together!

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Plus, he runs with me now, which is awesome!

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One thing I need to get for my trail runs is a pair of trail sneakers.  I just wear my regular road sneakers and tie them every tight (and pray my ankle doesn’t roll).  I’d really like to do more trail runs (and races) and definitely need the proper equipment.   My Brooks Summons aren’t cutting it!

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‘Twas a lovely way to wrap up a very big day for me!

 

My afternoon snacks included a banana…

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A Glo Bar…

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And dinner was vegetarian baked beans (big portion!), roasted red potatoes, and a yummy salad.  I gave some of the beans and potatoes to the Husband after I started to eat.  This is a BIG plate! 🙂

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I am currently drinking a glass of red wine and watching Love Actually to get into the holiday spirit.

 

Have a wonderful night!

{ 77 comments }

 

  • Jordan December 14, 2009, 7:38 pm

    I love trail running and hiking! Of course, living in Chattanooga is a great place to do both. I have a pair of Montrail Vitesse that I use for both.

    Congrats on sending your book off!

  • Sonja @ ActiveFoodie December 14, 2009, 7:38 pm

    Congratulations on finishing your book! What an amazing accomplishment! And I must say the pics of your run managed to relax me a little as well, what a beautiful route to be able to run! I would love to get some trail runs in as well, maybe I will work on that for the new year 🙂

  • Aubrey December 14, 2009, 7:38 pm

    Sounds like a good day. Congrats on getting the first draft turned in.

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is December 14, 2009, 7:39 pm

    Congrats! I’m sure that run was emotional and wonderful. It is so nice to see that you guys have a strong relationship that you work on. 🙂

  • Lizzy December 14, 2009, 7:39 pm

    congrats on the first draft being sent it! i know you have to be SOOOOO happy! 🙂 i cant wait to get my hands on this book!

  • Evan Thomas December 14, 2009, 7:43 pm

    Congratulations! That draft must feel like a huge accomplishment! And I love your idea of celebrating 🙂

  • Allison (Eat Clean Live Green) December 14, 2009, 7:44 pm

    Congratulations on finishing the book!

    Trail running looks fun 🙂

  • michelle December 14, 2009, 7:44 pm

    love actually is one of my favorites! i’m watching it now, it’s almost over. congratulations on submitting the first draft! it’s been great following you on this journey!

  • brandi December 14, 2009, 7:44 pm

    I’ve been wanting to ask you what type of running tights do you wear? What are the purpose of them and how “tight” should they be? I recently bought a pair and they fit comfortably, but don’t feel “tight” enough to be supporting my muscles or knees. Will they chaf if they are too loose? I’d appreciate your expertise on this topic. Thanks!

    • Caitlin December 14, 2009, 7:46 pm

      i wear a small knee sleeve and have to replace them once every three months (i really need to get new ones actually). i was true-to-size for the guide i think my knees are 13.5 inches so i was small.

  • Hillary @ Nutrition Nut on the Run December 14, 2009, 7:46 pm

    Congrats on finishing your first draft. If only I could say the same about this dang paper at the moment. Have a nice night!

  • susan December 14, 2009, 7:48 pm

    “If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around.”

    =)

  • Jenna December 14, 2009, 7:50 pm

    congrats on the book!

  • BethT December 14, 2009, 7:52 pm

    Congrats on finishing the book!!!

    And congrats, too on a happy, healthy relationship. As soomeone about to hit her 10th year of marriage, I can tell you that working on your relationship just…works 🙂 Being selfless and communicating = happy husband and wife.

  • Mary @ Fit this girl December 14, 2009, 7:53 pm

    I love my trail running shoes and I LOVE Love Actually. 🙂 What a great way to celebrate! Way to go!

  • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) December 14, 2009, 7:54 pm

    AW!

  • Kristie Lynn December 14, 2009, 7:55 pm

    Sounds like a wonderful day. Super cute picture of you holding the husband’s hand. 🙂

  • Julie December 14, 2009, 7:58 pm

    Congrats Caitin!!!

    You and the hubs are too cute.

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) December 14, 2009, 7:59 pm

    oooh trail running – how fun! Much better than the dreadmill (well for me anyway hehe)

  • Lauren @ Reading and Running December 14, 2009, 8:00 pm

    Congrats on the first draft! What an awesome trail run. I’d love to find a trail somewhere around Dallas!

  • Brie (The Fit Bride) December 14, 2009, 8:05 pm

    Nice job!

    Also, celebrating with a trail run instead of a fancy dinner out is also in the spirit of the Responsible Spending Challenge. Well played!

  • Justy2003 December 14, 2009, 8:14 pm

    Congrats on finishing the book! I’m sure it’s a big relief to be done for now!

  • Lee December 14, 2009, 8:15 pm

    Sounds like a great way to celebrate. I’ve never run on a trail before!

  • Molly @vegandorm December 14, 2009, 8:16 pm

    i just did my long run on a trail yesterday and saw a baby elk! made my day!
    congrats on the book!

  • brandi December 14, 2009, 8:21 pm

    congrats on getting the first draft done!!! What an awesome feeling that must be 🙂

    and I feel the same way about my husband and me 🙂 Definitely always a work in progress, but we love each other no matter what. And it’s a life long journey together.

  • Allie December 14, 2009, 8:21 pm

    congrats on the first draft! it must feel wonderful. i think i have said it before, but for such a young couple, you have an incredibly mature insight on a successful relationship. how wonderful for the two of you.

    • Caitlin December 15, 2009, 8:54 am

      thank you <3

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite December 14, 2009, 8:21 pm

    I love trail runs!

    The best thing I ever did was by YANKZ! I never have to worry about my shoe laces!

  • Good Taste. Healthy Me December 14, 2009, 8:21 pm

    congrats! on your book and coming up to your one year! you must be ecstatic!

  • Marisa (Loser for Life) December 14, 2009, 8:30 pm

    Whoooo hoooo for finishing the book!!!!

  • Adi (oatonomy.com) December 14, 2009, 8:34 pm

    Congratulations!! You did it! You definitely deserve some celebrating.

  • Megan December 14, 2009, 8:38 pm

    Congrats on the book. Love Actually is the best way to celebrate!! I watched it on Saturday and ate Christmas cookies!! It CRACKS me up when Hugh Grant goes “Mmmm would we call her chubby?”

  • Niki (Running in Pink) December 14, 2009, 8:39 pm

    Hoorayyyy for finishing the book!! The pics from your trail run are really making me want to go outside for a run right now, but it’s freezing (like 0 degrees), snowy, icy, and dark. Blech.

  • Mrs.Ballou December 14, 2009, 8:43 pm

    I love trail runs and you’re right, it’s like there’s no pressure! How ever, I almost always do it alone (no friends that run) and I have this whole horror movie montage thing that happens in my head and end up running too fast from imaginary woods monsters and then I get winded and have to stop to catch my breath and then I’m scared again so I run, it’s a vicious cycle, but I love it. 🙂

    • Caitlin December 15, 2009, 9:01 am

      ok that is scary! you need a doggie to run with!

      • Mrs.Ballou December 15, 2009, 9:28 am

        I do have a dog, but he’s a Schnauzer and 1. Not much of a runner and 2. Probably more scared than I am. Although he tries his best to defend me from things while hiding between my legs. 🙂

  • KatieTX December 14, 2009, 8:44 pm

    Love actually is one of my favorite movies. I watched it last week! Also, I think no relationship is perfect! They definitely take a lot of work!

  • Angela December 14, 2009, 8:45 pm

    I’m SOOO loving your blog! What an inspiring, uplifting person you are! Congrats on all your success and happiness.

  • Madeline @ GreensAndJeans December 14, 2009, 8:46 pm

    What a great way to celebrate! Trail shoes are definitely a must! Having that extra plate to protect your feet from rocks is pretty key…

  • Salina December 14, 2009, 8:51 pm

    Congrats on your book…and what a wonderful way to spend your day…enjoy this time!!!

  • Katie December 14, 2009, 8:55 pm

    Awwww holding hands!

    And looks likea great run!

    New giveaway starting TOMORROW, music, fitness + food – http://katiechangesforkatie.blogspot.com/

    Drop on by!

    Katie

  • Danielle December 14, 2009, 8:57 pm

    Congrats on finishing your first draft! Woo Hoo!

  • Cindy December 14, 2009, 9:01 pm

    Go you! Congrats!

    My trail runners are from New Balance. They got a lot of wear outside walking/running and hiking. I don’t think they even make the model I have but they were really stable which I needed since I have a weak ankle. This is the update to the one I have. http://www.newbalance.com/products/WT910/

    I also made quinoa for the first time today since you have been talking about it. It was good, albeit a bit boring given I didn’t have anything to put on it except tomato sauce.

    Love Actually is in my top ten movies of all time! 🙂

    • Caitlin December 15, 2009, 9:03 am

      thanks for this recommendation!

  • rungirlrunn December 14, 2009, 9:05 pm

    Congrats on submitting your book! That must feel great! Looks like such a beautiful place to run 🙂

  • Susan December 14, 2009, 9:18 pm

    Congratulations of finishing the draft! And a big fat AWWW to you and the hub!

  • Nicole, MS, RD, LD December 14, 2009, 9:28 pm

    That trail run looks so relaxing and wonderful! Congrats on meeting your deadline! I think that’s great relationship advice. We got married just about 7 months ago and we’ve been so happy…I feel blessed every day!

  • greenbean December 14, 2009, 9:31 pm

    i’m very happy for you Caitlin. your love with your husband is beautiful.

  • Meg C. December 14, 2009, 9:46 pm

    love actually rocks. especially the part in the limo when the little boy says “WE’EH HERE!”

  • Alison December 14, 2009, 9:51 pm

    you are in inspiration to me – if my husband had asked me how I want to celebrate I would have said “Mexican food!” or “pizza!” haha, baby steps 🙂

  • gina (fitnessista) December 14, 2009, 9:52 pm

    ahhh i love love actually!!! and wine. of course 😉
    congrats on being DONE! thats so freaking awesome
    have a great night

  • Mica December 14, 2009, 10:11 pm

    Congratulations on getting your first draft finished! That must feel like a huge relief and accomplishment!

  • Laura December 14, 2009, 10:18 pm

    Under Armour has a great pair of trail running shoes. Check them out!

  • MommyRD December 14, 2009, 10:22 pm

    What a lovely evening. I love running with my husband, it is great way to have “together” time.

  • Karla December 14, 2009, 10:27 pm

    Congratulations on your draft and your happy marriage!

  • dorothy December 14, 2009, 10:46 pm

    i love love actually! ahha that made sense.. right?

    you nd your hus are AWWW worthy 😉 and i love seeing deer- well, any wild life really- on trails. muhc more exciting than pavements

  • Britt (Runnerbelle) December 14, 2009, 11:24 pm

    Congrats on the milestone with the book! What a great way to celebrate.

    I’m very jealous of your trail run, its a bit too snowy out now for one here…. although it may be time to break out the snowshoes soon, I should invest in a pair meant for running!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) December 14, 2009, 11:46 pm

    It must feel so nice to not have anything to do!! Enjoy!!

  • Susan December 14, 2009, 11:56 pm

    This post totally had me going “awwww.” 🙂

    Congrats on getting the first draft done!! A trail run sounds like the perfect way to celebrate to me. I actually live on a river trail, so my runs are always on it when there’s no snow. It’s so peaceful, I get too tense now running on the road!

  • Amanda (modernation) December 15, 2009, 12:02 am

    So happy for you. What a big day! And I think it is so great that you and your husband are so mature at such a young age. You are wise beyond your years, my dear. And that is a wonderful thing!

  • *Andrea* December 15, 2009, 12:16 am

    awww you two are adorable!!! i love baked beans and potatoes – yum! congrats on the book completion 🙂

    • Caitlin December 15, 2009, 9:04 am

      thank you 🙂

  • Little Aspects December 15, 2009, 12:19 am

    That sounds like my perfect day – trail run with the husband followed by Love Actually! You’ve inspired me to do some more off-road running these holidays, I’d forgotten how much I enjoy it! 🙂

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl) December 15, 2009, 1:23 am

    Aw, that’s just wonderful to hear!! So cute!

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) December 15, 2009, 7:53 am

    Congrats on finishing the book, Caitlin!! I cannot WAIT to read it 😀 What a wonderful trail run! You’re so lucky to have such beautiful surroundings and such an amazing husband 🙂
    Have a great day!

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie December 15, 2009, 8:28 am

    Love Actually is one of my all time favorite movies. So good.

    Was the entire trail sand like that? I’m a barefoot runner and that seems like an ideal place for someone like me to run out doors!

    • Caitlin December 15, 2009, 9:05 am

      ehhh it was sandy but not always. there are a few sections that are just rocks. the rest of moss park is pretty sandy though.

  • Lauren December 15, 2009, 8:42 am

    What a great post! Congrats on finishing the book. I don’t comment very often, but I read and love all your posts.

    I feel exactly the same about my own relationship. The bf and I are considered one of those “perfect” couples, but really we just put some time and effort into our relationship every single day. Plus, we work to maintain a happy, healthy home. It doesn’t hurt to be compatible and laid back, either. 😉 Here’s to having so much love in our lives!

  • Diana (Mymarblerye) December 15, 2009, 8:49 am

    1) I love love actually. ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU. 2) I know the real reason you trail jog/ran…you were trying to find that meadow bella and edward had!

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat December 15, 2009, 8:53 am

    Wow, what a lovely time! Congrats on finishing the draft!

    I love what you said about your relationship. People think my husband and I have it all together too but it’s very hard work and sharing your life with another person is not easy. But it’s totally worth it.

    We’ve been together 10 years now (4 married) and I don’t think people realize it has taken us this long to get to where we are now, it didn’t happen overnight.

  • Mel @ She Runs Brooklyn December 15, 2009, 9:05 am

    My favorite part of this story is the pause you took together to listen to the sounds around the lake and take it in. That’s pretty beautiful. I hope everyone gets to feel that one day. <3

  • Sarah December 15, 2009, 10:06 am

    Congratulations on turning in the first draft! It seems like you finished it so quickly.

    My husband and I have been married for seven years and I think it just keeps getting better. You are so right that it takes work. It’s not hard work…but it does seem like putting forth a little effort every day makes for a happier relationship. Have you ever read The Five Love Languages? It’s an easy read but is so helpful at helping you identify the best ways to show love to your spouse (and others). The guy who wrote it is a Christian marriage counselor but I don’t feel like the book is a Christian book. It’s just a great concept on how we are all wired differently and communicating those differences will help us give and receive love better.

    Thanks for reminding me that Love Actually is a Christmas movie. I saw it for the first time this summer and loved it!

    • Caitlin December 15, 2009, 10:24 am

      i havent read that book but i hear its really good!

  • Anne Marie@ New Weigh of Life December 15, 2009, 11:02 am

    Congrats on the first draft! I agree-you have to work hard at your relationship with your hubby, but it’s so worth it!

  • Dee December 15, 2009, 2:00 pm

    Congrats on finishing your first draft!

    Congrats also to your almost 1 year anniversary of wedded bliss! I have to agree with you on the working on the relationship part. It’s always such a great feeling when you and your SO grow closer because of it. 🙂

    ps. I absolutely love, love, LOVE “Love Actually”. My favorite movie, hands down.

  • Heather December 15, 2009, 2:34 pm

    let me join you in the sappy.

    Dear Caitlin and Husband –
    You make me believe in love again. Perfect Love is perfect in it’s imperfections. xo

  • Laura December 15, 2009, 3:19 pm

    Under armour makes a great, supportive, affordable trail, running shoe…. check it out! I love mine!

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