Baby Steps

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T-minus 5 days until moving day.

 

It’s like a Ghost Town up in here.

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Packing requires fuel.  In the form of a sample of Tostitos dip strips (which are essentially long strips of chips for maximum dippage in the dip) and salsa.

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Three cheers for chips and salsa! My favorite salty snack.  And hey – salsa is a vegetable.  I ended up having 2x what’s shown. 

 

Dinner was more freezer mish-mash (eat it, don’t move it!).  I had a Dr. P California burger mashed up steamed corn, peas, and greens. All on a bed of brown rice … PLUS – Gorgonzola cheese!

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This was a REALLY great dinner, but I think the cheese is what “made” it.  I tried the Husband’s (he topped with hot sauce) and it just wasn’t the same…

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Perfect meal after a long day of packing!

 

Oh, everyone commented that James was such a good dog when I photographed my breakfast this morning.  Maggie is good at that, too!  They know not to approach my food unless I say so…  I do give them treats off my plate (like veggies) all the time.  This is probably the only thing my pups are universally good about.

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Everyone Starts Somewhere (Corny But True)

 

In light of my slightly crazy plan to run a sub-23:00, I thought I’d do a post on starting to run.  Everyone starts somewhere! 

 

I started running when right out of college.  My best friend Lauren basically told me to get my bootay in gear or drop the self-sabotaging attitude

 

The first I ran, I was terrible!  I went with Lauren and could barely go 1/4 a mile without stopping to gasp for breath.  I think I turned around and went home to rest!  I sometimes did cardio at the gym, but never straight-up RAN outdoors.  But I was determined to do it (especially when I started to think about doing a 10K…) and I trained my way to a 5K (I did a Couch to 5K-like program) and then I did a 10K plan in 10 weeks or so.  I used the walk-run method to slowly gain mileage.  That’s why I like walking so much!

 

I did my first 10K in a hilly area of Pittsburgh – it was even snowing the day of the race!  I did it all by myself, ran it in 1:01, got in my car, drove to the Husband’s work (a fish restaurant), and had a feast.  :)  It was a lot of fun, and I was HOOKED.

 

In conclusion… if you want to learn how to run, you can!  A 5K or 10K is a completely achievable goal for most people, as long as you’re dedicated to the training.  And it is a LOT of fun to do an event – trust me.  🙂

 

Do you consider yourself a “runner?”   I did during that first 1/4 mile! LOL

{ 96 comments }

 

  • Kelly June 21, 2010, 9:35 pm

    I would consider myself a runner, but I haven’t run in over a year because my knee does not like it- and yes I’ve tried everything, boo. I still hold out hope that someday I’ll be a runner again.

    You must be a good pet trainer if you’ve got your dogs not approaching your food, that is impressive. Every dog I’ve ever met approaches my food when its not even on the ground haha

    • caitlin June 22, 2010, 8:41 am

      although i would say our dogs are not well behaved in general, the one thing we’re good about is asserting dominance over them. the husband is in charge, followed by me, and then james and then maggie. i think establishing a hierarchy is key.

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) June 21, 2010, 9:36 pm

    i used to, and am really hoping to start up again once i’m cleared with my knee! it’d be great this summer to start running again so that come fall and winter i’m in good enough shape to do it in the cold too 🙂

  • Lauren (Clean Eats in the Dirty South) June 21, 2010, 9:37 pm

    i love your placemat! where’d you get it? 🙂
    also, running a 10k in ten weeks is pretty darn awesome. i know i’d never have been able to do that when i first started! running a mile was the biggest accomplishment EVAR.

    • caitlin June 22, 2010, 8:41 am

      my mom gave it to be while she was here 🙂 she just left it in a drawer for me to find!

  • lauren @ Eater not a runner June 21, 2010, 9:38 pm

    I actually do consider myself a runner even though I’m super slow! But I have done two half marathons so I guess that counts.

  • Fit Chick in the City June 21, 2010, 9:38 pm

    I think that everyone that runs on a regular basis no matter how much or what level is a runner. As trainer and running coach, I hate to hear so many people who are starting out say “one day I’ll be a runner” when they already are a runner. Runners run, so if you run you’re a runner. 😉

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) June 21, 2010, 9:40 pm

    Our dogs never go near our food. We sometimes joke that they are our fake dogs and that we’ll be shocked when we get real dogs after these ones pass on.

    I didn’t consider myself a runner until I could run 30 minutes straight. Sometimes I still have a hard time using that title for myself.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg June 21, 2010, 9:41 pm

    I guess I consider myself a runner…it just sounds so official!!

    Salsa = Love. 🙂

  • HTP Dad June 21, 2010, 9:42 pm

    Love what you’ve done with the place!

  • Lindsay @ Summit Sandwiches June 21, 2010, 9:43 pm

    I have only recently begun to consider myself a runner, after having run two half marathons and now starting to train for my first full….over the past year or so, it’s definitely become my exercise of choice, so even though I am pretty slow, I now proudly call myself a runner! Hiking is my true love though.

  • Bethany @ More Fruit Please June 21, 2010, 9:43 pm

    Thanks for the encouragement! I’m at the beginner phase and it’s comforting to know that everyone was here at some point or another!

  • Katie June 21, 2010, 9:45 pm

    Oh girl…that’s me now! I want to be a runner, but I just get sooo winded and have to break all the time! I can rock it on the elliptical and my pilates skills were rock solid (ugh I’m a new teacher and the exhaustion from school days really got me this year…and now I’m out of shape :() I’ve been trying, but with the Charlotte heat, I’m out of luck. I even bought those new Runtone reeboks to help! Here’s hoping it’ll work out!

    Also, my dog SUCKS at knowing boundaries! He’s always the first to jump in my lap and try and eat the food off my plate!

    • caitlin June 22, 2010, 8:42 am

      keep it up! if you can run in the heat, you can run in anything!

  • Marilou @ Mostly Healthy June 21, 2010, 9:46 pm

    You’re my hero on your packing 🙂 Can I hire you to do the same at my home?

    I’m not a runner yet … But I’m definitely will be one soon. I’m too doing a walk-run type of program and it’s getting me hooked!

  • Anne @ the doctor takes a wife June 21, 2010, 9:49 pm

    Running was definitely baby steps for me too. I got hooked pretty fast. I love it because I see progress really quickly–or at least quicker than I was expecting. I ran my first 5k in February and now hubby and I are training for a Half Marathon in September 🙂

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) June 21, 2010, 9:51 pm

    What a great looking dinner! Even if it was a mish mash 🙂

  • Vaala June 21, 2010, 9:54 pm

    It’s funny because I’ve been running in some form or another most of my life, have done so many races that there was no way I could keep count and have a running coach and yet I still have a hard time believing I’m a runner!

  • Carly @ Happy Healthy Foodie June 21, 2010, 9:59 pm

    I am definitely a runner. Running is so addicting and I feel so great after returning from a good run. But, I haven’t been out in a while, lately I’m into swimming.

  • Sarah for Real June 21, 2010, 10:03 pm

    I was juuuust starting to feel like a real runner after 4 weeks of my couch to 5k plan… but then I had to stop because of back problems 🙁 Now I don’t know what to do. I am a WALKER whoop-di-do, doesn’t have quite the same ring does it? Haha, actually, I’m an icer-stretcher-walker-future-runner-again!

  • Coco @ Opera Girl Cooks June 21, 2010, 10:06 pm

    I do not consider myself a runner, though I kind of wish I did sometimes! My body doesn’t seem to be built for it. Last summer, I gradually worked up to running 3 miles at a time, but anything beyond that and my IT bands started acting up like crazy. It was really frustrating, because the rest of my body wanted to keep going but those tendons would not cooperate! Nowadays, I stick with the elliptical machine, biking outside, circuit strength/cardio training, yoga, and pilates.

  • Madeline - Greens and Jeans June 21, 2010, 10:11 pm

    I’m definitely a runner. I have a lot of races under my belt and I’m currently training for my first full marathon!

  • Emily Eats and Exercises June 21, 2010, 10:11 pm

    I’m working hard to consider myself a runner. I have done a 5K, 4 mile, 5 mile, 10K, and now a half marathon! If that doesn’t make me a runner I’m not sure what does. I think my insecurity comes with my pace (I started at about a 14 minute mile, but I’m down to 10.5ish) and also that it still feels so hard so much of the time!
    It’s funny, I am usually a very confident person, but this idea of myself as a runner I’m struggling to accept. I love that you thought of yourself as a runner in the first 1/4 mile!

  • jo June 21, 2010, 10:17 pm

    your dogs do seem well behaved. Did they ever have formals training?

    • caitlin June 22, 2010, 8:47 am

      They did take classes but I’m not sure that helped so much as just being firm with them. I did read a book called Dog Training for Dummies and that helped!

  • Kaz June 21, 2010, 10:23 pm

    I’m not a runner. xD I’d love to be, though, especially now that I have an idea on what causes my exercise-induced urticaria. My friend is encouraging me to join her gym, and I’m going to take her up on it.

    Your dogs are so well-behaved! Such good doggies! 😀

  • Amy @ Amy Starts To Run June 21, 2010, 10:23 pm

    I don’t yet consider myself a runner, but I’m trying to make myself one. Its nice to know that everyone has to start somewhere, keeps me motivated. Now, if it wasn’t so dang hot outside!

  • Gavi @ GaviGetsGoing! June 21, 2010, 10:24 pm

    I LOVE this post! I never thought of myself as a runner until the past two months. I always hated running, but now I’ve found that I absolutely love it. There is nothing quite like it–I’m hooked! I’ve been building up my mileage and just went on an 11-miler this weekend. I just signed up for my first half-marathon today, and I can’t wait. I officially consider myself a “runner!” 🙂

    • caitlin June 22, 2010, 8:50 am

      Good luck on you half!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing June 21, 2010, 10:24 pm

    I do consider myself a runner, even if I can’t currently run right now due to my stress fracture. But it’s my passion, it’s in my blood.

  • Catherine June 21, 2010, 10:35 pm

    Even training for a half marathon in September, I don’t yet consider myself a “runner.” Maybe once I complete the race! haha

  • Amanda @ Eat to Live, Live to Run June 21, 2010, 10:36 pm

    I definitely consider myself a runner. It took me a long time to get to the point of admitting it to other people. I couldn’t decide what the criteria in my mind for being a runner are compared to “someone who runs”. I’m still not sure at which moment I became a runner in my mind, but its who I am now.

  • Wendy June 21, 2010, 10:42 pm

    I’m taking a little hiatus from running right now, but YES! I consider myself a runner.

    Caitlin, I thought of you and your pups today – I was out on a bike ride (my longest yet – 24 miles!), and a little dachshund chased me!

    • caitlin June 22, 2010, 8:50 am

      hahah really? weiner dogs are so ballsy.

  • Cristina June 21, 2010, 10:44 pm

    I love salsa, and yes it’s definitely a vegetable. The chunkier the better!

  • elaine! June 21, 2010, 10:45 pm

    I never considered myself a runner, first because I was so inconsistent with training, and then because even when I was consistent, I wasn’t meeting some arbitrary number of miles per week that I thought I needed to meet to be a “real” runner. Then I stopped running for those goals and started running for fun. And now I consider myself a runner… slow pace, low mileage and all!

  • Jessica Lee June 21, 2010, 10:49 pm

    I used to consider my self a runner ( a few months ago ) when my mileage was up there. Now that I have stopped running for a while, I feel less like a “runner.” Sigh, I’m working on getting my miles and speed back though! BABY STEPS right?

  • Stephanie June 21, 2010, 10:56 pm

    Thanks for posting about your running history! It is encouraging to hear how other people started. I’m running my first 5k next month and six months ago I could only run for a minute without being out of breath!

  • Karla June 21, 2010, 11:01 pm

    This is interesting because today I went on a 3 mile run with a friend who hasn’t run in over a year. She did great! I think I would have pooped out but she was going strong!
    I’ve never considered myself a runner because I always think runners are fast and I’m NOT. But I can go for a pretty long time. Today after 3 miles I wasn’t tired, I could have gone for a lot longer. Does that make me a runner? I’m not sure but I had fun doing it!

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople June 21, 2010, 11:05 pm

    I probably could consider myself that, even though I “run” at a 15-min mile (4 mph) pace and can usually only run for a few minutes at a time. I am better than when I first started though! I’ve had a few longer running spurts, and have started to work my way to more of a 4.5 mph pace!

  • Lisa June 21, 2010, 11:07 pm

    I have good days and bad days where I think I’m a runner. Sometimes I get the pains and feel like maybe I’m NOT a runner. That’s kind of where I am now. But for the most part, yes I am a runner. I love doing it!

  • maria @ Chasing the Now June 21, 2010, 11:12 pm

    I think it’s important to realize that most people don’t head out the door for their first run and LOVE IT! I think that’s a huge misconception and causes new runners to feel discouraged early on. It’s going to be difficult, but it gets easier every time you head out the door.

  • Wei-Wei June 21, 2010, 11:22 pm

    I would NOT consider myself a runner. I’ve always wanted to try out the couch-to-5k program, but my neighbourhood is simply not made for running. I don’t like being stared at and there’s no way of “timing” myself for the walk/run intervals! I feel like putting on sunglasses and using a kitchen timer hahaha. I once ran 1 mile without stopping in PE, though, and that actually made me feel really proud of myself. Maybe I am some sort of hidden runner after all? 😉

    Wei-Wei

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) June 21, 2010, 11:25 pm

    Nope, I don’t consider myself a runner.

    Are you sad to leave your apartment? Will you miss it?

    • caitlin June 22, 2010, 8:51 am

      Nope, not sad at all. I’m ready to move!!!

  • Deva (Voracious Vorilee) June 21, 2010, 11:27 pm

    I think I am a runner, but I don’t run as often as I would like.

  • Marina June 21, 2010, 11:42 pm

    I hated running, because I couldn’t breathe. My asthma was making it hard, any form of activity would make me suffocate. But now, I’m stronger, I pushed through and I cherish that my lungs can take me on a 50 min run, and that I can breathe! It’s a wonderful experience, to be able to breathe 🙂 so now, I think I’m starting to be a runner 🙂

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter June 21, 2010, 11:46 pm

    My dog only begs to my dad cause he’s the only one that will give him food.

  • Lorin June 22, 2010, 12:03 am

    Hi, I just read Self Magazine and I thought you would want to know, if you didn’t already know, that Operationbeautiful.com is featured on it!

    • caitlin June 22, 2010, 8:51 am

      Thanks!! So exciting!!

  • Jenn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) June 22, 2010, 12:08 am

    Your dinner looks SOOO good! The gorgonzola nailed it. I love mish-mashes. 🙂

    Jenn

  • Katie@ Two Lives, One Lifestyle June 22, 2010, 12:13 am

    I was en route to run my first marathon (run it, not race it 😉 ) and a woman next to me on the plane said “oh wow, so you’re a runner?” and I almost replied “no!” but it kinda hit me that hmmm maybe I am!

  • Hallie June 22, 2010, 12:40 am

    I don’t consider myself a runner…I’m training for a half marathon and I wrote a post about running, but I still don’t consider myself a runner…I think it’s because I run slow, so I feel like a sham calling myself a runner. I’m sure that’s silly, but there it it. I call myself “a person who runs” (I refuse to call it jogging though; my effort output makes it RUNNING!)

  • Amanda June 22, 2010, 1:20 am

    I consider myself a runner. I love it! When I was 10 I was diagnosed with asthma, I couldn’t run up the stairs without gasping and coughing. I always remember it when I run. Strangely: the faster I run the better I feel!

  • Emily June 22, 2010, 1:47 am

    I definitely consider myself a runner. I ran through high school and even after I stopped for a while it was easy to pick back up again, because I enjoy it more than any other exercise. I do think it’s more of a mental thing than a physical thing sometimes, as it gives me time in my own head too. Can’t worry about anything else until I get home again, you know? It’s a break from the rush of everyday life sometimes.
    You must be so happy that the packing is nearly done! I know I would be – I wound up throwing so much out in the last few days, just to get rid of it 🙂

  • Camille June 22, 2010, 2:21 am

    I was always hesitant to consider myself a runner because I felt like the title required me to be faster or better. However, after I ran my first marathon I realized that even if I can’t break a 4 hour marathon or run a 7 minute mile, I am definitely a runner in body and mind!

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs June 22, 2010, 3:15 am

    That is very good dog behaviour 🙂
    I consider myself a runner now I think – I don’t think being a ‘runner’ is about being super fast or anything – my miles are normally 8.30ish – but I still think of myself as one, cos to me – I’m working hard! Paula Radcliffe might find my pace easy, but each to their own I say 🙂

  • Amanda Adams June 22, 2010, 5:10 am

    It’s weird. I always considered myself a runner, but as of lately I’ve been thinking of myself as more of a cyclist. I guess all I need is to start swimming and then I’ll be able to do a tri. Yikes.

  • Orla June 22, 2010, 5:13 am

    I consider myself a runner now. I have been running to keep fit for a couple of years and have done 2 marathons. However, up until a couple of months ago I would always play down my time and my achievement and would jokingly say “Oh I don’t run, I shuffle”
    But I have been thinking about my achievement and my ability and have decided that I am very proud of myself and yes I am a runner. I may not be as fast as some people but I am still a runner because I am the best that I can be.
    I can’t believe your dogs eat veggies! My dog will beg for them but when I give them to him, he licks them and then spits them when he realises what they are! hee hee!

  • Cassie @ Tasteful Tales June 22, 2010, 5:27 am

    I would love to consider myself a runner, but the truth is I try and try to run on a regular basis and I hate it. I have always preferred other forms of exercise, but I wish I loved running. Is that weird? Last fall I did about 10 5k’s and loved doing them. And I thought maybe racing would motivate me to be more of a “runner”. But nope! Once 5k season was over- I stopped running haha. I won’t give up on running but I just can’t see myself doing longer distances and I wish I could. Any advice?

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine June 22, 2010, 5:50 am

    I did my first half in April, and I still feel weird saying I’m a “runner,” though by definition I am!! Whenever people tell me they could never run as much as I do, I say they CAN- it really is such an easy sport to get into. I love that it’s so individual. You get out of it exactly what you put in!

  • Annie June 22, 2010, 6:14 am

    Love your blog, and really appreciate this post!

    I’ve never been much of a runner (thats why I did crew for 6 years!) but I’d like to start – I’m just wondering if there is anything I should know about running form, breathing techniques etc to make it easier?

    Thanks!

    • caitlin June 22, 2010, 8:53 am

      i don’t know much about form or breathing, but i do have to say that you should def check out the couch to 5k (linked in the post) plan. just the concept of it is really great to understand and you can apply it to your workouts regardless of whether you’re following their specific plan or not.

  • Shannon @ Before Sunrise June 22, 2010, 6:26 am

    I certainly do! I did the Couch to 5K training plan and ran my first 5K in December! It was snowing/raining the day of the race and a struggle but I felt amazing afterward. The only problem… I haven’t run since! So I actually started Couch to 5K again yesterday and am not stopping every again! I love to run and being a RUNNER 🙂

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is June 22, 2010, 6:32 am

    I am totally not a runner.

  • Alison June 22, 2010, 6:57 am

    I’m not sure that I consider myself a runner. I probably should since I run frequently, but I think until I participate in a big race, I’ll still think of myself as a girl who runs and not a “runner.”

  • alexe @ soyaetchocolat June 22, 2010, 7:25 am

    I think I started calling myself a runner after my first 5K even though I ran it just for fun. That being said, I think everybody who run outdoors can call themselves runners. You are running, you are a runner, that’s it. 🙂

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers June 22, 2010, 7:34 am

    I love looking back on getting started running- you’re perspective changes so much as you progress!

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman June 22, 2010, 7:56 am

    Chips and salsa are my favorite appetizer. I could eat a whole bag, which is why I don’t keep tortilla chips around.

  • Lee June 22, 2010, 8:10 am

    Yup, I consider myself a runner.

  • Kelsey June 22, 2010, 8:11 am

    I am slowly becoming a runner! One day I just up and decided that I wanted to do a 5K for a good challenge, so I found a Couch to 5K program and made myself get outside and run. I just finished my first 5K this past weekend, and had such a blast, that I signed up for another one right away! 😀

  • Jenny (moonwalk the miles) June 22, 2010, 8:17 am

    I don’t really consider myself a runner, just somebody who loves to run. My life has been greatly improved by running, but I guess I just don’t like labels 🙂

  • Heather June 22, 2010, 8:54 am

    I don’t really consider myself a runner. I started running seriously about 7 weeks ago after just dabbling in it previously. I’m training for a half marathon, and I think I won’t really call myself a runner until I complete that race and then continue to run afterwards. Weird, maybe, but that’s my thought process! I need to know this isn’t just a fluke.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin June 22, 2010, 9:05 am

    I’ve never done a race or anything, but I don’t think that’s necessary to call yourself a runner. I run often and I love it, so I consider myself a runner! 🙂

  • Mary June 22, 2010, 9:09 am

    Are you excited to move?! I’m in the Raleigh Durham Area. We should run a race together sometime! 🙂

    I dont think I considered myself a runner until just recently… after I finished my first half marathon. i guess it’s some crazy perception I have of runners being ultimate distance or super sprinters, which I am neither,but I’m working on though. 🙂

    • caitlin June 22, 2010, 9:11 am

      i would love to run a race together! which are you thinking about for the fall?

  • Rob Runs (Slowly) June 22, 2010, 9:19 am

    I like the saying “if you care even a little bit about being called a jogger instead of a runner, you’re a runner!” I didn’t really consider myself one (since I’m so slow I’m more of a waddler) until I joined the running club’s marathon training group. I’m not the slowest one there, there’s a big group of us running a 12:30 mile marathon pace, and we just ran 12 miles Sunday. I don’t think there can be any arguing that I’m a runner now.

  • Kristin June 22, 2010, 9:21 am

    i never considered myself a runner. I thought i looked ridiculous doing it! i would run occaisionally on the treadmill in the gym but preferred the elliptical and bikes more. When i started dating my current BF, he ran a lot and i wanted to spend more time with him so i joined him and guess what? i could totally keep up with him! Then i started getting into it more on my own and ran my first race, a 10k in May in 1:01 and felt amazing afterwards. Now i have much more confidence running and am looking forward to my next race!

  • Marissa June 22, 2010, 9:40 am

    I don’t consider myself a runner, but I do consider myself someone who runs. I miss racing so much! I need to enter into another race… maybe that would give me the motivation to get up early and beat the heat for a run!

  • Andrea June 22, 2010, 9:44 am

    I would consider myself a runner. It is definitely the exercise I enjoy most and do often. Summers in Phoenix are brutal so I have to reduce the mileage and wake up pretty early to get in a run. I think I am going to follow your plan to run a speedier 5k! Can’t wait to read about your progress. You always dominate the goals you set for yourself. 😉

  • Miranda @ Mirandasjeans June 22, 2010, 9:53 am

    I def consider myself a runner. Eventhough I might not run long distances, I’ve run 8k max, I still go out and run in the mornings and evenings. I know that last night when I was out running and saw other runners they considered me an equal. It’s not about distance it’s all about the effort you make to get out and try it.

  • Jessica June 22, 2010, 9:55 am

    I love that you said I couldn’t run 1/4 of a mile without gasping for air. Most bloggers say “I could barely run a mile” and while I am sure they are telling the truth I always find that so discouraging. If I could run a mile – even if it was “barely” – I would be estatic about that.

    • caitlin June 22, 2010, 9:58 am

      hahah TRUE. a mile is 10 minutes of straight running (if you’re going at a fast pace!). that’s HARD and a lot to work up to. it took me weeks.

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans June 22, 2010, 10:18 am

    It took me a while to call myself a runner but I do now. I used to think being a runner was strictly measured by distance ran but now I realize its more. Running is a way of life. Running is a motivation for better eating and healthy choices and being a runner is an identity that molds your lifestyle. Now I am proud to proclaim that not only do I run but I am a RUNNER!

    • caitlin June 22, 2010, 1:06 pm

      AMEN i love this comment!

  • allison @ livingoneday June 22, 2010, 10:38 am

    eee thats so exciting!! as stressful as it is, there is nothing like getting a fresh start in a new place! its clean, organized, and exactly the way you want it. at least for a little while. and that dinner is exactly something i would throw together. i dedicate wednesdays to that sort of thing on my blog!

  • Shannon June 22, 2010, 11:21 am

    I still struggle with whether I consider myself a “runner” or not. I think that mean, judgmental voice in my head still says “you can’t tell people you’re a runner; they’ll think you’re crazy because you’re still 20 lbs overweight!” I know that that voice is ridiculous, but I can’t seem to get past it! I even won a “13.1” magnet, but I’m too chicken to put it on my car because I’ve “only” done 2 half marathons. (Yes, I realize this sounds ridiculous.) I think healthy food and healthy thinking blogs like yours are helping me get there 🙂 I’m about to register for half #3 and I’m going to OWN IT!

    • caitlin June 22, 2010, 1:07 pm

      um… please go out and put that sticker on your car right NOW. two half marathons is nothing to sneeze at – you’re a runner!! and you’re beautiful 🙂

      • Shannon July 13, 2010, 9:23 am

        OK, It took a few weeks, but I finally put the magnet on my car. I AM a runner!

  • Marci June 22, 2010, 11:59 am

    I like that question and always wonder if I am a real runner. I am slow but steady! I have two 10Ks under my belt and signed up for my first 1/2 marathon (scary!). Every mile I run is tough, and I am always grateful for what I accomplished when I finish!

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing June 22, 2010, 1:03 pm

    I am a runner, but I don’t plan to any distances over a 10K. I would just like to focus on improving my times.

  • lisa June 22, 2010, 4:18 pm

    I do consider myself a runner now. I ran my first 5k on Sunday, and while I ran very slowly, I only walked one tiny hill, and I felt great. Now I’m gearing up for another one this fall to improve my time.

  • Annie June 23, 2010, 12:42 am

    I’m running my first 5K on July 3rd and I’m actually nervous. I started taking it seriously in mid May and run a few times every week. I think this first time I’d want to go by myself (how you did with the 10K) and just see if I can do it! 😉
    I can’t imagine myself running more thank a 5K. It is still so fresh and seems difficult to me!

    • Caitlin June 23, 2010, 6:57 am

      you’ll do great 🙂 i promise!

  • Chase (TheChaseProject) June 23, 2010, 6:01 am

    Of course I consider myself a runner! Although something in me is urging me to run a marathon to be a “true” runner. So here goes nothing! 26.2 miles in March 2011!

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