Dress to Impress

on September 19, 2010
in All Posts

In normal life, I try to match my clothes.  I even try to put together cute outfits (I’m trying to “learn” style).   But when it comes to running…

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I think I prefer it when stuff DOESN’T match. 

 

Lime green tank top and purple shorts? Suuuure.  Hot pink tee and blue running skort? Why not?  Sometimes, I come out of the bedroom dressed for a run and the Husband positively grimaces – like today.  :)  Hey, it’s not a fashion show!  I just grab the first things I see.

 

Pre-run snack/brunch was PB toast with blueberries:

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And then I ran an easy 3.0 miles in 29:30, wrapping a wonderful 30-mile week.  I’ve only ran four 30-mile weeks in my ENTIRE life and the other ones were at the very end of training for Marathon #1.  It’s a good thing that I’m so advanced in my schedule and feeling so great because I have a trick up my sleeve – I’ll spill the deets tomorrow, I promise.  🙂

 

Post-run fuel:

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A Green Monster that contained:

 

  • 1 banana
  • 2 cups spinach
  • 1 cup almond milk (Vanilla)

 

And leftover Perfect Baked Tofu with quinoa and BBQ sauce:

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Feels good to put lots of quality calories into my body today.  I need to focus on refueling with the best foods that I can.  After all, I’m asking my bod to do some incredible things lately!

 

What foods make you feel your very best?  I cannot exaggerate how good WATER makes me feel.

{ 98 comments }

 

  • holly @ couchpotatoathlete September 19, 2010, 1:29 pm

    Water makes me feel good too!

    But mostly fruits make me feel so good: energized, alive, healthy, well and satisfied. Plus they are so refreshing.

    My exercise clothes don’t match much either!

  • Cristina September 19, 2010, 1:30 pm

    I love apples, except they don’t agree with me. Next up? Kiwi’s.

  • Kristina @ spabettie September 19, 2010, 1:30 pm

    yes – I love some Ice Cold Water (except after a massage or after work out… not cold). Quinoa makes me feel clean and healthy 🙂

    I am totally the opposite – I love looking cute and / or at least matching when I’m running 🙂

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine September 19, 2010, 1:31 pm

    I never match my running clothes either…and most of my tshirts are really old and gross. Hey, I’m sweating…why look cute?

    I love huge salads with tons and tons of veggies and fruits and nuts/seeds. They just give me so much energy!

  • Jillian@ ReshapeYour Life September 19, 2010, 1:32 pm

    I agree with you on the water… It is probably my favorite thing to drink.

    Is it bad that I didn’t think your running outfit was that bad??

    • Caitlin September 19, 2010, 1:39 pm

      It looked a lot worse in real life, I’ll give you that.

  • Nicole - yuppie yogini September 19, 2010, 1:33 pm

    Nothing is more refreshing than water with lemon….I drink so much more that way.

    My workout clothes are terrible too. I think–which shirt is most comfy, which shorts don’t give me muffin top. 🙂

  • hippierunner September 19, 2010, 1:33 pm

    I love how after a good run, water can be the most amazing tasting thing in the world! Foods that make me feel great include fruits, smoothies, and nuts. Those can never do me wrong!

  • Sara September 19, 2010, 1:35 pm

    hey, at least your socks match .. mine never do! For instance, today on my run .. one purple, one green .. close enough for me! =)

  • Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks September 19, 2010, 1:36 pm

    Green monsters really do make me feel wonderful. I always feel like I made a good decision after I finish exercising and mix one up.

  • Freya (Brit Chick Runs) September 19, 2010, 1:37 pm

    Veggies and fruit make me feel amazing 😀 at times a bit bloated..but glowing at the same time 😀

  • Laura September 19, 2010, 1:37 pm

    Hehe my running outfits look like that most of the time too!

  • Sana September 19, 2010, 1:39 pm

    I swear water tastes BETTER post-workout. MUMMMM!

  • yummiee cupcake September 19, 2010, 1:41 pm

    strawberries, hummus, greek yogurt, green monster, ice cream, froyo, and the list goes on hahaha!

    ice cream tastes the best when i’m ill. food and drink taste awesome after a good run or a good workout!

  • Tina September 19, 2010, 1:41 pm

    I think when my little girl wants to snuggle me I feel my very best. Other than that, I feel my very best after a great workout. It’s such a natural high.

    Oh – and I had a dream last night where it was HLS ’11 and we were out to eat together with others in a group. Somehow we both forgot our cameras and were majorly bummed. LOL I guess its because I read your post and my email from your comment response last night right before bed? No telling how my mind works!

  • Lisa September 19, 2010, 1:45 pm

    Love your blog! All that food looks delicious! =)

  • yummiee cupcake September 19, 2010, 1:45 pm

    that lime and purple look like it match! it looks great on you! i can’t wear short or sleeveless. i have never in my life worn a sleeveless shirt. my arms is the only thing i am very very self conscious about but i’d like to think i’ve improved a lot. i never worn a tee-shirt until about 4 years ago! i gotta wear long pants bc i’m allergic to grass ):

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite September 19, 2010, 1:46 pm

    I think you’re running outfit is cute 🙂

    Greek yogurt & granola always makes me feel good… so does a PB&J Sandwich 🙂

  • Evan Thomas September 19, 2010, 1:47 pm

    I have horrible style. The first time I wasn’t in PJ’s or workout/laundry clothes this weekend was today at 1pm.

  • christina cadden September 19, 2010, 1:47 pm

    I used to try to make sur my running clothes matched somewhat. But the more I run the less I care. I am not trying to impress anyone. I am trying to run. Great post and love the outfit!

  • Liz @ Blog is the New Black September 19, 2010, 1:51 pm

    Agreed! WATER!

  • Kate September 19, 2010, 1:52 pm

    I actually like to wear particularly bright colored, loud running shorts (and they frequently do not match my with my t-shirts). I’m proud to be running – I want to make a statement! “Hey guys, look at me! I’m running!”

  • Ashley @ Nourishing the Soul September 19, 2010, 1:55 pm

    I tend to not put too much stock in what I’m wearing in general, but running outfits definitely get the least attention. Sometimes it’s fun to use running as an excuse to dress ridiculously!

  • Heather September 19, 2010, 2:01 pm

    haha I am not fashionable either. I think I may have an idea of what you are going to tell us tomorrow!

  • Charlie September 19, 2010, 2:16 pm

    Fruits always make me feel good! And a big glass of water with lemon is so refreshing!

  • Molly @fuelherup September 19, 2010, 2:18 pm

    Dude, I think running clothes go together when they’re different colors! RIght now I’m wearing hot pink shorts and a lime green shirt and I love it! your running outfit today looks cute! If I see people running in match-y match-y running gear I always have to laugh a little.

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef September 19, 2010, 2:25 pm

    fruit makes me feel good! and milk too. 🙂 and running clothes… ummmm i totally never match either. except for these super cute black/white/pink nike shorts i got this summer. i have a tank top that is exactly matchy matchy with the pink so i feel super cute in that running outfit. the rest? totally clash! 🙂 haha its great though!

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) September 19, 2010, 2:26 pm

    Honestly, in 5th grade my favorite color combo was that same green and purple. I also shopped at Deb. Nuff said.

  • Janene Giuseffi September 19, 2010, 2:37 pm

    Are you kidding? Lime green top and hot pink pants is KILLER running style! I love it! I have a friend who refuses to run in anything but bright pinks and purples, sunglasses, socks, and headbands included. I think you’re both on the right track!

  • Michele September 19, 2010, 2:37 pm

    It’s anything GREEN that makes me feel so good. Kale, spinach, broccoli,or brussel sprouts… especially kale and spinach.

  • Sydney September 19, 2010, 2:38 pm

    Hey Caitlin!
    I just wanted to say thank you SO much for your blog, I just ran my very first half marathon today and I would have never signed up or thought I could do it if it wasnt for you. I thought that it was only an “elite” group of people who could but you made me realize that if I put my mind to it I could do it and I totally did! I surprised myself and I am so happy I did it! Thanks again! You da bomb

    • Caitlin September 19, 2010, 2:49 pm

      EPIC! You’re the best!

  • Stacey (The Habit of Healthy) September 19, 2010, 2:52 pm

    Wow, a 30 mile week is impressive! I’m with you on the water thing, it makes me feel really good. I also love pretty much any raw veggies to make me feel good and instantly healthy and energised.

  • Heather September 19, 2010, 2:55 pm

    My workout clothes almost never match. I typically buy shirts, shorts, socks, etc on sale and just wear whatever smells the least.

    I do try to look somewhat presentable during a race – pictures of course!

    Great job on your 30 mile week!

  • Krista @ Can't Survive On Yarn Alone September 19, 2010, 2:56 pm

    Not the only food, but bell peppers always make me feel good. It a combo of the crunch as well as the flavor that is really satisfying.

  • Jaime Runs September 19, 2010, 3:03 pm

    Water & apples!

  • Jenny @ JennyLikesToRun.Green tea and yoga, not alcohol and parties September 19, 2010, 3:25 pm

    I’m a big fan of water too but even more so Green Tea! That stuff is like super-food, liquified energy!
    I also love oranges 🙂

  • Amanda @ Eat to Live, Live to Run September 19, 2010, 3:30 pm

    I would have never thought twice about your running outfit, although I’m a little strange about matching mine. I feel off if my socks don’t match my running clothes. Weird, I know.

  • Amanda @ Eat to Live, Live to Run September 19, 2010, 3:30 pm

    I would have never thought twice about your running outfit, although I’m a little strange about matching mine. I feel off if my socks don’t match my running clothes. Weird, I know.

  • Amy September 19, 2010, 3:33 pm

    I’d say fruits and veggies make me feel best. I know I’m fueling my body in a healthy way and giving it a dose of antioxidants as well.

  • Amanda (modernation) September 19, 2010, 3:35 pm

    As I am celebrating my 13 mile training run with a breakfast of sausage, eggs and hashbrowns and drinking champagne and beer, I feel guilty. I need to get serious about my marathon nutrition – 7 days a week, not just 6! At least it was all homemade, real food!

    • Caitlin September 19, 2010, 3:37 pm

      6 days of good nutrition is pretty epic 🙂

      • Amanda (modernation) September 19, 2010, 3:46 pm

        Very true!! I think it was just the fact that I was actually drinking a beer while reading the post! Hehe!

  • Lisa September 19, 2010, 3:39 pm

    Um…you mean running clothes need to match?!?! Ooops…… 😉

  • Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary) September 19, 2010, 3:40 pm

    lime green and purple doesn’t go? lol!? I have issues. My work out attire is pretty bad. Lots and lots of faded and CHEAP yoga pants – all black, old faded – holey tank tops … all solid colors … It’s def not a fashion show!! …but it get’s the job done. Would love to have a couple drawers full of lulu, but who’s got that kind of money..?! 😉

    When I am drinking LOTS of water, drinking green monsters, eating whole – clean foods I always, hands down, feel the best. That plus good sleep, excersize and stretching… and I am a happy girl.

  • Camille September 19, 2010, 3:41 pm

    Haha, I’m the same way with clothes. My boyfriend always asks, “So are you really wearing that? Does that mean it’s okay if I wear sweatpants out?”
    Fashion failure right here 🙂

  • Jess September 19, 2010, 3:44 pm

    I bought these epic fluro lime green running shorts from lululemon and they are now my favourites! The only thing is I realized they wouldn’t match any of the tops I have so the first time I ran in them I ended up wearing a forest green coloured top. Haha classy!

    Blueberries are my fave feel good food – I can feeeel the antioxidants seeping into my system with every luscious berry. 😉

  • *Andrea* September 19, 2010, 3:44 pm

    i’m the same way with workout clothes! the other day at the gym i wore hot pink nike shorts with a bright yellow college superfan shirt. for running i just pick what fits, is clean and is in sight 😉

    quinoa with bbq sauce is a great idea! i’ve been meaning to cook quinoa for soooo long. my mom has had a big bag sitting in our cubbard for a year now

  • Lily @ Lily's Health Pad September 19, 2010, 3:48 pm

    I’m the same with my workout clothes. I like the colors to be as loud and vibrant as possible!

  • Jazz September 19, 2010, 3:52 pm

    Oooh, my running fashion has really gone downhill since it’s getting cold here (0 in Canada this morning) Now i’m layering all my hot pinks/greens and adding on the toque (hat for the americans) and running gloves.. I look like a clown!

  • Natalie @ Scarlett Notions September 19, 2010, 3:54 pm

    I love a good strong cup of coffee! Nothing is better after a little morning jog. 🙂

  • Caitlin September 19, 2010, 3:54 pm

    I love those shorts! You look very bright and cheery–like a more fitness-focused version of Rainbow Brite, which is always a good thing.

    My digestive system is crap, so it’s hard for me to pinpoint feel-good foods. Anything that I can digest (usually fruits, nuts, and veggies) is okay by me! Oh, and inhuman amounts of water each day.

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) September 19, 2010, 4:10 pm

    I laughed out loud when I saw the outfit and read the fact that you say they don’t go together. I immediately looked at the color wheel hanging in my office (my husband is an artist) and in fact green and purple are complimentary colors. So, while you are trying to not go together…you are in fact picking the right colors!

    I am a huge water junky too! It makes me feel so energized when I drink a lot of water!

    • Caitlin September 19, 2010, 4:13 pm

      yay im not a disaster!

  • Tara September 19, 2010, 4:14 pm

    Agreed. It’s funny when people look like they really put an effort into their “look” for a run. The matchy matchy is often times a bit much. However, this morning I saw a woman that looked like she spent a lot of effort trying to look effortless…that is a knit beenie, striped sweat shirt, purple shirt underneath, orange shorts, high grey socks and running shoes. Just not right. BUT she was out there running so good for her!

  • Bee Goes Bananas September 19, 2010, 4:27 pm

    My workout clothes never match and rarely even look good. I don’t mind so much!

  • Amber K September 19, 2010, 4:35 pm

    Definitely water and green monsters!

    I think your workout clothes are cute! I make a bad girl, I hate shopping and I don’t really care about clothes! lol

  • Jen September 19, 2010, 4:58 pm

    Grapes are my favorite; no matter what, they are always delicious.

  • D September 19, 2010, 5:00 pm

    I agree with others – that’s not bad at all!

    My current workout outfit = white nike tempos with hot pink lines down the side, a black racerback, and hot pink/neon orange/grey vibrams. go big or go home!

  • Sharon September 19, 2010, 5:08 pm

    Hi, Caitlin! I’m kind of a beginner runner, I’m 15 and only did 1 season of spring track in high school in freshman year and I want to train myself to run longer distances for cross country next year. I’m just wondering, when you’re running long distances like your 15 miles the other day, how do you breathe? through your nose or through your mouth? I never seem to know what to do about my breathing pattern 🙁 Thanks!

    • Caitlin September 19, 2010, 10:01 pm

      hmmm

      i think i breathe through my mouth because it’s most comfortable for me. i’ve actually never thought about it – i just breathe the way that is comfortable with me.

      • Sharon September 19, 2010, 10:13 pm

        thanks! 🙂 I’ll try breathing through my mouth tomorrow. I love your blog! It’s what inspired me to start running by myself, and not being forced to by a coach. Now I actually look forward to it 🙂

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape September 19, 2010, 5:11 pm

    I always feel good when I eat my fruits and veggies. They’re just so wholesome and tasty when prepared correctly. Water is good too, though. When you’re dehydrated nothing makes you feel better than a nice big glass.

  • kate September 19, 2010, 5:12 pm

    Mix-matching bright colors is a-okay in my book!

  • Ash Bear September 19, 2010, 5:12 pm

    OOOOH did you take Emily’s bib for the marathon? 🙂 Great job today and awesome job on your 30 mile week!

  • Runeatrepeat September 19, 2010, 5:13 pm

    I think I prefer not matching when I run too 🙂

  • Natalia - a side of simple September 19, 2010, 5:16 pm

    I’m right there with you for water! It always makes me feel like I’m detoxing my system, especially after a workout or a late night.

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie September 19, 2010, 5:16 pm

    I just became a mom (this week!) and with nursing water is definitely my best friend but watermelon has become one of my favorite foods! It’s refreshing and hydrating but makes me feel full too.

  • Heather September 19, 2010, 5:26 pm

    Water is a good one, and I also feel really good when I eat spinach.

  • Gavi @ GaviGetsGoing! September 19, 2010, 5:28 pm

    Fresh fruits and vegetables make me feel so alive and healthy! After my 8-mile run today, I made a HUGE salad with romaine, cabbage, avocado, and roasted parsnips and carrots. THAT made me feel amazing!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) September 19, 2010, 5:40 pm

    I think cold Green Monsters are a wonderful post training drink! I am loving them at the moment 🙂

  • Amykinz September 19, 2010, 5:45 pm

    I’m learning what foods DON’T make me feel good. lol. I have endometriosis, so I’m eating a diet to keep that at bay. Literally, the following foods will make me sick & my symptoms worse… wheat, dairy, soy, red-meat, artifical sugar. The foods that make me feel at my best… fresh fruits & veggies, nuts, healthy oils, whole grains (except wheat/rye), low-sodium, etc.

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit September 19, 2010, 5:46 pm

    Dang! 30 miles- awesome!

  • Megan (Braise The Roof) September 19, 2010, 5:57 pm

    I think the lime green/purple combo is cute! Personally, I tend to look like I’m dressed to work at Hooters when I go running sometimes (I have a pair of orange shorts that I love and when I pair them with a white tank top…well, you can imagine). We’d probably look like a hot mess if we ever ran together 😉

    Veggies make me feel the best. My body notices when I don’t eat enough of them!

  • Raya September 19, 2010, 6:04 pm

    Vegetables! If I have a day or two of not so great eats, my body craves salad like there’s no tomorrow. Ironically, I don’t really even like the veg. In other news, I’m pretty sure I look like something out of the 80’s when I work out and I purposely bought compression sleeves in mis-matching colors. 1 pink, 1 green. And I wear it all with pride!

  • Sarah for Real September 19, 2010, 6:26 pm

    Remember, things really shouldn’t match, they should GO together.

    I think your running outfit looks like an awesome 90’s throwback! I have a hard enough time figuring out work clothes that I don’t worry about workOUT clothes.

  • Kelly September 19, 2010, 6:39 pm

    Nice week of running lady! I always wear bright neon stuff that doesn’t match when I run, haha.

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write September 19, 2010, 6:47 pm

    water, eggs, almond milk, cucumbers, tomatoes… I could go on forever. There are so many foods that make me feel like a million bucks!

  • Meghan September 19, 2010, 6:57 pm

    I am with you on the water. Sometimes when I feel bleh I up the water intake and feel better almost instantly. I also feel great when I have a lot of fruits and veggies and less dairy.

  • Alyssa September 19, 2010, 7:15 pm

    I recently noticed there is a difference in how I feel on my long runs if I go out to eat vs. eat at home. My friend always jokes about how she is going to teach me to drink beer and eat junk with her on Friday nights before our runs and about 9 miles into Saturday’s 18 miler she was saying she needed to start following my example! I also notice how much better I feel when I refuel with veggies and whole grains vs. chocolate and wine!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing September 19, 2010, 7:19 pm

    Smoothies make me feel absolutely AMAZING!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey September 19, 2010, 7:29 pm

    Water also makes me feel GREAT – and a plate full of veggies? Yum! I can’t go wrong!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin September 19, 2010, 7:30 pm

    Leafy greens like spinach and kale make me feel my best!

    My workout clothes rarely match either. I don’t really care what I look like, since I’m probably just going to end up looking like a sweaty beast by the end! 😛

  • Ellen@FirednFabulous September 19, 2010, 7:36 pm

    Ohh I’m so with you on the water. Even if I haven’t been eating the healthiest that day, I always feel better when I drink lots of water. That is the one healthy habit that is easy for me to do!

  • Daniella September 19, 2010, 7:39 pm

    Hahaha! My running outfit yesterday was something special as well. purple tank, black and blue running shorts, pink leg compression sleeves, teal sports bra, teal socks. Matt asked if there was any way I could have possibly fit MORE colors into my outfit!!!

    I love fashion and styling (I even worked as an assistant stylist for a while, though my exercise outfits say otherwise) so hit me up if you have questions :):)

    BTW I’m not at Dani Brave anymore, I started a new blog, it’s called Dani Does It!

  • Laura (Starloz) September 19, 2010, 8:02 pm

    after egg white scrambles i’m happy in the belly.

    the only thing that ever matches on me in my underwear, the rest i go crazy with!

  • Michelle September 19, 2010, 8:22 pm

    I love mismatched running clothes! I grab whatever I think is going to work best with the ever-changing New England weather. Sometimes it matches, sometimes it doesn’t!

    And beans and chickpeas make me feel good, always!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) September 19, 2010, 8:24 pm

    I love waters but feel amazing with tea. Something about knowing it is flavored water and it doesn’t need sweetner is awesome.

    BTW I have to match my running clothes. I think it’s the fact that everyone in town knows who I am because of my job and I’m afraid they’ll think I’m a slob.

  • Wei-Wei September 19, 2010, 8:43 pm

    Mmm, water! It sort of heals my hunger, actually. I often confuse thirst for hunger. 😛 (And I don’t think you look bad… :D)

  • Lana September 19, 2010, 9:15 pm

    I’m training for my first half-marathon and am finding that Quinoa + Beans are a great lunch/dinner when running so much. Check out my mexican quinoa recipe…i’m eating it right now! My breakfast looks identical to yours. Works like a charm. I’m also eating a lot more fruits,

    Also, I feel drained and tired if I don’t get enough water. Water is a MUST.

  • Anna @ Doing Good & Living Well September 19, 2010, 9:19 pm

    Water definitely and my daily green smoothie packed with fruits and veggies. Another meal that supercharges me is: fish (cooked simply with salt, pepper and olive oil or an easy marinade), quinoa, and roasted veggies (again, salt, pepper and olive oil). I feel so refreshed after I eat that!

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) September 19, 2010, 9:52 pm

    LOL that pic is so cute! I typically don’t match when I run either. No big deal:)
    Water makes me feel amazing, as does coconut water. But I think chocolate wins 😀

  • whitney September 20, 2010, 8:19 am

    congrats on meeting your miles!

    I agree with you about re-fueling your body with good food. When I don’t eat good food…. like this weekend haha (pizza, tacos, burgers, and beer)… I just don’t feel as energized and confident.

    I love yogurt, oatmeal, cottage cheese, and roasted veggies
    I

  • Tyler September 20, 2010, 12:40 pm

    Exercising is not the time for high fashion, but I actually like your lime green and pink short combo! When I work-out, my socks never match. I don’t make the slightest effort to match them out of the dryer. This makes my mom cringe, but I can’t get her to give me a logical reason why it matters if I run with one red sock and one pink sock…I kind of think its more fun to mix them up anyway!

    Green veggies never fail to make me feel good after I eat them 🙂

  • Kelly September 22, 2010, 10:09 am

    Haha! I am the exact same way! Some of my color combinations are very Betty & Veronica in that any solid color thrown together goes together. And the brighter the better. One of my running goals is to not get hit by a car. I’ve almost failed at that several times, but not because my outfit wasn’t screaming “look at me!”. 🙂

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