One of Those Runs

on February 17, 2011
in All Posts

Today, I had ‘one of those runs…’

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AKA one of those runs during which I KICKED BUTT.  🙂

 

One of my favorite things about running (and racing) is that it’s so unpredictable.  One day can be torture; the next can be bliss.  You never know how your body will feel or how you’ll react to the weather, hills, music, crowd, whatever.  But this morning, I had a glorious 8.0 miler in which the stars perfectly aligned.  I was fast, I was free… it was awesome.

 

Last week, I ran 8.0 miles in 1:21:28, and today, I blasted through at 1:17:12, shaving more than 30 seconds/mile off my time.  I actually didn’t walk once!

 

The reasons for the improvement?

 

One, I had on new shoes (I wear Brooks Summons) and new knee sleeves (why I wear knee sleeves).  I haven’t replaced my gear since before I started training for my October marathon, so I was definitely due for new stuff.   In fact, my knee sleeves were literally falling apart at the seams, and my shoes were causing me to experience shin and foot pain.  My new stuff felt SO good.

 

Two, I put my credit card in my SpiBelt and stopped at a gas station at the 4.0 mile mark for Gatorade.  I’m definitely reaching the point where I should be taking in calories during my long runs, and it made such a difference in my energy levels.

 

Oh, and it probably didn’t hurt that it’s 63 DEGREES OUTSIDE!!!! Put me in a bikini and hand me a beverage with an umbrella in it.

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Post-workout snack was a protein smoothie:

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In the blender:

 

  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 banana
  • 1.5 tablespoon peanut butter
  • 2 scoops protein powder
  • 1 tablespoon instant coffee <—awesome

 

And lunch:

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Wild rice, celery, carrots, chickpeas, and Marzetti Simply Dressed balsamic (which is the best dressing, ever).

 

Time for Girls on the Run!

 

What little things make your workouts that. much. better?

{ 130 comments }

 

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing February 17, 2011, 1:03 pm

    It’s all about the music. And good socks!

    • Caitlin @ The Caitie Experiment February 17, 2011, 1:35 pm

      I’m super picky about my socks, too!

      • Jazz February 17, 2011, 1:53 pm

        Do you have a fav. brand of running sock?

        • Caitlin @ The Caitie Experiment February 17, 2011, 2:04 pm

          More than brand, I am picky about the material the socks are made of – cotton seems to induce CRAZY blisters for me, usually on the arch (I’m a wicked overpronator), so the ones made of nylon-ish stuff work better for me. I have some Saucony running socks that I got when I bought my last pair of shoes that I LOVE. I keep meaning to go back and buy more!

  • Freya February 17, 2011, 1:05 pm

    Ooh you lucky thing! I’ve got compartment syndrome so can’t run – I’ll live vicariously through you 😛
    SUN makes me runs better, without a doubt 🙂 nothing like a bright sun to cheer me up!

    • Caitlin February 17, 2011, 1:06 pm

      What is compartment syndrome??? I know I could Google it but I would rather hear your story 🙂

      • Jessica @ The Process of Healing February 17, 2011, 1:18 pm

        I second that. I’m so sorry there’s something wrong though… I DEFINATELY understand. I kind of wanted to kill every person I saw running when I was first diagnosed with my stress fracture..

        • Freya February 17, 2011, 1:25 pm

          it’s what my physio told me 😛 (who I have a MAJOR crush on, but beside the point!!) it’s where the sheath surrounding the muscle does something crazy…like the muscles expand but the sheath doesn’t, something like that…I’m not 100% sure. It hurts like joe though 🙁

    • Katy (The Singing Runner) February 17, 2011, 1:33 pm

      Ugh! I thought that I might have had compartment syndrome, but it turned out to be a shin splint. I can’t run right now either so I understand what you are going through. I even had to pull out of a 15K, 5K, and half marathon which I was running next weekend. :/

      • Freya February 17, 2011, 1:39 pm

        Ah I was the opposite – thought it was shin splints but is actually compartment s! I’ve had to pull out of a half marathon on the 27th, so I feel your pain 🙁

  • Victoria (District Chocoholic) February 17, 2011, 1:06 pm

    Aw, I was hoping there’d be an umbrella in your smoothie :).

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) February 17, 2011, 1:06 pm

    Ohh the fabulous runs make up for the crappy runs and MORE. There is no better feeling than coming home after a successful run. I’m craving that more than anything right now!

  • mary (what's cookin' with mary) February 17, 2011, 1:07 pm

    So glad it has warmed up a bit for you guys on the east coast! Always makes for a better workout. We’ve acutally been having rainy, chilly weather for a change. Have really been enjoying the change. Sunny right now though. Need to get out for a walk before it starts raining again!

  • Dorry February 17, 2011, 1:07 pm

    Good weather really gets me going! 8 miles is sort of my magic number with runs – it’s probably my favorite distance in training runs. I just got new shoes, too – always exciting!

  • janae @ hungryrunnergirl February 17, 2011, 1:08 pm

    AWESOME RUN!!! Wahoo. Fueling during my runs definitely helps!! Love the new shoes and the beautiful weather. I hate running when I am sore so when I run on fresh legs I have an amazing run!

  • Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} February 17, 2011, 1:08 pm

    Ah, great runs feel so good! Good weather makes all the difference in the world for me.

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) February 17, 2011, 1:08 pm

    When I get that work out high…it feels so good! I am glad today went well!

    I LOVE celery in my salads with chickpeas. I don’t know what it is about the combination…it is just so good!

  • Kelly February 17, 2011, 1:09 pm

    Beautiful weather and great music!

    • christine February 17, 2011, 1:23 pm

      Agreed! An awesome playlist can make such a difference.

  • Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete February 17, 2011, 1:10 pm

    I totally agree — sometimes runs are just amazing and sometimes 2 miles is pure torture! For me, it has to do with state of mind. If I keep thinking about stuff and stressing, the run is terrible, but if I allow myself to relax and just be free for a while, my run is great!

    I’m going to get new shoes tonight or tomorrow and I can’t wait — I know that will make a difference for me too.

  • Kristen @ That Hoosier Girl February 17, 2011, 1:11 pm

    I’ve found that whenever I’ve had a big meal the night before, my run the next day is awesome. Makes me think maybe I should try a pasta dinner before the half marathon this time.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat February 17, 2011, 1:11 pm

    Congrats on the run Caitlin, that’s amazing! I’ve had a cold for quite a while now so it’s been a few weeks since I’ve felt like I’ve had one of those “OMG AMAZING” runs, but new music definitely makes my workouts that much better! Running in new gear – ie cute Lululemon tops and shorts – makes it better too!

  • Katherine: Unemployed February 17, 2011, 1:13 pm

    it was the rest yesterday; great job!

    • Caitlin February 17, 2011, 4:08 pm

      I think you’re right!

  • Kelly February 17, 2011, 1:14 pm

    That’s how my run was on Sunday, it was amazing! And then of course Tuesday and Wednesday’s runs felt like crap, haha. Nice 8 miler.

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) February 17, 2011, 1:15 pm

    Way to rock it out on your run! Great job 🙂
    Is today considered your “long run” day? I guess it’s just weird to me when people have their long runs mid week! haha

    • Caitlin February 17, 2011, 4:09 pm

      Yes it is! I know it’s odd to do it on a Thursday but since we usually work on Saturdays… it work sout!

  • Brittney February 17, 2011, 1:16 pm

    I love it when that happens- when you get out there and just feel awesome and have a great run. Best feeling ever. I think that’s WHY I run, to get that feeling 🙂 I have to agree with you that nice weather makes a huge difference. I can’t wait to hit the pavement if it’s a beautiful day!

  • Elizabeth@The Sweet Life February 17, 2011, 1:17 pm

    Congrats on a great run–don’t those runs feel so good?!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing February 17, 2011, 1:19 pm

    The weather plays a HUGE part, for sure! All this nice weather makes me want to get outside and run SO BADLY!

  • Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) February 17, 2011, 1:19 pm

    I just bought new Brooks running shoes too….love them! It’s funny how different runs can be from day to day. Love the good ones though!

  • Kristy @ KristyRuns February 17, 2011, 1:19 pm

    I had one of those amazing runs last night! I think I’m still thriving off the high from it! 🙂

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun February 17, 2011, 1:20 pm

    I’m just getting into running and already have those feelings after/during some runs. Makes me see how running turns addictive!

  • Laura @ Starting Out Fit February 17, 2011, 1:21 pm

    It’s all about the MUSIC!! I always seem to have great runs when I have some awesome tunes pumping out of my ipod! 🙂 Weather helps too! 😉 it’s supposed to top at 10 degrees today (so i think 50F) which is amazing! (I can’t remember the last time it’s been that warm) SO I’m hoping the rain holds off and I can have my own great run tonight after work!

  • sara February 17, 2011, 1:22 pm

    I had a great one today too! I ran six for the first time, and I felt awesome the whole way. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that it’s 65 and sunny (and I’m in Iowa)! Yippee for spring!

  • Megan @ Megan Mumbles February 17, 2011, 1:24 pm

    I love those great runs!! Sometimes a great playlist can make all the difference and great weather! The sun is shining in NYC and I can’t wait to go for a run later today 🙂

  • Ashley @ Thefitacademic February 17, 2011, 1:26 pm

    beautiful flower! I LOVE the feeling when a run just feels so “right”, ya know? Also – Hooray for new shoes!

  • Leah @ Why Deprive? February 17, 2011, 1:27 pm

    I love runs like that. They’re what keep me going. 🙂

    For me, the right music for my mood on that specific day makes all the difference. And sunshine. I love running in sunshine regardless of the teperature.

  • Kacy February 17, 2011, 1:36 pm

    My last long run was like that. I was smiling for hours afterwards.

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) February 17, 2011, 1:36 pm

    The weather does WONDERS for my running! 😀 It really sucks that its so nice out and I can’t run! Stupid shin splint!

    Good music also makes or breaks a run for me.

  • Katie @ cooklaughmove February 17, 2011, 1:37 pm

    Is it weird that bad weather runs I almost enjoy more? I love feeling like a badass out running in the snow/rain/wind/dark.

    I need new shoes too (my shins hurt) but hate trying a new model, my beloved New Balance 767s are discontinued 🙁

  • Martha February 17, 2011, 1:38 pm

    Hey Caitlin! How do you decide when to take in cals on a run? For example, I’ve been running six miles (not a lot) but it generally takes me an hour and five or ten minutes… I feel like @$$ by the end- does that mean I should be drinking gatorade? Thanks!

    • Julie (A Case of the Runs) February 17, 2011, 1:42 pm

      Hi Martha,

      I’m no expert, but I saw your comment above mine and decided to take a stab:

      I never drink sports drinks (after much trial, I learned that they upset my stomach), but if I run over 13 miles, I definitely feel the need to take in more cals.

      Depending on your stomach (trial and error will be the only thing that will determine your needs for sure), you might be able to get away with just eating before your run. This could be the morning before or night before depending on your timing and stomach.

      A good starting point might be to drink sports drinks BEFORE your run and see how that goes. Obviously you don’t want to take in too much, but it should be enough to hold you over through an hour-1.5 hours of running.

      Also, lots of other things can be influencing you feeling tired at the end — it could be a matter of pacing.

      • Caitlin February 17, 2011, 4:12 pm

        I agree with Julie’s feedback. You should take in cals before you start to feel like crap. Even 100 cals can make a huge difference.

        For me, the threshold is usually 1:20 – 1:30 of running, but that also depends on whether I just ate a snack or if my meals from earlier in the day have been light.

        I would definitely try to drink some Gatorade or take a little Goo and see if it positively impacts you. You’re burning 500 – 800 cals, so it’s not surprising you should need fuel!

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) February 17, 2011, 1:38 pm

    That’s the really sucky thing about marathon training. You train and train only to have your race day determined by LUCK — weather, catching a bug, a TRAIN coming through your race (it happened to me in November!), etc. That’s why it’s so important to have runs like these where you feel good and that races don’t fully determine your love/hate of running…

  • Allison @ Happy Tales February 17, 2011, 1:42 pm

    Good music/play list can always make for a good run, but sometimes not having ANY music makes me totally “get in the zone.” I love it!

  • Caitlin @ The Caitie Experiment February 17, 2011, 1:42 pm

    This post absolutely just inspired me to hit the streets, rather than the gym, when I get out of work at 4! I’m coming off a minor injury (I’m *hoping* it was just a strained lower ab pull from the 100 pushup challenge… feels better after a few days’ rest!), and last night was one of those killer “UGH!” runs; my shins/calves get really tight after a few days without running! I considered scrapping my 2.25 today, but now I can’t wait to grab my iPod and go! Thanks, Caitlin!

    • Caitlin February 17, 2011, 4:12 pm

      I hope you have fun and your abs don’t ache!

  • Josephine @ Creating a Positive Life February 17, 2011, 1:45 pm

    The why I need knee sleeves link didn’t work. Great job on your run and I am so jealous of your weather! It is hovering around 0 degrees here 🙁
    What kind of protein powder do you use?

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey February 17, 2011, 1:46 pm

    I think a positive attitue help me on my runs as well. If I go into the workout with a negative Nancy mood, well my workout probably won’t be that great.

  • Erica February 17, 2011, 1:47 pm

    Hello We-Are-Almost-Twins Day! I, too, did a fast and free 8 miles this morning, it was in the low 60s (glorious!!), I am wearing new orthotic insoles in my shoes, I had a protein smoothie for a late breakfast post-run, and am finishing up my salad now- dressed with my homemade balsamic! Woah. I was reading the post and thought you were me for a second;-) Here’s to a great Thursday!

    PS- I’m going to a high school basketball game this evening, are you doing that, too? Heehee;-)

    • Caitlin February 17, 2011, 4:14 pm

      Hahah no I’m not but it sounds fun!!!

  • rebecca lustig February 17, 2011, 1:48 pm

    the weather definitely helps. so does an “i hate you/ i’m better without you” playlist 🙂

    • Caitlin February 17, 2011, 4:14 pm

      My fav old playlist was “i hate you/i deserved that goddamn raise”

  • Leanne (For Health's Sake) February 17, 2011, 1:49 pm

    I think good music & a good attitude help!

  • Cara February 17, 2011, 1:50 pm

    New shoes are the best! I also think the weather and attitude are a HUGE part of your everyday run!

  • Lizzy @ runbakerace February 17, 2011, 2:00 pm

    YAY for your great run! I think the spring weather after a bad winter makes for an amazing run.

  • Heather February 17, 2011, 2:00 pm

    For me, working out with friends makes my workout better! I have a group of friends that I go to the gym with and while we work hard, we also joke around! I usually end up laughing so hard that I can’t finish a particular exercise!

  • Marissa C February 17, 2011, 2:10 pm

    Hmm…link to the knee sleeve didn’t work. I’m curious what they are!

  • Parita@myinnershakti February 17, 2011, 2:11 pm

    Great job! I used to wear the wrong running shoes and would have major knee pain that I’d ignore. Now that I’ve invested in a pair of shoes (Mizunos) and insoles that feel like they were made for my feet , my pain is gone and running is fun again! I don’t know what I’d do without them!

  • shelby February 17, 2011, 2:16 pm

    Do you have a recommendation on a good protein powder for smoothies? I want to try it but am overwhelmed by the 8,204 choices.

    • Caitlin February 17, 2011, 4:15 pm

      hahah I hear good things about Sun Warrior and Jay Robb. I use a kind that is only available through medical doctors (aka the Husband).

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss February 17, 2011, 2:18 pm

    I LOVE those runs!!! My last run was anything but fun. It was one of those runs where you just feel exhausted then entire time..even if you’re not. It’ll be a few days til I can hit the streets again, so hopefully the next time with be a kick butt one!

  • Whitney February 17, 2011, 2:19 pm

    The weather and a running buddy always help with my runs. I used to think I couldn’t run without my ipod but here recently I have found that the run is much more enjoyable and goes by faster when you are chatting with someone! Can’t wait to do one after work today 🙂

  • Julie @ Shining From Within February 17, 2011, 2:22 pm

    That’s why I love running! Running is a journey and it has it’s ups and downs but that’s what makes every moment memorable. Whenever I get new workout gear I feel perky too! I run faster and everything 😉

  • Lindsey @ Morningstar Project February 17, 2011, 2:23 pm

    I had an awesome run this morning and I solely credit the music and the weather! I downloaded new music and wanted to keep running so I could listen to it. Good workouts are the BEST pick-me-up!

  • Amanda February 17, 2011, 2:39 pm

    I love when weather cooperates to make for an amazing run!!

  • alli February 17, 2011, 2:40 pm

    awesome time! getting enough sleep, running in the dark morning and new music get me movin’ 🙂

    just curious why you say you didn’t take a walk break but you stopped for a drink. i’m guessing you stopped your garmin-therefore you don’t count it. but it’s still a walking break isn’t it? (i’m not trying to come off rude or anything, i would count it if it was me, so like to hear your reasoning why you don’t :))

    • Caitlin February 17, 2011, 4:16 pm

      Hmm I guess I’m just not that picky about stuff. I see walk breaks as “omg I am so tired, I can’t keep running” and I just had to go get a Gatorade. I ran while chugging!! LOL

  • Alayna @ Thyme Bombe February 17, 2011, 2:41 pm

    This new warmer weather has definitely reinspired me to run!

  • Sara February 17, 2011, 2:44 pm

    Remember when we were kids in Miami, and 63 degrees was freezing? Now it hits 50 and I’m like, “HELL YES! Time for a long bike ride! In shorts!”

    What the hell happened to us? 🙂

    • Caitlin February 17, 2011, 4:17 pm

      Hahah we grew up and went to cold colleges!!!

  • Alex @ Healing Beauty February 17, 2011, 2:52 pm

    Cute new workout clothes!

  • Amber K February 17, 2011, 2:59 pm

    I wish it would warm up around here! I need it to be mid-70’s before I’ll take off my multiple layers though. It was mid-40’s this morning and I had on my layers plus two coats. I hate cold! Unfortunately, I also hate the heat. My body is just super picky!

  • Ashley February 17, 2011, 3:01 pm

    That sounds like a wonderful run. New things usually make thing better. It feel so good here in Wilmington I desperately want to go to the beach but I’m stuck inside working.

  • Melissa February 17, 2011, 3:01 pm

    Hi! Congrats on the run! Question… do you eat your chickpeas out of the can or do you cook them? Thanks!

    • Caitlin February 17, 2011, 4:17 pm

      From a can, drained and rinsed to remove extra sodium!

  • Jess@atasteofconfidence February 17, 2011, 3:04 pm

    Great job! 50 degrees here, it’s crazy!!!

  • Marina February 17, 2011, 3:08 pm

    Good music and good weather are making me always feel more energetic

  • Kara February 17, 2011, 3:16 pm

    Good weather can make such a difference in a run! I’m not sure I’ve ever had a great run in bad weather…at least I can’t remember!

    I need new shoes too, but I can’t decide if I should wait until after my marathon or get some before.

    • Caitlin February 17, 2011, 4:17 pm

      When’s your marathon? If it’s 2 – 3 weeks away, I say now.

  • annette February 17, 2011, 3:23 pm

    mmmmm I love chickpeas 🙂 Looks great-and congrats on a good run!

  • Roselyn February 17, 2011, 3:24 pm

    Yay for awesome runs! The weather is perfect for them. Enjoy the rest of your day. 🙂

  • Jenifer February 17, 2011, 3:29 pm

    Yay! It’s a glorious day here in VA. I’m doing a light run/walk today (2.5 miles) over to my church. But I’ve got an 8 miler planned for Saturday (79 degrees bayyybbeee)and I’m thinking your protein smoothie might be just the thing to have after.

    Love Brooks! I have the Ghost 3 and my husband has the Addictions.

  • Elisha February 17, 2011, 3:29 pm

    Funny that you mentioned that because I was just saying how 9 out of 10 runs usually suck in some way: it’s too hot or cold, something somewhere in one or both legs starts hurting, a side stich happens, I can’t catch my breah (I have exercise induced asthma). Then, on that one run, everything feels amazing, like you can run forever. Glad you had a good run!

  • Lauren February 17, 2011, 3:30 pm

    Warm weather & music! I had one of these runs today too. I’ve been listening to Super Smashbros mixes lately – so awesome!

  • Michelle February 17, 2011, 3:30 pm

    I’m going to sound like such an old fart saying this, but I notice a big difference in my long runs if have alcohol the day before.
    The weather also makes a difference for me!
    Exciting that you had one of those runs, they’re great!

  • Kait's Pursuit of Health February 17, 2011, 3:46 pm

    There is nothing, NOTHING better than the feelings you get after owning a run. High Five!

  • Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table February 17, 2011, 3:48 pm

    Congrats on the run! I can’t WAIT to be able to get out there again.

    For a good workout, I like to have a little spoonful of PB before I get started. Just a little boost of calories/protein/good fat to get moving!

  • Mabelle @ dance, love, dine February 17, 2011, 3:58 pm

    That protein smoothie recipe sounds delicious. Congrats on your nice run. I plan to do some running myself after work 😉

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) February 17, 2011, 4:01 pm

    yay for great runs! I am hoping to have one of those this evening!

  • Caitlin February 17, 2011, 4:12 pm

    A good night of sleep makes my next day’s workout SO MUCH BETTER.

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing February 17, 2011, 4:13 pm

    Sunshine definitely makes a work out better. Sometimes I treat myself to a coffee after. That helps too :).

  • Anne @ butter and bear February 17, 2011, 4:21 pm

    New shoes always do the trick for me too!

  • Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa February 17, 2011, 4:22 pm

    amen to good shoes! I got a new pair a few weeks ago and it made all the difference!

  • Kristen February 17, 2011, 4:33 pm

    NO SNOW! At least, that’s what makes the difference for me right now. I’m so sick of running on uneven sidewalks and snow- so when I get clean pavement I feel like I want to kiss it!

  • Amanda February 17, 2011, 4:36 pm

    Proper fueling/hydration really makes a difference for me – during the run, but even more so the day leading up to it. A good playlist makes a difference and a rest day! Honestly though, sometimes I can’t explain a good run .. love them though!

  • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good February 17, 2011, 4:39 pm

    I love those runs that just feel good. I can’t necessarily explain why some go so much better, but it is a huge day brightener when it happens. 🙂

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef February 17, 2011, 4:46 pm

    you probably already know about this…. but i was pleasantly surprised to read my university’s student newspaper and find an article about operation beautiful today! http://idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=79912

    • Caitlin February 17, 2011, 4:49 pm

      SOOOOOOOOO awesome!

  • Heather February 17, 2011, 4:49 pm

    great job on the run! its 72 degrees here, beautiful! I love running in new shoes and any new gear. Also i have to have gatorade and GU on my long runs!

  • Stephanie February 17, 2011, 4:52 pm

    Music and mindframe. 🙂 CONGRATS on the rockstar run.

  • Chloe@321delish February 17, 2011, 4:56 pm

    Spring is in the air!!! So excited for outdoor runs to be brought back. So over the cold.

  • Kayla @ Fitter Than Choc February 17, 2011, 5:00 pm

    Great job on the run!! For me, music and weather matters the most. I can’t run when it’s too cold or too warm. I have a question though – how do you break into your new shoes so easily? do you have any tips when buying running shoes?

  • Jaclyn February 17, 2011, 5:07 pm

    Gettttttttt itttttttttt!!
    Love those feelings of great workouts, no?!

    Happy Thursday Caitlin!

  • G February 17, 2011, 5:37 pm

    This post motivated me to finally get off my bum today and go for my own run! Not quite 8 miles like you, but anything would’ve been good for me today when I was feeling lazy after work. 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration!

    • caitlin February 17, 2011, 5:52 pm

      Way to go!!

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) February 17, 2011, 5:50 pm

    I’m so glad you had a great run! Isn’t that the best feeling?

    I can’t believe it’s warmer in NC than CA- it’s only 59 degrees right now, which is super cold for February!

  • Kristy@RunTheLongRoad February 17, 2011, 6:06 pm

    Great run! Don’t you wish you could bottle up that feeling and take a sip every time you need a little encouragement?!

  • Carol February 17, 2011, 6:09 pm

    WOHOO!! Good for you! Glad you had an awesome run! I agree the nice weather certainly helps!

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul February 17, 2011, 6:58 pm

    Wow that salad looks so hearty and fresh–just what I need right now. Caitlin, besides running and biking, what other sports/workouts do you like? 🙂

    • caitlin February 17, 2011, 7:31 pm

      I like… power yoga! That’s all I really do – run, bike in the summer, and power yoga. I want to do another triathlon in the summertime but I’m so scurred of open water!

  • Baking 'n' Books February 17, 2011, 7:07 pm

    I am so genuinely happy for you. Seriously – you can feel the love radiating off the screen of how much you love it and it’s you. (Until the next bad one of course 😉 ).

    As someone who’s been there, done that – to feel joy like that would be immeasurable again. And not just talking about running – just life and things that spark you.

    Anyways, enough of that (crap) 🙂 – you use powder? What kind? And how often do you replace your gear – isn’t that only about 4 months then since your marathon?

    • caitlin February 17, 2011, 7:32 pm

      Protein recs:

      Sun Warrior
      Jay Robb

      Re: gear replacement, they say you should replace your sneakers every 500 miles so I was wayyyyy past that deadline.

  • Lida (Octopus Gourmet) February 17, 2011, 7:46 pm

    The best runs are when it’s lightly drizzling and you’re the only one around for miles.

  • Kristina @ life as kristina February 17, 2011, 7:55 pm

    Killer music!

  • Caitlin @ TPL February 17, 2011, 8:18 pm

    I work out in the morning so I plan a delicious recovery breakfast during my workout, gives me motivation and I end up with a great breakfast! I’m so jealous of your weather!!

    Also, I’ve been having IT band issues and got a foam roller today, I know how to use it but maybe it would make an interesting post for those curious? Do you ever foam roll?

    • Caitlin February 17, 2011, 8:48 pm

      I am foam rolling right now!

      I don’t feel comfortable doing a post but I love the Runner’s World guide – just google foam roller + runnersworld

  • Emilie February 17, 2011, 9:26 pm

    Technically this isn’t a comment about your blog post, but I do have a question for you because I consider you to be a fairly wise individual when it comes to nutrition and food and whatnot :).

    Ok, so if you’re trying to eat a relatively healthy diet but one night you’re not very hungry for dinner because you had eaten some junk food throughout the day. You know you should eat dinner because you really hadn’t had much greens through out the day.

    The question is, is it better to not eat dinner because you’re not hungry or to go ahead and eat a nice salad or veggies because you haven’t had much that was very nutritious throughout the day?

    Thank you in advance 🙂

    Emilie <3

    • Caitlin February 18, 2011, 9:55 am

      This is a good question… If I was seriously full, and not just feeling ‘guilty’ from junk food, then I would just have a spinach salad with veggies on top and call it a day. Otherwise, I would prob wake up at 3 AM starving.

  • Emilie February 17, 2011, 9:28 pm

    p.s.

    I really do love your blog! Keep up the good work! 😀

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin February 17, 2011, 9:34 pm

    I swear that my runs are the best when I have a big bowl of pasta the night before!

  • monicanelsonfitness February 17, 2011, 9:40 pm

    good to hear!
    New shoes are huge for me and a great new play list. 🙂

  • Kathleen February 17, 2011, 9:55 pm

    How fantastic is this weather??? I’m in Winston-Salem and have been in such a good mood lately because of all the nice warm sun we’ve been getting. P.S. Hey there, fellow Pitt grad! I graduated in 2008… what do you want to bet we know some of the same people?

    • Caitlin February 18, 2011, 10:00 am

      I bet we do too!!!

  • Mac February 17, 2011, 11:12 pm

    Getting out the door at the time I anticipated and being appropriately dressed for the weather and chaffing

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