Morning Run

on November 12, 2011
in All Posts

Hi there!

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I had one goal for today: Get out there and RUN.  I really slacked on exercise this week and am not pleased with myself.  I’ve realized that I cannot wait until the afternoon or evening to workout (like I used to) because the pregnancy exhaustion kicks it (it’s real – really real) and all I want to do is sit on the couch.  If I want to stick with exercise, I need to do it first thing in the morning.

 

I was EXTRA motivated to run today because it was marathon day in Charlotte.  The race goes through Uptown, and I got stuck in traffic for twenty minutes as runners went by. 

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Maybe next year, that will be me running through Uptown!  Fingers crossed.

 

So with runners on the brain, I laced up my shoes and actually got outside.  I ran/walked 4.0 miles.

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Are you a morning or evening exerciser?  Does your preference change according to season?

 

Eats included a breakfast of eggs, toast, grapes, and a pear:

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A half-cup of coffee right before I gave a presentation on leadership to students at UNC of Charlotte (gulp!):

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The presentation went well.  I only burped on stage three times (awkward pregnancy side effect that I cannot control).

 

A kid’s bar for a snack (while the marathoners ran by):

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And a take-out spinach salad and chips for lunch:

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This is my favorite salad in ALL of Charlotte.  Spinach, goat cheese, carrots, golden raisins, onions, sprouts, and honey mustard dressing.  Yum.

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Thought of the Day:

 

“There has never been another you. With no effort on your part you were born to be something very special and set apart. What you are going to do in appreciation of that gift is a decision only you can make.” – Dan Zadra

{ 59 comments }

 

  • Amanda November 12, 2011, 2:12 pm

    What a great quote.

    I’m in a bit of an exercise rut right now. My knee has been bothering me and I found out this week it’s an over-use injury, likely from the squats/lunges at bodypump and the other high impact classes I’ve been taking. I need to take 3 weeks off, but can still do low impact cardio and upper body work. I’m bummed that I can’t do the classes I love, but I’m trying to remind myself that I’d MUCH rather take 3 weeks off than do more harm and end up needing surgery.

    • CaitlinHTP November 12, 2011, 6:12 pm

      Do lots of pushups 🙂 I always did that when my knees hurt. I hope you feel better soon!

  • Luv What You Do November 12, 2011, 2:18 pm

    I love to exercise in the morning because my evening I lose my motivation and determination, especially on the weekends when something fun comes along.

    Glad you are continuing to prioritize your runs! They say excercise makes for an easy delivery. Not exactly sure who ‘they’ are but it seems like good advice to follow.

  • Brooke @ sweats & sweets November 12, 2011, 2:26 pm

    I run in the mornings, whenever I can’t I try to do that evening, but I always get sick. Its totally weird, I physically get sick if I run at a later time so I stick with a good morning run. Lately I’ve been dreading going out though, its getting so cold in Savannah!

  • Jacalyn November 12, 2011, 2:32 pm

    I have always worked out in the mornings. The only seasonal change is that I can leave a little later in the morning during fall. In summer, I have to be running by 6am to not have a heat stroke in the Houston sun. I stuck to this scheduled when I was pregnant and you know what? My son is a morning riser just like me. He is usually awake and ready to get his day started by 5:30 am. Even on weekends. sigh. hahaha. The upside to working out early in the morning while pregnant – I never got morning sickness. I remember getting nauseated once on the treadmill, but I just ran through it. Stick to it, baby! You will be so happy you did. Delivery is definitely easier when your body is prepped for it.

    • CaitlinHTP November 12, 2011, 6:12 pm

      Thanks for this motivation!!!

  • Kate November 12, 2011, 2:45 pm

    I always workout in the morning/first thing when I wake up on the weekends, I just like to get it done and don’t like food in my stomach when I workout, especially run. During the work week I always work out right after work, I bring my workout stuff with me to work (occasionally I’ll go before work, 5:30 am, but that’s only if I have something going on after work).

    I just like to get it done so I have the rest of my day free to do other stuff

  • Moni'sMeals November 12, 2011, 2:48 pm

    What a day Lady! Still time to fit in the push-ups?! 🙂

    I workout usually mid-day. Never evenings, it aint happening then. 🙂

  • M November 12, 2011, 2:58 pm

    Ohh, did you change your mind about running another marathon? Ha, that didn’t take long! 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP November 12, 2011, 6:15 pm

      Hahah most def not. but a half- maybe!

  • Jamie November 12, 2011, 3:12 pm

    Just an FYI – I realize you are trying to be relaxed about what you consume during the pregnancy however uncooked sprouts should be avoided during pregnancy based on the pathogens they carry.

  • Jo November 12, 2011, 3:17 pm

    Great job running!

    How to you plan to incorporate or change your blog now that your family is expanding? Will you be talking about pregnancy a lot? Once the baby is born will that be the focus of your posts? Is this going to turn in to a baby blog?!??!?!

    🙂 Just curious.

    • CaitlinHTP November 12, 2011, 6:16 pm

      The blog will always be a healthy living blog but will likely transition to include family stuff. We plan to have lots of kids so I think this is a natural transition for the blog. Lots of things will stay the same!

  • Julia H. @ The Petite Spiel November 12, 2011, 3:49 pm

    I’m definitely a morning exerciser (except for the very rare day when I can feel my muscles refusing to wake up..then I push it off until later). I like knowing that I’ve gotten it done, and it also gets my body feeling pumped up for the rest of the day. And endorphins in the morning? Right on!

  • kathleen @ the daily crumb November 12, 2011, 3:50 pm

    i love marathon day in chicago. so inspiring!

    i am definitely a morning exerciser. if i don’t get it done first thing (while i’m basically half asleep), it just doesn’t happen.

  • Sana November 12, 2011, 3:59 pm

    🙂 I bet every time you burp you remember that you have a baby inside of youuu 🙂

  • Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga November 12, 2011, 4:15 pm

    I am impressed that you’re running! I instantly went from being a runner to being a walker when I was pregnant. And yes, starting out sooner rather than later in the day is key.

  • Lee November 12, 2011, 4:29 pm

    Oh! When I was in Charlotte a few weeks ago, that’s right where we stayed! (The Omni hotel right next to the BOA building)

  • Rebecca November 12, 2011, 4:32 pm

    That’s really interesting! I didn’t know you had leadership training/credentials. How did you qualify to give lectures like this? I’ve always wondered how people get started doing things like this!

    • CaitlinHTP November 12, 2011, 6:17 pm

      I did lots of public speaking in college but I guess Operation Beautiful ‘qualified’ me. 🙂 I’ve done about 40 – 50 college presentations to date!

  • Molly @ RDexposed November 12, 2011, 4:44 pm

    I prefer working out earlier rather than later. Later is always distracting with plans popping up and good weather turned bad and…laziness!

  • Eve November 12, 2011, 4:47 pm

    I’m a morning exerciser all the way! I bring my daughter to the gym’s day care and workout most days of the week. And I totally had the same exact symptoms during the 1st tri during my pregnancy. That general nausea and complete exhaustion, 2nd tri is a huge change! Also I hate to give unsolicited advice but it’s smart to avoid raw sprouts during pregnancy because they are likely to contain bacteria (like E. Coli & Salmonella), in case you are interested. Have a great weekend!

  • Maria (RealFitMama) November 12, 2011, 4:47 pm

    I have to work out first thing in the morning (5:30) to ensure that it gets done. BOO! I;m so not a morning person, but with two girls, a husband, a full time job and a house to keep (somewhat) clean it’s my only option.

    And yes – pregnancy exhaustion is REALLY REALLY REAL. Been there, done that, sending you good vibes!

  • Katie @ Peace Love and Oats November 12, 2011, 4:51 pm

    I’m definitely a morning exerciser! When I had my internship this summer and had to workout after work, I would bring my gym clothes with me so I couldn’t go home. If I went home, I wasn’t leaving again!

  • Heather November 12, 2011, 5:07 pm

    Eat the sprouts and the goat cheese and check out Panic Free Pregnancy. I’m pregnant with my third and enjoying this pregnancy so much more thanks to the info in that book!

    • CaitlinHTP November 12, 2011, 6:18 pm

      Thanks Heather 🙂 I need to check out that book. I’m aware of the sprouts thing but this definitely falls into the category of “I’m not going to make myself crazy obsessing over everything” part of pregnancy. You can get E.Coli off of ANYTHING. Not really worth freaking out over because I eat sprouts once every two months.

      • Caitlin November 12, 2011, 7:10 pm

        I just ordered it. The reviews were great. Can’t wait to read it.

        • JenRD November 12, 2011, 8:37 pm

          I would also be curious to hear about what this book says.

      • JenRD November 12, 2011, 8:25 pm

        Of course you should never make yourself crazy or freak out over it–added stress isn’t good for baby either! I was just commenting to be cautious, and I would say that eating it once every two months is being cautious, and a lot different than eating it daily. Unfortunately, there is a lot wrong with our agricultural production and distribution system in this country (which is why food borne illness is so common in raw produce). I think you have a good head on your shoulders, and make educated decisions on what is best for YOU. Maybe it wasn’t my place to say anything at all–you are brave to put yourself out there every day.

        • CaitlinHTP November 12, 2011, 11:00 pm

          Naw it’s cool, Jen! I don’t mind people telling me stuff becase there is a LOT that I don’t know. I just find it interesting there is so much food phobia with pregnancy and yet our doctors tell it’s perfectly okay to get all these shots and tests and take so many drugs… And no one blinks an eye about people eating meat packed with hormones and antibotics. Not really sure where I am going with this but I do feel like there is so much fear mongering about pregnancy. I would love to know the statistics on how many pregnant women a year actually get E coli from sprouts or if it’s just one of those
          things that everyone insists is such a big issue… And it’s really not. Obviously I love my little baby and would never want to harm it. But I think it’s worth looking into the larger issues deeper. Does that make sense? 🙂 maybe this is better suited to a post!

          • Heather November 13, 2011, 8:00 am

            Ooo, would love a post on this! There is not a lot that I don’t eat while pregnant.

  • suz November 12, 2011, 5:07 pm

    ugh I HATE morning exercising and it ALWAYS shocks me just how many people completely love it. unfortuantely bc of my insanely long hours at work the only time I can actually run is in the morning, but on the weekends i switch to afternoons and its SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much better, i dont know what it is but my body just sucks in the morning. I’ve doing it for the past few months though and its gone fine just DEFINITELY miss the afternoon/evening runs!

  • Christina November 12, 2011, 5:52 pm

    You may want to plan for a nap each day. When I was pregnant, I had to add one in and schedule it not unlike it was a workout. I couldn’t function after a certain point in the day without it.

  • D November 12, 2011, 6:00 pm

    So you’re going to run another marathon?!

    I have a question that I hope you will be willing to discuss. I think your blog and your goodwill efforts like Operation Beautiful, etc are commendable, but I am curious how you get speaking engagements on body image and leadership when you have no qualifications relating to these areas. What was your presentation about? Where do you draw your information from? Most speakers in these areas have backgrounds in child development, psychology, womens studies, etc and I am curious how you get these engagements and why you feel you are qualified to discuss the topics. I am genuinely curious and would love to hear your thoughts and how you approach these events.

    • CaitlinHTP November 12, 2011, 6:20 pm

      I talk more about my personal experiences and the Operation Beautiful movement. I also talk about cultivating a positive outlook and ending negative self-talk. And plus.. I am not ‘unqualified’ to talk about these things. It’s not like I have zero professional experience; after all, I’ve written two published books about the subject! Tons of research and education went into both of the books. You don’t necessarily need a PhD to be a public speaker.

      • D November 12, 2011, 6:27 pm

        I see. I’m interested in the “leadership” event too. What personal experience do you draw on to discuss leadership roles? And do you plan to pursue any further education relating to child development? I’m curious how you come up with advice for girls and women struggling with body image, beyond your own personal thoughts?

        • Caitlin November 12, 2011, 6:30 pm

          I draw on the results of psychological research studies and interviews with professional in the fields. However, all of my presentations, including the one today, is more a motivational speech vs. a scientific dissertation. No one hires me to stand up there and drone about statistics – it’s an uplifting, you-can-do-it kind of presentation.

  • JenRD November 12, 2011, 6:09 pm

    That must have been a great feeling, getting out for a run! I am definitely a morning exerciser–always was a morning person, especially during my pregnancy!
    I know you probably get tons of unsolicited advice, but please be cautious with sprouts. They are more likely than most foods to contain e.coli bacteria: “Like any fresh produce that is consumed raw or lightly cooked, sprouts carry a risk of foodborne illness. Unlike other fresh produce, seeds and beans need warm and humid conditions to sprout and grow. These conditions are also ideal for the growth of bacteria, including Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli.” (http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/types/fruits/sprouts.html). And it is a good idea to check that your goat cheese (and all soft cheeses) has been pasteurized). Now that you are preggers, your immune system is more compomised. 😛
    Jen

  • Penny November 12, 2011, 6:21 pm

    During both of my first trimesters, I could barely pry myself off the couch. I was SO TIRED. I would nap twice a day!!! And if my we were in the car, and my husband was driving, I would fall asleep every.single.time.
    I think you are a stud for working in that run.
    🙂

  • Anne @strawberryjampackedlife November 12, 2011, 6:26 pm

    I am a night person and would rather exercise in the afternoon/evening. However, to make sure that I fit in my half marathon training, I’m getting up and running in the morning. I do like being up that early. It’s just the getting up part that is difficult.

  • melisda November 12, 2011, 6:55 pm

    I am a dietetics student and I just received my servsafe certification. Raw sprouts are indeed a potentially hazardous food. I personally would avoid them during pregnancy…especially when I am not the one washing and prepping them.

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss November 12, 2011, 7:03 pm

    I’ve been at that corner!!! Michael and I used to meet in Charlotte as our “halfway point” when we were long distance. We’d pass by those statues at least 20 times in a weekend just walking around. Good memories. 🙂

  • Brigid November 12, 2011, 7:22 pm

    Congrats on the pregnancy Caitlin! Very exciting! I worked in an office when I was pregnant with my first and worked out at a gym in the complex at lunchtime. Three kids and ten years later, I’m up at 5am because there are too many excuses later in the day not to exercise. Enjoy!

    • Brigid November 14, 2011, 1:37 pm

      I just had to comment to say hello from a fellow Brigid! 🙂

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey November 12, 2011, 7:27 pm

    Great job on the run! I am a morning exerciser. I typically go first thing during the work week, but on weekends, I like to enjoy breakfast first and go mid-morning.

  • Katie @ Healthy Heddleston November 12, 2011, 7:44 pm

    I was like you during my first trimester — could only workout in the morning. I got sooo tired in the evening and had a few weeks there of being nauseous at night. Anyway, I’m able to workout anytime of the day now, which is nice!

  • Fran@ Broken Cookies Don't Count November 12, 2011, 8:37 pm

    The salad looks great, but the quote is the high point of your post. Thanks for sharing it, Caitlin!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin November 12, 2011, 9:33 pm

    I prefer morning workouts too, but I don’t mind working out at any time of day, as long as it’s before 5 pm. Any time after that, the couch and my sweatpants just become too tempting. 😛

  • Ashley @ Cooking for John November 12, 2011, 10:06 pm

    Those are my favorite bbq chips, mmm!!

    Nice job getting out there for a run this morning, I finally got my booty outside around 1 for a 3 miler with my pup. I live in Michigan, and it was 56 degrees here today, so I couldn’t say no to a run. The snow will soon take over…brr!

  • Khushboo November 12, 2011, 11:01 pm

    Nice job on the run/walk! I live getting active first thing in the morning. It sets me up in the right frame of mind and also my motivation levels are at their highest then!

  • jenn November 12, 2011, 11:24 pm

    Hi Caitlin – kind of off topic for this post, but I wasn’t sure where to post this question. I was wondering if you planned on being vegetarian throughout your pregnancy? I am vegan and while I’m not even pregnant I’m already being lectured that if/when I do get pregnant, it’s not safe for a baby. I was surprised to read that Natalie Portman (a long time vegan) gave it up during pregnancy, because I think it’s perfectly safe to be vegan/vegetarian during pregnancy as long as you watch your nutrient intake & supplement where necessary. What is your stance on this? I would love to see some posts regarding this topic!

    • Carin November 13, 2011, 3:02 am

      I’ve been veggie through two pregnancies and am now raising two vegetarian kids (aged 4 and 2). I had no problems except dipping a little low in iron (which I’m prone to anyway), so I took a supplement. I also made sure I kept up decent levels of protein and calcium. I got told that vegetarianism wasn’t good for the baby – but there are so many preggo mums doing thinks which I consider far, far worse! I think your body tells you what it needs, so if you suddenly crave meat after being a veggie, it’ll be an iron/protein requirement (unless you’re really after dodgy hormone residue and saturated fat…. yum!). My foetuses (foetii??)/ unborn children/ sproglets were of course my top priority, but I wasn’t willing to compromise my moral principles to satisfy unfounded bias/ preconceptions (preggo joke – geddit?!) of what you “need” to eat.
      I’m interested in your response too, Caitlin!

    • Caitlin November 13, 2011, 11:56 am

      I am definitely planning on remaining vegetarian for life. There’s pretty much no way I’ll go back to eating meat.

      There are things you do need to pay attention to: iron, calcium, b vitamins, protein, and Omega 3’s as a vegan mom. There may be others (I’m not a doctor!). You will have to supplement. I take a omega 3 supplement every day. i’m trying to put together a food post about pregnancy (clearly, people have a lot of questions about it!) and will try to include this.

  • Carin November 13, 2011, 2:55 am

    Well done babe – it would have been SO easy not to have bothered, especially with a presentation to do later in the day! We ran a 12km race today (well, when I say “we” – my husband stood with me at the startline, then said “bye, see you at the end” and ran off very fast”! Grr, long-legged young’un.)

    The sald looked delish – you’ll have to take me out to try it when I eventually make it to Charlotte!

  • Tammy Root November 13, 2011, 7:09 am

    Hi Caitlin,
    Not sure if you know this but pregnant women are not supposed to eat soft cheeses (e.g., goat cheese), because it is not pasteurized. I just learned this and thought I would pass it along! Hope you are feeling better from the nausea! I long for the day the nausea and tiredness subsides. 🙂

    • Annie@stronghealthyfit November 13, 2011, 8:00 am

      Actually, most goat cheese and other soft cheese in this country are pasteurized by law. Only some of the higher-end versions may not be.

      • Caitlin November 13, 2011, 11:57 am

        Yup! 🙂 Exactly.

  • Elizabeth November 13, 2011, 11:21 am

    I don’t know if you’ve ever come across this lady or this specific video clip, but I saw it on Pinterest and thought of Operation Beautiful.

    http://pinterest.com/pin/268738302734103126/

    Thought you might find it interesting.

    • Caitlin November 13, 2011, 11:58 am

      Good pin 🙂

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