A Spontaneous Long Run

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Hello!  :)  Sorry that I’m a little late to the party…. I was RUNNING! 

IMG_3145 - Copy (2)

I was also testing out the ShoeWallet, which I’ll give my full review of at lunch!

 

This morning’s run was kind of unique because I set out to do 6.0 miles and ended up doing 11.25 miles!  Around mile 3.0, I realized that my schedule was planned like this:

 

  • Today: 6.0 miles
  • Tomorrow: 5.0 miles
  • Friday: Rest
  • Saturday: Half Marathon Race

 

I realized that I wanted at least two days to taper (ideally, I should have three but I’m balancing the need to get in my marathon mileage), so I decided to run today + tomorrow’s mileage in one swoop.  So now my schedule is:

 

  • Today: 11.25 miles
  • Tomorrow: Yoga
  • Friday: Rest
  • Saturday: Half Marathon

 

Much better! :)  The trouble was that I was unprepared to run 11.25 miles instead of 6.0 miles.  I didn’t have any mid-run fuel on me, and I’ve never run for so long without taking in calories!  My stomach started to feel super empty around mile 8.0, and I noticed that my pace began to drop.  I never felt hungry-hungry, but I could definitely see the effects of not fueling on my performance.

 

Here are my statistics:

 

  • Duration: 1 hour 51 minutes
  • Distance: 11.25 miles

 

Before I left on my run, I had a bowl of raisin bran cereal, but my camera ate the picture.  🙁

 

And when I came back, I had a huge bowl of oatmeal:

IMG_3160

My oatmeal contained:

 

  • 3/4 cup oatmeal
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 3/4 cup rice milk
  • 1 sliced banana
  • Toppings: ton of almonds, coconut, flax, brown sugar

IMG_3163

While running, I was trying to decide what I’m going to write on my book’s dedication page.  My editor just told me the cover art is being designed (wahoo!), which got me excited for my dedication page.  I think it’s going to say:

 

SPOILER ALERT for the Husband – STOP READING!  🙂

 

To Kristien, who taught me to dream big, and

to my parents, who believed in me from the start.

 

If you were writing a book, who would you dedicate it to?  What would your dedication page say?

{ 87 comments }

 

  • Courtney December 2, 2009, 10:52 am

    I’m a big reader, and I always take the time to read the dedication page because I figure the author puts a lot of time into composing it, and I owe it to that author to at least check it out!

    So funny to see you running in a tank and shorts…we are officially into leggings/long sleeve shirts/skull cap running weather around here in Illinois.

    Courtney
    Adventures in Tri-ing

  • Jackie December 2, 2009, 10:53 am

    I had a ditzy moment and was like why would her husband care that she dedicated the book to this Kristien…and then it occured to me that was your husband’s name. I’d dedicate it to my husband as well, he is my better half and more!

  • Julia December 2, 2009, 10:54 am

    Great decision on the run, I bet you’ll feel much better after two days of rest than after one!
    I think your dedication is great, and I like how simple it is, yet very heartfelt. If I had to write one it would definitely include my fiance and my parents/family.
    Have a great day!

  • Ashley December 2, 2009, 10:56 am

    aw i love your dedication 🙂 so sweeeet.

  • megan December 2, 2009, 10:57 am

    That’s such a sweet dedication page! I agree with you, that any dedication page I wrote would have to include my husband and parents. I love that your husband taught you to dream big – he’s clearly very supportive and encouraging 🙂

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is December 2, 2009, 10:57 am

    I love your dedication! Mine would definitely be to my family. I couldn’t do anything without them.

  • Megan @ Megzz Wins At Life December 2, 2009, 10:58 am

    Awesome run girl.. Funny thing is on my commute into work I check out certain blog (yours being one of them) on my blackberry and I checked yours and you dind’t blog..

    I would dedicate my book to my parents and brother and sister!!

  • Carolina John December 2, 2009, 10:59 am

    Hey that’s a great long run! Glad you were able to squeeze it in. No idea what I would say in a book dedication though.

  • Nicole December 2, 2009, 11:01 am

    My dedication page would be for my Mom. To her, I owe everything.

  • Jennie {in Wonderland} December 2, 2009, 11:01 am

    Your dedication is so sweet.

    I love this one by Carl Sagan:

    “In the vastness of space and the immensity of time, it is my joy to share a planet and an epoch with Annie.”

    I always thought it was really romantic. I’m not sure what I would write in mine. I’d need to think about that very carefully.

  • Mel @ She Runs Brooklyn December 2, 2009, 11:02 am

    Your dedication just gave me the chills 🙂

  • Runeatrepeat December 2, 2009, 11:04 am

    That dedication is so sweet 🙂

    You are a machine! If I make my run a little longer it’s like 1 or 2 miles longer – not 5!

  • Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers December 2, 2009, 11:06 am

    i love your dedication – very sweet. i’d definitely thank my parents & my fiance as well. is it weird that i might even thank my dog? she’s just so joyous!

  • Vanessa (Last Night's Leftovers) December 2, 2009, 11:07 am

    I love your dedication! So sweet.

  • rebecca December 2, 2009, 11:07 am

    oh my goodness, the dedication brought tears to my eyes!

  • legalstyle December 2, 2009, 11:08 am

    dedication to husband, dedication to running. you rock, girl.

  • Erica December 2, 2009, 11:09 am

    Nice job on the run! I did a long one on Monday and only brought 1 shot blok….I got that same feeling and now know for anything over 12 miles- I need 2 shots! Good luck this weekend.

    Love your dedication. I saw the cutest dedication that Ina put in one of her cookbooks to her husband. It said something along the lines of To Jeffrey, My home is wherever you are.

  • Allison December 2, 2009, 11:10 am

    I know that if I were writing a book, there would be two people who would have to put up with the process and be supportive. The first would be the Husband, who already supports me in everything I do. The second “person” would be my students, who are also supportive. Middle schoolers are always interested in their teachers lives, and if I were writing a book, I know they’d ask me about it and encourage me!

  • Aubrey December 2, 2009, 11:10 am

    Great job on the run. Good luck with the race this weekend. I’ve nominated you for an award on my blog: http://high-heeledlove.blogspot.com/2009/12/lovely-day.html

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite December 2, 2009, 11:18 am

    Wow, the dedication page is huge! Family is always number one. Words are powerful… whomever the book may be dedicated to will cherish those words forever.

  • Karla December 2, 2009, 11:19 am

    I always love reading the dedications on books! I have no idea who I would write a dedication to! Sounds like the toughest part of writing a book!

  • Lauren @ Eater not a runner December 2, 2009, 11:19 am

    Wow awesome long run! And that is such a great dedication 🙂

  • Erin December 2, 2009, 11:23 am

    Great run! I’ve never thought about how much work must go into a dedication page — you want it to sound right and really mean something. Yours sounds fantastic. 😀

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat December 2, 2009, 11:25 am

    If I ever write a book, especially if it’s about health or my weight loss journey, I’d have so many people to thank: God, my husband, my mom/family, friends, bloggers, my job for providing the program that got me started…

    I work with theses and dissertations for my job and I love reading the dedications 🙂 Some of them are really unique!

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels December 2, 2009, 11:28 am

    That is super nice to your husband. If I were writing – I would dedicate it to my boyfriend for sure. He inspires me everyday, and what’s more he makes me laugh and smile everyday.

  • Marisa (Trim The Fat) December 2, 2009, 11:34 am

    Definitely dedicate to my parents first who always encouraged me to try new things!

  • Neely December 2, 2009, 11:36 am

    OK… I’m gonna be honest about the dedication since you posted it.

    I like Kristien’s part as is, but “who believed in me from the start” on the parents front… I just think it’s super-duper cheese. Sorry.

    You are really clever and can do better. Something more imaginative or “inside” on your relationship with them… just MHO.

    Side note: awesome run. I don’t always comment lately but you are mos def gonna rock the marathon. I still don’t know how humans can run that far. Lol.

    • Caitlin December 2, 2009, 11:39 am

      hehe i like a little cheese on my crackers. 🙂

      • Neely December 2, 2009, 11:46 am

        Touche’ 🙂

  • Christie @ Honoring Health December 2, 2009, 11:41 am

    If I ever write my book,I would dedicate it to my husband, too. Not exactly sure what I would say though. I’d have to think more on that.

  • Caitlin@TheTwentyFifthYEar December 2, 2009, 11:41 am

    I think you should post what’s in your heart – no matter what. Some people don’t have parents that believe in them, period. I think it’s a blessing you do!

    My favorite “book dedication” moment comes from SATC when Carrie dedicates her book to Charlotte, “the eternal optimist.” Reading this reminded me of that.

  • Whit December 2, 2009, 11:55 am

    Love the dedication!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) December 2, 2009, 12:03 pm

    It would say:

    To my mother who was with me through all the ups and downs. Mom this is one big up!

  • Ashley December 2, 2009, 12:04 pm

    I just took a stroll down memory lane (aka your posts from 2008) and it was great! I started reading your blog in March/April 2009 so I loved “catching up”.

    Love the dedication!!

  • alli December 2, 2009, 12:05 pm

    amazing run! i was wondering where you were this morning when there wasn’t a new post. i checked your training schedule to see if you were on a long run….you weren’t, but you WERE! 🙂
    i guess you can say i am new to running. last year when i was working upo 1/2 marathon distance i never ever ate anything, but being that i started running at 4 in the morning, i guess i never considered taking anything. i can see how running in the morning sun can fatigue runners more quickly, though.
    you are a maniac (in a good way) for running 20 miles on sunday and over 11 today! wowie! this foot of mine better heal quickly, i’m getting anxious…

  • Julie December 2, 2009, 12:08 pm

    Fun run! Very sweet dedication page too. My dedication would be to anyone I’ve ever met in my life because everything that happened to my in my 27 years has led me to this moment. And my family too I guess 😉
    What is your cover art going to look like?? Is it a secret?

  • Stacey December 2, 2009, 12:09 pm

    I love reading the dedication pages of books 🙂 I would dedicate it to my boyfriend and my teacher. It’s crazy to me that you are wearing shorts in December! It’s freezing cold up here in NC haha

  • Kara December 2, 2009, 12:10 pm

    Aww, that’s the perfect dedication! I love it!

    I’d dedicate my book to my two constant, unwavering sources of love and support: my amazing husband and my dad.

  • Lauren December 2, 2009, 12:15 pm

    Wow it’s amazing that you can spontaneously run 11.25 miles! I’m freaking out (ok mildly freaking out) about a 5K this weekend. It’s my first *race* so anything I do is a record, but my pace is all over the place, (as in between 8:30/mi and 10:30/mi)so I know I need to work on that.

    I love your dedication, although many think the parents would be too obvious/predictable, not everyone has that, so it is special.
    If (I mean WHEN I write a book)I would want to include my husband is an awesome source of encouragement, but I’ve also had a few great teachers over the years who really made a difference in who I am today…wow this is hard!

    • Caitlin December 2, 2009, 12:16 pm

      you can do it!!!! just concentrate on not starting off too fast at the beginning of the race – you can always pick up the speed towards the end, but you dont want to burn out.

  • Rose December 2, 2009, 12:15 pm

    For my thesis book in my MFA, I’m dedicating it to all the yinzers and steel workers in Western PA.

  • Lauren December 2, 2009, 12:16 pm

    Awesome Job on the run!

  • Evan Thomas December 2, 2009, 12:19 pm

    Awesome run! I think I’d have to dedicate it to my friend who died of a sudden heart failure in 10th grade. She loved books and reading and I know would have been happy to pick up whatever I produced

  • TorontoGirloutWest December 2, 2009, 12:24 pm

    “To my parents – who gave up everything for me. And to my fiance and partner in life. I love you.”

    🙂

    I’m so excited for you btw!!!! I can’t wait to see the book – I’m sure it will be really popular and do LOADS for people’s self esteem.

  • Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion December 2, 2009, 12:25 pm

    Great run!!! That was smart to get it all in today and rest your legs up for the race. You dedication brought tears to my eyes (I am so like that). I would sure dedicate my book (If I ever wrote one) to Adam and my parents too!

    Question:
    I never bring anything with me like goo, or luna moons ect when I run. I ran 9.5 the other day without anything. At what distance do you think these are necessary, in you experience? Obviously it will vary from person to person.

    PS. I am excited to hear about the cover art!!!

    • Caitlin December 2, 2009, 12:32 pm

      i will goo if im running 8 + miles and then i’ll take the goo at mile 6. if you think about it, i burn 80 cals a mile, so after 10 miles, i have a 800 calorie deficit! thats a lot of energy burned!

      • Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion December 2, 2009, 12:33 pm

        Right, makes sense!!! Thanks! I bet that will improve my performance. Thanks for the advice!

  • Lee December 2, 2009, 12:26 pm

    I like the dedication. I have to think about what I’d say.

    And how is it that you live one state south of me and are wearing shorts and a tank top, and I’m wearing a winter jacket?!

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl) December 2, 2009, 12:27 pm

    That’s interesting about the fueling.. I don’t think i ever realized the tangible impact it can make.

  • Good Taste. Healthy Me December 2, 2009, 12:44 pm

    What a sweet dedication. I would definitely dedicate to my boyfriend and my parents. They’ve been the most influential on me.

    Do those knee braces help you alot when running? I wanted to get into running awhile back but it really affected my knees…they almost felt like they were going to pop out of place with all the use. I’d love to get into it again and maybe those knee wraps (wraps, braces i dunno haha) would help. Thanks!

    • caitlin December 2, 2009, 3:23 pm

      yes – i literally could not run without them on! there’s a link on my top posts page (top) about knee sleeves vs. athletic tape.

  • Catherine December 2, 2009, 12:49 pm

    I’d definitely dedicate my book to my older brother and sister. They were my heroes when I was a little kid and still are 🙂

  • Ellen December 2, 2009, 12:51 pm

    Sweet dedication. Mine would definitely be to my boyfriend. He has been incredibly supportive since I lost my job. It would probably read something like: “Thanks, Luke, for giving me a big ol’ kick in the ass every time I needed it.” 😉

    http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/

  • Erin December 2, 2009, 12:51 pm

    I have always, always loved book dedications. I think they are one of the coolest parts of the book. I would dedicate it to my Mom for teaching me to never take any crap and my Dad for giving me the courage to start.

    Ack, I’m such a mushball that thinking about book dedications is making me emotional. For serious. So lame, but I accept it 😉

  • Tania @ Moment Anew December 2, 2009, 12:53 pm

    Awww! Love your dedication 🙂 So sweet!

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) December 2, 2009, 1:01 pm

    That was probably a good idea to combine today and tomorrow’s run! Yoga and a rest day sound like perfect days leading up to a half marathon!
    I think that’s a perfect dedication. So sweet:)

  • Nicole Mullins December 2, 2009, 1:03 pm

    I would probably dedicate a book to either my husband or my daughter. Both of them are incredibly inspiring and give me the motivation for everything in life.
    Just curious, what kind of oatmeal do you use?

    • caitlin December 2, 2009, 3:24 pm

      quaker 5 minute kind!

  • Carolyn December 2, 2009, 1:09 pm

    I think I would dedicate it to my husband and family, but it would perhaps also have some additions depending on what the book was about and who I met while writing it.

  • Brittney December 2, 2009, 1:09 pm

    Your dedication is very nice 🙂 If I ever wrote a book I’m not really sure who I would dedicate it to. I guess it would depend on who I thought was my biggest inspiration at that time.

  • Janna December 2, 2009, 1:12 pm

    Aw.. thats a beautiful dedication.

    I think I would have to dedicate it to my mom and dad.

    I don’t know what it would say..hm.. maybe “To my Mom who inspires me to strive for the best and To my Dad who has always been my biggest fan”

    Aw… way to get me all emotional Caitlin 🙂

    I think your half marathon plan sounds awesome. Yoga rocks!

  • Haleigh December 2, 2009, 1:13 pm

    A very well said dedication Caitlin. Good job on the run!

  • brandi December 2, 2009, 1:15 pm

    great job on the run!

    Oh, the dedication would probably take me forever!

    Definitely something about my Husband and family, though. Both sides of my family are a huge part of my life and I can’t do anything without them!

  • Meg C. December 2, 2009, 1:17 pm

    probably depends on what the book was about and how i was inspired to write it!

    ps i am so so sooo jealous of you running in a tank and shorts. it’s freezing in boston now and i haaate running in the cold! snot rockets EVERYWHERE! haha

  • MelissaNibbles December 2, 2009, 1:21 pm

    I would quite the late, great Notorious B.I.G and say:
    “Birthdays was the worst days now I sip champagne when I’m thirstay! Damn right I love the life I live cuz I went from negative from positive! And it’s all good…and if you don’t know now you know!”

    • caitlin December 2, 2009, 3:24 pm

      major lols

  • Jenna December 2, 2009, 1:28 pm

    CONGRATS on the run today girl! i would probably dedicate to family members!
    jenna

  • Julie @savvyeats December 2, 2009, 1:28 pm

    Such a cute dedication! I know I’d dedicate to Dan and my parents, but I don’t know what I’d say yet.

  • Hethir December 2, 2009, 1:49 pm

    How exciting to be to that point of your book to be writing a dedication page! Wishing you an awesome and fun run this weekend! I will be sending you happy running vibes 🙂

  • Dianette December 2, 2009, 1:56 pm

    You so should have said sorry I’m tardy for the party lol that song by the Atlanta Housewife Kim!

    If I were to ever write a book it would most def be dedicated to my family (parents & sisters)

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg December 2, 2009, 2:06 pm

    On my Master’s thesis, I thanked my boyfriend (now husband) “for being there, and letting me be.”

    True then, even more true now 🙂

  • claire December 2, 2009, 2:07 pm

    my favorite dedication is from a book my Scottish pastor wrote:

    To Jane, The Best of Wives
    and Matthew, Jonathan, Mary, and Sarah, The Best of Children

  • Caroline December 2, 2009, 2:17 pm

    Hey Caitlin,

    Good luck on your half marathon this weekend! Just as a tip for the future, though is that you might want to get in a very short run (like 2-3 miles) the day before your race. I find that when I don’t run the day before a race, I take MUCH longer to warm up! Then again, I focus on trying to run fast 5Ks so the warmup for a 5K vs a half marathon could be very different.

    Caroline B.
    A Fellow Runner

    • caitlin December 2, 2009, 3:25 pm

      i try to run a little before the race (that morning). but i find myself to be extra speedy when i havent run at all in the days preceding! its so funny how everyone is so different.

  • Anne Marie@ New Weigh of Life December 2, 2009, 2:55 pm

    The dedication is so adorable.

  • Nicole, MS, RD, LD December 2, 2009, 3:20 pm

    Nice work on the run, lady! I miss long runs, they always left me feeling so energized and accomplished! Your oatmeal looked delicious, too!

    I would definitely dedicate my book to my parents — they are by far my biggest support system when it comes to weight/health because they’ve seen me through it all!

  • Katy @ These Beautiful Feet December 2, 2009, 3:25 pm

    Are you going to CPY tomorrow? Ash and I are going tomorrow night I think! 🙂 I love the dedication btw, so sweet!

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance) December 2, 2009, 3:26 pm

    Nice run! You are so hardcore 😉

  • Kristin December 2, 2009, 3:50 pm

    I dedicate this book to myself, the girl who spent much of her childhood in a laundromat.

  • Side of Sneakers December 2, 2009, 6:40 pm

    Such a sweet dedication! I would dedicate mine to my mom, because without her I wouldn’t be able to live my dreams 🙂

  • Jess (Fit Chick in the City) December 2, 2009, 8:21 pm

    First off, you are too funny! Combining your weekly mileage today so that you can taper! That’s some serious dedication to reaching your mileage goals. Secondly, what a sweet sweet dedication. Reason enough to write a book, is to write a dedication.

  • maria December 2, 2009, 8:33 pm

    Your dedication is too precious! I love it!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) December 2, 2009, 10:20 pm

    I love your dedication – it is perfect! I would say something to my husband and parents as well 🙂

  • Ashley December 2, 2009, 11:06 pm

    Have you ever thought about running in Vibram 5 fingers or done any research on them? I just got them and am amazed with the results already!

    • Caitlin December 3, 2009, 6:24 am

      i’ve thought about it, but im just not willing to cough up the money….

  • Bridget December 3, 2009, 8:44 am

    That is a beautiful dedication 🙂 So sweet!

    I would dedicate the book to my late fiance. He opened my heart and taught me what it truly meant to be happy and live life to the fullest.

  • Amanda December 3, 2009, 10:52 am

    If I was writing a book I would dedicate it to my son and my husband. They are my reason for everything, and my life is dedicated to them.

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