Bear-able Run

on February 9, 2011

Heh. Bad pun, I know.

Random moment of the day: A little boy and I built a fort out of an examining sheet, a massage table, and four desk chairs (the Husband was treating his brother). Then, we pretended to be bears and growled at intruders. It was an awesome way to spend an hour. 🙂

Eat-In Day was a success! I ate all my meals and drinksâ€¦ in. It wasnâ€™t so hard. Maybe Iâ€™ll do it again tomorrow.

Lunch: almond butter and honey sandwich + apple + leftover salad from last nightâ€™s dinner:

Dinner was two black bean, salsa, and cheddar burritos.

Plusâ€¦ a popsicle. I randomly bought these Edyâ€™s fruit bars at the grocery store. And anyway, itâ€™s fun to pretend itâ€™s summertime. Warmer weather is just around the corner, right? RIGHT!?

Aaaaand, I ran 8.0 miles this morning. It felt like a total struggle at some points, but I finished. I havenâ€™t run this far since October, so I did lots of walk/run intervals. I also took a few breaks during which I just stood around, staring up at the sky and stretching (oh, and Twittering).

I didnâ€™t even really look at my watch for time. I just focused on finishing. And finishing felt really, really good, especially when I arrived at my warm house and inhaled two pieces of hot buttered toast in my mouth. :) Another long run checked off the old half mary training plan!

{ 76 comments }

Leanne (For Health's Sake) February 9, 2011, 7:58 pm
I love little moments like yours with the little boy playing bears 🙂 so cute!
annette February 9, 2011, 8:05 pm
I liked your pun 😉 And congrats on doing a nice, long run!! You better feel good about yourself, Caitlin!
Zo February 9, 2011, 8:09 pm
Playing “bear” sounds hilarious. Those burritos look amazing and congratulations on your 8 miles. I ran 4 for the first time the other day and brought it up in conversations in the most random way! And you ran double that!!
Christina February 9, 2011, 8:10 pm
you’re so motivating! and congrats on the 8 miles =D

O btw, enjoyed the lil story about the boy…haha
Jasmine @ Eat Move Write February 9, 2011, 8:14 pm
We are having exactly the same thing for dinner! That’ so cute that you went so far as to build a tent with a little boy. You’re going to be a great mommy someday. 🙂
Kayla February 9, 2011, 8:23 pm
Aww! And it is soooo nice to know that ‘real runners’ even struggle with longish runs of 8 miles. I am at 6 in my half marathon plan and 7 seems SO daunting right now. Thanks for helping me see it’s not just me. 🙂
Jess@atasteofconfidence February 9, 2011, 8:24 pm
haha how cute with the little boy!
Sana February 9, 2011, 8:28 pm
Get ittt! Bahaha I love that you made a fort, sometimes I make one with my pillows!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) February 9, 2011, 8:31 pm
Good job on your run! I’m finding it really hard to stick to a training plan. Actually, I don’t even HAVE a training plan!
Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete February 9, 2011, 8:33 pm
Great job on your run!

I love those Edy’s fruit bars — they taste so delicious and refreshing.
Lizz @ Leading the Good Life February 9, 2011, 8:38 pm
I’m doing ‘vegan week’ and the cheddar in your burrito looks SO good to me right now!! I may have to have one of those on Monday. 😉
Errign February 9, 2011, 8:40 pm
Congrats on “eat in” day! Maybe you could do a “eat in one day a week” challenge instead of one that’s a whole week or month long – thats a good compromise! 🙂

I love those Edy’s bars!
- Caitlin February 10, 2011, 9:48 am
  I could prob survive eat in week – but never a month!
  - Errign February 10, 2011, 10:02 am
    I definitely couldn’t do a month & probably not even a week. But I could do one day a week!
ashley@quasichick February 9, 2011, 8:44 pm
I am beggin for warmer weather and those popsicles really make me want spring even more!!
Parita@myinnershakti February 9, 2011, 8:45 pm
Congrats on the run! That’s awesome! Those burritos look really good!

P.S. I had to read the first part of your post twice because I didn’t get it! In my head, I was like “what little boy?!” LOL!
hippierunner February 9, 2011, 8:47 pm
Great job on the run!
Caitlin February 9, 2011, 8:51 pm
I used to love those popsicles! I haven’t had them in YEARS. Good times.
Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles February 9, 2011, 8:52 pm
I love all frozen treats – jealous of that popsicle!
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) February 9, 2011, 8:53 pm
great job on not paying too much attn to your time on your run!

and thanks for the comment reply on your last post 🙂

and that cabbage salad + peanut sauce (or whatever that is)…NICE!
Clare @ Fitting It All In February 9, 2011, 9:02 pm
Congrats on the run! And love that you have fun in the waiting room…a good experience like that would definitely bring me back!
Katy (The Singing Runner) February 9, 2011, 9:07 pm
Awww! Sounds like a fun afternoon! 🙂 Those burritos look amazing! 🙂
Kelly February 9, 2011, 9:21 pm
I love those Edy’s bars and I just ate a pomegranate one haha. It’s clearly not summer in Boston but I can pretend!
Meryl @ scribbled musings February 9, 2011, 9:25 pm
Ah I miss making forts. Sounds like so much fun. I bet you made his day! Congrats on the long run
Stacy @ Every Little Thing February 9, 2011, 9:26 pm
It is interesting to think about how much we actually eat out when you factor in all coffee, sodas, little snacks, etc. It blows my mind that a bunch of bloggers did Eat-In MONTH!
Natalie @ Will Jog For Food February 9, 2011, 9:26 pm
I forgot how much I love black bean burritos! You got me craving them now…they’re especially good with pineapple 🙂
Maddie (Healthy Maddie) February 9, 2011, 9:30 pm
Making forts was one of my favorite things to do as a kid! Oh good times…
- Caitlin @ TPL February 9, 2011, 9:57 pm
  Best time to do it was during sleep overs for sure!
Paige @Running Around Normal February 9, 2011, 9:34 pm
Good job on the eat in day 😀 Looks like delicious eats, too!
LOL @ the fort story – I love it.
Camille February 9, 2011, 9:35 pm
I love forts! You can never be too old for them 🙂
Ann @ Day by Day February 9, 2011, 9:35 pm
Yum – black bean, cheddar and salsa burritos look wonderful!! Also didn’t you just love playing with that little boy in the fort? I always have the best time with little kids. They can have fun with absolutely anything and turn a boring wait into a fun activity!
Caitlin @ TPL February 9, 2011, 9:40 pm
That is incredible, best afternoon ever I’m sure!
Good job on your run and eat-in day, at least you had some great looking eats!

Caitlin
rebecca lustig February 9, 2011, 9:43 pm
runs are supposed to FEEL good, not be timed/recorded so intensely– so good for you 😀
Emma February 9, 2011, 9:47 pm
Can’t wait to run outside again! It turns from a chore to a pleasure! I am about to move to New Zeland, and I can’t wait for the warm weather and new surroundings to explore!
Sarah @ The Strength of Faith February 9, 2011, 9:50 pm
What a simple burrito idea!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey February 9, 2011, 9:57 pm
I love that you and that little boy made a fort at the clinic. Hilarious!!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) February 9, 2011, 10:02 pm
That was great of you to play with him! I hope his brother is ok. I hate children suffering. Great job eating in. I guess it is all a balance. I hope you have a great night Caitlin.
- Caitlin February 10, 2011, 9:47 am
  I hate it when kids are sick too 🙁
Michelle (The Runner's Plate) February 9, 2011, 10:03 pm
I hope summer is right around the corner!! I’ve had a very bad dose of cabin fever lately–even though I do run outside.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table February 9, 2011, 10:03 pm
I soooo hope you’re right about summer being around the corner! I just watched a weather update on the snow headed my way. 🙁

Do you have any tips on knowing when to walk on long runs? I know I need to do it to prevent injury, but I struggle with know when I need to push through and when I really do need a break.
- Caitlin February 10, 2011, 9:43 am
  When I feel like walking, I keep running and count to 10 in my head. If I still want to walk after 10 seconds, I take a break 🙂 Also, on long runs, sometimes I pre-plan my walks at every mile or 0.5 mile so I know I have it to look forward to.
  - Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table February 10, 2011, 9:55 am
    I like it! That sounds similar to how I trick myself into exercising – just 10 mins and if I still want to stop, I can. Thanks! 🙂
  - Amber K February 10, 2011, 10:46 am
    That is a really great tip!
Lu February 9, 2011, 10:06 pm
The burritos look amazing. Congrats on eating in. It isn’t always an easy thing to do.
Kristen @ That Hoosier Girl February 9, 2011, 10:07 pm
I always love playing with the kids that come in to meet with my dad when I’m working the front desk at his office! Fun day!
Maren February 9, 2011, 10:20 pm
Kids have such great imaginations! 🙂 CONGRATS on the run!!!
Julie (A Case of the Runs) February 9, 2011, 10:23 pm
Good job with the run! 8 miles is a tough distance.
April @ Crazy Fabulous Life February 9, 2011, 10:24 pm
Awwwww..I think I’ll build a fort with my babies tommorow! 🙂

PS. When I was pregnant I was more than little obsessed with those Edy bars.
Stephanie February 9, 2011, 10:26 pm
Caitlin and friends:

How do ya’ll shop on a budget? For the most part, I spend $150 every 2 weeks, so about $ 300 a month on groceries. How do you go about eating right without breaking the bank? I’m located in Arlington, TX area now <<(new area) and I need help!!
- Lauren February 9, 2011, 11:09 pm
  Hi Stephanie! I don’t live in TX, but I would say the key to me eating right on a budget (and oh.my.dang is this grad student on a budget) is planning. I try to never let food go bad and to recycle leftovers into the next night’s dinner. I don’t buy the expensive larabars or many meat substitutes — I eat a lot of canned beans and fresh veggies. Haha, anyways. My advice: plan ahead. And on younghouselove.com they just posted a ton of advice on coupons. That might help you also! 🙂
  Good luck!
  - Caitlin February 10, 2011, 9:42 am
    Hi Stephanie:
    
    I think the key is to look into your pantry and use what you already have instead of re-buying more dry goods. Also, being a vegetarian is really cheap 🙂
Alex @ Healing Beauty February 9, 2011, 10:30 pm
Aww what a cute story! Congrats on the run!
Kiran February 9, 2011, 10:32 pm
Playing bear was simply a cute story 😉
emily February 9, 2011, 11:10 pm
What kind of corn do you use (generally)? Your corn always looks so fresh!
- Caitlin February 10, 2011, 9:41 am
  That was just canned corn – Green Giant!
Allison @ Happy Tales February 9, 2011, 11:58 pm
Love that you built a fort… at work!!! I used to do that all the time as a kid! And CONGRATS on your 8miler! I’m so glad your foot is holdin’ up 🙂
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) February 10, 2011, 12:05 am
Mmmmm, hot buttered toast. Is it morning yet? I want breakfast!
Lindsey February 10, 2011, 12:10 am
That little boy probably thought you were the coolest person ever! 🙂 Great job on the 8 miler! I’m training to run a 10k, and running anything over 5 miles impresses me, heh!
Marina February 10, 2011, 1:49 am
I bet that little boy had so much fun playing with you.
Congrats on eating in 🙂
Jen February 10, 2011, 6:54 am
You probably made that little boy’s whole day!

The burritos look delicious!
Kara February 10, 2011, 6:54 am
Playing with the kids in the waiting room is much better than a communal toy box! Less germs any way 🙂

Good on getting the 8 miles done and I love that you twitter while you run!
Lauren February 10, 2011, 6:57 am
I love popsicles in the summertime but have no interest in them when its cold but seeing yours makes me in the mood for one now. 😉
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin February 10, 2011, 7:34 am
Aww that little boy sounds so cute! It’s always fun to play with kids and remember what it feels like to be a kid again.

Congrats on the run!
Baking 'n' Books February 10, 2011, 7:53 am
That sounds like an amazing run – 8 miles?! I love the stopping and staring at the sky part – a friend of mine used to do that years ago and one day she was tired and was staring at the sun – and she fell over!…of course she shouldn’t have done it on a steep hill either…;)

Do you find it hard to get started once you’ve stopped?
- Caitlin February 10, 2011, 9:40 am
  Not really… I just start again.
Ashley February 10, 2011, 9:06 am
Haha I love making forts, I just hate cleaning them up. Congrats on the long run. I saw your tweets, and had to laugh
Lizzy @ runbakerace February 10, 2011, 9:18 am
Congrats on the long run! Those Edy’s popsicles are the best, i love the lime ones. I am hoping summer is just around the corner.
Sarah @ See Sarah Eat February 10, 2011, 9:26 am
I love those fruit bars! I recently bought the lemonade ones to remind me of summer. I can’t wait until it gets here 🙂
Eliz@The Sweet Life February 10, 2011, 9:39 am
what a sweet thing to do with that boy!
Alison @ Around the VeggieTable February 10, 2011, 9:50 am
8 miles is great! I always wonder if it is “okay” to run/walk my long run. I feel like I am cheating if I walk or pause but honestly lots of times I HAVE to. Since I am just getting back into running, it’s nice to know that more experienced runners do this sometimes too 🙂
caitlin February 10, 2011, 9:55 am
That sandwich looks good- ever tried a peanut butter and pickles sandwich? Its SO good, most definetly worth trying!
Ashley February 10, 2011, 10:25 am
Wow! Way to go! And congrats on the all day of eating in!
Emily February 10, 2011, 10:59 am
you made that little boy’s day! forts are the BEST. 🙂
Lindsey February 10, 2011, 12:24 pm
The Edy’s popsicles are so good- they actually taste like fruit and not sugar
Kelly (meatlesswithaman.blogspot.com) February 10, 2011, 12:41 pm
Congrats on the 2nd (and 3rd!) book!! What a huge accomplishment.
Jessi @ Quirky Cookery February 10, 2011, 3:00 pm
Aww! Was the place not open during that hour or did you have an audience while you were playing bears, too? lol

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