Grocery Deficit and a Sweet STEVIA Giveaway

on February 23, 2009

I’m getting really, really nervous about the Gasparilla Distance Classic this weekend. As you know, I am racing a 15K at 7:30 on Saturday, a 5K at 9:00, and then a Half Marathon the next morning. Any of these races, I could easily handle alone, but the idea of doing it back-to-back-to-back is freaking me out BIG TIME.

I’m concerned because I am SO sore from yesterday’s 12.0 mile run. Like, unusual soreness that literally kept me awake last night. My knees are aching, my thighs are burning… basically, I would normally never run in this condition and I will have to on Sunday. Here’s my thoughts:

I think I need to begin my taper NOW. AKA No more running. I have another 4 miler on my schedule for Tuesday, but I think that is pretty pointless and will only do more harm than good.
I obviously cannot kill myself during the Saturday races — I should stick to 10-minute miles as much as possible.
I need to pop a lot of anti-inflammatory OTC pills after the Saturday races.
An ice bath is probably advisable, but they are torturous and I’ll be staying at someone else’s house (how awkward).
I’m an idiot for signing up for this Distance Classic series in the first place.

Any other (positive) thoughts? I’m kind of freaking out.

We are totally out of fruit… major grocery deficit! I’m going shopping after work.

At least I got some whole grains and sugary sweetness in my tummy!

I made Oatmeal Waffles using my favorite Hodgson’s Mills Insta Bake mix. Instead of using 1 cup of the mix, I used 1/2 cup mix and 1/2 cup oatmeal (which makes 4 waffles).

These were super dense and chewy! Very delicious. I topped mine with coconut (does that count as a fruit?) and maple syrup.

Stevia Giveaway

During my lunchtime post, I will be announcing The Holistic Doctor Is In! Stevia giveaway. I love Stevia – and its an all natural sweetener!

Stevia is a perennial shrub of the aster family (Asteraceae), native to the northern regions of South America. It is now being grown in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Central America, the United States, Israel, Thailand and China. Great care must be taken during production of Stevia extract to produce a high quality sweetener extract. The NuNaturals line is very high quality and super yummy in coffee or tea!

I’ll be giving away 1 bottle of regular Stevia drops and 1 bottle of Vanilla Stevia drops.

Stay tuned!

{ 55 comments }

VeggieGirl February 23, 2009, 5:44 am
Ahh, don't be nervous!! You'll rock it.

Dense & chewy waffles??? PURE BLISS!!!

Happy Monday, Caitlin!!
Mica February 23, 2009, 5:51 am
I’m sorry that you’re having nervous thoughts about the back-to-back races! It will most likely be much better than what you’re anticipating. I *always* start freaking out over a bad run while I’m approaching a race.

I think starting your taper now is a pretty good idea. You’ve put in the time, so I think it’ll all work out. Good luck!
Mrs. LC February 23, 2009, 5:56 am
Try to take your nerves and turn them into positive energy, excitement, motivation, etc. When I was a music performance major you learned how to do this big time – it’s all mind games. If you tell yourself you’re an idiot for signing up for it in the first place, that’s just going to freak yourself out! Keep repeating positive mantras to yourself, know that you are an AWESOME runner, and that by taking it easy this week you will rock out over the weekend and be that hardcore runner you want to be and you ARE!!! 🙂

Oh, and vanilla stevia sounds awesome!!
Erin February 23, 2009, 5:59 am
Sorry for the nervous feeling, but I think we all know you will do wonderfully! Just finishing that craziness is quite impressive!
Also, being out of fruit is what always prompts me to go to the grocery store. Thats when things are considered dire.
redheadyellowdog February 23, 2009, 6:00 am
Just remember: this is for fun! nothing is riding on this…it’s not like this is the type of race you try to PR. Don’t think about how hard it’s going to be but think of being in all of that glorious race energy 3 times! Plus you’ll be with a bunch of other people doing the 3 races so you can all roll your eyes at one another and ask why you’re doing this to yourself (aka soaking up the running commraderie)

Also, since you’re finishing the 5k so early in the day, you can spend the rest of the day taking it easy, stretching, and recovering. Make sure you have a good recovery drink for after the 5k (I hear chocolate milk is the ultimate recovery drink) and drink tons of water to help repair muscles!

You’re doing this to have fun! That’s the most important thing to remember and I always remind myself of that when I am getting frustrated with my training. You’re awesome and READY for these races!!!
Meghann February 23, 2009, 6:04 am
Ahhh…. booo to you knees! I think you should start resting up now and after the races on Saturday we should get you in an Ice Bath ASAP! And then another one that Saturday. I would also suggest we do Yoga that Saturday to restretch out legs before the half on Sunday.
itsawrapteacher February 23, 2009, 6:10 am
You will do great!
I have heard alot about this Stevia product. I hope to try it soon!
ashley (sweetandnatural) February 23, 2009, 6:12 am
I’m sorry you’re feeling off! Try not to stress – easier said than done! – and remember the reason you signed up for the race. For a fun challenge! And that fun part is key – if you feel awful and are concerned about injury after Saturday, you don’t have to do Sunday. You will still be the awesome runner that you are!
Emily February 23, 2009, 6:12 am
Best wishes for a great race weekend! I think you are really smart to taper and listen to how your body is feeling now.
Colleen February 23, 2009, 6:14 am
You are going to do GREAT! A little TLC this week and you’ll be fully prepared this weekend.

In the meantime stretch those sore muscles like there’s no tomorrow!
haya February 23, 2009, 6:15 am
positive: you will feel AWESOME when it’s over and it is a huge accomplishment that you can be proud of for a long time.

the waffles look fabulous
anotheronebitesthecrust February 23, 2009, 6:21 am
I feel you on the grocery deficit! Booo!

Girl, I know you can do this race!!! You are fabulous!
Kelly February 23, 2009, 6:26 am
Don’t freak out. You can do this. It might hurt a little but just make sure you take those anti-inflamatory pills and rest up until the races. And stick to the 10 min miles. Also if you really think you can’t run the half on sunday after the races saturday then don’t. It’s not worth injuring yourself severely. Keep positive!
Anne P February 23, 2009, 6:41 am
Don’t worry, you’ll do great! Starting the taper now will help, and just remember to run slowly on Saturday and not burn yourself out. Running too fast with Meghann must be what caused the mega-soreness. You can do it!
jenngirl February 23, 2009, 6:50 am
I’m with everyone else–don’t freak out! You’ve got a great outlook right now, and I think if you take it easy this week and just ENJOY the Saturday race you’ll be fine! Just take these in stride and have fun, don’t push your limits 🙂
bb February 23, 2009, 6:58 am
Think about how much fun races are…and multiply that by three! You will have a blast AND do great!
Kailey (SnackFace) February 23, 2009, 7:02 am
No need to be nervous- you’ll totally rock that crazy weekend of running you have ahead of you. Seriously, it’s awesome you even put yourself up for the challenge! I just caught up on the last few posts– my boyfriend is a total wino too! He always talks about wines he wants/wine racks he wants/wine cellars he wants, etc. Good luck with you monday!!
Shannon February 23, 2009, 7:06 am
Don’t be nervous- think how great it will feel when you’ve accomplished it:) My husband and I are going to Napa and San Fran this summer and I was wondering if you had a suggestions of where to stay? Thanks so much!!
Simple and Divine February 23, 2009, 7:09 am
YOU ARE NOT AN IDIOT. You are a runner and runner’s get SORE dude. You overran yourself, yesterday, for sure, but to put yourself down like that is just NOT okay with me. Go on walks with the pups today to get the lactic acid out of your muscles and so some yoga. take ant-inflammatory’s and remember SMILE AT FEAR. You will do this and I won’t let anyone talk about our Caitlin that way! love love love.
dailygoods February 23, 2009, 7:10 am
you can totaly do this ! you are not going to believe it when its over and are going to be so proud of yourself! keep your head up, youre amazing!!! we’re all here rooting for you 🙂
Matt February 23, 2009, 7:10 am
Keep your head up. You can do it! You might actually want to do a few short runs this week to keep your body ready to run. Taking off a whole week and running that distance is going to schock your body. Just take the race slow, have a good time, and try your hardest. That’s all you gotta do!
lauren February 23, 2009, 7:12 am
Just try to relax more on saturday’s run…save yourself for sunday’s half! that would be my advice…but you’ve totally got this!
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point February 23, 2009, 7:25 am
shannon – shoot me an email at seebriderun@gmail.com and i will send you my list of things to do in napa!
Tami February 23, 2009, 7:26 am
i think you should go slow and for both races on Saturday. Get in the mind sight of just completing each race, not PR’ing or anything . Like running your first marathon, you just need to finish.
fitforfree February 23, 2009, 7:43 am
you’ll be fine!! just listen to your body and go SLOW (or even walk) if you need to — and maybe pick one race to push yourself and try to PR? You can do it!

oh, and vanilla stevia sounds awesome!
monica February 23, 2009, 7:44 am
I admit, I am a little nervous about your knees, too! Rest as much as possible. And I agree with the other commenter who said to GO EASY on race day. No personal bests. Just keep it real and let your pain be your guide. If it really starts to kill, STOP. You wouldn’t want to break yourself. =(
Meg February 23, 2009, 7:48 am
YUM! I started using stevia last year and I love it! I can’t wait for the giveaway! Yummy waffles!
Brandi February 23, 2009, 7:50 am
you’ll do great!

go easy in 2 of them and maybe only try to get a PR in one race?
ksgoodeats February 23, 2009, 7:50 am
I hope your soreness goes away! Don’t be nervous, you are an amazing runner – you’ll be fine. Don’t let your mind play tricks on you 🙂
Becky February 23, 2009, 8:16 am
Am I the only one who is thinking maybe 3 races is too much? Considering your body is kind of saying “no”. Listen to your body girl! You are only in your 20’s and have years left to run IF…you listen when it’s needing rest. I am an ex runner (sort of ex…too many injuries) current yoga teacher who has seen TONS of overuse injuries that NEVER heal. All I’m saying is, protect your body, you’ve only got one!

And good luck with whatever you choose!
Sarah W. February 23, 2009, 8:20 am
yum on waffles!!!

You will totally ROCK the races this weekend! I agree that you probably shouldnt run until then!
Olga February 23, 2009, 8:27 am
I think you’re going to be GREAT running the race this weekend! You know SO much about running and you’re really amazing at listening to your body, which will pull you through!

I’d count coconut as fruit for sure 😉
Kirsten February 23, 2009, 8:35 am
Hang in there Caitlin! I am sure you will do just fine on Saturday. Maybe you can do some pilates or yoga the next few days to keep your legs lose, but without the pounding. Just a thought. Oh, and waffles look yummy! =)
skinnyrunner.com February 23, 2009, 8:39 am
you can do it! like you said, just keep to a nice, comfortable pace and you’ll do awesome.
Julie February 23, 2009, 8:42 am
Hey girl love your blog 🙂 Good luck on the running I’m sure you’ll do great!

Any good advice on running long distances? Do you train on a treadmill? If so how fast do you usually run on there and for how long?
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point February 23, 2009, 8:45 am
julie – i dont really do treadmills anymore because i live in florida and can run outside year around. but treadmill running is necessary for many, and there is nothing wrong with it. i cant do more than 4 miles on the treadmill without getting bored, but thats just me.

The real trouble you will encounter in switching from the treadmill to outside is the difference in the impact on your joints. Running outside is a lot harder on your knees and legs than on a treadmill, which has natural give. The best thing you can do is start by transitioning some of your shorter runs outside, slowly increasing the % of your outdoor runs over a several month period so your body has time to adjust.

In the meantime, it will be helpful for you if you can start adding some “hills” to your treadmill workouts so you can replicate the challenge of hills indoors as well. Maybe on some shorter treadmill workouts, play around with the hill setting and see how you do.

good luck!
sarah February 23, 2009, 8:45 am
I found unsweetened coconut this weekend and thought of you. It’s wonderful!

Sarah
http://sarahdbelle.wordpress.com/
talieworld February 23, 2009, 8:46 am
Oatmeal waffles? Yum!

Don’t be nervous Caitlin, if anyone can handle back to back races its you!:)
Leila February 23, 2009, 8:54 am
Hey Caitlin! You’re so not an idiot, it’s a great challenge which you’ll face and overcome indefinitely.

Just trust your body! It’ll tell you what you need to do or not do to get through all 3 races. And believe in yourself, this one thought will project you to success in whatever you are trying to do!
susanah February 23, 2009, 9:14 am
heya caitlin
u’ll do fine 🙂 Just ‘zen’ yourself and zone out,,running that much is more mental than physical..dont go too hard on ur first race..if i were u i’ll keep everything for the last day..just incase, i over injure myself during day 1..wear ur knee sleeves and of needed, tape ur knee for the extra support..will keep u in my prayers!
ohsheglows.com February 23, 2009, 9:16 am
I’m sorry you are freaking out about the races. I can really relate…I had to cancel my 8 mile race I had signed up for mid-February because of the injury.

I know the thought of having to not participate in a race really sucks, but please do what is best for your body and don’t push it. You don’t want to end up injured and out for 2 months like me!

I hope the taper works for you!
foodsthatfit February 23, 2009, 9:17 am
You already have a great distance base, so you will be fine. I would just do some light cross-training this week, maybe spend some time on a stationary bike so spin out your legs, or a yoga class. Good luck!
Julie February 23, 2009, 9:29 am
Don’t be nervous!! You can do it!! Think positive!!
Anonymous February 23, 2009, 9:38 am
I agree with what Becky said. I feel pushing yourself to do three huge races back to back is crazy when you are feeling this way. I support your running and drive and think it’s amazing. However injuring yourself out of running would be awful for you. I say listen to your body and don’t do it if you’re still too sore. In my opinion it’s not worth it.
Linda. . .a concerned reader
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point February 23, 2009, 9:40 am
becky and linda – thanks for your concern. i would never race if i thought i was going to injure myself. i’m just sore. if i cant do the half marathon, i won’t. its not a deal for me to miss a race. however, i already paid for it so im going to try. 🙂
Kat22 February 23, 2009, 9:41 am
You are going to do great! I Have been reading your blog since dec or nov I am not sure and I love it! I know you can do this!

Also quick question I use to be able to see recipes for the food you made and now I can’t am I not seeing the button or is that now unavailable?
🙂
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point February 23, 2009, 9:43 am
kat – thanks for the reminder! that is one aspect of see bride run i never transfered over (i wasnt sure if anyone ever used my recipes, anyway!). i will do this ASAP!
Sarah (lovINmytummy) February 23, 2009, 9:50 am
I would just do some speedwork (like 1-2 miles max) and cross training for the week. I remember when you said you were running 12 the weekend before the half, I said, “What?!” But I think you’ll be surprised how quickly you recover if you go light the next couple days.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Leah February 23, 2009, 9:51 am
Caitlin- aw you sound so unsure! Don’t worry girlie you will rock it. Try to take it easy from now until then and just go with the flow this weekend. It’s amazing you even entered and are going to attempt it.. i’m not even sure I would do that so props to you!! I can’t wait to hear how you do – it’s like when you ran your half I was consistently checking your page to see if you had updated. I’ll probably be like that this Sunday lol! 🙂
Erin February 23, 2009, 10:07 am
Caitlin,
You are UNSTOPABLE. I know that you can do just about anything because you always leave me stunned with what you have already accomplished. Keep going but Dont push yourself over the limit. Do what you do best..Which is usually the best effortlessly!
BOBBI McCORMICK February 23, 2009, 10:12 am
sweetie take it easy and let your body be rested and ready for this weekend, I KNOW you can do it!
chandra February 23, 2009, 10:14 am
As everyone else is saying, just stay positive, take it slow, and remember you’re a great runner! 🙂 I’m sure you’ll do great!

PS – Have I mentioned lately how jealous I am that you can run outside year round?? My next half is in 5 weeks and I’m so treadmill burned out and unprepared!
KK @ Running Through Life February 23, 2009, 11:21 am
Yummy breakfast! Good luck this weekend and stick to your taper!!!
HangryPants February 23, 2009, 1:08 pm
You can definitely do this! I’ve read many times on here that endurance as your strength, not speed. Maybe yesterday’s pace was just a little too fast. I know it’s scary, but you are going to do great. Remember, it’s mental!!!!
jane February 23, 2009, 8:04 pm
you will do fine for the race, caitlin. i think all your tips for recovering after the 12 miles sound good. just take it easy and don’t forget to listen to your body. if the first day of the challenge is really painful and tough, don’t be afraid to skip the second part. i know that sounds awful, but what are you gaining by putting your body through hell and maybe even creating injuries?
sorry if that was pessimissic. on the positive side, i really do think you will be alright! and definitely try the ice bath- i’ve heard works wonders. good luck, girlie! 🙂

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