Fabulous Fourteen

on October 2, 2009

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I had a FABULOUS 14.0 mile run this morning! I feel so accomplished and happy. :) My Running Support Crew (Meghann, Megan, Kelly, and Debbie) didn’t meet this AM, so I was on my own. To motivate myself, I posted this note on my bathroom mirror last night:

I tend to dilly-dally in the AM so I figured a reminder to get MY BOOTY OUT OF THE HOUSE was necessary. 🙂 It takes a long time to run 14.0 miles!

I woke up at 5:30 and ate a pre-run breakfast:

Then I wrapped my toes:

I slashed open the bottom of my big toe while moving furniture earlier in the week, and it’s been so painful to run on. My second toe on the left foot is freakishly longer than the adjacent big toe, and the toenail always ends up sore and inflamed (even though I wear shoes that are 1 size larger than my normal size). I KNOW that baby is going to fall off at some point during marathon training. 🙁

And then I weighed myself:

The one reason I own a scale is to weigh myself before and after long runs to determine if I’m dehydrated. (I don’t weigh for maintenance purposes; I base that on the way my pants fit.) Ideally, I should weigh the same or a little more after a long run, because I should replace my sweat with water. Today, however, I was 0.8 pounds lighter when I returned home — even though I drank 2.0 liters of water while running! Crazy!

If you don’t want to weigh yourself, just look at the color of your pee when you use the bathroom after a long run. If it’s dark yellow, you’re dehydrated!

I left my house just the sky was turning grey-blue with a goal to run 10:30-minute/miles, which works out to a total of 2 hours, 27 minutes…. but I was feeling GREAT! It was sooo easy to maintain 10:00-minute/miles. I was in a good mood, the air was cool… it was just one of those perfect runs, and I smoked my goal time.

I took Goo at mile 7.0 and mile 10.5.

Here are my statistics:

Duration: 2 hour, 19 minutes
Distance: 14.0 miles
Mile 1: 10:14
Mile 2: 10:18
Mile 3: 10:19
Mile 4: 10:01
Mile 5: 9:56
Mile 6: 10:14
Mile 7: 10:05
Mile 8: 9:48 🙂
Mile 9: 9:45 🙂
Mile 10: 9:54
Mile 11: 9:52
Mile 12: 9:51
Mile 13: 9:32 🙂 🙂 🙂
Mile 14: 9:48

Yay, yay, yay!

I came home and immediately refueled with a protein shake:

And then I had an everything bagel with cream cheese and two plums.

All in all, a fabulous way to start off my Friday. Now… it’s time to WORK! 🙂

{ 74 comments }

Tracey@tropicalhappiness October 2, 2009, 10:22 am
Wow! What an accomplishment for an early morning!! And your stats are GREAT!
Stephanie October 2, 2009, 10:22 am
I do not comment much but I read your blog and had to ask you a question.

First, good job on the run. Nice negative splits. I’m in training also so I can appreciate a good run!

But seriously, I have not seen you mention it, but since you love Twilight as do I, do you watch the Vampire Diaries? Im obsessed already. I was so sad to be done reading the Twilight books so Im psyched to have more! It is a total copy of Twilight but I still can’t get enough!
- Caitlin October 2, 2009, 10:25 am
  hahah no but i read the review on ew.com and they said it was good! i just dont want to get sucked into a new TV show… ya know? i feel like i watch way too much tv already (the biggest loser, law and order SVU, the office, gossip girl, so you think you can dance…)
  - Rachel October 2, 2009, 10:29 am
    lol We currently have WELL over 60 hours of recorded shows on our dvr. My boyfriend has at least 25 hours, we have at least 15 hours of “our shows” and the rest is mine. The only good thing about this is when re-runs happen over the holidays or whenever, we still have “new” shows to watch! We just keep getting sucked in to new shows!
    
    Glad to see this run went so well for you! 🙂
  - Stephanie October 2, 2009, 11:24 am
    It is so good though that you might want to give up one of the other shows =)
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is October 2, 2009, 10:26 am
Congrats on your run! You are really inspiring me, along with Ang at OhSheGlows. I am so excited that I ran 1.5miles today. I guess I gotta start somewhere. 🙂
- Caitlin October 2, 2009, 10:28 am
  AWESOME!!! when i first started to run, i couldnt run 0.25 miles!!! you can do whatever you set your mind to.
Stephanie October 2, 2009, 10:27 am
I just still don’t know how you ladies run so long–mad props to you for that fabulousness! I love the posty on the mirror for motivation, great idea 🙂
Evan Thomas October 2, 2009, 10:32 am
Congrats on the run! I tried to motivate myself in 10 miles on the treadmill this morning, but I could just feel that I got a bloody toe and my shins were not so hot so I settled for an 8-miler, but I’m still going to be happy with that
Allison R. October 2, 2009, 10:33 am
Great job! What an awesome way to start your day 🙂 I always find that my mind gives out before my body on runs. If I have friends with me it’s a lot easier, but when I’m by myself sometimes, not all the time, I go a little stir crazy. I know you’ve talked about mental distractions before, but what did you do on SUCH a long run today? Thanks!
- Caitlin October 2, 2009, 10:36 am
  let’s see…
  
  i pretended like i was in a music video multiple times (aka dancing while running).
  
  i did the multiplication table in my head (like, 3 times 2 is 6, 3 times 3 is 9, 3 times 4 is 12… etc)
  
  i did work in my head for the book.
  
  i wrote this post in my head.
  
  i looked at nature.
  
  🙂
  - Allison R. October 2, 2009, 10:40 am
    I love the music video idea! Too funny. I like the multiplication idea too! Have you ever listened to podcasts while you run? My friend does and says he really likes it because you get distracted by focusing on what it’s saying, whereas music you can kind of let “go in one ear and out the other,” ya know?
    - Carrie H October 2, 2009, 12:29 pm
      One of my favorite things to listen to is World Cafe or American Roots (two Sunday morning NPR music shows) because they have bits and pieces of songs and interviews with awesome artists. There is enough music to enjoy listening, but you can also zone in on what the artists are saying in the interviews as well! Maybe I am just an NPR nerd, though … 🙂
kristen October 2, 2009, 10:34 am
Well done! I’m glad this one was better than the last long run!
Courtney October 2, 2009, 10:38 am
First off, Vampire Diaries YES!! I’m ready to replace one of my other shows with it (One Tree Hill, it might be time to breakup). Great job on the 14 miles…getting in that groove and smoking your miles must have felt great! I know when I get in that groove (and it is RARE) I run as much as I can because I never know when I will feel that way again!! HA!
Courtney
Adventures in Tri-ing
christie, honoring health October 2, 2009, 10:38 am
Woooohooooo! Good for you for rockin’ that 14!!

Happy Friday!
brandi October 2, 2009, 10:40 am
congrats on the run, that’s awesome!!!

I do multiplication sometimes when I’m running, too! So strange because I hate math 🙂
Niki October 2, 2009, 10:42 am
Awesome job on the 14 miler! Your splits look great! Way to beat your goal time:)
Nikki T October 2, 2009, 10:46 am
I just wanted to write you an OB note:

YOU ARE AMAZING! YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU PUT YOUR BEAUTIFUL MIND TO!
http://www.operationbeautiful.com

🙂
Great work on rockin’ out such a LONG run!
Have a good day!
- Nikki T October 2, 2009, 10:48 am
  PS- my Husband commented yesterday that my new found love for HTP and OSG is starting to cost me a lot of $$! Haha!
  Thanks to your blog I’ve now ordered RoadIDs and SPIbelts for myself and my Mom-in-Law (Yeah for early Christmas shopping!)
  🙂
Dayna October 2, 2009, 10:48 am
Great job on your 14 miler today!!
Question…I was thinking about this (and what other people do when they are running these kind of distances) on my last long run, which was 15 miles. When you’re going that kind of distance, do you stop at all? Like, to eat your gu, or to take a bathroom break, etc? I have to stop sometimes and wonder if that’s considered “cheating”. I’m training for my first marathon right now, and am not sure if I can actually run a whole 26.2 miles without stopping. It’s a little intimidating.
Thanks!
Dayna
- Caitlin October 2, 2009, 10:52 am
  unless you’re trying to qualify for boston 🙂 stopping to walk or stretch is totally OK. i didnt walk on this run, but i did stop at some point to fill up my camelbak and stretch (i stopped my watch because i wanted to know my miles time). i will definitely be walking and stretching at various points during the marathon. very, very few people can run 26.2 miles without stopping to walk or adjust their socks or pee. 🙂 it’s not cheating!
Meg C. October 2, 2009, 10:49 am
congrats on an amazing run. i love the high you get after completing a long run! i can’t wait to start my half marathon training so i can work up my mileage! (pdr is only 9 right now).
Runeatrepeat October 2, 2009, 10:52 am
Great pace! Keep it up 🙂
Marisa (Trim The Fat) October 2, 2009, 10:52 am
Great job,Caitlin! I love the idea of your “reminder” note on the bathroom mirror. I’m going to try that for some tasks I don’t feel like doing. It’s all about the power of suggestion 🙂
Beth @ DiningAndDishing October 2, 2009, 10:55 am
wow – good for you!! all i did today was shower and go to work – you make me look bad!! haha
Tasha - The Clean Eating Mama October 2, 2009, 11:09 am
Amazing! Great job on your run today!
RhodeyGirl October 2, 2009, 11:10 am
You just ran more than a half marathon like it was no big deal. AWESOME! You are such a running inspiration for me Caitlin!

I also think that it is amazing that after about 5 or 6 miles the body just zones out and it actually because easier to run. I wonder if it is a mental or a physical thing. For me I really can’t decide, but I love that my 2nd half of my run is always faster.
April October 2, 2009, 11:13 am
Caitlin, You have really inspired me to want to start running. However, I feel as though I “CAN’T” run – I can power through spin and step classes, but I think I have a mental block against running – I start to breathe heavily and I just stop. Any tips to help with this?
- Caitlin October 2, 2009, 11:19 am
  running is really, really hard, especially when you first start. i used the galloway method (google it for more info) to build up my endurance. instead of trying to force yourself to run straight through, try running two minutes and walking one minute and then repeating. you’ll know a break is coming and it will be easier to run through the 2 minutes. gradually decrease your walking time until you’re running without stopping!
  - Nikki T October 2, 2009, 11:34 am
    Hey April- this is how I started too, run 1 walk 1, run 2 walk 1…and now I’m up to run 10, walk 1!
    Like Caitlin said…it’s not easy!
    I’m still not a good breather and tend to breathe heavily which can be frustrating, but the key is TOTALLY to start slow- it’s the only thing that has stopped me from quitting (I tried the “just power through and run until I can’t breathe” method and it definately was NOT beneficial and I quit)
    GOod luck!
Angharad (Eating for England) October 2, 2009, 11:13 am
Flipping awesome! Well done you. Smoking your goal pace always feels so amazing especially on a longer run! I’m hoping that happens to me this weekend in my ten mile race! haha.
Oh and yummm to everything bagels. So.amazingly.good!
Allison (Balance in Bites) October 2, 2009, 11:15 am
Grats on the 14 miler! When I was training for the NYC marathon, I loved those really long runs. You just get into that mindset, you know? You know you’re going to be out there for a really long time, and it might be tough, but at the same time, you know you can do it. I love it =)
Matt October 2, 2009, 11:18 am
Wow you are already up to 14 miles. Congrats! You are getting into ice bath mileage!
Angela (Oh She Glows) October 2, 2009, 11:20 am
This post and your amazing run pretty much made MY friday! You rocked it! Revel in it all weekend 🙂
Ali October 2, 2009, 11:22 am
Great job on your run! I bet you feel super accomplished! I totally dilly dally in the am too.

I always judge my hydration by the color of my pee, I feel like it is a pretty good indicator. I never thought to do it by my weight.
Julia October 2, 2009, 11:23 am
Great job on your run! Reading about yours made me really want to go run, but I know I shouldn’t because of my half marathon on Sunday! Have a great Friday!
Julie @savvyeats October 2, 2009, 11:33 am
Congrats, that’s an awesome run! I look forward to your posts every day; you are so inspiring! I saw the SpiBelt at the running store the other day, and am thinking of getting one with my 10% off coupon after your review.

Also, I’m glad I’m not the only person to leave myself reminder notes on the bathroom mirror… “window markers” do the job well too. 🙂

I’m still fairly new to running and am therefore building up my runner’s wardrobe… any suggestions on brands, styles, etc?
- Caitlin October 2, 2009, 11:38 am
  i think target has some good, affordable stuff. just make sure you buy dry-wick fabric. i am partial to brooks gear (i have shoes + shorts) but its pricey!!
  
  i only buy runner’s shorts with underwear built in 🙂
  - Julie @savvyeats October 2, 2009, 3:48 pm
    Thanks. My shoes are Brooks too and they’re so good!
Jamie in Arkansas October 2, 2009, 11:36 am
Caitlin,
Does the ImmunPlex have any sugars in it? Artificial or real?
Thanks!
- Caitlin October 2, 2009, 11:39 am
  ingredients:
  
  Provon Undenatured Whey Protein Isolate (Typical Protein Composition: Beta-lactoglobulin 51%;
  Gamma-lactalbumin 23%;
  Glycomacropeptides 18%;
  Albumin and Immunoglobulins 5%;
  Lactoferrin, Lactoperoxidase and others 2%),
  natural vanilla flavor.
Madeline @ GreensAndJeans October 2, 2009, 11:52 am
congrats on such a great run caitlin! Isn’t it great when things just fall into place?
MelissaNibbles October 2, 2009, 11:57 am
Great job Caitlin! You’re going to rock that race.
Kristen @ frostingandfroth.com October 2, 2009, 12:29 pm
Wow, so proud of you, Caitlin! You did great! 🙂
Justy2003 October 2, 2009, 12:36 pm
AWESOME run this morning! Glad you had a good long run…even by yourself! Great way to start a Friday! 🙂
caronae October 2, 2009, 12:46 pm
Congrats on a great run! It’s so awesome when everything comes together and you just have a perfect run, ya know?
Anne P October 2, 2009, 12:50 pm
damn girl that’s AWESOME!! I am so impressed. All I’ve done this morning is start my new blog and proceed to play around with it and twitter for like 3 hours… oops! Haha. Oh well… time to work now!!
Amber from Girl with the Red Hair October 2, 2009, 12:50 pm
Weighing yourself before and after is a great idea! I’ve never thought of that, I will have to start doing it I think. Sometimes I feel REALLY crappy after a long run – like all I want to do is sleep the rest of the day and my head kind of feels funny. I wonder if that means I’m dehyrdated? Hmmm..
Tay October 2, 2009, 12:52 pm
So happy your run went so well 😀 The best feeling in the world. I’ve weighed up to 4 pounds less after long runs!! Even though I drank tons. Crazy!!
Jenna October 2, 2009, 12:52 pm
good job on the run caitlin 🙂
jenna
Jessie October 2, 2009, 1:13 pm
Wow, 14 miles is amazing! I wish I could do that. Right now I struggle with 3-4 miles, but hopefully I will be able to work up to at least a 10K in the future. I always want to try to run early in the morning, but I can never get out of bed. Any tips for waking up super early to exercise?
- caitlin October 2, 2009, 1:16 pm
  i don’t think there is a “secret” beyond the obvious. you gotta go to bed at an early hour and set an alarm clock. i certainly don’t bounce out of bed at 5:30 but you get used to it. 🙂 i lay out all my gear the night before, which helps. you’ll be at 10K soon!!!
Ellen Collis October 2, 2009, 1:42 pm
14 miles, awesome!!! The most I’ve ever done is 10…and that’s only happened about five times 🙂 I’ve been a little less motivated to run now that it’s getting colder out. Do you have any tips for staying on track??

http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/
- caitlin October 2, 2009, 1:45 pm
  when i lived in pittsburgh, i just stuck to shorter distances (like 6 miles max) on the treadmill during the dead of winter. maybe you can use the winter to work on speedwork and do it all in side. and i took advantage of the “Warmer” days to run outside. can you find a turkey trot race or a jingle jog to sign up for? i find races really keep me motivated!
  - Ellen Collis October 5, 2009, 4:35 pm
    Turkey Trot and Jingle Jog…the names alone are enough to make me want to sign up! Yeah, I’ve heard about Thanksgiving races, etc. It’s such a good idea really, especially because the colder weather always makes me feel a bit blah (and I’m usually eating more around the holidays!) I live in NYC, so I’m sure it won’t be hard to find a fun race to sign up for!
Danielle October 2, 2009, 1:54 pm
Awesome run!!
Your bagel looks so good I’m craving one now!
megan October 2, 2009, 2:00 pm
My toenail fell off after the last half marathon I did. It was totally hot. 🙂
Ris October 2, 2009, 3:06 pm
congrats on the fabulous run! way to rock it!
… and everything bagels are my fave, if i had to choose one carb forever…. haha!
Sarah @ See Sarah Eat October 2, 2009, 3:20 pm
Great run today! I need to do that weighing thing sometime when I run at home because I’m never sure if I hydrated well enough or too much. I think I’m more guilty of the latter.
Bridget October 2, 2009, 3:23 pm
Awesome job on your run!! It’s so motivating for me to see other peoples runs and read about how great they were and how good they felt after 🙂
emily October 2, 2009, 4:06 pm
You are such an inspiration to me!! Awesome job on your run today.
Diana October 2, 2009, 4:31 pm
Amazing. 🙂 Good job!
Jenny Eastwood@ JennyLikesToRun, Healthy living blog :) October 2, 2009, 4:44 pm
Sounds like a fantastic run!! 14.0 miles, WELL DONE! That’s an insanely long run which you finished in an excellent time 🙂 haha I feel like going for a run now. Should be my rest day, but what the hey, I can rest tomorrow. Thanks for the awesome blog post!
Lee October 2, 2009, 6:02 pm
Losing toenails is hardcore!
Joelle (The Pancake Girl) October 2, 2009, 7:13 pm
WOO congrats on the great run! I also had a bagel today- it’s bagel Friday!
alli October 2, 2009, 9:26 pm
great run! it’s making me really crave those long runs, which i’m in the process of working my way back up to doing…i’m just not mentally there, ya know? thanks for the motivation 🙂
Jess October 2, 2009, 9:55 pm
Awesome job! I just got back from a stellar 11 mile run myself so I’m definitely sharing the running love.
Hillary October 3, 2009, 11:32 am
great job on your training! I’m at the end of mine – running the chicago marathon next weekend! I see you wrapped your toes, what do you use? I’m having some blister issues and am trying to decide the best way to deal with them for the weekend. right now i just use the bandaid blister blockers but your method looks interesting.
- caitlin October 3, 2009, 11:36 am
  moleskin works best, but this was just athletic tape (all i had).
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) October 3, 2009, 12:11 pm
I really enjoyed this post! I love the sticky note to motivate yourself to get going!
Lizzy October 3, 2009, 6:53 pm
Caitlin,
I’m training for my first half marathon that is actually coming up in the next couple weeks..Oct 18th to be infact. I feel as if i’ve REALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLY slacked in my training program, and i’m actually really starting to panic. Am i doomed now? I have a 9 mile run tomorrow and frankly i’m not even scared about it, but i feel like i’ve totally screwed myself over with how much lag in my schedule. Any advice and encouraging words?
- Caitlin October 4, 2009, 1:13 am
  well, i dont know how much you’ve slacked 🙂 but if you can do 9 miles tomorrow, you’ll be fine. remember its OK to take a walking break if you need it!
April October 5, 2009, 4:17 pm
Whenever i’m prepping for a figure competition I drink 2 gallons of water a day and it helps weight loss 🙂 Drink up!

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