Run Bath

in All Posts, Trip to London

This morning was an exercise in quelling my perfectionist tendencies.  🙂 

 

I woke up around 7:00 AM and was disappointed to see 1) the sun was still sleeping and 2) it was raining.  Apparently, the sun doesn’t really rise in England until 8 AM in the winter.  I ate breakfast and played on Twitter to kill some time:

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I ate a Clif Bar and some apricots.

 

And then I geared up for what I hoped would be a double-digit run outside:

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I knew right away that any hopes I had of running 10 – 12 miles was unrealistic.  It was cold, raining, and pretty miserable outside.  However, the city of Bath is so beautiful that I managed to distract myself from the weather for a few miles.

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Every single building in Bath is made of that beautiful white stone!  It looks so uniformed and orderly and appealed to the former urban planner inside of me.  🙂

 

After about 3.0 miles, the cold started to set into my bones.   Also, I was really, really, REALLY nervous about slipping on the stone paths and breaking my leg.  All I could think was “don’t break a leg 1.5 weeks before the marathon!”

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I decided to loop back to the hotel room and finish up in the gym, rounding up to 4.0 miles outside.  I knew I wouldn’t be able to reach double digits on the dreadmill (I seriously hate the treadmill).

 

At least it had a TV:

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In the end, I did 7.0 miles in 1:10.  It was a good, if disjointed, workout.

 

On the treadmill, I gave myself a little pep talk about not reaching my goal for the day.  I tend to be a perfectionist about my workouts and try really hard to always reach my mileage goals.  My Type A personality has been great in some ways – it’s driven me to run 19 (mostly) fun races and reach a level of fitness my former couch potato self would be amazed at.  If I wasn’t so dedicated and ambitious, I probably wouldn’t running a marathon in January.

 

In other ways, being so Type A can be detrimental.  Known as the “Superwoman Syndrome,” sometimes women like me can really beat ourselves up.  There’s actually a chapter about Superwoman Syndrome in the Operation Beautiful book. 

 

I always remind myself that one missed workout or one “reduced” workout is a good thing for a perfectionist like me.  It forces me to be OK with not being a Superwoman! 🙂  Also, I try to put days like this into perspective… I am not disappointed that I ran 7.0 miles!  That is an accomplishment in itself. 

 

After my lovely, invigorating workout, I rummaged in my suitcase for a mini breakfast:

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Not a fan of the Vega bars at all!  They were sent to me for a sample, and I think they taste funny and have an odd consistency.

 

I’m going to go join the Husband in the hot indoor/outdoor pool for a swim, and then we’re going to have a real brunch!

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Are you Type A or Type B?  Or Type AB (somewhere in between)?  I think I’m Type A about certain things (like multi-tasking work, exercise, scheduling), but Type B about others (being flexible and patient in groups – I don’t have to be the leader).  How is your personality a benefit or a determent to your health and fitness goals?  Discuss!  🙂

{ 73 comments }

 

  • sarah (ghost world) December 29, 2009, 5:59 am

    A. maybe A+.

    usually it helps me — and i feel like the majority of my coworkers in the hospital are the same way! — but sometimes i know i could benefit from turning it down a few notches.

    i say you are awesome for getting out there are all this AM! and i wouldn’t worry about it too much with respect to your training. at this point, your body is prepared for the marathon – rest and safety are more important than mileage!

  • prinny December 29, 2009, 6:00 am

    Ha – it’s so weird so see you post in “my” timezone 🙂

    I’m definitely Type AB as well – I suffer from the Superwoman Syndrome in my work, exercise, scheduling but can also be really flexibe when it comes to friends etc.
    One of my goals for 2010 is to be less Type A when it comes to exercise, as I strongly believe it can’t do me any good to beat myself up over missed/shortened work outs.

    Enjoy the rest of your vacay in the UK!

  • Miz December 29, 2009, 6:03 am

    we have been talking about that a LOT LATELY up in herre.

    Im far far too type B.

    too kind to myself.

    too mellow.

    too gentle.

    need a TypeB guest post?
    the only thing Im type A about is deadlines 🙂

  • Kirsten December 29, 2009, 6:07 am

    Bath is beautiful! I was there in 2007 and loved it – the Roman Baths there are so neat. Your hotel looks amazing!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is December 29, 2009, 6:51 am

    I’m Type A about certain things, but also can be Type B – like about cleaning and organizing!

  • Cassie @ A Very Busy Mind December 29, 2009, 6:55 am

    I’d say I’m 90% Type A, 10% Type B. Not so long ago, I would completely skip the gym if I didn’t have time for a “good” workout (i.e. long), and I would simply avoid any project I wanted to take on if I hadn’t done tons of research and come up with a perfect plan of attack. In these ways and more, my Type A side is detrimental. However, I truly believe many of my successes can be attributed to my Type A tendencies, so I suppose it balances out. I’m Type B when it comes to dealing with people. I’m far more patient with, and accepting of, others than I am myself.

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite December 29, 2009, 7:04 am

    I’m Type A with most things, but Type B too….

    I with you on the treadmill! I despise it!

  • Allie December 29, 2009, 7:13 am

    7.0 miles is a great run while on vacation! i am way type A, and sadly it took fracturing a major bone from being too much of a superwoman to (begin) to learn to be a little easier on myself. a work in progress.

    enjoy the fabulous spa!!

    • Danielle December 29, 2009, 12:04 pm

      I’m laughing inside—I’m in the same situation 🙂 Two fractures!

      • Allie December 29, 2009, 1:00 pm

        oh no- be good to yourself and allow your body to heal.

  • Lisa December 29, 2009, 7:18 am

    I just arrived in Japan and had my first ‘chilly’ run this morning! I am hoping that it doesnt start raining here though!
    oooooooh that pool looks awesome 🙂

  • Madison December 29, 2009, 7:22 am

    Congrats on the 7 miles! It’s quite impressive that you even went out in that gross weather. If I see rain, I head straight to the dreadmill!

  • Carolina John December 29, 2009, 7:34 am

    Glad you’re enjoying the trip! Bath is supposed to be a beautiful place to run in.

  • eatmovelove December 29, 2009, 7:43 am

    So glad to have found your Blog! It’s beautiful. Loved this post. Isn’t is funny how you can keep running in the cold but get colder – I totally get the “in the bones” feeling – ack. Totally am lovin’ that TV on the treadmill though – wow! Good on you for getting in some mileage anyhow. I have a Blog as well – and lovvvveee to write, I am not happy in my job – but have no choice as something has to pay the bills…my dream is to write for a living – but it seems just that – a dream :(…oh well, I’m looking forward to reading more! I’ll add you to my Reader – add me if you wish/like – love new readers and advice/comments 🙂

  • rachael December 29, 2009, 7:54 am

    7 miles is a GREAT workout!

    I’m pretty type A, though yoga and motherhood have both mellowed me out a bit.

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) December 29, 2009, 7:57 am

    Great job on the run! 7 miles is great:)
    I actually liked the Vega bars! The main ingredient is sprouts, so I expected it to taste a little green.

    I’m definitely type A, almost to a fault. Sometimes if I don’t think I can accomplish everything up to my expectations, I get very stressed, and this is very bad.
    In fact, one of my NY goals I posed this morning was to be a more calm and patient person!
    Have fun at brunch!

  • Erin December 29, 2009, 8:03 am

    I’m *such* a type A but trying to teach myself to relax and take things as they come.

    Keep enjoying Bath!

  • Madeline @ GreensAndJeans December 29, 2009, 8:16 am

    I am VERY type A when it comes to my workouts! This has not been the best thing for me in the past because I have pushed myself to the point of injury (stress fractures, IT band issues, back problems…) so I have to force myself to scale it back. More time on the ole dreadmill (it takes a LOT of creativity to make this fun, or at least bearable) and the elliptical (ditto). We also have identical Recovery Socks!

  • Amanda December 29, 2009, 8:17 am

    I think I’m pretty much Type A in every way imaginable. I’m like you about my workouts, I get upset if I don’t accomplish the mileage I set out to do, and I tend to beat myself up over it. Its something I’m really trying to work on.

  • Carolyn December 29, 2009, 8:21 am

    I’m freezing in my office right now and the idea of a hot bath sounds fantastic!

  • megan December 29, 2009, 8:22 am

    Definitely AB 🙂 I can be a perfectionist in a lot of things, but I am also really lazy too! And I definitely don’t like being the leader in groups…i’m more of an observer.

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) December 29, 2009, 8:22 am

    The treadmill is horrible. I can only wish I had type A personality traits. I am type B through and through, with everything. Add that with a little bit of laziness= sad scene.

  • Karina December 29, 2009, 8:25 am

    Welcome to Europe 🙂
    Denmark is even colder. We had a lot of snow and today about 0 degrees celcius. It’s difficult to run because of old ice….but it’s beatyfull.
    Hope you enjoy your vacation and are looking forward to the marathon.

  • Kristy December 29, 2009, 8:25 am

    Like you I am mostly A but can B when needed. I like your outlook on taking it easy occasionally… “It forces me to be OK with not being a Superwoman” – Maybe something for me to look into soon 🙂

  • Ali@ Food, FItness, Fashion December 29, 2009, 8:27 am

    First of all, I am so happy you guys are having a great time in England! I went a few years ago and looooooved it!

    Second, I also dislike the boremill, Ugh! I can not run more than 5 miles on that thing. As a result, I run outside in the frigid temps in the winter here in Boston to avoid it! But, if it gets lower than about 32 degrees, I HAVE to run on the boremill!!!! Blah

    Third, I am a Type A with a superwoman syndrome…it is hard to deal with. It is quite a battle. I look forward to reading your chapter on it!

    Sometimes it is so funny to me how much we are alike!!! Enjoy the rest of your vacation!

  • RhodeyGirl December 29, 2009, 8:31 am

    7 miles while on such a fabulous vacation is a great feat! Considered it early tapering 🙂

  • Kelly December 29, 2009, 8:31 am

    Ugh, definitely Type A. I actually kind of secretly hate it. haha
    I find it’s really hard for me to listen to my body…if I schedule something for fitness/health, I stubbornly try to stick to it no matter what. I feel like my Type-A-ness keeps me motivated to push forward, but sometimes I keep pushing when I should really take a cue from my Type B friends and relax a bit.

  • MelissaNibbles December 29, 2009, 8:41 am

    Beautiful pictures! So glad you’re having a great time.

    I actually like running on the treadmill better than running outside. It’s easier on my legs and I can just zone out and not have to worry about falling in a pothole.

    I’m a Type AB. There are certain things I’m a perfectionist about, but there are other things I’m just kinda meh about. I’m pretty cool overall though…as are you!

  • Sammi December 29, 2009, 8:41 am

    I guess I’m somewhere in the middle. Putting myself in categories is something I’ve never been able to really do lol. I guess I just don’t know myself very well but I’m working on it!
    That looks like an awesome area for a run! Too bad the weather wasn’t allowing that.
    Is that swimming pool like hot tub hot or just warm? I’m not sure how long I’d be able to last swimming around in hot water! (We have a hot tub and I’ve never been able to sit in it for very long because I get overheated and feel like I’m going to pass out lol)

  • Molly @vegandorm December 29, 2009, 8:44 am

    The exact same thing happened to me Sunday – set out to do 13, ended up doing 7. Hopefully I can get in the 13 today – its getting up to 35 (can’t believe I said that)

  • Lindsey @ Eat, Read, Run December 29, 2009, 9:04 am

    I’m definitely type A in some things and not in others. I love making lists and crossing things off. In fact, my Hubby just texted me that he was talking with a physciatrist (he sells psych drugs) and the guy said that habitual “list-makers” have a mild form of OCD. I don’t even care b/c I love my lists too much to give them up!

  • Christy December 29, 2009, 9:05 am

    I’m for sure a Type A… sometimes it’s good, sometimes is super annoying and frustrating! Always gotta remind myself that it’s ok not to be 100% on @ all times!

  • Nicole - Geek Turned Athlete December 29, 2009, 9:06 am

    Yeah, I’m with the Denmark girl. Welcome to Europe. On a ten miler this weekend in Germany, I fell twice the ice was so bad AND I had to walk some of the way b/c of the ice AND it was sleeting. It will be cold, dark, and wet for the next couple of months unfortunately. I have been asking myself if training for the Paris Marathon during these nasty months was the smartest idea. 🙂

    I’m totally type A. I have all my workouts planned, and I have a planner for my personal life. I LOVE to cross things out on my to-do list. I’m a freak about that stuff! Enjoy your time in Bath! 😉

  • Lee December 29, 2009, 9:18 am

    I’m definitely a Type B.

  • Laura December 29, 2009, 9:23 am

    Bath looks incredible! Smart not to run on wet pavement, that can spell disaster.

    I think I’m a hybrid between Type A and B. I like to be super organized, but am okay with things not going absolutely perfect. I’ve learned to roll with the punches.

  • Laura December 29, 2009, 9:24 am

    Have a great holiday!

  • Matt December 29, 2009, 9:30 am

    I am pretty type A. I always have to hit my mileage or pace goal or it will drive me completely nuts! Haha.

    How does the Garmin work over there?

    • caitlin December 29, 2009, 12:47 pm

      same! although it did ask me if i was indoors when i was just under a bridge at one point…

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels December 29, 2009, 9:34 am

    I’m quite type A . . . thankfully my boyfriend brings me down a notch most days since he’s the most relaxed person I’ve never met, but yet we clash sometimes!

  • Jessica December 29, 2009, 9:44 am

    Wow, I totally loved this post, it really spoke to me – I am a TOTAL Type-A personality and when things don’t go quite right (workout or otherwise), I have a really hard time with it (aka Superwoman Syndrome). I’m relieved to know that I’m not the only one out there, at least 😉

  • Danielle (Coffee Run) December 29, 2009, 9:45 am

    I’m a type A personality all the way. It’s good because I like to reach for my goal but it’s bad because if I don’t reach that goal completely, I feel like a failure. Beautiful scenery on your run!

  • Kristie December 29, 2009, 9:46 am

    I’m definitely a mix – type A in group settings (I will take charge if no one else speaks up right away) and with being organized about trips and money, and type B with exercise, normal day to day plans, etc. Probably a good balance 🙂 The pool looks so inviting with the steam rising up!

  • Diana (Mymarblerye) December 29, 2009, 9:56 am

    i am definitely a type a…to a FAULT. I need to control EVERYTHING and there was a time I couldn’t sleep cause I had too many “to do” things the next day! My boyfriend has definitely helped me out with calming down as well as TO DO lists written down. Crossing out something done is so therapeutic!

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie December 29, 2009, 10:00 am

    I totally feel you about the treadmill. I don’t hate it terribly but right now when we’ve had DAYS in a row with snow and MONTHS of freezing weather I’m getting really freaking bored of it!

    I also have to be a perfectionist about exercise and thanks for mentioning that because I struggled yesterday with only being able to run 3.5 since I still have a cold. Now I feel better about it:)

  • Jen @ Green With Greens December 29, 2009, 10:05 am

    I’m Type B. I know I am sometimes too relaxed, but generally it has served me well.

    I personally love the treadmill, but that’s because I am a whimp and our extreme temperatures around here make it difficult for me to get motivated to go outside. Something about 100+ degrees, or sub-zero with ice that makes the gym and treadmill really appealing.

  • Lauren December 29, 2009, 10:16 am

    Running 7 miles on vacation is still incredible. I tend to be real lazy on vacation. Great job. At least you got to take in some beautiful scenery.

  • jessica December 29, 2009, 10:20 am

    Hi Caitlin! I am totally a Type A! I can relate to everything you said about being a Type A. Are those pink socks you are wearing for shin splints? I have heard of compression sleeves for shin splints, do you know any good brands? Thanks!

    • caitlin December 29, 2009, 12:48 pm

      those are just compression socks, not for shin splints. a good brand is zensha (might have misspelled, i know healthyashley.blogspot.com wears them)

      • jessica December 29, 2009, 2:01 pm

        Thank you!

  • Deva (Voracious Vorilee) December 29, 2009, 10:23 am

    I can be type A about cooking and exercise, but type B about planning things, spending time in groups, and housekeeping – I prefer things to be spit-spot clean, but if it’s a little cluttered, it can wait a few more minutes!

  • Susan December 29, 2009, 11:30 am

    Totes type A. But I like to pretend I’m type B. Shhh…

  • Susan December 29, 2009, 11:53 am

    I’m a Type B in most respects. Pretty easy going and don’t really freak out about things. Except! I’m also incredibly stubborn. Which I guess can clash with the Type B personality traits. When it comes to working out, I reeeeally don’t like things to get in the way, and I’m stubborn to the point where I almost always have to finish a planned workout.

  • Mama Pea December 29, 2009, 12:06 pm

    I’m Type A to a fault. It’s super annoying to everyone, including myself. I had a similar workout this morning, and have been beating myself up about it. I’ve decided to brush it off and just have a very active day! I’m sure you will too!!!

  • Bree December 29, 2009, 12:11 pm

    I am type A when it comes to fitness and it is to a fault. I beat myself up if I don’t do what I planned for the day workout wise. And I am so stubborn and “always right!”

  • Tina December 29, 2009, 12:21 pm

    Bath looks SO gorgeous. All these pictures of London are making me want to go back. I went there last year with my parents and just totally fell in love with all aspects of the city.

  • Kristen December 29, 2009, 12:25 pm

    I’m Type A. I feel that my personality has really helped get me to where I am in life. I also drive myself crazy sometimes because I can’t relax.

    I ran 8 miles in Ohio on Saturday because I got a Garmin for Christmas! There was some icy spots, so I had to be careful, but its definately scary because it doesn’t take much to fall and hurt yourself! I saw a bunch of fellow type A crazy runners on the trail though!

  • Devon December 29, 2009, 12:26 pm

    I am definitely a Type A. I like to get things done, and get them done my way 🙂

    And yes, sometimes I suffer from Superwoman Syndrome.

  • Lindsay December 29, 2009, 12:49 pm

    I am most definitely a Type A person!! Even when I am not in school, I have to make a list everyday of what I am going to do that day and what Order I am going to do it in!! I hope that you are loving it in England, because I miss it SOOO much!!

  • Kelly December 29, 2009, 12:49 pm

    I am definitely a type A and i tend to be very perfectionist oreinted but the good thing is that my husband is definitely NOT type A and he brings me back to reality. His favorite thing is to ask me (when I freak out) if this will matter in 5 years? It really makes me stop and put things into perspective. I mean if I accidently burn dinner will it really matter in 5 years??

  • maggie December 29, 2009, 12:49 pm

    Everytime I look at your pictures I feel like I’m in England too! So awesome, thanks for sharing!

    Maggie

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing December 29, 2009, 12:51 pm

    That steamy pool looks like heaven! Hope you guys enjoy your swim :O)

  • Anne Marie@New Weigh of Life December 29, 2009, 1:08 pm

    I’m such a Type A kinda girl.

  • Hillary @ Nutrition Nut on the Run December 29, 2009, 1:10 pm

    England looks beautiful! I am 100% Type A…it’s not always a good thing.

  • Emily Eats and Exercises December 29, 2009, 1:24 pm

    I’m definitely type A. I was going to say – except when it comes to keeping my apartment clean, but actually I think that is a symptom of type A as well – if I can’t make it perfectly clean, I might as well make a giant mess. 🙂
    As a musician my type A both helps and hurts me. Some perfectionism is necessary to achieve a high level of performance, but I often find if I don’t have several hours to practice, I might as well not practice at all… (or at least I can convince myself of that.)

  • Tay December 29, 2009, 1:25 pm

    Don’t be too worried! 7 miles is pretty close to 10, and honestly, with your fitness and training, those 3 miles wont’ make a difference at all! I read somewhere if you had to reduce mileage in one run, to make up for it in other runs and try to make your total weekly mileage goal – so spread those 3 miles out!

  • Kailey December 29, 2009, 1:29 pm

    totally Type A. I always try to follow my plans/plan everything. I feel bad if I don’t. My goal for the new year is to be more relaxed.

  • Tasha - The Clean Eating Mama December 29, 2009, 1:35 pm

    I am mostly type B but now that I have a son I am becoming more type A.

  • Vicki December 29, 2009, 1:58 pm

    I’m somewhere in between–Type A about a lot of things but Type B with others.

    Bath looks beautiful. What a fabulous trip!

  • stephanie December 29, 2009, 2:14 pm

    Totally type B…. sometimes I wish I had some A thrown in there for good measure and balance. I see all my type A friends knocking stuff off lists and being organized and uber productive, but then I observe their seemingly excessive stress/anxiety that goes along with it, and am really quite okay with my B-self! I think I drive them nuts!

  • Jenny December 29, 2009, 2:43 pm

    You’re so right. Everytime we break out of those perfectionist “ruts” we prove to ourselves that the world will NOT come crumbling down if something doesn’t go how we planned.

    I think I’m mainly A, but a little bit B. Depending on the situation, I’m okay with letting other people run the show. When it comes to my health habits, exercise, homework, etc. I definitely A.

  • Fit Lizzio December 29, 2009, 4:42 pm

    yep..i suffer from a severe case of superwoman syndrome. It is something i’m working on, but as you know, it can be tough!

  • Mackenzie @ The College Authentic December 29, 2009, 7:45 pm

    Definitely AB! I’m the QUEEN of “Ta-da!” lists (to-do lists, but with less dread 🙂 ) and wanting to feel productive at the end of the day.

    I’m B in the sense that I enjoy doing things spontaneously, including eating. I’m always trying to eat new things and do different exercises. I used to run quite a bit, but it always turns into something that seems so strict and scheduled which is where my B side rebels 🙂 I wish I could figure out some sort of type B exercises!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) January 3, 2010, 9:46 am

    I would say I am definitely Type A – all the way!!

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