Sunny Ten Miles

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I had writer’s block this morning, so I decided to bump my workout up and get it out of the way.  It was REALLY hot outside – about 70 degrees and very sunny!  I think Central Florida missed the memo that it’s suppose to be spring.

 

The warmer weather motivated me to properly gear up for the sunshine.  I put on my favorite sunscreen:

And my favorite ventilated running hat from Athleta (which is also great in the rain!):

And my water bottle.

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I plan my long runs so I can either loop back to my house, my car, a gas station, or supermarket and refilled my water bottle.  I don’t understand how people can run without water!  I would die of thirst.  I went through two bottles on my run today.

 

If you don’t like holding a water bottle, try a CamelBak – I promise they are comfy and don’t bounce around a lot, especially if you’re a lady and get the ladies’ fit.  🙂

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Because it was so hot, I keep the pace down during my run.  I was more concerned about distance than time (I’m trying to do one double-digit run a week because I have a 15K and 15-mile race in April).  Especially towards the end, I started to take a good 1-minute walking break every mile or so.

 

Here are my statistics:

 

  • Duration: 1:43
  • Distance: 10.0 miles
  • Mile 1: 10:01
  • Mile 2: 10:09
  • Mile 3: 9:56
  • Mile 4: 10:19
  • Mile 5: 10:26
  • Mile 6: 10:33
  • Mile 7: 10:22
  • Mile 8: 10:46
  • Mile 9: 10:41
  • Mile 10: 10:01

 

Pre-run snack was an almond butter sammie:

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Mid-run fuel (around mile 5.0):

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And post-run lunch:

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I was seriously craving stuffed pasta after my run, so I decided to just go for it.  :)  I had about two servings of cheesy tortellini with red sauce, artichokes, and sundried tomatoes.

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Once my appetite comes back (oh, in 5 minutes?), I’m going to have some protein.

 

Side note…. Guess what?  When your knee sleeves begin to rip and you’re too cheap to replace them, you can sew them back together.

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What are your warm-weather workout essentials?  Do you always put on sunscreen?  It’s never to early to start thinking of spring and summer!  🙂

{ 87 comments }

 

  • Brie (The Fit Bride) March 8, 2010, 2:21 pm

    Sunscreen! I would fry without it.

  • Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers March 8, 2010, 2:21 pm

    when it’s hot outside i like to take my workouts to the pool or to the beach – i love swimming & sand volleyball! it’s awesome to enjoy the fresh air and warm weather!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) March 8, 2010, 2:21 pm

    water, water, and more water, a great hat, sunscreen, and comfy shoes & socks! i’m so excited for warm weather workouts i can hardly stand it!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet March 8, 2010, 2:22 pm

    So jealous of the warmth you are feeling there! I sweat like a man, so I rely heavily on a visor that I wear nonstop – in cold or warm weather. Also on the list – sunscreen! I am so pasty it’s sad.

  • Anna March 8, 2010, 2:22 pm

    Sounds like a great run! I have to force myself to drink water unless it’s super hot outside!

  • Carolyn March 8, 2010, 2:24 pm

    I am up to 4 miles and I have yet to carry water with me. I hate the idea of holding onto it. Also, I find that for these shorter distances drinking water messes up my stomach. But, I’m planning on working up to 8 miles (to train for a 10K) and I don’t know when I’ll need to invest in a camelbak. How will I know when it’s time to start hydrating during a run?

    • Caitlin March 8, 2010, 2:26 pm

      you should be drinking water on all your runs, even the 4 milers. your stomach can handle water, you just need to get used to it. only drink when you are thirsty instead of forcing water down and take small small sips.

      • Carolyn March 8, 2010, 2:31 pm

        Gotcha! There are some Camelbaks for sale on Craigslist. I’ll see if I can’t score one!

    • Molly @fuelherup March 8, 2010, 5:51 pm

      I have to disagree a tiny bit. As a competitive runner (meaning high school and college D1 track and cross country) I don’t ever drink water on my runs. When I raced my last half marathon, I took 2 tiny sips of water at mile 11 and that was it.

      I’m not saying it’s bad to drink water – I think it works for some people (e.g. Caitlin).
      But because we don’t have the option of water during our races (my track event is the 10k) I almost never drink during a workout.

      I do drink water throughout the day and after practice, though-you do have to stay hydrated! (Seriously-peeing clear is a good thing.)

      • Caitlin March 8, 2010, 5:58 pm

        i want you to try to drink during a run and tell me if it makes you faster. h20 is a major component of cellular activity, and being even slightly dehydrated has been shown to negatively impact a runner’s performance.

        i cannot imagine not drinking for 11 miles! you are a machine!!! 🙂

        plus water stations = walking breaks 🙂

  • Nicci March 8, 2010, 2:25 pm

    Now, I want pasta for dinner.I think sewing your knee sleeves is a great way to save money…why not!

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers March 8, 2010, 2:26 pm

    I’m one of those people that’s horrible about drinking water… Even when I carry it with me or have it in my car, I don’t drink it unless I get really hot…I know, I need to get better at that!!

  • Meghan@traveleatlove March 8, 2010, 2:27 pm

    I just bought a new fuel belt. I am awful about hydrating during runs, and I know my body feels it. I love the sport beans, but the sound of them shaking around drives me crazy! I am a high maintenance runner I guess 🙂
    Looking forward to my own sunny 10 miler after work!

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) March 8, 2010, 2:29 pm

    I NEED to get a camelbak stat! I died of thirst all last summer on long runs and I vow not to do it again.

  • Evan Thomas March 8, 2010, 2:29 pm

    Great run! Is there any part of the country it isn’t sunny today?

  • Lauren @ Eater not a runner March 8, 2010, 2:31 pm

    I don’t know how people run with water! I still haven’t been able to do that yet 🙂

  • Kristen March 8, 2010, 2:33 pm

    Yup, unfortunately it’s storming and rainy in Dallas today 🙁

    • Retta @ RunRettaRun March 8, 2010, 2:53 pm

      Stormy & rainy in Oklahoma City as well. Boo . . .

      • Molly @fuelherup March 8, 2010, 5:52 pm

        Rainy in Houston. At least the temperature is decent, though.

      • Laura Smith March 8, 2010, 6:57 pm

        dreary and cloudy in nebraska 🙁

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday March 8, 2010, 2:33 pm

    I can’t run with water. It’s annoying.

    I also can’t complete 10 miles without stopping for a poop break. I don’t know how you do it.

    • Caitlin March 8, 2010, 2:38 pm

      poop before!

      • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday March 8, 2010, 2:42 pm

        I do! my poor bowels 🙁

        • Molly @fuelherup March 8, 2010, 5:53 pm

          I feel you – I can sit on the toilet for hours before a run, but a long run makes me want to poop.
          To be 100% honest, I’ve popped a squat on quite a few occasions, but I also try to work in a trip to a gas station or something to be safe.

  • Gracie (complicated day) March 8, 2010, 2:37 pm

    It’s sad and rainy here and I’m sick again. No runs for me.

  • Britt @ Runnerbelle March 8, 2010, 2:38 pm

    Definitely need my visor (hate wearing hats despite how breathable they say they are) and my fuel belt. Although I love my fuel belt with lighter summer clothes I do find it chaffes my back a bit…. and I don’t find out till I hop in the shower, OUCH! I want to try when of the hand held water bottles with the strap. It might be a tad annoying to carry but at least I won’t have back chaffing.

    Spring is in the air here in NH, so happy! (although I’m worried me way still get some snow…. it is only March after all)

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite March 8, 2010, 2:42 pm

    I always wear a hat and sunglasses. Hydrating is soooo key!! If its hot out and I’m not hydrated my run is awful!

  • Cara March 8, 2010, 2:46 pm

    Is that cheap or resourceful? 😉

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! March 8, 2010, 2:48 pm

    I always wear a hat. I typically do not take water with me, unless it is a “long” run.

    It felt great to me outside here in Central Florida today after it being COLD for 3+ months……finally we have spring weather during this time of year instead of winter! =)

  • Retta @ RunRettaRun March 8, 2010, 2:51 pm

    I always wear sunscreen. I think when I hit 28, I started to worry about wrinkles. I wear it everyday and wear sunglasses as well. They aren’t cute but they keep the contacts from getting dry. Great run!

  • whitney @ whitinspired March 8, 2010, 2:51 pm

    I’m thinking I need to invest in a camelback…I’m not a fan of carrying things when I run and it’s about to get h-o-t here in NC. I think you’re right, it’s hard running without H20!

  • Beth March 8, 2010, 2:52 pm

    The breezier the shorts the better 🙂 and I also never go without a visor or hat. I have a question for you though, do you suggest a camelback for hydration and is it easy to get used to? I usually have a fuel belt, but it looks easier to have it on your back. Does it get too hot or heavy feeling?

    • Caitlin March 8, 2010, 2:54 pm

      naw its not very heavy and its ventilated so it’s pretty comfy. i would def recommend it over a hydration belt.

  • Beth March 8, 2010, 2:53 pm

    I have never carried water on a run…granted I live in Chicago where it is winter 8 months of the year. I hate carrying water and don’t like water sloshing around in my stomach when I run (cramps!) so I plan my routes around schools and parks so I can stop if I need at a water fountain to take a couple of small sips of water and be on my way. Also, how do you eat almond butter before a run! You must have a stomach of steel – I cannot eat nut butters within 8 hours before a run or I get terrible side cramps. Odd, I know.

  • Morgan March 8, 2010, 2:54 pm

    I HATE carting around a water bottle. In Central Park, there are multiple water fountains that I take full advantage of but sometimes (during the winter) they aren’t on. And I feel like my mouth is full of cotton balls and glue when I don’t have amy water.

  • Sara @ ActiveGal March 8, 2010, 2:55 pm

    I have a hard time running with a water bottle and I don’t want something around my waste. I will have to try the camel pack especially as the weather starts to warm up and I am back to running outside! One good thing about treadmill running is that I can just hang my water in the cup holder.

  • Shayna @ Cuts and Curves March 8, 2010, 2:56 pm

    Wowzers. You’ve been training so hard lately! Good for you. I hope to be just like that eventually. Your workouts are really inspiring.

  • Kalli@fitandfortysomething March 8, 2010, 3:05 pm

    I am with you-I need water!
    Great run…you are so lucky it is so warm-gosh i bet it feels wonderful : )

  • Jo March 8, 2010, 3:10 pm

    I run mostly when it’s dark so don’t really need to worry about sun screen. My weekend run is in the morning but the weather in England at the moment is way too rubbish to worry about it. Be assured as soon as the weather gets brighter, I’ll be slapping on that sun cream – don’t want my face to age, I’m far too vain 😛

  • Karen w March 8, 2010, 3:16 pm

    I can’t believe you sewed you knee sleeves with them on! I would surely accidentally stab myself :). I am fascinated with the cupping and the accupuncture – so cool … On the swimming from your previous post, even if you don’t get another one in before the race, you have to gave gained a lot of confidence to conquer the swim in the race. I am sure you will rock it!

  • Kate G. March 8, 2010, 3:19 pm

    Hi Caitlin,

    After reading for a while and seeing you make green monsters i bravely made my first one today… not gonna lie i was afraid i would hate it but i LOVED IT!!! loved how simple you make yours im made mine the same way 🙂

    great job on your run!

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) March 8, 2010, 3:26 pm

    Quick question, relating to knees and pain. 😀 My doctor diagnosed me with chondromolacia, and I have a feeling its related to my feet/gait. I’m on a complete running hiatus right now, but I’m wondering how you managed to work your mileage back up after *your* hiatus. I have this deep fear that I’ll reck my knees for good, so obviously I want to take things slow.

    Would love to hear about how you went about doing this after your knees began feeling better. 😀

    • Caitlin March 8, 2010, 3:31 pm

      Read all the “injury” posts on my top posts page, esp the knee pain post.

      i just started off by doing 1 – 2 miles twice a week for a few weeks and very very slowly working my way up. i continued to do cross training in addition to the short runs.

      sorry about your knees!

      • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) March 8, 2010, 4:23 pm

        Thanks Caitlin! Cross training has never been one of my strong points, but I’m realizing more and more how important it is. 😀

        Off to read all the injury posts. 😀

        • Molly @fuelherup March 8, 2010, 5:55 pm

          When I had a knee injury, cross training is what saved me. At first, I had no idea how to work hard on an elliptical or bike, but I just made myself sweat all over the elliptical and took a few spinning classes, and voila!

          The key is just to stop with pain. It’s the easiest way to prevent injury.

  • Lizz (leadingthegoodlife) March 8, 2010, 3:29 pm

    Sewing your knee sleeves is a good idea…but did you really do it while you were still wearing them?! 🙂
    I sweat a lot so I wear wrist bands to wipe my forehead with and I carry paper towels in my pockets. I need to find a good headband that will soak up sweat but not make me look like I’m from an 80s exercise video!

    • Caitlin March 8, 2010, 3:31 pm

      yes 🙂

  • Lisa March 8, 2010, 3:30 pm

    I’ve never really been much of a rainer so I haven’t worked out outdoors that much, UNTIL this year. I’m running a 10k so I will be outside! Suncreen is ALWAYS a must for me and its an everyday thing, regardless of if I will be outside for long.

    I never carry water with me when I run. I think it’d get annoying..but, I could totally for a camelpak. Definitely need to put that on my wish list.

  • ida March 8, 2010, 3:35 pm

    cute camelbak pic!

    i always carry tissues in the winter and extra sunscreen in the summer.

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs March 8, 2010, 3:36 pm

    Good idea about the back pack thing! I can’t run carrying a big old bottle, I always leave one at the end of my driveway so I can loop back – it doesn’t make for a fun run though, cos I never get more than 2 or 3miles away before I have to come back!!
    In the summer it’ll be different though…this will be my first summer as an Official Runner! Hooray 🙂
    Congrats on the 10miler btw, awesome 🙂

  • Julie March 8, 2010, 3:38 pm

    I’m running my 1st 10 miler race in June. In the past, I’ve cut down my runs in the cold winter and hot summer…and tended to only run outside in the spring and fall. Well, this year I actually sucked it up ran outside for the majority of the winter..yay! The most I ran was 10.5 and I didn’t bring anything with me. (side note, I drink LOTS of water throughout the day. Like an abnormal amount). Now that it’s getting warmer, I was thinking of buying a water bottle I could carry with me. Especially for the summer; I really want to continue running outside through the summer. I’ve seen a couple bottles that are held easily, so I’m thinking of buying one. Other than that, I don’t run with much. Just myself and my ipod 🙂 Good job on the 10 miler!! Love that distance!

  • Mastering Public Health March 8, 2010, 3:41 pm

    Ah, cheese tortellini was a college dining hall favorite… I believe they called it “Totally Tortellini” night. Just sayin’.

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) March 8, 2010, 3:43 pm

    I want a Camel bak for my birthday this month. I have some 8,9, and 10 milers to do, and hate carrying a water bottle.
    And oh yes – sunscreen is a must. And a hat! This light-skinned blonde would burn if not:)

  • Matt March 8, 2010, 3:44 pm

    I only run with water if I am going over 12 or so miles. I guess I am a camel!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) March 8, 2010, 3:44 pm

    Great work on the run!!! Camelbaks are the best!!! So handy!

  • Allison March 8, 2010, 3:58 pm

    For some reason, I never get thirsty when I run. I hate having stuff in my stomach bouncing around, which is why I usually run first thing in the morning on an empty stomach or at least 3 or 4 hours after eating. When I’m on the elliptical, however, I HAVE to have water. I’ll drink 24 onces in an hour!

    And I always wear sunscreen! I don’t want skin cancer!

  • Nicole, RD March 8, 2010, 4:08 pm

    I generally don’t wear sunscreen outdoors unless I plan to be out for 2+ hours. I know that’s a bad way to go, but my moisturizer has SPF 15 in it and I use that every morning and every evening. I love the camel packs for water — I’ve always wanted one!

  • Kara (@ Kara's Marathon) March 8, 2010, 4:32 pm

    As someone who had a melanoma scare a few years back, I have to pipe in and tell everyone to PLEASE WEAR SUNSCREEN during outdoor exercise, especially if they will be out during the peak hours of 11am-3pm!!

    Also, if you’ll be out for a while and sweating heavily, re-apply sunblock every few hours!

  • Foy - Garden. Cook. Write. Repeat. March 8, 2010, 4:35 pm

    I have been bad about sunscreen in the past. I used to only run at night and then it wasn’t a big worry. Now especially when out gardening I wear a big hat and gloves. I always put sunscreen on my face and try to be smart about choosing to work in the shade during the worst part of the day.

  • Jessica Star March 8, 2010, 4:39 pm

    Thanks for the CamelBak suggestion! I’ve been trying to figure out how to take care of my hydration needs on long runs. I’m going to try it. I just can’t wear one of those awful belt things.

  • Rachel- No Preservatives Added March 8, 2010, 4:42 pm

    Sunscreen is a must. As is water or a sports drink (gotta replace that sweat!). When I do long runs, I tend to bring GU and extra water to splash on my face. Sunglasses are essential as well!

  • Stacey March 8, 2010, 4:48 pm

    I wear sunscreen every single day, even in the winter. In the summer, I can not go to an outside workout without a lip balm that has SPF in it or without water (of course!). Jason lets me use his Camelbak and it’s awesome! I hardly even realize it’s there 😀

  • Bec March 8, 2010, 4:48 pm

    Yesterday I forgot to put sunscreen on the back of my neck during my 20km and boy does it hurt today!

  • LindsayH March 8, 2010, 4:52 pm

    i always wear sunscreen, every day, even in the dead of winter (in iowa where it seems like we dont see the sun for weeks on end). ive always hated wearing hats but i might give that one a try!

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople March 8, 2010, 5:01 pm

    It’s freezing outside where I am. I always remember to wear sunscreen on my face because it is in my moisturizer. I am less brilliant when it comes to the rest of me though. The problem is so many sunscreens make me break out in painful rashes!

  • kate March 8, 2010, 5:55 pm

    love stuffed pasta! does the arm you carry your water in ever bother you? or do you switch it up back and forth?

    • Caitlin March 8, 2010, 5:59 pm

      yup i swap hands.

  • christie, honoring health March 8, 2010, 6:07 pm

    Spring here IS 70*! 🙂 I’m jealous, it only got into the 60’s here today.

    I’m not great with sunscreen. The moisturizer I ususally use does have it in it though.

  • Erica March 8, 2010, 6:14 pm

    Hey hey girl! Sorry I’ve been a bad commenter- I was on vacation and we just got back! Sounds like you had one fabulous run today! Do you like those sports beans? I haven’t tried them. I usually stick to the shot bloks. Yummy after lunch…mmm now I want some pasta 😉

    • Caitlin March 8, 2010, 6:16 pm

      they are alright. i’ll eat pretty much any form of goo on a run 🙂

  • John March 8, 2010, 6:15 pm

    No sunscreen for me but I always wear a hat since I clip my head to the scalp. I don’t carry water unless I’m running 8 miles or more. I’m experimenting with taking an electrolyte drink immediately after my run.

  • Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly March 8, 2010, 7:11 pm

    Awesome run…GREAT job! 🙂

  • Michelle @ G(Y)G March 8, 2010, 7:17 pm

    That picture of the three of you with the camelbaks is adorable. I’m signing up for my first run ever this week and I think part of the reason is your blog. I’m so inspired by all the races you do. It’s a 5K, it’s only two weeks away, and I’m not a great runner. But I’m gonna run for the next two weeks and just hope to have a good time during the race. Thanks for being so inspiring on your blog!

    Oh, and I want to DEVOUR that lunch right now.

    • Caitlin March 8, 2010, 7:39 pm

      you’ll do great! just remember to stay focused and have fun! 🙂

  • Michelle March 8, 2010, 7:30 pm

    I always wear sunscreen while running outside during the day, if it’s evening and just shadows then I don’t worry about it, but I burn so fast that it’s not really an option to not wear it. My favorite type is the Neutrogena spf 70 in the aerosol can. it’s the least greasy and easiest application! definitely give it a try! Every time I try to wear the lotion kind on my arms it just creates white drips down my elbows from my sweat.. lovely!

    I need to try and get some form of hydration, I’m going to look for a small hand strap bottle. I don’t think I could handle the camelback because it would make my back so hot! I even hate carrying a backpack on a sunny day!

    Good call on the repairing of your gear! That stuff is expensive! I am currently sewing my own yoga mat bag, they’re Way overpriced in stores!

    also thinking of getting a headband… lol 80’s!

  • Heather March 8, 2010, 7:33 pm

    great job on the run!
    a hat in the summer for sure, and water and sunscreen. It gets hot here in MS!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) March 8, 2010, 8:13 pm

    I don’t do well in the HOT hot heat because I don’t sweat enough and I feel like I am going to fall over. I prefer to workout/ run etc. in the early morning or in the evening when it is cooler out.

  • Diana (Mymarblerye) March 8, 2010, 8:22 pm

    i love your past racing pics. I can feel your adrenaline from them! I never wore sunscreen until I realized my forehead was way darker than the rest of my face. FASHION NO NO.

  • Laura March 8, 2010, 8:30 pm

    great one

  • Jess March 8, 2010, 9:01 pm

    Oh Queen of Injuries!! I had emailed you over the summer about doctors who say you should never run again after an injury, since it does more harm than good. Phooey to him. Do you have any thoughts on wrapping in sports tape to make sure stuff stays tight and stable? My silly foot is hypermobile 🙁

    Your team is almost at $3k! I contributed.. fingers crossed!

    • Caitlin March 8, 2010, 9:14 pm

      awww i’m sorry. it might help! you should consider seeing a physical therapist to get some strength moves and learn how to tape properly.

  • Jess March 8, 2010, 9:20 pm

    already saw one for 16 stupid visits. foot&ankle surgeon said my tendonitis was taking a LONG time to heal because apparently i have the most hypermobile foot joints he’s ever seen. and since i am “prone to the -itises,” I should never run. Ever. I had just started running when I fell and sprained my foot/ankle, and didn’t even get to run the race that I was training for. I don’t know if I should find another doctor, maybe go the natural route (acupuncture?) or just..be resigned to my fate of not running.

    • Caitlin March 8, 2010, 9:21 pm

      maybe you just need some time off your feet. running is so 2009 anyway. 😛 try swimming!

      • Jess March 8, 2010, 9:27 pm

        been off my feet since july 😉

        yeah, swimming it is, i guess. i felt so much better running… agh well. thanks 🙁

  • Susan March 9, 2010, 8:19 am

    I wear the banana boat stuff too! It’s cheap and doesn’t feel icky. I remember reading somewhere too that after 30 SPF it doesn’t make that much of a difference (ie you’re not getting much more coverage with 60 SPF, so it’s not worth the extra money).

    I have a camelbak and LOVE it. I don’t understand how people can run without water either!

  • Christina March 9, 2010, 1:05 pm

    I recently bought a hand held water bottle for running. I kept going by the general rule of nothing is necessary for anything under an hour, and when my runs crept up to 5, 10, 15 minutes above, I figured I still didn’t need anything. Now that I’m running longer and it’s getting warmer, I can’t really do that any more.

    I’m also making more of an effort to apply sunscreen before heading out for a run!

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