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Morning!  Diana and I ended up staying up late last night making motivational posters for Saturday’s 4-mile race (she’s going to come watch and take pictures – yay!).  Here’s the sign she made:

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And here’s mine:

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I also made mini signs to pin to the back of our shirts (four girls in total are running).  It’s so great to wear a sign or a funny shirt during a race because people will high-five you and thank you during the event! It’s extra motivational… and sometimes, we all need it!

 

Breakfast:

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Kodiak whole wheat pancakes with grilled apples, maple syrup, and cinnamon.  Mmm.  Home, home on the range.  <— This breakfast reminded me of the Wild West for some reason.  Although that might be the lack of caffeine talking.

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I grilled the apple on my George Foreman.  So easy and almost no clean-up.

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Healthy Living Summit News

 

I’m getting really excited for the Summit!  Even if you can’t join us in Chicago, I’d love for you to contribute some ideas for Anne P’s panel on the Ups and Downs of the Blog World.  Check it out here!

 

Additionally, a big shout-out to the Summit sponsors:

 

 

Andddd, I’m off!  I have a really, really busy day planned, but luckily it’s all fun stuff.

 

Something To Talk About…

 

Is there a motivational quote, sign, or shirt that really got you through a race? 

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During the Disney Marathon, I saw a guy with a shirt on that said, “This seemed like a good idea three months ago,” and it totally made me laugh out loud mid-stride.  🙂

{ 83 comments }

 

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs July 22, 2010, 9:03 am

    I love those motivational quotes! I saw one in my last half mary, and I WISH I could remember exactly what it said!! Something about if I could read his shirt, than God help him or something, cos it meant I was about to overtake…I can’t remember 🙁 it was funny though 🙂

  • Kimberly Lee July 22, 2010, 9:09 am

    Four weeks prior to my first 5K, I developed a severe case of inflammation and tendonitis. It almost seemed that I would not be able to even run the race. After intensive treatment (and a few cortisone shots) my doctor cleared me to race as long as a I ran with a brace, and kept a slow pace.

    During the first mile, I was whining to my then boyfriend (now husband) about how slow I was going and that we would likely be the last runners to finish. He looked at me and said “Babe, today is not about where you finish, but that a) you finish and b) you finish with pride in yourself.”

    His comment motivated me so much. And it has stuck with me. I have not raced since that 5K (I am hoping to resume in the fall) but anytime I start a workout I tell myself – to focus on finishing.

  • gina (fitnessista) July 22, 2010, 9:12 am

    those pancakes look amazin- i still need to try the kodiak cake mix
    the best shirt i’ve seen was during my first princess half– the guy in front of my had a shirt that said “princess jasmine… i’d tap that” on the back. i ran behind him for most of the race because i thought it was hilarious
    SO STOKED for the hls 🙂

  • Jo July 22, 2010, 9:16 am

    During my first half marathon earlier this month, the friend I ran with motivated me so much by reminding me:

    run if you can, walk if you must, crawl if you have to – just don’t stop.

    It totally worked and got me through until the end without stopping.

  • Marilou @ Mostly Healthy July 22, 2010, 9:17 am

    Funny how a little quote can someone gives you wings!

    I’ve never done a real race *yet* but I know thta it would work for me!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) July 22, 2010, 9:19 am

    I did waffles again this morning, but those pancakes looks awfully tasty!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday July 22, 2010, 9:20 am

    As I was near the finish line another runner behind me was picking up the pace. I think he noticed I was struggling and he said to me: “Come one, you can do this.”
    I think it was the WAY he said it. Like he really meant it. Like he really believed in me.

    …and I did do it!

    I’ll never forget that

  • Robyn @ Frugal 'n' Fit! July 22, 2010, 9:20 am

    Now I am going to have that Home, Home on the Range song stuck in my head. Thanks! 😉

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg July 22, 2010, 9:20 am

    Ha! That marathon sign is really funny…and probably true!! 🙂

    I love the signs y’all made! Those would definitely lift my spirits if I saw them in a race!

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite July 22, 2010, 9:20 am

    Motivational quotes are the best! Have a great day!

  • Evan Thomas July 22, 2010, 9:26 am

    Someone had a shirt on their blog that said “I only go half way” for half-marathoners. I Loled

    • Caitlin July 22, 2010, 12:53 pm

      ahah I LOVE that.

    • Megan July 22, 2010, 4:06 pm

      During my first half, one guy’s shirt said “13.1 miles is half of NOTHING” and I thought it was sarcastic at first… then I realized it was supposed to be motivational, as in “13.1 is a *big deal* in itself!” (at least, that’s what I hope it meant). That definitely made me feel better and got me through the last few miles!

  • Jen July 22, 2010, 9:26 am

    I haven’t run any races, but I motivate myself up big hills by humming or whistling “Gonna Fly Now” (the Rocky theme song) haha.

  • Shannon July 22, 2010, 9:26 am

    Aww, I love when people make signs for strangers! My favorites were “MOTIVATIONAL SIGN” and “GO (Your Name Here).”

  • Janna@Janna's Keeping it Real) July 22, 2010, 9:26 am

    Great signs ladies! My favorite during my marathon was “your legs are hurting because you are kicking butt!!”

  • Heather July 22, 2010, 9:28 am

    love the signs! When I ran the disney half there were two ladies in front of me that had signs on their backs saying “I am running this for my run” and I was so curious as to what it meant, then a mile or so later they jumped of the side of the course and ran to two teen boys cheering on the sides in wheelchairs..their sons.., it made me cry!

  • Katie @ Two Lives, One Lifestyle July 22, 2010, 9:31 am

    I liked the funny signs to take my mind off the race for a few seconds. Two funny signs I remember from the marathon: “run like a Toyota- don’t stop” (after the recall) and “Why didn’t Phidippides die at mile 20?”

    Better than a sign, the best idea ever during the marathon was to have my name on my shirt. The whole race route random people would cheer my name.

    • Orla July 22, 2010, 9:40 am

      Having your name on your shirt is an awesome idea. I did it for my last marathon and ended up smiling the entire 26.2 miles as people were shouting “come on Orla” and “great job Orla” It totally lifts your spirits.
      Plus now I know what it is like to be famous!

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! July 22, 2010, 9:31 am

    Yummy, breakfast! You always have such great ideas for breakfast. I would love to have a great quote on my back for my 1st marathon too……….need to start thinking, as it is about a year and 1/2 away now.

  • christina and mary (sisters running the kitchen) July 22, 2010, 9:32 am

    hahah i love that sign you saw in your marathon. that’s hilarious

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans July 22, 2010, 9:32 am

    My running mantra that I repeat over and over is: Running is just like walking, only faster. It makes it less daunting when I am starting to get tired or I want to give up. Other times I just remind myself that its supposed to be hard because I am training to get better.

    I like the signs. I would feel great if I saw one during a race.

  • Kelly July 22, 2010, 9:32 am

    I love motivational signs and shirts. The funnier the better. I can’t think of anything good off the top of my head now, but I’m sure there have been some.

  • Marissa July 22, 2010, 9:35 am

    The best sign I’ve ever seen during a race was at the OKC Memorial Half Marathon and someone had a sign that said “Run like you stole something.” For some reason, that cracked me up for at least 1/2 a mile and even thinking about it now, I’m laughing out loud.

  • Carly (Swim, Run, Om) July 22, 2010, 9:36 am

    Whenever someone says “You’re almost there.” It just helps me give that extra “oomph” near the end … knowing the finish is right up ahead and I can finish strong. 🙂

  • Orla July 22, 2010, 9:36 am

    The BEST sign I have ever seen was when running in London that said “Run Like You Stole Something! Made me giggle and forget the pain I was in at that moment.
    But the personal messages on people’s shirts are what keep me going. I pinned a picture of me and my friend who had passed away to the back of my shirt (I was running in her honour) and the pats on the back and sweet comments made me think exactly why I was running. Because she couldn’t.
    Makes it seem that we can do just about anything we want!

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete.wordpress.com July 22, 2010, 9:37 am

    When I ran my marathon this year, someone had a sign that said “Toenails are over-rated”. That made me laugh.

    I also liked “There are people behind you” and
    “If Oprah can run a marathon, so can you!”

  • Julia July 22, 2010, 9:37 am

    The best sign I ever saw was at the Disney Half in January, right before entering Magic Kingdom. It said “You’ve done harder things than this” and then underneath, in smaller letters “That’s what she said.” I think I laughed out loud!

    • Caitlin July 22, 2010, 12:54 pm

      hahah TWSS!

  • Karen @ Not Just Celery July 22, 2010, 9:38 am

    Someone wore a shirt to a 10k that said “Remember, the tortoise won” referring to the tortoise and the hare story. I loved it and it made me laugh because sometimes I feel bad about not being the fastest runner (9:30-11 min miles usually depending on the distance) but that reminded me I have nothing to feel bad about. I am a runner and I get out there and do 5ks, 10k’s, half marathons…hopefully a full marathon someday!

  • Lauren July 22, 2010, 9:41 am

    My favorite was during last year’s Thunder Road Marathon:

    “Watch out – Dwight Schrute is behind you!”

    As a HUGE Office fan, this had me giggling through the next mile! 🙂

  • Megan July 22, 2010, 9:46 am

    I ran the WDW Princess Half Marathon in March with some girlfriends. One of them made us tanks (which it was too dang cold to wear, silly Florida!) that said, “Does this tiara make my butt look fast?”

    I love that shirt 🙂 I wore my light-up tiara for 13.1 miles!

  • Christine @ Grub, Sweat and Cheers July 22, 2010, 9:48 am

    I love those signs!

    When I ran my first half marathon last month some of the signs saying the simplest of things ‘you’re brilliant!’, ‘you are strong’ etc made me weepy while running. Even people shouting out ‘well done!’ ‘good job!’ were wonderful…I didn’t realise before running how motivating and moving it would be.

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman July 22, 2010, 9:51 am

    Those pancakes look great. I’ve never thought of using my Foreman to grill apples or other fruit, but it’s a great idea. I have some peaches on hand that would be perfect for it.

  • Fueling for Fitness July 22, 2010, 9:56 am

    “Remember, you paid to do this”

    😀

    -Alison

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) July 22, 2010, 9:57 am

    I’m not a racer, but if I was, I’d probably sport the sign the guy saw was wearing “this seemed like a good idea…”

    I also saw this one that was kind of funny..

    “That’s not sweat, it’s your fat cells crying.”

  • Nichole July 22, 2010, 9:58 am

    I haven’t made posters since High School, need to get on it. I would love to make those for my friends.

    You need to throw a peach on the Foreman. Little brown sugar, to die for!

    I see the best shirts when I run races but forget by the time I’m done. The “are you staring at my butt” shirts are always funny as they go by, because you immediately drop your eyes below…

  • Ashley July 22, 2010, 9:59 am

    When I ran my half I had bib number 7 and people kept yelling “Lucky number seven!” It gave me a little boost each time! A funny one I heard about but didn’t see for myself was two running partners, one shirt said “This is my first time” and the other one said “That’s what she said.” 🙂

  • Gracie @ Girl Meets Health July 22, 2010, 9:59 am

    One of my favorite quotes is similar to Diana’s sign: “Fall seven times, get up eight.”

    I AM SO STINKIN’ EXCITED FOR HLS. That is all 🙂

  • RhodeyGirl July 22, 2010, 10:11 am

    HLS !!!!

    So soon !!!!!!!

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers July 22, 2010, 10:18 am

    LOVE the signs!! I remember seeing some great signs during a half marathon and told myself I better remember what they said….and then forgot 🙁 But I loved the people being there- it’s an awesome feeling!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) July 22, 2010, 10:21 am

    i love the quote “whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right”…so versatile and it applies to EVERYTHING!

  • Julz @ freshman5k July 22, 2010, 10:27 am

    There were people at mile 6.5 in my half marathon that had a sign that said something to the effect of “You’re halfway and not dead yet, you can do it!”

    mmm grilled apples!

  • tanyasdaily July 22, 2010, 10:28 am

    I really enjoy good quotes..it makes you think deeper.

  • Anya @ Fitness & Sunshine July 22, 2010, 10:29 am

    Haha that guy’s shirt sounds so funny. 🙂

    Grilled fruit is pretty great–especially pears and peaches.

  • Stacey @ Tipping the (Kitchen!) Scales July 22, 2010, 10:29 am

    Apples and cinnamon is always a good combo and the pancakes must only make it better! Good job on the signs, they look awesome.

  • Maissa July 22, 2010, 10:35 am

    My favorite? ‘Why couldn’t Phiddipedus (the guy who ran the original marathon, and died upon arriving in athens) have died at mile 20?’

    Maybe not super inspiring but it appeals to my Ancient-history-geek side, and funny.

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances July 22, 2010, 10:41 am

    I saw a sign during my one and only half marathon that said, “Your feet hurt because you’re kicking so much ass!” haha it was AWESOME and even better bc an old woman was holding it! 🙂 so tell us – are you sore today from body pump?!

  • Liz @ Blog is the New Black July 22, 2010, 10:44 am

    Love the signs! Thinking of doing my first 5K soon, so I enjoyed this post! 🙂

  • Stacy July 22, 2010, 10:58 am

    Love those signs, how great! I know I would love to run by one of those.

    By the way, I just bought a hat from a place that sells a shirt that says “This seemed like a good idea 3 months ago”. They also have a lot of other shirts with really cute sayings on them.
    http://www.onemoremilerunning.com/Short-Sleeve/Seemed-Like-A-Good-Idea-Short-Sleeve/prod_335.html

  • Stacey@http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ July 22, 2010, 11:00 am

    Great job on the signs,a little motivation in a run can go a long way.

  • Carolyn (mealsandmiles.wordpress.com) July 22, 2010, 11:10 am

    i’ve seen 2 hilarious ones recently- in my marathon, a guy kept popping up all over the course with funny signs. One said, “It was hard work for me, too, to get up early and make this sign.” This past weekend in a 10k, a guy passed me running barefoot (no vibrams, totally barefoot!) and his shirt said, “looking for a shoe sponsor.”

  • Jackie (Peaces of Earth) July 22, 2010, 11:24 am

    I love those signs!! There were so many cool signs during my marathon. One said “Your feet hurt because you’re kicking cancer’s ass”. It was a TNT sponsored event so I thought that was cute. 🙂

  • Rosey Rebecca July 22, 2010, 11:26 am

    Love the signs! You are going to rock that race. Love that pic of you at the end of your post. I’ve seen it a billion times, but it still makes me smile!

  • Chelsey July 22, 2010, 11:30 am

    hahaha i love that shirt you just wrote about. that would have made me crack up!

  • sarah July 22, 2010, 11:30 am

    I missed something–are you quitting caffeine?

    • Caitlin July 22, 2010, 12:55 pm

      No I just hadn’t drank coffee yet! I will never quit caffeine. Ever.

  • Corinne (breathe and savor) July 22, 2010, 11:32 am

    that shirt is absolutely hilarious! i can’t think of a motivational sign that has ever gotten me through a race at the moment but i absolutely love when a road race takes you through a neighborhood and the streets are lined with supportive watchers and the houses blast awesome tunes like rocky’s theme song!

  • emily July 22, 2010, 11:36 am

    I didn’t see any signs, but when I ran the Disney Princess Half there were girls dressed up like faeries which totally made me giggle and gave me an energy boost.

  • Alyssa July 22, 2010, 11:38 am

    I ran a 5K on a whim one time (signed up two days before) in Rochester, NY, my hometown. Susan B. Anthony is from there and in front of her house was a woman dressed up like her cheering the runners on yelling “Susan B. Anthony – go girl!”. That was pretty awesome. I also saw a shirt that said “D–n it feels good to be a gangsta” on the front and “we run these streets” on the back. I love random stuff like that – gets me through!

  • Candice July 22, 2010, 11:38 am

    Yay! I’m so excited for HLS!

    I don’t remember any shirts that got me through, but when I ran my very first marathon, I was coming up on mile 23 and there was a firefighter standing on the side of the road and he said “great job first timer!”

    I have no idea what it was about that comment, but I just started crying, and it totally motivated me to keep pushing it. That line will always stand out in my head.

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write July 22, 2010, 11:42 am

    I’ve never run a race, but I as jogging near my home once and I was exhausted, at the end of my job, when a passing car (who was turning) paused to wait for me to run past. He leaned out his window and yelled, “You’re doing great!” It made my day!

    Your pancakes look good. At first glance, I thought those were pineapple slices, which would be amazing.

  • Sarah Dussault July 22, 2010, 11:52 am

    I’m very jealous I can’t attend the healthy living summit 🙁 Would have loved to visit Chicago and meet everyone in person! It seems like it is going to be a blast!

    • Caitlin July 22, 2010, 12:58 pm

      Next year!!

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit July 22, 2010, 12:08 pm

    I love those posters! Maybe I’ll stick an OB note on my shirt for my next race 🙂

  • Lauren (Clean Eats in the Dirty South) July 22, 2010, 12:19 pm

    that is such an EPIC idea!!! i might come do that on saturday 🙂

  • Carrie H July 22, 2010, 12:26 pm

    I might have told you this before, but at the half-marathon mark of my marathon there was a sign that said “Suck it up, B**ch!” It was hi-larious, and gave me a laugh when I needed it. I think I even yelled something back at the sign like “I’m no b**ch, you’re the b**ch!”, ha ha.

    • Caitlin July 22, 2010, 12:27 pm

      Hahah I love it.

  • Hallie July 22, 2010, 12:49 pm

    Ha I told my boyfriend (erm… fiancé! need to get used to that) about the “this seemed like a good idea three months ago” shirt/slogan…because that is totally how I feel right now, that my half marathon is three weeks away haha.

  • loreejo July 22, 2010, 1:02 pm

    LOVE your signs. all these comments made me teary! silly i know. one of the first times I ran, when i was just trying to get to 20 min at a time, a guy in a car at a stop sign gave me the thumbs up. it was soooo encouraging, i cried then too! but thankfully after i was past him. ha

  • Brie @ Brie Fit July 22, 2010, 1:18 pm

    I really want to make a sign that says “Chuck Norris never ran a marathon” if I ever go cheer for one.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) July 22, 2010, 1:29 pm

    I love your poster!! My hubby is doing a half iron man in about a week – I am totally going to do a poster up!!

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople July 22, 2010, 1:33 pm

    I have never done a race, but that would make me laugh out loud too!

  • Heather July 22, 2010, 1:43 pm

    Great posters! When I ran the Chicago 1/2 last year there were a group of girls with shirts that said “in it for the beer afterwards”, thought that was a funny one!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) July 22, 2010, 1:49 pm

    I saw a shirt that said “Yes I run like a girl and I’m proud of it.” Made me think I didn’t have to beat the boys or be something I wasn’t. I was me and I was proud to be out there running.

    I always like to giggle at the shirts that say things like “Will Run 4 Beer” and “My friend made me do this.”

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin July 22, 2010, 5:25 pm

    I love the idea of wearing a motivational quote. I’m definitely going to do that for my first race!

  • BroccoliHut July 22, 2010, 5:45 pm

    I thought that grilled pineapple at breakfast at first…but grilled apples sound even better!

  • Kim July 22, 2010, 7:07 pm

    In the Orlando Corporate 5K, I was motivated by a little 8 year old boy running in front of me in his school clothes, the entire way! He made it look so easy – I called him my “pace car” lol

    The firefighters were also in that race, in FULL FIREFIGHTING GEAR, and again at my next 5K. Having a guy running at my heels with an OXYGEN TANK on really pushed me forward, and even better… the whole way, the firefighter was chanting to other people “you can do this!” 🙂 Those guys rock!

  • Lindsey Gail July 22, 2010, 9:42 pm

    Every year, I run a very hilly 8.4-mile “Race the Train.” Before my dad passed away, it was our father-daughter race; he would ride the train and cheer me on as I ran. The train stops along the way to cheer on runners. At one stop, my dad was outside clapping and reached out to give me a high five. As I ran by, he yelled after me, “Good job buddy!” The last race that he was able to attend in his wheelchair, he parked on the corner just before the finish line, and as I ran by, he gave me a high five.

    I still think of this moment today, not just during races, but tough workouts as well when I need an extra spring to my step.

  • Laura July 23, 2010, 4:50 am

    Not got me through a race but I needed the first sign today!

  • Anne July 23, 2010, 9:10 am

    I ran a pretty hilly 1/2, and several people, before the hardest part, had “It’s all downhill from here! ” signs and were laughing…did they research the course just to be mean, lol? I still got a kick out of it, though.

  • Lacey @ Lake Life July 23, 2010, 6:09 pm

    LOVE the grilled apple idea. I always forget that there is more to grill than meat, seafood and veggies.

    Love the signs too!

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