Weeding Away

on September 28, 2010

I must say – the Workout Protein Pancake was quite the breakfast for my 10.25 mile run this morning! It did sit a little heavy in my stomach for the first few miles, but nothing traumatic or really dissimilar to my normal breakfast.

I went to a new path that runs along the ocean for my run. It was quite nice to watch the herons and speedboats as I jogged. It started to rain around Mile 5.5, but it was just a light drizzle.

I took a lot of walking breaks. My energy levels aren’t up to par lately; probably due to the stress of the family emergency and crashing at my in-laws’ house. I am pleased to discover that I can take walking breaks every mile and still maintain my goal marathon pace of 10:30 easily. I heart walking!

Side note: James and Maggie love sweaty Mommy! Mmm, salt.

Distance: 10.25 miles
Duration: 1:46
Average Pace: 10:22/mile

Came home and was happy to see my mother-in-law was preparing breakfast! It made a nice lunch for me. 🙂

A cheese and egg mix with spinach:

Fruit:

And an English muffin:

I’m trying to be helpful around the house since everyone is really stressed out. My mother-in-law’s garden is currently a bit of a disaster. We’re going to spend the next few hours weeding and trimming so it looks more presentable.

Before:

Mid-way:

No weed left behind!

Weeding is fun. I actually think it’s really relaxing and therapeutic. We’ve already been at it for an hour, and time is flying by! I could this for a living. Speaking of which, I am so behind in work. 🙁

Can I come weed your garden, too?

{ 77 comments }

Freya September 28, 2010, 1:31 pm
PLEASE weed my garden – it sure needs it!!
Good job on the run 🙂 I like walking on long runs too – they’re a fab mental break too 🙂
Holly @ couchpotatoathlete September 28, 2010, 1:31 pm
I also enjoy tasks like cleaning, weeding, gardening. I find it really relaxing!

Great job on your run this morning — and that is wonderful that taking some walking breaks won’t make or break your time!
Madeline - Greens and Jeans September 28, 2010, 1:37 pm
I always hated weeding! My mom has a huge garden and she’d always make me and my brother help out. I’m sure you guys being there has been a huge help to your family!
Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) September 28, 2010, 1:42 pm
Please come weed my entire yard anytime you’d like 🙂

& koda loves it when I come home all sweaty, too. YUCK!

Hope things are sorting themselves out with the family issues…
Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! September 28, 2010, 1:43 pm
I loved reading that you take “walking breaks every mile” on your Longer Runs as I do the same per the advise of Mr. Marathon Man himself……Jeff Galloway, in his book of course not in person!

It is nice to know that a great runner such as yourself takes them too as sometimes I feel like a bit of a “slacker” for doing so though I know that isn’t true of course…….just a stupid voice inside my head telling me that for some reason……..however it is still nice to see that others do the same.

And, even nicer to see that you can keep “such a good pace” while doing it. That is my goal as well, though I am a few years behind you on that now. =)
Sarah for Real September 28, 2010, 1:48 pm
Got a question about walking breaks… Do you take them only for your longer runs? Why do you take walking breaks instead of running a little slower consistently? Is it easier? Just personal preference?
- Caitlin September 28, 2010, 10:02 pm
  I think it’s a lot easier and overall faster to just take planned walking breaks during long runs! I’ve done some experiencing and I actually end up faster overall when I do walk as opposed to slowly jogging.
Angharad September 28, 2010, 1:56 pm
Sorry, our landlady is queen of the garden…
Glad the brekkie sat well enough – I have discovered the joy of walking recently and oh my goodness, the difference it makes to my mental state and overall performance is incredible!
Rachel (Two Healthy Plates) September 28, 2010, 1:56 pm
yes please come weed at my house – we need all the help we can get! neither my husband or myself have a very green thumb.
Stacey September 28, 2010, 1:56 pm
I’m glad you had a good run 🙂 I love to work outside..mowing the lawn, pulling weeds..anything! I feel like its therapuetic too. It’s sort of a stress reliever to yank out weeds, haha 🙂 My mom also loves doing anything outside, so I think I must have inherited it. Looks like you guys are making good progress, now get back to work missy! 😉
ashleigh September 28, 2010, 1:58 pm
I want a garden so badly! I used to hate weeding as a kid but I bet I’d enjoy it now.

I love breakfast for lunch/dinner… breakfast foods are the best!
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday September 28, 2010, 1:58 pm
Weeding is fun? Really? Doubtful.
- Hangry Pants September 28, 2010, 3:42 pm
  Samantha, I hope you don’t take this the wrong way because I am really just trying to help you, but have you ever considered that your negative comments that seem to contradict the post for no real reason are hurtful or annoying to the poster? I am sure you are a nice person and you seem to enjoy reading blogs because I know you comment quite a bit, so maybe you don’t realize the tone your comments convey. Caitlin is going through a rough time and doesn’t need snarky comments right now.
  - jessica September 29, 2010, 9:31 pm
    I couldn’t agree more with you, Heather. I have noticed Samantha’s snarky comments on almost every blog I read for a while now and have never said anything. I’m glad someone finally spoke up. Samantha, having an opinion is one thing but negative comments that add nothing to the post don’t help anyone.
  - Samantha @ Bikini Birthday October 1, 2010, 10:47 pm
    Sorry guys if my comments come off the wrong way. I don’t intend to offend. Intonation can be tough to convey in writing.
Liz September 28, 2010, 2:00 pm
PLEASE come weed my garden. The #1 thing I hate about home ownership is weeding and yard work. Even more than paying a mortgage.
Kristina @ spabettie September 28, 2010, 2:00 pm
I think weeding is therapeutic, but I am SO FREAKING scared of spiders… 🙁 and right now they are ALL OVER!! so… feel free to come by anytime… I’ll even feed you breakfast!! 😀
Michelle @ IronDivas September 28, 2010, 2:03 pm
That is my kind of lunch/breakfast! Those eggs look sooo delicous. I might have to go buy some english muffins now, they were my absolute favorite growing up.
Kristy @ Kristyruns.com September 28, 2010, 2:05 pm
Great run! Spinx marathon here you come!!! …yeah…that pancake and i would not have been friends during a longer run.
Tina September 28, 2010, 2:10 pm
That breakfast looks delicious! I love that your family is into healthy eats too.

And I hate yard work. You could have a hay day in our backyard.
Susan@MomSwimBikeRun September 28, 2010, 2:12 pm
You can only come weed my garden if you bring those cheesey, spinach eggs with you. They looked sooooo good. Hope you can catch up on work soon. 🙂
Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat September 28, 2010, 2:13 pm
That’s pretty awesome that you can keep up your goal pace even with walking breaks! I ran my 10 miler this morning, and with walking breaks, I am about 30 seconds slower (on average) than I want to be.
Kelly September 28, 2010, 2:16 pm
Oh man I hated weeding, that was the worst chore ever!
Jamie @ Food in Real Life September 28, 2010, 2:16 pm
Those eggs look so delicious! I just wrote a post about the 10 tips I wish I had when I first started running, and “it is OK to take running breaks” was on there. I always felt like I was failing if I stopped. Now I realize it is an important part of endurance training.
- Cindy September 28, 2010, 2:22 pm
  Thanks for the tip, I am very new to running, and I too feel like I’m failing if I stop, but by what I’m reading from you and HTP, it’s a great thing! 🙂
  - Caitlin September 28, 2010, 10:04 pm
    Walking RULEZ. With a z.
Angela (Oh She Glows) September 28, 2010, 2:20 pm
Even though I never look forward to weeding, once I am in the mode and doing it I almost feel like it is hypnotic in a way. I have heard other people say the same thing about knitting too.

Want a great all natural weed killer? Spray pure white vinegar on weeds. They die in 24 hours or so! Just make sure you don’t hit other plant growth or it will die too. It is great for spraying in the cracks of walkways.
Cindy September 28, 2010, 2:21 pm
Okay, call me crazy, but I try to leave a few weeds in the garden….a wise old woman once told me (okay well, she spoke out in an Organic Gardening class I attended)leaving a few weeds helps keep diseases and other garden pests at bay.
Mary September 28, 2010, 2:22 pm
I worked for a landscaping company for three years in high school. That was the best job I’ve ever had! I got paid to get a tan and the guys I worked with were awesome. Plus, hauling around mulch and sod was a good work out! 🙂 maybe you’ve got something here…
Marina September 28, 2010, 2:25 pm
I would be really grateful if you’d weed my garden 😀
great job on your run!
Jasmine @ Eat Move Write September 28, 2010, 2:29 pm
I’m not a fan of weeding. I would definitely be up for some help, except we haven’t even got around to planting any plants in our yard, so um… no weeding needed! :p
Amykinz @ Foodie 4 Healing September 28, 2010, 2:36 pm
I LOVE weeding! I completely agree that it’s therapeutic. Now, I just have to start that garden of mine. 🙂
Terri September 28, 2010, 2:37 pm
I think I missed something? What is the emergency? Are you ok?
- Caitlin September 28, 2010, 2:43 pm
  Everyone is OK but it’s just a shit situation. I can’t really give the details but basically I’m in FL until Thursday. It blows. 🙁
  - Terri September 28, 2010, 3:36 pm
    Glad to hear you are ok, I went back and read about when you left to go there, sorry to hear it, prayers and hugs 🙂
Michele September 28, 2010, 2:43 pm
Yes, come on over, I have lots for you to weed. 🙁

We’re in toto-land; can’t wait for you to visit. LOL

Take care; I know they truly appreciate your help!
Kayla September 28, 2010, 2:51 pm
I, like you, firmly believe a walk break can help you regain some motivation, momentum, whatever it is your run is lacking. I am always surprised at how my times are, even if I walk for even a quarter mile.

Keep chugging along. Your family is probably so glad you are there during their time of need. I hope all is going all right.
Jessica @ The Process of Healing September 28, 2010, 2:52 pm
mmmm… cheese and eggs…

Still have your family in my thoughts, hope everything calms down soon!
Lisa September 28, 2010, 2:52 pm
I would love to be able to run along the ocean. How beautiful!
Amber K September 28, 2010, 3:31 pm
If I had a garden I would totally let someone else weed it! It’s one of my least favorite things ever!
Heather September 28, 2010, 3:32 pm
my rose garden needs to be weeded so badly, come on over!
good job on the run!
Kacy September 28, 2010, 3:33 pm
Sounds like a wonderful run.

I truly hope things get better for your family Caitlin!
Ellen@FirednFabulous September 28, 2010, 3:35 pm
What a yummy, balanced lunch! Hope everything’s OK…I’m thinking about ya! xo
Dynamics September 28, 2010, 3:36 pm
Free room and board in exchange for weeding. Come on over!! I need help getting my fall garden planted. You can bring the doggies!
- Caitlin September 28, 2010, 10:05 pm
  DEAL.
Stacey (The Habit of Healthy) September 28, 2010, 3:39 pm
Great run! I can’t believe you like gardening. I can”t stand it and never do it; it’s a job for the hubby that’s for sure!
Karen September 28, 2010, 3:42 pm
Your plate o’ goodness made me want breakfast for dinner! Boy did that look good. YUM!

Weed at my house? Absolutely! haha
Lisa @ bakebikeblog September 28, 2010, 3:43 pm
congrats on your run!!! And weeding can be quite the workout too!
Leanne @ Radiant, Balanced & Fit September 28, 2010, 3:52 pm
I find pruning the bushes in our yard so relaxing! There’s something very calming about working in the garden 🙂
Liz @ Tip Top Shape September 28, 2010, 3:55 pm
That lunch your mother-in-law made looks delicious!! I just recently began adding cheese to my eggs and don’t know why I didn’t start earlier. It is SO good!
Chelsea at Striking Balance September 28, 2010, 4:08 pm
I find chores like weeding, etc very therapeutic. Anything that doesn’t involve a lot of thought and just lets you zone out always relaxes me!

Your run sounds great. I am just slowly starting out running again since my hip surgery and I need to remind myself that it is okay, especially now, to stop and walk. My hip needs the rest (and so do I!). Thanks for the reminder 🙂
Katie @ peacebeme September 28, 2010, 4:14 pm
My mom swears by gardening as a stress reliever. She does it for an hour every night after work all summer long – watering,seeding, picking weeds, etc.
Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) September 28, 2010, 4:25 pm
I love it…I know you think your outfit does not go together (like the purple and green), but those are complementary colors you are wearing! Sorry things are so stressful right now Caitlin, I hope it gets better soon!
Jean@RoastedRootsandPumpkinSpice September 28, 2010, 4:25 pm
I wish I actually had a garden so you can come weed it 😀 I love breakfast/lunch dish. Colorful and nutritious!
hippierunner September 28, 2010, 4:39 pm
I love that their breakfast was your lunch! That’s happened so many times to me. 🙂
Stacy @ Student of Healthy Living September 28, 2010, 4:47 pm
Come on over and weed mine, if you need a long therapy sesh 🙂 I’ll even give you counseling, since I am Social Worker 🙂 I really, really dislike yard work. Bugs freak me out. The possibility of something creepy crawly going over my foot/leg just now gave me chills. I make the husband do all the yard work, and he’s wonderful and does it all. Great job on the run! You have been working super hard at it. Walk breaks are awesome! I hope whatever is going on in your family improves. Give those doggies an extra hug, they can be pretty great at lifting the spirits 🙂
- Caitlin September 28, 2010, 10:05 pm
  hehe sounds like a plan to me!
Jessica@tastyandtrim September 28, 2010, 4:53 pm
I know what you mean! My mom always talked about how weeding was so therapeutic and relaxing and I never saw what she was talking about until I joined her. It makes me feel as if it is just me and nature and all of the current stress I have is put on pause for a while. It really makes me appreciate the beauty of nature 🙂
Eileen September 28, 2010, 5:01 pm
I love weeding. I like projects where you can see the difference when your done:)
Jess @ atasteofconfidence September 28, 2010, 5:13 pm
gardening is a good destresser!
Little Bookworm September 28, 2010, 5:24 pm
Hope everything works out soon, am thinking of your family. The Workout Protein Pancake looked great by the way!
Kjirsten@balancedhealthylife September 28, 2010, 6:00 pm
You are a running machine! : ) Running outdoors with a view of the ocean sounds awesome!
yummiee cupcake September 28, 2010, 6:29 pm
i hope everything is okay with you and the family.

but yes, come on over and weed my garden!
Annie@stronghealthyfit September 28, 2010, 6:36 pm
I’m not big on gardening, but I want to be 🙂 I’ll be praying for your family, hope everything works out for the best.
Camille September 28, 2010, 6:36 pm
What a nice run!
Lauren September 28, 2010, 6:47 pm
Ive been taking walk breaks every mile lately and noticed it actually is making me a faster runner. I always heard about this and that even the most skilled marathon runners to this method and it’s actually better for speed. I just have to remember that walking does not mean I’m giving up or failing, I’m getting stronger!

I hope everything is okay. Please know if you ever need to talk, I;m here! 🙂
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) September 28, 2010, 7:26 pm
I finding weeding to be therapeutic too! It requires nothing but dirt, sweat and motivation. And it offers plenty of thinking time. 😀
Moni'sMeals September 28, 2010, 7:39 pm
I would love to have weeds because that would mean I have a kick-butt garden going! one day… and I will be wanting you to clean er up. 😉
Amy @ LoveForLiving September 28, 2010, 7:47 pm
I don’t have a garden, but my word can you come cook for me instead? I have nothing to offer and live in Boston where it is currently miserable and rainy but, but … crap. I got nothing.
All of your food pictures LOOK.SO.GOOD.
lindsay September 28, 2010, 7:55 pm
Hope things turn around soon…I am sure your family is so thankful to have you there.
Marie-JourneyToBodyZen September 28, 2010, 8:32 pm
My weeds are all fixing to freeeeeeze since it will super cold this weekend! I agree, gardening is therapeutic 🙂
Laura (Starloz) September 28, 2010, 8:57 pm
oh, weeding. i havent had a garden for 3 years. i’m not a fan of weeding
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey September 28, 2010, 9:35 pm
I love gardening too – it is very relaxing!!
Wei-Wei September 28, 2010, 10:01 pm
Great run! I can definitely see that you’re getting speedier! I hope your family is well. 🙂
maricel September 29, 2010, 9:46 pm
Wow you have a very flattering waist, so trim. What’s your waist trimmer regimen?
- Caitlin September 29, 2010, 10:23 pm
  hmmm running? it is a good core exercise.
  
  i think this is just my frame. i don’t really have a specific exercise to thank. 🙂 thanks though!!
maricel September 29, 2010, 10:26 pm
Ok thanks!

Previous post: Workout Protein Pancake

Next post: Atlantic Grille