Last long run of marathon training – you are MINE!  🙂

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Riding high and feeling awesome after today’s (suppose to be last Friday’s) 18.0 miler.  I only have 13 days before the race so that means it’s TAPER TIME!  🙂 🙂 :)  So exciting to be entering this final phase of training.

 

Pre-run lunch was standard fare:

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Today’s run was kind of a test run to see what pace I should aim for during the race.  The first time (and only other time) I ran a marathon, my primary goal was to finish.  I think that’s STILL my goal but now I’m thinking about time goals, too.   I shall reveal all soon!

 

  • Duration: 3:02:47
  • Distance: 18.0 miles
  • Average: 10:10
  • Mile 1: 10:06
  • Mile 2: 10:02
  • Mile 3: 10:10
  • Mile 4: 10:41
  • Mile 5: 10:03
  • Mile 6: 9:57
  • Mile 7: 9:55
  • Mile 8: 10:10
  • Mile 9: 10:13
  • Mile 10: 10:05
  • Mile 11: 10:50
  • Mile 12: 9:43
  • Mile 13: 10:03
  • Mile 14: 9:45
  • Mile 15: 10:02
  • Mile 16: 10:21
  • Mile 17: 10:05
  • Mile 18: 10:47

 

I took about six walking breaks and two stretching breaks.  And I ate two packets of this amazing tasting Gu.

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I grabbed little James for the last 0.4 mile but he didn’t want to run very fast!  Arg!  I just wanted it to be over but he was dragging his little booty.  All in all, I was very proud of my time and super hopeful about the race.  October 30, here I come!

 

Post-run fuel:

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Two whole wheat burritos, one stuffed with kidney beans, hummus, corn salsa, and asparagus.  The other with cheese instead of hummus. 

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And a banana.  🙂

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The Husband is still sick, but I managed to convince him to go to Yoforia with me for a little marathon treat.  :)  Cookies and cream with Oreo, Butterfingers, and animal crackers.

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Made me think of Kath!

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Maggie came with me but I don’t think she had too much fun.  I wish she liked being outside, being petted by strangers, and seeing the world… she just doesn’t.  But it’s still important to socialize her.   Right?

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And for dinner, I tried a new special recipe:

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Have you ever made spaghetti squash?  This was my first attempt.  I had to explain to the Husband that it’s actually squash.  When cooked, the spaghetti squash peels away from the skin in little strands… just like pasta!

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To make the squash, I washed the entire squash, stabbed it with a fork, and put the whole things into oven.  After baking it at 375 for an hour, I cut it lengthwise, scrapped out the seeds, and put the halves back in the oven for another 15 minutes.

 

To top our spaghetti, I roasted some vegetables:

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Just a little tomatoes, zucchini, onion, garlic, and olive oil.  Simple ingredients are so great.

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With two three four pieces of wonderfully crusty bread.   🙂

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Another week begins – are you ready?  I’m gearing up!

{ 95 comments }

 

  • Tabitha (From Single to Married) October 17, 2010, 8:06 pm

    You’re such an inspiration – 18 miles, amazing! You definitely deserved the treat afterwards. 🙂

  • Sarah @ Sarah's Shaping Up October 17, 2010, 8:09 pm

    congrats on the 18-miler! and I’ve seen a few recipes for spaghetti squash floating around and you have now convinced me to try it. 🙂

  • Carolina John October 17, 2010, 8:09 pm

    Well done! 18 feels good when it’s done right.

  • Carly October 17, 2010, 8:09 pm

    Wow! How do you stay so motivated? That is the HARDEST thing for me, staying motivated. You are awesome!

    • Caitlin October 17, 2010, 8:11 pm

      sign up for races WAYYYYY in advance 🙂

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances October 17, 2010, 8:10 pm

    Congrats on a great last-long-run-before-marathon run! 🙂 You rock.

  • Jazz October 17, 2010, 8:14 pm

    Spag. squash is my favorite! I usually cut it in half and bake it.. then fill it with chili or other roasted veggies and eat it like a bowl!

  • Michele October 17, 2010, 8:15 pm

    WOW – you rocked your run, way to go girly!! Did you share your cold with hus?

    I have never, ever eaten Spaghetti Squash – I still say I’m just going to come and live with you so I can try all these great things. 😀

    Thanks for sharing; looks dee-lish!

    • Caitlin October 17, 2010, 8:19 pm

      he gave it to me first but i got over it faster!

  • Claire October 17, 2010, 8:15 pm

    I love how your hair looks in that yogurt outing picture! Do you just use bobby pins to get it to stay like that?

    • Caitlin October 17, 2010, 8:20 pm

      Thanks! It was thanks to a hair clip and hair spray!

  • Erica October 17, 2010, 8:18 pm

    I knew you would do it!

    Don’t stop…Get it, get it…This marathon is YOURS! 🙂

  • lindsay October 17, 2010, 8:18 pm

    Oh my gosh, Maggie looks so nervous in that photo! Poor girl 🙂 that is how my dog looks when I try to pick her up. Apparently (per my vet) that means that she was not held as a puppy, which is so sad to me!! I am sure Maggie still loves to have the extra time with you, even if she is a little nervous…

  • Maddie October 17, 2010, 8:18 pm

    Congrats on your last 18-miler! You kept an awesome pace.

    I love spaghetti squash! It’s delicious.

  • Amber October 17, 2010, 8:21 pm

    Completely agree on signing up for races wayyyyyy in advance. That is the only way to keep running the high distances! Great job on your run. Can’t wait to see your race report!

  • Camille October 17, 2010, 8:29 pm

    Wow, your times are great! It sounds like you are totally ready!

  • Evan Thomas October 17, 2010, 8:29 pm

    Congrats! I couldn’t imagine running 18 miles. 16 is still my record and without the company to keep going that would have been awful.

  • Melissa @ Running with Needles October 17, 2010, 8:30 pm

    Congrats on your last long run! Your post-run fuel looks so delicious – especially that spaghetti squash!

  • hippierunner October 17, 2010, 8:30 pm

    Yay! Great job on the run! And yum to all that delicious looking post-run food!

  • Kelly October 17, 2010, 8:32 pm

    I have a spaghetti squash sitting on my counter right now, and haven’t tried it yet…did you like it???

    • Caitlin October 18, 2010, 7:35 am

      I wasn’t in LOVE with it but it was good. Maybe a better side dish.

  • Maria @ Oh Healthy Day October 17, 2010, 8:32 pm

    Ah, you make 18 miles look easy! You are going to have an amazing race!

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef October 17, 2010, 8:33 pm

    cute purple running top! love it!

  • Me-Linh @ Sweet and Sweat October 17, 2010, 8:35 pm

    bahaha I love Maggie’s expression. She’s like “why did you take me hereee”
    congrats on the awesome run!

  • Erin October 17, 2010, 8:36 pm

    I can’t wait to hear how the marathon goes! One of the best things about running is being able to eat big yummy portions of food guilt free! I love having a good relationship with food 🙂

  • Jenny October 17, 2010, 8:37 pm

    Congrats on your 18 miler! I really enjoy reading about your training 🙂

    And I just have to say that I can definitely relate to the “anti-social” dog. Our sweet little Bichon Frise, Ally, just wants to be left alone. She’s the cutest and nicest dog, but just does not do the whole “get out and meet people/dogs” thing. Oh well…

  • Jaime Runs October 17, 2010, 8:38 pm

    Wow you’re getting so fast! Great job on the run.

    That spaghetti squash looks awesome — I have wanted to try it for some time. What does it taste like compared to regular spaghetti?

    • Caitlin October 18, 2010, 7:35 am

      it is crunchier and less… well, less carbohydratey. 🙂 LOL

  • Katy October 17, 2010, 8:38 pm

    Ah! That spaghetti squash looks AMAZING! That’s what I really wanted for dinner tonight but couldn’t find it at the store. 🙁

    Congrats on the great 18 miles today! I’m so jealous that you can go that far! I’m training for a half marathon and I’m only up to 4 (5 by this weekend). I’m so excited for another week of training. 🙂

    Have a great week!

  • Lauren October 17, 2010, 8:38 pm

    Congrats on the last long one! You did great!! 🙂 And you are going to be amazing in this marathon. So proud of you always! 🙂

  • Heather October 17, 2010, 8:44 pm

    great job on the run!!!
    Vanilla is my FAV GU flavor!

  • Laura S October 17, 2010, 8:45 pm

    I made spaghetti squash for dinner tonight too!! First time and I loved it!

  • Nicole @ yuppie yogini October 17, 2010, 8:46 pm

    You should let Isaac socialize Maggie since they “have an understanding”. 😉 Good job on your 18 miles!!

  • Courtney October 17, 2010, 8:46 pm

    I agree. Vanilla bean Gu is really good! Yay for taper!

  • Elizabeth October 17, 2010, 8:47 pm

    Congrats on the 18 miles! Looks like you’ll not only finish your marathon, but rock it too!

    And I desperately wish we had a yoforia in south florida. Can it be shipped? lol 🙂

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) October 17, 2010, 8:47 pm

    Congrats on your AWESOME run!!!!

  • Rachel October 17, 2010, 8:47 pm

    I love spaghetti squash!! I recently did a blog post on it too! Check out my version 🙂

    http://eatmoremeatless.wordpress.com/2010/09/30/change-of-seasons/

  • Dori October 17, 2010, 8:50 pm

    You really make 18 miles seem easy. Amazing! I hope I get there one day myself.

  • Terri October 17, 2010, 8:51 pm

    Wait, you healthy living bloggers EAT???? LOL – great job on the run today. Love the inspiration!

  • Amanda (Eating Up) October 17, 2010, 8:51 pm

    Congrats on the 18 miles! That yogurt looks soooo good to me now. Although when does yogurt not look good to me?!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss October 17, 2010, 8:51 pm

    Woohoo!!! Congrats on getting out the door and glad it was a good one!! 😀

    I actually had my first spaghettis squash of the season tonight! Yum!

  • Liz @ Blog is the New Black October 17, 2010, 8:55 pm

    Congrats on nearing the end of your running training. I admire people who run, more so those that are able to marathon. I enjoy you all, actually! I LOVE spaghetti squash- if you like pesto, it’s delicious mixed in with that- so many ways you can serve it!

  • Lily @ Lily's Health Pad October 17, 2010, 8:55 pm

    You are rocking those long runs!! 10 min mile is so fast for an 18-miler!

    Not that you were hanging on edge and dying to know, but the Checkers are in the AHL-like you said. They recently switched from the ECHL. (I couldn’t help but look it up.)

    • Caitlin October 18, 2010, 7:36 am

      hahah! i was wondering if you had looked it up. i was very curious!

  • Ashley @ Nourishing the Soul October 17, 2010, 8:56 pm

    You may have addressed this in previous posts (I haven’t been able to keep up lately!), but is there any reason you’re not doing a longer run (20 or 22 – or maybe you did and I missed it?). I’m considering my first marathon and looking at plans and just trying to figure out a good tactic.

    • Caitlin October 18, 2010, 7:37 am

      I did one 20 miler. I wish I had time to do two 20s but I decided that doing another 20er only 14 days before the marathon was too much. (I was originally signed up for a Dec 11 marathon but 4 weeks ago decided to do this one, too)

  • Hope October 17, 2010, 8:59 pm

    Awesome run Caitlin! Well done you!
    Your Yoforia treat looks delish!!

  • Tracey October 17, 2010, 9:00 pm

    Great job on the run! I can’t imagine running that fast or that long.

    Spaghetti squash is my favorite of all the squashes. It’s so simple to make and the clean up is a cinch!

  • Jess @ NZ Girl Runs October 17, 2010, 9:02 pm

    Woohoo! I’m glad to hear you got your run done. I’ve never tried spaghetti squash, I wonder if we get the right variety of sqush here…

  • Wei-Wei October 17, 2010, 9:07 pm

    Great great GREAT run! Taper time must be so exciting for you, haha. Sorry about the three spammy comments I posted – I just wanted you to GO! 😀

  • Cheryl H. October 17, 2010, 9:12 pm

    Congrats on making the long run. Spaghetti squash is awesome as long as you don’t lose a finger in trying to cut it. Just a bit of butter and garlic and it tastes like heaven. Your meal looks so yummy that I am going to try it.

  • Kath October 17, 2010, 9:21 pm

    Ahhhh! I clicked on the post to comment on the animal crackers before I even saw my name 🙂 🙂

    Congrats on the awesome run!!!!! It’s funny how we can just breeze through a post about 18 minutes but for you it was a huge mountain of a morning!

  • eatmovelove October 17, 2010, 9:21 pm

    I’m surprised from all your blogging your only just trying the spaghetti squash now!! It seemed uber-popular around here for a long while :). Holy crap – I can’t believe your out there running for 3 hours…insane! I bow down to you!

  • Katie October 17, 2010, 9:28 pm

    Awesome run!

    Also I love that you did spaghetti squash. I can honestly say I make a big one once a week! To save time though I cut it first, scrape the seeds, drizzle some olive oil, salt, and pepper on it, then put it face up in a microwave safe dish (with about a half inch of water in the dish) and zap it for 30 minutes. I’m constantly on the go and when I’m hungry an hour won’t cut it! And it still tastes great!

    PS I’d still love to get our dachshunds together!

    • Caitlin October 18, 2010, 7:38 am

      oh yes we need to!!! did you get the email about the Lululemon party on Wednesday? If you want to come, email me and I’ll send you the deets: caitlinjboyle@gmail.com

  • Kim October 17, 2010, 9:29 pm

    Hi!
    Do you know of any websites where I can order a customized shirt to wear in my upcoming marathon?

    • Caitlin October 18, 2010, 7:38 am

      customink is a good one but i’m not sure if they do tech t’s… i need to look into that!

  • Corey - The Runners Cookie October 17, 2010, 9:36 pm

    Wahoo! You’re so ready. Positive attitude = key!

  • Sana October 17, 2010, 9:45 pm

    You are going to have a STRONG marathon!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey October 17, 2010, 9:47 pm

    Great job on the run! I made spaghetti squash for the first time a few weeks ago and the husband looked at me like I had 4 heads.

  • Amy October 17, 2010, 9:49 pm

    Way to go! Sounds like you had a great run. The yogurt looks like the PERFECT post-long run treat. Yum!

  • Emily October 17, 2010, 9:49 pm

    Wooooo!! Congrats on an amazing run; your post-run eats make me want to be a marathon runner 🙂

  • Paige @Running Around Normal October 17, 2010, 10:04 pm

    Great job on your training, Caitlin! You are going to rock that marathon:)

  • Bety October 17, 2010, 10:12 pm

    Great job on your run. I’m training for my first full marathon and I am so excited for runs like this. 🙂

    I tried Spaghetti Squash for the first time last weekend and I loved it. Yours looks so good. I’ll attempt to make it soon.

  • Amy* October 17, 2010, 10:17 pm

    I’m so glad to see that your run went well! I hope the last two weeks are smooth sailing.

    I’m a huge fan of spaghetti squash! I can’t believe you’ve never made it before. Your sauce looks super yum. I might have to try roasting some veggies next time I make spaghetti squash.*

  • Queenie October 17, 2010, 10:30 pm

    I think you are going to run faster than 4:30 for sure. I used to not like tapering for races, but now I really enjoy it. What did you listen to on your run?

    • Caitlin October 18, 2010, 7:53 am

      I’m going to put up a playlist soon, but mostly just pop music!

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write October 17, 2010, 10:31 pm

    They do say it’s important to socialize dogs, ESPECIALLY if they don’t like it. I watch the Dog Whisperer and he says that you can have a problem with passive aggression or plain old aggression if you don’t. Although, I’m not sure how much damage Maggie could do, but still. It’s the principle, right? 😛

  • Ashlee October 17, 2010, 10:33 pm

    Great job on your run! You are such an inspiration to me!
    I just finished baking my first spaghetti squash (http://ashandlewplus2.com/2010/10/17/starbucks-and-spaghetti-squash/). I did mine a little differently and plan on eating it tomorrow for lunch! I hope it turns out as good as yours looks!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday October 17, 2010, 10:33 pm

    My dog LOVES being outside and meeting people and other dogs. SOmetimes a little too much.

  • Alayna @ Thyme Bombe October 17, 2010, 10:35 pm

    Congrats on making it through your last long run!

  • maria @ Chasing the Now October 17, 2010, 10:37 pm

    Way to go Caitlin. Glad you were able to get out the door and run strong this morning! 🙂

  • Charlie October 17, 2010, 10:52 pm

    I love spaghetti squash! It’s not even the taste – I just love to scrape the flesh into spaghetti ;).

  • Sharon October 17, 2010, 10:52 pm

    Great job on the 18 miler… enjoy your taper!! And vanilla bean GU rocks!!

  • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) October 17, 2010, 10:54 pm

    LOL Maggie’s facial expression cracks me up. (Can dogs have facial expressions?)

    Great job on the run!

  • Cynthia October 17, 2010, 10:57 pm

    I’ve never tried spaghetti squash before, but I really want to. Maybe I’m just intimidated by it. Congrats on your 18 mile run. That’s awesome! Before you know it, it will be marathon time!

  • Ali W October 17, 2010, 11:34 pm

    Congrats on the last long training run!!! So happy the squash came out ok! I got a little scared when I first saw your tweet! How long did you have to wait until you could scrape out all the seeds and what not? Also what do you think of running in Charlotte? Is it a really hilly city? I’m thinking about running in the Thunder Road 1/2 in december when I go visit UNC Charlotte’s grad school but after Baltimore’s half marathon I could do with a few less hills:)

    • Caitlin October 18, 2010, 7:55 am

      it took an hour of baking to get the seeds out. it’s not SUPER hilly but rumor has it that thunder road is a hilly course. there’s an elevation map on the website. i’ll be doing the marathon or maybe the half!! we can hang out.

  • Katie October 17, 2010, 11:48 pm

    Hooray for spaghetti squash! I just started making it a few months ago, and I’m completely addicted! My husband’s favorite way for me to prepare it is to saute it in a pan with garlic, broccoli, peas, and sundried tomatoes with a little bit of chicken broth…and then we toss some grilled chicken slices in at the end. Yummm!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing October 18, 2010, 12:08 am

    Poor little Maggie… 🙂 She’s precious though.
    I loove spaghetti squash! It’s nothing like spaghetti, in my opinion, but it’s fabulous in its own right.

  • Heidi - apples under my bed October 18, 2010, 12:10 am

    I’m really wanting to try spaghetti squash! Thanks for the reminder. Well done on your run! Very impressive and inspirational. Can’t wait to exercise once I’m 100% better.
    Heidi xo

  • carlee October 18, 2010, 12:55 am

    That’s so cool you can consume so much due to running it all off!
    all your food looks yummy!
    I know you will do good on your marathon and i hopes your husband gets better!

  • Samantha @ Mama Notes October 18, 2010, 1:04 am

    Good for you for getting out there!!

    That banana looks gross… I can only eat green ones, ha! 🙂

  • Lili October 18, 2010, 1:40 am

    Great job on the run! And congrats on entering your final phase of training.
    Will try spaghetti squash. But first I need to search online what spaghetti squash looks like.

  • Jeni Wood October 18, 2010, 5:52 am

    Congrats on the last long run! So glad you’re feeling better!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) October 18, 2010, 7:36 am

    Congratulations Caitlin! I knew you had it in ya! Dinner looks delicious! I hope your hubs feels better today!

  • Cyndi @ Weightless Life October 18, 2010, 7:42 am

    Awesome job on the run! I always want to try spaghetti squash but I never know what to do with it. Maybe it’s time to get adventurous.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin October 18, 2010, 7:49 am

    Nice job on the run!

    I love spaghetti squash. But if I use it in place of pasta, I definitely need some extra carbs on the side too!

  • Alison (Ali on the Run) October 18, 2010, 7:53 am

    Awesome run! You’re going to kick that marathon’s booty!

  • Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert October 18, 2010, 9:19 am

    You make cooking spaghetti squash look and sound so easy. I think I will have to do this soon – especially with the roasted veges. That looks terrific. Good luck on the training!

  • Brittney October 18, 2010, 10:59 am

    Great job on your 18 miler Caitlin! We’ll have to run together sometime, our pace is similar! See ya soon!

  • Laurie October 18, 2010, 12:06 pm

    Did you like the spaghetti squash? I’ve tried it many times, but the consistency is weird for me, that wet/crunch celery feel when I’m thinking soft, pasta.
    GREAT RUN GIRL! You are so positive!!

    • Caitlin October 18, 2010, 12:21 pm

      it was alright. i wasn’t crazy about it as a main dish!

  • Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion October 19, 2010, 11:51 am

    Great job on the run! You had a pretty even pace, which is great! That is something I struggle with a lot. Love seeing the Maggie picture! Hope the hubs feels better. He looks miserable in the background of the picture of your banana- poor guy.

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