Downhill

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And, just like that, marathon training is pretty much over. 🙂 I ran my last long run this morning (12.0 miles) and now I’m going to stick to distances less than 3.5 miles until next Saturday.

 

I can’t believe I’ll be running my second marathon in a week!  I would be lying if I said I wasn’t REALLY nervous.  The Disney Marathon was so challenging, and I do not take running 26.2 miles lightly.  I feel well-trained (much better than I did before Disney) but… well, you never know.

 

I’ve started obsessively checking Weather.com.  

2010-10-22_1103

I like what I see!  Ideally, I would like the temperature at the race start to be 55 or 60.  This morning, it was 49 and it was WAY to cold for me.  Of course, Disney was 19 degrees and absolutely miserable, so at least it looks like the weather will be better for round two.

 

In honor of the last long run, I wore my Disney shirt:

IMG_4382 

Funnily enough, I ran into a woman wearing a Disney Marathon 2007 shirt on the sidewalk.  I exclaimed, “We are shirt twins!” and we spent about 5 minutes chatting.  She was very motivating and had run 9 marathons!   The year she ran Disney, it was 90 degrees.  I guess that’s not much better than 19, huh?

 

Before leaving, I had my traditional PB sandwich and a banana, and I ate a packet of Gu around Mile 9.  I suffered from terrible digestive issues throughout the whole run, though (I tend to have more stomach trouble during ‘that time of the month’). 

 

Final statistics:

 

  • Distance: 12.0 miles
  • Duration: 2:08 <— lots of walking! No need to push it one week before the race.

 

FYI, this is currently my running “power song,” and I plan to blast it at Mile 23 when I want to curl into a little ball and cry into the pavement like a biatch.

 

Fuel:

IMG_4383

Leftover Lean, Green Casserole Machine, two sunny side-up eggs, toast, and raspberries.  Kind of a weird mix, but it worked.  🙂

IMG_4391

And now…

 

I’m going to pack the doggies in the car, make a Green Monster smoothie, and drive to Tennessee to hang out with my mom for the weekend.  See you there!

IMG_4285

Not my doggie or my car, but stuff like that is why you should always have your camera on you!  :)  I liked how his butt was hanging out the back.

{ 87 comments }

 

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin October 22, 2010, 11:35 am

    Wow that’s awesome you only have 3.5 milers until your second marathon!! I can’t believe all your training is over – – enjoy this taper time!

  • Coco @ Opera Girl Cooks October 22, 2010, 11:35 am

    Jeez, Caitlin, you are a superstar!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday October 22, 2010, 11:36 am

    Haha, I didn’t even notice the dog’s back side.

    That’s too funny.

  • Bethany @ More Fruit Please October 22, 2010, 11:37 am

    How cool to run into another Disney marathoner! Your breakfast looks amazing – I could really go for some runny eggs!

  • Julia October 22, 2010, 11:38 am

    So excited for you! Great job on your run, and I have faith that you won’t have to cry like a little biatch, even though reading it gave me a really good laugh, and that is exactly how I felt at about mile 19 last weekend lol!

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) October 22, 2010, 11:38 am

    I want that dog… and that truck. It’s my inner redneck crying to get out. 🙂

  • mrschelles October 22, 2010, 11:38 am

    That is great, Caitlin! Good luck with your marathon. “Right Here Right Now” is definitely a regular in my training tunes rotation. I can’t help but get faster just listening to it.

  • Kristina @ spabettie October 22, 2010, 11:41 am

    great photo – that truck looks FUN.

    Have a great weekend!!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) October 22, 2010, 11:44 am

    Have fun with your mom. Tennessee should be beautiful this time of year! Have a safe trip!

  • Shannon, Tropical Eats October 22, 2010, 11:44 am

    you rock 🙂 a 90 degree marathon sounds dreadful!!

  • yummieecupcake October 22, 2010, 11:44 am

    my brother is running a marathon on the 7th!!!

    good luck caitlin!!!

    ps – i want your toasted breads and sunny side up (:

  • Anna @ History Running Girl October 22, 2010, 11:45 am

    My dad ran the Disney marathon when is was 90 degrees. It was brutal. We couldn’t make it to 2010 because of snowstorms up north, but since he was training in the cold he probably would have rocked it more than the 90 degrees!

    Good luck on your marathon!! It will be amazing I’m sure.

    • caitlin October 22, 2010, 5:40 pm

      Does he do disney every year? so fun!

      • Anna @ History Running Girl October 22, 2010, 5:48 pm

        He did it three years in a row! He was signed up for a 2010 as well. He did the goofy one year. It was a whole family affair! My dad, uncle, aunt, 14 year old cousin, and I all ran the 5k. My dad, uncle, and aunt would all run the various other longer races. It was a ton of fun. We can’t go this year because of my work schedule, but I will miss out on the family tradition!

  • Julie October 22, 2010, 11:46 am

    I run my last 20 tomorrow and then TAPER! Of course, that means a 12, 8, and 6 up in the mix, but nothing I can’t handle after 22 and 20, right?

    My marathon in 11/14. I can’t waiiiit! I’m going to San Antonio (I’m a So Cal girl who has only been out of state for Vegas Marathon and vacationing in St. Louis/NJ/NY.)!!

  • Amanda (Eating Up) October 22, 2010, 11:47 am

    Haha I love that picture! That dog is huge! And the truck is even bigger.

  • Carrie S. October 22, 2010, 11:52 am

    Oh yeah, I ran Disney in 2007. I did all my training in lovely Chicago fall/winter weather (30s-50s). The 90* temps were NOT fun 😛

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine October 22, 2010, 11:53 am

    Hope you have a great time with your mom!! I had a PB and banana sandwich a few minutes ago and thought of your pre-run breakfasts while making it, haha!

  • Lily @ Lily's Health Pad October 22, 2010, 11:54 am

    I’d run in 19 degree weather over 90 degree weather any day!!

  • Nicole, RD October 22, 2010, 11:56 am

    You sound so ready for the marathon! Your training flew by for me, lol! 🙂 Safe travels! Thanks for the song rec!

  • Kaitlyn (College Girl Runs) October 22, 2010, 12:04 pm

    Congrats on your last long run! You are going to rock it out.

    On my last marathon, I wore the same shirt from my previous half for the 18 and 20 mile long runs. I got superstitious and wore it during the marathon and did great!

    Have a good taper week 🙂

  • Ella October 22, 2010, 12:05 pm

    CONGRATS! Have a great weekend with your mother.

    I love bananas and peanut butter, I always have one before morning run, but for some reason when I have a peanut butter and banana sandwich I gag. Weird huh?

  • Kelly October 22, 2010, 12:05 pm

    Haha I just got a mental picture of you curled up in fetal position in the middle of the race! But I don’t think that will actually happen, you trained really well and you’ll do great!

  • Jessica October 22, 2010, 12:09 pm

    Hello! I love your blog, I always feel inspired to work out or try a new recipe after I browse through your posts! 🙂 I wanted to let you know about my new blog, “Life in the Middle: Staying Healthy in Nebraska.” I would love it if you would be able to check it out! It is brand new and needs some work, so any comments or critiques would be much appreciated!

    http://www.litm.blogspot.com

    Thanks! Keep up the great work!
    Jessica

    • caitlin October 22, 2010, 5:41 pm

      welcome to the blog world!

  • Wei-Wei October 22, 2010, 12:18 pm

    Ahhhhhh I can’t believe your marathon is next week! I’m proud to have followed you through this training! 😀

  • Amy* October 22, 2010, 12:19 pm

    I now what you mean about checking the weather obsessively. I’m doing my first half this Sunday, and it is supposed to rain. I keep checking the radar and looking at the hour-by-hour forecasts. I’m crossing my fingers that the rain will hold off until after I cross the finish line.*

    • caitlin October 22, 2010, 5:41 pm

      I hope it doesn’t rain on you! Let me know how you do.

      • Amy* October 25, 2010, 5:24 pm

        It was a big success! There was no rain and it was a beautiful course! I was able to meet three of my goals: start slow, finish strong, and stay positive. I wanted to finish in 2:15, but ended up finishing in 2:18:30. Not too bad for my first time though. I felt amazing when I crossed that finish line!*

        • Caitlin October 25, 2010, 9:16 pm

          Awesome job Amy!

  • Kimberly_FeLix October 22, 2010, 12:20 pm

    I like your Lean Mean green bean “casserole” I may have to give it a try sometime. Have fun this weekend w/your mommy. I’m going to hang out w/mine today… though South Charlotte is a lot closer than TN.

  • Michelle @ IronDivas October 22, 2010, 12:21 pm

    That song rocks!… I will have to borrow that for my first 10k in 2 weeks 😉 I can totally see that getting my head back in the game if I start to slow down or feel defeated.

  • Leah October 22, 2010, 12:21 pm

    Fatboy Slim (and The Prodigy) is the BEST workout music EVER.

  • Carrie H October 22, 2010, 12:26 pm

    Caitlin, you’re SO ready for this marathon. You’re going do awesome! I have to say, it’s so funny how people vary geographically on temperature sensitivity. It was 40* in Wyoming the other day, and I was ecstatic to run in shorts, and was hot by the end, but I don’t think I’d survive in real heat and humidity as a runner! 🙂 Drive safe.

  • Mary October 22, 2010, 12:26 pm

    You’ll rock your second marathon 🙂 Good luck!

  • Kevin October 22, 2010, 12:31 pm

    what kind of bread do you use to make that toast? it looks so thick and delicious!

    • caitlin October 22, 2010, 5:42 pm

      It’s from a local bakery called La Brea 🙂 It’s organic whole wheat

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey October 22, 2010, 12:45 pm

    Nice job on the last long run! You’ll do great on your marathon!

  • Leanne @ Simplicitlee October 22, 2010, 12:46 pm

    Good luck on your marathon Caitlin!! You’re gonna rock!

  • Michelle (The Runner's Plate) October 22, 2010, 12:50 pm

    I wish I was running in 49 degrees over our 30s right now. I live in Alaska, and 49 is not an uncommon *summer* temp. Too cold for me!

  • Nikka B October 22, 2010, 12:53 pm

    If you ever get the opportunity to see Fatboy Slim live,
    d o n o t even hesitate…he will blow your mind!
    Grrreat power song choice 😉

  • Lisa October 22, 2010, 12:54 pm

    Good luck!! Looking forward to the recap.

  • Amber K October 22, 2010, 12:58 pm

    I am still amazingly inspired by running in general, let alone a marathon! You’ll rock it!

  • Maryea @ Happy Healthy Mama October 22, 2010, 1:12 pm

    Rain or shine, you are going to do great in your marathon! I’m excited to read the recap.

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write October 22, 2010, 1:18 pm

    That dog is so cute. You’ll do great at your marathon. Hubby and I ran in the rain the other day and it actually felt good. Although i can imagine 20+ miles of that wouldn’t be fun.

  • Shannon October 22, 2010, 1:19 pm

    Not sure if you have seen this or not but pretty cool (lululemon mentioned you on their facebook page) http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=445103067731&set=a.58207322731.69107.33693527731

    • caitlin October 22, 2010, 5:43 pm

      thanks for passing this along!

  • Lizzy October 22, 2010, 1:37 pm

    That is the perfect weather that you have coming your way for marathon number 2! yay!

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete October 22, 2010, 1:44 pm

    That dog is hilarious!

    Looks like you’ll have perfect weather — pretty cool the whole time — although I’ll take overcast running conditions anyday…

  • zoe (and the beatles) October 22, 2010, 1:46 pm

    go caitlin, go! you’re amazing! i know you’ll rock this marathon for SURE :)!

  • Lindsey @ Eat, Read, Run October 22, 2010, 1:52 pm

    Did you find that training for your second marathon was easier and less exhausting? I found that for my second. Training didn’t seem as time-consuming and it flew by. Goodluck!! I am thinking about running Disney next year.

    • caitlin October 22, 2010, 5:43 pm

      Yes it definitely felt easier because I knew I could do the distances.

  • Katie (Sweet Tater) October 22, 2010, 1:54 pm

    i danced on stage at a fatboy slim concert in valparaiso when i was studying abroad in chile. truth.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat October 22, 2010, 1:55 pm

    Haha I love that last photo! I can’t wait to read your race recap because I already know you’re going to do amazing! 🙂

  • Jessica@tastyandtrim October 22, 2010, 2:01 pm

    Ahh it’s almost here! I can’t wait to hear about how amazing your marathon goes! Congrats on finishing your last long run before the big day!

  • Kiran October 22, 2010, 2:03 pm

    Good luck on your marathon!
    How I wished I could just pack my bag and visit my family for a weekend. Ooopps.. They are so far away, in Malaysia 🙁 Enjoy your weekend!

    BTW, there is a Naturally Nutty nut butter giveaway at my blog 🙂

  • Tabitha (From Single to Married) October 22, 2010, 2:05 pm

    Gotta love Fat Boy Slim! Can’t wait to hear the deets on the marathon next week – good luck!

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) October 22, 2010, 2:09 pm

    Haha…I want that dog. Way too adorable. :mrgreen:

    You’ve stuck to your training plan and that’s the tough part. The race is like a celebration of all your hard work, and you will ROCK! 😀

  • Liz @ Blog is the New Black October 22, 2010, 2:14 pm

    The marathon is coming quickly!

  • Jennifer (keepitsimplefoods) October 22, 2010, 2:34 pm

    I didn’t know you had a TN connection! I’m from TN, near Knoxville. Love going back for visits.

  • katie October 22, 2010, 2:35 pm

    very cute picture. when i wear my red sox hat here in LA when i run and i see other fans who are wearing their red sox gear we always yell “yankees suck!” it gives me a boost too!

  • Kjirsten- Balanced Healthy Life October 22, 2010, 2:41 pm

    Nice job on the last run! Have a safe drive to TN! : )

  • Jamie @ Food in Real Life October 22, 2010, 2:43 pm

    I have NO DOUBT that you are going to have an amazing (or shall I say epic) marathon experience! Right here, Right now is one of my power songs too. I remember the Steelers came out to it the last time they won the superbowl too. (fun fact!)

  • Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion October 22, 2010, 2:45 pm

    It must feel so good to be done with your last long run!!!

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In October 22, 2010, 2:54 pm

    I like GUs during long runs, but was considering bringing a few dates to try for my 12 miler tomorrow. Have you ever used dates as running fuel? If so, how many??

    • caitlin October 22, 2010, 5:45 pm

      If I were doing 12, I would take 5 dates for 100 calories or so.

  • Sarah-Mae @ Eat, Run, Knit October 22, 2010, 2:57 pm

    Congrats on reaching the end of your training plan! You’ve done so well and your medal will be waiting for you at the finish line ^_^

  • Hope October 22, 2010, 3:30 pm

    Not long to go now!!
    Mmm your refueling pic looks like some yummy bread dipping eggs mmm

  • Ashley M. [at] (never home)maker October 22, 2010, 3:34 pm

    Ahhh! Exciting! Thanks for all your help yesterday! Here’s to a fantastic last week <3

  • Stacey (The Habit of Healthy) October 22, 2010, 3:53 pm

    You’re going to rock the marathon! Enjoy the short runs before the big event.

  • mindy @ just a one girl revolution. October 22, 2010, 3:53 pm

    You are going to do so great on the marathon!! 🙂

  • Deb October 22, 2010, 3:55 pm

    I can’t understand why you’d be nervous about a marathon. What’s the worst that can happen? Even if you don’t finish, so what?! Give yourself a break. BTW love the doggy picture!

    • caitlin October 22, 2010, 5:45 pm

      hahah not finishing would be pretty bad.

  • whitney October 22, 2010, 4:35 pm

    I miss the disney marathon times but not the weather!!!

    I love tapering time. Less running more eating along with the anticipation of the BIG EVENT!

  • Nicole (the other one) October 22, 2010, 5:13 pm

    Love running to Fat Boy Slim – the song Love Island is even better, in my humble opinion. It’s on the same album as Right Here, Right Now.

  • Cindi October 22, 2010, 6:08 pm

    Omg – that doggie looks just like our great dane, Otis! Great Danes always make me smile – I miss my buddy!!!

    Great job on the run – you are gonna kick that marathons ass!

  • Erika @ Food, Fitness, & Fun October 22, 2010, 7:08 pm

    Hope the last long run was a success! That picture is too funny – I originally thought you got it from Google Images or something…but WOW you actually witnessed it. LOL! 🙂

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss October 22, 2010, 7:08 pm

    Hwo awesome!! Dang, after such long runs, measly like 3.5 miles are gonna be a breeze!

  • Heidi - apples under my bed October 22, 2010, 7:14 pm

    Hahaha “curl into a little ball and cry into the pavement like a biatch” – that gave me major lols, thanks girl! Perfect song to avoid that – love fat boy slim. You are a rock star. Do you know ‘Florence and the Machine’? – “You’ve got the love” and “Dog Days” are awesome running songs too. I would love to run a marathon one day.
    Heidi xo

  • Lilo October 22, 2010, 7:16 pm

    Good luck on your Marathon, you gonna rock it out.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin October 22, 2010, 7:17 pm

    Nice job on your last long run! You’ve done an awesome job with your training, so I know you’re going to kick this marathon’s butt! 😀

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit October 22, 2010, 7:59 pm

    I didn’t know your marathon was so soon! Good luck 🙂

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) October 22, 2010, 8:06 pm

    I am so excited for your marathon!! I didn’t realize the time was so near!

  • kirst October 22, 2010, 8:42 pm

    try shakira’s “waka waka”, another awesome power song! used it for my half marathon last weekend and it definitely kept me pumping through the last few miles! good luck!

  • Becca @ start over from scratch October 22, 2010, 10:53 pm

    OMG! I saw that car and dog today too! Only I didn’t have my camera with me!!! Haha thats so funny we saw it the same day!

  • Danielle October 25, 2010, 7:16 pm

    I love that FatBoySlim song!

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