tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32463702024-03-07T20:56:01.313-05:00MimsieSkyCaitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696088787813952854noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246370.post-22571697549368517182013-07-23T11:42:00.002-04:002013-07-23T11:56:21.585-04:00Gopher the Gold 10k Race Recap<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhyphenhyphen3yNiEi8nx4UHjY5o96e5G5EjNXP306tFAgJNna4NgWd5mQrRpFedLZo152qyYPjzfGSjOf8EemGpaa7RJUu7tPLk2PycLM3GVSone3wV45g4gbOsHXWOv0IO-KXD4QQeIY/s1600/64851_10100222847893110_296118894_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhyphenhyphen3yNiEi8nx4UHjY5o96e5G5EjNXP306tFAgJNna4NgWd5mQrRpFedLZo152qyYPjzfGSjOf8EemGpaa7RJUu7tPLk2PycLM3GVSone3wV45g4gbOsHXWOv0IO-KXD4QQeIY/s320/64851_10100222847893110_296118894_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;"> A</span>nother month, another race to add to my list! July was a tough one to plan. Lots going on this month, and for some reason, people just didn't want to schedule a whole lot of races, let alone 10Ks, in July! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I chose this race for it's charity support and community feel...also it was the only Saturday I had free this month! The 9th annual <a href="http://www.gopherthegoldraces.com/" target="_blank">Gopher the Gold</a> was held in River Bends Park in Shelby Township, MI. It had poured rain the day/night before, so I showed up not quite knowing what to expect. The drive was relatively fast and we pulled up to a parking lot full of cars and a lot of people. Registration and packet/shirt pickup was located in a park pavilion and took 2 minutes, cause there was no line for the 10k pickup. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There was a DJ playing the best of the 90's (if you like cheesy 90's music like I do), and lots of people milling about getting ready to run. The race announcer kept saying that he hoped we were wearing our old running shoes today because the trail was muddy. I wasn't, but stayed optimistic. How bad could it be? I knew the first half of the <a href="http://www.gopherthegoldraces.com/2009%20Gopher%2010K%20Map.JPG" target="_blank">race</a> was paved, so that didn't worry me at all. But the 2nd half was mostly a dirt trail though the woods. That was the bad part, apparently. Everyone lined up to start and after the national anthem played over the loud speakers, we were off! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Slow start. I didn't want to have a painful race like the last time. I had been running about 5 miles on average leading up to this so I wasn't too worried. Just decided to take my time on this one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not even a mile into the paved trail, there were puddles. First, small ones that you could pick your way through, then 6 inch deep ones that there was no possible way around. I wasn't thrilled about getting my feet wet, but I soldiered on. After the puddles were hills, then after the hills, there was a not so shady field. The only good thing about the sun, was that it made my feet feel dryer. By the time I got around the field, I realized that the course went back down those hills and through those puddles before I would even hit the dirt. I felt like I was doing alright this time and just had to channel my time working at summer camp to keep my spirits up. Puddle Jumping and Playing in mud. Yes. At about mile 4 my Nike app let me know I was actually making some pretty good time. I entered the wooded trail and hoped for the best. I had started to see some people from the 5k headed back toward me. I was really hoping that I didn't have to turn around and do it all again. The mud wasn't great. It was deep and wet and slippery. I have a habit of slipping and falling on wet things, so to avoid mess and injury I ended up walking on the edges of the mud where I could, holding on to trees and branches. Some people ran right by me, but I really stuck to my guns about taking it slow. I ran between the puddles, and when I finally got back on the concrete I took off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A little while later, I hit the open field again. Passed a few people that got ahead of me through the mud and crossed the finish line. The last mile really wore me out, but I was no where near as exhausted as I was at the end of the last 10k I ran. It was hot and my feet were dirty and soggy, but it was easier. I'm pretty sure if it wasn't for the fact that I had to walk a lot more of it than I wanted, I would have gotten a better time. I officially finished at 1:07:54 which is about 4 minutes slower than the last. I finished 10th in my age group and 115th overall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I really did enjoy the atmosphere of the race. The course wasn't my favorite, but maybe it was because I wasn't prepared for the hills and the sun beating down on me, as I'm used to running in residential areas. At the finish line, they had cold water and cold wet towels...which I grabbed with an enthusiastic "YES PLEASE!" and they had lots of food (Watermelon, bagels, bananas, powerade etc.) and also were giving out jars of Biscoff spread...which I had heard of, but had never tried, so we grabbed a couple of those before we left (for the record...YUM!).<br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This race seemed a lot more like a small community race with a lot of people (more people in the 5k [345] than the 10k [152]). The proceeds from the race went to the special Olympics, which is always a good cause! It was probably the most inexpensive race I've done this year and it was well worth it. I could see myself doing this again next year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Speaking of doing another race....I have officially registered myself for the Crim Festival of Races that will be taking place on August 23rd and 24th in Flint, MI. These races are apparently kind of a big deal, so I'm quite excited to be a part of them. On the 23rd there will be a short 1 mile run on Friday night followed by a 10 mile race on Saturday morning. Although I'm excited, I'm a bit terrified. But I figured this would be good to add to my list so I can get my mileage up before I get to the Half Marathon I'm planning on running in October! </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Have you ever done something that was exciting but scary at the same time?</span></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Will I see you at the Crim races?</span></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What colors should I wear for my half marathon?</span></b><br />
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Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696088787813952854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246370.post-9264346457522434212013-06-19T12:22:00.001-04:002013-07-24T10:37:57.087-04:00Let's hear it for the Dads!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Yes, I made my shirt! :)</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Instead of spending Father's Day with my Dad (who is about 550mi away..), I decided to run my first 10k! On Sunday, June 16th, I ran the Plymouth YMCA's Father's Day Run in Downtown Plymouth, MI. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> My training leading up to this race wasn't stellar...I had been averaging about 3.5 miles every time I had gone out on a run...which was only twice during the week before. We've been having really awesome, cold, rainy weather so far this month and It wasn't making it easy. Plus I've been working A LOT, so I spent more mornings catching up on sleep, than running. So already, off to a great start. The drive was just under an hour and we arrived at the race location without any issues. Everyone, it seemed was in a good mood and the weather was (thankfully) much warmer than all my other races had been! I got my number and stretched a bit and waited while the 5k started and figured out where the 10k start would be. Eventually people started to migrate up the road and we all gathered around a really big red balloon on the side of the street. We had to wait a little longer to start than the planned 8:45 start, I think this was because we were going to be crossing the end of the 5k course. I wasn't a huge fan of the lack of organization at the start. People just stood around and waited in no particular order and the start was a race gun with no warning. But off we went!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> It was nice to see so many people in groups and that knew each other from past races that they've run. Most people that I saw had a running buddy. My favorites were all the kids running with their dads. Kinda made me wish I got into running before my dad stopped. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> The start was fine, no real issues with people bunching up or cutting me off. This crowd was really courteous and the course allowed for people to spread out over the full two lanes of every road.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The first few miles were quite easy and fun for me. Lots of people were out cheering everyone on. There was one house having an early BBQ and put some couches on their lawn for them to cheer from. Another, the front sidewalk was a meeting area for kids with loud banging instruments. Lots of people were out sitting on their porches and enjoying the morning. It was great to see the community out supporting the race!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3wINtQEP8Fr2BAbnDL5sZnMjOXeRh41rx4S5EeONHCh3qebmzhjvDmoNwOFgmdlVSyoHWXT8ZS3KCUGbb5oCHpoX89wo0m99pwjGOYxC8tdGfbnjZObJWrXUnRBCpFuqUidP/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3wINtQEP8Fr2BAbnDL5sZnMjOXeRh41rx4S5EeONHCh3qebmzhjvDmoNwOFgmdlVSyoHWXT8ZS3KCUGbb5oCHpoX89wo0m99pwjGOYxC8tdGfbnjZObJWrXUnRBCpFuqUidP/s400/photo.JPG" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I didn't stop for anything for the first 3 miles...that may have been a mistake. Once I finished the first 5k, I allowed myself to stop for some water, but it was difficult to start running again. At 4 miles I could feel my legs starting to resist, but I kept pushing. Nearing 5 miles, I was dying for a water stop and I had to walk a bit despite my mental protests. I knew I was almost done, but just couldn't keep up the pace. I allowed myself to walk a few times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Going into this race, I knew I would probably walk a good portion of it, but since I ran more than half of it feeling pretty good, I started to hope I could do the whole thing without slowing down. I ended up with a race time of 1:03:52 and an average pace of 10:17, I took this one faster than I had anticipated. I also somehow ended up getting 6th in my age group...which I most certainly wasn't expecting! If I'm reading the results right, I got 284th overall...so not too bad for a big race! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The finish line...just waiting for me...</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Finishing was probably the biggest goal I had for this one. My knee pain has finally started to go away and I'm running at least 5ks regularly. I was worried up until a few weeks ago that I couldn't do this kind of distance on the road. But I have a few times and I finished. I guess that, ultimately, is the goal in every race.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> The next race on my plate is "Gopher the Gold" 10k in Shelby Township, MI on July 20th. I'm slowly going to add more miles on to my daily runs to push myself to run the next one. The added challenge in that one, is that part of it is supposed to be a dirt trail, which I never run on...so that should be an adventure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I plan on running the 10 mile Crim race in Flint, MI on August 24th in the "run-up" to the international half marathon in Detroit in October...Eyes on the Prize!</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: white;">How'd your first 10k go? Are you planning on running anything this distance or farther anytime soon??</b></span></div>
Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696088787813952854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246370.post-11668257891427451982013-05-13T17:36:00.001-04:002013-05-13T17:43:06.759-04:00COLOR ME RAD!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finally! The race that started it all! I had wanted to run this race for about a year now...I figured this year, I would go for it and actually run it. So the running started. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Zumba Party!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The race was held on 5/11/13 at the Detroit Riverwalk. The temperatures had dropped considerably the day before, so again, time to run a race in the cold! We got there nice and early to pickup my Bib and shirt. The actual packet pickup times were held on Thursday and Friday, but I was unable to make it. -This was my only issue I had with the race. I had emailed and messaged on facebook well in advance and only got an answer to my question about pickup 3 days before the race. Asking if I could pickup the day of was a simple question, but I suppose since it's a such a big, national thing, that they were swamped with other emails. Everything worked out fine in the end, I suppose!- The pickup was simple and there was no line (they said there would be...). I got my shirt and sunglasses and went to purchase a bandanna (I couldn't find my white one). Then we wandered around and watched people start to throw color on each other. The MC took the stage and threw stuff in the crowd and held "chugging" competitions and a hula hoop competition with swag and color packets as prizes. It was entertaining to watch. :) There was also a zumba demo that was very instrumental in warming the shivering crowd up! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhiAp_9fJ3AmEmmGHZEcBy542CHQsaRHaiAABiM3VdgfWMWSj8wXRCdV-PuNQfRsnZRAGPSS1SYl7LRlFSMIj0w14uK2fhyalcf90Yb8Uv9YRqaJ3_sC0jum38mRJ7ytekqqJ/s1600/Start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhiAp_9fJ3AmEmmGHZEcBy542CHQsaRHaiAABiM3VdgfWMWSj8wXRCdV-PuNQfRsnZRAGPSS1SYl7LRlFSMIj0w14uK2fhyalcf90Yb8Uv9YRqaJ3_sC0jum38mRJ7ytekqqJ/s320/Start.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When it was time to start (9:00a) everyone headed over to the starting line and they announced that if you had a later start time, that you were more than welcome to go earlier if you wanted. I was signed up for 9:40 so I was quite happy to hear this! I handed over my warm things and got ready for take off.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The MC was on a riser at the start throwing more free stuff and color packets into the crowd and told everyone that if they were going to walk, to stay on the right and if they were going to run, to stay to the left. They sent us off every 3 minutes or so to spread everyone out. The course was really nice. Probably my favorite one so far. Down around some nice buildings (looked like UAW-GM owned) and up by the water front. The weekend fishermen were taking photos and videos of everyone! We looped around and when we got back to the start, had to climb a huge hill to be sprayed with green and slowly make our way back down for a final loop before the finish. I had already been hit with Purple powder, managed to avoid the yellow liquid, and then hit with Pink powder before the green. Then there was an orange powder station right before the finish. I only had a mildly unpleasant experience with the green liquid as it was sprayed right in my face. I was glad for the sunglasses at that point! </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4gfQDa7QLN244w0LGewC6i3TWFe1p8UtAv-kwKb5KsPpljvIAU6MRUR90RzRD3k92opA8VM0aH1mm_7AS4kip6kI7zq-HqorEqtmMKitW0Suv8ezqOx0K03CT3jUGnKajV2Z/s1600/pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4gfQDa7QLN244w0LGewC6i3TWFe1p8UtAv-kwKb5KsPpljvIAU6MRUR90RzRD3k92opA8VM0aH1mm_7AS4kip6kI7zq-HqorEqtmMKitW0Suv8ezqOx0K03CT3jUGnKajV2Z/s320/pink.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Besides the course being really great, the people were generally awesome. as we passed the people coming back from the loop, lots of high fives were being given out, and people were generally friendly to each other. The only issue I had with people was the walkers not staying to the right and at one point, I had to weave around a line of girls holding hands. They took up the whole road. Not cool. The run itself was pretty good. Nice and relaxed and non competitive (it wasn't timed). My only issue, personally, was some pain I had while running. I had done something a few days before to my hip and because I started to favor my other leg, my knee started to hurt. I managed to run through it, but now I'm on a resting period, because I'm falling apart.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I made it across the finish line and my Nike app told me that I took about 29:10...but that it wasn't a true 5k. it was something like 2.64 miles. I don't know if this is accurate or if it had some GPS issues.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">At the end, everyone joined in a big color throw, which was awesome, because you couldn't see a foot in front of your face and everyone was dancing. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVr_lvK9CzA3G8LRrbbkT0Z1pgTgngVTx1RAhP8uGFb5nc8R3PA8Vb2DJ2P6OXr7Q_TR3tM1B25Ewb7tBD85Nm0aF5SYLWbFvnwKivRykYi7AvgzPVSWatQDrmnttXiGFlCPZd/s1600/throw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVr_lvK9CzA3G8LRrbbkT0Z1pgTgngVTx1RAhP8uGFb5nc8R3PA8Vb2DJ2P6OXr7Q_TR3tM1B25Ewb7tBD85Nm0aF5SYLWbFvnwKivRykYi7AvgzPVSWatQDrmnttXiGFlCPZd/s320/throw.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">All in all I really enjoyed this race and would totally do it again. Just in warmer weather with less injuries. There is another taking place in Lansing in September, so I may or may not sign up for that! We'll see!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Check out <a href="http://www.colormerad.com/">www.colormerad.com</a> for more info and to see if there will be a race near you! It's really fun, I promise! (There is also "The Color Run", which I believe is the original one of these races. I can't say which is better because I've only done this one, but i'm sure either way you'll have a good time!)</span>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696088787813952854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246370.post-17002429422248773442013-04-26T15:27:00.004-04:002013-04-26T15:27:28.928-04:00Training Apps!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Seriously, I've been meaning to get to this post for months now! I'm just finishing up the second program, so I figured it'd be a good time to talk about it all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">APPS! </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Very handy little programs you can put on your phone to use anywhere you go for almost any possible thing you can think of! I love technology. The last time I owned an iphone I NEVER used it for exercise or health related issues, and I think I probably looked at the list of available apps in the health category maybe once.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This time around, I'm using this one to it's fullest potential (at least in my world). </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrCSUsVlGELfelT01oyk19uShZgzm4-pwEPUA40fhBFoFEo2Uh5UdtWLVDogSdIPrUptpT9G5QKYXiRGZX0y8ooPde8hU3p6fjRfQqhxH4gZa0mA2yVRnIGyHQzKQNvJXl5Xn/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrCSUsVlGELfelT01oyk19uShZgzm4-pwEPUA40fhBFoFEo2Uh5UdtWLVDogSdIPrUptpT9G5QKYXiRGZX0y8ooPde8hU3p6fjRfQqhxH4gZa0mA2yVRnIGyHQzKQNvJXl5Xn/s320/photo+%25281%2529.PNG" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I started my running routine back up, it was with the intent to run a 5K. Now, I could go to the gym and run willy nilly on the treadmill, but what fun is that? Plus I never actually <i>TRAINED</i> for anything. So after hearing so much about the couch to 5K program, I decided to look for an app to help me out! Upon my search I came up with an app called "5K Runner". Scrolling through, it looked vaugely possible.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdY5q_HNPh3oBf5NWGSYWJQWSr4C4th0IN2jlf2H0P7myAMTHUoGjTrT9hqXD-n-EsOc4esfo9_fxhAXCj3t08NX8GMfl9X8NzInj4cCH8ezmRRmzDHldl403Nnp7GUEG2VzC/s1600/image.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdY5q_HNPh3oBf5NWGSYWJQWSr4C4th0IN2jlf2H0P7myAMTHUoGjTrT9hqXD-n-EsOc4esfo9_fxhAXCj3t08NX8GMfl9X8NzInj4cCH8ezmRRmzDHldl403Nnp7GUEG2VzC/s320/image.png" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Week one started quite easily, even for someone as out of shape as I was. Walk for 5 minutes, Run/Walk for 15, and cool down for 5. Every time the program wants you to run or walk, it makes a little chime noise and a voice tells you what to do. When you make it halfway through, it lets you know! Pretty awesome in my book. You can also run your ipod app while you run this program, so listening to your <a href="http://mimsiesky.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-workout-playlist.html" target="_blank">playlist</a> is easy! This particular app is good because you can try a free version before you purchase it. That was part of my willingness to give it a shot!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5K runner takes you through 8 weeks with 3 workouts a week, and eventually you will be running about 3.1 miles like a pro!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was nervous when all the walking went away, but honestly, it was fairly simple, and this program gets your mileage up quickly so I had run a 5K before I even finished it! It was at this point that I decided 10Ks were in my realm of physical possibility...so I moved up! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjgn8qwb8hQdPIh-GXkYON80-sKXNO5slTJAlpth14tQX31CI-QZ_TD6rqKWyKkUeuTICGzaagiPT0AhSALC2QySlnh1eKmu5VepInE8zsBGjLusR2GXAz4g1dCbhWDx1VDdA/s1600/image+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjgn8qwb8hQdPIh-GXkYON80-sKXNO5slTJAlpth14tQX31CI-QZ_TD6rqKWyKkUeuTICGzaagiPT0AhSALC2QySlnh1eKmu5VepInE8zsBGjLusR2GXAz4g1dCbhWDx1VDdA/s320/image+%25282%2529.png" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYiyd5OV2tPAnMf84RukchBVlb9Pcb72mFeS6AC2kZklDwB6vBK5KhUVTlulpCA5L_U3E5wZUyVPWntn3ariBtN_-F08WMGKY307FIqMQh8qhG7Hv_Xulm7bFyEcZkKPTQGLPX/s1600/image+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYiyd5OV2tPAnMf84RukchBVlb9Pcb72mFeS6AC2kZklDwB6vBK5KhUVTlulpCA5L_U3E5wZUyVPWntn3ariBtN_-F08WMGKY307FIqMQh8qhG7Hv_Xulm7bFyEcZkKPTQGLPX/s320/image+%25281%2529.png" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The day I finished 5K Runner, I moved on to the 10K runner app. This one is a bit different than the previous. You can't get a free trial of it, but it starts at the same level that 5k did. If you had already done the 5K app or could already run 3.1 miles, then you just start from Week 9 and move on from there. It looks a little scary, but it's quite doable! I've had a lot more bad workouts on this one than I did doing the other, but really, it's not the app's fault. If I had trouble doing one workout and really honestly didn't think I could get through the next, I'd just repeat the previous one. Usually the second try, I'd be fine. I'm three workouts away from the end of this program. I've already run 7 miles during week 10 (intense run/walk pattern), So I know that even if I don't finish this before my first 10K, I'd be fine with a little walking...Heck, I might even run that particular workout during my first 10K, so I don't kill myself the first time out! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There is also one that I can use to train for a half marathon (21K Runner)...but I'm unsure if I'm actually going to use that one or not in the coming months. I was thinking about finding another program, just for something different. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I fully recommend these for beginner to intermediate runners, or anyone that wants to work toward a distance goal. These go at a really good pace. The only time I've ever had an issue with the app itself, was recently when I was about 35 minutes into a 40 minute run and I had a calendar alert go off on my phone. When I was about 45 minutes into my workout, I realized that the program had paused until I closed the event alerts. I had totally missed my 3 minute walk and it messed up the rest of the run. So THAT was fun. But everything else has been awesome!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Do you use any workout/health apps that I should know about?</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>If not, would you ever use one?</i></b></span>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696088787813952854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246370.post-55041264200071742922013-04-17T13:02:00.002-04:002013-04-17T13:06:00.677-04:00Martian Invasion!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This past Saturday, I took part in The Martian Invasion of the Races in Dearborn, MI. While I was incredibly temped to try the 10k (FINISHER MEDALS!), I went with the 5k. Since the last race was only 3 miles, I had yet to complete a full 5k. So I'm counting this as my first! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>THE EXPO!</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Researching and reading about races online, I've always been interested in the expos that accompany them (Shopping? Free stuff? Yes please!). So I opted to pick up my bib the night before at the expo, despite the long drive during rush hour! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I got there, I pushed through the growing crowd to pick up my bib and my shirt. I liked that I could find my number online the morning of so that pickup went quickly. I really liked the bibs, but was slightly disappointed that the 5k runners had Orange. Not a good martian color if you ask me, and a little odd with my chosen outfit color of purple...but hey, not much I could do about it! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I got my shirt and thankfully ordered the perfect size! They also gave us little martian races pins. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZ5-UTDmR2dw5TdAQcHtDQzKLB0bPtfla4S5CL6rkDsxo58UZNRPXTdEVYRezZGQK9UnGx7kTF50Uvny3ANKtiVtQwgSl9d6ml9_wgxJhuwEO7CETXSrdc8XjS4N3gKnC7tD4/s1600/Martians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZ5-UTDmR2dw5TdAQcHtDQzKLB0bPtfla4S5CL6rkDsxo58UZNRPXTdEVYRezZGQK9UnGx7kTF50Uvny3ANKtiVtQwgSl9d6ml9_wgxJhuwEO7CETXSrdc8XjS4N3gKnC7tD4/s200/Martians.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82xDmJvOuwzi9gm29X3Pwk62S1_CfYo9pG6paK6C8akgH05Gb5fQq-qNJ6uxJ5ciRgvF93zTuL-7JwjXH1bpDba45gTAJBZX59bkYpnT0f2VfDbN1sRy71WgKijdH60ZqikT_/s1600/Expo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82xDmJvOuwzi9gm29X3Pwk62S1_CfYo9pG6paK6C8akgH05Gb5fQq-qNJ6uxJ5ciRgvF93zTuL-7JwjXH1bpDba45gTAJBZX59bkYpnT0f2VfDbN1sRy71WgKijdH60ZqikT_/s320/Expo.jpg" width="240" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I took some time and wandered around, making a bee line for the <a href="http://www.bondiband.com/Default.asp" target="_blank">Bondi Bands</a> booth. I had looked at their site before, but for some reason didn't place any orders. Among the giant pile of their "fashion" bands, I found my perfect piece of headgear...it's sparkly and <a href="http://www.bondiband.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=HB-2685" target="_blank">silver</a>. The rest of the pile was slightly unimpressive, so I handed over my $8 and went on my merry way to the next booth. I was interested in the fact that Mizuno was there, since I'm a big fan of their shoes now, but that's really all they brought with them. Shoes. I was looking to see if I could get some Mizuno gear...but the choices were extremely limited. It's possible it all went quickly in the first 3 hours, but I don't know. I looked at some shirts and some gloves at the other booths, but spent the most time looking at the race related gear. I almost bought a race glass, a car magnet, and various warm embroidered running fleeces, but felt that since I was only doing the 5k, I'd feel a little like a fraud wearing/using it. Maybe next year? I was slightly disappointed in the amount that was there, but honestly, it was probably decent for the size of this race.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>RACE DAY!</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wake up time was 4:45am. I wanted to be there an hour before the race, just to make sure parking was all sorted out. I was on my own that day, so there was a little added stress. The trip took 45-50 minutes and while I got a little lost (because my WAZE app didn't recognize the exact address I entered and brought me BLOCKS in the wrong direction) I eventually got there and got parked. I was relieved I brought quarters with me because it was all metered parking, which they didn't specifically mention. But I found a space in a lot that was 3 blocks away from Ford Park. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRZFB3tFfOVpeVM6qrdpaP9r3VTVOoh_m_xB_4wS8gVCLMxqQoBBql9WynQoGeSIaqcRxu1LSraZsH4tg1xv4Y3NKQbStKn3CYHufwWb2rRY3csnno4ssXgiWPiKCDSmVaRl6/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRZFB3tFfOVpeVM6qrdpaP9r3VTVOoh_m_xB_4wS8gVCLMxqQoBBql9WynQoGeSIaqcRxu1LSraZsH4tg1xv4Y3NKQbStKn3CYHufwWb2rRY3csnno4ssXgiWPiKCDSmVaRl6/s400/3.jpg" width="156" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3wkaob4kTpGQe1E-Y3vlcbn9ufn4ywKri1i3K0_69JeVV9yDTBYcqOXzaeY5F8BCBpQVguN1WpggdgaFXrKmUWXCNDZ4L_WwFKbCqN8vcW8wN4IZGUAR8P7y1Lnl3YqQ4SQ0/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3wkaob4kTpGQe1E-Y3vlcbn9ufn4ywKri1i3K0_69JeVV9yDTBYcqOXzaeY5F8BCBpQVguN1WpggdgaFXrKmUWXCNDZ4L_WwFKbCqN8vcW8wN4IZGUAR8P7y1Lnl3YqQ4SQ0/s200/2.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The weather was not as good as I had hoped for and I envisioned a repeat of the Lucky Dash from a month before, but it wasn't so bad. About 5-10 degrees warmer and no snow. Everyone was shivering at the start though.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The announcer was keeping people's spirits up and updating everyone on the start. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The race began with an uphill climb away from the park, but we were assured that this was by far the biggest hill on the whole course. The 5k and the 10K started together and broke off about a half mile from the start. I was pretty grateful for this because it was quite crowded and it was difficult to pass people. Plus all the little kids weaving in and out of people made it difficult as well. The course went through a really nice neighborhood. It kept me distracted along with my 5k playlist. The best thing about this race was the guy dressed in a teddy bear costume...like full big mascot head teddy bear. I felt like Ted was running ahead of me. Good motivation! Wished I could take a picture, but my phone was tightly strapped to my arm. This race felt really difficult to me. My muscles were tight and I had a cramp in my stomach that didn't feel like leaving, but I won't allow myself to walk a 5k unless I'm about to collapse. So I kept pushing. Before long, I could see the park again and I pushed a bit harder. There was no clock at the finish, since it was chip timed, so I had no idea how I was doing. I crossed the finish, got my finishers pin, grabbed and bottle of water and a cookie, and attempted to look up my finish time. It was pointless, so I wandered back to my car.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkevW_VI9mlBZqYIeXfjSSntyXrx38BVInaKPQ9VU8jbYHO306Ap8g0hRd4LGJLMAbkt-cmjXmsEMuHT2-3ao1AEzC9_lGWRV_2xtHmI7OzanBpObM1ne60Iac0EUF6B-He5HL/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkevW_VI9mlBZqYIeXfjSSntyXrx38BVInaKPQ9VU8jbYHO306Ap8g0hRd4LGJLMAbkt-cmjXmsEMuHT2-3ao1AEzC9_lGWRV_2xtHmI7OzanBpObM1ne60Iac0EUF6B-He5HL/s200/4.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Later in the day, the times were finally posted...My final time for this race was <b>29:17</b>!!!! I was really hoping that I would do better than the last race. Cut a few minutes off my time from a shorter race! I'm pretty happy with it and if I can keep my 5k times under 30 minutes, I think I'll be good with that! I was also 18th in my age group and 116th for my gender. Overall I finished 291/1,118!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All in all I liked the expo, race, and course. I think it was well organized and fun. I especially enjoyed the martian mile markers around the course. Maybe next year I'll take on the half marathon course and get one of their shiny green Medals! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>A short note about Boston</i>... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Terrible. Yesterday I ran 4.09 miles out of my workout with Boston in mind. I also wore my Lucky Dash shirt in support. I felt a strong sense of determination during this run, to keep going. I will not be deterred from running big races and no one else should let a few terrible horrible people keep them from reaching their goals. From my short time being in this community, I know other runners feel the same. Boston is a tough and amazing city and I know they will bounce back 200% from this. Just keep running.</i></span>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696088787813952854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246370.post-65862474265936439792013-04-06T12:44:00.002-04:002013-04-06T12:44:44.037-04:00Brain Sludge!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZGRJ99upNG6h4jOujPy1DnUA-9VMG5Ig1OgUNUKZFiws_QuZyRX_gJRB1ubHmtdOksfRLZSB2njgNAEeYiEPwWrhpGROUDYa1xo7dVqMJ_614QoyD4Mi4RO7dJOPa0EKSVzh/s1600/f64400156d25f611a86c7078930c52e8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZGRJ99upNG6h4jOujPy1DnUA-9VMG5Ig1OgUNUKZFiws_QuZyRX_gJRB1ubHmtdOksfRLZSB2njgNAEeYiEPwWrhpGROUDYa1xo7dVqMJ_614QoyD4Mi4RO7dJOPa0EKSVzh/s400/f64400156d25f611a86c7078930c52e8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's been a few weeks, ya'll. A few tiring, sluggish, busy weeks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My body just didn't want to work with me, and my mind didn't want to tackle the hard workouts that were coming up in my 10k program.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My previous workout of Walk 5 mins, Run 25 minutes, Walk 3 minutes, Run 15 minutes, and Walk 5 minutes was apparently just too much. I left the gym that day feeling terrible. I don't know what it was, but it made me take 2 days off before I'd even attempt to think about going to the gym.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HeB5enUeiD7_7T9ro6cdP4ZJkkOCSg-0UNb_EofzGhTE1Dz_-RBUl9mdRCMKbOqIS0HqOa1EdoAz7aquWBj6VmRCZZjeU18KzzenywZPdKnbl4J0iB8hMABaOWlXvaBe-nAX/s1600/9e66b1020324188f2859a62e3ac9f1d4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HeB5enUeiD7_7T9ro6cdP4ZJkkOCSg-0UNb_EofzGhTE1Dz_-RBUl9mdRCMKbOqIS0HqOa1EdoAz7aquWBj6VmRCZZjeU18KzzenywZPdKnbl4J0iB8hMABaOWlXvaBe-nAX/s320/9e66b1020324188f2859a62e3ac9f1d4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then came the weekend and I procrastinated by trying to teach my dog to roll over (he didn't like the concept). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I apparently didn't like the concept of trying to hit the gym again to do a full 10k workout, so I compromised. I would go on Saturday AND Sunday, but would do my own workout for a half hour. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I finally got myself out of the house and my workout looked a little something like this:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Walk 3 minutes 0.0% incline</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Run .25 at 5.7 speed 0.0% Incline</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Run .25 at 5.7 speed 0.5% Incline</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Run .10 at 5.7 speed 1.0% Incline</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Run .25 at 5.7 speed 0.5% Incline Run .25 at 5.7 speed 0.0% Incline</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Repeat until time is up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then I added about 5 minutes of walking on to the end. I did about 3 miles on Saturday and 3.3 Miles on Sunday. (Easter dinner was a good motivator to burn more cals!) I found this made the workout go a lot faster by focusing on the little blocks of distance over the bigger block of time. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBS2kQ7ImQ-1mVU4u7gHsPlUMyzVzWGDf586dGnB4Em-3lyq3Ya6FHuqFcjzUs2RhSNE6XWMoAi8W6XrnTYMzUcMjAmU5jcsFLWSztkkdfMcmYY0OWQY96oiBX-tE6DpFF7E1H/s1600/d7161bdc11b03db80a022f70e4d24012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBS2kQ7ImQ-1mVU4u7gHsPlUMyzVzWGDf586dGnB4Em-3lyq3Ya6FHuqFcjzUs2RhSNE6XWMoAi8W6XrnTYMzUcMjAmU5jcsFLWSztkkdfMcmYY0OWQY96oiBX-tE6DpFF7E1H/s320/d7161bdc11b03db80a022f70e4d24012.jpg" width="239" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I went back on Tuesday to attempt the big workout I had been avoiding, it didn't turn out to be so bad! I did about 5.10 miles which was mostly running. So I'm getting there...only about 6 more workouts til the 10k program is DUNZO!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then I have to find some decent balance (strength/cardio) to bring me though 5 months and then I start training for the half marathon in February!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My major problem with running seems to be keeping the momentum </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">going! Every time I stop for any long period of time, I'm just done. I don't start again until I make a big decision to start again (which is usually a year or so after I stop). I just need to wade through all the sludge in my head telling myself that I'm too tired or too worn out to keep going. I know better. I've climbed MOUNTAINS (Plural!) before and didn't die...so I think I can run for an hour on a treadmill.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZAd5vwm0ZZnSqpxRRt2HW5W7sFKCYIiQuG0tIIdi3gGkddI6iJmpdGSSWdbLKTLfgMl2MECL6bji_joPra9jVyGZ7xGVg1pXrgITsYPHRsduFxmsaudRjB59JGZ4NO7XkADU/s1600/283c982f80fb1aa274b2102cf6ed37b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZAd5vwm0ZZnSqpxRRt2HW5W7sFKCYIiQuG0tIIdi3gGkddI6iJmpdGSSWdbLKTLfgMl2MECL6bji_joPra9jVyGZ7xGVg1pXrgITsYPHRsduFxmsaudRjB59JGZ4NO7XkADU/s320/283c982f80fb1aa274b2102cf6ed37b2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Focus has to be on the goal. My short term goal when I started was to lose 25 lbs. My long term goal is to run a half marathon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm now down 15 lbs, and have only 10 more to go...and I'm finishing up a 10k program which means I'm about halfway to a half marathon. I just have to keep myself going and can't let myself get complacent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Just have to weed through all that yucky negative brain sludge and to focus on the end goal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">That seems to be the bigger problem than the actual running...My mind is a bigger obstacle than that 13.1 miles in front of me.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><i><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">How do you get over all that brain sludge?</span></b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">What's your biggest obstacle when trying to reach your goals?</span> </span></b></i></span></span><br />
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Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696088787813952854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246370.post-48558105729589115772013-03-21T16:25:00.004-04:002013-03-21T16:25:51.951-04:00ABC Get to know me!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>I got this from the lovely <a href="http://olivetorun.com/" target="_blank">OlivetoRun</a>! I've really been enjoying her blog, so if you want another blog about running, you should check her out! :)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>A. Age:</b> 29 (eep!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>B. Bed size:</b> We have a full size...but we are probably ready to step it up to a queen since our dog takes up most of it during the night!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>C. Chore you dislike:</b> Cleaning the bathroom or washing dishes</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBSwY0pZsU3Oz5vwsLQL2ctwjr92FF5Zg9Y5DryNpzfJzDeJsYhxWcNMBgjvBxEZ5v4KadUnYGE_owTRku2k17GMk9HsyUTpTKRk3R2CPqjeyJkci0hCGRbR6fo_Srr04w978/s1600/248961_10100931306925475_620981899_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBSwY0pZsU3Oz5vwsLQL2ctwjr92FF5Zg9Y5DryNpzfJzDeJsYhxWcNMBgjvBxEZ5v4KadUnYGE_owTRku2k17GMk9HsyUTpTKRk3R2CPqjeyJkci0hCGRbR6fo_Srr04w978/s200/248961_10100931306925475_620981899_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>D. Dogs:</b> I have one...His name is Winston and he's the best. We think that he is a mix between a Shih-tzu and Italian Greyhound. But he's adopted from a puppy mill, so we aren't sure.</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnQ7fYwFOzXruNGzrCoKeTUPCU_gt2wBmE_He8ofqrCSABH8uT5iuf3i_RxZ0boVFhm_jnbFtCTJV-MoS-EHbPyxShJxe2JSzSOFh8Ad6OoIXG3V57PbcjgvvdIt9h57wVjlZ/s1600/248205_10100940288376575_2058226079_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnQ7fYwFOzXruNGzrCoKeTUPCU_gt2wBmE_He8ofqrCSABH8uT5iuf3i_RxZ0boVFhm_jnbFtCTJV-MoS-EHbPyxShJxe2JSzSOFh8Ad6OoIXG3V57PbcjgvvdIt9h57wVjlZ/s200/248205_10100940288376575_2058226079_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>E. Essential start to your day: </b>Breakfast. It's my absolute favorite meal. I especially love going out to breakfast. Best thing ever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="line-height: 21px;">F. Favorite color:</b><span style="line-height: 21px;"> Blue, Green, Purple, Teal, Grey...That kinda palette. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>G. Gold or silver: </b>Silver all the way! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>H. Height:</b> 5’7”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>I. Instruments you play(ed): </b>Flute, Piano...Voice!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>J. Job title:</b> Currently, Promotions Assistant and Temp.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoALsP9_ubbnSBX8kY1iFaMmi8WnMDw9AbMKGGihUgxYJAnbYEtsvf1hr9RXMxI7BwiDL99apG88fUiu6qjdJ2l_743X1vhWBBcC156VYcC9nf_qbHODjXkNMHQqZ997WesEt/s1600/michigan-mitten-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoALsP9_ubbnSBX8kY1iFaMmi8WnMDw9AbMKGGihUgxYJAnbYEtsvf1hr9RXMxI7BwiDL99apG88fUiu6qjdJ2l_743X1vhWBBcC156VYcC9nf_qbHODjXkNMHQqZ997WesEt/s200/michigan-mitten-27.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">K. Kids:</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> They can be cool...but they can also stand outside your front window yelling about stupid stuff and telling lame stories about what happened at lunch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>L. Live: </b>Originally from Upstate NY, now residing in Southeast Michigan!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>M. Mom’s name:</b> Regina.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>N. Nicknames:</b> Cait...Mimsie...Hey you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>O. Overnight hospital stays: </b>Mayyyyybe when I was little for an operation. But I don't really remember.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>P. Pet peeves: </b>Cockiness, Slowing to a stop before you turn when you really don't need to, rushing for no reason standing in the way of other people, ignorance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Q. Quote from a movie: </b>"My Friends, you bow for no one."- Lord of the Rings (I know, I'm a nerd.)</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">S. Siblings:</b></div>
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Older Brother, Liam.</div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">T. Time you wake up:</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> For work: 6:40am On days off Winston will wake me at 8:30 on the dot to go out. He is a living alarm clock!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxU5HTyZtVHCbw9YILF3huDhevO-hB1mKETL_4q3hwVldWiv4_rRadayihbeyxiYTdh9XmB7xafE_XEJgYDtgMlyB3ke1jkRGanB8lbgtNMVGP4slC35Y3zkUzQcqv7sPR32J/s1600/camp-kearny-cal-anti-onion-gas-mask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxU5HTyZtVHCbw9YILF3huDhevO-hB1mKETL_4q3hwVldWiv4_rRadayihbeyxiYTdh9XmB7xafE_XEJgYDtgMlyB3ke1jkRGanB8lbgtNMVGP4slC35Y3zkUzQcqv7sPR32J/s200/camp-kearny-cal-anti-onion-gas-mask.jpg" width="147" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>U. Underwear:</b> Yes, I wear it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>V. Vegetables you don’t like:</b> Ummm..Cooked Pepers and raw onions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>W. What makes you run late: </b>Distractions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>X. X-rays you’ve had:</b> My ankle, my teeth...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Y. Yummy food you make:</b> I've gotten pretty good at Salmon with lemon and basil, Cheesy chicken burgers, Pasta!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLvSuRQHf2cJL2aIofuOpVLjApWeMOD3JKDCdw0uiFjdIgJp3O6K54QxCfOLfZ7-ISZqSbqgwpKgOv3VNPzQKBPj1jauDMdrOsOJO_lmEiJdmF9lLr76mi9iq8mOi-Gv6EEVe/s1600/hiphopopotamus_hiphopapotamus_rhymenocerous_poster-r4f193ae425304e4bb69e17958291cc2f_aim65_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLvSuRQHf2cJL2aIofuOpVLjApWeMOD3JKDCdw0uiFjdIgJp3O6K54QxCfOLfZ7-ISZqSbqgwpKgOv3VNPzQKBPj1jauDMdrOsOJO_lmEiJdmF9lLr76mi9iq8mOi-Gv6EEVe/s200/hiphopopotamus_hiphopapotamus_rhymenocerous_poster-r4f193ae425304e4bb69e17958291cc2f_aim65_400.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Z. Zoo animal favorites:</b> I Love Hippos, and watching anything that swims. Also Giraffes and Monkeys.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>NOW YOU! </i></b></span></div>
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Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696088787813952854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246370.post-4893237149260932542013-03-18T11:37:00.003-04:002013-03-18T11:37:58.279-04:00First Race: The Lucky Dash!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QWqLQwQdC-uPUVCkcp6zECiuSh4VfCsjjr5qcu18VrttSJl_hbjzQcwFhzHIbftuMuEqHhn_wYB7B05I7JmDHwTFvE6uniV_zoQ2QG1bs8bdgRZ7zOj25jqxG1H02jtjGKC8/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QWqLQwQdC-uPUVCkcp6zECiuSh4VfCsjjr5qcu18VrttSJl_hbjzQcwFhzHIbftuMuEqHhn_wYB7B05I7JmDHwTFvE6uniV_zoQ2QG1bs8bdgRZ7zOj25jqxG1H02jtjGKC8/s1600/logo.png" height="106" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_kcy1Vfo5mJvj6jlHAa_DeZdb7F_WWYfqLJyPnu_LeaSdY6JN_vRz_miDs1tyeuv7LOdxek5OLckkwWzArXgg5V0jvuJhRwOaIbh1S2BVcJvLGtb8EUPUgfPHSkWeS4_QHjP/s1600/20130316_103112_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_kcy1Vfo5mJvj6jlHAa_DeZdb7F_WWYfqLJyPnu_LeaSdY6JN_vRz_miDs1tyeuv7LOdxek5OLckkwWzArXgg5V0jvuJhRwOaIbh1S2BVcJvLGtb8EUPUgfPHSkWeS4_QHjP/s1600/20130316_103112_resized.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before the race...trying to stay positive!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Soooo...I ran my first "5k" (3.01 mi) this past Saturday! It was the Lucky Dash in Royal Oak, MI! I was feeling pretty good about it the day before and not until I was getting to bed did I get a bit nervous. A slightly restless night of sleep later, I woke up ready to go... until I looked out the window and saw about 4 inches of snow on the ground.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now, I'm not a fan of snow. I run inside during the winter so I don't have to worry about suddenly slipping and injuring myself on some black ice... This was making me nervous. I just kept telling myself that they'll make sure it's plowed and salted because there was a parade happening right after the race.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We got there after some confused driving and parking too far away, I got my bib and t-shirt (light green and super soft! Horray!) and we moved the car closer and camped out in there to stay warm.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRLIK49XKSlOWBud_EbEAQOPtlwpi_R7uK-KBnDNLFuXQ_zzZs9LeuawJXQtApHdrjgrXKcRh6G7JlT74FV9ODk3CfBUuG9HAdrLJ97t1AS52-xEexEpyxuRIySCmGUGvjZZ_/s1600/20130316_104115_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRLIK49XKSlOWBud_EbEAQOPtlwpi_R7uK-KBnDNLFuXQ_zzZs9LeuawJXQtApHdrjgrXKcRh6G7JlT74FV9ODk3CfBUuG9HAdrLJ97t1AS52-xEexEpyxuRIySCmGUGvjZZ_/s1600/20130316_104115_resized.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Everyone dancing to keep warm!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The race started at 10:45, so we stayed in the car until 10:30. People started to gather at the start and everyone was dancing around to the music to stay warm. It was a fun atmosphere and you could tell everyone was antsy to get moving. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've read over and over again to never try new things on race days...and yet for some reason I didn't listen. I had downloaded the Nike+ app to try to track distance. I'm not sure why, exactly, because this was a measured distance... but I still figured I'd try.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The gun went off and I started it. It immediately started to play my playlist (not on shuffle) and every so often it would turn my music down, tell me how far I've gone and tell me how awesome I am... That's great, Nike+ App...but REALLY?! *sigh* I guess I learned my lesson on that one! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtY0svSDpaKi9iHp_OYhSjV5bASXlMK7FCMJ4Z_WKTZu8MnTPsfaFNiaj8N2LfbOBVi0NYpP00aJ4x1a63Wce4GpKUoXd6-8khwt-fMIfzWLt8gjio6jBnhQ7cnhrkflYOQpF/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtY0svSDpaKi9iHp_OYhSjV5bASXlMK7FCMJ4Z_WKTZu8MnTPsfaFNiaj8N2LfbOBVi0NYpP00aJ4x1a63Wce4GpKUoXd6-8khwt-fMIfzWLt8gjio6jBnhQ7cnhrkflYOQpF/s1600/photo.JPG" height="277" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Waiting for the train....</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At about .75 mi into the race we had to stop for a train...Which for some reason was fully stopped halfway across the road.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">People seemed a bit annoyed...as was I. I had been hoping to run the whole thing straight...no stopping, no walking...but I had to stop and wait for a train to pass by. I took it as an opportunity to turn the stupid app off and turn my playlist on shuffle for the rest of the course. The train moved soon after and everyone cheered and waved as it passed. As soon as the barriers went up the crowd started moving to yells of "GAME ON!!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The pack continued on and we started seeing the front runners on their way back. I was starting to feel a little tired, but I wasn't about to stop running now. We passed a local school, where everyone in the parade was lining up and they cheered us on. There was one water stop at the turn around and everyone seemed to slow down to a crawl, but I wanted to keep moving. Plus, really? It's only a 5k. Passed the school again, this time there was a group playing Celtic music on a flatbed truck. That made me smile. :) </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYIp9B_zusn4PzB2v6DFn1GeB9v9u4EjSBNj5IVPKDrpvMXaVK4yQJ9MDb18IFHaXazoy4bTMDBx80PVoECgzyBb9ZErFN3-yUj2lqprkLDki9RzT-OwCaj2z-T4G3lDmJoIh/s1600/20130316_105106_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYIp9B_zusn4PzB2v6DFn1GeB9v9u4EjSBNj5IVPKDrpvMXaVK4yQJ9MDb18IFHaXazoy4bTMDBx80PVoECgzyBb9ZErFN3-yUj2lqprkLDki9RzT-OwCaj2z-T4G3lDmJoIh/s1600/20130316_105106_resized.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />The way back was actually kind of nice...You could see the big red inflatable finish line down the road so it gave me something to focus on. I felt like I could push a little more than I had been, so I picked up my pace and passed a few people that I had been running with since the train stop. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEo6bzeFrFgl1NyEf9ZiwXOpPVlmfZyygGHND1q9eJdwqIvsHsG8kdth_AMSP078gA-gIyqUJcFqj8rLpAGI2NKDI-qiBMsSuF2ooDGMRYuh-xCh41UL29Tg4LeHl-Gx0zg3T/s1600/20130316_111943_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEo6bzeFrFgl1NyEf9ZiwXOpPVlmfZyygGHND1q9eJdwqIvsHsG8kdth_AMSP078gA-gIyqUJcFqj8rLpAGI2NKDI-qiBMsSuF2ooDGMRYuh-xCh41UL29Tg4LeHl-Gx0zg3T/s1600/20130316_111943_resized.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Coming in to the finish!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The finish came along faster than I thought and I couldn't help but smile the last .25 mi!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I finished at 31:35 with a pace of 10:32...which is right about what I run on the treadmill! I ended up finishing at 170/318 overall and 28th out of my age group! So including the train stop, I probably did about 28 minutes in reality...so that's not too bad for my first race!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Crossing the finish line!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmVVFu8rdWNobUpykbETI9W8SSfdeVdRCy8Wn0cZhHiNMWwxxzUAL7NEm2mc8ZUt4wpO6vhymOR7yb8DxZFAQxDksNaiRAU9XCsRRndygLeLcNG-UFW9Z7iF56IOYlfyaZeGv/s1600/20130316_112130_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmVVFu8rdWNobUpykbETI9W8SSfdeVdRCy8Wn0cZhHiNMWwxxzUAL7NEm2mc8ZUt4wpO6vhymOR7yb8DxZFAQxDksNaiRAU9XCsRRndygLeLcNG-UFW9Z7iF56IOYlfyaZeGv/s1600/20130316_112130_resized.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy to be done! ON TO THE NEXT!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I decided I wanted my first race to be a St. Patrick's Day race because years ago (I was probably 11 or 12) my dad talked me into doing a St. Paddy's Day kid's "fun" run, which I think was about a mile. I suffered through that thing so badly and it was ingrained in my mind for years and years that because of my experience at that race, that I would never be a runner and I couldn't run anything more than a mile without walking or stopping. Silly, I know...but that's what I got out of it. So I'm pretty happy with the result of this one, and I'm excited to see how I do at the next 5k in April! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For my first race and it being the first annual Lucky Dash, I have to say I liked this race. It was a simple course and everyone was in good spirits, despite the cold weather and the unexpected stop. Maybe I'll do it next year too! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>**Special thanks to Boyfriend (and friend of BF) for going with me and taking pictures!**</i> </span></div>
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<i style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>If you race, what was your first? Why did you choose that particular race?</b></i></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>What is your favorite 5k to run?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>If you don't run, do you think you might try a 5k sometime?</b></i></span></div>
<br />Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696088787813952854noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246370.post-4375278326065501112013-03-11T11:07:00.002-04:002013-03-11T11:17:30.058-04:00New Shoe Adventure!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3suLzTiIaRs0F1VsX5yAjydYdZD0vHgHs1D3yGKm0vfozl6Pj8vMONADpWDcC_1zST5BficbLSub9Fe4PqAVOhGVVMspU4mwlD93G74pbOS_Pyev-YPle5SEbUGMORyflc1CZ/s1600/526937_560686917284608_1359476636_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3suLzTiIaRs0F1VsX5yAjydYdZD0vHgHs1D3yGKm0vfozl6Pj8vMONADpWDcC_1zST5BficbLSub9Fe4PqAVOhGVVMspU4mwlD93G74pbOS_Pyev-YPle5SEbUGMORyflc1CZ/s320/526937_560686917284608_1359476636_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>*Photo Courtesy of The Running Lab Facebook Page</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On Friday night, the boyfriend and I embarked on an adventure to find new running shoes! The ones I have been using (New Balance 720's) have lasted me through 6 years of on and off running. I think it was time to find something new. Through my searching for running specialty stores in the Metro Detroit area, I found <a href="http://www.runninglabstore.com/" target="_blank">The Running Lab</a>. It was a little bit of a hike away from the town we live in, but I found their fitting process intriguing, so I decided that this is where I needed to go.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It took about 45 mins to get there, and once we found some parking, we tucked inside and started browse. I was surprised at how many people were in there at the time. I almost expected it to be dead on a Friday night. However, after being there for a little while, I realized it was the local runner's hub. They were familiar with their customers and knew their general situations. It was nice to find myself in a small local store like this.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzb25yr3dA_xVrlRC7B6-9kazvQw6lMGoWZj9x4Tir3FAPjV0X02orQmmGtsK7rtL_bTqcm7fn590-XleJlGSSZFhyF2GqZMgDl0rqWqXkKpv5Rgq0cWQatXU6eaTDZlotTQd/s1600/2012-Top-50-Running-Store_contact_right.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzb25yr3dA_xVrlRC7B6-9kazvQw6lMGoWZj9x4Tir3FAPjV0X02orQmmGtsK7rtL_bTqcm7fn590-XleJlGSSZFhyF2GqZMgDl0rqWqXkKpv5Rgq0cWQatXU6eaTDZlotTQd/s320/2012-Top-50-Running-Store_contact_right.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <i>*Photo Courtesy of runninglabstore.com</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was assisted in my shoe finding mission by Swenja. She asked me about any injuries or issues and then asked me to walk around the store barefoot so she could get an idea of what my foot was like. She told me I would need a neutral shoe and then measured my foot and ran into the back to see what she could find for me. She brought out 3 pairs and explained to me that the one pair she REALLY wanted me to try on (Mizuno Precision 13), they didn't have in my size. So the next best thing was the <a href="http://www.mizunousa.com/running/products/mizuno-womens-wave-rider-16" target="_blank">Mizuno Wave Rider 16</a>. Then I tried another shoe that seemed very minimal to me (I think they were <a href="http://www.saucony.com/store/SiteController/saucony/productdetails?stockNumber=10157-1&showDefaultOption=true&skuId=***4********10157-1*M050&productId=4-109360&searched=true&CID=LP-Kinvara3" target="_blank">Saucony </a></span><span style="background-color: white; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.saucony.com/store/SiteController/saucony/productdetails?stockNumber=10157-1&showDefaultOption=true&skuId=***4********10157-1*M050&productId=4-109360&searched=true&CID=LP-Kinvara3" target="_blank">KINVARA 3</a></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">) and a pair of </span><a href="http://www.brooksrunning.com/Brooks-Ghost-5-Womens-Running-Shoe/120113,default,pd.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">Brooks Ghost 5</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">s. I liked the lightweight feeling of the Saucony, but they weren't cushioned enough, and I liked the cushioning in the brooks, but they felt kinda clunky like my New Balance had always felt. So it was back to the Wave Riders. She had me put those on and brought me back to the treadmill to try them out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The treadmill was really cool, they have 2 cameras set up to film you while you run. That way, you are able to see where your foot lands and your form. I always felt like I landed in the right spot, but turns out I land a little too far back! Interesting. She had me try on another pair of Mizunos that were similar to the Precision to see if I wanted to special order, but I was really impatient and wanted to leave with a pair that night! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWe2FoQrzCSti_T17dcbtgdObG1C58PyvvLcJxDVRm2C4kXfh8U4NBHDjVq8W0N_2eqOexfWHZkatHbS-F2pJO6au9y7UDX3Rkktm0Qco7gDgnKYArJrOMaYbURj9BzCSPB-Cw/s1600/mizuno-womens-wave-rider-16-f-pri-410513-4S7U.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWe2FoQrzCSti_T17dcbtgdObG1C58PyvvLcJxDVRm2C4kXfh8U4NBHDjVq8W0N_2eqOexfWHZkatHbS-F2pJO6au9y7UDX3Rkktm0Qco7gDgnKYArJrOMaYbURj9BzCSPB-Cw/s200/mizuno-womens-wave-rider-16-f-pri-410513-4S7U.png" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguj9Lndbp91w83gd7GYOaSV373QRith7LAIv1eN3vFs5QwbBcNzjir2i47e1UkshR-sU1w1bvaKGLLLojwX1vFJb4HVz8lebE6YvtpU6eS5M9eg_3b4KJShwZIiHjBa2SJKwYB/s1600/mizuno-womens-wave-rider-16-b-alt-410513-4S7U.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguj9Lndbp91w83gd7GYOaSV373QRith7LAIv1eN3vFs5QwbBcNzjir2i47e1UkshR-sU1w1bvaKGLLLojwX1vFJb4HVz8lebE6YvtpU6eS5M9eg_3b4KJShwZIiHjBa2SJKwYB/s200/mizuno-womens-wave-rider-16-b-alt-410513-4S7U.png" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I ended up deciding on the Wave Riders 16 in <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Rouge Red / Apple Green / Dark Shadow</span> and had a chat with Swenja about my form and cadence. All really good information to know if you are planning on doing a lot of running!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She explained to me that I have a month to try them out and get them dirty and really give them a good go, and if I don't like them, I could still bring them back and get something else! I LOVE that policy! I can't tell you how many shoes I've bought and worn only 2 or 3 times because they just aren't comfortable, and I can't return them because they are worn! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I brought them home and yesterday, I did my first trial run. There was a lot of unexpected adjusting. Loosening of laces and a last minute trip to the dollar store for some sports tape because they were rubbing my ankle bone a weird way that they hadn't when I tried them on. But that's all part of breaking a new shoe in! I ended up running (with a little bit of walking) for 80 minutes and doing 7 Miles (the most yet!). They held out nicely and didn't hurt too bad. I'm sure once I wear them a bit, they'll get more comfy.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6ssZUmMr00BGWX7BQUM7hf_Ei4Gc6OV4_tfNSH8RczMiepB8aM31orTO682mO16y56rMxvuSEMxW6Oz1-BmRdP6LxHM-ESgsTmTOS-3Y7pHBTu22FmJDaBjNPjX0IkqWMRkn/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6ssZUmMr00BGWX7BQUM7hf_Ei4Gc6OV4_tfNSH8RczMiepB8aM31orTO682mO16y56rMxvuSEMxW6Oz1-BmRdP6LxHM-ESgsTmTOS-3Y7pHBTu22FmJDaBjNPjX0IkqWMRkn/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6ssZUmMr00BGWX7BQUM7hf_Ei4Gc6OV4_tfNSH8RczMiepB8aM31orTO682mO16y56rMxvuSEMxW6Oz1-BmRdP6LxHM-ESgsTmTOS-3Y7pHBTu22FmJDaBjNPjX0IkqWMRkn/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was a little unsure about the color of them, normally I'd prefer the <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Aruba Blue / Electric / Anthracite combo...but after Swenja likened them to a Watermelon...I was on board! </span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm really excited to run with these on my feet and I feel confident knowing that they were fitted properly by someone that knows what they are doing and that they stand by that fit!</span></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you are ever in the Brighton, MI area and are in need of some new running shoes...Seriously...Go. They know their stuff and carry good quality products. I'm sure I'll take a few more trips out there as the year progresses. It's worth the drive!</span></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What Kind of running shoes do you have? </i></span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>How was your buying experience? </i></span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Are you planning on repurchasing the same pair when it's time?</i></span></span><br />
<br />Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696088787813952854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246370.post-67870833436471743502013-03-07T15:01:00.000-05:002013-03-07T15:01:57.172-05:00The Workout Playlist<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuMTpkDgdT7nJhc0-VCQv4VVxbSV1gnzhlCoJeiQJNEF8OmsagVQpJsRjfBVIg4BN6meSYr5tLMNdeCOQmhCl0nq2DmpHyEoj2YDjZ9dJzuTOHdDzkTKnzRvIjOgEAxw-hujt/s1600/workout_music.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuMTpkDgdT7nJhc0-VCQv4VVxbSV1gnzhlCoJeiQJNEF8OmsagVQpJsRjfBVIg4BN6meSYr5tLMNdeCOQmhCl0nq2DmpHyEoj2YDjZ9dJzuTOHdDzkTKnzRvIjOgEAxw-hujt/s400/workout_music.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em style="background-color: white; color: #030303; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Image courtesy: © Thinkstock photos/ Getty Images</span></em></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I NEED music in order to run. I'm sure it's possible for me to run without it, but I'm not gonna like it, and it won't be easy. My playlist has evolved over the past 8 years. Some songs have stuck ("Get Me Bodied") and some are brand new ("Survival"). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I've found that there are some songs with a negative/angry vibe that I just feel miserable running to. Those get cut or skipped over quickly. I need a solid fast beat and the longer the song is, the better. My favorite on this list is "WORKOUT!" by ALL CAPS. It's long, has a good beat, it's interesting to listen to, and it's powerful. It's the best when I'm really struggling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> So here is my really long Workout playlist!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"My Girls"- Christina Aguilera (Feat. Peaches)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Don't Want You Back"- Backstreet Boys</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Total Hate 95"- No Doubt</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Do your Thing"- Basement Jaxx</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Get Me Bodied"- Beyonce</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Gold Trans Am"- Ke$ha</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Shut Up"- Black Eyed Peas</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Technologic"- Daft Punk</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"WORKOUT!"- ALL CAPS</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Do Something"- Britney Spears</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Woohoo"- Christina Aguilera (Feat. Nicki Minaj)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Oh Yeah"- The Cliks</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger"- Daft Punk</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Gimme More"- Britney Spears</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Cascade"- Deluka</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Straight Through My Heart"- Backstreet Boys</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Fixin to Thirll"- Dragonette</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Fergalicious"- Fergie</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Jump Around"- House of Pain</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"If"- Janet Jackson</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Blow"- Ke$ha</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Up all Night"- One Direction</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Bulletproof"- La Roux</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Boyz"- M.I.A.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Hella Good"- No Doubt</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"CrushCrushCrush"- Paramore</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Thinking of you"- Ke$ha</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Come with Me"- Puff Daddy</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Some Girls"- Rachel Stevens</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"S&M Remix"- Rihanna (Feat. Britney Spears)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Excuse Me Mr."- No Doubt</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"What You See is What You Get"- Save Ferris</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Buttons"- Pussycat Dolls (Feat. Snoop Dogg)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Bobblehead"- Christina Aguilera</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Internet Connection"- M.I.A.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Jai Ho!"- A.R. Rahman (Feat. Nicole Scherzinger)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Want You Back"- Cher Lloyd</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"C'mon"- Ke$ha</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Closer"- Tegan and Sara</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Born For This"- Paramore</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Dirty Love"- Ke$ha (Feat. Iggy Pop)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Hello"- Karmin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Crazy Bitch"- Buckcherry</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Red Hot Kinda Love"- Christina Aguilera</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Your Body"- Christina Aguilera</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Bad Girls"- M.I.A.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I Wanna Go"- Britney Spears</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Call On Me"- Eric Prydz</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Live While We're Young"- One Direction</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Survival"- Muse</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Scream and Shout"- Will.I.Am. (Feat. Britney Spears)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"End of Time"- Beyonce</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"When Love Takes Over"- David Guetta (Feat. Kelly Rowland)</span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do you HAVE to listen to music when you workout? If not, what do you do to keep yourself going? </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What are your "Go To" songs? </span></b></span></i><br />
Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696088787813952854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246370.post-27698359299863795292013-03-06T10:36:00.001-05:002013-03-06T10:36:00.719-05:00Sorry!I was just alerted by an RSS follower that somehow really really old posts showed up on the feed.<br />
I tried to do some housekeeping yesterday by getting rid of old entries and somehow they posted to RSS instead! Feel free to 'mark as read' and move on! It won't happen again...I hope!Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696088787813952854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246370.post-39470310714340625722013-03-04T15:48:00.003-05:002013-03-08T15:22:10.232-05:00Gear and GadgetsAs I get more and more into the running world, I've been finding lots of fun gadgets, gizmos, and gear that are intended to help you along the way. It's a surprisingly expansive department!<br />
When I started running, I wore really old Adidas x-training sneakers, a cotton t-shirt, a pair of cotton leggings, and a pair of short shorts. I was fine with it, but this embarrassed my long-time running father, when I went on runs in their neighborhood. He got me a few things to encourage my new activity. I guess one of my favorite things about running, is that it's an excuse to get new clothes, and that keeps me excited.<br />
Here are some things that I currently use:<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>THE SHOES!</b> (omg shoes.)</span></u><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidICLNEvrT1f8M14z6BP8xmb9Txx2q5ksrFYzZpPZQL6_RCnJANbWl6pp24L1e6S-aqG5Lz0tqKUlggYY5TXHoxTxdEOz9XiDhBBj7beC25h6waLIOZPF7ghBztvQq5CtTf1Bc/s1600/720.JPG" /></div>
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Probably the most important thing to a runner is the shoes. I have a pair of <a href="http://www.newbalance.com/" target="_blank">New Balance</a> 720's. I've been using these for about 6 years (on and off) only for running, and they've served me well. I know almost nothing about running shoes (trying to learn more) and these were a pair that I found with my Dad's assistance. They are comfy and supportive...although sometimes they do feel a little clunky while I'm running, and let's face it, the color is SOOO BORING! Though New Balance doesn't make 720 running shoes anymore (they are now a pair of water shoes...), I would recommend their comparable version to these for anyone unsure of what to get.</div>
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I believe the time has come to get myself a new pair and I will be taking a trip to <a href="http://www.runninglabstore.com/" target="_blank">The Running Lab</a> in the coming week or so to find myself the perfect new shoe. Story to follow! :)</div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">The Clothes</span></u></b></div>
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Like I said, I'm not fancy. My clothes are gonna get sweaty anyway, why spend a ton of money? Usually I run in a pair of <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Danskin-Now-Women-s-Mesh-Pants/20668567" target="_blank">Danskin Mesh pants</a> from Walmart, and an old work or event t-shirt. I have a pair of <a href="http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/womens-ua-clutch-5-short/pid1217493-001" target="_blank">Underarmour Shorts</a> that have always worked well for me, as well as a really comfy Nike running Jacket (Similar to <a href="http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-100701/pid-508212/pgid-728000" target="_blank">this</a>). I also have a pair of Activa runner's spandex tights that are good for cold weather. Lately I've gotten a few moisture wicking shirts, which are comfortable enough, but I find that they aren't as roomy to move in unless you buy a size larger. As far as socks go, I just wear white ankle socks...nothing too exciting there. Other than that, I'll wear a random hoodie for a little extra warmth to the gym, but that's the gist of the running clothes that I own. I'm looking to expand upon that collection once I have a bit more income to play with. </div>
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<i>Now the exciting stuff!</i></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">SPIBand</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHX2eKARCyqLrTp6W-4baDpQlVoyPrg6cB4LifphzQLz2YNO8QSJbGeFDJSt4zfQI0SrrvmRk8QhJ54RwKYhKKf0I34wOvkHO1Kpw1y6XK-2c4LyyotB47WrkSJP0lpt1zE_-/s1600/Spiband.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHX2eKARCyqLrTp6W-4baDpQlVoyPrg6cB4LifphzQLz2YNO8QSJbGeFDJSt4zfQI0SrrvmRk8QhJ54RwKYhKKf0I34wOvkHO1Kpw1y6XK-2c4LyyotB47WrkSJP0lpt1zE_-/s320/Spiband.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I was living in NYC, I HAD to bring a key with me when I ran (auto locking building doors, wee!). I had no pockets on what I was wearing, and I wasn't gonna risk tying it onto my shoe somehow. So I found this handy little thing online one day. It's called a <a href="http://www.spibelt.com/products/spibands" target="_blank">SpiBand</a>. They fit around either your wrist or ankle and use a folding system to keep things in place. It can actually hold a lot of stuff (keys, credit cards, ID, gels, etc.) and it's not uncomfortable. Mine is hot pink and lime green and I really don't mind if I have to wear it while on an outdoor run.</div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Tune Belt</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7nUkUSuXXOGm7iddOt5jVTTpN257Xuuaxa-vU3o7mvVBBJpfcZhB3ESrPfLXpkerYi3Y2MHz5zdPnRaO6meuLBCAzPDG_Qg-Gze_7dHzJy-CY3oSD61HwpPlmYpiqtOAo2vd/s1600/tunebelt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7nUkUSuXXOGm7iddOt5jVTTpN257Xuuaxa-vU3o7mvVBBJpfcZhB3ESrPfLXpkerYi3Y2MHz5zdPnRaO6meuLBCAzPDG_Qg-Gze_7dHzJy-CY3oSD61HwpPlmYpiqtOAo2vd/s200/tunebelt.jpg" width="177" /></a></div>
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I'm a fairly new iPhone 5 owner, and finding a decent armband seemed like quite the task after reading reviews on amazon. (Some of them let sweat in and it completely destroys your phone?! NO THANKS!!) I searched and searched runner's message boards and the <a href="http://www.tunebelt.com/" target="_blank">Tune Belt</a> was suggested and the price was right! (It's not just for iPhone 5...for almost every possible phone or gadget you could think of!) The phone fits perfectly inside the pocket (with or without my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Incipio-Dual-PRO-iPhone-Packaging/dp/B0098FKHBU/ref=sr_1_2?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1362425234&sr=1-2&keywords=incipio+iphone+5" target="_blank">Incipio Dual PRO</a> case), and there are outlets in the bottom to plug in your headphones and your charger. There is also a really handy little velcro tab on the side that holds your coiled-up headphone wire! You can access the screen while it's in the band and it's relatively easy to see when you are wearing it. It's also quite low-profile, so you don't feel like you have a brick attached to your arm. The material is great and doesn't let any sweat through (PHEW!). It stays in place very well without having to be adjusted too tightly, which is incredibly important if you want your arm to have circulation while exercising! </div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Headphones</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_5q1jqZM3u-5LaFx4FKJkOu59vPNpzamDjlLOI2fwRh5YXOz8y255vQLnVmUAYbHSPW5J-7D_Kjf-i6aOC46r2ATNWyaoyTaxDsI31vEkdvfKwyFI5XZ71Y0zKGRcM4Ksg4c/s1600/mdr-q33lps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_5q1jqZM3u-5LaFx4FKJkOu59vPNpzamDjlLOI2fwRh5YXOz8y255vQLnVmUAYbHSPW5J-7D_Kjf-i6aOC46r2ATNWyaoyTaxDsI31vEkdvfKwyFI5XZ71Y0zKGRcM4Ksg4c/s200/mdr-q33lps.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I couldn't run if I didn't have music. I'm actually terrified to run the races that don't allow runners to wear headphones. I guess I'll be crossing that bridge when I get to it! But for now, I use my trusty Sony MDR-Q33LP headphones. I bought these babies when I was 17 (oof!...11 years ago...) and they still work like a charm (though the foam pads have fallen off and the silver paint is worn)! I really like the clip-on kind of headphones for working out because they really stay on. Earbuds always pop out of my ears and I spend more time fixing them and praying they don't fall out than I do focusing on my workout. The cord is really long (6ft I think), so it's good if you set your player in the cup holder of the machine you are using. This is another reason why the Tune Belt's cord holder was a plus for me. Unfortunately it doesn't look like I can get this exact pair if I wanted to without spending A LOT of money. Luckily, there are some comparable styles available now and the sport earbud has improved a lot in the past few years...but I love these so much, I don't know if I would ever be brave enough to try something else.</div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Gym Bag</span></u></b> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEms3G4-gcsESHpLiBQQ3oQrWHRf0kjqKd2PjDRkSQnCAxlsPTruwg0kKc67z4zBluCgj9kxxKjXCxQuQneCcrfcls2NfvXYH7Mk_LPLN73XcH7ePKemCrAb4hzFcpv88aR-G2/s1600/hot+yoga+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEms3G4-gcsESHpLiBQQ3oQrWHRf0kjqKd2PjDRkSQnCAxlsPTruwg0kKc67z4zBluCgj9kxxKjXCxQuQneCcrfcls2NfvXYH7Mk_LPLN73XcH7ePKemCrAb4hzFcpv88aR-G2/s320/hot+yoga+bag.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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I love this gym bag. It was one of those random "Hey! It's on sale!" kinda purchases I made on a shopping trip in Manhattan one day...This is the <a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/home.jsp" target="_blank">Lulule<span id="goog_989250076"></span><span id="goog_989250077"></span>mon Athletica</a> "Hot Yoga" bag. It fits what I need exactly. the inside is lined with lots of pretty colors and it came with a drawstring shoe bag. There is a zipper mesh pocket inside and a larger flat snap pocket that could fit a small laptop, a tablet, or some magazines. There are also pockets in the rounded part on the outside that are super handy. I love the material it's made out of (kinda leathery) and the color is awesome! The only thing that I'm not 100% pumped about on this bag is that it's very rigid. When you use the shoulder strap, it's really awkward to carry, and putting it into a locker is sometimes a bit of a squeeze. But I usually just use the handles on my shoulder or arm, and it works out fine. It's too cute not to use!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zz6nqwHrTayJd4u5mPr1tq7C-GZf9EB3ltgcd8vM1WwOAFvxBIt6x6JdHvIQrE1utcdtQ6aTb7Cq0ayDaLhyphenhyphen4kIDZom_5FVp3f0SCJ0u8MON07tjT4Ay35_e3s24_PYUBMpL/s1600/310794_10100347914109355_488325009_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zz6nqwHrTayJd4u5mPr1tq7C-GZf9EB3ltgcd8vM1WwOAFvxBIt6x6JdHvIQrE1utcdtQ6aTb7Cq0ayDaLhyphenhyphen4kIDZom_5FVp3f0SCJ0u8MON07tjT4Ay35_e3s24_PYUBMpL/s200/310794_10100347914109355_488325009_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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(Plus, it's the perfect size to carry my dog around in! NYC dog owners...I'm looking at you!)</div>
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Those are my essentials and I look forward to adding on and replacing the old. I'll update as I go!</div>
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<i>What is your favorite exercise gadget or piece of clothing? Is there anything you recommend I put on my wishlist?</i></div>
Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696088787813952854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246370.post-11917037954735478362013-03-01T16:53:00.003-05:002013-03-01T16:53:35.977-05:00Me + Running: a history<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhRs-SE4U92OEraAaNlHZQkjTpYvEHbVNEaQaifBJVEkohRiYRhwNlDoRkEW9beeSzytUaMoC0zhDybPveNvXh1rl9W8FvzCTaZtqrlMMqZvW31jH_W2aBnhw9Uy5MLvKINqN/s1600/Newport-RI-Running-Races-Running-Groups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhRs-SE4U92OEraAaNlHZQkjTpYvEHbVNEaQaifBJVEkohRiYRhwNlDoRkEW9beeSzytUaMoC0zhDybPveNvXh1rl9W8FvzCTaZtqrlMMqZvW31jH_W2aBnhw9Uy5MLvKINqN/s400/Newport-RI-Running-Races-Running-Groups.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm the kind of person that obsesses over things. I usually go through phases and sometimes it sticks and it turns into a big part of my life. Lately, I've gotten back into running. and it's becoming a large part of my life at the moment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now let me tell you, if you asked me 10 years ago, what would be the activity that I would be thinking about almost non-stop as I near my 30's...it would most defiantly NOT be running. I wouldn't run unless I was academically required to (yearly mile run in gym class, anyone?) or someone was chasing me with a knife (this didn't happen.). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But here I am! I started running when I was in my last semester in college. I had been involved in a depressing and unfortunate relationship for 1 1/2 years and gained the relationship and college weight all in one go. One day I stepped on the scale and realized I was almost at the 200 lbs mark. I needed to do something. Well, the end of that relationship somehow made me feel like running. So the next day, I got up and ran. I think it might have been a very hilly mile that I ran every single morning. Add that to not eating, and VOILA! I lost about 30 lbs. in a month. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I stopped running when the NY winter came rolling in and eventually moved back home after graduation. I managed to maintain my weight for a while by eating better, but that was all I did. I remember the exact date I was going to start again. Inauguration day 2009 (1/20/2009). I figured it was a good day to start. This time I managed to keep up with it on the treadmill in the basement for the cold days, and when it got warmer I tackled the long slow hills in the neighborhood. I managed to keep that up on and off for a while. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then came the big move. I traded in my empty country roads for the streets of Brooklyn. My first apartment was in a not so nice neighborhood, but I tried. Through my headphones I could hear old men (who were playing cards on the sidewalk) yelling various English and Spanish phrases at me... Not the most comfortable situation to run in. Then I changed neighborhoods and eventually tried to run in this one. This time the problem wasn't the people, it was the cars! and the hills! I was dead by the time I hit a half mile, and almost literally from all the traffic! So I gave up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then came the big move. We moved to Michigan. The suburbs of Detroit to be specific. Close to all the amenities I was used to. Target? Large Grocery stores? Malls? Inexpensive gyms?! YES PLEASE! So after settling in a bit, I joined my local Planet Fitness (Dear Planet Fitness, I kinda love you.), and hopped back on that treadmill. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This time with a few goals in mind:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Lose the 20-25 lbs gained from all the amazing NYC food. (I miss it so...)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Actually an event goal to work towards. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> First it was a 5k race. I wanted to do the Color run or Color me rad...and actually RUN the thing. I bought "5K runner" for my iphone and slowly worked my way up from a very tired mile, so a not so bad 3.5 mile run. I just started the "10k Runner" program earlier this week and hope to be kicking butt on that! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have races planned for most of the months of the year and maybe see a half marathon in my sight within the year. We'll see how it all goes! I'll be sure to update as work toward my goals and plan on reviewing some races along the way. First race is 3 miles on March 16th. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I suppose this is my version of 30 before 30...but it's just one big goal.</span><br />
<br />Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696088787813952854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246370.post-69387506280587977152012-11-15T11:39:00.000-05:002012-11-15T11:39:08.204-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6qUgCSYV-hcgahkC363pTTwt_XExOpPzRW7D7oczcfXkRlMRpIDys3T8wlqYsp4OlCuJNBDsOQ20tcXlNTUQH9hsEgYDBMMDdG6x0yp2GqTo9C-QYvMCOtRE5Fma1PIf6pzO/s1600/16568783_85beb141ee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6qUgCSYV-hcgahkC363pTTwt_XExOpPzRW7D7oczcfXkRlMRpIDys3T8wlqYsp4OlCuJNBDsOQ20tcXlNTUQH9hsEgYDBMMDdG6x0yp2GqTo9C-QYvMCOtRE5Fma1PIf6pzO/s400/16568783_85beb141ee.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Things I Love Thursday</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time to start this again. Winter has a way of wearing me down faster than any other season. Dark hours? Year winding down? Another year older? I don't know. No matter. Time for a little gratitude!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My job. Yes it's a temp job, but I'm learning so much about working in an office and realizing what the world's most terrible job taught me (read: a LOT). It's making me see my value in the workplace again. It's a confidence builder. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also I'm grateful for the much needed weekly paycheck!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My little family and what time I get to spend with them. The best nights are falling asleep with my favorite person and my favorite puppy. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My friends. I don't see them anywhere near as much as I would like...or at all. But I know they are there, and just the fact that they exist make me happy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finding inspiration in random places. It starts with a friend being afraid, and then lots of other friends sharing their fears and their hopes and ideas. I felt supported and that's something I've needed to get things in motion. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Movies that make me laugh and cry. I highly recommend "Wreck it Ralph". One of the best movies that I've seen in a while.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On that note...The thought that "The Hobbit" will be out in less than a month now! I will actually be seeing it a month from today! Super pumped for another visit to Middle Earth (my happy place).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Setting Goals. I joined Planet Fitness the other day (at $10 a month, how could you not??!). I'm excited to get in a little treadmill time. I miss exercising. I dreamt that I ran a marathon the other night...and I wasn't even tired when I finished. It felt amazing. Maybe a sign to start running again? I'll take it as such! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, I'm looking into expanding my interests into hobbies and getting old hobbies back into my life. Makes life more exciting! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So that's it... What things did you love about life this week??</span></div>
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Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696088787813952854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246370.post-35393850343389734612012-09-09T21:10:00.002-04:002012-09-09T21:10:24.943-04:00I've Moved!!<div style="text-align: left;">
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<img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/MimsieSky/Blogger%20Stuff/imagejpeg_3.jpg?t=1347227499/" /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i> Winston and I enjoying the new porch(!) and Adirondack chairs</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> If any of you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you know that I've moved. If not...Uh...SURPRISE! I'm now located about 30miles from Detroit, Michigan! It was a tough decision, but I'm glad it was one that my boyfriend, Brett, and I made.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Real talk, guys... New York City is tough. Not that either of us were doing too badly there, and not that it can't be done. It can! Lots of people do it every day. But for us, it wasn't a good environment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> We missed the little things about the suburbs and the country that NYC didn't have. Also, the people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> New York City is a huge "melting pot". So many cultures, so many different types of people and everyone has a million things going on. And all their things are WAY more important than anything you have happening right then. Don't get me wrong, New Yorkers are awesome (I am one, afterall!) and in most cases really friendly people. It's just how it is. Also, as I'm sure most of you know, it's really expensive to live there. While that works for some people, It's just not how we wanted to live anymore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So...Here we are! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm so excited to have a new place to call home and decorate! It's one of my favorite things, and probably the best part of moving! So here's a quick little tour for you of our new place and some of my favorite things about it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Living/Dining Area</span></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>View from the front door </i></span></span><br />
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<img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/MimsieSky/Blogger%20Stuff/P1020843.jpg?t=1347225595" /><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lego Gandalf and Frodo, Expecto Patronum <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/ThemDryBones" target="_blank">Cross Stitch </a>from Etsy, and our waving gold cat!</span></i></span><br />
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<img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/MimsieSky/Blogger%20Stuff/P1020772.jpg?t=1347225595" /><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Entertainment Center complete with 5 different video game consoles!</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Art Nouveau "Firefly Les Femmes" by <a href="http://meganlara.com/" target="_blank">Megan Lara </a></span></span></i></div>
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<img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/MimsieSky/Blogger%20Stuff/P1020846.jpg?t=1347225596" /></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Brett's <a href="http://marvel.com/news/story/15821/marvel_goes_pop_with_new_funko_bobble-heads" target="_blank">POP</a> Spiderman and Captain America bobbleheads fighting crime! </span></span></i></div>
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<img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/MimsieSky/Blogger%20Stuff/P1020847.jpg" /> </div>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My <a href="http://www.fao.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=11534102" target="_blank">Whatnot</a> Muppet and Walter ("The Muppets") hanging out with my Adipose! </span></span></i><br />
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<img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/MimsieSky/Blogger%20Stuff/ChairHolmes.jpg" /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Left: Mint Green Salvation Army chair (that we picked up for $50!) with a Paris </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">pillow I made <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Right: Sherlock Holmes Clock that Brett got on our trip to London last year!</span></i></span></span></i></span></div>
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<img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/MimsieSky/Blogger%20Stuff/P1020874.jpg" /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">View back at the door...Did I mention that we got that whole dining set for $75 at a flea market? <br />
Cause we did! I friggin' LOVE flea markets! </span></span></i><br />
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Now...Let's move on to the:<br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Kitchen</span></span></u></b><br />
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<img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/MimsieSky/Blogger%20Stuff/P1020773.jpg" /><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After having a nook for a kitchen in Brooklyn, all this space is AWESOME! </span></span></i></div>
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<img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/MimsieSky/Blogger%20Stuff/Shelf.jpg" /><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Had to make a curtain to cover this sketchy looking shelf filled with junk food! :) </span></span></i></div>
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<img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/MimsieSky/Blogger%20Stuff/P1020789.jpg" /><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Got this rattan table donated to us by Brett's Family. I LOVE having a place to sit in the kitchen! </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">AND It is a REALLY handy place for our cookbooks!</span></span></i></div>
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<img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/MimsieSky/Blogger%20Stuff/Pictures.jpg" /><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Times Square at Night" <a href="http://www.ooloopress.com/index6.html" target="_blank">Matt Brown</a> Woodblock Print - Empire State Building by <a href="http://www.resetuniverse.com/websiteFINAL12A/tour.html" target="_blank">Bobby Hill</a></span></span></i></div>
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<img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/MimsieSky/Blogger%20Stuff/PuppyShots.jpg" /><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Winston's Dining area- Bowls from <a href="http://www.meijer.com/s/pet-food-supplies-dog-supplies-dog-bowls-feeders-waterers/_/N-2fi" target="_blank">Meijer</a>, Bone from Big Lots - Brett's Shot Glass collection </span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now down the hall to the...</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bathroom</span></span></u></b></div>
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<img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/MimsieSky/Blogger%20Stuff/Bathroom.jpg" /> </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Separate shower and sink! Also, I'm in love with our shower curtain! <br />
Also, can we please talk about how we have storage here?!</span></span></i></div>
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<img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/MimsieSky/Blogger%20Stuff/BRArt.jpg" /></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Top left: Gift (maybe from Etsy?) Bottom Left: I took that! - Right: From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/rarrarpress" target="_blank">Rar Rar Press</a> on Etsy</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Out into the</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hallway</span></span></u></b></div>
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<img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/MimsieSky/Blogger%20Stuff/P1020877.jpg" /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Vintage comic books framed and More Prints (PeeWee Herman and Stay Puft!) from <a href="http://www.resetuniverse.com/websiteFINAL12A/tour.html" target="_blank">Bobby Hill</a></span></span></i><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bedroom</span></span></b></u><br />
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<img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/MimsieSky/Blogger%20Stuff/BedVanity.jpg" /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Left: Button Heart that Brett and I made (Tutorial on here soon) - Right: My vanity area!</span></span></i><br />
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<img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/MimsieSky/Blogger%20Stuff/P1020860.jpg" /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's a PUZZLE! On the WALL!</span></span></i><br />
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<img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/MimsieSky/Blogger%20Stuff/P1020783.jpg" /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Can we please just talk about this WALK IN CLOSET for a minute?!?!</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And last but not least...</span><br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Guest Room/Den/Office/Music Room/Nerd Room</span></span></b></u><br />
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<img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/MimsieSky/Blogger%20Stuff/P1020780.jpg" /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Our Desks- Mine on the left, Brett's on the Right with a signed "Heroes" Poster</span></span></i><br />
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<img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/MimsieSky/Blogger%20Stuff/P1020842.jpg" /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My little keyboard- Brett's full sized keyboard- Brett's Guitar- Various passes for jobs<br />Green chair that we acquired from the garbage pile in front of our Brooklyn Apartment! </span></span></i><br />
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<img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/MimsieSky/Blogger%20Stuff/P1020879.jpg" /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">These are Brett's...and this is one of the many reasons we are together. ;)</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And with that, the tour is over!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's definetly the little things you place here and there around the whole place that make it your home! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What little things do you love about your space? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I plan on posting a lot here in the future, so subscribing to the RSS feed might be a good idea...Especially if you like crafty things!</span></div>
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Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696088787813952854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246370.post-49764214396466088382012-08-24T12:50:00.000-04:002012-08-24T12:50:16.864-04:00COMING SOON! <div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I've had this little corner of the internet for 11 years now...Time to do something with it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Keep an eye out for pictures, craft tutorials, and videos. All coming soon! </span></span></div>
Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696088787813952854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246370.post-19491291159332288762012-06-01T09:26:00.000-04:002012-06-01T09:28:22.698-04:00TiLT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/319819_891311043640_244977797_n.jpg" width="200" /> <a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/600838_894414983320_1389754791_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/600838_894414983320_1389754791_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Things i Love Thursday<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Err...Friday)</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">-My little family<br />-Living really close to the ocean </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">-Smiling</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">-Laying in the grass</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">-Late night taco bell </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">-Ben and Jerry's</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">-Super Cute Puppies</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">-Seeing old friends</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">-Five Below ($5 store)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">-Mini Golf</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">-Eating dinner on the roof </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">-Having all the feelings about MIB3</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">-Coney island rides</span></div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/598382_894164679930_27904191_37938124_1452017589_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/598382_894164679930_27904191_37938124_1452017589_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/485821_891851934690_27904191_37920755_744883103_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/485821_891851934690_27904191_37920755_744883103_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696088787813952854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3246370.post-16959119970980646892012-05-24T12:35:00.004-04:002012-05-24T12:35:40.340-04:00TiLT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Things I Love Thursday </span></b></div>
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This TILT is WAYYY Overdue. Somewhere along the lines though all the job stress and living issues, I've lost sight of the important things in my life. Time to get those back. Starting with a little Gratitude.</div>
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-My little family</div>
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-Music that makes you feel better</div>
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-The hours I get at work</div>
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-Roller coasters</div>
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-Puppy air guitar</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">-My resolve </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">-Feeling confident in myself</span><br />
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<a href="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/ca1f16249c6b11e192e91231381b3d7a_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/ca1f16249c6b11e192e91231381b3d7a_7.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/2679c57a921e11e1be6a12313820455d_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/2679c57a921e11e1be6a12313820455d_7.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">- This Quote</span>:<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">...how I want this, or I want that, or how life will be
better when this happens… Of course, what happens when you focus on
something? No matter whether it’s good or bad, it just gets bigger &
bigger. It can put us into a tailspin or it can elevate us to new
heights. It all depends on the thought we choose to focus on." (Gala Darling)</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></i>How True.<i><br /></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- Making people smile</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- Moe's Southwest (Art Vandalay Jr. FTW!)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">-Good Friends</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">-Cute dogs</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">-Sunshine</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">-Pretty Dresses</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">-Dr. Who</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">-Terrible Daytime TV <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Keeping me sane while I play Receptionist this week) </span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">- Playing Tag with my puppy </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">- Home</span></span><br />
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</div>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696088787813952854noreply@blogger.com0