Half Marathon recap

It's been over a week two weeks since I ran the Shiner Beer Run and I am definitely still on a high.  I keep thinking about it and it just doesn't seem real - guys, I RAN A HALF MARATHON.  That was 13.1 miles!!

In case you forgot the huge smile that resided on my face for days and days.

When I got up that morning at 4:30, I hopped in the shower first.  I just can't ever seem to get going to 100% without a shower, and I know that may sound weird to shower before a half marathon, but I knew I needed to be at 100% considering the farthest I had ran in training was just 7 miles.  So I showered, checked the weather what felt like a hundred times, and decided on my race gear.  No fancy pic of my clothing laid out since I mostly just stood around in my robe until I had it figured out.  I ended up wearing my favorite capris, a nike sports bra, my splits59 tank, a pullover from Target and my trusty Adidas trail running shoes. No, this was not a trail race. Yes, I did all my training runs in them so I stuck to what I knew.  I also happened to dig around in my closet at the last minute so I found my headband/earwarmer, some mitten-glove hybrids, and my rain slicker from biking.  I threw on some tall socks and my UGGs, grabbed my gear and hit the road.

The trip took about 2 hours so I was glad that I had a full water bottle plus a spark ready to go.  I ate some toast with PB2 and a hardboiled egg in the car.  When I got to the race site, I ate half of a Stinger Vanilla Waffle and my phone said the weather was just 39 degrees. Yikes!  I picked up my race packet and returned to my car to seat in the heat while I got ready - put on my bib, listened to pump up music, and check social media.  When we had about 15 minutes until race time, I got out and made my way to the Port-a-Potties for what I hoped was one last time.  All those drinks were going through me!

I thought I might see Kristen or Meg before the race, but I didn't and honestly I think that was good.  I was so nervous but was in a really good headspace - this race was for me.  I didn't have B come with me or drag my friends out to cheer me on. I think I wanted this first (and possible only) half marathon to be about me running just for me - just to prove to myself that I could.  It wasn't about finishing because people were waiting for me or any other factors.

The race itself was tough but not as tough as I imagined feared. I didn't take any pictures during it, mostly due to the rain and not wanting to expose my poor fingers to the cold. I don't have those fancy gloves that work with touch screens.  I honestly thought that I might have to crawl or be carried across the finish line, so my goal was just to finish without stopping or having to walk.  I did have to stop about 3.5 miles in for the bathroom - there was just no way around that one.  With each step on the pavement, my bladder felt more and more like it would burst.  Around the 3 mile mark I told myself I'd stop at the next port-a-potty so I did. And even though I waited for about 7-8 minutes in the freezing cold and it made my watch time very different than my chip time I am so glad that I decided to stop.  And I'll say this - the race was very well populated with port-a-potties and fuel stations.  At nearly every mile there was a water station, some of which were handing out GU, and most of those also had a port-a-potty.  The problem? Only one port-a-potty per break. And there were a few thousand runners.  I saw quite a few guys just dodge behind a bush but I did not have that option. Thankfully, I only had to stop once.

The course was really hilly which I haven't trained for.  Houston is pretty flat so I just accepted it.  There was about a 3 mile stretch (post potty break) that was straight into a headwind, up and down hills, and in the rain. Those miles were pretty miserable but I just keep trucking along.  It was before the halfway mark but after the restroom stop, so I was pretty good about passing up people, and I think that mentally made up for the rough conditions.  We hit 6.5 miles (halfway) right at the bottom of a hill so it was quite literally uphill from there.  Then we encountered "Manure Mile" which wasn't really manure but was a mile or so of dirt road with lots of big rocks to avoid.  Then it evened out for a bit while we ran between two graveyards (a little creepy with the weather) before entering what I call "the park from hell".  We ran through a park, which meant back and forth on these little winding footpaths. I should have taken a picture.  Going in, you could see all these runners just crisscrossing across an area that was maybe 100 yards across.  I felt like I wasn't making any progress and would never get out of there.  The worst part? You could see a pretty big hill that you had to go up once you finally finished.  Without a doubt, this was the hardest (and slowest) part of the race.  Once we were out of there, it was just a few miles left through neighborhoods and back to the brewery.

Pretty legit running shot. And that's my pacer friend behind me!

Throughout the race, I had paced myself with another runner.  She'd speed up past me and I'd stay behind her, then I'd speed up ahead of her for awhile.  As we were coming up to the final 0.1 miles, with the finish line in sight, she was ahead of me but started to walk. I grabbed her arm, a total stranger, and told her we'd finish it together.  

Totally dorking out while crossing the finish line

This should win some kind of finish line contest.

We powered through the finish line, where I apparently felt the need to jump up and punch the air in excitement, and then I promptly moved to the sides where I started my Kim Kardashian ugly cry. Full on, baby.  The adrenaline and emotions were overwhelming.  I could not believe I had earned that metal around my neck.  This was really the only point where I wished I had some people waiting for me, because everyone else did, but it was such a small thing that I quickly got past.  I hobbled over to a line (because my momentary pause to ugly cry made all my muscles freeze up) and waited for the free food with other people. Once I had my bratwurst, I made my way to the beer line where I came upon Kristin and Meg!  That was even better than I imagined!

Lindsey, me, Kristen and Meg enjoying the best beers of our lives!

Attempting to not freeze to death while enjoying the libations

Look who found me after the race! I wish I could remember her name but I will never forget her!

Bloggers do breweries... think I've stumbled upon a great idea! Who's in??

We drank some beers, warmed up near the grills, almost got kicked out of the brewery tour, and overall celebrated some new friends and accomplishing some kick ass goals.  Then I started the long drive home and promptly took my first ice bath.  I can't say how much it helped because I don't have any half marathons without it to compare to, but I can say that I was able to move the next day and that my friends is a win.  But I think B too a little too much joy in pouring that ice over me!

#icebathface

 
Thanks for all your love and support during my training and on race day! From my bloggy friends, to my IRL friends, my family and B - I never would have attepted this, stuck with it, or completed it without you.  I can't wait til the next one!

xoxo,

Cait, the half-marathoner :)

PS - I almost forgot all the stats! I stopped my watch during the bathroom break so my time was 2:45:49 and my average pace was 12:49/mile.  I think chip time put me somewhere near 2:53:30 or something. My fastest mile was mile 2 at 10:34 and my slowest mile was mile 1 at 14:38 aka "the park from hell".

I did it! And some other exciting news!

First, I have to say THANK YOU for the love and the kind words of support this weekend when I ran my first half marathon! I plan on writing a full recap later this week but I cannot say enough about how much it meant to me to see your messages, your texts, your "likes" and the support on the blog, Facebook and IG.  I never would have had the balls to attempt this if it weren't for the blogging community that helped me believe I could do this.

I have never been happier or colder!

This week is going to be a busy one for me, just like it will be for many of you.  It started with the half marathon, continued on Sunday with a family dinner to celebrate my birthday, and now I'm about to get ready for the first of two consecutive night shifts before we head to Austin on Thursday for Thanksgiving.

To say I'm worried about slacking off now that my BIG GOAL is over and done with combined with the holidays and holiday drinking that is right around the corner would be an underestimate.  I just work better and feel more balanced when I have something I am working towards.  I haven't pinned down the next race or event yet so instead I'm focusing on my diet.  I love enjoying the holidays, which means feasting and drinking to my heart's content with my friends and family. But just on the holiday.  Not for the four weeks between holidays, Cait!

To combat the holiday weight gain, Sami and I are hosting another round of the AdvoCare 10 Day Cleanse.  We'll be starting it on Monday, December 2nd so you still have plenty of time to order! (Order by Wednesday with 2 day shipping and it should arrive Saturday.  I've found that 2 day shipping, for whatever reason, is usually only $1 more than regular with AdvoCare!)  I'll be posting a shopping list and some meal plans over the weekend so you can plan accordingly. On instagram, tag all things cleanse related with #holidaycleanup so we can all see what each other is doing to be successful!

If you're interested in doing the entire 24 Day Challenge, you would finish that on Christmas Day (or a day early, if you'd like!).  The 24 Day Challenge starts with the 10 Day Cleanse which means there is always time to decide that later.

Basics for the 10 Day Cleanse:
- Comes in Citrus or Peaches and Cream
- Drink the fiber shake the first 3 mornings and the last 3 mornings
- Take the Probiotic Pills on mornings 4-10
- Take the Herbal Cleanse Pills at bedtime for days 1-7
- Cut out alcohol, soda, creamy sauces, sugar, candy, fried foods, processed foods, white flour, and partially hydrogenated oils (personally, I cut out all daily and gluten since it just agrees more with my system!)

The cleanse is NOT a starvation diet or a crazy juicing plan.  You eat real food! Just not crap food!  I always work out on the cleanse and I'm typically eating more food than I usually do, just making better choices about that food.

I'd love to answer any questions or concerns you have about the cleanse! Leave me a comment or shoot me an email: yfgblog@gmail.com.

Hope you'll join us for the cleanse! Time to clean up our holidays, ladies!

xoxo,

Cait

PS - I'm part of a CASH giveaway over at Just Jacq! Enter below or on her post. Ends Nov. 30th!

$40 Paypal cash straight to you! 

 

To enter, simply enter through Rafflecopter. a Rafflecopter giveaway

SEVEN!

I posted this picture on IG last night and was pretty tickled with my caption.  If you need a refresher, watch this clip here.  And if you still don't get it, where were you during those 10 glorious years?

I'm pretty sure my face has looked like this all evening.  #sorrynotsorry

But seriously, SEVEN? The most I had run previously was 5 miles.  And the last time I ran was over a week ago.  So to say I'm on cloud nine or a runner's high or just damned pleased with myself is an understatement.  Because honestly, I was getting a little scurred about the upcoming half marathon as my training has been grossly offtrack derailed. Get it? Trains, track, rails? I crack myself up! I really think I could have gone 8 miles, but I had to shower and get to babysitting.  My goal is to run 8-9 sometime midweek and then 10 next weekend. If I can go those runs done, then I don't think I'll embarrass myself too poorly at the Shiner Beer Run.  And if I do, at least Meg and Kristen will be there to drink some celebratory beers with! Anyone else planning on running? Shoot me an email so we can meet up!

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1. What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory?

My birthday always falls near (or on) Thanksgiving, so I have loved this holiday for as long as I can remember.  As a child, I loved it for the obvious birthday reasons - cake, presents, a party.  But as an adult, I love it because the holiday is about taking time out of our busy lives to be grateful, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy delicious food.  No other pretenses, no gifts, just quality time with friends and family.

2. What is your favorite Thanksgiving food?

Pumpkin pie, hands down. With Cool Whip, none of that ReadiWhip bs. I also request it for my birthday cake.  See #1.

 

3. What is a Thanksgiving tradition you and your family have?

Is it considered a tradition to shuffle between your mom's and dad's houses because they're divorced? If so, that's my tradition. 

I went back and reread this.  It comes across as jaded, but that's not how I meant it. I love having a large family and cherish being able to spend time with both sides.  My family is much happier being divorced and having since remarried. But we really just don't have any traditions other than celebrating Thanksgiving meal twice.

4. Show us a favorite Thanksgiving picture (or 5) from years past.

Turns out, we don't take pictures at Thanksgiving.  But we do snap pictures of huge wine bottles in Costco while shopping for Thanksgiving dinner.  Looking good, Mom!

5. What are you most looking forward to about this Thanksgiving?

The obvious - spending quality time with my family in Austin while on break from nursing school.  This also may be the first year that B spends the holiday with my family!

Hope y'all have enjoyed your weekend. Tell me about what you did!

xoxo,

Cait

(Half) Marathon Monday #6

I'm also guest posting today over at Simply Sami - go check it out!

I am officially half way through the training plan.  How did that happen??  Where has the time gone?  Since I didn't do a training update last week in lieu of the Tough Mudder recaps (read about it here and here) we've got two weeks to catch up on!
 
Week 5
Monday // 4 miles // Rest
Tuesday // 2 miles or cross // Rest
Wednesday // 4 miles + strength // Rest
Thursday // rest // 2 miles (11:45 pace)
Friday // 40 min cross // Pure Barre
Saturday // 6 miles // TOUGH MUDDER (9 miles)
Sunday // stretch & strengthen // Rest
Week 6
Monday // 4 miles // Pure Barre
Tuesday // 2 miles or cross // Rest
Wednesday // 4 miles + strength // 2 miles (11:21 pace)
Thursday // rest or easy run // Pure Barre
Friday // rest // Pure Barre
Saturday // 5K race // BCM 5K - read the recap here!
Sunday // stretch & strengthen // Pure Barre
Scheduled workout is in gray and actual workout is in pink.  Rest days are orange.
Total Miles // 29 miles // 16 miles

In looking at my progress, it's evident that I need to up my mileage.  Not sure how I'll fit it in but it has got to become a priority or else November 23rd is going to be rough embarrassing horrible ugly.

I want to hear what songs you can't run without.  I've been losing myself in my music lately but my one running playlist is getting predictable - even when it is on shuffle.  My current faves are:

Miley Cyrus - We Can't Stop
Britney Spears - Work B*tch
Victoria Justice - Gold
Ariana Grande - The Way
Katy Perry - Roar
Lorde - Royals
Sara Bareilles - Brave
AWOLNATION - Sail
Maroon 5 - Lucky Strike
Britney Spears - Piece of Me
Avicii - Wake Me Up

Leave me your favorite workout songs! And be sure to stop by tomorrow for a special 5K recap!

xoxo,

Cait

PS - Milli and Harley "helping" me workout:

 Aren't they adorable?

(Half) Marathon Monday #5

Happy Monday, people!

This week was slightly better than last.  And it's also my first post since last week's training recap. That should give you a hint at how busy I am! Plus, I spent a very productive weekend in Austin and have a picture post ready for you folks on Tuesday so check back!

Week 4 
Monday // 3.5 miles // Pure Barre
Tuesday // 2 miles or cross // Rest
Wednesday // 3.5 miles + strength // Pure Barre
Thursday // rest // Pure Barre
Friday // 40 min cross // 3.65 miles (13:01 pace)
Saturday // 5 miles // 1.3 mile walk*
Sunday // stretch & strengthen // 1.3 mile walk*
Scheduled workout is in gray and actual workout is in pink.  Rest days are orange.
Total Miles // 12 miles // 3.65 miles

Friday was a treat. I really didn't want to run after being up late with family Thursday evening, but Roxy (grrfeisty) was in town and our visits overlapped by one day so we agreed to meet up for a run. She had been in town for a work conference since Tuesday and was leaving Friday. I got in Thursday and was leaving town Sunday. We've both been working on our health and fitness for the last few years. Nothing extreme, just more conscious of our decisions (and more aware that we don't have the metabolism of 19 year olds anymore!).  So we met up at Town Lake and ran the 3 mile loop. Except we got lost at one point so it turned out to be 3.65 miles.  I needed to go 4 miles but had to use the bathroom since we left and couldn't want any longer (TMI? Sorry!) so when we rounded back to our starting point, I sprinted to the restrooms.  After that, there was no going back out there.

Thanks for the potty humor, Austin!

The run was tough and I'm glad I had a friend to push me.  Roxy is tiny but can book it.  This was the longest she had ever run but her pace far exceeded mine. I'm trying to talk her into running my upcoming 5K and 10K - do it, Roxy!  We also stopped periodically to snap photos (her, not me) and get some water. I'm perfectly content with a pace of 13:01 and want to focus on my endurance from here out.  Taking 10+ days off from running had a toll on me and I don't want to backtrack like that again.

As for my weekend runs, whenever I'm in Austin, my mom and I like to walk the dog to Starbucks and back in the morning. It's our little ritual. We chat, take Milli out for some exercise, grab some coffee, and make our way back to the house. If time allows, we'll go further into the neighborhood. For this short visit, my mom to work on Friday but we got our walks in on Saturday and Sunday. It wasn't strenuous by any means but it got my sore muscles warmed up and moving. Someday I hope I live in a neighborhood with tree-lined streets that is within walking distance of a grocery store, coffee shop, and some restaurants.

Check back tomorrow for some more pics of the weekend.  And send me some good vibes - my Psych final and Psych ATI exams are both today!

xoxo,

Cait

(Half) Marathon Monday #4

To sum up this week's training in one word?

FAIL

I could very easily list all of the things that go in the way of running. And I'm going to do just that - lucky you. I studied all day for a test. I took a test and then got my flu shot, which wiped me out. Clinicals were exhausting. And a girl showed up with active strep. I started a new job (see below for more on that). Friday was an all day simulation lab (AMAZING) following by a much needed girls' night out. Followed by some bad food (TMI?). I worked again at my new job. Felt sick and missed the Blog Elevated conference. I studied, a lot. My community outreach project is taking up a lot more time than I realized.

Week 3

Monday // 3.5 miles // Rest
Tuesday // 2 miles or cross // Pure Barre
Wednesday // 3.5 miles + strength // Rest
Thursday // rest // Pure Barre
Friday // 40 min cross // Rest
Saturday // 5 miles // Pure Barre
Sunday // stretch & strengthen // Rest
Scheduled workout is in gray and actual workout is in pink.  Rest days are orange.

I know, Sheree, I know. [via]

I didn't run at all despite my best intentions. But I learned a few things from this week.

I miss running. I'm sorry, what was that? Did you catch that? I. MISS. RUNNING.  A few months ago, you couldn't pay me enough to run and I hated every step of it. Now, a week off and I miss it.  My legs have felt jumpy all week and I'm looking forward to a nice evening run tomorrow.

Balance makes me feel better. I spent a lot of time working this week but I didn't manage my time well. I took too many breaks and naps which resulted in not enough time to run. Even though I hate getting up, once I'm up I feel good and I'm productive.  So on those days when B gets up early for work but I don't have to be anywhere I need to commit to getting up anyway. Getting my day started early is the best way to fit it all in.

I like being busy. This goes with the point above. I know I've got a lot on my plate right now but I like it that way. When I have a lot of things to manage, I (usually) get started on them right away to begin crossing things off my list. I get a little high when I cross something on my list. If I only have one thing to do, chances are I will jack off all day and still not get it done.

Working makes me happy.  It's a weird feeling to not have a career. I enjoy the routines of work, the challenges of projects, and most of all the interactions with people. My program is a hybrid where we come to campus for tests once a week but all the coursework is online. Most weeks, I only see people (aside from B) at clinical and for a test. That's not a whole lot of action for a social girl like myself. And I take pride in a job well done. Basically, this is a roundabout way of telling you all that I got a job! I've mentioned before that I take Pure Barre classes. They're pretty expensive, and when I had a job, I justified the expense. However, I don't have a job now so I was cutting back on classes drastically and basically only coming in when there was a Living Social deal. Well, it turns out that they were looking for additional help at the front desk at our studio and the position comes with a FREE membership for classes.  This is a win-win situation! I'm be working 2-3 shifts a week for just 2-3 hours at a time. I'll get a small paycheck, I can take classes when I want, and I'll be able to interact with a bunch of lovely ladies on a regular basis.  I could not be happier about this!

[Nov. 2012] At the barre with one of our fabulous instructors when we were both recently engaged!

And a few pics from the weekend for your viewing pleasure:

NICU simulation lab baby. Think I may have found my calling!

Enjoying the Sara Bareilles concert with my BTF.

Not sure which song prompted this, but I love it.

GNO at the Sara Bareilles/One Republic concert!

No so sure about this community project for my psych class...

Finally perfected my at home iced coffee recipe.  Mmmmm!

Handsome nephew and even more handsome fiance enjoying some Blue's Clues. My heart melts!

Hope you all enjoyed your weekends! Here's to a great week of training, maintaining balance, & getting the most out of life!

xoxo,

Cait

Linking up with JustJacq and In the Kitch with Kaara for the Move It! Challenge. You can win a 10 Day Advocare Cleanse and lots of other goodies just by linking up!

And with Ashley at Coffee & Macarons.

 

(Half) Marathon Monday #3

Before we get into the nitty gritty of training, I have some questions for all you athletic, healthy people out there.  How do you fuel when running?

 Do you eat before a run?

If so, what do you eat and how far in advance?

Do you eat while you run?

At what distance did you start eating while you run or carrying water or wearing a hydration belt/vest?

I feel pretty clueless about these things.  They seem to be the details that people don't really get into, but as a new runner, I need to know! And I get the whole listen to your body thing.  The thing is, my body is not and never has been a runner and yet here I am, trying to make it be a runner. So it is screaming and crying and pitching a fit the entire time.  I'm having a hard time deciphering what is my body just whining about being pushed and what is actual hey, give me some water and food you crazy lady!

So really, any advice you have is appreciated. No matter how small or insignificant you may think it is - I want to hear it all!

Shall we see how I did this week?

Week 2

Monday // 3 miles // 3.01 miles (11:24 pace)
Tuesday // 2 miles or cross // Pure Barre
Wednesday // 3 miles + strength // Pure Barre
Thursday // rest // Pure Barre
Friday // 30 min cross // Pure Barre
Saturday // 4 miles // Rest
Sunday // stretch & strengthen // 4.04 miles (12:52 pace)
Scheduled workout is in gray and actual workout is in pink.  Rest days are orange.

Just so you know, I killed that first mile on Monday's run.  Murdered it.  Ran it in 9:17.  Then I almost collapsed and my other 2 miles required short periods of walking (about 1/4 mile each).  But hey-yo, that's a pretty fast mile for me!

After that, my knee was killing me so I ended up taking a few days off running. As you can tell. I made sure to make it to Pure Barre on those days off. Pure Barre is a barre workout that is focuses on strengthening and toning muscle groups to the point of fatigue through small, isometric movements.

You can read more about it here or check out the great review The Southern Wife wrote about her visit to Ballet Physique while in Denver. Both should give you a good idea of what you're getting into with a barre workout. And The Southern Wife is one of my favorite bloggers to follow!

As for Sunday's run, I got it in at midday which is not ideal here in Houston. But I was coming off of an overnight babysitting gig which happens to be near Rice (hello, shaded running path) so I just went for it.  We also do Sunday family dinners every week with B's family so I know I couldn't have run after that.  I was scheduled for 4 miles and ran it in just under 52 minutes. I tried to run negative splits but that didn't happen. Despite making an effort to take the first two miles at a comfortable pace, I was still feeling worn out by the third mile. It was battle of mind over matter just to run that third mile and I ended up walking for a quarter mile once I hit the 3.25 mile mark. I wanted so badly to run the entire 4 miles without stopping to walk but I just couldn't do it. The worst part? After I got in my car and just sat in the A/C for a few minutes I totally felt like I could have finished it without walking.  Ugh!

I promise I wear other running clothes! It just seems like this tank comes up in rotation on my weekend runs. I gotta rep ND all the time {Go Irish!}. And this Tervis tumbler is the bomb. I'm smiling because I finished and because that A/C felt damn god, not because of my pace. Next time I WILL run the whole thing.

 Check in tomorrow for a few extras I'm planning in my race training and later this week for an outfit remix! Hope you all had a restful weekend!

xoxo,

Cait

Linking up with JustJacq and In the Kitch with Kaara for the Move It! Challenge. You can win a 10 Day Advocare Cleanse and lots of other goodies just by linking up!

And with Ashley at Coffee & Macarons

(Half) Marathon Monday #2

Another weekend has already flown by! Mine was spent mostly studying as my first psych test is this afternoon (wish me luck!).  I did manage to get in my 4-miler though, just one day late. I was not feeling well on Saturday so all I managed to do was sleep and study on-and-off all day.  Top that off with a Notre Dame loss and the whole day was just rough. On to the training, eh?

Week 1
Sunday // stretch & strengthen // 3.12 miles (11:52 pace) and Pure Barre
Monday // 3 miles // REST
Tuesday // 2 miles or cross // 2.18 miles (12:16 pace) and Pure Barre
Wednesday // 3 miles + strength // Pure Barre
Thursday // rest // 1 mile FAST (9:21 pace)
Friday // 30 min cross // 2 Pure Barre classes
Saturday // 4 miles // REST
Sunday // stretch & strengthen // 4.15 miles (12:53 pace)
Scheduled workout is in gray and actual workout is in pink.  Rest days are orange.

As you can see, I had to move a few workouts around and I am okay with this.  It's a training program but life gets in the way and school comes first.  I'm currently in Psych rotations that are every Wednesday from 6:20a-6:20p.  I was able to make it to the 7:00p Pure Barre class this week but I can't say that will always happen or that I'll be able to make a run happen on those days.  And for those of you suggesting I work out before clinical.... um, no. I have to leave my house by 5:40a to get there which would mean joining the 4am club and as my grandfather would say, that's an AGH - ain't gonna happen. 

On Thursday I was planning to run my 3 miles that I skipped on Wednesday before heading down to Galveston to visit some family for the afternoon.  My stepsister, her husband, and her new baby were visiting from France and most of their trip is being spent in Austin but a few days were at the beach in Galveston.  With school, I knew I couldn't swing a trip to Austin but Galveston was possible. Plus, my mom was there and it is always great to see her since we don't live in the same city.

Well, I ended up oversleeping (seems to be a trend the day after clinicals) and toyed with the idea of skipping the run altogether. I was tight on time because I needed to leave Galveston by 4:00p in order to get home, drop of Milli, feed the dogs, and then get to babysitting by 6:30p in Houston traffic.  To make the most of an hour and a half drive to Galveston, I wanted to get on the road by 11:30a which would give me 3 hours to see family. So I made what I feel was a smart running decision - I decided to do just 1 mile but really push myself to run fast.  I knew I could get 1 mile done and still have time to get ready before needing to leave.  Generally, my personal mindset is "slow and steady wins the race."  Speed has never been on my side and my goals are this point in time are to finish.  Once I know I can do it, then I can always work on my time.

I ended up pushing myself really hard and ran the mile in 9:21. That is insanely fast for me!  I hope one day to look back and have 9:21 be more of my average pace and a time in the low 8s/high 7s to be considered fast, but for now, I am proud of myself. Which means that Week 1 was a success!

Copilot Milli, the only picture I took in Galveston. My mom loves this little nugget so I brought her with me to cheer her up.  Hopefully I'll get some pictures from my fam to show off my new nephew!

Bright red but happy about finishing my 4-miler!

It doesn't count if you don't post a picture of your Garmin, right?

Keeping track of my workouts so I can stay accountable.  And I love these pens that Justine sent me in my Cara Box!

I'll leave you with this adorable picture of B and our nephew taken after Sunday dinner last night. They were watching an episode of Blue's Clues together on his phone.  That kid is obsessed with Blue's Clues and it is the cutest thing ever.

How was your weekend? Spend any time with family? Accomplish any fitness goals?

xoxo,

Cait