tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34972970350490448182024-02-18T20:28:33.005-08:00Running With CorgsCurrently training for Boston 2012 and hoping to get under 3:10 in the marathon this year! I am obsessed with my two puppies, Bruno and Penny and love to cook. My husband and I are making a big move from Pittsburgh to Georgia this March!CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-63762712114882184092012-04-23T13:49:00.000-07:002012-04-23T13:49:15.498-07:00Bye Running with Corgs!Hi Readers!<br />
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Please visit me at my new website:<br />
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<a href="http://littleblonderunner.com/">http://littleblonderunner.com/</a> <br />
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I can't wait to see you all over there! Once I figure out how to add a 'follow' button, please add me! Thanks, friends!CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-44342195493250925602012-04-22T19:07:00.000-07:002012-04-22T19:07:21.101-07:00My First Spin Class!Today I tried a brand new class at the gym I just joined Friday. I joined the YMCA in Evans primarily because they had a good class schedule. I really like taking yoga - I used to go every Thursday night in Pittsburgh when my bff Caitlin lived there - because it helps me recover from running workouts and builds upper body strength. I'm sure it helps prevent injuries, too. I also took a body pump class with Caitlin when we were both living in Pittsburgh. It was great because it was primarily for women and used lighter free weights and crazy things like resistance bands and step blocks.<br />
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One class I will probably never take is Zumba. I seriously struggle with learning dance moves and always end up going the opposite way everyone else is going. It took me 6 classes to get down 'the grapevine' warm-up routine in body pump, my feet always seemed to get tripped up over each other!<br />
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Today, I tried a 45 minute spin class for the first time!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">of course I had to throw on the Boston jacket on my way to the gym</td></tr>
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I never really got why spin was so popular, but I understand now. When I use the bike or elliptical at the gym, I just can't seem to push myself and it is so incredibly boring. Today, we did all kinds of crazy spin moves - climbing hills, doing jumps, resistance intervals, riding in different positions, doing squats - I had no idea you could do that much on a bike. The instructors were hilarious and we worked out in a dark room with a blacklight, listening to really fun music. I felt like I was at a dance club. It was also a great class because you can push yourself however hard or easy you want to go, by adjusting the resistance on the bike. I was super sweaty I was done.<br />
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Depending on my work/running schedule, I would like to start trying to fit one of these classes into my workout routine each week. I still believe that running is the best way to become a better runner (i'm old school that way) but this is a fantastic way to get your heart race up and gain fitness.<br />
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While I was out and about, Mister Bruno had the important task of guarding the home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the best little watch dog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Happy Sunday! Anyone else like spin classes, too???CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-47889232042492403432012-04-21T16:07:00.000-07:002012-04-21T16:07:54.905-07:00Grass HogThis morning: two mile easy run around this awesome yet hilly crosscountry course by my house. Then 5 hours of yardwork!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">downhill. I really like this course because it is a trail but very wide</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blanchard Woods Cross-Country Course</td></tr>
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It is strange to take a break from running. It's a little sad, because nothing puts me in a good mood like a great run. For me, it's very beneficial that I take a few days off completely from running after a marathon, then ease back into it. Sort of like a reverse taper.<br />
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Of course, I am unemployed at the moment so I have even more free time right now. When you are employed, you wish you weren't and when you are not working, you wish you were. Just can't win! Too bad I can't get paid to run all day, that would be the easy solution. However, I have been interviewing over the past two weeks and have pretty much decided which job to take over the summer until the school year starts. But it still doesn't start until May 20th, so I have been trying new activities.<br />
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My newest hobby is weed wacking. Most of my life, I have been convinced that the second I try to use it, I would cut my foot off. I envisioned a huge machete type blade spinning around the bottom. I was shocked to find that there is NO BLADE! It is actually a very thick piece of something like fishing line that moves really fast. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsUrZcuwi1i4qs1_pjn3zPVlEQ1Bi5AfuPQWDeixnqu_thRpEPXJhG7B60Zjo6ZPEouiLweDZI2BdD5Xp857qRF8sVb6E_MUCCuHlAF4ZIGt91g0IpJTCo7Ry_qWFbQCA0wrNt46tHNT4/s1600/spin_prod_ec_636427301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsUrZcuwi1i4qs1_pjn3zPVlEQ1Bi5AfuPQWDeixnqu_thRpEPXJhG7B60Zjo6ZPEouiLweDZI2BdD5Xp857qRF8sVb6E_MUCCuHlAF4ZIGt91g0IpJTCo7Ry_qWFbQCA0wrNt46tHNT4/s320/spin_prod_ec_636427301.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love to the grass hog!</td></tr>
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Our new yard is significantly bigger than our last home's, but the biggest difference is the sheer number of mulched areas that need to be weeded and remulched. Not to mention this hillside that needs some attention:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jPWYHh2yssviKG4xYEjPURLDNR4-yxkjmCFjSnJrwMQz8wgfwie9A3Ts1C3a44baoyhf4ijBnvorIggpg4PvTP4hT795ubAXDn3O9pR03KrmK1LxbtRHi1JOsVeVLt3UBgC-AE73_gy0/s1600/photo+(26)-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jPWYHh2yssviKG4xYEjPURLDNR4-yxkjmCFjSnJrwMQz8wgfwie9A3Ts1C3a44baoyhf4ijBnvorIggpg4PvTP4hT795ubAXDn3O9pR03KrmK1LxbtRHi1JOsVeVLt3UBgC-AE73_gy0/s320/photo+(26)-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the jungle</td></tr>
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To make it worse, it seems all our neighbors use a professional landscaping service. Most of their lawns look like the Augusta National Golf Course. That's why my newest hobby is weed whacking/ landscaping!<br />
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Unfortunately, I ran out of mulch so the final pictures will come another day. I weeded for about 2 hours and then edged everything with the wacker. I spreaded mulch, then spread pebbles on the trim around the patio. I potted some plants and rearranged the patio furniture. When it was all done, I filled up the baby pool for the pups to cool off, since they were hot and sweaty from all that weeding!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnACpu3iSr79X7s53Pa6YawZDnHpp6ltIwxISrDeJMxZ3er0KbPruSgsPTsxXw_h_b6EtK3k_77yMTMH4dpvvPZzJ9TIHxBUr0NJpkLLoNCMFhhH-nuld1KgagaAQcIqqEeFjVL3zkXAsJ/s1600/photo+(25)-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnACpu3iSr79X7s53Pa6YawZDnHpp6ltIwxISrDeJMxZ3er0KbPruSgsPTsxXw_h_b6EtK3k_77yMTMH4dpvvPZzJ9TIHxBUr0NJpkLLoNCMFhhH-nuld1KgagaAQcIqqEeFjVL3zkXAsJ/s320/photo+(25)-003.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my fur babies in the pool...yes I'm a crazy CorgLady</td></tr>
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Is anyone else out there a <b>Weedwacker enthusiast</b> as well?? I'm gonna guess no...<br />
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I am still obsessing over Boston....so if you didn't get the chance to read all about it, click here!<br />
<a href="http://runningwithcorgs.blogspot.com/2012/04/baa-and-people-of-boston-i-love-you-my.html">Boston Marathon Race Recap</a>CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-70042737003306555302012-04-18T08:00:00.000-07:002012-04-18T08:00:17.842-07:00B.A.A. and People of Boston: I LOVE YOU My Boston Race Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Upf16eJ-IOD5cTSSQQO961hVzrU6ZwpctLzxbXs4oFZZbFxECp7BxoNcSfqIQqC6v_vyX04SMci5U3j71nB_gZKVKLMywYDQcwVWPapxVG7TA26t8i9_TFNXpExGR5p4rQHsr4PCD5Ka/s1600/photo-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-u1n8BrL3ov3bem5FA5TlW5HaKFf_QLaERK_8nXMWbE8dnrrsjedPmI_QkzB7uVW8RIxQabBJQqu04rthSIboORT3O88jYgaQfVsAgr7AnfAmWu6XX6Zp8nj5-vI-9Tc2b8TguJ1T3A3/s1600/boston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>In 1906 the Boston marathon was referred to as "The Inferno" when it rose to 97 degrees during the race. In 1976, it was called "The Run for the Hoses" when temperatures were 100 at the start and residents took garden hoses out to the streets to cool down the runners. In 1982, it was a slighter cooler mid-70s with a blazing sun, named appropriately, "The Duel in the Sun".<br />
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I am not sure if the 2012 Boston Marathon will earn a special nickname, but it will be a very memorable one for me.<br />
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I qualified for Boston the past few marathons I have ran, but didn't fully understand what the big deal is about this race. I respected the tradition of the race, being the longest running marathon. I loved that the past running greats participated in this race. I love that, in 1967, Katherine Switzer secretly entered the race, was confronted by the race director on the course, and still completed the race.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYxzLTGWWfj-YAHOyjdrucdnqCPrMI_lK-hvoXlzAwCUtO3BfhcfwJ0Zb0XRFE44-Znq2KwV_AB9hQMcNaX4dmZPwDjaKvW_mqM0QA8oMSKgXdm6QMDekWRH4aMgMqfLjMdRTiTXMQSA-/s1600/kswitzer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYxzLTGWWfj-YAHOyjdrucdnqCPrMI_lK-hvoXlzAwCUtO3BfhcfwJ0Zb0XRFE44-Znq2KwV_AB9hQMcNaX4dmZPwDjaKvW_mqM0QA8oMSKgXdm6QMDekWRH4aMgMqfLjMdRTiTXMQSA-/s320/kswitzer.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An her ovaries didn't even fall out!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I loved reading about this race, tracking the elites on race day, and reading about all these legends that choose to run Boston. But I didn't totally understand why the race itself was so fun, and how those spectators can really be so amazing. I run for myself. I am competitive enough to push when no one is around. I don't need any help during a marathon!<br />
That was before I ran a marathon where the temperatures reached 89 degrees on a course with little shade.<br />
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I woke up before my alarm Monday morning, around 5:30. I slept very well, but was feeling very nervous. I was most nervous about racing in the heat, with all the heat warnings I was very paranoid I would hurt myself or not finish the race. The B.A.A. sent out many e-mails warning us to be very, very careful. It was hard to stop wondering if I made the right choice to run.<br />
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I got dressed, making sure to cover myself in tons of sunscreen. I am pasty white (when I don't use self-tanner) and I burn very easily. Many sunscreens have failed my skin or made my face so greasy my eyes stung, but this is my absolute favorite:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018SC8VW/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=runni05-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0018SC8VW" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B0018SC8VW&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=runni05-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neutrogena UltraSheer, the UltraSheer means you have absolutely no greasiness!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Upf16eJ-IOD5cTSSQQO961hVzrU6ZwpctLzxbXs4oFZZbFxECp7BxoNcSfqIQqC6v_vyX04SMci5U3j71nB_gZKVKLMywYDQcwVWPapxVG7TA26t8i9_TFNXpExGR5p4rQHsr4PCD5Ka/s1600/photo-7.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Upf16eJ-IOD5cTSSQQO961hVzrU6ZwpctLzxbXs4oFZZbFxECp7BxoNcSfqIQqC6v_vyX04SMci5U3j71nB_gZKVKLMywYDQcwVWPapxVG7TA26t8i9_TFNXpExGR5p4rQHsr4PCD5Ka/s320/photo-7.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going for the half-naked look</td></tr>
</tbody></table><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=runni05-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0018SC8VW" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></div>Getting to the start was kind of an adventure. Our hotel convienently offered a $10 shuttle ride to the Hopkington State Park. From there, we took another shuttle closer to the start. From there, we walked for ten minutes or so to the Athlete's Village. It was a nice warmup and I got to talk to some other runners. Of course, I chose to wear an all gray North Hills sweatsuit so I could just throw it away and avoid checking a bag. I kinda looked like I was trying to be a thug and everyone else had on bright, drywicking spandex. Maybe that's why I sat by myself for the next couple hours!<br />
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I waited around a long time in athletes village, but it was a cool place to be. Something really random and hilarious happene a little bit before my wave and corral was called to go to walk to the start. The Peru Master's racing team asked me to get in a picture with their captain. I thought he meant take their picture. No, he wanted a picture with me. I am not sure who they are, but they were so funny and sweet, who knows - maybe they are secret runningwithcorgs readers.<br />
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The walk to the start was not fun, neither was waiting the fiften minutes in wave 1, corral 8 before the race. I broke a sweat walking slowly to the start. We were all very close together and the sun was directly overhead, not a cloud or tree in sight. At the start, we were packed in even closer, and there was no breeze at all. I was sweating at this point, and I wasn't even moving. I wasn't feeling very excited or encouraged anymore. Right before I crossed the start line, they told us it was 80 degrees.<br />
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The first two miles were filled with anxiety. There was little shade, and not many spectators yet. They didn't have the first water station until around mile 2, due to congestion when you start. We were also very close together, since everyone in my corral ran about the same qualifying time. Very little breathing room, and I felt very warm already. It was hard to see because I had no sunglasses on and the sun was so bright.<br />
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<b>Mile 1: </b>7:30<b> Mile 2: </b>7:47<br />
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Right after mile 2 was the first glorious water station. It was super crowded with runners and there were cups everywhere. Usually during a race I run right by and scoop up a cup of water easily. That was not going to happen during this race. I figured the trade off for slowing down a few seconds each stop was better than getting heatstroke and carted off.<br />
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I drank Gatorade at every other stop to get electrolytes on this hot day, something I usually don't do, but it worked very well. I did not get an upset stomach. I sipped water at every stop, and dumped the rest on my head, neck, and chest.<br />
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After stopping at mile 2 for water, I soon was getting thirsty already. That's when we started to approach all the crowds in Framingham. I quickly began to feel that I might be okay during the race. There were enthusiastic fans EVERYWHERE. Not only were they cheering, but they had <b>garden hoses</b> on to cool us off, they had <b>orange slices</b>, <b>cups of ice</b>, <b>cold towels</b>, <b>baby pools</b> to soak in, <b>popsicles</b>, <b>candy and snacks</b>, kids with <b>waterguns</b>, <b>sponges </b>soaked in cold water....this amazing support continued the entire race. Never have I ever seen spectators so willing to help you. They were there to work and help us get through the race and I really don't know if I could have survived the day without all the extra help. I ran through every hose and sprinkler on my side of the street. The B.A.A. set up many of their own misting stations, and many fire hydrants were opened for the day. I ran through every one of those. I took in water and splashed it on my body at least every half mile. I took a gel every 6 miles, taking a half of a gel at mile 24. And my <b>secret weapon</b>? The <b>ice </b>the ladies were handing out went directly in my <b>sports bra</b>. This helped keep my body temperature from rising. They thought it was so funny when I stuck them right down my shirt, too. A lot of people cheered, actually.<br />
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I felt more and more encouraged by the mile. Bikers drinking beer cheering us on, girls outside Irish bars dancing on picnic tables, college kids offering you beer....what a party! It made me want to run faster!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAZG6lENM8Y7FOgKZDYFWTlz7VgfYw_RyHY5Phv_Bh8hb29QTONTgu2wRVAm9AiG4SIccVaZJhVQuI8LX4JyWTGCKB1qp2WyWjitEY5Dai_KVWrv058vYKBJYKxPkSlr2WW11EG30nAk5/s1600/photo-8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAZG6lENM8Y7FOgKZDYFWTlz7VgfYw_RyHY5Phv_Bh8hb29QTONTgu2wRVAm9AiG4SIccVaZJhVQuI8LX4JyWTGCKB1qp2WyWjitEY5Dai_KVWrv058vYKBJYKxPkSlr2WW11EG30nAk5/s320/photo-8.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">random picture of the elite women!</td></tr>
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I had mile 10 to look forward to in Natick, where my family planned on watching me. The next miles I focused on staying relaxed and keeping wet and well hydrated. They went by pretty quickly, especially since I was focusing on dousing myself with every liquid I got my hands on. It was a little discouraging to see people starting to get sick, pull off to the side, or begin walking slowly at only mile 3, though. It was hard not to wonder if you would be next. I kinda felt like it was the Hunger Games, without the murder and mean competitors.<br />
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<b>Mile 3: </b>7:50<b> Mile 4: </b>7:36<b> Mile 5: </b>7:50 <b>Mile 6: </b>7:39<b> Mile 7: </b>7:46<b> Mile 8: </b>7:39<b> Mile 9: </b>7:37<b> Mile 10:</b>7:41<br />
<br />
At this point, I got to see my family and give them the thumbs up. I told them earlier if I got overheated and felt like I needed to drop out, I would go with them here. I screamed hi to them and told them I could do this and I would see them at the finish. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPE0VW6AZXfBPvOAXRDG9bKecDMzoiVKtjVWLpu_7PkzRyiiNc9j8LjPfzyri0h3BGGAs7uCEVEYjDJTeQRUAN44txkvRRDOBlAL_U-pcIKte_WSSeuALqd4GnoypRPT0LSXHhYd_AHCD8/s1600/540532_964382063525_7407511_40053260_1904368805_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPE0VW6AZXfBPvOAXRDG9bKecDMzoiVKtjVWLpu_7PkzRyiiNc9j8LjPfzyri0h3BGGAs7uCEVEYjDJTeQRUAN44txkvRRDOBlAL_U-pcIKte_WSSeuALqd4GnoypRPT0LSXHhYd_AHCD8/s320/540532_964382063525_7407511_40053260_1904368805_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">saying hi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jordan made this sign to let me know that the kennel reported Penny and Bruno were doing great!<br />
X<br />
<span id="goog_15082926"></span><span id="goog_15082927"></span><br />
<div>At this point, I was fully committed to finish the race and was feeling pretty great. However, I still had 16 miles left. I decided to keep my effort level the same until I got through the Newton hills and Heartbreak Hill. I had no idea how bad those would be, so I wanted to make sure I had enough in the tank to get up them!<br />
</div><div><b>Mile 11: </b>7:49<b> Mile 12: </b>7:36<b> Mile 13: </b>7:49<b> HalfMarathon: </b>1:41:23<b> </b>(Here I told myself I would be pretty happy if I ran the next half at the same pace, a 3:22:46 would be a good time for the conditions)</div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div><b>Mile 14: </b>7:35 <b>Mile 15: </b>7:40<b> Mile 16: </b>7:25<br />
</div><div> The hills started around here. Hopefully I don't sound like a jerk saying this, but I enjoyed them because my poor quads had a break. I kept a steady pace up the hills and there was a lot of crowd support. I remember thinking the first hill was kinda rough but the rest flew by, since there were some nice downhills thrown in there. Plus, there were thousands of spectators telling you how awesome you looked as you went up. I couldn't believe the hill I just went up was Heartbreak Hill, I actually had to ask the guy next to me. I think training in Pittsburgh makes these hills a piece of cake!</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Mile 17: </b>7:46<b> Mile 18: </b>7:56 <b>Mile 19: </b>7:30<b> Mile 20: </b>7:45<b> </b><b>Mile 21: </b>7:54 </div><div>Finishing the hills and arriving into the masses at Boston College was my favorite part of the race. I high fived so many college boys here and was rewarded with extra cheering. They were insane. They were fun and probably drunk, but actually knew what things we wanted to hear when we ran by: <i>You've got this Pink! You don't even look tired! You own this race! 7149, I love you!. Go Little Blondie! </i>This crowd kicked off the best 5 miles of a race ever. <br />
</div><div>All through Brookline, massive crowds were going totally crazy for us. There were also some very nice downhills in this section! I had no choice but to smile and enjoy the moment. My legs were totally short but it was easy to pick up the pace, the energy of the crowd truly pulled me through and I finally understood why Boston is so amazing.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Mile 22: 7:14 Mile 23: 7:23 Mile 24: 7:13 Mile 25: 7:35 Mile 26: 7:22</b></div><div>Making the left onto Boylston Street was another memorable experience. A lot of times a long straight away at the end of the race makes me discouraged, but I was able to look at the crowds 10 deep lining the long straight away, take it in that I was indeed finishing my first Boston Marathon in these yucky conditions, and treat it as my victory lap, speeding up with a kick but with a smile on my face!<br />
</div><div><b>Last .2: ran at 6:14 pace</b></div><div><b>Finish Time: 3:20:23</b><br />
<b>Overall: 1,860 out of 21,554</b><br />
<b>Women: 167/8,966 </b><br />
<b><br />
</b></div><div>Although this was far off my PR of 3:13:42, I never felt more happy with a race when I crossed that finish line. I wasn't sure that I was going to finish that day, and to negative split over that last half really made me proud of the way I ran the race.<br />
</div><div>I was spent after that race and was bummed to have to walk what felt like another marathon to get food, medal, and to the family meet up area. But I was on my runner's high so it was all good.</div><div>Some pictures after the race with my family: Thanks for watching!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAU75EYolq5aShwgFocWqZgDJlO7eWIpNfLOu9V09SF9QJeo8gz3lw0Wtb21LYmFcDsrpIx-yfxDgcP1hlFmVZ6Rby6SC98OIjZPvojNEbPmRNVEeydKTwL1YdEpyKWn4fX-TU2Cdd2d5/s1600/blogger-image-1127655625.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAU75EYolq5aShwgFocWqZgDJlO7eWIpNfLOu9V09SF9QJeo8gz3lw0Wtb21LYmFcDsrpIx-yfxDgcP1hlFmVZ6Rby6SC98OIjZPvojNEbPmRNVEeydKTwL1YdEpyKWn4fX-TU2Cdd2d5/s320/blogger-image-1127655625.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HAPPY!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DNd6zVsI-7iUFOL9lifAT-A2NqcnhXNmLUbmK3gQU1r9aw-oPMMYvQDgFRcN8T0PwAvZcKv8dEo8dQ58zv1Aw5yPhwGT9BdGKidA4hj6WLiAXRIayP3isoLcz4J337zYhDsfUHI_lXu1/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DNd6zVsI-7iUFOL9lifAT-A2NqcnhXNmLUbmK3gQU1r9aw-oPMMYvQDgFRcN8T0PwAvZcKv8dEo8dQ58zv1Aw5yPhwGT9BdGKidA4hj6WLiAXRIayP3isoLcz4J337zYhDsfUHI_lXu1/s320/photo-4.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks, paparazzi</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jordan!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#1 Husband</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brother, Mom, Me, Dad</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running Buddies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div></div><div>After this, we had to walk to the train and take a 30 min ride to our car. My parents picked us up from the car and drove to the hotel. I changed at the hotel and drove with Jordan to the rental car place. We took a shuttle to the airport. We got through security and I finally got to sit down. What a hassle! But everything we went through over the weekend was worth it, to finish the Boston Marathon strong and be part of such a crazy race. It lived up to the hype to me, and again, I don't think I could have finished the race without the fabulous support from the B.A.A. and the awesome spectators.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaWmCXm0YzyVWNLn520oMePbLW47DQ2oXWrWR1ZTP33dqzyiJPvKPEQCJ-7q0yk7cYyzxEaJWMOhyphenhyphenaivRYOkJnSHSmhr3jmD6TE7CfAeK7Es6GKVyDHTQsHfpymBKDtHjFmD_sdtRmHeI/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaWmCXm0YzyVWNLn520oMePbLW47DQ2oXWrWR1ZTP33dqzyiJPvKPEQCJ-7q0yk7cYyzxEaJWMOhyphenhyphenaivRYOkJnSHSmhr3jmD6TE7CfAeK7Es6GKVyDHTQsHfpymBKDtHjFmD_sdtRmHeI/s320/photo-5.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ecstatic I had a seat on the subway!</td></tr>
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</div><div>Thanks for all the cheering and message of support from everyone, you guys are awesome!!!</div>CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-44065962021103530952012-04-16T15:45:00.001-07:002012-04-16T15:54:29.297-07:00Boston ResultsHad a great time in Boston today! Will write all about it tomorrow when we are home... It was a crazy hot day in Boston, it was 87 at the finish! <br />
I ran a 3:20:23 which is 7:39 pace.<br />
My half was in 1:41:23, so I was able to negative split through the Newton hills!<br />
The B.A.A. site says I was 1860th overall and 167th woman.<br />
Time to get on the plane to Charlotte, they are letting anyone who ran the marathon board first! So awesome!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAU75EYolq5aShwgFocWqZgDJlO7eWIpNfLOu9V09SF9QJeo8gz3lw0Wtb21LYmFcDsrpIx-yfxDgcP1hlFmVZ6Rby6SC98OIjZPvojNEbPmRNVEeydKTwL1YdEpyKWn4fX-TU2Cdd2d5/s640/blogger-image-1127655625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAU75EYolq5aShwgFocWqZgDJlO7eWIpNfLOu9V09SF9QJeo8gz3lw0Wtb21LYmFcDsrpIx-yfxDgcP1hlFmVZ6Rby6SC98OIjZPvojNEbPmRNVEeydKTwL1YdEpyKWn4fX-TU2Cdd2d5/s640/blogger-image-1127655625.jpg" /></a></div>CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-16091851792299296992012-04-15T12:23:00.001-07:002012-04-15T12:37:05.463-07:00The Boston DecisionSo unless you have been living under a rock (or don't watch the news, read the paper, go on Facebook, or just don't care one bit about the Boston Marathon) the temperatures tomorrow will rise into the 'danger zone' for participating runners. The temperature seem like it will hover between 78 at the start and around 84 or higher at the finish for me. These temperatures put runners at a much higher risk for heat related injuries.<br />
The B.A.A actually sent an email telling participants they could defer their entry to next year, due to health concerns. All day yesterday I thought about what I was going to do. I was upset because I trained to get a PR for this race, which is something you should not try for when the temperatures are this high- plus, it's totally unrealistic. Two of my friends, who are ridiculously fast runners, suffered heat related injuries in Chicago 2010 when it was super hot, and I did not want to go through what they did. I went to bed sure that I was going to defer and try another race in a few weeks.<br />
When I woke up, I magically had my answer. I really, really wanted to earn a Boston marathon jacket. We spent all this time, money, and effort trying to get to Boston, which included switching our plane tickets from Pittsburgh to Augusta. Penny and Bruno had to spend the trip in the kennel. I spent everyday since December 10th preparing for this day. Above all else, I felt that going on that plane without a medal in my purse, around all those other runners that did get to race, would really, really, really make me upset.<br />
My new plan tomorrow is to race, but race smart. I will be running a pace that challenges me, but does not overheat my body to a ridiculous extent. Fast racing does that to you. I might feel cool and comfortable the first 10 miles, then really have to slow down as the temperatures rise. That will be okay. This race will probably be the most challenging one I complete, ad I will be very proud to take my medal home to Georgia.<br />
By the way, if you are running Boston and decide to defer, I totally 100% agree that you are making the right decision. I hope I run in such a way that makes my personal decision the right one for me!<br />
Because of all the drama regarding the weather forecast, the trip has not been the most relaxing time. In fact, I think this is the most nervous I have felt before a marathon! But I know once I finish tomorrow it will all be worth it!<br />
<br />
Some pictures of our trip below. We had an awesome dinner at P.F.Changs last night! Got to see my twin who flew in from D.C. and of course, my parents. We went to the expo today where I purchased the coveted Boston Jacket - there is no turning back now! They gave us really awesome fitted technical shirts in our bags, too.<br />
Oh, and those weird pictures of running heaven and people play harps was from the Brooks "running heaven" it was pretty sweet/ridiculous.<br />
We also took a walk around the harbor after the expo, so pretty!<br />
If you would like to track me via text message, text "RUNNER" to 345678 then when you get the auto reply, text 7149 for my bib number.<br />
Good luck to everyone running and remember to take care of yourselves tomorrow!<br />
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(my pics aren't loading up... Will add them in when I'm home!!)<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJsqo1bOqeCziMpwpYkhyphenhyphen_NOaAfV2fEV_JfcmSaSiD7eMZRFrhRj2rzQATrwiA3Yu3yvdaMSI2BFtO7Wy_I0dcJmouWFZ-zwrQiu6ucv6Q0ba5W8peboUxKJCpLCCBbt-u3dwzjz4k_P1/s640/blogger-image--1548262046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJsqo1bOqeCziMpwpYkhyphenhyphen_NOaAfV2fEV_JfcmSaSiD7eMZRFrhRj2rzQATrwiA3Yu3yvdaMSI2BFtO7Wy_I0dcJmouWFZ-zwrQiu6ucv6Q0ba5W8peboUxKJCpLCCBbt-u3dwzjz4k_P1/s640/blogger-image--1548262046.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJWS0U14FAo71P54AJDO3Xy4S1MM50tLIYiZyEH-PU35KKbyofFIxhsO17CPR5FiJ2W7f4Owz1ETdKfI7A1KVl6EEeaWzplmAA9MQ2Y530Nj3w6wihww8WYnDfJqDPOKSYANCvNS-xcKx/s640/blogger-image-1160679166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJWS0U14FAo71P54AJDO3Xy4S1MM50tLIYiZyEH-PU35KKbyofFIxhsO17CPR5FiJ2W7f4Owz1ETdKfI7A1KVl6EEeaWzplmAA9MQ2Y530Nj3w6wihww8WYnDfJqDPOKSYANCvNS-xcKx/s640/blogger-image-1160679166.jpg" /></a></div>CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-25766040994959063522012-04-13T15:17:00.000-07:002012-04-13T15:17:10.397-07:00Important Race Decisions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the most important decisions for any race is what to wear. For me, the item of most importance is to wear lots of pink. I find that the more pink I wear, the more fans I get to cheer for me. Usually, they refer to me as Pinky or Blondie and the lady spectators especially seem to like my outfit. I have a pink sports bra top, pink spybelt (for my 4 vanilla gus) and either a pink visor or pink, glittery headband - TBD. I will be wearing new, Nike Dryfit shorts that are gray with pink trim. Jordan gave me these for my birthday. <br />
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In addition, I will be wearing the Newton MV2 racing flats for this race. I wore them for the Augusta half marathon, and they worked out great. The only thing is that they are built for 10ks and half marathons. I really wanted a lighter Newton to race in, since I wear them on my training runs all the time. THe shoe guru that I purchased them from told me I should be okay based on my size to wear them for the full marathon. I definitly feel faster in them!<br />
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If you are running Boston and are anything like me, you have been checking the weather every 7 minutes to see if there is a cold front moving into Boston Monday morning. Right now, the temperature could get up to 88 degrees on Monday! I personally love running in brisk weather, but am trying to be optimistic about this forecast. Obviously, I will have to adjust my PR goals and focus on running a strong, smart race where I can place well in my age group and have the luxury of passing others the last part of the race. I also will be aiming to NOT to visit any medics.<br />
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Any race temperature over 60degrees negatively affects race performance. I found this neat calculator online that calculates, based on the temperature, how your goal time will be affected. I was surprised that for a goal time of 3:10 in 80 degree weather my time would only slow by 6 minutes. I will be putting this theory to test.<br />
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<a href="http://runnersconnect.net/training/tools/temperature-calculator/">Check out the calculator HERE</a><br />
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After doing my extensive research today, I realized I have two things going for me regarding running a race in the heat.<br />
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1) I have lived in Georgia for a whole two weeks and ran two speed workouts and one long run in over 80degree weather. Today it was 72 when Jordan and I ran and I hardly broke a sweat - of course that was only 3 miles at 8:25 pace!<br />
2) I am small, and female. I read that taller, larger males have the hardest time in the heat - more body surface to heat up, I guess!<br />
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I will be spraying myself with sunscreen before the race and of course take care to stay hydrated - while avoiding over-hydrating - which can lead to death! I will be wearing a sports bra so I can get a cool breeze on my belly and am thinking about wearing a visor, I still can't decide if it will help me by shading my face, or if it will add more heat to my body. <br />
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I will still be hoping that the weather changes, but am very excited to run Boston for the experience of it. And I will certainly be pushing my hardest, even if it isn't reflected by a PR. There is always the jacket to look forward to!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012 Boston Marathon Jacket</td></tr>
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Sadly, we had to take our puppies to the kennel today since we are leaving early in the morning. I am not worried about them, I just miss our little buddies! Its so weird not having them follow us around. Mister Bruno was very upset to go to the kennel, while Penny was so happy to meet new friends.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor, unsuspecting pups</td></tr>
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Tonight we will be relaxing (which calls for me checking the weather every 15 minutes) and having day 2 of our homemade meatballs and sauce, one of the best things about tapering!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking balls of meat</td></tr>
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Any thoughts on running marathons when it is HOT? <b>Visor or no visor?</b> Ohhh the important decisions I have.CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-91690410723256837862012-04-12T11:20:00.001-07:002012-04-12T11:20:43.221-07:00Believe in the TaperMonday kicked off taper week and my running has really slowed down in preperation for Boston, which always has the side effect of making me feel lazy, tired, and cranky. It seems like this happens to everyone, but it never will stop me from tapering. I really believe that progressively backing off your miles and intensity over the last three weeks will help start the race rested and fresh, and you will have the endurance to finish strong!<br />
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This is what my week has looked like so far:<br />
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Monday: 5 miles easy<br />
Tuesday: 4 miles easy<br />
Wednesday: Workout totaling 6 miles 1.5 WU, 3x1200 with 400 meter rest. These were faster paced (around 6:40) but did not feel bad because there were only 3 of them. Ran them on the road in : 4:59, 4:57, 4:54. Felt great to run fast in my marathon flats.<br />
Thursday: 3 miles easy<br />
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For the rest of the week:<br />
Friday: 3 miles easy (on grass) with some striders after to make sure I don't lose my turnover<br />
Saturday: Complete rest<br />
Sunday: Easy 2 miles, a few striders<br />
Monday: MARATHON!<br />
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For the last two weeks, I have stopped lifting but continued with ab work. I have felt a few aches and pains in my legs, which always happens when I taper. I have been making more of an effort to run on grass and stretch and ice.<br />
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Starting today, I will be eating pasta or other high-carb foods for dinner. I feel most prepared for a race when I each so much pasta I vow to never eat it again.<br />
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Have been studying the course and telling myself those uphills are just little speedbumps!</div>
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The weather forecast has been very scatteered for Monday. At one point, Monday was predicted to reach 80 degrees. Not nice marathon weather. I run well in brisk weather, so I am hoping for a colder day. Right now, Monday has a low of 51, high of 70, a 30% chance of rain, and scattered thunderstorms. I'm thinking of wearing a sports bra top instead of the usual tanktop. The only thing I hate about that is you have to awkwardly pin your number to your shorts!<br />
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Click below to track anyone running the Boston Marathon, my bib number is 7149 if you would like to track me!<br />
<a href="http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/event-information/att-athlete-alert.aspx">Boston Marathon Runner Tracking</a><br />
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Besides tapering and obsessing over the weather in Boston, I have been out and about Augusta. Have been doing some fun outings, as well as applying for and interviewing for different jobs. Tuesday night, Jordan and I took the dogs to my favorite park to run at. There is a big dog park there as well. Bruno was ridiculous and barked at everyone at first, then finally calmed down. He was very friendly to all the kids who came to pet him. Penny made me look like a fool. We were walking together so nicely on the trail when she decided to start her laying-down-in-the-middle-of-the-walk routine. She did this in front of a huge crowd watching peewee football practice and they were laughing hysterically when I had to carry her on the rest of our 'walk.'<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the two most intimidating dogs at the park</td></tr>
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<b>Have any magic tapering tricks for me??? </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTogLWi9GtjFuOdRfdRPQHp2g05wk68dzGGehz5PYxqVihRKqWxn3yLCKLaF_KESDexzcvHA0SseqQF1zzUoUivpsXrW-t7_OJZQfUHSDVJd0S4F0-Mw9hIMMTua5hCfRC89A8Di-ynA6p/s1600/dogsatpark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-80768248878340979122012-04-09T18:19:00.002-07:002012-04-09T18:20:35.468-07:00Hoppy EasterHope everyone had a great Easter and that you have 9 pounds of leftover ham like us! I hope eating excessive amounts of ham this week is just as beneficial as carbo-loading is for Boston next week. Ham is a carb, right??<br />
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Although we were away from our family in Pittsburgh this Easter, it was a lovely time of year to be in Augusta. We spent a lot of the day watching the Master's and cheering Bubba on. I really wanted him to win as well, after Jordan showed me this video showing off his talents:<br />
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We went to our new church for Easter Mass at 9:30 am. It was super sunny and gorgeous out. The church was packed, and we were lucky to get a seat.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wearing a dress I got in 7th grade, probably should give that away.... but it seems so Eastery to me!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the girls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the boys </td></tr>
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Afterwards, we came home and I popped our egg-cheese-biscuit-sausage casserole in the oven and made some coffee. We had a nice brunch on the patio while the pups played with the toys the Easter Bunny brought them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">probably not the healthiest breakfast... at least I served fresh pineapple on the side</td></tr>
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After letting our food digest, Jordan went to the driving range and I went for a run. I ran 7 miles total, with 2x10 min at tempo with three minutes rest. The goal pace was 6:51, but I was able to run 6:44 and 6:37. I felt great, and didn't even get sick after eating sausage only two hours prior. Another highlight of my run was when a family offered me a fried chicken leg when I ran past their get-together in their front yard. I did not want to ruin my dinner, though.<br />
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We did a little egg dying....<br />
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...and by that time, dinner was ready!<br />
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We had:<br />
Ham<br />
Biscuits<br />
Cheesey Crockpot potatoes<br />
Sesame Asparagus<br />
and Banana Cream Pudding for dessert<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we definitely ate some Saturday night!</td></tr>
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I was a fan of all of it...I really liked the biscuits and pudding! At least I know biscuits are a carb. :) And now we have 9 lbs of ham to go through.<br />
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Hope you all had a great Easter like we did! One week until Boston!<br />
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<br />CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-81088788539732026002012-04-08T15:06:00.004-07:002012-04-08T15:08:47.278-07:00Weekend - Pre-EasterJordan had Thursday and Friday off this weekend, so we have been busy getting our house together, and exploring Evans!<br />
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On Friday, I ran five miles easy in the morning around home while he slept in. I decided to be nice and let him have a rest day. I felt a little stiff from the speed workout Thursday, and was glad when the run was over.</div>
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We worked around the house during that day, and after eating dinner we headed to the Evans theater to see.....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hunger Games!</td></tr>
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I recently read all three books and was a huge fan of them. The entire concept of the series gives you so much to think about (I may have had nightmares after staying up late reading), and then there is my girl Katniss. After being disappointed with the Twilight series, it was awesome to see such a tough, kick butt heroine in the story. The love triangle was really interesting and both guys were so adorable and in love with her, but she wasn't like wimpy Bella pining away for Edward and just taking up air. Katniss got it done! I also related with her strategy in the arena. I would totally run away and live up in a tree until everyone else killed each other. </div>
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The Hunger Games, in a strange way, kept bringing me back to thinking about the marathon. We all reach a place in the race where you need to focus on maintaining your pace and just <i>surviving</i>. I usually get into the 'survival mode' at about mile 18. Up until then, I have maintained my goal pace and,have felt pretty comfortable. At this point, I don't want to blow it due to some stupid mistake (compare it to dying of dehydration during the hunger games). I become very aware of taking care of myself - drinking enough fluid, taking in enough calories, keeping my form, hitting my splits, drafting if it is windy, and playing mental tricks to stay in the game. Hopefully, I can channel some of Katniss's survival skills on April 16th. :)</div>
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Saturday, Jordan and I ran at the Evans Town Center Park during their Easter Egg Hunt. He ran/walked 4 miles and I did a pretty easy 5. I felt much less stiff. We had a post-workout breakfast at Panera after, and shopped at the best grocery store in the world, Publix. Publix is the bomb. We literally had THREE very pleasant teenagers waiting on us. One polite young man actually insisted on unloading our cart for us. A girl checked us out, and kept asking us how we were doing, did we find everything okay, etc. Another guy bagged our groceries and offered to walk us out and unload our bags for us. The Dirty Bird (Giant Eagle, my highschool employer) should take notes.</div>
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I spent the afternoon cooking up a storm for our Easter feast today. Although it is just us, I really wanted to cook a nice dinner - and have lots of leftovers. I made Banana Cream Pudding, Sesame Asparagus, a Breakfast casserole, and prepped our cheesy crockpot potatoes. Tomorrow I will make the ham and homemade biscuits. I will have to post some of these recipes, nothing is too tricky and the pudding is especially delicious!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love my Easter Apron my mother got me!</td></tr>
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After a day of slaving away in the kitchen, Jordan and I went to Salsa's Bar and Grill just down the road . I was ecstatic to see that they had half pitchers of margaritas for only $8.49. We split it, and didn't even finish the whole thing, haha. I have a special place in my heart for margaritas after honeymooning in Mexico.</div>
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I wasn't super hungry, so I chose to get a combo for only $7.95. I picked a Chile Pablano and a chicken burrito. I loved the pepper because it was spicy and NOT FRIED like most are, so I could actually taste the pepper. Fried food can be good, but it covers up the pepper taste too much. The Burrito came with a spicy, red sauce so of course I liked it, and of course I added some Mexican hot sauce to it. Jordan ordered chicken fajitas and decided they were the best he has ever had, besides the ones in Mexico.</div>
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It was still light out after dinner, so we decided on an after dinner photo shoot at the Woodbridge.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He may or may not have chased down the geese after this photo...</td></tr>
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Hope you are thinking of us if you are watching the Master's! Happy Easter!</div>CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-25107595248534776792012-04-05T13:09:00.001-07:002012-04-05T18:47:19.377-07:00Yasso 800s Take 2It was an exciting morning here. We had our new washer and dryer delivered! Can't wait to get started on the mountain of laundry piling up in the laundry room, thank goodness there is a door I can close to that disaster of a room. <br />
After the delivery men left, Jordan and I left to check out the nearby highschool track. It was only a few miles away from our house, and it is apparently always open to the public. Sometimes tracks are hard to get access to, which annoys the heck out of me - aren't our tax dollars paying for these tracks? That means I should be able to run on it!<br />
Anyways, I didn't start my warmup until around 9:30. It was 75 degrees and sunny. About two weeks ago, I completed the Yasso 800s wrkout, but only 8x800 at 3:09 pace. I wanted to run the same pace today, but to complete 10 repeats. Since Jordan was with me, he did the last 400 of each repeat to help me along. It is my goal to get him to participate in a series of races this summer that start at 1.8 miles and finish the season with a 10k. So this was a good workout for him as well.<br />
After three repeats, I was already thinking of how to quit the workout early. I really had to focus on one repeat at a time and stop to take water (and dump it on my head) after each repeat. It is hard to go from running in chillier temps in Pittsburgh to over 80 degrees and direct sun on a black track that reflected every bit of sun durectly on you. The funny part was that while I was dying and sweating profusely, a local track team didn't even break a sweat wearing dark gray cotton tshirts and heavy basketball shorts. I was practically naked and felt like my body was on fire.<br />
The first 5 repeats: 3:11, 3:12, 3:10, 3:11, 3:12. I felt very uncomfortable, but it was a relief mentally to get to the halfway point. After that, I started counting down backwards and it was a lot nicer that way. <br />
I think we all have those workouts where you are just trying to hold on and play mental tricks on your body to get through it, and today was one of those days. I would have loved to run my intervals a couple seconds faster, but hanging on when you feel like quitting is a great mental exercise that you need to practice to race well. At least I told myself that when I wanted to stop.<br />
The last five intervals:<br />
3:11, 3:11, 3:13, 3:12, 3:10<br />
Again, would have liked to run a few seconds faster, but was happy to run consistent times.<br />
The workout totaled 10 miles for the day ( a shorter then average warmup and cool down because I'm tapering) and we rewarded ourselves with going to the Evans Diner, conveniently located right around the bend from one of my other favorite running parks. It was yummy as usual, but felt a little sick still from the workout. <br />
On the way home, we took a drive around some of the neighborhoods. I am blogging from my phone on the E network so I'm not sure if it is going to show up or not, but we took two pictures from those pretty bridge my parents liked looking at while they were visiting. Looking out over the water, I felt really lucky to be living in such a pretty town. I also felt lucky to be do e with speed work for a few days!<br />
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We left from Pittsburgh last Thursday at 4:05 am. Jordan, Penny, Bruno and I were in his car, his dad drove our moving truck, and my parents drove my car down. We originally decided that both dogs would sit buckled into their harnesses in the back seat for the 10-11 hour car ride. They had other ideas.<br />
For the first hour, they whined and cried non-stop. I felt bad because they seemed very nervous - understandable. So then this happened the rest of the trip:<br />
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Jordan has a two-door car AND there was luggage at my feet. Bruno was buckled into the same seatbelt as me, and Penny was buckled into the seatbelt next to me. Of course, she wanted to sit on me, too. I was pretty squished, but obviously not too uncomfortable:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nap time</td></tr>
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We got to Georgia at 3pm last Thursday and immediately went into our house. I. LOVE. OUR. HOUSE. The neighborhood we are renting our house in is gorgeous. I feel like I am living on Wisteria Lane, and running around the hood this morning I actually did see a Wisteria Court. It is the perfect neighborhood to live in, because I absolutely LOVE running down residential streets. I like to run by houses and see kids playing on the streets, people walking dogs, families grilling, and ladies gardening (every woman I saw out this morning was gardening!). The developments all connect with each other and I am pretty sure I could run 15 miles through the different plans and not run the same street once. This morning, I ran the route to one of the pools I might join! It is such an novel idea to me to be able to walk/run/bike somewhere you want to go.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our front door, we are up on the hill a bit which makes for a nice view!</td></tr>
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Our parents really helped us move in over the weekend and we are now almost all unpacked. Jordan started work Monday and I started my job as a full-time dog mom/housewife/decorator until I find a job. It has kept me very busy, I unpacked every room, dusted, mopped, vacuumed, cooked, shopped, ironed, decorated, and steam cleaned every room on the first floor so far. Oh yeah, and cleaned up Bruno's pee. He thinks it is his job to 'mark' every room and even though I let them out every hour, he still finds the need to pee a little squirt in each room. So that takes up about 2 hours of my day, every day.</div>
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I have LOTS more I want to write about, especially all the decorations I have been putting up in our new home, and (oh yeah) Boston. I keep forgetting about Boston since I just moved across the country, but it is coming up in 12 days. I also am job searching right now, so hopefully something great will turn up in the next couple of weeks. At my last job, I made a lot of fun friends and I really miss talking to people during the day (Besides Penny and Bruno).</div>
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In addition, we are in THE BUSIEST time of year in Augusta, Georgia..... Master's Week! Augusta is not a very large city but it is absolutely crazy right now with all the golf pros and fans in town. Fortunately, we live in EVANS, Georgia which is about 20 minutes from the golf course. It is not as crowded in the suburbs, but a lot of our neighbors are renting out their homes for visitors this week. I feel strangely proud to live here when I see the Master's commercials on TV now because I LIVE HERE!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Augusta National</td></tr>
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I love Pittsburgh, but boy is it nice to live somewhere where it is always sunny (most of the time!) and we can eat outside every day. It's like I am on a permanent vacation.<br />
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Time to head home, but so happy I got to blog and should be fully connected Friday! Expect lots of pictures!</div>
</div>CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-53328119368952165132012-03-26T15:57:00.001-07:002012-03-26T15:57:43.394-07:00Last week before taperLast week, I had my biggest mileage week before my taper began! What perfect timing, the extra time will give me more time to pack up and move. But I would MUCH rather be running then putting boxes away.<br />
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This past week:<br />
Monday: lift, 7 miles easy<br />
Tuesday: 9 miles, abs<br />
Wednesday: lift, 11 miles (Yasso 800s)<br />
Thursday: 9 mile hilly run - got to run with Kate!!!<br />
Friday: 6 miles easy<br />
Saturday: 22 miles with Leslie and Moira at the Montour Trail - av. pace 7:55, last 7 miles closer to marathon pace 7:40 - 7:10<br />
Sunday: 8 miles with Dad, easy - very sore<br />
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Last night, Jordan suddenly got very sick. He has a fever, sore throat, and stomach bug. He called off work and I decided to as well because he looked so miserable and we really needed to get a lot done in the house. I had a ridiculously productive day cleaning and packing. My fingernails are disgusting from all the cleaning products and my hands are dry and cracking. It wasn't very smart to pack away my cleaning gloves, but that is the story of my life right now. Everything I want is all packed up. My nail clippers are also packed away, and most of my nails are missing big chunks and falling off! This is why I never get my nails done, I ruin them immediately.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAr7gjCM3E2E-_zLLIEPmENQAKNv1QJZva9SNdUEMZpXUv9Hp2Qc3nX2XnTOA-cMjC4IyGdAgy_s1g3GbguSpFrzb_bMbk4BQJn5k3aKSypyxoxEN4q2JthPXEgMxKIxg3K8lG_uoEnp2l/s1600/blog1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAr7gjCM3E2E-_zLLIEPmENQAKNv1QJZva9SNdUEMZpXUv9Hp2Qc3nX2XnTOA-cMjC4IyGdAgy_s1g3GbguSpFrzb_bMbk4BQJn5k3aKSypyxoxEN4q2JthPXEgMxKIxg3K8lG_uoEnp2l/s320/blog1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The doggie seatbelt harness</td></tr>
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Since I am such a wonderful dog mother, I packed a travel bag for the pups today and also did a test run of how they would be riding down to Georgia. I got each dog a safety rider harness that allows them to sit safely on the seats while buckled in with the regular seatbelt. Their leashes also attach to it, which will make it easy when we take them out for potty breaks. However, some people think it is very ridiculous my dogs have seatbelts! But they are so cute in the back together!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all pooped out from watching me clean</td></tr>
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Moving truck is coming tomorrow and we will be packing everything up! I have a feeling I will be very, very sore.CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-89182585852719983292012-03-23T11:56:00.002-07:002012-03-23T11:56:58.435-07:00Yasso 800sYesterday after working at the chilcare until 4 I headed over to North Park lake to try a marathon workout I read about awhile ago. It was 78 degrees and gorgeous. It made me smile to see so many other runners, bikers and walkers out enjoying the March heat wave. Totally different atmosphere then what it is like out there in the winter!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will miss running around this lake</td></tr>
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I read about this workout in Runner's World a few years ago but never tried it until now. The workout is Yasso 800s, developed by a runner/writer for Runner's World, Bart Yasso.<br />
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The workout is simple, but tough. If you are aiming to run a 4-hour marathon, your goal pace for the 800s are 4 minutes even. Your rest is the same as the goal time, so a nice, long 4 minute rest between 800s. The goal is to eventually work up to 10 of these 800s at your goal pace about two weeks before your marathon.<br />
I decided to give it a try, using my ambitious marathon goal time of 3:10 to set the pace for the workout. I decided to start with 8x800 at 3:10, with 3:10 rest. I was definitely nervous for this workout, since my strengths are in longer workouts and I need to work on shorter, faster intervals. I decided to do it around the lake because it would prevent boredom that would probably occur on the track, and the rolling hills would be more accurate for the Boston course.<br />
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This workout was tough because it forced me to run at a fast (for me) pace at 6:20. There were 8 intervals, so it times it seemed never ending. Each repeat felt hard, and I really had to think positively and tell myself I could do all 8 to get through it. My legs were still heavy from my 20 miler on Sunday. Since it was hot, I promised myself I could stop at the ice cold water fountain after repeat four and that really helped. Water tastes ridiculously good when it is hot out.<br />
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The workout totaled 11 miles with the warmup and cool down and the interval times were as follows:<br />
3:06, 3:10, 3:08, 3:09, 3:10, 3:10, 3:08, 3:09<br />
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I am curious to see if this really can help predict your marathon time. I would certainly be happy if it was accurate! I plan to do all 10 on the track when we are in Georgia and I will keep you posted!<br />
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Have you ever done a race predicting workout like this before?<br />
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</div>CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-27585217348300065202012-03-20T11:25:00.001-07:002012-03-20T11:25:43.234-07:00Quarter Century<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjCgmMWzFtV3clBDIMNPE2Ab3RHCDBMIrHfQbRoaJToTYvWXC3_lqmmBRzSbfAkNYWroSj42gL2qedxFWemd7-ZYZbuJondkMRIwaqGyz8C4atUuU0jghgzdTbQlpA4qlXlL8tHj3zwTv/s1600/chris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjCgmMWzFtV3clBDIMNPE2Ab3RHCDBMIrHfQbRoaJToTYvWXC3_lqmmBRzSbfAkNYWroSj42gL2qedxFWemd7-ZYZbuJondkMRIwaqGyz8C4atUuU0jghgzdTbQlpA4qlXlL8tHj3zwTv/s320/chris.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
25 years ago, my twin brother and I were born! No one has ever accused us of looking alike, or even acting alike. We took this picture this past October at his apartment in Old Town Alexandria while I was in town for the Marine Corps Marathon. He is one of the reasons I ran that race three times in a row!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad- March 20th, 1987</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom - March 20th, 1987</td></tr>
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Being a twin means people love to buy you ridiculously cute matching outfits and take your picture in them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. and Mrs. Claus</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holy babies</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJN2MWai4n0AQyGGMyZtNE-B9nwDr4MNlEZoNAz78Xy6eFuTci2nJaveoHhgWYBmXtS7zgvZg_cBr2mwKhxlTDvu6CjylQAXN0vLSqZ_tFmwvVUJ_s9SrQ5AU0INl5WFKC8wHLfFy0rKde/s1600/5-10-2010+8_41_27+PM.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJN2MWai4n0AQyGGMyZtNE-B9nwDr4MNlEZoNAz78Xy6eFuTci2nJaveoHhgWYBmXtS7zgvZg_cBr2mwKhxlTDvu6CjylQAXN0vLSqZ_tFmwvVUJ_s9SrQ5AU0INl5WFKC8wHLfFy0rKde/s320/5-10-2010+8_41_27+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris looks so sophisticated in his bow tie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWUvbgoQuh3RsiEfwZzOtxDgkG_GSIy5bMJsuSnwpK8ROM7tY9xUBiIN00HCcWJjrDkrXrF5TGBgjbc1YMkUL3rHF0agbHpq_hxi6Iy4fxpTNabomAg1CLzQ7MBFGjfcpJs0fC6rATYAZ/s1600/twins2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWUvbgoQuh3RsiEfwZzOtxDgkG_GSIy5bMJsuSnwpK8ROM7tY9xUBiIN00HCcWJjrDkrXrF5TGBgjbc1YMkUL3rHF0agbHpq_hxi6Iy4fxpTNabomAg1CLzQ7MBFGjfcpJs0fC6rATYAZ/s320/twins2.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both terrified</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXi3v-vJAaUDz4nZsjSV9UrZorPPiZyb0fiIKB7Rz9BTzOky4QTzrHclVrS9l72Azvh0yh1c9YRmrRUS-9qxFHgFVxqQTPWwcgzL3iJJL2d07-CduLWSIn1Xmp1Q5wlEtXJLL58CZ-I9L/s1600/mechris.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXi3v-vJAaUDz4nZsjSV9UrZorPPiZyb0fiIKB7Rz9BTzOky4QTzrHclVrS9l72Azvh0yh1c9YRmrRUS-9qxFHgFVxqQTPWwcgzL3iJJL2d07-CduLWSIn1Xmp1Q5wlEtXJLL58CZ-I9L/s320/mechris.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor guy</td></tr>
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I started my birthday by going out for a 9 mile run around my house, stopping at my mom's for a glass of water. It was 55 and sunny out, a gorgeous morning for a run. I picked up a coffee and lunch at Panera, tidied up around here, and am now sitting outside on our patio waiting for Jordan's flight to get in. He was in Georiga for top-secret business and should be landing at 4:30, with enough time to take me to the Cheesecake factory for a Pomegranate Mojito and dinner. <br />
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Although preparations for the move are definitely distracting me a little bit, it has been a great day so far and the sunshine in Pittsburgh makes it 10x better. I can't wait to eat outside tonight, eating inside when it's so nice out is like a crime. For Jordan's sake, I hope I have learned a thing or two about eating dessert when the cheesecake comes!<br />
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<b>How do you celebrate your birthday?</b> For my 23rd, I ran 23 miles with my friend Leslie (then got a puppy! Penny!) I debated doing 25 miles this past weekend, but then decided that would not be so great for training for Boston.CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-55595270808772455862012-03-16T14:14:00.003-07:002012-03-16T14:14:52.878-07:00Staying Positive - PinterestStaying positive is very important to running well and not losing your brains during a stressful change in your life. Moving across the country, I have found, definitely qualifies as a big stressor in life! Not only do we have to pack up an entire life here in Pittsburgh, but we have to start a new one in Georgia. No family around, and no friends - yet!! <br />
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One of the biggest aspects of leaving that is hard for me was actually leaving my job to move. I thought I would be relieved to be done so I could focus on packing, but instead, I am strongly disliking being unecmployed and driving myself crazy wonderfing if I will ever get a job I love (or can at least tolerate!) in Georgia. <br />
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I am hoping and praying to get an elementary school position teaching in the wonderful school district we will be living in . It would be a dream to have a short commute to work and teach kindergarten, to a bunch of little ones that say y'all and call me ma'am. I have sent in applications, and have been in touch with some of the people in charge of hiring. Everything going well so far!<br />
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My last job was somewhat tough. Our school was in an urban setting, which brings a different set of skills you need as a teacher. It can be very stressful, especially if you are not used to it. In addition, our school day was long with my commmute. I left for work at 6:30 and was home at 5:00. For a non-teacher, thats not such a bad schedule. For a lawyer or doctor, that is fantastic! But compare it to the teachers in my neighborhood here, they leave at 8 and get home at 4. <br />
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My day wouldn't be so long if I didn't do much else in a work day. However, I worked out two times most days - so that morning would start at 4:30 with a visit to the gym or treadmill run, then after work another run - so I wouldn't be home until close to 7:00. Then it was time to take care of the dogs, walk them, cook dinner (if it was up to Jordan we would have Chipotle every night!) clean the kitchen, tidy the house, pack my lunch and gym bag for the next day, and hopefully spend about an hour of relaxing time with my husband. I felt that I would not be very happy working at this hectic pace for very long. Life is too short to spend two hours a day in the car! I am hoping this move will give me an opportunity to find a job that balances better with marathon training, and just being happier in general!<br />
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Anyways, whenever I am feeling stressed out.... I like to pin things! Yes, I am now obsessed with Pinterest! I was complaining to Jordan that I was in a bad mood the other night, and he advised me to pin something. It was so funny because it works! Here are some of my favorite Positive Pins. I love to read them before I go running. Some of them are better suited for running, some of them, life in general!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5T5tf1Z5BOoXxf6hzTEydYEh5HF57DWSP9RjPudwLi4HXUWjQBqHe_5_kx5-67a2kS-pvKfjmd9LytwhVlP_oUEDOjj1OM6YITvn5gZVEOLmjblXL15O33HtXMEgWybiHyMM77rU2w3N/s1600/171910910745606317_lzP89F4S_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5T5tf1Z5BOoXxf6hzTEydYEh5HF57DWSP9RjPudwLi4HXUWjQBqHe_5_kx5-67a2kS-pvKfjmd9LytwhVlP_oUEDOjj1OM6YITvn5gZVEOLmjblXL15O33HtXMEgWybiHyMM77rU2w3N/s320/171910910745606317_lzP89F4S_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">royal Corgis running FAST!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJAyW6Bi5NJcTfOI1L2rYk6ril2fXD_GjPIY4Ia5KsJJq1RlqoRvP-8Rk-NqZ_etIMbCQLUWmClc5So2NFjKg-m14I1RMQIQ0A43I03TRATs4F7y1J5I90CmIy182Is-83bHbDuvsfO4c/s1600/200550989626412106_wYfWXui7_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJAyW6Bi5NJcTfOI1L2rYk6ril2fXD_GjPIY4Ia5KsJJq1RlqoRvP-8Rk-NqZ_etIMbCQLUWmClc5So2NFjKg-m14I1RMQIQ0A43I03TRATs4F7y1J5I90CmIy182Is-83bHbDuvsfO4c/s1600/200550989626412106_wYfWXui7_c.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tell yourself this, even if you don't believe it! It is all about playing mind games and tricking yourself into believing you feel good.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZxshcly5BJOJrWt98oGS5zUT9gW7_UbgXeV7obRC07gCKa6nJ4T01ku787fM61szoenWP1p3GmWd8L_cKlTbo6_-R0vcsSr0ZzGbgjp3k4UBQuGnnzqKsyYMfA6KKAvI-N7-oG1k4xgs/s1600/241294492505307233_bSC71hKI_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZxshcly5BJOJrWt98oGS5zUT9gW7_UbgXeV7obRC07gCKa6nJ4T01ku787fM61szoenWP1p3GmWd8L_cKlTbo6_-R0vcsSr0ZzGbgjp3k4UBQuGnnzqKsyYMfA6KKAvI-N7-oG1k4xgs/s1600/241294492505307233_bSC71hKI_c.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't run to look good, I run to kick your butt in a race. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8B0oYchrGUW1EaEZfBRG3GvVfREVKLBRFuAfLMAJOk10c9txJlcmzbiAkYh53ZHJezG764kTuLrdCXNaevp1haIZC5Lphoo6kFCveeaR20G5rMvecYNcALsz2H5NCVtyR6__yu5Oo4Tkk/s1600/82050024430742347_J6kE99OT_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8B0oYchrGUW1EaEZfBRG3GvVfREVKLBRFuAfLMAJOk10c9txJlcmzbiAkYh53ZHJezG764kTuLrdCXNaevp1haIZC5Lphoo6kFCveeaR20G5rMvecYNcALsz2H5NCVtyR6__yu5Oo4Tkk/s320/82050024430742347_J6kE99OT_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SO TRUE. It is even better than happy hour.</td></tr>
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<br />Hope you like those quotes!!! Do you do anything to cheer you up when you are stressed out? Do you think it is stressful to move across the country and quit your job? Any moving advice? CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-64451688671006344992012-03-09T07:12:00.001-08:002012-03-09T07:12:56.995-08:00Big Changes!!!I have missed blogging so much these past few months! I have kept up with reading my favorite friend's blogs during this time, but I have been very, very preoccupied with my changing life since my last post! However, I really missed talking with and commenting on everyone's blogs and I am so happy to get back into it!<br />
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Running wise, I am still training for Boston and it has been going very well besides the few times (like this past week when I got the stomach bug and still struggle with running 1 mile two days later) I have gotten sick.<br />
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I am very excited for all the new changes in my life, but it has my mind going a million miles a minute trying to figure it all out!<br />
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</b><br />
<b>Big change number 1:</b><br />
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I left my job teaching Kindergarten at the charter school I was working at. My last day was last Friday and although I needed to leave the position (you will see why!), it was sad and stressful at the same time. Sad because I will miss the great friends I worked with there, sad because I love teaching 5-year-olds, and stressful because I need to find a new job!<br />
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<b>Big change number 2: </b><br />
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We put our lovely, first home in Pittsburgh up for rent and found two fantastic people to rent it from us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNmrnOgrV3h7uyJmxAIaamx0Aq6UrauOATG_rT4jBLpTE9eX2wtvIYtsanAn8XFe5zTVHsZNj4l6j_lZdbeCtlncfCJHXeSbM97QrVBwk-4aFfjfgvR9Jkvz6POT4xngdlW0iZtBHQEC-/s1600/photo-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNmrnOgrV3h7uyJmxAIaamx0Aq6UrauOATG_rT4jBLpTE9eX2wtvIYtsanAn8XFe5zTVHsZNj4l6j_lZdbeCtlncfCJHXeSbM97QrVBwk-4aFfjfgvR9Jkvz6POT4xngdlW0iZtBHQEC-/s320/photo-8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this house and will miss it a lot!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We put a lot of work in this house over the past two years..... renovated the kitchen, both bathrooms, painted every room, put new doors on, decorated, etc. Jordan and his dad did all the work themselves!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbsvTq0FOFWiPkeR45J_XPaNfr1zC9GXdthgiT-8FXICjqSIhEPaoKQWdUhWDI6lkcfBtuEEL5ZjBvmQTuMtoIavEY0W8a7zRpKpSCMkWXnpQOVwvUPMgaUb6ffghjLp0rkCpy9UfQJbx/s1600/photo-27.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbsvTq0FOFWiPkeR45J_XPaNfr1zC9GXdthgiT-8FXICjqSIhEPaoKQWdUhWDI6lkcfBtuEEL5ZjBvmQTuMtoIavEY0W8a7zRpKpSCMkWXnpQOVwvUPMgaUb6ffghjLp0rkCpy9UfQJbx/s320/photo-27.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gutted this whole bathroom!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHk4LAY-S_E7sh89t4qKExNy-E20HLvsSKFzmIFgQkPR26ZI4cpiRSiSrRpzfV-1_bJJ36i6otCWiouR3IEMkuzSXjCTqhPWgEa6dNqENo_dOgrnhu0vVZyoVmZYsp3x-9uxuVgf-Oauy/s1600/photo-30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHk4LAY-S_E7sh89t4qKExNy-E20HLvsSKFzmIFgQkPR26ZI4cpiRSiSrRpzfV-1_bJJ36i6otCWiouR3IEMkuzSXjCTqhPWgEa6dNqENo_dOgrnhu0vVZyoVmZYsp3x-9uxuVgf-Oauy/s320/photo-30.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love fake granite!</td></tr>
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<b>Big change number 3:</b><br />
We found a fantastic house I just LOVE to rent for the next few years..... love the fenced in yard and kitchen best!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJckTzBclgqww2iTOjWePkaQ-JKgOSwjXarGUV0DVJ1jqcphFUqmZ8bCNsh1I57_06o4MydWtAw82yaX2Td0dsOCRMEvPJlGQtlnHkVO2BvCo3xrrBayySzfmVTm1hWrmWbzZgarbqd4vp/s1600/photo-24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJckTzBclgqww2iTOjWePkaQ-JKgOSwjXarGUV0DVJ1jqcphFUqmZ8bCNsh1I57_06o4MydWtAw82yaX2Td0dsOCRMEvPJlGQtlnHkVO2BvCo3xrrBayySzfmVTm1hWrmWbzZgarbqd4vp/s320/photo-24.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driveway is a little scary...I may be parking on the street!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwZqR2SV0XGSKA_zf_80fUVW56FicVmRyLFFIG95fhg0egFCh8LDa5ywZoZhIUGmp-xBKqL9LiRHBqBGDR_eH6krneGU5KZxvV_fmjxq_DNTR7YHK0HQB9Zi9bsr_awT1DNPdtZJlrioZ/s1600/photo-25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwZqR2SV0XGSKA_zf_80fUVW56FicVmRyLFFIG95fhg0egFCh8LDa5ywZoZhIUGmp-xBKqL9LiRHBqBGDR_eH6krneGU5KZxvV_fmjxq_DNTR7YHK0HQB9Zi9bsr_awT1DNPdtZJlrioZ/s320/photo-25.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pups can run free!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqdvAPqCUbvO0t9VA-EVLUqKQUGft_xaKl4tIDKniqZVVm4fimz4HXN6SrT5VwDe15MTln3Qc1nrl21epY5qejUNNBge6gE14sC86-JGY2Ct9tzHkVTcI_7fe8n19dSWXaUvEB5xD4tBF/s1600/photo-26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqdvAPqCUbvO0t9VA-EVLUqKQUGft_xaKl4tIDKniqZVVm4fimz4HXN6SrT5VwDe15MTln3Qc1nrl21epY5qejUNNBge6gE14sC86-JGY2Ct9tzHkVTcI_7fe8n19dSWXaUvEB5xD4tBF/s320/photo-26.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More counter top space!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5S4xvSJuiCuB9IOKWA3JqLky9ED6rxsElUSkPQaD0sBj15oS8pYaqsoQbDyjjbTAQu2IfjfREFKIn6X-MqIicdnJS1KUP-3vuWsKUkrrWWsIWjqaHj8s6TwNOfNOnKCJ5locDSOJFYcOw/s1600/photo-28.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5S4xvSJuiCuB9IOKWA3JqLky9ED6rxsElUSkPQaD0sBj15oS8pYaqsoQbDyjjbTAQu2IfjfREFKIn6X-MqIicdnJS1KUP-3vuWsKUkrrWWsIWjqaHj8s6TwNOfNOnKCJ5locDSOJFYcOw/s320/photo-28.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of room for ice baths!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Big change number 4: </b><br />
Jordan got a new position within his company. He will now be an on-site engineer at a new nuclear power plant.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cmWfgkf1BY68Kkq9mhgUoj5wxrJT3PYmrkgWSjYDEdPtYszymMUeaHM-cpfjxu2QrtrQmmNlt2sJsz7ISiAFsxb63y6y0Es2fPE1oZenO7RMt7xKQz1bype3UbXHxb4VyvraAVVAXVVq/s1600/homer-simpson-nuclear-emgineer-creative-commons-300x223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cmWfgkf1BY68Kkq9mhgUoj5wxrJT3PYmrkgWSjYDEdPtYszymMUeaHM-cpfjxu2QrtrQmmNlt2sJsz7ISiAFsxb63y6y0Es2fPE1oZenO7RMt7xKQz1bype3UbXHxb4VyvraAVVAXVVq/s1600/homer-simpson-nuclear-emgineer-creative-commons-300x223.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jordan at work</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Leading up to....<br />
<b>Big change number 5:</b><br />
At the end of this month, we are moving our house, Penny, and Bruno to Augusta, <b>GEORGIA</b>!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3KFplvqiZ8QQ5nPVpG7cnuixTQHq8NC2LXQAxfDnIM-lmhpNKWYjqyRWKPh1ouMvNbAXVSYABbeCZ0VjsslLkhPbCCU01Tk1LRJBu5vUNb-wVxbyo9UKjINtvz_FpDzpfZ8obJC9Eiks/s1600/augustanational.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3KFplvqiZ8QQ5nPVpG7cnuixTQHq8NC2LXQAxfDnIM-lmhpNKWYjqyRWKPh1ouMvNbAXVSYABbeCZ0VjsslLkhPbCCU01Tk1LRJBu5vUNb-wVxbyo9UKjINtvz_FpDzpfZ8obJC9Eiks/s320/augustanational.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Augusta National Golf Course - home of the Masters. Lots and lots of golf courses here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We will be living just outside of Augusta in a suburb called Evans. I am thrilled to be living in the south, as it has always been my dream to pretend my life is a country music song. I have been watching Paula Deen's cooking show, downloading lots of country songs, and have been practicing making my hair big and fluffy to prepare for the move. I have also been packing boxes and filing out paperwork, not really as important.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8kOQmstaoUbNA7k8Bo2ZNic45SV-o9NUz6zvBVxJtjvOWwBw5C_bB3u8ahnDklT-9eNE4WMhD9yCvA_BQVMgszniVF5mztMpRKXI3vfY7cdInnNcrOw-C8H1atk_IUVjEhIHgtmgboLs/s1600/carrieunderwood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8kOQmstaoUbNA7k8Bo2ZNic45SV-o9NUz6zvBVxJtjvOWwBw5C_bB3u8ahnDklT-9eNE4WMhD9yCvA_BQVMgszniVF5mztMpRKXI3vfY7cdInnNcrOw-C8H1atk_IUVjEhIHgtmgboLs/s1600/carrieunderwood.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who doesn't think her hair is great??</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anyways, I hope to blog more regularly during this time to a) help me to not lose my mind during the big transition and b) keep in touch with my friends and family we are leaving behind in Pittsburgh!<br />
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What do you think of the South? Have you ever been to/lived there? Would you like living there?CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-19061504653283964192012-01-02T16:45:00.000-08:002012-01-02T16:45:55.170-08:00Boston Training - Week Two and ThreeFIRST of all, I just booked my trip to Boston!!!!<br />
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We will be there through the weekend and coming home later Monday - and I took the day off work the next day to recover :). Can't wait!!!<br />
<br />
The past two weeks of training have went REALLY well. <br />
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Week 2:<br />
Monday: 6 miles easy, abs<br />
Tuesday: 8 miles with 5x1000s in a dark, rainy, windy storm. Times were HORRID 4:22-4:29 but I was glad I pushed myself, lifted that AM<br />
Wednesday: 6 miles easy<br />
Thursday: 6 miles easy (half day at work, break begins!!!) lifted that AM<br />
Friday: early AM 15 mile run with Leslie, 8:17 pace, legs tired<br />
Saturday: 8 mile easy<br />
Sunday: Christmas AM run w/dad, 7 miles with two 1.5 mile tempos (1 mile rest) - 7:27, 7:21<br />
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Week 3:<br />
Monday: 7 miles easy, abs<br />
Tuesday: 9 mile workout - 4 x 1 mile repeats with 800 rest in another rainy, windy mess (at the track)<br />
6:39, 6:45, 6:42, 6:37, lifted in the AM<br />
Wednesday: 7 miles easy, soo icy! abs<br />
Thursday: 9 miles 6 x hill repeats 2:50 - 2:59, abs<br />
Friday: 7 easy, lifted<br />
Saturday: 16 mile progression-type long run<br />
7:59, 8:12, 8:17, 8:00, 7:57, 8:02, 8:00, 7:58, 7:43, 7:39, 7:41, 7:35, 7:24, 7:16, 7:17, 6:55 - felt good and really pushed it at the end<br />
Sunday:8 miles easy at Schenley park, abs<br />
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This week is a 'cut down' week for mileage, which works out well since I am returning to work.<br />
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Happy New Year, Everyone! In 2012, I resolve to get CLOSER to the 3 hour mark in the marathon!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8FIJG6oojMYTP559gDiEVzMGLS5LrSSkiOvbOxXL1CdqBjKBqbXjVazqL1gh6b8k2VMbc2tYDPmA0lgsUOzvcIXeArzSCOHrd2pQMKX_rn9iK-iDeLsKPysWkzKmH-d_GAq-ir2-DMSC/s1600/DSC03133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8FIJG6oojMYTP559gDiEVzMGLS5LrSSkiOvbOxXL1CdqBjKBqbXjVazqL1gh6b8k2VMbc2tYDPmA0lgsUOzvcIXeArzSCOHrd2pQMKX_rn9iK-iDeLsKPysWkzKmH-d_GAq-ir2-DMSC/s320/DSC03133.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-90124182787248080712011-12-30T19:04:00.000-08:002011-12-30T19:04:08.722-08:00Our Christmas Holiday - in PicturesAlthough Jordan and I have both had the entire week off, I still have neglected to blog and write about our break. We have been having an amazing week filled with relaxing, working out, running, meeting up with old friends and family, eating out, and playing with our puppies!<br />
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<br />
Since we have so many pictures from the holiday (and I don't feel like typing much!) I thought I would share with everyone!<br />
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I had a half day on the 22nd, but Jordan took Bruno to the vet to get neutered and have his duclaw removed. We took him back to get a bigger cone later on because his snout is ridiculously long.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Sx1mclWcihmZWMHgFCjZ5mlFwUBOk5B7QDq0rfiTbMkATlutJeq7OZpCm-f6vqmD430FqoQLF9lb355CMvjJbKaKmJVAuZagElnm2kg3ek5ZvUn8GuHSTIjsiaZNjTK5yT1O4IWatYoy/s1600/photo-33.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Sx1mclWcihmZWMHgFCjZ5mlFwUBOk5B7QDq0rfiTbMkATlutJeq7OZpCm-f6vqmD430FqoQLF9lb355CMvjJbKaKmJVAuZagElnm2kg3ek5ZvUn8GuHSTIjsiaZNjTK5yT1O4IWatYoy/s320/photo-33.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mE1r0xv0MHA1hDSdcWVAKZsS_AbCiD59z2eLhJIamIf0nLwP9VSeQsFoXgTC02SC2egCBd_XrRaaxDdkMDgTY2CrqE_R0XSd1Yad_p7LeaSFDxVzXH2LiTCkS97yqCiF41eOq_eSR8oP/s1600/photo-34.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mE1r0xv0MHA1hDSdcWVAKZsS_AbCiD59z2eLhJIamIf0nLwP9VSeQsFoXgTC02SC2egCBd_XrRaaxDdkMDgTY2CrqE_R0XSd1Yad_p7LeaSFDxVzXH2LiTCkS97yqCiF41eOq_eSR8oP/s320/photo-34.JPG" width="240" /></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_qOSO38UT3dA6ZsO_wGBHOftl4j9MMT0ovBS6AC7vzUOZd09P93neM0tgCr69IcNm1-tYn_wpWwME7P4NNqPjD2PF_o8eqrSdL3v4VenKGVPepCcJTwloBjbvKGV-2nQTDjp0A-BxKKo/s1600/DSC03080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_qOSO38UT3dA6ZsO_wGBHOftl4j9MMT0ovBS6AC7vzUOZd09P93neM0tgCr69IcNm1-tYn_wpWwME7P4NNqPjD2PF_o8eqrSdL3v4VenKGVPepCcJTwloBjbvKGV-2nQTDjp0A-BxKKo/s320/DSC03080.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa at our family gathering on the 22rd</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzce1YnIbKwx_GCkpBWnescxTgJv2Gduaye8aUo_lAv_snfLvL_r1MB2VbA2W6KkKXUJ1AIyR5smLOWfRYbFXlsKTLgygBDwInkfzoPsw40u8DTox-aiKg8VQcdslClQeJKa_EkbIPoGKz/s1600/DSC03082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzce1YnIbKwx_GCkpBWnescxTgJv2Gduaye8aUo_lAv_snfLvL_r1MB2VbA2W6KkKXUJ1AIyR5smLOWfRYbFXlsKTLgygBDwInkfzoPsw40u8DTox-aiKg8VQcdslClQeJKa_EkbIPoGKz/s320/DSC03082.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of his presents</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMryFrez2Vg6OziWbb3wLCK-HZJFD6Jeyq8VUtvypTekWWN2Il5gpo5aisuZhVQZoau5_Z4FDSonj9dZ1A48FFmt0tYLPud7nGowv4kAyuNLkL3trL73KG0hWdeiHH6g4M9RP_Pilr7mVv/s1600/DSC03083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMryFrez2Vg6OziWbb3wLCK-HZJFD6Jeyq8VUtvypTekWWN2Il5gpo5aisuZhVQZoau5_Z4FDSonj9dZ1A48FFmt0tYLPud7nGowv4kAyuNLkL3trL73KG0hWdeiHH6g4M9RP_Pilr7mVv/s320/DSC03083.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the tree at the theater - we saw A Christmas Carol</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sVoBw__ycXbpNoDbxjfjoxi9FUwT9B43av83ZcALJiNNdQaJTNdoae6h8Gi_GEtNgr8Kx89KXWOQfWHSuP_Jv_KbfEMP1fj5KSaY5vPJLNg1f-ZZV7ox6wdiOPjeeKZPvkV1QFF7UELm/s1600/DSC03084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sVoBw__ycXbpNoDbxjfjoxi9FUwT9B43av83ZcALJiNNdQaJTNdoae6h8Gi_GEtNgr8Kx89KXWOQfWHSuP_Jv_KbfEMP1fj5KSaY5vPJLNg1f-ZZV7ox6wdiOPjeeKZPvkV1QFF7UELm/s320/DSC03084.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wore head to toe gold - but that was okay because everyone was wearing head to toe fur</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Christmas Eve, we had a family reunion type gathering in Export, PA with Jordan's mom family where they cooked a massive 7 fishes Christmas Eve Dinner. We left after dinner and went to my parent's party at their house, then went to 10pm mass.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xT_fZmEe8cUvaHYQkZYcPZbKAyN7fD9JzjhvnJzloVC3H1YcUY8phX9rCOlKuf4pqSjm-P-5EqDaKdwjTSmcaCyUAWqB0les8pTyk-kZwdh63kUG3vY274ebeVDUozRApQQB112T2e2X/s1600/DSC03085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xT_fZmEe8cUvaHYQkZYcPZbKAyN7fD9JzjhvnJzloVC3H1YcUY8phX9rCOlKuf4pqSjm-P-5EqDaKdwjTSmcaCyUAWqB0les8pTyk-kZwdh63kUG3vY274ebeVDUozRApQQB112T2e2X/s320/DSC03085.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my 'little' brother</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiko5KXp5euqx_WMENTw1H-rJ5F5Vw0zs68D9BisUzxhStu3xsfthbfTP-scPkJIR1Sbaz5tjTCjVfhiUeriejSa0fQwy0gA1nYcuRVNSQ5m6ZHrH7r2C7bISNMEbOwURK1rzJbHjv7W-eU/s1600/IMGP0315.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiko5KXp5euqx_WMENTw1H-rJ5F5Vw0zs68D9BisUzxhStu3xsfthbfTP-scPkJIR1Sbaz5tjTCjVfhiUeriejSa0fQwy0gA1nYcuRVNSQ5m6ZHrH7r2C7bISNMEbOwURK1rzJbHjv7W-eU/s320/IMGP0315.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JoePa shirt from Corey</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28FEyHiRw6-S79OGDMGL-ebw49ihvVF3CQfBFMEGQ-Y6t0TqtNy2lw0-cV9x1LAzVt9RefljSlv5LAFQeq5_B6RG1pwlBh1iu1bdutluykBIadLINlXKQ1UYYKP3vUknWT8kg_tYvYqv3/s1600/DSC03086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28FEyHiRw6-S79OGDMGL-ebw49ihvVF3CQfBFMEGQ-Y6t0TqtNy2lw0-cV9x1LAzVt9RefljSlv5LAFQeq5_B6RG1pwlBh1iu1bdutluykBIadLINlXKQ1UYYKP3vUknWT8kg_tYvYqv3/s320/DSC03086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKVbwzRwhAaJn5UGNttcT7FVNvJD2VH5Ay6kmg0z0xq06KuSXTWnMRf3-HYUOoNh8fEXgx0lIqY2RODa7zJ27fcissF2B3BqF9z2_uP977z9eToDPddOb2j9aZjFVLS2ycmTh4mN3bnmM/s1600/IMGP0319.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKVbwzRwhAaJn5UGNttcT7FVNvJD2VH5Ay6kmg0z0xq06KuSXTWnMRf3-HYUOoNh8fEXgx0lIqY2RODa7zJ27fcissF2B3BqF9z2_uP977z9eToDPddOb2j9aZjFVLS2ycmTh4mN3bnmM/s320/IMGP0319.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfzTKHvAF_UpGmgZRmDbfIvAlKojm5NLhGuYMeYxwCnelgCIDTYXwkd1QHm-YFe9Y4765nk7zCpB2dOx5pY8dxv6I6pfErPiZnQP-CSTW-K-YYM0WVbmlvgzxZ5CUh4wvwoutcOhLoEws/s1600/DSC03093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfzTKHvAF_UpGmgZRmDbfIvAlKojm5NLhGuYMeYxwCnelgCIDTYXwkd1QHm-YFe9Y4765nk7zCpB2dOx5pY8dxv6I6pfErPiZnQP-CSTW-K-YYM0WVbmlvgzxZ5CUh4wvwoutcOhLoEws/s320/DSC03093.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">traditional after mass Christmas Eve PJ opening</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJ88V_Lr1IUAfeUIcD-G2v1z40jEdrscUn-Zu-g5pdRkufQX67k0yL3_I7A8NjWzbGN_DWeQBo3CSUiUu6GHGlmYzI_iwlYdMfc8Zn3jfqxzOb789M4QGEb5xfyEc_H2c66aomqsLLIUX/s1600/DSC03092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJ88V_Lr1IUAfeUIcD-G2v1z40jEdrscUn-Zu-g5pdRkufQX67k0yL3_I7A8NjWzbGN_DWeQBo3CSUiUu6GHGlmYzI_iwlYdMfc8Zn3jfqxzOb789M4QGEb5xfyEc_H2c66aomqsLLIUX/s320/DSC03092.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robe!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Christmas Morning I had a nice 7 mile run (with tempo) with my dad. We both dressed like crazies. It was dark when we started, but a nice start to a great day. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijH78emJyT2PREoxWg5zf-PLuaxfhtui4ln3OQn5O3z7APj45-hWZe4wL152A4fnQdEcXESUf-x3cLW8K-GMpyKUhT-NxiHzgIYor3aeZIt6J2QHlAU4AYhzWkgEyBI9T4NUTh8N4vaMXo/s1600/photo-40.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijH78emJyT2PREoxWg5zf-PLuaxfhtui4ln3OQn5O3z7APj45-hWZe4wL152A4fnQdEcXESUf-x3cLW8K-GMpyKUhT-NxiHzgIYor3aeZIt6J2QHlAU4AYhzWkgEyBI9T4NUTh8N4vaMXo/s320/photo-40.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Jordan and I opened our presents and had a nice breakfast. We spent some time at his dad's party in the afternoon, then ate dinner (filet and ravioli) at his Aunt's house. We stopped by my aunt's house briefly as well. Very busy, but fun day.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisL-EMp8SUV37jU6T_bIO4pXJGv7XAY-EWlDe-ggouS94OJmyx5XtdRQsYClBamQqxmyPnk59x9T0gHK_oPPd-h9v9byTrTdv9-54HAz1UA_31zTojvHooZkcWIQzdCrK4N-wiepKsGW4/s1600/DSC03095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisL-EMp8SUV37jU6T_bIO4pXJGv7XAY-EWlDe-ggouS94OJmyx5XtdRQsYClBamQqxmyPnk59x9T0gHK_oPPd-h9v9byTrTdv9-54HAz1UA_31zTojvHooZkcWIQzdCrK4N-wiepKsGW4/s320/DSC03095.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our little reindeer</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nv5RRWOk-BCNcP6EHT43MO1-cxjR4uO_1yOOiScCWCUCFJdamHu48H_AS95oXSuKrOlq_jGbL_xKZBQWk9sd_m_u-Q_1TDEYBF_kU2TtK3bgRDQOgRhzzmkYRzD1dAAnWCi_7ZBTAO8P/s1600/DSC03097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nv5RRWOk-BCNcP6EHT43MO1-cxjR4uO_1yOOiScCWCUCFJdamHu48H_AS95oXSuKrOlq_jGbL_xKZBQWk9sd_m_u-Q_1TDEYBF_kU2TtK3bgRDQOgRhzzmkYRzD1dAAnWCi_7ZBTAO8P/s320/DSC03097.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and our little tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBleUbb4eB_qv_s9uI4qi-GYd3h1anhLc-Z4ro6WLaBqaI3KYzo1tt2XgwAQqxA1qzOd86BQHsxuyucDEI6sMsABdKz4GH25IURJC5TheKhnvb6tvPz0bF-89lrIodRxrHX0R9_TSB_ey/s1600/DSC03099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBleUbb4eB_qv_s9uI4qi-GYd3h1anhLc-Z4ro6WLaBqaI3KYzo1tt2XgwAQqxA1qzOd86BQHsxuyucDEI6sMsABdKz4GH25IURJC5TheKhnvb6tvPz0bF-89lrIodRxrHX0R9_TSB_ey/s320/DSC03099.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YtCixpIKztfik69yZA7kha1NQtB6CXThIn3by1S3DDuUfCzlENObJy4SY82rji0buYdSLCvVKCUOYTWR4l3_zRX1UbMhDyeDe3nltkcNTmwbKj-iAyRCe1J_cqz5sgAXG9zzFzUaJgtB/s1600/DSC03102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YtCixpIKztfik69yZA7kha1NQtB6CXThIn3by1S3DDuUfCzlENObJy4SY82rji0buYdSLCvVKCUOYTWR4l3_zRX1UbMhDyeDe3nltkcNTmwbKj-iAyRCe1J_cqz5sgAXG9zzFzUaJgtB/s320/DSC03102.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merry Corgmas!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8XEQTFVYSrgJCiX2aq2Pxp_5cJm875fpv6VxpZyxoUox4KoCYef93pAVyO9JFaosEjBplACVmqZcJARm7k7gi9pQOiP7ZGrxpJXTFMpaNoFHppafjhaQwE2c_sHxCiAHhDEehVT2QjmY/s1600/DSC03103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8XEQTFVYSrgJCiX2aq2Pxp_5cJm875fpv6VxpZyxoUox4KoCYef93pAVyO9JFaosEjBplACVmqZcJARm7k7gi9pQOiP7ZGrxpJXTFMpaNoFHppafjhaQwE2c_sHxCiAHhDEehVT2QjmY/s320/DSC03103.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa came for Caitlin, Jordan, Bruno, and Penny</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqpH5ZuxNTtizxnh4bSUcRR5h7LhWoc9QfbLpF025cue7LvORuaxGaMVpD_9Zg2njmvkduHNAR1TKDBktfeZ50rRNxP3LoNWZPdqUKxG4BO0qE28Qe-g_TMqvGY57jf2zXWKZJuJ4imHQ/s1600/DSC03105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqpH5ZuxNTtizxnh4bSUcRR5h7LhWoc9QfbLpF025cue7LvORuaxGaMVpD_9Zg2njmvkduHNAR1TKDBktfeZ50rRNxP3LoNWZPdqUKxG4BO0qE28Qe-g_TMqvGY57jf2zXWKZJuJ4imHQ/s320/DSC03105.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puppies opened their presents first. They both got some toys and bones. So happy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Zmx-SikpPbvOTcriIy17Z51wLMlPubWW_gx5FacGes4-w93ieqMhSwuM3B4BluaMECrgMNH_nr1BjWfV2JQwbVLCSriG-IMOXmtks2ma6CE9LaPnD1eboKD4xRIdDTpT_wtC6z6kNciA/s1600/DSC03109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Zmx-SikpPbvOTcriIy17Z51wLMlPubWW_gx5FacGes4-w93ieqMhSwuM3B4BluaMECrgMNH_nr1BjWfV2JQwbVLCSriG-IMOXmtks2ma6CE9LaPnD1eboKD4xRIdDTpT_wtC6z6kNciA/s320/DSC03109.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGSGZkRzEHtY-afghLuRMpC-rnIZjnCZLLpXG8fAWg9-kEk-F_HO1i1zmLNerM3jiCcHKRuJlrQVlDDJcC9atj2KecM6ORWITo_rm0IyfxvdlNcWfvwpSC26qrBINVMwQ7aDLxAN-5cqy/s1600/DSC03110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_l_Jl-yrYH7tlKNOWpiRry6RAl2xkW0V0-jWC5yqHdLaxbq3cge6k9ecv4eOiuVpo5gcryn11Ey0perGtfh_NoGxxPY5tEkFj0V7ShL-DeZ5jYXyUEbpkGGp9o_fUDpDGzjUFxdzSiugW/s1600/DSC03112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_l_Jl-yrYH7tlKNOWpiRry6RAl2xkW0V0-jWC5yqHdLaxbq3cge6k9ecv4eOiuVpo5gcryn11Ey0perGtfh_NoGxxPY5tEkFj0V7ShL-DeZ5jYXyUEbpkGGp9o_fUDpDGzjUFxdzSiugW/s320/DSC03112.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, yay!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQ7rWRIKIqBJXmklOpSryl6mzTrZJYfloSj18QHEh2Nl0ExsYCyWHAD74jW-De9UU9oGkewBTHb52_s-GU0laECflyb2hysuIrIhGMmSZxcAxNHTXiVJBAM73ffhlSPntD7fstiTcSJIC/s1600/DSC03114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQ7rWRIKIqBJXmklOpSryl6mzTrZJYfloSj18QHEh2Nl0ExsYCyWHAD74jW-De9UU9oGkewBTHb52_s-GU0laECflyb2hysuIrIhGMmSZxcAxNHTXiVJBAM73ffhlSPntD7fstiTcSJIC/s320/DSC03114.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">brunch casserole</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1As-_0gcZ3O2WbKHgwhdDZ-kAwSYIFA31IcbAHMpjuR9O8naEoQwW2nmtsb8O4Aha0ViePl35TV-PADSMkVZwuwOcKkPcNQsdO8d0fjKctzKVC_-6szsWWuMahYKbE5i8wkTuZ53kt2d/s1600/DSC03115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1As-_0gcZ3O2WbKHgwhdDZ-kAwSYIFA31IcbAHMpjuR9O8naEoQwW2nmtsb8O4Aha0ViePl35TV-PADSMkVZwuwOcKkPcNQsdO8d0fjKctzKVC_-6szsWWuMahYKbE5i8wkTuZ53kt2d/s320/DSC03115.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuimD9qoq2Ii6AtNAt5gmyu_zMNyy63u18bKsR3nxaKkxjvvKr_kmqXnkfnknU57jvv_H8eqflNsPp3hQ6qPTcxFHp0YddJ7XJNMFsDYSJZnbo0Mam5ObsT3Is0NLhRouUMCo4-OPZffy/s1600/DSC03116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuimD9qoq2Ii6AtNAt5gmyu_zMNyy63u18bKsR3nxaKkxjvvKr_kmqXnkfnknU57jvv_H8eqflNsPp3hQ6qPTcxFHp0YddJ7XJNMFsDYSJZnbo0Mam5ObsT3Is0NLhRouUMCo4-OPZffy/s320/DSC03116.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgBk9C8tGTkdVwQUiHXJsaKy_Am5k1tXpMIH7RwinecFxuf1j9w9HhBssYERNWS81jy3pr85MYXJJmjm3LQIChgkFQ7SY_gMA4nZXvwrQjxfmbmqK1hy15hIAu7j92ZGSGVQGb2JTsoH7/s1600/DSC03119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgBk9C8tGTkdVwQUiHXJsaKy_Am5k1tXpMIH7RwinecFxuf1j9w9HhBssYERNWS81jy3pr85MYXJJmjm3LQIChgkFQ7SY_gMA4nZXvwrQjxfmbmqK1hy15hIAu7j92ZGSGVQGb2JTsoH7/s320/DSC03119.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">family portrait</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZPpnGIikwEZn9Xn8UwD-yMyPHnG9xdf9AxWsjR8tl7WzgaG1PEX5nzGScozwyJLXALkywDPLq8AjSLh_3mJmi5IF3eWcseg6l7aeGxqefC3SBxDYB7jFMPbjWQ2qMQsOqYstFKbB33pP/s1600/DSC03120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZPpnGIikwEZn9Xn8UwD-yMyPHnG9xdf9AxWsjR8tl7WzgaG1PEX5nzGScozwyJLXALkywDPLq8AjSLh_3mJmi5IF3eWcseg6l7aeGxqefC3SBxDYB7jFMPbjWQ2qMQsOqYstFKbB33pP/s320/DSC03120.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">brothers stopped by</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_9bsNireMsrGiwyxkUvVtVoO94EOTESWTpV6q1ZuMv1tysZ7AkZRiItdpoj54B3c-7SaKiyTTOE9zKglyHufreNs8B5mLuHBAZYsyJZ-FL6p9CzjBpfjLZNbig1LY3DEiS8XTK9Ioztb/s1600/DSC03122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_9bsNireMsrGiwyxkUvVtVoO94EOTESWTpV6q1ZuMv1tysZ7AkZRiItdpoj54B3c-7SaKiyTTOE9zKglyHufreNs8B5mLuHBAZYsyJZ-FL6p9CzjBpfjLZNbig1LY3DEiS8XTK9Ioztb/s320/DSC03122.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penny and Bruno's cousin, Bailey</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhtoct9uc-mBjTAIbZzQXi_zpGeqU4VUrHaf9DkZyunYw4qkpjVvr_cbGKZx8bkQ-fQNqXAn8-US5DXQsudiNFRwStq3pigIg7MJ850RkheFW5Apu-HdX5etSlXNnkeNp3S3iy66SEj68/s1600/DSC03124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhtoct9uc-mBjTAIbZzQXi_zpGeqU4VUrHaf9DkZyunYw4qkpjVvr_cbGKZx8bkQ-fQNqXAn8-US5DXQsudiNFRwStq3pigIg7MJ850RkheFW5Apu-HdX5etSlXNnkeNp3S3iy66SEj68/s320/DSC03124.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Aunt Donna's House</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXt9Nq2qv5shvYVZp5mmjCLWi0AX4Q0WEko2plmXtk48rlaF98SA1oY1T4yziWDAqhommuFhkrqqyJW20EmNWsy_aV84cF5kgR9yUPatOC0HGgGt26PrqS1N42NTEwuIVbLRq1R1PZ31wq/s1600/DSC03125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXt9Nq2qv5shvYVZp5mmjCLWi0AX4Q0WEko2plmXtk48rlaF98SA1oY1T4yziWDAqhommuFhkrqqyJW20EmNWsy_aV84cF5kgR9yUPatOC0HGgGt26PrqS1N42NTEwuIVbLRq1R1PZ31wq/s320/DSC03125.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New sweater I got Jordan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBoOQ6DM0cZGzqald1na5eN17BOdIm-8vnJeT6CIJC5QWoDBghl3Um9psutLz0gDPwaeEMEzV-lsK-YcUDNcgB5c2FCVU5oNfi5zrmzIi5Fba9BQuP_aPkRWU_Is9REQsofhA5LCeuXgv/s1600/DSC03126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBoOQ6DM0cZGzqald1na5eN17BOdIm-8vnJeT6CIJC5QWoDBghl3Um9psutLz0gDPwaeEMEzV-lsK-YcUDNcgB5c2FCVU5oNfi5zrmzIi5Fba9BQuP_aPkRWU_Is9REQsofhA5LCeuXgv/s320/DSC03126.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New dress he picked for me, matches my beautiful new bag!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKk31wbDc2TCBaPA58q5MRaV8HpB-0OaorIjBtrsXd0Q6WGe-BBiX1XaiO5pK-OoFx7-PuD6CUJlIgNBwE3HxrWBOAGqFFXqlCWCSUKV9Pqljddoo-rb1rL5nrQc3SCjNKbME1FE3dGqr/s1600/photo-30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKk31wbDc2TCBaPA58q5MRaV8HpB-0OaorIjBtrsXd0Q6WGe-BBiX1XaiO5pK-OoFx7-PuD6CUJlIgNBwE3HxrWBOAGqFFXqlCWCSUKV9Pqljddoo-rb1rL5nrQc3SCjNKbME1FE3dGqr/s320/photo-30.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bailey likes to dance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9wiwnJ5t1YWvmJhyphenhyphenqHzdCs9IhGpNZbfTpKxOsKJmyk4SnXHRIc-fKxViA1xpg0mAUN3JntZWTEidzGiyPjsg96bJWM0M3DwmTXwuuGAt-cf-tR_4wwbWH9k8KE0GcDsURPHlkay9x71E/s1600/photo-31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9wiwnJ5t1YWvmJhyphenhyphenqHzdCs9IhGpNZbfTpKxOsKJmyk4SnXHRIc-fKxViA1xpg0mAUN3JntZWTEidzGiyPjsg96bJWM0M3DwmTXwuuGAt-cf-tR_4wwbWH9k8KE0GcDsURPHlkay9x71E/s320/photo-31.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jordan needed to photograph the meat</td></tr>
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</a></div>Hope everyone else had as great of a holiday as we did! Have a Happy New Year!CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-4915688344317125672011-12-18T18:00:00.000-08:002011-12-18T18:00:15.759-08:00RunningWithCorgs: Boston Training - Week One<a href="http://runningwithcorgs.blogspot.com/2011/12/boston-training-week-one.html?spref=bl">RunningWithCorgs: Boston Training - Week One</a>: Although I didn't run according to plan every day this week, I am very happy with the days I felt up to running. Monday : It was AMAZING ...CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-47949354171015699782011-12-18T17:59:00.000-08:002011-12-18T17:59:45.389-08:00Boston Training - Week OneAlthough I didn't run according to plan every day this week, I am very happy with the days I felt up to running. <br />
<br />
Monday : It was AMAZING to run again after having not ran at all the previous week, due to being sick. I felt so fast and speedy. I ran 7 miles in the dark around my neighborhood after work and afterwards felt so much happier. It amazing what running does to make me felt normal after a stressful day at work.<br />
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When I got back from my run, we discovered that our furnace was broken - not the best news. The next 12 hours we focused on staying warm and getting a repairman over to fix it up. I left for work at 6:30 am and got home at 9pm, because we had our winter concert. I was very tired after the long, busy day and did not get a chance to run.<br />
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Wednesday I had intense sinus pressure after work (my bronchitis turned into a cold, which is much easier to deal with) but the sinus pressure gave me such a headache I came home and actually had to lay down in bed. Not a good day, and I was even more miserable that I didn't get my endorphin fix. However, I did get to lift weights in the morning at least!<br />
<br />
Thursday I returned to my normal level of happiness by doing hill repeats in the dark listening to rap and Taylor swift. Weird combination, but it is pretty much like therapy for me. Of course it is dark, but all the houses were light up with Christmas lights. It was a great workout and I ran 8 total miles and pulled in my best times ever on that particular hill. I was in a fantastic mood after.<br />
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Friday morning the alarm sounded at 4:40am and after feeding the dogs and getting changed I was on the treadmill for an easy 5, while watching Desperate Housewives reruns. I LOVE watching reruns of the show while running. <br />
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Saturday I went out to the lake and ran 14 miles. I averaged 7:50 pace with the last mile a 7:06. I felt fantastic the first few miles, felt kind of blah the middle miles when the snow and wind picked up, but was able to pull it together for a fast last 5. <br />
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Saturday night we went to the our favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh,<a href="http://www.legendsatthenorthshore.com/"> Legends of the North Shore</a> and went to the Symphony at Heinz Hall to see the holiday concert. It was a great night out and was very approrpiate for this time of the year!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPAlerCb3yqZ0Cfr2QXdd1f14jzhSpvDUJ3vplFkKMU1W2nRnxjU5aEZzhn0zt6QDxsFe_zNu87z48eR9Ypk_SECksyCyrn_PPdrtPvBeDN6UUlWZ3ToXUwq7BukmHUcPiU4qtYHMbomv/s1600/legends.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPAlerCb3yqZ0Cfr2QXdd1f14jzhSpvDUJ3vplFkKMU1W2nRnxjU5aEZzhn0zt6QDxsFe_zNu87z48eR9Ypk_SECksyCyrn_PPdrtPvBeDN6UUlWZ3ToXUwq7BukmHUcPiU4qtYHMbomv/s320/legends.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Legends of the North Shore - great Italian food AND BYOB<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4Ddqb3vrINDlAlSMyFYvSfAC3GVC3N4-PPlvbnSu4xR86UO7BCMLsftriF5ZcJVU55GYnknodm4ln1ADdgPEb5Jfrf7c0nHmCG2ldDh9l1j4J1IWnP1J34rczqLTG7g9zsZagRmRFd_W/s1600/DSC03056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4Ddqb3vrINDlAlSMyFYvSfAC3GVC3N4-PPlvbnSu4xR86UO7BCMLsftriF5ZcJVU55GYnknodm4ln1ADdgPEb5Jfrf7c0nHmCG2ldDh9l1j4J1IWnP1J34rczqLTG7g9zsZagRmRFd_W/s320/DSC03056.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heinz Hall Christmas Tree</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbOsJXhU7pXfiYkeh0wmDeqmhDjXl10TUBz5UEH6Wc-SUtagU75Jy_JqBheycufXt0kKOQHNeOTSD5fmAtP2e6EO7FGANO-2PmZUPSmMlvqB2TRJmkZlzvvKBSXQzadLr7_Jy8VJYabx-/s1600/DSC03055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbOsJXhU7pXfiYkeh0wmDeqmhDjXl10TUBz5UEH6Wc-SUtagU75Jy_JqBheycufXt0kKOQHNeOTSD5fmAtP2e6EO7FGANO-2PmZUPSmMlvqB2TRJmkZlzvvKBSXQzadLr7_Jy8VJYabx-/s320/DSC03055.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jordan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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This morning we had some snow so my dad and I ran together in the early afternoon. I ran a relaxing 8 miles with him and spent the rest of the day baking, cleaning, and making a yummy dinner.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1UZFmFenQskL37tZizryLkhr5ilhAXzhoQW_B2eXIDQHqbIlmBp0JHubNtG1nU3ggS1Wm7NARxXqRzX2UDPRlHEf7WPsimkvIJSpU3oCm3NPZ_F_rlxQgJP3DwVhBdsO5UQUYnLFjTan/s1600/photo-26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1UZFmFenQskL37tZizryLkhr5ilhAXzhoQW_B2eXIDQHqbIlmBp0JHubNtG1nU3ggS1Wm7NARxXqRzX2UDPRlHEf7WPsimkvIJSpU3oCm3NPZ_F_rlxQgJP3DwVhBdsO5UQUYnLFjTan/s320/photo-26.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baked Pasta with Spinach, Lemon, and Cheese - from my favorite magazine, Cooking Light! Jordan liked it, too.</td></tr>
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Sunday night is always kind of sad knowing that the weekend is over and you have to be at work early the next day, but tonight I don't even care. I only have 3.5 days of work until a long, long 10.5 day break and I already have so many fun plans/get togethers in the works. I am like a seven-year-old when it comes to Christmas and I can't wait for everything to start. My two little friends are also very eager for Santa to arrive with new bones and toys. Here is a flashback from last Christmas!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBFzZql3JpnRymTqU7R0uPwXQMOAl9xlxuqgJF1y-4IXxoUSKU_md88W2whXnoKosSHuMGLjJhA8UkCcJlO-sQWHGzF-f4ThYIPRUFBqMlek9ukxyVefF88MFBM802MUgbx91EEbVv7PC/s1600/photo-27.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBFzZql3JpnRymTqU7R0uPwXQMOAl9xlxuqgJF1y-4IXxoUSKU_md88W2whXnoKosSHuMGLjJhA8UkCcJlO-sQWHGzF-f4ThYIPRUFBqMlek9ukxyVefF88MFBM802MUgbx91EEbVv7PC/s320/photo-27.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visit with Santa</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgi_mNMV2QvpW18h8SC38tOmnN9CuSajhBy4c6_nshp4K8-IA1DSXYqSSZpYstz2tlkCdRzVtz7Y8G2_pX1ts13fmNgbQ9S9TC65_tqmwRbwaF5dMaWSquHNGxmqKPMxM5lh1LC7IVTjY/s1600/DSC03046.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgi_mNMV2QvpW18h8SC38tOmnN9CuSajhBy4c6_nshp4K8-IA1DSXYqSSZpYstz2tlkCdRzVtz7Y8G2_pX1ts13fmNgbQ9S9TC65_tqmwRbwaF5dMaWSquHNGxmqKPMxM5lh1LC7IVTjY/s320/DSC03046.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our tree and both pups this year<br />
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</tbody></table>Week 2 Training Goals:<br />
Monday: AM lift, PM 5x1,000 total 8<br />
Tuesday: AM or PM easy 5<br />
Wednesday: AM lift, PM hill repeats total 8<br />
Thursday: AM easy 5<br />
Friday: 15 miles<br />
Saturday: 8 miles<br />
Sunday: 7 miles easyCaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-20135749053222308122011-12-11T16:55:00.000-08:002011-12-11T16:55:07.969-08:00Eve of Boston Marathon Training!I am going crazy.<br />
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Monday of this week, I went to the doctor's after school because I could not breathe without discomfort. It was pretty tough to teach/speak all day and I couldn't even think about running. Turns out, I had bronchitis.<br />
<br />
I probably should have taken Tuesday off to recover, but I went to work Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I took my inhaler every couple hours and felt miserable. Thursday after work, I stopped by target to get some wrapping paper. I had such a horrible coughing fit I almost passed out! I took Friday off and went to the doctor. I was happy to find out that my lungs were almost back to normal, but I should be taking it a little easier - meaning not hanging out with 20 needy 5-year-olds.<br />
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I have been trying to 'take it easy' since then, but it is really hard to keep still. So instead of exercising, I have been cleaning, cooking, doing laundry, grocery shopping, and running Christmas errands.<br />
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In my boredom we watched two movies (I cannot believe I actually stayed awake for them both, maybe my sleepyness has to do with running?) and read a book from the library.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4NKvmJ4QQ_2qmXHUmtNzgqLj3cSxtpOIqN7cNXx449NIEt_qfqfJWPENovFZUueS_fOu96L76SNXtSleY3zP4dXkSWmxSciXVmlllHFvec5F8tpAfDB88ZCeyJ0jMcXZYv27niCOAvQ7/s1600/Thehelp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4NKvmJ4QQ_2qmXHUmtNzgqLj3cSxtpOIqN7cNXx449NIEt_qfqfJWPENovFZUueS_fOu96L76SNXtSleY3zP4dXkSWmxSciXVmlllHFvec5F8tpAfDB88ZCeyJ0jMcXZYv27niCOAvQ7/s320/Thehelp.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was as good as the book...probably my favorite book!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUoCHRiXnB6jy0Q8R5x_AXsb0Pta43CbEn-qPNzF0czuWiqd7KkIELV0ZDyFleMxguWlj9AsKjwwlq1RvjEDwL83HU_7MtoNZ0sQtcx6zjo2LZ81UzjyXmYzQSxROdOEaUhr0VXBPL1n2/s1600/Thecastaways.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1f5IbjZMK8Yj0fMeFCB4VyvDqnLTnK_QY9EK4yqJvzQVYDxTqq0Ud9DxpUk0KPSK-LLDWzzBZTIR3ZJY0Te5mOP7D20CRSmoB71NNCmuqwrUSFGScCFSnHVD799OBpXE2y9JZt_To2xF/s1600/waterforelephants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1f5IbjZMK8Yj0fMeFCB4VyvDqnLTnK_QY9EK4yqJvzQVYDxTqq0Ud9DxpUk0KPSK-LLDWzzBZTIR3ZJY0Te5mOP7D20CRSmoB71NNCmuqwrUSFGScCFSnHVD799OBpXE2y9JZt_To2xF/s1600/waterforelephants.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost better then the book, if that is possible<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUoCHRiXnB6jy0Q8R5x_AXsb0Pta43CbEn-qPNzF0czuWiqd7KkIELV0ZDyFleMxguWlj9AsKjwwlq1RvjEDwL83HU_7MtoNZ0sQtcx6zjo2LZ81UzjyXmYzQSxROdOEaUhr0VXBPL1n2/s1600/Thecastaways.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUoCHRiXnB6jy0Q8R5x_AXsb0Pta43CbEn-qPNzF0czuWiqd7KkIELV0ZDyFleMxguWlj9AsKjwwlq1RvjEDwL83HU_7MtoNZ0sQtcx6zjo2LZ81UzjyXmYzQSxROdOEaUhr0VXBPL1n2/s1600/Thecastaways.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am addicted to this author</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I am hoping that tomorrow I am feeling good still....because tomorrow begins Boston Marathon Training!!!<br />
<br />
I am feeling a little ambitious this season and am going to attempt to run a peak of 70 mpw and lift twice a week. I am going to follow Daniel's Running Formula plan, since it worked well last year for me.<br />
<br />
What's up for this week:<br />
Monday: PM 7 miles<br />
Tuesday: AM 6 miles total, 5x4 min hard, 3 easy<br />
Wednesday: AM lift, PM 8 miles<br />
Thursday: PM 8 mile hill workout<br />
Friday: AM 5 miles<br />
Saturday: 14 miles<br />
Sunday: Easy 8, lift<br />
<br />
We will see if all goes to plan...I am really excited to start training for something and having something to look forward to after the holidays are over. I LOVE this time of year, and always find it sad when we take the tree down and put the decorations away. Boston training will give me something 'fun' to do.<br />
<br />
Being sick stinks...the worst part is not being able to run. But on the bright side, I had my special friends to take care of me!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGs2eMHcV1ocUPSxDAyM95O1sMeqhjL_hbWD1WiMJ3HBgV2TaOldimWDC1Lb__Vk32mnQsyu38X0WAW3gliO981jcvYELhk7sKCoNfGozJFX4_2tM5k5AqBKe3ZNoc7hn9QIVAoJ0CUvzJ/s1600/photo-25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGs2eMHcV1ocUPSxDAyM95O1sMeqhjL_hbWD1WiMJ3HBgV2TaOldimWDC1Lb__Vk32mnQsyu38X0WAW3gliO981jcvYELhk7sKCoNfGozJFX4_2tM5k5AqBKe3ZNoc7hn9QIVAoJ0CUvzJ/s320/photo-25.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making sure everything is under control</td></tr>
</tbody></table>CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-69699382658117962172011-12-05T18:00:00.000-08:002011-12-05T18:00:36.597-08:00Why Yes I Am Alive and Marine Corps Marathon Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCJiTSxZFulQtKPknRfbEOxwxwNNCQocYFmLlfmtpTImsM4uGRkRt8qlRhOEDuq08j_zHjlukGhmBliUvv8YfrzZ-EvTa71r5USdFKFose-0AsdV0xkh-aXTgOSHx8824IC7N1VBT-v91/s1600/photo-24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Let's start off with a Penny and Bruno photo, since I am pretty sure that is the reason why anyone reads this blog!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcJl_77VCpvbIJONfqLqy4NMU-uwven1ONL_FO9eJZx4L5tfgZavmnUUcxhPZuN1999Nyan9ffGlz8BiX0JmMa0UXmCoUxHIMsUTAXjpDTRVsZuilWUosagDZuZfg-EGizqRnVqCicouq/s1600/DSC03027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcJl_77VCpvbIJONfqLqy4NMU-uwven1ONL_FO9eJZx4L5tfgZavmnUUcxhPZuN1999Nyan9ffGlz8BiX0JmMa0UXmCoUxHIMsUTAXjpDTRVsZuilWUosagDZuZfg-EGizqRnVqCicouq/s320/DSC03027.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the pups</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I am looking forward to trying and blog more often. I am not sure why I was gone for so long, but I think some of it has to do with my new job this year and working longer hours. What I missed most was reading everyone's blogs and talking to everyone else through my blog! <br />
<br />
Since this is a blog about running marathons....<br />
<br />
October 30th, 2011 I ran the Marine Corps marathon. I originally planned to run this and shoot for sub 3:10, but very sadly I was injured much of this summer. I didn't start running again until the first week of August, after doing lots of strengthening exercises at Physical Therapy. I was thrilled to run again, but really did not expect to run the race in October. I like to have a long time to build up a base and prepare for my race. However, in my previous post I ran a half-marathon PR in Erie (1:29:05) and that convinced me to follow through with the race, especially since my friends Leslie and Kate were running it for the first time ever!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXLeVuM8QPP-3Cgay7cnAk-2w5rPveaNt1K5QlpopbPWDq_UYaBhFTfj5cwSivgzupE3Jeq1Me0_dOaYNCj_7SmzZqZxx9xauUafNANwUVh05O7rgGdHbkhw_eliW6j3CxR5mshC7VTG_/s1600/mcm2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89wn-nGIarjdTOcJRL78foY_RT6oWgJfi6qb88EK24g35TgmJtB4Z8EQUDsSeq_Oncxl-3zgUMHrPpjm0wyiCQiKH2ngMZq3JHygnLR4Xpd_9kcmnK-dUQEYFZ8W81mbJCDrt1io-mrgY/s1600/marinecorpsmarathon3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKq6Qu6rgVBR0y8RFA4wwpqeBw-xl99Q240gmY7AvEpdUmuXyLuT6J8KTRoMub2np0SnPrPXNlQ0-atoAYirBGd3CvfqmnhsocEUquuH28G1KM6js9CrLSNgV1QXn5sj02XNR7j44p0k9I/s1600/MCM20112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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All in all, I am very glad I ended up doing the race. It was a beautiful day and I ran much of the race with Kate, Leslie, and even Charlie! I felt absolutely fantastic the first 15 miles. I felt so light and running was so easy. Around mile 3, both Kate and Leslie came up from behind. We ran together for a long time. Those first 15 flew by and we really enjoyed taking it all in together. My friend Charlie actually dropped back with us, so at one point all four of us were running together.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89wn-nGIarjdTOcJRL78foY_RT6oWgJfi6qb88EK24g35TgmJtB4Z8EQUDsSeq_Oncxl-3zgUMHrPpjm0wyiCQiKH2ngMZq3JHygnLR4Xpd_9kcmnK-dUQEYFZ8W81mbJCDrt1io-mrgY/s1600/marinecorpsmarathon3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89wn-nGIarjdTOcJRL78foY_RT6oWgJfi6qb88EK24g35TgmJtB4Z8EQUDsSeq_Oncxl-3zgUMHrPpjm0wyiCQiKH2ngMZq3JHygnLR4Xpd_9kcmnK-dUQEYFZ8W81mbJCDrt1io-mrgY/s320/marinecorpsmarathon3.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having too much fun together</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
My knee started to ache soon after. Around mile 21, Leslie sped up and I fell back. The last few miles were agonizing. I was running so wierdly on my knee, I was pretty much dragging it! I was discouraged because the first 20 miles I was at around 3:06 pace and it felt SO GOOD and SO EASY. I kept telling myself that since the first 20 were so good I could still run pretty poorly and get a decent time. I didn't even expect myself to run the race a few weeks earlier.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXLeVuM8QPP-3Cgay7cnAk-2w5rPveaNt1K5QlpopbPWDq_UYaBhFTfj5cwSivgzupE3Jeq1Me0_dOaYNCj_7SmzZqZxx9xauUafNANwUVh05O7rgGdHbkhw_eliW6j3CxR5mshC7VTG_/s1600/mcm2011.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXLeVuM8QPP-3Cgay7cnAk-2w5rPveaNt1K5QlpopbPWDq_UYaBhFTfj5cwSivgzupE3Jeq1Me0_dOaYNCj_7SmzZqZxx9xauUafNANwUVh05O7rgGdHbkhw_eliW6j3CxR5mshC7VTG_/s320/mcm2011.jpg" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Face of pain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Thankfully, I made it through and finished in 3:14:19. That is 37 seconds off my best, so I really wish now that I tried to push it a little more at the end...but not so sure that I could.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKq6Qu6rgVBR0y8RFA4wwpqeBw-xl99Q240gmY7AvEpdUmuXyLuT6J8KTRoMub2np0SnPrPXNlQ0-atoAYirBGd3CvfqmnhsocEUquuH28G1KM6js9CrLSNgV1QXn5sj02XNR7j44p0k9I/s1600/MCM20112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKq6Qu6rgVBR0y8RFA4wwpqeBw-xl99Q240gmY7AvEpdUmuXyLuT6J8KTRoMub2np0SnPrPXNlQ0-atoAYirBGd3CvfqmnhsocEUquuH28G1KM6js9CrLSNgV1QXn5sj02XNR7j44p0k9I/s320/MCM20112.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leslie and I at the finish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kate, Leslie, Leslie's friend Sabine and I entered in the team division. We were "Pittsburgh's Smoking 4" and we came in as the fourth women's team. However, the three teams that beat us were the Air Force, Marine, and Army teams. I am okay with losing to them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4Ly5sUOPZtpVdAKjwLazR3YV93vMOi0hHJEuWA4sJUthFU_Gvrfq0Zhus4h4L-WJ5dN4t2nk2GsvloUX1CNdr1BmXtePsZ0RAhHmk2M8apoYyHPsAb2VKYsGZSq0bSWvwZWQqrnRY88I/s1600/photo-23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4Ly5sUOPZtpVdAKjwLazR3YV93vMOi0hHJEuWA4sJUthFU_Gvrfq0Zhus4h4L-WJ5dN4t2nk2GsvloUX1CNdr1BmXtePsZ0RAhHmk2M8apoYyHPsAb2VKYsGZSq0bSWvwZWQqrnRY88I/s1600/photo-23.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4Ly5sUOPZtpVdAKjwLazR3YV93vMOi0hHJEuWA4sJUthFU_Gvrfq0Zhus4h4L-WJ5dN4t2nk2GsvloUX1CNdr1BmXtePsZ0RAhHmk2M8apoYyHPsAb2VKYsGZSq0bSWvwZWQqrnRY88I/s320/photo-23.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sparkly headband bought at the expo - $5</td></tr>
</tbody></table>One of my favorite things about this race was my specially selected racing attire. I loved the pink overkill. The arm warmers were fantastic, especially at the start when it was 35 degrees. <br />
<br />
In addition to running the race with my friends, I got to visit my twin at his apartment Saturday night and stay overnight at my best friend's apartment right across the street from the Pentagon City Mall. I love her place. However, that was not totally planned. We were going to just leave Saturday morning, since we had the dogs to look after. My dad called at 8pm Friday night and said a snowstorm was moving in. We threw all our things in a suitcase and left immediatly. My parents dog sat and we got to Caitlin's apartment at 2:00 am. A little past my bedtime, but it was awesome to stay with her. Another unexpected event was the tick Jordan had to get removed at the UrgetCare down the road. Sorry, I did not photograph the tick. We managed to take care of that on our way to the Expo.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXIFp3owCISGNPw0F4T2nLhoWBEmLrqlCqKrFm5pw3HaBDbN7juMQS-2ZJdZyixIjJp-mmH67Pv6cmJWhZ8Y3CgdFsWtzggLpHyCiZW2q6JHeJn1mrm-FHc27IU01sO9Tj-6XQFBncvkp/s1600/photo-23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXIFp3owCISGNPw0F4T2nLhoWBEmLrqlCqKrFm5pw3HaBDbN7juMQS-2ZJdZyixIjJp-mmH67Pv6cmJWhZ8Y3CgdFsWtzggLpHyCiZW2q6JHeJn1mrm-FHc27IU01sO9Tj-6XQFBncvkp/s320/photo-23.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with my twin at his apartment</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>What is next you may ask? Starting one week from today my official training for The Boston Marathon begins! I am excited to begin and try chasing a PR there. I have heard that it can be pretty hilly, so I have been doing hill repeats once a week to prepare. I am hoping it is not so hilly that it makes it unrealistic to try for a PR here.<br />
<br />
If you have run Boston before, any advice? <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCJiTSxZFulQtKPknRfbEOxwxwNNCQocYFmLlfmtpTImsM4uGRkRt8qlRhOEDuq08j_zHjlukGhmBliUvv8YfrzZ-EvTa71r5USdFKFose-0AsdV0xkh-aXTgOSHx8824IC7N1VBT-v91/s1600/photo-24.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCJiTSxZFulQtKPknRfbEOxwxwNNCQocYFmLlfmtpTImsM4uGRkRt8qlRhOEDuq08j_zHjlukGhmBliUvv8YfrzZ-EvTa71r5USdFKFose-0AsdV0xkh-aXTgOSHx8824IC7N1VBT-v91/s320/photo-24.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We missed you all!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-22744498522107289252011-09-19T17:54:00.000-07:002011-09-19T17:54:21.862-07:00Erie Half MarathonYes, this is a running blog again!<br />
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First, some fun pictures from the last few weeks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13y97gY-OxoFQv5UzxZtPOpeUUcHejpMm_rMYumys1PDHTPzVbRyu7qXz4pS3Vfq029BbhlBaHAvy9EdrgC6BDrXOoOHlNBGyeq7ngRdF9NTxgXL1_yiyBLKMGX6qavhBB3ZU4zGL3JNS/s1600/photo-24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13y97gY-OxoFQv5UzxZtPOpeUUcHejpMm_rMYumys1PDHTPzVbRyu7qXz4pS3Vfq029BbhlBaHAvy9EdrgC6BDrXOoOHlNBGyeq7ngRdF9NTxgXL1_yiyBLKMGX6qavhBB3ZU4zGL3JNS/s320/photo-24.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We finally met Bruno and Penny's cousin, Moose!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtBV8y7vDJpeB7w3WdZ39IeB3-H79qvbkqCRC8E-AX70OVsR_aNS1m_4coQ33oHH7Km8YDUiQaViyGAmFGALUHsFYhJCxnfbPdIY6x4wwhu9c0zVDVPk56Nu69WEbj7rC3y_WTDwNz2eh/s1600/photo-23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtBV8y7vDJpeB7w3WdZ39IeB3-H79qvbkqCRC8E-AX70OVsR_aNS1m_4coQ33oHH7Km8YDUiQaViyGAmFGALUHsFYhJCxnfbPdIY6x4wwhu9c0zVDVPk56Nu69WEbj7rC3y_WTDwNz2eh/s320/photo-23.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruno enjoyed some couch cuddling after a long day at school/hard run</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzeyefhP3T_Pmrv3RFsRJovok4UPGyPRtJOFR0oB_GIveLmya9vDsK_vlyZrJpiAvY1pRpg5s_UhtCIP2qFpH9u7gkzr2BhloY6uQAUXMWiM-U_dlZRn4XzvxC-o0sYdHKNrU5HpjsXu4/s1600/photo-26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzeyefhP3T_Pmrv3RFsRJovok4UPGyPRtJOFR0oB_GIveLmya9vDsK_vlyZrJpiAvY1pRpg5s_UhtCIP2qFpH9u7gkzr2BhloY6uQAUXMWiM-U_dlZRn4XzvxC-o0sYdHKNrU5HpjsXu4/s320/photo-26.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you find the weenie?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBraAgu8QSKEj0LrEK2VwtsbfnHeLLJY1Ei2_voPo7A5tzfogfLFflGIBGiiP_0_Xuq2qnEcnQDUg2AzVBNr17z0XdwL7BNowyU55I88I1pVFrK3GdZCvurWYjM0CsR7NwcQPsTMck45dn/s1600/photo-27.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBraAgu8QSKEj0LrEK2VwtsbfnHeLLJY1Ei2_voPo7A5tzfogfLFflGIBGiiP_0_Xuq2qnEcnQDUg2AzVBNr17z0XdwL7BNowyU55I88I1pVFrK3GdZCvurWYjM0CsR7NwcQPsTMck45dn/s320/photo-27.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE LOVE LOVE this vest from Macy's. I may be watching too much Real Housewives of New Jersey, though. Is it appropriate for a kindergarten teacher? Or at least to wear out to dinner with some jeggings and high boots? Did not buy it yet...but am thinking of getting it soon!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I had signed up for the Erie half marathon at Presque Isle to get my body ready for the Marine Corps Marathon I am doing October 30th. I was pretty unsure about this race, mostly because I just started running at the end of July (due to injury) and have been following my own training plan. We woke up at 3:30 am this Sunday morning to get to the race around 6:30! It was an awesome morning for a run, cool, sunny, the only complaint was that it was very windy on a couple of the miles that weren't shaded (we were on the peninsula at Lake Erie). I had no idea what pace to try for so when my first mile was 6:53 I thought what the heck I might as well try to keep that up!<br />
Mile 2 I caught up to a group of three girls and my mile split was 6:51. I was feeling pretty comfortable and tried to just relax and enjoy the scenery of Lake Erie. It was a beautiful fall morning. 6:e58 for the next mile and I reminded myself not to get comfortable and slip off pace. 6:44, 6:52 and by that time I passed two girls who I could tell would probably not catch up, and the other girl that was with us left me in the dust, suddenly taking off at mile 5. The next few miles we had the wind to deal with, but I felt like I could keep up my pace for the whole race, unlike the last time when I ran this course and totally bombed the last few miles. <br />
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Mile 6 was 6:51. Next, 6:50, 6:54, and 6:49. When I got to mile 9 I mentally told myself to start picking it up and 'catch' those marathon runners who started a half hour earlier (they had to do two laps) and just enjoy the feeling of racing again. My legs were very tired and I was breathing so hard I kinda startleted those marathon runners, but I felt great at the same time. A lot of very nice marathon runners gave me words of encouragement, especially since I was a girl. The last four miles were 6:45, 6:42, 6:36, 6:33, and the last .1 at 5:46 pace. I was thrilled and totally surprised to cross the line and see that I got a 3 second PR at 1:29:03, and that I got third overall!<br />
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Nothing beats the feeling of a new PR, especially when you have a marathon coming up that you hope to PR in....after I finished I found my husband of the year, did a two mile cooldown, grabbed some chocolate milk and headed to the lake to take some pictures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61jY0uqGfk7Ey4BoQiRBXIoImyCPbIH6ptAP43yPm9l4BiQ38ArGoXp2nzJho13APQ7ABCd793lztL7mFTh8rylG4afwT0JO6VzS31DgwhcCwIpqnKU4vPbxBIGcJgZMU_sYmgRZW-3nY/s320/photo-28.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by the lake!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfG9JPs3XRjq808OU_ivvEXFl6c_rd_QXGxalmGhj-nDKj9qW_ZOKvA7sZIXO4M0jIg-4AJdelPor0mD2G7I6RuqQuYbfpEBAEjpf4GlAKEVQc0bOeZmqEI-yHlsvbhRUmpmfrrVjfypnY/s1600/photo-29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfG9JPs3XRjq808OU_ivvEXFl6c_rd_QXGxalmGhj-nDKj9qW_ZOKvA7sZIXO4M0jIg-4AJdelPor0mD2G7I6RuqQuYbfpEBAEjpf4GlAKEVQc0bOeZmqEI-yHlsvbhRUmpmfrrVjfypnY/s320/photo-29.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pretty day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgQbg7s2G2SZbrOXzQvwNCGzKwUPQkn479rGtDysZ3uahSudmFyJrqwRmCKlJvKUn5PszooSIo661X328xW5sB85iTLm-f9agfvUZ086d2vzZ83l8fxL8-x2UmeS-TyX7ky2UmqsFjdko/s1600/photo-30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgQbg7s2G2SZbrOXzQvwNCGzKwUPQkn479rGtDysZ3uahSudmFyJrqwRmCKlJvKUn5PszooSIo661X328xW5sB85iTLm-f9agfvUZ086d2vzZ83l8fxL8-x2UmeS-TyX7ky2UmqsFjdko/s320/photo-30.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">number one fan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My award was a really cool glass picture plaque of one of the lighthouses at Presque Isle. It was a very good day in Erie, and I got to see a bunch of my friends run the whole marathon and half marathon. To top it all off, we got back about ten minutes before the Steeler game started - and they won!<br />
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Today was a much needed day off from running, mostly because my calves are on fire from racing.<br />
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Finally, I am starting to feel like sub 3:10 is possible at Marine Corps! 40 days!CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3497297035049044818.post-86575774648841109352011-08-29T15:42:00.000-07:002011-08-29T15:42:47.627-07:00MIASo I haven't blogged in about a month.<br />
Basically, my time has been consumed with getting ready for my NEW JOB!!!<br />
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I have been hired as a KINDERGARTEN teacher at a new charter school in Pittsburgh, Imagine Penn Hills.<br />
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<a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11237/1169674-56-0.stm">Our School's Grand Opening</a><br />
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I know everyone has probably heard from the teachers in their life how much work is involved...but can you imagine doing that AND helping start up a brand new school? It has been a very fun, but also very busy time. I felt a little guilty blogging during this time!<br />
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I have 20 kindergartners and they are a great bunch. I have been spending A LOT of time teaching them things that might seem silly - how to line up, how to wait in the hall, how to ask for help, how to gather materials, etc. Not too exciting yet! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kbcu3Ox2mehBw4-zQ_cQUVmFBcbpsWuhD3a0tgO7cknuhoGoRzTUfIbVVfLVgc3NOyI8K3Er5d0muwPfeBUWn796VvJWIM8SIPb1ICi5sw7ntAbE7VccJXBpZcD2VGnevlYcNtIYj-mA/s1600/IMGP0226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kbcu3Ox2mehBw4-zQ_cQUVmFBcbpsWuhD3a0tgO7cknuhoGoRzTUfIbVVfLVgc3NOyI8K3Er5d0muwPfeBUWn796VvJWIM8SIPb1ICi5sw7ntAbE7VccJXBpZcD2VGnevlYcNtIYj-mA/s320/IMGP0226.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At my desk - we built all our furniture!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The days are somewhat longish - I actually woke up around 4:40 to run before work this morning! I am hoping this is something I can get in the habit of, I actually have more energy at work when I run first. More time to spend with puppies later!<br />
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On another note, last weekend we attended my best friend's sister's wedding. It was at a CASTLE! It was so beautiful out and we had a great view. We had a great time with Caitlin and Peter!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgxdVqueaL5o_Wf79BQsmUKNQPEoLxMY1Cr7ftbK-j50j7dHPMdv0aRGH0MAbPyeahGVsYr-gEuu981wInTki05RAWqlqEJLTA-G7chjc4vunOD3_734avCR3xAztdPPwOUqsedpkSjz_/s1600/IMG_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgxdVqueaL5o_Wf79BQsmUKNQPEoLxMY1Cr7ftbK-j50j7dHPMdv0aRGH0MAbPyeahGVsYr-gEuu981wInTki05RAWqlqEJLTA-G7chjc4vunOD3_734avCR3xAztdPPwOUqsedpkSjz_/s320/IMG_0191.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yay for fake tan lotion</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWw4vbFeFJtmXU0FbxZwz_ZvzhrUZWRnbafU6F891OVrg2FeGUSliwqol0qW8jIbrrkrBHUy2ao9KePdM1c12yAnzEvczbO741GpobUz6qV12PrtUlTmls83Lo1mYU6l0nbOYsiaa8wbhyphenhyphen/s1600/DSC04223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWw4vbFeFJtmXU0FbxZwz_ZvzhrUZWRnbafU6F891OVrg2FeGUSliwqol0qW8jIbrrkrBHUy2ao9KePdM1c12yAnzEvczbO741GpobUz6qV12PrtUlTmls83Lo1mYU6l0nbOYsiaa8wbhyphenhyphen/s320/DSC04223.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">up close!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39Emkwtq1RfbGnKUTi7fiSs89_fg9UpJE1mtpo8YKR2zSNyV5lju3YVgxno2Kx7TEbbJQX6gh1tRQaPgxG4wZsNK0gycOr47kpOlrXVi6XjlOEcG7uJS-sQlWy9Ni35n0JQSydpCBqo9x/s1600/DSC04222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39Emkwtq1RfbGnKUTi7fiSs89_fg9UpJE1mtpo8YKR2zSNyV5lju3YVgxno2Kx7TEbbJQX6gh1tRQaPgxG4wZsNK0gycOr47kpOlrXVi6XjlOEcG7uJS-sQlWy9Ni35n0JQSydpCBqo9x/s320/DSC04222.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">castle!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwYesKfpdo2GTE5oEOFPykLJmxPkOLSMmfDbKgNDbEANn2oKR_n_JiYAUssZCQ-_WqHQZAWTavBsGR4KvBlpaBOVIFUAkK892kC_E6NZ0IkCc7Q3XRgWlvMVHNB3NJIXdnV53ZmuAdhQD/s1600/IMG_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwYesKfpdo2GTE5oEOFPykLJmxPkOLSMmfDbKgNDbEANn2oKR_n_JiYAUssZCQ-_WqHQZAWTavBsGR4KvBlpaBOVIFUAkK892kC_E6NZ0IkCc7Q3XRgWlvMVHNB3NJIXdnV53ZmuAdhQD/s320/IMG_0203.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dancing without shoes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As requested, a picture of Bruno. He is a bone chewing fiend. He looks like he is smoking a cigar!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7MVhrccXZRQQOcQMn2ChA06gSnF1JX9Ln8bO-nQQXDYaGA4eMLq0xF-RG-0T5Io1Y6LL6Hpc1J8n-ZXE3R52y55X6TQe3DWB_cEcz35YKs4rYmAcigRkS5NjKP9iP6Aa_vJXfuYjPYi8/s1600/DSC02864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcRABu3tynQZXCSj4cxu6ktbhQGRprM2rnTfXmhOyHYepzl9dWh5XJwcqcIR1CxSOlENnWd1tNT8FFAT0h8ofea7vfzn3crnHMimyzSSxtmHCQCGQQps9_46Izs4pwNlf5NVsTTHDzcH-/s1600/photo-22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcRABu3tynQZXCSj4cxu6ktbhQGRprM2rnTfXmhOyHYepzl9dWh5XJwcqcIR1CxSOlENnWd1tNT8FFAT0h8ofea7vfzn3crnHMimyzSSxtmHCQCGQQps9_46Izs4pwNlf5NVsTTHDzcH-/s320/photo-22.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruno!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7MVhrccXZRQQOcQMn2ChA06gSnF1JX9Ln8bO-nQQXDYaGA4eMLq0xF-RG-0T5Io1Y6LL6Hpc1J8n-ZXE3R52y55X6TQe3DWB_cEcz35YKs4rYmAcigRkS5NjKP9iP6Aa_vJXfuYjPYi8/s1600/DSC02864.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7MVhrccXZRQQOcQMn2ChA06gSnF1JX9Ln8bO-nQQXDYaGA4eMLq0xF-RG-0T5Io1Y6LL6Hpc1J8n-ZXE3R52y55X6TQe3DWB_cEcz35YKs4rYmAcigRkS5NjKP9iP6Aa_vJXfuYjPYi8/s320/DSC02864.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our majestic Corg!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
CaitlinRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10627425732499335383noreply@blogger.com1