I can’t believe it was just ONE week ago that I ran 16 fabulous miles with friends in Chicago! After getting spoiled by running with such fabulous partners last weekend, I was excited to have recruited a few Charlotte runners for today’s 15 mile long run.
First things first, running fuel…
PB2 and jelly on whole wheat English muffins. Yum.
Casey wasn’t running quite as far today (and he’s also much faster), so he dropped me off at 8am so that I could get an hour’s head start on the run. It was probably already close to 80 degrees when I started, not good. I rocked my favorite new Target tank again, which appears to be SOLD OUT at every Target in Charlotte (and also not online!). Must find more of these…
I started out feeling pretty good, despite the fact that I was drenched in sweat by the time I reached the first mile marker. I ran two miles out, and then turned around to head back towards my water bottle, filled with delicious homemade sports drink. After a short break, I ran back out for 3 more miles before heading back to pick up the lovely Michelle!
Don’t worry, she didn’t punch me in the face – that’s just last night’s eye makeup smudged all over my sweaty face. Whoops. Poor Michelle thought she was going to get in a good run, and I made her walk half the time. By 10am the humidity on the trail by the creek was INSANE. We did short intervals of running and lots of walk breaks. By mile 10 my legs were draaaaaagging. Slowly but surely, after 12 miles total (for me), we looped back around and picked up two more partners – Diana and Brittany!
Diana is training for her very first 5k right now – very exciting! When I first started running, I started completely from scratch using the Couch to the 5K program – alternating running and walking a minute at a time. Diana is a total beginner, and she busted out running a full mile with no problem. Impressive.
Also impressive was how dirty my legs were from running on the goopy trail.
The run was long, very hot, and involved more walking breaks than I am proud of – but even so, I covered 15 miles, which is what I set out to do. Check!
Many thanks to a very patient Casey for waiting a million hours for me to finish. (Oh my god, go wash your face!)
Halfway through my run with Michelle, the subject of coffee came up. For the next 7 miles, all I thought about was slamming an iced coffee the minute my run was over. Casey was nice enough to turn that a reality for me.
With 15 miles of hell and a large coffee under my belt, the next thing on my mind was FOOD. I started making lunch the minute I walked in the door.
Two of my favorite vegetable masala burgers from Trader Joe’s, open faced on an English muffin.
Along with a mountain of green beans tossed in coconut oil…
No placemat because they are PACKED – whohooo!
After lunch, a running/food coma set in, and this happened…
I passed out cold on the carpet for almost an hour. We have sold off a lot of our furniture, and so much wide open carpet space was just too tempting to not lay down on. Clearly Indy never misses an opportunity for napping/harassment.
Now I am dragging my SORE body around for a bit more packing, before a fun dinner with company. Happy Sunday!
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Seeing all your posts about running with friends is definitely making me want to try running with someone (when I can run again that is). . . I’ve not yet because I am so SLOOOOOWWWWW that I don’t want to hold anyone back.
I love open faced sandwiches! Makes me feel like I got more food! (I had one for lunch too)
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I have a couple of tanks that look a lot like your favorite there! Try the champion sportswear website if you are on the hunt for more. I get lots of compliments on it but more importantly love how flowy and light it feels in the heat!
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 9:42 pm
I found them – thank you!!
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You’re so cute asleep on the floor. Good job on 15! Glad nobody stole your stuff this time, that was lame.
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 9:42 pm
For REAL. Haha, learned my lesson – they won’t get me again!
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Congrats on the completing the 15 miles – doing it with friends definitely helps! I think my dog would absolutely love it if I laid on the ground to take a nap – although with her jumping on my I’m not sure I could fall asleep.
PS- I’m just now catching up on your posts and realized your moving to VA – WELCOME!! I’ve lived here all my life and fully support your decision. I hope you love it!
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 9:41 pm
Yessss! We move to VA in LESS THAN TWO WEEKS – aaaaahh! :)
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The “oh my god, wash your face” comment made me laugh out loud. I’m taking a break from studying at the library and everyone looked up with I busted out laughing.
Thanks Emily for my entertainment :)
ok, back to my books.
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 9:41 pm
Haha, happy to entertain. I seriously got my camera out when I got home like “why didn’t anyone tell me I looked like a RACCOON?” :)
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Ahh, I miss running. I have been out of commission for over a month due to a herniated disk, and it’s KILLING me! I just live vicariously through your posts. ;)
Your food looks great, and the nap…an even better idea!
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Ouch – hope you get better soon!
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sports authority has those tanks online :) http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3430374&CAWELAID=360287211
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Just bought three more! THANK YOU! :)
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I love this blog! About the tank: Karen is absolutely right. They are on the Champion USA website and are on sale right now! I have been scoping the Targets for more too, but they are definitely available online.
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 9:40 pm
YES – thanks to all of you! Totally bought three more today.
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That last photo is priceless! I wish I can fall asleep anywhere like that.
Great job on your run!
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It must be nice to run with friends, even if it did take longer than you wanted. But hey, 15 miles is 15 miles no matter how long it takes. I’m impressed!
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 9:40 pm
The longness was because of ME, not them, haha :) It was a lot of fun.
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Your run sounds like mine today!! What was your average pace? I’m worried about the marathon but insist that things will improve with continued training and COOLER weather! This humidity is killer!
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Average pace was BAD. I mean actual average running pace was probably 9:30ish, but there were a LOT of walk breaks. I am also very worried about the marathon. I am praying for am miracle to come with fall weather…
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I can’t imagine how grueling that run must have been. Running in hot humid temps is awful but you really pushed through. Go you! Hopefully, DC runs will be much more bearable! ;)
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What trails are your favorite?
If any of you other Charlotte girls want to get together contact me!
Cassboat514@yahoo.com
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 9:38 pm
McMullen Trail is my favorite!
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I definitely want to find some of those tanks. They look so comfy! My running gear is getting destroyed and I need some new stuff.
I can definitely relate to the laying on the floor with no furniture. We’re not selling our furniture but every piece of it is covered in boxes. NOT FUN!!! It’s going to be a tough two weeks living in chaos…
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 9:38 pm
I am trying to embrace the chaos. We can be zen about it together. :)
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Congrats on the 15 miles girl! You rock! And I too am a loyal fan of those Champion tanks. I have 3 and do laundry every three days just so I can wear them again. I found one of them at TJ Maxx for less than $10!!
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 9:38 pm
I just bought three more. :)
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Way to push through on the 15 miles! I was out there doing 15 as well and it definitely had its ups and downs. Lots more walking breaks than I anticipated. Reminded me of the quote: “If you’re going through hell, keep going.”
I think you’re running the marathon I’m training for…Columbus? Oct. 17th?
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 9:37 pm
I am doing the half in Columbus! I was thinking of trying to get a post-marathon lunch together for friends/bloggers/readers. My husband is doing the full. I’m running the full Marine Corps Marathon on Halloween!
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Jayna @ Healthy Living Bites Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 11:05 pm
If you get the lunch thing going let me know! I might just have to take a day trip to Columbus to meet all these fun bloggers erm, I mean family (my mom’s side of the family lives up there)
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Can I just say that I love that you are wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt after your run? I do the same thing! When it is super hot out, especially after a run, I crank up the A/C and end up wearing that stuff around the house. Not the most environment-friendly, but I love it.
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Even when I am SO hot during a run, I am always freeeezing afterwards. 100 degrees outside and I’m all bundled up :)
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Thanks for being so patient with my newbie running attempts. I had fun today! Wish we would have started running together sooner!
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Me too! :( You are an awesome runner!
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That is awesome to know that you started off with C25K as well. That’s what I plan on using to get back in the running swing of things post-baby. Speaking of which…I want that Target tank too. It’s so cute and flattering and I bet would also work well with a growing belly. Still looks better on a non preggo chick like you though. ;)
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Couch to the 5k is AWESOME.
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Awesome run! This may have been asked before but I couldn’t find it anywhere – where do you get all your headbands? It seems like they stay in place well!
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 9:35 pm
I get them at Target! They are Goody brand – cheap and basic.
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I’ve been eying that Champion tank – so cute. May have to order a couple online :)
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Great job! Wish I could have been there! Though I don’t envy the weather. I don’t think it’s possible for me to run without thinking about food or drink ;)
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oh my goodness! i love how you did 15 miles exactly. :)
it was a good idea to recruit friends. it always makes the time fly by!!
love the fuel after the run – i’m glad you’re promoting refuleing after long runs!!!
i always crash face down in the carpet, with my arms down at my sides, sometimes hooked right underneath my hip bones! :)
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Great job!! I hope I can run 15 miles at some point in my life :-)
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Great job on the run! I usually pass out cold after a long run, too, but I don’t think I’ve done it on the floor yet!
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I passed out after lunch today too, 12 miles is really demanding, during and pos running! :)
I love your smile!!! :D
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 9:34 pm
Aahhh thank you! :)
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So glad people found these tanks online. I definitely need one! Love that they are longer and looser. I hate working out in tight tanks that ride up!
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 9:34 pm
ME TOO! I ordered three more :) Tight running clothes are literally on my top 5 list of most hated things.
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i love being able to fulfill craves after a good long run! nice job! my CC/track coach in HS used to tell us that real runners get dirty… and it’s true :) woohoo!
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So glad to hear that you had a rough run…only b/c Friday night I had a 15 mile run from hell too! It was 87 out at 7 pm and 82 when I finished…I had to walk at 12.6 and felt like I would pass out…I walked for about a mile, got to my car, ate a granola bar and then finished the rest at a slow jog…took me exactly 3 hrs!! Ridiculous..my 14 miler the week before was 223…that what heat does to you!!!
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Great job on the run! And on finding Charlotte friends to make the long run (or at least parts of it) with you. Love the food coma pic with Indy! That is a super cute tank. I may have to go on the hunt.
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I can’t imagine running that far and then packing. I barely made it out today to walk the dogs! :)
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WOW you running machine!! well done!! x
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LOVE that you’re blogging more! I look forward to it everyday! Thank you :)
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Hi! I started reading your site a little while ago, when you posted that recipe for the 3 grain energy bars (I love them! Have now made them twice and discovered a yummy new grain – millet – because of you) and you have also inspired me to try couch to 5k. (I’m on week 3) Your enthusiasm is so inspiring! Just wanted to say thanks for sharing with all of us. :)
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There’s almost nothing better than a full belly and a nap after a long run. Way to go!
And I totally know what you mean about the heat – I am counting the days till fall and counting on running becoming easier and more fun once it’s not so humid and hot! It’s just hard for me to enjoy it in the heat.
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nice 15! you’re lucky to have buddies to run with; I get tired of myself after a couple of hours :)
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
August 23rd, 2010 at 2:38 pm
I do too. And my iPod!
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Great run! Love the tank! I wore mine for the first time and it’s even better than I imagined – my favorite sports bra built into a super comfy tank. Perfect!
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I love those tanks too! I have that exact color! I bought it on a whim on a recent Target trip and I’m crossing my fingers there are more today. I wear mine for yoga as well as running. Love love love it (and your blog!)
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
August 25th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
Thank you!! :)
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