tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17735348557110038332024-03-12T18:49:07.555-07:0050 in 50 by 50Slow and steady wins the race. Except in a real race. Join me as I slowly work towards my goal to run a race in each of the 50 states by the time I am 50. Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-65822756931656508652016-10-29T19:31:00.001-07:002016-10-29T19:31:22.316-07:00Texans, Sun/Sand, and Cheese<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit;">Whew - this is by far the latest post I've ever done. Almost one full year late. And three at a time! Oh boy. My kids need to choose a new word to describe me (currently, the words are "fast" and "clean." (Clean is still true.)</span></span><br>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit;">I'm so behind (on the blog - I'm actually doing quite well staying on top of my 50 in 50 count) that I need to bust through these three as best I can. They are unrelated and it might not be my best post, but here goes.</span></span><br>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit;">It'll be like a triathlon of blogging.</span></span><br>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit;">Let me first take you back to December 2015. Donald Trump proves he's unfit to be president by calling for a ban on Muslims entering the US (please vote!) Star Wars the Force Awakens comes to theaters. And I travel to Houston, TX for a mini reunion with some of my favorite people.</span></span><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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IbgprX9sAQw/WBUS8wmi9II/AAAAAAAABfs/cUCB9b6On6omEhJ50FCI_ePMwo5GdL5sACLcB/s1600/12313759_10153728688083194_3668816713662291389_n%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IbgprX9sAQw/WBUS8wmi9II/AAAAAAAABfs/cUCB9b6On6omEhJ50FCI_ePMwo5GdL5sACLcB/s640/12313759_10153728688083194_3668816713662291389_n%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love these women! (kids, spouses, and dogs not pictured but also loved)</td></tr>
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</div><a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2016/10/texans-sunsand-and-cheese.html#more">Read more »</a>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-15913287018578112782016-06-06T16:12:00.001-07:002016-06-06T17:19:47.890-07:00Yeti Hunting with 3/5 of Team Friends<div style="line-height: 19.2px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 19.2px;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";">There was never any doubt in my mind that completing a race in Oklahoma meant incorporating some sort of Team Friends reunion.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.2px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Team Friends is a really cool name for me and my four best friends from my time in AmeriCorps*NCCC. I'd love to tell you all about it, but that would take another blog. Or book. Or at least picture collage. Just know it was one of the best years of my life, with some of my all time favorite people. I talked a little bit about it before, <a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2011/06/corps-corps-nothin-but-corps.html">here</a>. If you or someone you know wants to spend a year in service as a young adult, check it out <a href="http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/americorps-nccc">here</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.2px;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";">Anyway, the whole crew couldn't make it for this reunion but Jake and I decided to take a trip to see Kara and her little Team Friend Jr. (my first time meeting her!) in Tulsa.</span></span></div>
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After the best airport pick-up ever...</div>
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<a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2016/06/yeti-hunting-with-35-of-team-friends_6.html#more">Read more »</a>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-50156085983157637632016-05-10T14:39:00.001-07:002016-05-10T14:45:59.933-07:00Glow, Girl, Glow<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;">It
has been a long time. Once again. So to my one follower (hi dad!),
I'd like to apologize and thank you for reading even <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j4cu-MuLgc">after
all this time</a>.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;">Last
year, the hubs and I decided to re-do our first honeymoon. We titled
it our “no flu second honeymoon.” (You can guess some details of
our first.) Where else to go when you want to not experience the flu,
but Tennessee!</span></span></span><br>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></span><br>
</div><a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2016/05/glow-girl-glow.html#more">Read more »</a>caitrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04777868668675940475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-69145286835913439162014-10-18T20:44:00.000-07:002014-10-18T20:44:25.145-07:00Wine, Gummy Bears, and Friends for LifeI knew long ago that I wanted my <a href="http://destinationraces.com/runoregon/">Oregon race</a> to be in Portland, so I could visit some awesome friends. <br>
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I also knew I wanted it to be a race in wine country after hearing about races said friends completed themselves.<br>
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Consider both goals complete.<br>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-up1LWQrLgJQ/VEMuK2a7jRI/AAAAAAAABVI/ER3IvC5H4oU/s1600/10649590_10152702390107376_3753334411027716473_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-up1LWQrLgJQ/VEMuK2a7jRI/AAAAAAAABVI/ER3IvC5H4oU/s1600/10649590_10152702390107376_3753334411027716473_n.jpg" height="640" width="384"></a></div>
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Okay, technically the race was outside Portland, but close enough.<br>
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<a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2014/10/wine-gummy-bears-and-friends-for-life.html#more">Read more »</a>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-88619258217360929632014-10-18T20:18:00.003-07:002014-10-18T20:18:17.692-07:00Buffalo vs. Bison and Local PronunciationIf you have been a reader of this blog for some time, you know that I don't have much luck with New York. <br>
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Way back in February, my partner in 50by50 (Chrissy) and I went to NYC for the weekend to try for a third time at a NY race.<br>
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The good news: We got to see Newsies on Broadway.<br>
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The bad news: We also got to see a lot of the Megabus as we ended up coming back early due to weather...and YES, ditched the race.<br>
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Sigh.<br>
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<a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2014/10/buffalo-vs-bison-and-local-pronunciation.html#more">Read more »</a>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-10023908954523336622013-10-15T18:04:00.002-07:002014-10-18T19:47:21.224-07:00Running like a diva means running lateSometimes I struggle with whether or not to keep up with this blog, for several reasons:<br>
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<ol>
<li>Google won't let me change the email address associated with it to another gmail address so it takes forever for me to get to it</li>
<li>I feel pulled in many directions in my new domestic life and am no longer good at getting these written quickly</li>
<li>I'm not sold that the blog itself is all that interesting</li>
</ol>
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Those things may be true, but what keeps me going, albeit slowly, is this:<br>
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<ol>
<li>I want to keep up the kiva donations. </li>
</ol>
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This is the part of the race where I'm starting to feel some pain. And maybe like in a race, I just need to shift my stride. Put less stress on certain areas, run a bit looser, remind myself of the goal.<br>
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So I'll <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5je_eK0V1w">stick with it</a>.<br>
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And this time, I thought dressing like a deranged fairy princess might add a bit more fun to the mix.<br>
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A<a href="http://www.curlygirldesign.com/product-tag/cape-and-tiara/"> tiara</a> can never hurt, right? <br>
<a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2013/10/running-like-diva-means-running-late.html#more">Read more »</a>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-77608857746127349192013-05-16T17:08:00.001-07:002013-05-16T17:21:09.430-07:00Presbyterians gone...wild?Ooh boy, it's been a long time. That's what you get for planning a wedding, having the wedding, going on a honeymoon, and getting the flu. Oh yeah, and throw some awesome kiddos in the mix and you get the picture. My life went from single to domestic like woah. And I love it. Well, maybe not the flu, but the rest has been stellar. <br>
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Here's a wedding pic just for fun:<br>
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Yup, we're ordering hot dogs at our <a href="http://franktuary.com/">food truck-caterer.</a> <a href="http://www.mywedding.com/werthwedding/">Our wedding</a> was seriously pretty great.<br>
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<a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2013/05/presbyterians-gonewild.html#more">Read more »</a>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-52487557329922794932012-11-05T12:12:00.004-08:002013-01-02T19:47:23.867-08:0050 in 50 by 50...plus Canada!<br>
Whew...I ran all the way to Canada and boy am I tired.<br>
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Okay, that joke is L A M E but I am tired. However, I suspect it has less to do with the half-marathon I did a few weeks ago and more to do with the fact that I'm sitting on my couch right now and feeling lazy.<br>
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But, I did in fact run to Canada...starting in Detroit.<br>
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<a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2012/11/50-in-50-by-50plus-canada.html#more">Read more »</a>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-63928804368726852312012-09-28T20:02:00.001-07:002012-09-28T20:02:37.241-07:00188 in 39It doesn't have quite the same ring to it, but it's much more meaningful than 50 in 50 by 50. So far, our Kiva team has given 188 loans in 39 countries. <span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am so thankful to all those who have joined the team and given so much. And now, I'm ready to kick some serious butt. I think we can reach 5000 loans by the time I get to the end of my 50 in 50...seriously. But we'd need to grow. Tell all our friends. So let's do it. 5000 loans in at all 55 countries kiva partners with in the next 18 years. Who's </span><a href="http://www.kiva.org/team/50_in_50_by_50" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">with me</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">?</span><br />
<br />Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-63877945694689380292012-08-09T16:19:00.002-07:002012-08-09T16:23:06.944-07:00Maybe sometimes two halves DO equal a whole...or for people like me, whole and then some.<br>
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This post is way overdue as the second of my two back to back marathons was the first weekend in May. My excuses include laziness and summer, which so often seem to go hand in hand and unfortunately beat the stuff out of my running abilities as well. I could list other excuses like an engagement (!), a new job (!), and moving (blah), but...well...I guess I just did, so no excuses for my excuses.<br>
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Anyway, in late April, I drove down to Louisville to visit my friend Jake and to run the <a href="http://derbyfestivalmarathon.com/">Kentucky Derby MiniMarathon</a>. What an awesome weekend. I mean, as weekends go, this one had pretty much all the elements necessary for a perfect few days (with the exception of not having one certain awesome fiance along). It had good friends (old and new), a local Italian hole-in-the-wall, an art festival, beautiful weather, a really excellent race, late night pizza, youtube videos, lessons about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogo_Argentino">crazy dog breeds that can kill pumas</a> (yeah, that's right, I said KILL PUMAS), an amazing brunch location, and of course, nine almonds. Oh, you didn't know that nine almonds was the perfect number for killing it in a race? Well, let me tell you friends, it's a secret worth knowing.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwaRD8qJvcA/UCREF6WcNEI/AAAAAAAABMQ/Q0PZgxDKW-Q/s1600/728358361_2599471235_713802799_1340062228542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwaRD8qJvcA/UCREF6WcNEI/AAAAAAAABMQ/Q0PZgxDKW-Q/s400/728358361_2599471235_713802799_1340062228542.jpg" width="301"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of a banner you could sign at the race expo-- can you find mine?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There she is</td></tr>
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<a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2012/08/maybe-sometimes-two-halves-do-equal.html#more">Read more »</a>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-49413813822760931762012-03-02T12:04:00.000-08:002012-03-02T12:04:16.466-08:00Run for HaitiWhile I am usually pulling for donations to <a href="http://www.kiva.org/team/50_in_50_by_50">Kiva</a> (and will continue to do so for my <a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2008/12/so-it-beginsor-3-down-47-to-go.html">50 in 50 races</a>) I have decided to do my first marathon relay with <a href="http://www.shadysidepres.org/">Shadyside Presbyterian Church</a> to raise money for their <a href="http://www.shadysidepres.org/marathon">Run for Haiti campaign</a>. All donated funds will go to the <a href="http://www.pghpresbytery.org/">Pittsburgh Presbytery</a>, which is committed to supplying and installing ten solar-powered water treatment systems in Haiti. What is awesome is that the cost of the race passes for all relay teams through Shadyside have been donated by the marathon committee (since the church is on the race route and has been extra-accomodating for the race: cheering, changing church service times on race day, etc.) so 100 percent of all money raised will go directly to this effort.<br />
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I unfortunately can't direct you to a site for online giving, but if you would like to donate, send me an email or leave your address in the comments below and I can give you an address.<br />
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I'll keep ya'll posted and stay tuned for my next 50 in 50 state: Kentucky!Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-61231279988371516912012-02-20T12:15:00.000-08:002012-02-21T05:44:26.828-08:00The Best Thing Caitlin Ever Ate - Part II: "Ham"burgerFirst of all, it felt weird to put quotes around the word ham (<em>I'm going to actually talk about my favorite veggie burger, being a pseudo-non-meat-eater myself</em>) when hamburgers don't include ham. I just learned, thanks to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamburger">Wikipedia</a>, something I probably should have already known: they're named after location of origin, not content.<br />
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Semantics aside, I have always loved a good <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/the-best-thing-i-ever-ate/burgers/index.html">burger</a>. For the first 23 years of my life, I was completely non-discriminatory about hamburger quality (<em>Does anyone remember those frozen hamburgers --with bun-- that came in red boxes? Couldn't find anything online)</em> though extremely picky about toppings-- only plain for me, thank you very much. That's right, drive-through person, I want a meat patty, cheese, and that is <em>it</em>. If there are pickles and sauce on there, I'm coming back through so you can spit on my condiment-less replacement.<br />
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After becoming a semi-vegetarian (<em>for a while I would break my veggie diet for a good meatball sub or pepperoni roll; today I break it for something interesting like </em><a href="http://midnightsunbrewing.com/"><em>reindeer mac and cheese</em></a>), my tastes became a bit more refined and also more open. Is that a possible combination? I think so. Anyway, my favorite burger is a bit more exciting than a frozen bun on white bread.<br />
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It is...drum roll please...the even better burger at <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address&gs_upl=1789l4579l0l5194l20l15l0l2l2l0l259l2408l3.10.2l17l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=907&wrapid=tlif132743274117810&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=meadow+mountain+cafe&fb=1&gl=us&hq=meadow+mountain+cafe&cid=17317282403807104885">Meadow Mountain Cafe</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UUEy2QhvWms/T0KpdMlGe9I/AAAAAAAABKs/CtLwe03vbhk/s1600/meadow+mountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="479" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UUEy2QhvWms/T0KpdMlGe9I/AAAAAAAABKs/CtLwe03vbhk/s640/meadow+mountain.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Meadow Mountain Cafe is so much more than good food. It is one of only three restaurants in Allenspark, one of my favorite places in the whole world, the home of <a href="http://www.highlandscamp.org/">Highlands Presbyterian Camp and Retreat Center</a> and the gateway to many awesome hikes in the Rockies. <br />
<br />
So, yes, it has a special place in my heart. It is where camp staff hangs out. It is where you can talk to the locals. It is where you can sit on the porch and enjoy the view. <br />
<br />
But even if none of that were true, I would still fight my way to get an ever better burger, fries, and a shake at Meadow Mountain. They are amazing. The veggie patty itself is made with sunflower seeds and I think 3 different kids of cheeses. It is then topped with lettuce, tomato, bean sprouts, avocado, and cream cheese. Oh. My. Word. <br />
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Okay, so here is the part where people who spend/spent way more time at Meadow Mountain then I can critique and correct my explanation...did I forget something in the toppings? Did I call it the wrong thing (Is that actually the name of the hamburger and the veggie burger is called something else)? I couldn't fact check as there is no website for Meadow Mountain. Let me know, peeps.<br />
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For the rest of you...find this place. You won't be sorry. And maybe try hiking Long's Peak while you're there.<br />
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What's your favorite burger?<br />
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<br />
***Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-79776160287953050412011-12-31T09:52:00.000-08:002011-12-31T09:52:02.707-08:00Chicken in the car, car won't go...That's how you spell...CHI-CA-GO!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eKKGBtCADR4/Tv9Ku1wJVhI/AAAAAAAABKY/zCx3uiZsbqY/s1600/GEDC0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eKKGBtCADR4/Tv9Ku1wJVhI/AAAAAAAABKY/zCx3uiZsbqY/s640/GEDC0220.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I'm afraid this blog entry will not be my most exciting, for a few reasons:<br />
<br />
1. I am late in writing this and still don't have much time to do it-- I blame the holidays and all my lovely friends and family-- in this case, being busy is a joy.<br />
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2. The race in Chicago was not too notable, and sadly, I don't have any pictures of the actual race.<br />
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So to spare you all time in reading a boring blog, let me just say that Chicago is an awesome city and it was fun being able to run out the door of my friend's apartment for a race that was only about a quarter mile away. The <a href="http://jinglebellrunchicago.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=484813">Jingle Bell Jog for arthritis</a> had a good turnout and some fun giveaways and food type stuff. I did not do well for me - most likely because I had not been running much and because the race was on a snowy, slippery path in a park. I did have fun though, and I'm glad that I've hit 16 states. Next up, Kentucky!<br />
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If you want to donate to Kiva, you can do so <a href="http://www.kiva.org/team/50_in_50_by_50">here</a>.<br />
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Happy New Year!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-czUF4HSnsz8/Tv9LDaIabnI/AAAAAAAABKk/9dXdjOvJPbQ/s1600/GEDC0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-czUF4HSnsz8/Tv9LDaIabnI/AAAAAAAABKk/9dXdjOvJPbQ/s640/GEDC0259.JPG" width="467" /></a></div>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-33155591274182493232011-12-01T09:47:00.000-08:002011-12-01T09:47:07.839-08:00A Very Jersey ThanksgivingOkay, it wasn't <em>that</em> Jersey. I mean there were no Snooki sightings and I barely heard an accent, but I was in the state for thanksgiving and we did watch a <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1606392/">movie </a>that took place in New Jersey. I also ran my Jersey race and the last song I heard in the car before starting was by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Bon_Jovi">Bon Jovi</a>. (Or JBJ as the woman in the movie affectionately calls him).<br>
<br>
This was my <a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2009/12/once-twice-three-times-new-jersey.html">fourth</a> <a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2010/02/new-york-please-show-me-some-love.html">attempt </a>at a race in either New York or New Jersey and in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I was thankful to finally cross one of the two states off the list.<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Qo3nOayVYo/TtVCTtt0HNI/AAAAAAAABJ8/UepI16eR_gg/s1600/GEDC0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Qo3nOayVYo/TtVCTtt0HNI/AAAAAAAABJ8/UepI16eR_gg/s640/GEDC0086.JPG" width="640"></a></div><br>
I planned the trip to Jersey over Thanksgiving since my family was out of town and it was high time I visited my friend Felice, and her new sweet baby boy. It was good to spent time with her family, and the two of us got some good bonding time in.<br>
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<a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2011/12/very-jersey-thanksgiving.html#more">Read more »</a>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-514492493373557012011-11-15T11:40:00.000-08:002011-11-15T11:40:03.851-08:00Happy Fall, Y'allI am not one of those people who goes ga-ga over the fall but I do love a lot about the season and have plenty to be thankful for as I think about this time of year winding down.<br />
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First, as today is my birthday (!), I am thankful to those who gave me the gift of life and all those who, like them, have done a wonderful job contributing to making it a great one so far.<br />
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I am also thankful for my running buddies who come up with cool ideas like running field trips and super not-lame catch phrases like "America's Fast-time." <br />
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On Saturday, our field trip coordinator, Kevin, pulled a bunch of us together for our <a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2011/08/just-seventeen-mile-jaunt-through-woods.html">second official trail fun run</a> - this time in Saltsburg. Most of the group decided to go for 13 miles, but Kevin and Arthur, as hard core as they are, pulled out 18. We had three bikers so water was not a problem - even less so as the run was out and back with a fountain at the turn-around point by the dam. The trail was beautiful and despite a few challenging hills, not too difficult. Though a bit late in the season, we lucked out with temps in the 50s and were still able to enjoy the pretty leaves.<br />
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Afterwards, we went to the<a href="http://www.theoldesaltrestaurant.com/main.asp"> Olde Salt Restaurant</a> for lunch, where I was given more butter and syrup for my French Toast than 10 sugar-hungry little kids could have handled. We also took a cheesy Brady Bunch-esque picture on the stairs. Nice.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5RPMr9gM0LY/TsK9uwDLmkI/AAAAAAAABJ0/v2NputRuURY/s1600/390845_10150922447245346_807290345_21104039_1750325704_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5RPMr9gM0LY/TsK9uwDLmkI/AAAAAAAABJ0/v2NputRuURY/s640/390845_10150922447245346_807290345_21104039_1750325704_n.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />
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Gotta love this season...and though we may be close to the next one, you won't be hearing me say "Deck the Halls Y'all" until <em>after</em> Thanksgiving.Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-25957799659928089542011-11-03T12:19:00.000-07:002011-11-03T12:21:57.925-07:00The Best Thing Caitlin Ever Ate - Part 1: DessertSo this blog is about running but since <br />
<br />
1. the posts are few and far between and <br />
<br />
2. my love of running goes hand in hand with my love of food (hint: <em>you can eat more when you run!</em>) <br />
<br />
I figured I would handle the problem in 1 by talking more about my love of food mentioned in 2. <br />
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With me?<br />
<br />
About the same time <a href="http://chrissysbucketlistblog.blogspot.com/">Chrissy</a> and I decided to take on 50 in 50 by 50, she introduced me to one of my favorite food shows (yes, I have <a href="http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef">more</a> <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/ace-of-cakes/index.html">than</a> <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/food-network-challenge/index.html">one </a>favorite food show), <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/the-best-thing-i-ever-ate/index.html">The Best Thing I Ever Ate</a>. In fact, it was the dessert episode of that show that made us decide on a <a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2011/09/ctc-and-cmp.html">September race in Baltimore</a>. <br />
<br />
So I thought it would be fun to do sporadic special installments about the best things <em><strong>I've</strong></em> eaten...and invite you to chime in!<br />
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We'll just start with dessert. The show has some great options and I've now traveled to two places just to try them out. But for the sake of interest, I won't allow myself to use desserts featured on the show.<br />
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Not counting the <a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2009/12/once-twice-three-times-new-jersey.html">Toasted Marshmallow Shake</a> and the CMP, my favorite dessert is the caramel pretzel shake at <a href="http://www.burgatorybar.com/">Burgatory</a>. <br />
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That thing is seriously good. Chunks of pretzels, combo of salty and sweet...oh, it's heaven. They say so, right on the menu. Hmm...I guess that's why they call it Burgatory. <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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EpABLcXrHSo/TrLoF4O1SVI/AAAAAAAABJs/6DY8jYA_OAw/s1600/252217_10150212147897376_788402375_7076470_4231570_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="504" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EpABLcXrHSo/TrLoF4O1SVI/AAAAAAAABJs/6DY8jYA_OAw/s640/252217_10150212147897376_788402375_7076470_4231570_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friend Alex liked her Monkey Business Shake too</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
What's the best dessert you've ever eaten?Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-48002799140985163312011-10-27T08:29:00.000-07:002011-10-27T09:18:11.362-07:00Discovery ZoneDo you guys remember <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33QpqR-fN0c">that place</a>? I never actually went...or maybe went once to pick up my sister and just glimpsed the inside or something, but it really did seem like <em>the</em> place for birthday parties for a while, didn't it?<br>
<br>
My mind comes up with weird blog titles. <br>
<br>
Anyway, <em>my</em> discovery zone was at the New River Gorge in Minden, West Virgina for the ACE New River Gorge-ous Trail Run & Walk where I discovered, in a short period of time, that I am not a trail runner.<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L-JKx4t_hAw/TqlyqIudbXI/AAAAAAAABJE/g2zqfuQ0gZU/s1600/316658_10150369230623194_784738193_8230844_1532780088_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L-JKx4t_hAw/TqlyqIudbXI/AAAAAAAABJE/g2zqfuQ0gZU/s640/316658_10150369230623194_784738193_8230844_1532780088_n.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>(though I was still able to do this at the end of the race...guess I was glad it was over!)</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br>
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thought process prior to the run: I like running. I like hiking. I'll like trail running!</div><br>
Thought process during the run:<br>
<em>Mile 1:</em> Okay, I'm not prepared for this.<br>
<em>Mile 2:</em> Thank God I wore my trail runners. (<em>Stability was a big concern.</em>)<br>
<em>Mile 3:</em> I think I'll just do the 8 mile loop. Is that giving up?<br>
<em>Mile 4:</em> We are definitely stopping for pizza on the way home.<br>
<em>Mile 5:</em> I am only going to walk up the hills, but I'm going to walk up <em><strong>every one of them.</strong></em><br>
<em>Mile 6:</em> I'm doing the 8 mile loop. This is ridiculous. <br>
<em>Mile 7:</em> Okay, I guess I'm doing the whole thing. At least I'll run fast when running so this thing will be over quickly enough....maybe I can finish in 2:15? <br>
<em>Mile 8:</em> At least I'll keep moving forward. I'll finish in 2:30. Just keep that girl in the blue shirt in sight.<br>
<em>Mile 9:</em> Where is everybody? Oh yeah, they all passed me a long time ago.<br>
<em>Mile 10:</em> Water stop and 3 miles left. This is not so bad. If I get back in 2:30, we'll have plenty of time for burritos before we go get pizza.<br>
<em>Mile 11:</em> I *#$! hate these rocks (<em>Okay, I swore a lot on this mile...but if you swear in the woods and there is no one around to hear it, does it make an offensive sound?)</em><br>
<em>Mile 12:</em> I can't believe I went the wrong way. I'll have to go back down that hill to look for the arrows. (<em>minutes later</em>): I can't believe that wasn't the wrong way. I'll have to go back UP that *&#$! hill. (<em>off</em>e<em>nded birds and squirrels cover their ears</em>)<br>
<em>Mile 13:</em> Praise the Lord. Time for burritos and pizza.<br>
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<a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2011/10/discovery-zone.html#more">Read more »</a>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-80399660344407059452011-09-26T19:08:00.000-07:002013-05-16T17:21:42.943-07:00CTC and CMPOr, in other words; Caitlin, Traci, and Chrissy take on Baltimore (and the chocolate marshmallow peanut dessert at the <a href="http://www.woodberrykitchen.com/">Woodberry Kitchen</a>)<br>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoL6bywCa4k/ToErIb8XO9I/AAAAAAAABI8/OkrYVR-3LdQ/s1600/317497_10150833528570131_797170130_20917499_152039573_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoL6bywCa4k/ToErIb8XO9I/AAAAAAAABI8/OkrYVR-3LdQ/s640/317497_10150833528570131_797170130_20917499_152039573_n.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
(<em>Thanks to my friend Brad for utilizing superior photography skills to highlight the dessert and eliminate secret double chins.)</em><br>
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Our weekend in Baltimore can be characterized by a few things:<br>
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<a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2011/09/ctc-and-cmp.html#more">Read more »</a>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-67233745278875549512011-09-09T08:19:00.000-07:002011-09-09T08:19:34.990-07:00Double Rainbow, all the wayIn case you missed that reference, you can catch it <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQSNhk5ICTI">here</a>.<br />
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I did not cry or ponder it's meaning, but maybe I did feel some of the same (though muted) excitement when my running group came across our own "full-on" double rainbow. <br />
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Last night, our weekly Thursday run with PSL took us to Redbeards in Mt. Washington. I was worried as soon as I got the location via email. (<em>Thanks, Liz-- enjoy your vacation while we trudge up these hills!)</em> But I figured, come on, how bad could it be?<br />
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The night looked promising as, though it had called for rain, the sky was beautiful and it was actually warm-- I was glad I hadn't gone with the long-sleeve I originally planned for and even regretted not wearing a tank top. <br />
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The beginning of the race went along Grandview, which if you are not familiar with Pittsburgh, is where you can see some of the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jz25KVJGEek">best views of our awesome city</a>. So, okay, cool. Until I almost bit it on something in the sidewalk and did one of those three part tumbles where you alternate between visions of your face hitting pavement and somehow saving yourself from falling while time momentarily stops. Luckily in my case, something broke my fall. Unluckily for her, it was a young woman sitting on a bench, writing in a notebook. Near the end of part three of my fall, I lunged at her lap and even grabbed her pen. Uh, whoops. As everyone on the street stared at the idiot who fell into a person, I poured out apology after apology and lots of thanks. So, yeah, good start.<br />
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Then, the hills. I don't really want to talk about them. I just want you to see them on this <a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/7673436">elevation chart</a>. And know that some of my friends really tore these up. <br />
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Okay, so at about 3.8 miles we came to a decision point-- go straight and finish at 4 miles or turn right and do 2 more. Everyone froze in temporary indecision and finally, Nick said, it's just two more, and I said, let's go for it (maybe inspired by the double rainbow that just appeared in the sky).<br />
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Then the skies broke. I am talking <em>pouring</em> rain. Buckets. Deluge. Cats, dogs, mice, and fleas. <br />
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We ran up and down a bit more, missed a turn, got soaked even more ridiculously by a passing car, walked up a set of stairs, missed a couple more streets, and finally made it back after cutting off the final turn.<br />
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I may have never been so rain-soaked. Or so thankful for a grilled cheese and sweet potato waffle fries. Yeah, you heard that right. Yum. <br />
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I like my running group.<br />
<br />
:)Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-3137184695623724072011-09-01T09:20:00.000-07:002011-09-01T09:20:39.550-07:00Running Around a Square...For the Fifth Time<a href="http://www.runaroundthesquare.com/">The Run Around the Square</a> is my favorite Pittsburgh 5k. I love it because of the unbelievable turnout, amazing community support, interesting musicians, great swag, and of course the champagne stop after mile one. <br />
<br />
While some of these areas were a bit lacking this year (<em>not such great freebies, and I think I only saw one musician-- compared to other years that had bagpipes, steel drums, and violins all throughout the course</em>), I again loved the race.<br />
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This year there were two big perks: <br />
<br />
1. A whole slew of people from <a href="http://www.pittsburghrunning.org/">PWRD</a>/<a href="http://www.pump.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.ViewPage&PageID=741&parentID=473">PSL</a>/<a href="http://www.runpgh.com/home/">RUNPGH</a> (<em>gotta love the acronyms</em>!) made me feel rich in running buddies, and <br />
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2. I was one second below my 5K PR (<em>in part thanks to the people mentioned in #1 who motivated me to pick it up on the last mile</em>) which was over a minute and a half faster than my best time for this race in particular!<br />
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It's kind of a tough race as the trails are narrow and mile two has some brutal hills, but it is always a fun one to do and I hope to be there again next year for the 30th anniversary!Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-79845605541528114172011-08-26T17:20:00.000-07:002011-08-26T17:20:11.875-07:00Celebrating the big 21<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KVLFzLzLhZE/TlgyXS-lWaI/AAAAAAAABH8/T2FIya-eB7M/s1600/100_2337+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KVLFzLzLhZE/TlgyXS-lWaI/AAAAAAAABH8/T2FIya-eB7M/s400/100_2337+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
My 21st birthday was slightly uneventful as mine falls early (in school calendar terms) and therefore most of my friends couldn't legally take me out to the type of grown-up establishments many people like to frequent for those such events, though two of my dear slightly older friends did and the whole thing was pretty low-key.<br />
<br />
However, today is a celebration of 21 not as a rite of passage or the passage of time, but because the <a href="http://www.kiva.org/team/50_in_50_by_50">kiva group</a> is currently supporting loans in 21 countries!!! Woo-hoo! That's almost halfway to the <a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2010/12/nor-do-i-box-as-though-beating-air.html">goal</a> and I've still got 19 years to finish up the races! (<em>yup, I'm almost 31- augh!)</em> Of course, we have no intentions of stopping once we reach the goal, but I never would have thought we'd get so far so quickly. <br />
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Though the loans cover 21 countries, the awesome 50 in 50 by 50 group (<em>made up of 18 lenders- at least 3 of which I don't even know!</em>) is supporting 33 loans total. One of the countries, I have to admit, I didn't even know existed. Have you ever heard of <a href="http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/6761.htm">Benin</a>? My geography always has been terrible. Well, it's in West Africa and kind of in the shape of a torch. Look it up! Learn something new! (or shame me by saying, "<a href="http://www.tvfanatic.com/quotes/i-hate-it-when-you-do-that-you-never-heard-of-troga-you-never/">you've never heard of Benin</a>?")<br />
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Anyway, a big THANKS to all those who have loaned, and if you are interested in joining us, feel free at any time! My next race to spur on the next donation is at the end of September, when I will run the <a href="http://www.raceforourkids.org/RaceforOurKids1/RaceforOurKids.aspx">Race for Our Kids</a> in Baltimore, MD with these lovely ladies:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p4Q49ZylfFw/Tlg2jX9DnhI/AAAAAAAABIE/M9KrHL5xjIM/s1600/251415_10150278288687376_788402375_7606605_7809883_n+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p4Q49ZylfFw/Tlg2jX9DnhI/AAAAAAAABIE/M9KrHL5xjIM/s320/251415_10150278288687376_788402375_7606605_7809883_n+%25282%2529.jpg" width="237" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-94q1l5QN2rc/Tlg2dK3l0-I/AAAAAAAABIA/7-6fC2zK4wU/s1600/IMAG0529+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-94q1l5QN2rc/Tlg2dK3l0-I/AAAAAAAABIA/7-6fC2zK4wU/s320/IMAG0529+%25282%2529.jpg" width="234" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(couldn't find a recent pic of the three of us together that I haven't <a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2011/05/long-and-short-of-it.html">already posted on here</a>)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Until next time, keep up the dreaming!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-39974744402472424752011-08-19T06:53:00.000-07:002011-08-19T06:53:05.351-07:00IdentityI stole this topic from <a href="http://schreiber6.blogspot.com/2011/08/identity-part-1.html">Shannon at the Scribble Pad</a>, because her post yesterday really got me thinking. <br>
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In this blog, I am mostly (self-)identified as a runner, which is actually funny because growing up I was never an athlete and it took some time to be able to call myself one. I still feel a bit of shock today when anyone else calls me athletic as people from my past would never have seen me that way.<br>
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My friend <a href="http://www.kathryneileenphotography.com/">Katie</a> recently jokingly called me a loner as most of my facebook profile pictures show me, walking down a path, alone. The reason I'm drawn to these pictures is because I sometimes see them as a metaphor for life. Not that I'm not surrounded by amazing people in my life, because I most definitely am, and I know I am only moving forward because of them all, but because I feel alone sometimes in figuring out where I am going, who I am, and what I am doing. And I constantly want adventure. I see myself walking forward carefully into the great unknown. But is that how others see me? I don't know why they would. In reality, I feel like I'm mostly fumbling along in life, nowhere near where I thought I would be at this age, yet I know I have little to complain about, and life is good.<br>
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I'm speaking at church this weekend about identity and how Jesus calls Simon a rock. He defines him not by his actions, but by his purpose for him. I need this reminder sometimes.<br>
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Another thing that got me thinking is that Peter (Simon's nickname or a new name given by Jesus) actually means "rock" and that got me thinking about my name. Caitlin means "pure" and somedays I think I am anything but. I am irreverant and scattered and definitely my own kind of broken. But that doesn't define me either.<br>
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<a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2011/08/identity.html#more">Read more »</a>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-16306506056146893202011-08-12T07:01:00.000-07:002011-08-12T07:01:13.046-07:00This flashback has nothing to do with running<div style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></div><br />
...but it has to do with travels, in a way, and who I am as a person, and both of those things are very related to 50in50by50. <br />
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This is my friend Sarah and I outside our high school, as seniors, in 1999. Look at the awesome artistic flair I used to alter this photo. I was so cool. My suede jacket and the Kennywood viewfinder keychain prove that as well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-kXTArDFgw/TkP60QgYWKI/AAAAAAAABHU/dwdWO0mcBSs/s1600/sarah%2526me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-kXTArDFgw/TkP60QgYWKI/AAAAAAAABHU/dwdWO0mcBSs/s320/sarah%2526me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I love this picture for so many reasons.<br />
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1. Sarah always wore that sweater. Looking at this shot I can picture her entire closet from her house in Pittsburgh. I miss that place.<br />
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2. Sarah is one of my oldest friends. Like the other FC girls, she is deeply part of who I am, where I come from, and what means the most to me in the world.<br />
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3. She is carrying me, as my friends have done (metaphorically and literally) time and time again. I know we will continue to do so as our lives move forward.<br />
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Sarah and I went to Europe together after graduating college and that trip was full of so many things that make all trips great...surviving on a shoestring budget, visiting friends in multiple countries, making new friends along the way, trying new food, enjoying long conversations by moonlight or as scenery rolls by on a train, attempting (and often failing) to speak other languages, laughing about everything, taking dumb pictures, and getting lame suveneirs ("Stake It UK 2003" swiss army knives...don't ask).<br />
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Sarah reminds me how to live life...with passion, reckless abandon, and lots of spirit.<br />
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Everything is big, wonderful, and amazing to Sarah and I love that about her. <br />
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I also love that in the midst of a good rage a look from a good friend will make her instantly laugh.<br />
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If I didn't grow up with Sarah, I know I would be different. I might not have the boldness to live the way I try to live. Fear might be a bigger part of my life. So thanks to her, and all the millions of wonderful flashbacks her friendship has brought to my life.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://heyasparky.blogspot.com/2011/08/week-54.html"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yFIMN0jWqNo/TgQF8BiQdcI/AAAAAAAAA6E/SNEkWqKKvS8/s200/flashback%2Bfriday.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-68404357632955239312011-08-05T15:05:00.000-07:002011-08-08T09:21:44.123-07:00Flashback Friday, Batman!Another of my dorky secrets (I am guessing my friend Ali would be ashamed to learn this about me, much in the same way she was ashamed to learn of my love for Harry Potter) is my love of Batman.<br>
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I have always loved Batman as he is the only superhero (I know of) who actually possesses no super powers. True, he does have a ton of money to invest in his gadgets, but he is crazy smart and well-trained. <br>
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Anyway, I particularly love the most recent Batmans because of my love of Christian Bale. It all started when he was just <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwzwmIOfldc">Carrying the Banner</a>.<br>
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And now, as the third movie of the Dark Knight series is being filmed, my love continues to grow as Gotham city is now set in my favorite city and <strike>Robin</strike> included in the cast is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgVNgYXFi_Q">Joseph-Gorden Levitt</a>. (<em>correction from my friend Kristin, pictured below...she will always know more about movies than I will)</em><br>
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So, of course, I needed to add in one more of my favorite things, and use my running group as a cover for some light stalking.<br>
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<a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2011/08/flashback-friday-batman.html#more">Read more »</a>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773534855711003833.post-43336695046813407682011-08-03T16:47:00.000-07:002011-11-15T11:40:48.674-08:00Just a seventeen mile jaunt through the woods<span id="goog_766180906"></span><span id="goog_766180907">As yet again, it has been too long since I have written a new post. I'm beginning to think that is my mantra on here. I would prefer a better one. Such as, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmyUkm2qlhA&feature=related">"just keep swimming, just keep swimming"</a> or <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLd40ddnN7c">"Ohana means family and family means nobody gets left behind."</a> (Hmm...why did I immediately go to two Disney movies for my mantras? I probably should have gone to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Prayer">Jesus Prayer</a> first. But then you would have been <a href="http://www.jonacuff.com/stuffchristianslike/2010/11/the-jesus-juke/">Jesus Juked</a>, and nobody wants that.)</span><br>
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And as usual, I digress.<br>
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So several weeks ago (before Alaska!) I went on a lovely run with some lovely people. What do you do for fun on Saturday mornings, say around 8am? Still sleeping? Dreaming about brunch? Yeah, me too. But this particular Saturday, I hopped (<i>correction: stumbled</i>) into my car to meet up with some friends and headed to Ohiopyle. From there, we all packed into two cars, leaving the rest, and drove to the next town, Connellsville. Actually, this part was an adventure in itself as George decided to unwaveringly trust his GPS and we off-roaded for about 5 miles. <br>
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Then, the real adventure began. Armed with camelbacks and energy bars, we took off (well, George and Arthur did, the rest of us probably shouldn't be compared to jet engines) on the 17 mile trail back to Ohiopyle. <br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bthczPVuQiU/TjnJzkWWiLI/AAAAAAAABGY/SCM3qpVws6Y/s1600/IMG_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bthczPVuQiU/TjnJzkWWiLI/AAAAAAAABGY/SCM3qpVws6Y/s400/IMG_0124.JPG" width="297"></a></div><br>
<a href="http://50in50by50.blogspot.com/2011/08/just-seventeen-mile-jaunt-through-woods.html#more">Read more »</a>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02738774122851012143noreply@blogger.com2