January 15, 2013

The next big thing

Boy, was it ever cold this morning. Last Tuesday, I woke up and went for a run in 81 degree weather; this morning, it was only 18! I was planning on running intervals, but once I got outside, I changed my mind and decided to just run 4 miles at whatever pace I ended up running instead.

I felt really stiff today--probably from the cold--but I hurried through the run so that I could take a hot shower.
I spent the afternoon messing around on the computer (I'm still trying to learn my way around Windows 8), with a blanket over my legs and my my laptop on my lap. Estelle loves it when I sit with my legs up, because it's the perfect spot for her to sleep.


She gets irritated when I have to get up, and then when I sit back down, she jumps right back up there.

I was surprised that when Jerry woke up, he went for a run. He's run only twice since his 10K! He also started counting PointsPlus today. He's been able to maintain his weight loss with virtually no effort, but he and Andrea's husband Andy, who Jerry met in Florida, decided to get in shape so they can do a Ragnar.

My sister sent me a text a couple of days ago saying that she ran 2.5 miles--I was SUPER proud of her when I read that! She hated running as much as I did when I first started, but she's been sticking to her plan, and doing really well with it. She also reached a big milestone with her weight (she does Weight Watchers too). She's been working really hard at staying on program, and it's paying off.

I know my mom is still doing the Couch to 5K as well, but I will have to ask her for an update on how it's going. She's still planning to run the Virtual 5K (10 more days!) with me. I told her I'd go at whatever pace she wants. I hope we have good weather that day, because she only uses the treadmill for training.

This afternoon, I made a business card holder for my purse. I finally got around to making business cards before I went to Florida, but was carrying them around in a little baggie in my purse. Yes, it's probably silly to have business cards when I don't have a business, but I always find myself writing my blog address on little scraps of paper for people who ask for it, so I thought the cards would come in handy. This is what they look like:
I don't think they look too bad, considering I am not a graphic designer by any stretch of the imagination!

They were the biggest pain in the ass to make, and I wasted probably HALF of the box of cards because they kept getting misaligned when I printed them. So frustrating!
These are all of the wasted ones

So anyway, pulling a little baggie out of my purse to take out a card was a little embarrassing, so I made a cute holder for them with some leftover fabric from my Weight Watchers journal.



Here is the link to the pattern I used, in case anyone wants to make one. It was a really quick project--maybe 30 minutes. The cards, however, are another story.

I really need to set another big goal soon. Last year, I trained for and ran not one, but two marathons; and all year long, I was looking forward to the Ragnar Relay in Florida. I felt like I was constantly working toward something. Even with my weight--I was still working on getting to my goal weight.

Now that I've run the marathons and the Ragnar, and I achieved my goal weight, I feel like I have to come up with something big to focus on. I like having something big to look forward to. The problem is, I don't have a clue what that "big thing" can be!


93 comments:

  1. Cute holder! I'm running my first marathon at Chicago this year, does Chicago interest you for your "next big thing"? I love that it's one of the world majors, and I'd love to run them all some day, but I'll never be fast enough for Boston!

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    1. I don't know about that, I SWORE I'd never do another marathon ;) That's awesome you're running your first--let me know how it goes!

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  2. Come to Disney and run! Their races are so fun and Disney really is the happiest place on Earth :) You should try Vistaprint for your business cards. The cards are free, you just have to pay shipping. My principal is the king of Vistaprint!

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    1. Carly - I am laughing!! I had not read your post.... and gave her the exact two same suggestions. Great minds!

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    2. There must be something wrong with me! I think I'm the only person on EARTH who has no interest in Disney. Lots of people have suggested the Disney races, but I just don't have any interest in them. Crazy, I know.

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  3. I have been going back and forth about going back to WW and decided to give it a go. Do you have the pattern for the journal cover?

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    1. I have been going back and forth on doing WW too, and I finally joined yesterday. I figured what did I have to lose. Good luck to you!

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    2. I didn't use a pattern, but I'm making another one today for a friend, so I will write down exactly how I make it. It's very simple!

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    3. That would be great, thank you. I am not great at sewing so simple is perfect for me. I decided to go back to WW and give it a try. I did great on WW back in 2001 and always wanted to be a Lifetime Member. Maybe now is the time. I hate to wait until Monday, but that meeting works best for my schedule right now. I am making healthy choices and working out until then though. Good Luck to you too :)! Katie, thanks for being such an inspiration!

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  4. Cute holder! I don't have any suggestions for the next big thing, but I look forward to seeing what you come up with :)

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    1. I'm having a hard time coming up with something that interests me!

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  5. Very Cool! And you did a GREAT job on the design :)

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  6. I think you should pen a book. Really. It will be a huge success and we all here will be the first ones to buy. Infact --an ran into someone who thought I looked leaner, & I texted them them your websites url.
    Im going to gift your book to many people if t ever happens :)

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    1. There is no like button... but like! I think it would be great too!

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    2. The book is written :) I'm working on the first edit right now. No idea if it will get published, but I've always wanted to write a book!

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    3. ooooh a book!! can't wait!

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  7. Hi Katie, Maybe your next "big thing" should be a triathlon. The Danskin does a series for women at different locations throughout the US. Might be something you would enjoy. I have participated in the Seattle event the past two years and definitely plan on doing it again this year :o)

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    1. If only I liked to swim and bike! A triathlon does sound like the next progression, but I really hate to swim (and I really dislike biking), unfortunately.

      But congrats on your tri's, and have a great time again this year!

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    2. But you didn't like running in the beginning, either, did you? ;) Maybe it will turn out that you eventually love swimming and biking too!

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    3. I was going to suggest the same thing... Triathlon... but there are also duathletes to do just two of the Triathlon sections.. like Run-Bike Run... it'd be a way to just concentrate on one thing you think you don't like at a time! Here's a link to Duathlons all over the US.. http://www.trifind.com/gs_duathlon/DuathlonRaces.html

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  8. I'm glad I'm not the only one that struggles with cold runs! I was feeling discouraged today that I could only do 5 1/2 miles in the 10 degree weather.
    Know what you mean about a goal...I'm trying to figure out how to get to a sub 2 hour half this year! I'm sure you'll think of something great!

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    1. Normally, I love running in the cold, but I think there is a point when it feels TOO cold--the wind chill makes me feel like I'm super stiff or something.

      My goal is to get a sub-2 half as well this year!

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  9. This is kind of off topic, and maybe I should be emailing you, oopsies, but you have mentioned that insurance is covering your WW fee, as is mine (just had my first meeting yesterday), so do you get to use etools? Because I learned that insurance doesn't cover that as well--it's an additional cost every month. I was just wondering if you do/if you think it's a huge help, or if you don't/and do just fine without it. Thank ya!

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    1. My insurance didn't pay for Weight Watchers; my husband's work did. They paid for a 12-week pass, which covered the meetings. I had already paid for WW Online, so I used that until my payment ran out. But now that I'm a Lifetime Member, I get FREE e-tools!

      To be honest, I'm sure I'd be fine doing the program without the e-tools. I like to keep a paper food journal, so tracking online isn't necessary. I do like being able to look up PointsPlus when I'm out, just with a few taps on my phone, though.

      You can pay by the month for e-tools, so maybe give it a try for a month and see what you think?

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  10. For when you need more cards there are some companies out there that print quality cards for around $30-$60.

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    1. I mean companies online

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    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    3. That's good to know! I don't EVER want to have to print my own again. That was a nightmare!

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  11. The business cards are cute! My cat always has to be between me and my laptop; at least yours stays on your legs!
    You could look into becoming a personal trainer or running coach or fitness instructor or something like that!
    A commenter above said book! You never know... My brother-in-law started a fishing blog several years ago and people started reading it and eventually, people who live around where he lives on the Chesapeake Bay began finding him when he was out fishing and he ended up with quite the fan club. My son says he has groupies! Anyway, last year his blog turned into a book which sold out of the first printing within a few months and he is now invited to speak at fishing related events. He has become quite the celebrity in his neck of the woods!! So, you never know!
    I've been a lifetime WW member for years and maintenance is ALWAYS going to be something you're "working on". It's always there in your mind. But, I know what you mean by the next big thing. You will find something eventually, OR...something will find you!!

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    1. I really like the idea of pursuing becoming certified as a running coach! I've looked into it, and it seems like it's hard to get into a class (classes are sparse around the country), but it's definitely on my list!

      That's a great story about your brother-in-law... how fun!

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  12. I have been reading your blog for a few weeks, maybe months now and I love it. It's so motivating to me. I just joined a jogging group at the start of the year that essentially helps beginning walkers, walk/runners and I just jogged my first mile in years (without stopping!). Thanks for your motivation!

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    1. That's so exciting! Congrats on your first mile!

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  13. Natalie S.

    What about strength training? Your arms look amazing to me, but I know you've expressed that you're less-than-thrilled with them. Six pack? Buff Katie for 2013?

    I also support the book!

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    1. I don't really have interest in looking buff, but I know that strength training is super important for bone health and metabolism--so I really NEED to start (and stick with) a program!

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  14. Triathlon! I have a friend who is a tri trainer who has been encouraging me to consider it one day. I'd need to work on my swimming abilities though. And I'd need a new bike...although if I busted up in there with my Cruiser that would be pretty funny! :)

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    1. Lots of people have asked me if I'll ever give triathlons a try... I've learned never to say never, but I really, really dislike swimming! So it probably won't happen ;)

      I vote for the cruiser... so much more comfortable!

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  15. Yes do you have a link to the pattern for your weight watcher journal?

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    1. I will write it down today... it's pretty simple!

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  16. Kim H in VaJanuary 16, 2013

    Your business cards are nice but I know that they are a pain to make. When I needed them I got them at vistaprint. They are free, you just pay the $10 shipping.
    I just started walking, I'm up to 1.5 miles. I have lost 68 lbs before this and kept off. 8 since I was in the hospital last month for high blood pressure and 60 before that just by giving up fast food. I still need to lose 60-80 lbs. more.
    I really love the posts about your lower body lift. I already have lots of loose skin and didn't know what the surgery would be like.

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    Replies
    1. That's good to know about Vistaprint--I definitely don't want to do my own cards again!

      CONGRATS on your weight loss--that's amazing! Hopefully taking the rest off will help with the high blood pressure, too.

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  17. Two things: VistaPrint for business cards. Super cheap, you can design your own, good quality. I use them all the time for personal stuff and work stuff.

    Second: Idea for your next big thing.... My friend just finished this past weekend Goofy's Challenge at Walt Disney World. She only had to do the Saturday and Sunday leg for the actual challenge - but she did Friday too so she could run one with her daughter. Friday - 5K, Saturday - 1/2 marathon, Sunday - full marathon. It looked like SO much fun - and what an accomplishment. She has not been a distance runner forever, but trained for it and did great! I think you would have lots of fun at something like that - and maybe you could make it a family trip!

    (Yes, you will see above that I removed a post. It was this post, I put it in the wrong spot!)

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    1. Did you mention the Goofy Challenge on my blog as well? That sounds insane, but an accomplishment to be majorly proud of!

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    2. A friend of mine was training for the Goofy Challenge, and ended up deferring until next year. That definitely sounds challenging! I'm not a huge Disney person, but maybe I can find a similar challenge somewhere else :)

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  18. I know you have crossed marathon off your list, but if you plan on travelling any more the rest of the year, you could start crossing states off your list, like Rik. Or, since halves are your favorite, you could look into becoming a half maniac, where you complete a certain amount of halves in a certain time frame. This sounds like it's right up your alley!

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    1. I like the idea of doing a certain amount of halves in a specified time frame... will have to think about that!

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  19. How about the Goofy Challenge in Disney next January? It just happened so you have a year to train. It is 13.1 miles on Saturday and Sunday is 26.2. I have decided that I am going to run it and am very excited. It is more of a fun run relaxed style but a huge challenge all the same. They have the characters you can take pictures with every :)

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    1. HA! Just saw your reply on a previous comment I missed about a lack of interest in a Disney race. Sorry. You dont have to think of it as being Disney though and instead look at it as the challenge of running that much in two days with the bonus of an additional medal! :)

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    2. I like the idea of doing back-to-back races... kind of like a Ragnar, only more challenging because of the distance. Maybe I'll find something similar that's not at Disney :)

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  20. I love reading your blog but I always get super excited when I see pictures of your cats. I have 4 cats as well and the crazy cat lady label is reinforced for me when I realize that there is a cute cat picture that I get excited about. It also doesn't help that approx. 80% of my pictures on instagram are of my cats... and my background on my phone... Just thought I should share.

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    1. That's SO funny... I'm exactly the same way. I talk about my cats as if they were my kids. I try to rein it in when I write about them on my blog, or post pictures on Instagram. I take waaaay too many pictures of my cats!

      What is your Instagram username? I'd love to follow along with your cat photos ;)

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    2. mrsridley

      I'm following you in case you can't find it in the search.

      =)

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  21. Make ME your next big project! :)

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    1. Hahaha, I'm sure that could be very interesting! :)

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  22. Have you ever considered organizing your own race? (I know you're doing the virtual 5K, but I mean a "real" race). I bet you would be surprised at how many people would travel for that!

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    1. That scares me to death, because of all the logistics... but definitely a fun idea! I will have to give it some thought, and maybe consider doing that next year...

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  23. I have the same problem once the event I am training for is over I am like ok now what. I have done a half and a couple real life 5ks and then several virtual. I would love to host a virtual race for a friend of mine who is batteling cancer and give him all the funds raised but I am clueless on how to do it. I am good at signing up for them though :)

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    1. That's a great idea! The one I'm doing is my first, so I can't really offer any suggestions--I'm sure I'll screw up something along the way, haha ;)

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  24. I just signed up for the Virtual 5K. No idea if I did it already back when you first wrote the post, so I apologize if so!

    You say you don't like swimming (my own reason for not doing a triathalon) but what about a biathalon? Or is it duathalon? I think there's one that's just running and biking?

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    1. I've learned not to say "never", so it's definitely something to consider... I'm not crazy about biking either, so it wouldn't be the first thing on my list!

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  25. That business card holder is cute, cute, cute!

    I am with some of the others, you should organize your own race. You are such an inspiration to so many of us, I am SURE it would be a huge success.

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    1. I'm sure organizing a race is SUPER stressful, but I think it would be pretty cool to do--maybe I'll consider that next year.

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  26. You are so freaking clever. I love the business card holder.

    Why don't you sign up and train for a Tough Mudder? Or any other race with obstacle courses. I did the Tough Mudder with friends. Having a team made it so much more fun. Also, it forces you to do more cross-training by building strength, instead of focusing on just running.

    Grace

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    1. The Tough Mudder looks a lot like the Warrior Dash, only a thousand times scarier! I like to stay clean when I run ;) Good for you, though, I've heard it's, well, TOUGH!

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  27. My goal for this year is to train enough so that next year I can successfully do a Tough Mudder, I'm not a fan of running but I'm trying to get into it. I remember reading in one of your blogs about running for a set amount of time in your walks and I'm up to five minutes and I still complete my five to six mile walk. Ofcourse my dog really helps with that, not sure if I'd be as good running without something pulling me along. ;-) My other idea is to run a charity marathon, for example, Team in Training, where you raise money to meet your goal and you have a few different options of what you run and where. :-)

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    1. That's fantastic about the progress you're making on your run/walks!

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  28. I love your cards, they're super cute! I use VistaPrint for my cards, which makes them super cheap. I'm thinking about upgrading to a nicer quality paper, though.

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    1. You're the second or third to mention VistaPrint. I'll definitely check that out next time!

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  29. Your next big thing...two words: Tough Mudder
    Go to their website at toughmudder.com and watch the video. It looks amazing. I just signed up for the one in MN in July and started training a couple of months ago to build strength. I think you could totally rock it!!

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    1. Thank you for the confidence in me! That looks way too intense for me, though ;)

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  30. Look at you speedy! You are getting to be so fast!!

    Love the card holder. You are one crafty gal.

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    1. I've been working hard at getting faster--it's definitely paying off!

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  31. How about the Niagara Falls women's half marathon...I did a copy and paste from the website.

    Run or Walk past
    The Falls TWICE!

    Now. Lotsa' unique touches like port-a-potties with flowers and lavender scent.
    Fire fighters putting medals around your neck as you finish.
    Grab your girlfriends for a weekend getaway to Niagara.
    Join us for a true celebration of healthy and fit lifestyles.
    And, our magnificent course is great for P.B.'s, too.

    Wine, Women,
    Run, Walk

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    1. Ohmygoodnessgracious, you had me at lavender-scented porta-potties! What a great touch!

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  32. Those business cards are a wonderful idea and I was just daydreaming myself the other day about how I wanted to make business cards someday in the future when im down to goal weight and maintaining it well. I wanna be a personal trainer eventually though. I'd even wear a shirt with my old fat picture on it and maybe on the back it'd say Ask me how I lost x amount of weight! lol. nerdy and possibly even vain i know but yeah I think that'd be cool to be able to do someday. haha

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    1. The shirt is an awesome idea! Maybe even for a race shirt...

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  33. I have a friend who's doing 5 halves in 5 different states in 5 days. I think she's insane... but who am I to judge? LOL. There are plenty of variations on challenges like that. You just have to figure one out that speaks to you I guess :)

    I'm still building up my running ability so I've still got lots of goals ahead. 10K, 1/2 marathon, obstacle course race, sprint triathlon. It's definitely helpful to have something specific to work for. I can't wait to hear what's next on your list!

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    1. Oooh, the 5/5/5 challenge sounds interesting! That's definitely my kind of challenge--if only I could afford it! :)

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  34. You mention always giving out your blog address...I'm just curious in your blog's traffic increase since it aired on the "TODAY" show.

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    1. It shot up for a day or two, and now it's back to normal, which is pretty much what I expected :)

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  35. I'm gonna second (third?) the idea of training for a Tough Mudder. I think you totally have it in you, Katie! I would love to read about someone training for one, and in your blogging style it would be really interesting to follow. :)

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    1. I really don't think I have that in me! I watched the video with Jerry next to me, and I just said, "These people are crazy if they think that looks fun!" ;) I can't imagine doing a race like that!

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  36. I'm fairly new here, I'm not sure where you live, maybe you could take up trail running?

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    1. I LOVE that idea! Unfortunately, we don't have many trails around here, but ever since I started running, I've had an interest in trying trail running.

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  37. I know a big thing you can work on.......try for a GIRL! lololo
    Sincerely draftlover :)

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    1. I'm VERY happy with all my boys, and wouldn't change it for anything! ;)

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  38. I am sure you will rock at whatever challenge you decide to do :) Super cute business card holder!

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  39. Your cards and cardholder came out cute! I hate those pre-cut card sheets too...I always print them out on cardstock and then use a paper cutter to cut them out.

    I think you'd be a great coach! You should pursue that! And I totally love those muddy races...can't wait to do the next one! In 2014 I have the goal to do a sprint triathlon.

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  40. For your new goal - I know you just said no to doing a tri because you hate to run and bike, BUT you could do a relay tri. You could run, your husband and sister could do the other two legs. I am just a tri enthusiast and think you would have fun if you tri-ed it! :) Just a thought.

    I think a book would be a good option too. I would definitely read it!

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  41. I don't know where you live, but in the sunny Southwest we have The Grand Enchantment Trail: http://www.simblissity.net/get-about.shtml or there is the Pacific Crest Trail http://www.pcta.org/, endless hiking/running possibilities for you, or go all the way end to end :D

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  42. I am wondering how you deal with the cold when running. I just got started and did a run on a cold and windy afternoon Sunday. The remainder of the day and most of the following morning I was caughing and my chest seemed to rattle. Breathing in cold air hurt too. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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I used to publish ALL comments (even the mean ones) but I recently chose not to publish those. I always welcome constructive comments/criticism, but there is no need for unnecessary rudeness/hate. But please--I love reading what you have to say! (This comment form is super finicky, so I apologize if you're unable to comment)

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