A good night’s sleep (thanks to ear plugs to block some of the snoring 😉 ) was followed by an even better run. We arose at 7:15, and I had a few bites of banana as I got ready.
I came down to the lobby to meet (LtoR) Roni, Carrie, Carrie’s husband, Jimmy, and their adorable daughter, Abbi, and Alyssa for an awesome run around downtown Baltimore. We covered 5.15 chatty miles right along the water. It was glorious!!! (Sans the fishy fish smell all along the harbor). What a wonderful way to kick off the day – I just love meeting you guys in person and hope I can run in all of your cities someday 🙂
Once back at the hotel, Matt and I hit up the breakfast bar
I thought about yogurt + fruit + granola, but 1) The yogurts were pretty artificial looking and 2) They were out of cut fruit and bananas! So I went with a whole grain medley of cereals
A whole box of Total and Cheerios (which were probably only half a cup portions) and half a box of Granola, which I split with Matt. Plus skim milk mixed with a little 2% for body –
And a mediocre orange for some fruit
And when they did refill the fruit, I had 2 pineapple pieces –
Cruisin Away
I have been on several cruises with my family growing up. We have always enjoyed them, and I’d be lying if the buffets and “free” food weren’t a huge draw 🙂 But we also love the feeling of being on a boat and all the shows and entertainment. Four years ago Matt and I went on a cruise with my family to Key West and the Bahamas. I probably don’t need to point out that we were quite a bit heavier (and much less healthy) then:
One of my “favorite” before pictures –
This photo was titled “Too full to move”
Unlike last time, where my goal was to eat and eat everything I could, I am approaching this cruise as a Spa Cruise! It’s an opportunity to take advantage of big salad bars, “spa cuisine”, the fitness room and yoga classes, reading good books, and LOTS of relaxing. Of course I’m going to enjoy eating a variety of foods, desserts and a few drinks, but I’m going to focus on eating portions as I would if I were cooking for myself and trying to only eat when I’m hungry (which is hard when there are buffets going on every hour of the day!). As usual, my goal is to FEEL good and not stuff myself with buffets and alcohol, which both leave me feeling horrible.
But I’m totally excited for shows, comedians, piano bars, the fitness room, the decks, sunshine, breezes, scooters, beaches and fine dining!
I’m hoping to get a mid-week post up with a recap of some of our fun activities and meals and check in on the post comments and emails. I won’t be blogging day-by-day, but you can be sure I’ll share a bunch of meals and activities when you all 
I don’t think you could pay me to not blog at all!
First guest post, a GIVEAWAY, comes up in just a bit!
FAREWELL MY FRIENDS!!
Help Meghan Run says
Yay! I love your philosophy for the cruise, you’ll do great 🙂
www. HelpMeghanRun .com
Shannon (The Daily Balance) says
what a great approach to the cruise! I can’t wait to hear about all your adventures 😉
Bon Voyage! 😉
Jo says
Have a great time! I can’t wait to hear all about it when you are back 🙂
Lisa says
Oh man, those little cereal boxes bring back memories of family vacations. They are BRILLIANT for satisfying small, hungry children.
The thought of a cruise always freaked me out a little because of the sheer amount of food. Your approach is a great way to think about it. Have a wonderful trip!
FoodsThatFit says
Kath-
It was a blast meeting up with you for the run! If you ever make your way out west, I’d love to show you and your Matt around the beautiful state of Utah!!
Matt (NoMeatAthlete) says
Awesome that you ran around the harbor, I’ve done that one lots of times… really makes me miss living in the city 🙁
Have a great time on your cruise, and let yourself play on it! If you have a few drinks and eat more than you should, so what? It’s a vacation!
I’d really like to know how cruising out of Baltimore is, that’s something I’ve been wanting to try since we got ships there!
Hallie says
Have a great trip! That’s so fun that you got to meet some readers 🙂
I’ve never been on a cruise and I want to SO bad! Can’t wait to hear all about it
skinnyrunner says
what a fantastic philosophy! have fun in good health!
Leah @ Simply Fabulous says
ENJOY your time Kath!!! That is the main thing!!!
Kris says
Enjoy your cruise! I just ran across your blog and I love it! Thanks!
Moran (The Running Addict) says
Have an awesome time!
Your breakfast is …cute!
Kailey (SnackFace) says
Have a BLAST!!! You’re going in with an incredible approach, and I know you are going to enjoy your time cruisin’ away! On a Boat, anyone?
Christina says
Enjoy yourselves!!! I’ve never been on a cruise, can’t wait to hear all about it 🙂
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini) says
Kath, I hope you have a BEYOND WONDERFUL time!!! Enjoy every relaxing minute!! Safe travels my friend!
meg says
Breakfast bars are so fun! ENJOY your cruise!
Jenn )) j3nn.net (( says
I love those mini boxes of cereal. They remind me of being a kid. Have a great cruise! Can’t wait to see the pics 🙂
Jenn
Lara (Thinspired) says
I’m sad to see you go but I hope you have a GREAT time on your “spa cruise,” Love it! Can’t wait for your check-ins, guest posts, and of course, recaps!
K says
What a fun meet up! Enjoy your cruise!! I’ve never been on one so I’m living vicariously through you 😉
Lynda says
Hi Kath:
You inspire me! And you are making everyone think I am a great cook. My husband has lost 12 lbs with my new healthy cooking and I have lost 10 lbs. Love your tips when you travel. You inspire me!
Ryane says
Hope you and Matt have an awesome time on the cruise!
Recipes for Creativity says
I hope you have a wonderful time and we’ll be excited to hear about the trip when you get a chance.
MelanieF says
Have a great vacation! You’ll have a great week 🙂
Bec says
sounds like a great cruise eating action plan, have fun!
Stacey says
I just came across your blog and through reading some of the past posts (with recent photos) and comparing to your “before” photos, I am really impressed!
I too have before and after photos…. I lost weight about four years ago and have kept it off since. It is always so crazy to look back at the older pictures!
Love your blog!
TorontoGirloutWest says
My GOD! What a HUGE difference you two have made in a relatively short time!!! Especially Matt!
I started my journey a couple years ago (although I was WAY more far gone than you were) and I’m proud of where I’ve come from. By my wedding in 2010 I hope to be crazy fit! Ditto for the fiance!
Thanks for posting this and enjoy your vacation!!!!!!!!
Heather says
What a great morning! I love how you mixed all the cereals and were able to have a healthy breakfast at the hotel… yum!!! It’s pretty hard sometimes to get a decent breakfast at those buffets!
Have a wonderful time on your cruise Kath! You look gorgeous! 😀
Susan says
Have fuuuuun!! Running with all those great bloggers sounds like the perfect start to a vacay 🙂
Mara @ What's For Dinner? says
Have a blast!! I’ll be looking forward to updates!
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food) says
Have a great time!
Melissa @ For the Love of Health says
Have agreat time!!!
Michelle Hisae says
Have a great trip!! Pamper yourself and relaxxx!
Elizabeth says
Miss you already! 😉
Bon voyage!
debbie says
Have a wonderful time! Bon Voyage!
I’m really enjoying the flurry of blogs, thank you.
Blessings – Debbie
Sarah says
Wow, you guys look so different! I have some favorite before pictures too, it really helps me remember how far I’ve come and how much I have changed for the better, especially when I’m having a rough day. Have a great time on the cruise and can’t wait to hear all about the spa, yoga, etc. when you get back 🙂