Gasparilla Recap Part 2
Read Part 1 of the Gasparilla Recap!
Another AMAZING race day! Running 3 races in 2 days (25.5 miles combined) was QUITE a physical, mental, and emotional challenge, but it was worth it. I am tired and sore, happy and proud! My butt hurts SO much from all this booty-hauling!
I woke up at 4:15 AM and cautiously moved my legs. Surprisingly, I wasn’t as sore as I expected to be, considered I had run a 5K and 15K the day before. I think all the stretching really helped me out.
I was tired, but the excitement of RACE MORNING quickly hit me and I was suddenly WIDE awake!! Coffee helped, too — I’m not going to lie. 
I had the same breakfast as yesterday — two pieces of WW toast and a sliced banana.
Meghann and I got dressed for the Half Marathon and headed downtown with her friend Derek. The race began at 6 AM, so it was pitch black when we arrived!
I promptly began to stretch out my sore quads and hips.
As you can see, it wasn’t raining yet!! The forecast called for showers, so I came prepared with a hat and garage bag (to wear). You guys had some GREAT suggestions for running in the rain, and I definitely heeded your advice. I also wrapped my iPod in a ziploc bag to keep it dry.
Here I am goofing around before the starting whistle blew… Check out those guns! Hardy har har!
That’s my lucky running shirt, by the way! I definitely felt lucky before the race — no knee pain AND no rain! PERFECT!
There were approximately 9,000 half marathon runners and 2,000 marathoners. Although that’s less people than yesterday’s races, the course was different and started on some one-way side streets and a narrow on-ramp and bridge. There was quite a bit of bottlenecking in the first mile, so I was very relieved to see my Mile 1.0 time was 10:00/mile. I wanted to pace 9:30/mile, but 10:00 is always a good time for the first mile of a major race.
I made the decision to ditch Meghann right at the start of the race. As I described in yesterday’s recap, she is a TAD too fast for me and I didn’t want to accidentally burn myself out. I decided I would feel mentally stronger if I wasn’t staring at her booty for 13.1 miles.
The first few miles took us over Tampa Bay (the water was soo choppy due to high wind gusts!) and through a beautiful neighborhood filled with mansions. Before I even realized it, it was Mile 4.0 and we were running back over the bridge to the other side of the bay.
Mile 4.0 to Mile 5.o was a complete blur. I know the course took us over another overpass and bridge. But at each pace clock, I was so pleased to see that I had whittled down my average pace to 9:30/mile.
While passing over one of the bridges, I happened to glance up at the sky and noticed the sun was finally rising. This would’ve have given me immense relief, but I also immediately realized that there were several huge, dark, and low thunder clouds coming right at us! At that point, the rain seemed inevitable, so I sent up a silent prayer that it would hold off until the very end.
We turned back onto Bayshore Drive around Mile 6.0. Bayshore Drive is a beautiful road that fronts Tampa Bay, which provided some beautiful scenery. The clouds looked ominous, but the rain was holding off. I ate 3 Clif Shot Bloks (same ones as yesterday) for a total mid-run calorie intake of 100. I definitely felt the carbs hit my bloodstream almost immediately, which was excellent!
The turn-around point on Bayshore Drive occurred around Mile 10.5, so I was able to spot Meghann when I was on Mile 10! She saw me, too and we waved hello!
Once I hit the turn-around, I suddenly felt AMAZING. The wind was at my back, and it was a relief! I picked up my pace and definitely achieved a negative split. A volunteer handed me an orange slice, which tasted sooo good and gave me another tiny energy boost.
Then…. at Mile 11.0, the inevitable happened. The clouds opened up and it started to POUR. I was determined not to let the rain get me down, so I screamed out "WOOOOO HOOOO" at the top of my lungs, which started an awesome change reaction all down the course!!! So many people were cheering for RAIN — it was amazing.
My goal was to cross the finish line in less than 2 hours and 6 minutes, thereby setting a new personal record. I sprinted towards the finish and clocked in at 2 hours and 3 minutes (unofficially)!!! I was so excited to have a new PR — in fact, that’s TWO PRs in one weekend!
- Duration: 2 hours, 3 minutes (Half Marathon; 13.1 miles)
- Calories Burned: 1,250 (approximate)
Volunteers were handing out aluminum ponchos for the runners, which helped heat me back up tremendously!
I actually burst into tears at the finish line — I was so emotional (happy emotions!!). It’s so satisfying to run a Half Marathon AND set a new PR. I’m so thankful that I’ve been able to continue running even though I have troublesome knees. To be able to continue my favorite hobby is so amazing.
Meghann and I found each other immediately! She beat her PR, too!
I grabbed a water and a banana….
And then we walked back to the car… We were both ecstatic but exhausted.
The best part about this weekend was definitely the AMAZING medals the finishers received!
The little medals are my 5K, 15K, and Half Marathon medals, and the large one in the center is for completing the Bud Light Challenge (3 races in 2 days!). I am so proud of these medals and will probably sleep in them tonight!
After driving home and showering, I refueled with 1.5 servings of Anne’s Organic Mac and Cheese.
I need to eat MORE of course, but I’m trying to save room for a Tampa Blogger Meet Up lunch at noon, and a trip to DAIRY QUEEN for my well-desired Resee’s Blizzard!
A WONDERFUL race weekend, all in all!! I loved it.
Posted by: Caitlin 87 comments
Posted in: All Posts
on Mar 1st, 2009 at 9:03 am
You are amazing, CONGRATS on your PR’s!! Wish I could be there to congratulate you in person today, you rock!!!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 9:06 am
Congratulations! That is so amazing!!! I was thinkin’ about ya’ll as I watched the rain comin down outside my window this morning. Glad to hear it went great. Can’t wait to meet you at the lunch in a few =)
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 9:10 am
HAHA!!! You’re too hilarious in your photos – love it
Maaaaaajor congratulations on your achievements in this latest race – you’re beyond inspiring, girl!!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 9:15 am
CONGRATS! You are such an inspiration! =)
I LOVE all the photos and the medals are fantastic! I hope you have a great time refueling and hanging out tonight!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 9:17 am
Yahoo! And so exciting about 2 PRs in one weekend!!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 9:18 am
2 PBs in one weekend! Amazing
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 9:21 am
Great job girl! I am so impressed! I love that they gave you a medal for EACH race! You are sporting some major bling now! You earned it!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 9:22 am
So awesome!! You’re amazing! I’m glad you had such a blast! I loved reading all of the recaps. I LOVE RUNNING! where would we be without it?!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 9:24 am
Two new PR’s in one weekend! So freakin amazing!!!
I absolutely LOVED your recap!
Way to go girl!!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 9:26 am
Congrats, congrats, congrats! You are amazing!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 9:30 am
I am so happy that you were able to do it! I didn’t doubt you for a second, but just reading about your joy and excitement is motivating. Enjoy that blizzard.
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 9:32 am
congrats and ENJOY your blizzard!! you SO earned it!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 9:39 am
Congrats!!! You did an amazing job!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 9:47 am
OWN THAT BLIZZARD BABY!! Yummm DQ Blizzards are HEAVENLY. DAMN. Mmm
I'm AMAZED with your fighting spirit! YOU ARE SO STRONG and so deserving of every. single. one. of those medals and I'm so honored to be a reader (and friend!) of yourrrs <333
Enjoy the blogger lunch! xoxo
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 9:50 am
Congratulations!!! I am so impressed with both you and Meghann!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 9:55 am
Congrats, Caitlin! I can’t believe how much you ran in one weekend. I’d really love to try a race weekend like that sometime.
Way to go with the PR, too!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 9:55 am
wow, i am so pumped up by your race report!! it’s making me want to run 3 races in 2 days, too … almost! maybe someday, haha. have a bite of that blizzard for me!! actually, no, eat every bite for YOU. you deserve it after the incredible weekend you’ve had!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 9:55 am
that is so cool! another pr, and goal met. Good job!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 10:05 am
Congrats on all the races! You are amazing!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 10:06 am
great job w/ the race!!!! you did a great job! and i love all the fun fun pictures! wish i could have been there to cheer you on!!!! next race; i promise!!!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 10:09 am
Oh my gosh, congratulations! YOU ARE INCREDIBLE! Wow, I admire you sooo much for fighting through your weekend and coming out ON TOP!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 10:20 am
Congratulations!!! You two did fabulous!!!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 10:21 am
HOW AMAZING!!! YOU ROCK!!!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 10:21 am
i am very proud of you! great work and way to stick with it all and realize what you are capable of.
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 10:25 am
omg dairy queen is amazing! my brothers fiance who runs marathons 24/7 works as a PR rep for the headquarters in minneapolis and she gets to try them for free! i love the reeses but you gotta mix the flavas…i get the reese’s/butterfinger one and mix in some coffee to the base! you will not be disappointed withe the coffee/chocolate/pb flavors! have fun!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 10:30 am
You did such an awesome job! Congrats on finishing strong, getting TWO PRs this weekend, and completing 3 races! Sounds like a blast and I’m so glad you had fun while doing it! Congrats again…you are amazing!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 10:40 am
Congrats congrats!! Enjoy that Blizzard later, you totally DESERVE it!!!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 10:59 am
Awesome job!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 11:07 am
congrats caitlin, you should be so proud
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 11:08 am
first off, thanks so much for your lovely comment
secondly – your such an inspiration on overall health and a strong woman! I hope to be able to run two marathons back to back one day!! so CONGRATS on your marathon and accomplishments.
you eat that dairy queen blizzard girlie, you deserve every bite of it (totally jealous too! the nearest dairy queen is an hour away :\)
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 11:10 am
Congrats on an amazing race! You are an inspiration!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 11:29 am
I’m so PROUD of you!!! Reading your story is truly inspirational Caitlin. It is amazing what you have accomplished…and it gives me hope that I will be able to continue running once my injury is healed.
ROCK ON!!!!!!!!!!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 11:32 am
I am so happy that it didn’t run until the end! And that you were able to embrace it, kick butt and score a new PR! Good work!
I am so happy that you and Meghann did this together, but realized it was okay to split, because all that matters is beating YOUR OWN record. Good job!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 11:39 am
DQ sounds good! I think I am treating myself to some coldstone tonight after my 20 miler!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 11:45 am
Congratulations, Caitlin! That was a great race report, and I love all the pictures! You did an awesome job–Woohoo for the PR! I’m so glad that your run was enjoyable and pain-free!
Enjoy your blizzard. You’ve EARNED it!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 11:47 am
congratulations caitlin on a wonderful weekend of races! you deserve all that bling (medals)!
and i love the “hauling booty” comment
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 11:49 am
Amazing job!!!
You are so inspiring! Have a good time at the blogger meet up
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 11:54 am
You are amazing!! Congrats!! Enjoy that blizzard
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 11:57 am
caitlin this is AMAZING! your passion for running is absolutely electric – i love it!! congratulations!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Great race report… and very inspiring!
Think you’ll ever to Goofy?
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 12:02 pm
That was supposed to say… “Think you’ll ever DO Goofy”
ie- The half and full at Disney!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 12:03 pm
GOOD JOB!!!! and yay for Dairy Queen
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 12:03 pm
I ran a 5k this morning in 32 degree weather with a wind chill of 25! And I am very much a Texas girl! I did 27 minutes and it felt so good! Congrats on your awesome accomplishments!!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Caitlin,
I just read Meghann’s post, and I cannot tell you how proud I am of the two of you. What an accomplishment, and 2 PR’s?!? Awesome.
Love your body lots today with stretching and maybe some ice. Have fun at your blogger meet-up lunch and enjoy a HUGE Blizzard. You’ve earned it mine friend!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 12:20 pm
congratulations!! the race sounded amazing and totally made me want to be there for it! what an accomplishment
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 12:43 pm
You are an absolute inspriation. ‘Nuff said!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Congrats on your PRs, you did an awesome job and I hope your super proud of yourself, thanks for sharing the story of the races with us!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 12:52 pm
OMG CONGRATULATIONS!!! What a phenomenal weekend!! You are absolutely amazing. Glad you’re feeling great, too! SUCH an accomplishment:)
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Congrats!! This is amazing!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 1:10 pm
You should be so proud of yourself, you did amazing, and I love the great attitude about your times, the rain, etc.
I’m happy you didn’t miss your post run Annie’s mac. And that Blizzard…I say get a LARGE!!!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Yay! congrats; sounds like it was a great challenge. enjoy your lunch!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 1:19 pm
CONGRATULATIONS!!! you did an awesome job out there! sounds like a great weekend … eat up and enjoy yourself!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Hah – that first pic is great. And wow, congratulations! I loved reading your story. Quite an achievement.
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 2:09 pm
WOW!! Your recap was such an inspiration for me!! I’m a casual runner (25 miles per week) and have ever participated in a race…but after reading your post I want to so badly!! Great job!!!!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 2:13 pm
congratulations on the PRs and a wonderful race weekend! Great job!!!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 2:15 pm
YOU ROCK!!! these race reports were the blog posts I was looking forward to all weekend:) and to be honest, your blog is my fave!
congrats caitlin!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Looks like you guys had a great weekend of running! Congrats!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 2:20 pm
So impressive!!!! Two PR’s in one weekend is seriously amazing! Congrats!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 2:30 pm
CONGRATS, Caitlin!!! This post makes me happy
Thank you for sharing your experience and all your emotions with us!!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Congrats! You are stinkin’ awesome!
I can’t believe how great you did in all 3 races, and I love that you were so positive about everything. Good job!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 2:38 pm
HUGE CONGRATS! i can’t even belive you guys did this. you are sooooo amazinggg!! hey nowww
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Oh reading your blog made me crave running again. Congrats on the 3 races in 2 days! That’s incredible and you must feel so good!! I’m a runner as well, but I haven’t been able to run much since I ran the Chicago Marathon this past october. I really miss it and I hope that I’m soon able to get back out there!! Any more races coming up??
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 2:46 pm
amy – no goofy for me! i doubt i’ll ever do a marathon because of my knees.
that’s ok with me, though! i like the half!
makenna – THANK YOU for reading!!!
everyone – thanks so much! i really appreciate it.
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Congrats on a great race.
We are headed to Orlando in a few days and are there for 11 days. I would love suggestions for healthy restaurants that we could try out. Thanks!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 3:06 pm
GREAT JOB!!! I’m so excited I got to see you this afternoon after your race. Lunch was delicious! Do you think you could email me your group shot? Thanks!! Congrats again
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Great job!!!! What a great recap
Enjoy that blizzard – you earned it!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 3:22 pm
that is AWESOME!!!!!!! you are such a great inspiration to us all!!!!! love all the great pics
enjoy the lunch!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Congratulations!!! What an amazing accomplishment! Enjoy your blizzard, you deserve it.
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Congrats on all three of your races!!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 3:43 pm
You are my hero!! I am so happy for you, this was an amazing accomplishment and it makes me think I can do anything!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 3:56 pm
I’m totally in awe of you two – amazing job! We all knew you could do it! So glad you made it through without too much pain (besides the aching booty right now, haha). I bet you are floating on air!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 4:29 pm
CONGRATS!!!! you did amazing!!!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 4:31 pm
I loved reading your race recaps from your end (the ultra-runner and much faster than me!)! Congratulations on accomplishing such a big challenge. You did great!
And it was SO NICE meeting you today!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 5:04 pm
CONGRATS CONGRATS!!!!! you did AMAZING
that is so exciting!!!!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 5:11 pm
CONGRATS!!! amazing weekend i am so proud of you
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Congratulations on 3 races!! That is incredible. And yay for no knee pain that is so awesome!! I hope you enjoyed your blizzard!!!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 9:13 pm
I love reading these recaps. They are full of amazing detail and inspiration. Plus, the photos are awesome – especially that first one, haha!
Congratulations, Caitlin. I am so happy for you and know you have worked so hard – you deserve all the success!
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on Mar 1st, 2009 at 9:21 pm
I am ridiculously impressed. Congrats on your new PR’s! You are awesome!
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on Mar 2nd, 2009 at 6:46 am
Hooray! What a great achievement!! You rock it!
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on Mar 2nd, 2009 at 8:29 am
CONGRATS on an awesome race weekend! what a great accomplishment – love the recaps!
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on Mar 2nd, 2009 at 11:49 am
Sounds like a truly awesome weekend! Congrats on having a great time and hitting your PR! You go girl!
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on Mar 2nd, 2009 at 11:59 am
What a great race and two new prs!
Congrats! You can totally break 2 hours too 
Congrats again!
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on Mar 2nd, 2009 at 12:02 pm
OMG, i’m so totally impressed with you!!! Congratulations for finishing!! Awesome!
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on Mar 4th, 2009 at 7:58 am
OMG, congratulations! That’s one major achievement…
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on Mar 10th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
I’ve been meaning to comment on this post for a while – I was SO happy for you reading your race recap! CONGRATULATIONS!!! You gave me goose bumps!
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on Apr 7th, 2010 at 4:25 pm
Caitlin-
I’m training for my first marathon in June, and feeling MAJOR anxiety about the distance lately. Your race recaps have been inspirational, motivational, and reminded me exactly of why I was able to complete my first half last year!
Congratulations on all your accomplishments!
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caitlin Reply:
April 7th, 2010 at 4:53 pm
you can do it! don’t worry – its going to be FUN
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