This morning, I completed the Chickpea Masala 10K. I know – you thought I was running a Half Marathon today. Well, that was the original plan.
Let me explain. 
Around 4:00 AM, I was suddenly awoken by cramps in my stomach. At first, I thought it was nervous butterflies, but I soon realized I was going to throw up. I rushed to the bathroom, fell to my knees, and worshipped the porcelain god for a good 10 minutes.
I spent another 20 minutes curled up on my cold bathroom floor, trembling and sweating, until I convinced myself the sickness had passed, and I was going to be able to run the Half Marathon. But when I pulled myself up and looked in the mirror, all I saw was my green, sallow face staring back at me and knew there was NO WAY I could run 13.1 miles in just 2.5 hours.
I rang Megan (who was going to go with me to the Half) and explain that last night’s Chickpea Masala was NOT agreeing with me.
A simple equation:
Honestly, I “know” that you aren’t suppose to eat anything weird or unusual the night before a race, but I have a stomach of steel and did not think the spicy chickpea masala would bother me. Maybe it was left out on the Whole Food’s hot bar too long?
Shaking and sick, I collapsed back in bed and slept straight through the race start. I was sad, but there wasn’t really any other options.
The Husband woke me up around 8:30 with breakfast in bed (love him):
I ate 1/2 because my stomach was a little sick still. He also brought me tea in our Tower of London teapot:
And we laid in bed for a few hours, planning out our trip to England. We’re going for Christmas.
We decided to book afternoon tea at The Ritz on our 1 year wedding anniversary, January 3. I have NO idea what I’m going to wear to The Ritz – any British readers have suggestions? Can I wear a cocktail dress or do I need to wear a suit?
Later, I ate 1/2 of this seasonal Clif Bar:
And then I decided to RECLAIM MY RACE DAY. My stomach felt a lot better (I guess I just needed to get the chickpea masala OUT of my system), and I really wanted to run.
Introducing… the Chickpea Masala 10K. It’s a very popular local race. 
Hey, guess what? I won my age division, the female division, and the entire race! Wahoo!
Here are my statistics:
- Distance: 10K (6.2 miles)
- Duration: 1:00:00 EXACTLY!
Honestly, I am really disappointed that I didn’t get to do the Half Marathon this morning, but I have another Half in just a FEW WEEKS – December 5. I’m actually really proud of myself for not having a temper tantrum when I got sick, and I’m pleased that I ran when I felt better. A few years ago, I definitely would’ve just blown off the whole day and chalked it up to my bad attitude.
And guess what? My calf/ankle did not hurt! Wahoo!
I actually have a REAL 10K race tomorrow, and I promise not to have Chickpea Masala for dinner tonight.
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{ 117 comments… read them below or add one }
You rocked this 10k girl!! lol Glad you listened to your body.
Sorry you had to miss the half, but great job having a positive attitude about it and doing your own 10k instead! Have a GREAT day!
great attitude about this! sorry you couldnt race though!
congrats on winning the chickpea race!
Oh man – this makes me really NOT ever want to eat that, especially before running! Good luck tomorrow!
LOL loved the “race recap”. glad you’re feeling better! How sweet of Kristien to take care of you this morning.
And can I add that I think afternoon tea at the Ritz sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate your anniversary!? Lovely!
I’m just glad you’re okay! I was getting a little worried. Yay for a positive attitude. Good luck tomorrow.
I just realized one year ago yesterday we met in real life! So sorry WF wasn’t better for you yesterday than it was a yr ago yesterday.
We go to tea at hotels pretty frequently, and I would definitely lean toward a suit/pencil skirt, sweater and tall boots or something like that rather than cocktail attire. We are going to Ireland to visit the fam in January,and I am already looking to a workout, spa, then afternoon tea with champagne!
You have a great sense of humor! Congrats on your Chickpea Masala 10k win. I’m glad you’re feeling better.
Great run and great attitude! That is definitely inspiring to see. I’m so sorry to hear the Whole Foods salad bar was a failure when it looked so good but you turned th day around
You are awesome Caitlin. I don’t think I would have had the willpower to go on! So proud of you!
Congratulations on such a good run! After so much stomach problem, wow, I admire you.
And I looove that teapot! it’s adorable
Bummer! Sorry to hear that you were sick this morning:(
You poor thing!! I’m so sorry you missed your half–just wasn’t meant to be it seems! Fabulous PMA though (positive mental attitude)!
Hooray for all your winning!! Am proud of you- also, sent you an email!!
Wow, what an unexpected change of plans! I’m happy that you made your own race! I’m not sure I want to sign up for that one though if the registration includes a payment of getting sick from chickpea marsala the night before
Your morning sounds so comfy…my bf made me breakfast in bed this morning too. Aren’t boys the best sometimes?
I’d take it as some sign that the half marathon was just not meant to be! Spending the morning in bed drinking tea, and going for a leisurely run later sounds like a lot more fun to me anyways
Although, that 10k tomorrow better watch out, you’re coming after it!
LOL @ “i won the race, my division…” hahah I love it!!! So proud of you for listening to your body…you really did the right thing Caitlin.
Just love you and your attitude — and your new race!
Oh man that totally sucks! At least you got to run right?
Oooooooh chickpeas.. i’m sorry!! Well, I’m glad you’re feeling better, AND still managed a fantastic race of your own!
Better to honor your body then feel like death at the finish line I’d say. Enjoy the rest of your Saturday!
LOL you are too cute!! I’m so sorry you got sick and missed you race, but you seem to have such a great attitude about it! I can’t believe you got out there and ran 6 miles after being sick – you are crazy woman!!
Way to go, friend. I’m glad you felt well enough to run at all. I’m sorry the food did not sit well with you. That makes me a little worried about WF hot bars! I thought they were ultra trust worthy. Perhaps you were right and they just had just been sitting for too long. Note to self-no late night hot bar pick-ups.
Praying and hoping your 10k is awesome and reaffirming and that you eat food that will make you feel strength and energy..oh and that you won’t get to see it again later. 
You’re awesome.
Congratulations on all your awards!
Way to go girlie!!!
when I had breakfast at the ritz in london (I can’t believe I’m typing this) I wore trousers and a nice black jacket. I’d recommend wearing a jacket there rather than having bear shoulders/arms. plus it will be cold!
What a bummer that you weren’t able to run your half marathon today! Even still, you are too cute and had such a great attitude about it! I love the Chickpea Marsala 10K idea and maybe next year you can have it again – with more people and no sickness (of course!)
Danielle
bare, not bear shoulders/arms!!
It was probably a blessing in disguise. Two races in one weekend is asking for trouble, crazy!
once i did a 5K, 15K, and a half marathon in one weekend.
i am a little crazy.
Either that or a masochist! Which I can completely understand!!
haha this was such a cute post, minus the sicky part
I hope you’re feeling better! I didn’t want to run today, but after reading this I think I’m going to..If someone can win a 10K (wink wink) a few hours after being sick, I can run too!
Have a great day!
Aww I am so sorry. Much better to sleep it off than to vom your way through 13.1 miles. Better luck tomorrow!
Way to take it in stride. I think I need to think of you next time I’m having a setback.
I completely understand what you mean about sometimes you feel SOOOOO much better after you just rid of the icky inside the tummy.
Congrats on not letting a rough start continue into a rough day. Way to knock out first place in all the divisions of the Chickpea Marsala 10K!
Good luck to Nick on his first race tomorrow. And have fun with it Caitlin.
oh i forgot to mention this -
NICK TWISTED HIS ANKLE YESTERDAY!! can you believe it? the husband looked at it and said its black and blue! i dont think he’ll be running with me.
Sad for Nick. Hopefully he won’t get down and will continue prepping for a race when he is better.
I guess that means you will be taking over the race tomorrow!
sorry to hear about your race. your upbeat attitude about it all is very refreshing, though. when can i register for the 2010 chickpea marsala 10K? good luck tomorrow!
So impressed that you pulled your socks up (doh, totally unintentional!) to even run 6 miles! Geez that’s amazing. And so cute with the eggs on toast and tea- hubby’s a keeper, no?
Have fun in the UK next month. Christmas time is a nice time to be there despite the weather!!
i love your good attitude! keep running and smiling.
i’m glad your tummy is better now.
Sorry about your tummy – Indian food did that to me once, too (are you sure it wasn’t chick pea MASALA? That would make more sense if it was Indian!)
Good luck tomorrow!
congrats! i saw a commercial this morning, it was a news clip about a man in my area who was in a really bad car accident and was burned terribly. the woman interviewing him commented on his great attitude, i love his response (which we’ve all heard before); life is 10% what happens to us, but 90% how we react to it!
so great job at making the best of it!
Afternoon tea isn’t as formal as it used to be – even at the Ritz.
Your husband will need a jacket and tie (and no sneakers!) but you can get away with more. A cute skirt and top or a day dress would both work. A cocktail dress would probably be a bit too dressy for the middle of the afternoon but I’m sure you could rock it!
Congrats on your 10k win!!
Sorry about your race
A point of advice as I work at Whole Foods…..NEVER EVER EVER eat off of the hot bar/salad bar! I know it seems fun and appealing but you DO NOT want to see what other customers do/let their kids do to that food!
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Omg.
Omg times two. I’m going to have to demand some details!
People just stick their hands right in, let their kids stick their hands in, re-use sample spoons, sneeze/cough on the food, stuff like that….
I freaking LOVE that tower of london cup. SO cute!
Aw, you are too cute! I am sorry about your race and being sick. Kudos to YOU for listening to your body and taking care of yourself. You rock!
p.s. I’m signing up for the Chickpea Masala 10K next year
you should be proud of yourself, you did fantastic! you have such a great support system and hubby.
Yikes… glad that you’re starting to feel better! Food poisoning is the worst b/c then the culprit never looks appealing again!
Your post was cracking me up! I am glad you are feeling better and was able to run atleast a 10k.
That’s awesome! Do you get a trophy or medal? I wonder what that would look like!
Sorry about the stomach! I’m not British but having lived in Dublin I would say go for the dress! Suits are for older people over there
Enjoy!
LOL, oh man, poor thing. Hilarious post, though. I love the title of your race
You should frame a picture of you and the toilet together as your race finish picture 
I’m so sorry about the race Caitlin! I’m glad you’re feeling better, and congrats on the one woman 10k!
I went to tea at The Ritz when I went to London 2 years ago!!! It’s so pretty inside, very light and yellow-y. I have a pic of what I wore on my blog (I think it’s in the very begining
) but I’ll give you a description anyway…I wore a blue and white skirt with a white short sleeve kind of sheer button down with a blue tank underneath. My then-boyfriend wore nice pants and a jacket. I forget what he wore for a shirt. You’ll feel so proper sitting in there sipping tea and eating scones with clotted cream 
ps – they don’t really allow photography so we could only sneak two pictures before getting caught.
no pictures?!?!! i dont want to go anymore.
I wouldn’t want to go either. WTF
i’m pretty sure i’ve seen photos from the ritz that my friends have taken when they’ve been for afternoon tea there!
Oh I am so sorry!! That would be really disappointing. At least you get another chance soon. Good luck tomorrow!
Ugh!! That sounds awful, glad you are feeling better. I was cracking up at the post! Glad you got in a run at any rate!
Yuck! I;m glad you’re feeling better. And good for you for not letting the disappointment ruin the day.
Awesome attitude, Caitlin! Yesterday I said you are one of my running inspirations and today you pulled through again. I woke up to a half a foot of snow and six degree weather and I really wanted to run … But I was grumpy about the weather and debated sitting on my couch eating junk all day. Ha. But then I thought of you running your half and just went out and did a 6.25 mile run! (I waited till it was 17 degrees, though …
) I saw this post when I got back and I’m sorry you couldn’t do your half, but still — you are awesome! Making the best of a not so great situation makes your outlook and day SO much better, which is why I’m glad I went running today too.
Anyway, eeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwww about the hot bar comment above … I loved the hot bar. Meh.
Good luck tomorrow!
you deserve major kudos for running in the cold!
i was also inspired by you to go on a run today caitlin! in fact, i usually think of you running when i’m not in the mood to run/too tired, and it suddenly isn’t so hard anymore!
I hope you fell 100% better soon!!! That is so great you ran your own race!
Aww Caitlin, I’m so sorry to hear about that. You know, I recall another blogger admitting that the WF Hot bar didn’t settle with them one night and they got violently ill too! I agree, I would stay away from the “late” night food there.
Well, as much as I know you wanted to run in the half today, maybe this was a sign. Even though your calves felt good, maybe 13 miles would have been a little too much too soon. Try to look at it that way, you potentially saved yourself from a MAJOR injury!
Have a lovely day hun!
great job on your run
jenna
So sorry you didn’t get to do your race – I know that feeling of disappointment! I always try to tell myself that everything happens for a reason. Maybe it was your body telling you that 13 miles would have been too far for your leg that is healing, and a 10K was just what you needed.
Good for you for still making the most of your day and getting a good run in!
So exciting about your trip to England…my husband and I were there last summer and wanted to have tea at the Ritz but they were all booked. Can’t wait to hear all about it after your trip!
Eek! So sorry you missed the race, but you definitely have a great attitude about it. Glad you’re feeling better and good luck tomorrow!
hey caitlin, as a lurker (but avid reader of yours) this is my first time commenting, however just wanted to recommend if you don’t go to the ritz for tea, try the dorchester or claridges. i’m a londoner, and both these places are amazing too
with regards to dress code, a suit is not necessary but as other comments have suggested i think smart/casual would be appropriate, i.e dress/jacket type thing! anyway!
take care, have a lovely day! x
hi jo! i wish i had asked people beforehand because we already bought our tickets. sigh
lesson learned. i might be asking for more london advice lateerrrr!
LMAO! Yay for winning
I knew you could do it! Haha. Good job for listening to your body! I would’ve spent ALL DAY being mad at myself for not being able to race, but you took something bad and turned it into something good 
And I admire that.
Bummer you had to miss out the half today, but major kudos for sticking it out and getting out there for your own race later on!
Breakfast in bed with the hubby planning a vacation sounds so amazing and romantic…even with icky chickpea masala tummy.
i have to say that i read your blog everyday, but this is the first time i’ve actually laughed out loud at one of your post. your equation cracked me up! probably because i know EXACTLY what that feels like. sorry you missed your race, but major kudos for going out and running anyway. keep on truckin! your motivation is helping me through my training for my first 10k next weekend. i completed 5.5 miles this morning for the first time in my life, feels so good! or should i say, hurts so good!!
haha yay! im glad i made someone LOL
and major kudos on your 5.5 minutes. my first race was a 10K and it was such an accomplished feeling. 6.2 miles is no joke!
5.5 minutes/ 6.2 miles? hahaha, man, i love caitlin
whoops – yall know what i mean!
You are awesome! How do you find the discipline to get up and do this when you had food poisoning that morning?
i dont think it was food poisoning – i probably wouldnt have run after that! but i felt better and i knew i would be HAPPIER if i ran, even if it was just 1/2 the intended distance.
plus, knowing i have to run a marathon in a month and a half lights a fire under my ass!
OMG, that post seriously cracked me up – esp the graphic with the mushroom cloud!! I’m so glad you kept your sense of humor about the whole situation. You are a real trooper to actually get out of bed and run AT ALL after that!
Maaaaaaaaaajor kudos on even running. I can’t wait until I am your age, so I will ‘finally’ be grown up enough to blow it off and go for a run. I definitely would have pouted. Gah, I pout just thinking about it.
Good for you for keeping a positive attitude! There was probably a reason that half marathon did not happen for you today.
Have fun & good luck at the 10K tomorrow!
Uh, I have throwing up! Poor you. Your calf/achilles will probably thank you for only doing 20km over the weekend rather than 36! Maybe it’s for the best!
OHHH NOOOO! Major bummer… literally hahahaha!
Glad you feel better! You made the right decisions for sure!
I’m so sorry about your tummy, but seeing your teapot and hearing about tea at the Ritz made me happy. I have a teapot I bought while in England, as well as a huge jar of Yorkshire gold Tea. I love it! And I think a cocktail dress with a big, English hat would do you just fine!
that’s awesome how you went with the flow & didn’t get too upset… expect the unexpected is my motto!!
and your own 10K sounds like an awesome run, anyways!
Oops, I meant to say that I ‘hate’ throwing up! Not have!
Sorry to hear you got sick! You are such an inspiration. Congrats on pounding out a 10K!!
Sorry about your half marathon, you are such a trooper for making it through the 10k while sick!
England is a cool place, I was there last summer. Hands down the coolest thing that you must see is Westminster Abbey. The inside was closed when I was there, but even the outside is awe inspiring!
Too bad you didn’t get to compete in the half marathon – but I’m glad you’re feeling a better today, and are looking on the bright side. You must be happy you’re going in for the 10K tomorrow!
Although I am British, I haven’t a clue as to what you should wear to the Ritz – it’s a little bit out of my league. But that book you have – 1000 Places to See Before You Die – looks really interesting. I’m gonna have to see if I can get my hands on it.
Good luck tomorrow!
I loved your recap, I can totally relate to yakking getting in the way of running.
I’m really impressed that you ran at all today, that’s hardcore! You’ll kick ass at the December 5th half!
I am SO sorry. And here I thought that I couldn’t get food poisoning as a vegan. I’m so very impressed that you won your second race, though. You are A-MA-ZING!
Tea at the Ritz? Holy hell I’m envious. High tea is something I make sure I do on every vacation, but the Ritz was a little out of my range when I was in the UK recently (and the time before that, sadly).
I would say though that you would get away with wearing a nice skirt & top with a jacket or cardigan, and some nice shoes – heels maybe? During the day a cocktail dress might be over the top… Perhaps you could do a search on Flickr or similar to see what others have worn?
I’m sorry you didn’t get to complete your race – I love reading everyone’s race recaps on their blogs. Hope you are feeling better!
its definitely a special occasion
the idea of searching flickr is a good one!
Oh no!! That sucks that you got sick, but I love that you got out there and ran anyway! You have a great attitude!
Wow, almost the same thing happened to me! I happened to eat Kashi’s ‘Veggie Chana Masala’ the night before a race and woke up in the middle of the night to…you know… I ended up running the race because I felt fine in the morning and it was only a 5k. You made the right choice to not run the half marathon and you will do awesome in your 10k!!
Congratulatuions on winning your race!!
And all the best on tomorrow’s 10K
hope you feel better!
(i’m british, trust meeee) i would wear a cocktail type dress definitely!
sleeveless?!
maybe if you brough a cardi or a little throw with it!
Oh no! I am so sorry that you got sick….but I am totally impressed with your ability to reclaim the day!
Love your story, love your attitude, and love your determination.
I have a really soft stomach and many things irritate me so I have to be very careful. I’m extremely impressed with your postive attitude. You honestly inspire me because I would have thrown a fit.
oh man i was SOOO close to throwing a titty attack.
Oh woof, getting sick like that is the worst! I do love the Chicken Masala 10K idea and your attitude to get back on track!
hahaha i LOVE the “simple equation”. that was me after stuffing my face with raw foods (100% nuts) the night before that seasons 52 race. so ridiculously SICK
the race shirt for the “channa masala 10k” would be awesome
hope you feel better and rock out that race tomorrow!
Either you are CRAZy or you are just a good person….I’ll say you are a good person…2 races in a weekend? As they said in the 90s…YOU GO GIRL!
Glad you are feeling better!
As for the Ritz, I went to tea there last year. Definitely don’t wear anything too cocktail-y – definitely no bare arms. I would go for a skirt or dress with a nice jacket or pretty cardigan. It’s pretty prim and proper in there – you’ll see lots of skirt suits. It’s so fun though – you’ll love it!
you can wear whatever you want to the ritz!! but since it’s tea, i think you should dress in a tea time dress – but i’m a fan of dressing up haha congrats on the race!
Sorry you were sick but yay for tea at the Ritz. I live in the UK and have been to a few afternoon/high teas at fancy hotels (thanks work!) and suit is definitely not necessary, cocktail dress would be perfect (inside anyway, outside will be a little chilly).
I always worry about the hot dishes when I stop late. But I’m glad that you were able to get a run in even if it wasn’t the race. You didn’t give up and that’s important
Hey – I have been for tea at a few of the hotels in London, including the Ritz and it is definitely a “must-do” – you’ll really enjoy it. I love going for afternoon tea. Just make sure you book WELL in advance! As what to wear, you don’t need to wear a suit, you just have to be smart – I would say a nice dress or skirt and top. But more importantly, men MUST wear a suit jacket and tie.
If you want I can let you know my other recommendations of things to do.
Ha ha, the Chickpea Masala 10k! Love it. Glad you are doing better. I hate throwing up
What a bummer, but you’re a real trooper!
A nice dress with pretty shoes would be perfect. Places here are usually very well heated, so just team it with a warm coat to get there in. Also, may I recommend that when you leave, you cross the road and turn right (toward Piccadilly Circus) and you treat yourself to some Laduree macaroons for enjoying a little later in the day? They are delicious! I love my city
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