The curse of the 2009 – 2010 race season is OVER, my friends! 🙂 I tore across the finish line in 53:16.

 

(MAJOR kudos to Ryan for her excellent photography skills!)

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After two less-than-stellar races (the blah 5K and the disastrous 15K), all I wanted today was to PROVE to myself that I still had the speed, endurance, and mental stamina to run a FAST race.

 

Although I didn’t set a new Personal Record (I was off by a mere 18 SECONDS!!), I am so happy and proud because I know I tried my hardest.  I left it all out there on the road, and truly – that is something I haven’t been able to say yet this season.  I really ran the best race I was capable of – and that makes me SO HAPPY.

 

I was SPENT by the end!  :)  But in a good way.

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Last night, I tossed and turned for over an hour thinking about my race day strategy.  I built myself up so much that I woke up at 4:55 AM with a HUGE SMILE on my face.  Today was my day, I could just feel it. 

 

I had my standard pre-race breakfast:  PB toast, apple juice, and coffee.

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Originally, I was suppose to run this race with my brother-in-law, who has just picked up running.   Nick fell down the stairs on Friday and twisted his ankle!  I saw him last night, and his ankle was literally black and blue. 

 

Since there was no way he could run, Nick offered his race number to Ashley.   Kelly also ran the race.  Ryan and Katy came for emotional support.

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We arrived at the course a little early, so we had time to wander around, admire the pretty scenery, and stand in line for the potties.  🙂

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Then, we grabbed our race numbers and packets.  This is when I started to get a little nervous.  I could feel the butterflies in my tummy!

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I took a packet of Gu before the race began because I was getting hungry.  I don’t normally take mid-run fuel for runs under 8.0 miles of so, but I figured I’d rather be safe than starving.  This flavor was yucky, though.

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Then we lined up at the start….

 

My official game plan was to pace around 9:00/mile for the first mile and then drop down to 8:30 for the rest of the way.  I’ve been having trouble with burning myself out too quickly, so I figured this would help me in the end. 

 

It was VERY HARD to maintain a 9:00/mile pace at the beginning.  It’s a natural urge to sprint when everyone else around you is doing it, too.  All I had to do was see one person pull to the side, gasping for breath at Mile 0.5, to reaffirm that slow and steady would win the race.

 

I never, ever let doubt creep into my mind.  I just focused on maintaining my goal pace and hugging the inside of each curve (did you know races are measured at the inside of curves, so if you run on the outside, you will end up running way more than the official distance? For example, Kelly did a much better job at hugging the curve, so she ran .06 miles less than I did – which DOES make a time difference!). 

 

Around Mile 4.5, I could feel myself start to hit a wall.  Instead of freaking out, I repeated my mantra (“Pain is temporary, quitting is forever”).  I imagined myself literally pushing down a brick wall.  I told myself the second wind was coming, and eventually, it did.

 

The last mile was a complete blur.  I knew I was SO CLOSE to setting a new PR, and I just went as fast as I could.  I really gave it everything I had.  Even though I didn’t PR, I was so ecstatic when I crossed the finish line.  I almost cried, and I haven’t cried at many of the eighteen races that I’ve completed. 

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Here are my statistics:

 

  • Official Race Distance/Duration: 6.2 miles/53:16
  • Garmin Distance/Duration: 6.31 miles/53:19
  • Mile 1: 8:44
  • Mile 2: 8:21
  • Mile 3: 8:26
  • Mile 4: 8:25
  • Mile 5: 8:33
  • Mile 6: 8:26
  • Mile 6 to 6.31:  2:23 (7:54 pace)

 

I quickly found Kelly at the finish line.  She came in two minutes before I did:

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And then we cheered on Ashley, who came in around 58 minutes, beating her previous 10K PR by THIRTEEN MINUTES!  Amazing!

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It truly was an amazing race with amazing friends.  I am singing on the inside as I type this!

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I inhaled 1/2 a banana right away – I was RAVENOUS.

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And then we piled in the car and headed back to Orlando.  We were all so happy and cheerful.  It felt good to finish a race and not be disappointed.  This race wasn’t about the time, but it was about the level of effort I put in.  By the time I crossed that finish line, I felt like I had nothing more to give.  I ran my little heart out!

 

I’m currently icing my knees and eating Breakfast #2:

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I’m loving these almond pancakes and fruit!  Yum!

 

Off to nap and then get to work.  HOPE YOU’RE HAVING A FABULOUS SUNDAY! 🙂

{ 93 comments }

 

  • Katie (Sweet Tater) November 15, 2009, 11:31 am

    wonderful! congratulations!

  • Marissa November 15, 2009, 11:35 am

    SO glad to hear the race went well! CONGRATS!!! 🙂

  • Meghann November 15, 2009, 11:36 am

    I’m sooo proud!! I wish I could have been there.

  • Julia November 15, 2009, 11:37 am

    What a great run! I’m glad it went so well! Have a great rest of the day celebrating!

  • Leah @ Simply Fabulous November 15, 2009, 11:38 am

    Congrats on such a GREAT race!!! I knew you’d rock it!

  • Nicci@NiftyEats November 15, 2009, 11:39 am

    Awesome job Caitlin, you go girl!

  • Danielle November 15, 2009, 11:40 am

    Yea for having such a great race today! I’m glad that you are pleased with your performance and had fun while you were doing it. Slow and steady certainly does win the race 🙂

    Enjoy the rest of your day!
    Danielle

  • Janna (Just Flourishing) November 15, 2009, 11:43 am

    Amazing job! You look so radiant and happy in your photos!

    It really really makes me want to race again. I guess I’ll have to wait until the spring season as I neglected to sign up for the few races remaining here in nyc.

    And I had no idea that races are measured at the inside of curves! Thanks for the tip!

    Congrats!

  • Kristina November 15, 2009, 11:47 am

    Congrats, Caitlin!!! That’s wonderful 🙂

  • Evan Thomas November 15, 2009, 11:50 am

    Congrats! You’re a superstar!

  • Diane Doesn't Diet November 15, 2009, 11:57 am

    Congrats!! That’s an awesome time!

  • Erin November 15, 2009, 11:57 am

    Congratulations! Looked like you really cooked booty! 😉

  • Gina G November 15, 2009, 11:59 am

    way to go Caitlin! you did wonderful! =)

  • Abby (Abby's VeGaN Eats) November 15, 2009, 12:01 pm

    Awesome job!! You should be proud 🙂

  • Emily November 15, 2009, 12:06 pm

    AWESOME job! Everytime I read one of your race recaps it makes me wanna go out and run. 🙂 Random question – when you first started out running, how many days a week did you run and for how long? I always feel like if I choose the elliptical over running for a workout I won’t improve…I can only run 3 minutes at a time right now!

    • caitlin November 15, 2009, 12:50 pm

      hmmm i cannot be sure, but i would say 3 – 4 times a week. try doing intervals if you really like the elliptical – do the elliptical for 5, run for 5, and repeat.

  • TorontoGirloutWest November 15, 2009, 12:11 pm

    You did so well!!!!! Very proud of your awesome race Caitlin!!

  • Sana November 15, 2009, 12:11 pm

    AHHH! This post made me super happy! Congrats!

  • Anne P November 15, 2009, 12:11 pm

    CONGRATS girl!!!! 😀

  • Brynne November 15, 2009, 12:11 pm

    Congratulations!

  • Lynne November 15, 2009, 12:14 pm

    Fantastic – congratulations! 🙂

  • healthy ashley November 15, 2009, 12:15 pm

    You were amazing!!!!!!! Thanks for letting me join in on today’s fun! I’m singing on the inside too 🙂

  • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) November 15, 2009, 12:17 pm

    AWESOME 🙂

  • Kirsten November 15, 2009, 12:19 pm

    You look elated! Congrats 🙂

  • Bec November 15, 2009, 12:20 pm

    congrats on a great race 🙂

  • Kristine November 15, 2009, 12:26 pm

    congrats Caitlin! That’s awesome! 🙂

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) November 15, 2009, 12:28 pm

    Nice, you rocked that race. Awesome job. Please try that mint chocolate Gu. It will change your life. (well, I might be a little dramatic.)

  • Matt November 15, 2009, 12:32 pm

    Congrats on the race!

  • Julie November 15, 2009, 12:34 pm

    Congrats Caitlin!!!

  • candice November 15, 2009, 12:37 pm

    Congratulations on finishing this race with a SMILE! 😀 That’s a delicious, well-earned breakfast to boot 😉

  • Jess November 15, 2009, 12:39 pm

    Nice job, Caitlin! Way to bounce back from a disappointing day yesterday. That’s what it’s all about.

  • Lindsey @ EatReadRun November 15, 2009, 12:42 pm

    Congratulations! I had a great (non-race) run today too. Best feeling in the world when you finish. I actually really like the orange flavor Gu – it’s one of my favorites.

  • Lizzy November 15, 2009, 12:43 pm

    Fantastic Caitlin! you made me smile, i’m so happy for you! 🙂

  • RunningSongs November 15, 2009, 12:43 pm

    That is the greatest finish line photo – you look so happy!!! Well done!!!

  • Teacherwoman November 15, 2009, 12:44 pm

    Nice job Caitlin!

  • Diana (Mymarblerye) November 15, 2009, 12:47 pm

    I hope you know that you have inspired me to run. Currently on my 5th week and I can’t wait to get to your pace! Great job and have a wonderful Sunday

  • Susan November 15, 2009, 12:47 pm

    Totally knew you would rock this race – congrats Caitlin!!! That is an amazing time! Hope you’re recovering well and still basking in that post-race glow 😉 Congrats to the other ladies too!

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) November 15, 2009, 12:55 pm

    omg I had the goofiest grin while reading this….I’m SO happy for you! You look like you are having the time of your life and that is what it is all about, right?
    YAY!!!!!! congrats being injury free too!

  • Priyanka November 15, 2009, 1:00 pm

    Yay congratulations I am so happy for you! Your happy grin says it all!

  • Kara November 15, 2009, 1:06 pm

    You knocked it out of the park — congratulations!!! 😀

    The crossing the finish line feeling is indescribable — I started to cry when I finished my first half!

  • michelle November 15, 2009, 1:10 pm

    GREAT job!! 🙂
    I PR’d today- took 10 minutes off my half… I went from 2:16 to 2:06. The hubz and I left it all on the road and just had an amazing lunch. Off to nap by the pool with the pup. 🙂 Enjoy the AMAZING feeling of doing your best!!

  • eliza November 15, 2009, 1:12 pm

    Amazing JOB! How cool is it that you are inspiring people everywhere to get fit? I am soo happy for your accomplishment today! You look so happy in your pictures! :)Have a perfectly lazy Sunday with the hubby and dogs now (perhaps with a beer or two)! You deserve it!

  • Paige @ Running Around Normal November 15, 2009, 1:28 pm

    Look at you, speedy! That’s so awesome:D Great job!

  • Wendy November 15, 2009, 1:28 pm

    YAY!! I’m so happy for you! The look of triumph on your face as you came across the finish line says it ALL. 🙂

    P.S. Chocolate Gu is my favorite flavor! Like eating chocolate frosting.

  • Tay November 15, 2009, 1:34 pm

    Congrats!! I can feel your joy and energy radiating through the screen 🙂

  • simpledaisy November 15, 2009, 1:52 pm

    Yeah for you! Great job~

  • Jenny Eastwood@ JennyLikesToRun, On a mission to run a marathon to fundraise for The Breast Cancer Foundation November 15, 2009, 1:57 pm

    Congratulations!!! I’m so proud of you 😀 Well done on a FABULOUS effort! Sounds like an amazing race and I’m so happy for you that you felt happy with yourself at the end. You really did give it everything and you totally deserve to be floating on cloud nine 😀

    You inspire me to go out and run and give it my best shot!
    WELL DONE! 😀

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) November 15, 2009, 2:10 pm

    Congratulations Caitlin!! I am glad you got the race experience you have been needing.

  • Jenna November 15, 2009, 2:12 pm

    i am glad you are happy with your race results and gave it your all!
    jenna

  • Lara (Thinspired) November 15, 2009, 2:31 pm

    Congrats Caitlin! I can’t believe you ran when you were feeling so ill yesterday—you are my running hero!

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl) November 15, 2009, 3:04 pm

    YAYYY, great job Caitlin! You should be proud of yourself! PS yay for pancakes!

  • Rachel S November 15, 2009, 3:08 pm

    Congrats!! Reading this post was so inspiring to me, it just goes to show that good things come to those who truly put forth their best effort!

  • Ellen Collis November 15, 2009, 3:12 pm

    CONGRATS!!! That is the best feeling when you know you gave it your all—it’s easy to slack off and feel like “well, at least I’m DOING it.” It stinks you were so close to a PB—you’ll do it next time!

    http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/

  • Ginny November 15, 2009, 3:26 pm

    What a great race! Isn’t it so awesome when you just feel it before the race and then you have a great race and the plan falls into place. I LOVE that! To bad it can’t happen every race, but that makes the good races extra special. Congrats!

  • Sally November 15, 2009, 3:41 pm

    Great Job on the race Caitlin, you are truly “the shiz.” and hey what do you know, I’m sober! (sorry for the drunk comment a few nights ago……there’s too much beer floating around Pensacola on Friday nights…lol)

  • Erin November 15, 2009, 4:09 pm

    Congrats Caitlin!! You can tell how excited you are/must have felt by the great emotion on your face! I love the visualizing that you did – pushing down a literal brick wall. Such a great image and idea.

    And GO Kelly and Ashley!! That is so exciting!

  • Nicole November 15, 2009, 4:14 pm

    Congratulations on the fabulous race! You all did amazing.

  • Alyssa November 15, 2009, 4:20 pm

    Congrats to all of you guys! You guys were amazing! Just goes to show there are ups and downs and everythingworks itself out 🙂

  • Anna November 15, 2009, 4:24 pm

    Congrats on a great race day!

    I read somewhere the other day that race courses are measured by the tangent of the curves. So you run the shortest route if you cut a diagonal line from the outside of one curve to the inside of the other, back and forth, etc. But in most of the races I’ve run, it’s way to crowded to do this!

  • Samantha @ Mama Notes November 15, 2009, 4:51 pm

    Congratulations!! Great job!

  • Kailey (SnackFace) November 15, 2009, 5:03 pm

    Awww, congratulations Caitlin! You are such a BALLER for killin’ it!

  • Kristen November 15, 2009, 5:07 pm

    Glad to see a smile on your face after a race!!! Congrats on a great one.

  • kristi (sweet cheeks) November 15, 2009, 5:09 pm

    CONGRATS!!!! Knew you could do it!

    xoxo

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) November 15, 2009, 5:11 pm

    That “feel so good you want to cry” feeling is awesome. I had that right after my 4 mile race when I finished well under my desired time.

    You busted your butt this race season and didn’t let some bad race times beat you. Good job and good luck next year. 🙂

  • Melissa S. November 15, 2009, 5:50 pm

    great job caitlin!! i was thinking of you ladies during my race!

  • Jessica November 15, 2009, 5:53 pm

    I want you to know that you have truly become my inspiration to love me and be me and let no one stand it my way.

    GREAT JOB!!!

  • SweetiePotato November 15, 2009, 5:57 pm

    congrats!! nothing beats the feeling of a good race!

  • AM November 15, 2009, 6:04 pm

    Congratulations, C!!

    18 seconds off? I bet when your Garmin hit 6.2, you were at a PR, girl. Good tip on hugging the curves. Passing people and weaving around tacks on a few tenths of a mile, too.

  • Eating Journey November 15, 2009, 6:19 pm

    I woke up this morning wondering how you went, because you hadn’t posted before I fell asleep last night. CONGRATS woman. That is the mantra that helped me get through the tri as well ‘leave it all on the pavement’. You should be so proud of yourself. Both times that I ran a race there were moments in each that I wanted to start crying. My first ever race, a 10km I was half way through and almost lost it..was I really running a race? The 12km race that I did, once I got to the 10km mark, I almost lost it because I was totally fine and able to push through the last 2km that I had never ran that far before. It’s such an amazing thing to push yourself and realise that you’re capable of more than you realise. 🙂

  • Shannon November 15, 2009, 6:23 pm

    Great job! You have a lot to be proud of!

  • Liza November 15, 2009, 6:31 pm

    CONGRATS SUPER STAR!!!!

  • Bernadette November 15, 2009, 6:37 pm

    Nice work Caitlin!!
    Especially since you also ran a 10k yesterday- those are some very impressive numbers…you are FAST!!
    And I know the feeling, where you are just so satisfied with what you’ve done- good for you!!

    Enjoy your nap!
    xoxo

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is November 15, 2009, 7:08 pm

    CONgrats girl!

  • skinnyrunner November 15, 2009, 7:17 pm

    great job on your race, and such an upbeat, positive race report! love it.

  • Camille November 15, 2009, 7:21 pm

    Congrats!
    The pancakes look great 🙂
    Good food is definitely deserved after running a race!

  • RhodeyGirl November 15, 2009, 7:31 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS CAITLIN! You look so happy in that race photo!

  • Mama Pea November 15, 2009, 7:53 pm

    You are getting so freakin’ fast! You know that right? I think that race finish photo would be beautiful in your OB book!

  • ashleigh November 15, 2009, 7:59 pm

    congrats!! you look so happy and proud!

  • Lex November 15, 2009, 8:07 pm

    Awesome job on your race!! I really enjoyed this post a lot. I am at the beginning stages of running (ie – starting with 20mins on the dreadmill hoping to work my way up to a 5k one day!) and I enjoyed how you wrote about when you hit your wall and how you overcame that. I can really see mentally KO’ing myself so that mantra was a great piece of advice!
    🙂

    • caitlin November 15, 2009, 8:14 pm

      i think so much of running is mental, truly. its good to think of mental tricks you can use when the going gets tough! good luck with running!

  • chandra November 15, 2009, 8:17 pm

    This post made me cry! I LOVE that post-race feeling, and I miss it! Or even just the joy of a good run.. I feel like I’ve been injured forever. 🙁

  • Tammy (Defining Wellness) November 15, 2009, 8:49 pm

    Congratulations on a great race, Caitlin! I was thinking of you today!

  • Meg C. November 15, 2009, 9:23 pm

    AWESOME JOB! love, love, love race recaps. so motivating and exciting to read. those are some amazing pics, too – you’re lucky to have a photog friend at the finish waiting for ya!

  • Steel Springs November 15, 2009, 10:52 pm

    Hi – I’m a new reader. Congratulations on the race! It sounds like a great run. I love the photos you posted.

    • caitlin November 16, 2009, 7:06 am

      *waves* welcome to the bloggie

  • Stacey November 16, 2009, 7:05 am

    That’s great 😀 So happy for you!!

  • Whit November 16, 2009, 9:20 am

    Awesome race recap! Way to rock it! 😀

  • Stacy (Eating To Live Love Laugh Tri) November 16, 2009, 1:09 pm

    Great job Caitlin! I am so glad that you had such a wonderful race after the disappointment on Saturday with the half marathon. Isn’t running just the best thing ever!? : )

  • Morgan November 18, 2009, 1:21 pm

    Hola fellow O-town Runner/Blogger! Healthy,HOTT,Housewife forwarded me your blog today! I ran on Sunday too! Great job on your race and congrats! I love that course, it’s one of my fav races around Orlando.

  • Chi trends June 15, 2011, 5:35 pm

    I calculate a lot of number analysis for these types of games because I think that the past can show us what may happen in the future. As you may or may not know it may be really hard to decipher the winning team in professional football. This is why I like using statistics for sports.

  • Tsephe September 22, 2012, 12:56 pm

    Congratulations on finishing the race. I’m just curious though. Is there a reason your tights have those hole at the knees, like some sort of benefit while running, or are they just made like that?

    • Caitlin September 22, 2012, 1:25 pm

      The hole is for your patella to stabilize it!

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