OUC Half Marathon Race Recap

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It’s official!  I’m a member of the elusive sub-two hour Half Marathon club!  And it feels awesome.

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This morning’s Half Marathon was my third.  My first Half, I came in at 2:06:30 (recap), and my second Half, I squeaked in at 2:03:00 (recap).  I had two goals in mind for this morning:  set a new personal record (PR) and finish under 2:00:00.  :)  It was QUITE the challenge, and I can’t believe I did it!

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Although I’m all smiles in the post-race pictures… I nearly hit The Wall at Mile 11.0!  Yes, The DREADED Wall.   But more on that in a bit…

 

I could not sleep last night.  I think I maybe got 3 hours, and when my alarm went off at 4:15 AM, I jumped out of bed.  I made a stabilizing breakfast:

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A peanut butter sandwich with melon… but I could only eat one piece of toast!  I found this very concerning because I definitely knew I needed the calories. 

 

Megan came over around 5:45, and we drove downtown to meet up with Katy and her lovely husband, Lucas.

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It wasn’t raining yet, but the sky looked so full – you could tell it was about the pour! 

 

Then, we took some pre-race pictures.  It helped to calm my nerves.  🙂

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Once it was time to get in the corral, Katy and I lined up at the 9-minute mile sign and Megan went ahead to 8-minute mile sign.  That’s when I got really nervous.  This race was pretty much my last chance to set a PR before the Disney Marathon in January, and I really wanted to walk away from the 2009 – 2010 race season with a record!

 

To achieve a sub 2:00:00 Half Marathon, you have to average 9:10/mile.  I had my handy-dandy Pace Tat to help me keep track of my times.  I loved this product!  The Garmin is helpful, but the Pace Tat is pretty cool. I decided to aim for 9:00/miles… after all, most courses are actually a little bit longer than the official distance (because you run around people, run out the outside of corners, etc).

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Instead of setting up a Negative Split (where you start slower and end faster), I decided to try and create a small excess of time at the beginning.  The first 6.0 miles were fine – my right foot fell asleep for the first mile, and I started to get a side cramp, but both quickly went away.  I had a water bottle and managed to avoid water stations until Mile 6.0.  It also started to rain at Mile 3.0, but it was just a light drizzle (which lasted the rest of the race).

 

  • Mile 1: 8:39
  • Mile 2: 8:46
  • Mile 3: 8:51
  • Mile 4: 8:53
  • Mile 5: 8:46
  • Mile 6: 8:50

 

At Mile 7.0, things started to get a little rough.  I was HUNGRY.  Really, really hungry.  I took one Goo shot before the race started, and I gulped down my second one about 1:10 into the race.  I knew I would never make it the rest of the way without more calories, so I started to grab Gatorade from the water stations. 

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I also randomly burst into tears at Mile 8.0, which was really weird!  I don’t know what happened!

 

  • Mile 7: 8:57
  • Mile 8: 8:58
  • Mile 9: 9:09
  • Mile 10: 9:01

 

Mile 10.0 seemed to go by really quickly, and then Mile 11.0 came up like a BEAST.  My legs suddenly felt like LEAD.  My butt is the always the first thing to start hurting, and I could feel every single step in my behind.  Then, I started to lose it mentally.  Crazy thoughts started to race through my head – Maybe I can just quit?  Maybe I can just walk the rest of the course?

 

The cobblestone was a KILLER!

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Then… I remembered the Galloway Method (walk/run/walk/run)!  I decided that Galloway was going to save me.  I started to walk/run, walking every mile or so for about 30 seconds (I had also walked through some of the earlier water stations).

 

I knew that I was “safe” to do a walk/run because even though my pace suffered a little bit, I had created that excess at the beginning of the race.  By Mile 11.0, I knew I was going to finish under 2:00:00 unless something went terribly, terribly wrong!

 

  • Mile 11: 9:11
  • Mile 12: 9:33
  • Mile 13: 9:20
  • Mile 13.2 (course was long): 1:43

 

I ran as fast as I could to the finish line – but I couldn’t sprint!  I had NOTHING left in my tank… Caitlin was out of gas!

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Megan had come in about 8:40 minutes before I did, also setting a new PR!  GO MEGAN!

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And Katy whipped her first Half Marathon, coming in around 2:10.  This was the longest distance she has ever run!

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We also ran into Sarah, who was rocking an Operation Beautiful note on her shirt!  Way to go, Sarah!

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I grabbed one of these protein shakes that the volunteers were handing out – I needed it!  It had about 210 calories and 25 grams of protein.  It was pretty yummy, too.

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All in all… this Half Marathon was AWESOME!  Here are my final statistics:

 

  • Distance: 13.1 miles
  • Duration: 1:58:45

 

I feel happy, proud, and EXHAUSTED!  I’m glad I pushed it, and I know I gave it my all.  There is NO FEELING like setting and achieving a fitness goal – it makes me feel so strong!

 

The Husband made me an awesome post-run veggie omelet with two pieces of toast:

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And now it’s time for a NAP! 

 

I hope you have an excellent Saturday!  🙂

{ 143 comments }

 

  • Laura Smith December 5, 2009, 11:30 am

    congrats!! me and my friend just ran 13.2 yesterday (my first time ever) in preparation for marathon training (which is in May) it felt awesome. Just wanted to tell you I love your blog and good luck with the marathon!

    • caitlin December 5, 2009, 2:28 pm

      hehe i love that you ran 13.2, i would’ve done that, too.

  • BethT December 5, 2009, 11:34 am

    So awesome. I have cried during races as well….it can be overwhelming!

  • Susan December 5, 2009, 11:36 am

    Oh gosh, I SO know that feeling during a race where you just want to cry and turn around. It takes a lot to stick it out after that point – awesome job!! Plus, you PR-ed!!! Congrats 😀 Hope you’re catching up in some well needed sleep and basking in the post-race glow 🙂

  • Erin December 5, 2009, 11:36 am

    Congrats girl!!! You totally rock! I cry, like, every race I’m in, even 5Ks. There’s just something so great about pushing yourself and knowing that you’re better than what you often think you’re capable of. And I think back to what my 230 pound self would think about me running in general!

  • Chava December 5, 2009, 11:37 am

    You are an amazing inspiration to me! Thanks for publishing about pace tat- I’d never heard of it before but definitely plan on using it for my next half.

  • VeggieGirl December 5, 2009, 11:39 am

    INCREDIBLE!!!!

  • Alyssa December 5, 2009, 11:40 am

    Congrats, that is beyond fantastic!!! I’m not a runner, but I definitely can relate to the feeling of accomplishing something you have been striving and working towards for so long 🙂 Way to rock it! 😛

  • Erica December 5, 2009, 11:40 am

    Congrats!!! Thats fabulous.

  • Dawn (HealthySDLiving) December 5, 2009, 11:40 am

    Congratulations, that’s such an amazing accomplishment!

  • Kelly December 5, 2009, 11:41 am

    WOOOOOO!!! Yay!! Good job Caitlin! Sub 2 hrs! 🙂

  • Chloe (Naturally Frugal) December 5, 2009, 11:43 am

    Awesome job! So glad to hear that even though you hit the wall, you got your mind out of the negativity gutter and chugged right along! I’m definitely going to try out the galloway method, it seems like it works and would be very helpful to me.
    Now – go to sleep!

  • whitney December 5, 2009, 11:44 am

    congrats on your sub 2 hours that is fantastic. Your racing story is inspirational to so many people. I wish more people could read stories like this to show that our bodies can go a lot stronger and harder than we though all we have to do is have a little determination! You go girl your awesome

    • caitlin December 5, 2009, 2:29 pm

      thank you! our bodies are capable of so much – we just have to give ourselves the chance to push it (no matter what the sport).

  • TorontoGirloutWest December 5, 2009, 11:46 am

    YAAAAAAAAAAAAAYY!!!!!!!!!! 🙂

    Congrats on an amazing race this morning!!!!!! You rocked that half mary and deserve every bit of relaxation this weekend.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg December 5, 2009, 11:47 am

    Congrats on the PR!!! All your training has obviously paid off!

    That is funny that your foot fell asleep during the first mile– how does that happen?!?

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) December 5, 2009, 11:47 am

    YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!!! I knew you could do it…I had such a great feeling about this race!
    I know what you mean about the legs feeling like lead…the last mile was so hard for my last half.
    Enjoy your hard work and achieving your goal!!!

  • Gina G December 5, 2009, 11:49 am

    way to go girl! =)

  • katey December 5, 2009, 11:50 am

    Congrats on the new time!!!! 🙂

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie December 5, 2009, 11:54 am

    Congrats! You’re such an inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing all this because it really does change people’s lives

  • Lily @ Lily's Health Pad December 5, 2009, 11:57 am

    CONGRATULATIONS! I know it feels good to be in the under 2 hour club! About the crying: racing is emotionsl for me sometimes. I definitely cried at the end of my first marathon!

  • Liz December 5, 2009, 11:58 am

    Great Job! You are such an inspiration- glad you pushed through to a new PR.

  • darci December 5, 2009, 12:00 pm

    Wooo Hoo!!! Way to set a new PR!!! Such an inspiration…I feel like going for a run now ! :p

  • Laura Georgina December 5, 2009, 12:01 pm

    Wahooooo!!! That’s a great time and I’m so glad you PR’d, no better way to have your last race before the Disney marathon… As for the crying, don’t worry–I’m sure no one noticed. I always cry at the end of races, both when I’m running through the finish line and when I’m spectating, which is beyond silly, and people don’t seem to notice.

    • caitlin December 5, 2009, 2:30 pm

      haha oh this one girl noticed and she was like, WTF? lol it was pretty early to be crying.

      • Laura Georgina December 5, 2009, 2:34 pm

        Hmmmm…. I think we need big footballer-wife sunglasses then–people will think we’re wearing them cuz we’re oo cool for school, but we’ll know it’s cuz we’re softies 🙂

  • Nicole December 5, 2009, 12:03 pm

    Congratulations!!!!

  • Hethir December 5, 2009, 12:06 pm

    Way to go! Congratulations on a new PR. It is amazing what the body and mind does before and during a race.

  • Julie @savvyeats December 5, 2009, 12:06 pm

    Congrats on your awesome time!

  • emily December 5, 2009, 12:07 pm

    Congrats on your new PR! I ran (sort of) my first 5k this morning and it was seriously the best experience of my life!

  • Sarah R December 5, 2009, 12:07 pm

    Congratulations! I’m sure it feels great to set a new PR!

  • Sana December 5, 2009, 12:08 pm

    Congrats you did it!!! Way to push it!!!

  • SweetiePotato December 5, 2009, 12:14 pm

    Wow, Awesome!!!! So incredible 😀 And I LOVE the pace tat.. what a cool idea!

  • Rebecca December 5, 2009, 12:15 pm

    First of all, congrats on a great accomplishment!

    This next thing might sound really random, but about the crying…I agree that pushing yourself is emotional. However, I find that I tend to cry randomly during exercise when I have been repressing a lot of stuff. I don’t mean some kind of traumatic event, but just kind of when I’ve been pushing through, pretending I’m good with everything in my life, even though I have that gnawing feeling that I’m not. Is it possible that your nerves, your stress (writing a book!), the constant goal setting prevents you from just being in the moment and reflecting on/accepting your feelings? Not to go all therapeutic on you! I just find that sometimes it helps me to STOP trying to “put my life in order,” and START just being in and reflecting on the moment. Even if it’s messy or directionless! Hope this helps! And congrats again!

    • caitlin December 5, 2009, 2:31 pm

      i think i am really, really stressed out (obvi!) and that might be why i cried. i can’t wait to have some down time to like.. breathe. 🙂

  • candice December 5, 2009, 12:16 pm

    Congratulations!!! You’re one speedy runner, and you’ve worked hard for it! Wishing you one happy nap. :]

  • Jessica December 5, 2009, 12:17 pm

    Congratulations!!! You did awesome.

    Reading your experience makes me want to do a race right now! I plan to train for the Chicago Marathon 2010. The thought of running that much really scares me but I want to just do it already. It’s a once in a lifetime experience and from your experience, it seems as exhilarating as I imagine it to be.

    Again, congrats and keep up the awesome work on your blog!

    • caitlin December 5, 2009, 2:32 pm

      you can do it!!!! if you aren’t scared of 26.2 miles, you are crazy. a healthy dose of fear about a marathon is a good thing, trust me. but you can definitely do it…and you should if you want to.

  • Anne P December 5, 2009, 12:17 pm

    CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That’s awesome 🙂 Just the boost you needed before your marathon!

  • Lauren December 5, 2009, 12:22 pm

    Congratulations on your race!

  • Lynne December 5, 2009, 12:26 pm

    Congratulations, Caitlin! 🙂

  • jessica December 5, 2009, 12:27 pm

    Congrats!

  • MelissaNibbles December 5, 2009, 12:29 pm

    Congratulations Caitlin. Great job!

  • MegaNerd December 5, 2009, 12:34 pm

    You rocked!! 😀

    Welcome to the sub 2 club.

  • Paige December 5, 2009, 12:38 pm

    Way to go! Gotta love a PR!!!

  • Sam (Merit to the Carrot) December 5, 2009, 12:38 pm

    AWESOME JOB!!!!!!! I love the recap, You rocked it!

  • sarah (ghost world) December 5, 2009, 12:38 pm

    congratulations caitlin!! welcome to the club 🙂 we have meetings every 4th thursday of the month where we drink a lot of beer and talk about our running victories. no, not really, but wouldn’t it be awesome?

    • caitlin December 5, 2009, 2:32 pm

      hahaha BEST CLUB EVER.

  • Bronwyn December 5, 2009, 12:48 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS!

    That’s awesome.

    There is NOTHING like acheiving a fitness goal.

  • Kate December 5, 2009, 12:48 pm

    Congrats! I can’t wait to join you in the Club-Sub-2 someday!

  • Jessica @ Dairy Free Betty December 5, 2009, 12:50 pm

    Yay you!!! That’s awesome!! I can’t even imagine running a 1/2 marathon. kudos to you!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Danielle December 5, 2009, 12:51 pm

    That is AWESOME! Congrats on attaining your goal to run the half under two hours. Yea!

    P.S.
    That pace tat is just too cool!

  • Dayna Mezen December 5, 2009, 12:53 pm

    Hey Caitlin! Great job on your PR, you’re definitely an inspiration! I’m finally running my first marathon tomorrow morning and will be thinking about your experiences and advice that you have given, and I’m sure that I’ll be using the Galloway walk/run method as well. Great job today!!!
    Dayna

    • caitlin December 5, 2009, 2:33 pm

      goood luckkkkkkkkkkkkkk on your half! have fun!

      • Dayna Mezen December 5, 2009, 8:01 pm

        Thanks! I’m actually running a full (in 13 hours), and soooooo nervous! I hope I make it!

  • KatieMoo December 5, 2009, 1:01 pm

    Yay! Congrats, Caitlin! I’m proud of you! =)

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is December 5, 2009, 1:04 pm

    Congrats, Caitlin!! 🙂 That tattoo thing is so cool! I need to tell my hubby about it.

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) December 5, 2009, 1:08 pm

    Wow, you rock girlfriend. Congrats.

  • Kristie Lynn December 5, 2009, 1:09 pm

    Yay you did it! I can’t wait to hit a sub 2-hour marathon too (though I’ll have to wait for race season to come around in the spring) 🙂

  • Allison December 5, 2009, 1:12 pm

    Congrats! Looks like a fun race. My goal for my first half marathon in March is to finish in under 2:50.

  • Teacherwoman December 5, 2009, 1:14 pm

    Way to go, Caitlin! 🙂

  • Amanda December 5, 2009, 1:15 pm

    WAHOO!! Welcome to the sub-2 hour club 🙂 Sounds like a great race!!

  • Allie December 5, 2009, 1:17 pm

    CONGRATS!!! amazing race and accomplishment!!!

  • Erin December 5, 2009, 1:23 pm

    Congrats! I can’t wait to join the sub-2-hour club! It really is so much of a mental thing, isn’t it?

    Those Myoplex people seem to be hitting the races hard this year. They’ve had free bottles at my past two races AND at my gym. Too bad they have sucralose in them or I would totally try one (I don’t do sugar substitutes).

    • caitlin December 5, 2009, 2:34 pm

      yea, honestly – i thought it was good direct marketing! they aren’t something i would eat after every long run, but to see a protein shake after that half (when i was so hungry) was pretty awesome! better than bananas and plain bagels.

  • Karla December 5, 2009, 1:41 pm

    Congratulations!! That’s amazing!! The pace tat seems like a clever idea.

  • Lindsay December 5, 2009, 1:44 pm

    Congrats on the new PR!! It is such an awesome feeling to set a goal and the achieve it 🙂 Way to go Caitlin!!!!

  • Tay December 5, 2009, 1:45 pm

    Congrats Miss Caitlin!! That’s awesome that you completed your goal and PR while running so low on gas. I’m sure running this half also helped you prepare for your full, so you now know what issues you faced and to fix them. Maybe carry actual food on your marathon, like half a banana or half a PB&J?

  • kilax December 5, 2009, 1:46 pm

    Congrats on the PR and making it through the wall 🙂

  • ashleigh December 5, 2009, 1:47 pm

    congrats on the GREAT race!! you did such an awesome job!!

  • Jenna December 5, 2009, 1:52 pm

    congrats on the half marathon!!
    jenna

  • Katy @ These Beautiful Feet December 5, 2009, 1:57 pm

    So excited for you!! Congratulations. 🙂 I know how much reaching your fitness goals and having a great time(and PRing!!) mean to you, so yay! I hope this makes you feel super confident for the marathon!! 🙂

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance) December 5, 2009, 1:59 pm

    CONGRATS!!! 😉

  • Hangry Pants December 5, 2009, 2:00 pm

    Congratulations Caitlin! 🙂

  • Mary @ Fit this girl December 5, 2009, 2:10 pm

    Yay!! So glad you weren’t sick for this one!! Great job on your goals and your time!!

  • Justy2003 December 5, 2009, 2:14 pm

    So awesome!!! Congrats on your new PR and hitting your goal of a sub 2-hour half! And it doesn’t sound like it rained on you, so yay!

  • Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers December 5, 2009, 2:20 pm

    yahoooo! congrats! the weather in orlando is icky today so i give you lots of credit for doing so well. 🙂

  • Derek December 5, 2009, 2:25 pm

    Your panthers are playing a great game. Congrats on your time!

  • rungirlrunn December 5, 2009, 2:38 pm

    Congrats, great job!!!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) December 5, 2009, 3:06 pm

    You hardly got any sleep, and you still completed a half marathon with a new PR!!!! You are amazing girl!!

  • EmilyGG December 5, 2009, 3:19 pm

    AWESOME JOB ON YOUR PR!!! I am doing my first 1/2 marathon in May and you have some great tips/inspiration on this blog?? Any tips for training for my first 1/2?

    • caitlin December 5, 2009, 3:20 pm

      hmmm i would just try to follow a good plan (i used hal hidgon for my first half) and figure out how to eat/fuel properly during your long runs. the longest run i did prior to my first half was 14, and i think that was great because it gave me the confidence to know that i could do it.

  • Sarah December 5, 2009, 3:56 pm

    Girl I almost wiped out on that cobble stone at the end too! I hit a missing brick :/

    CONGRATS on sub 2 hours!!! That’s so awesome!!

    Sarah

  • michelle December 5, 2009, 4:04 pm

    YAY!!!!

  • alli December 5, 2009, 4:09 pm

    GREAT JOB!!!

  • Niki December 5, 2009, 4:13 pm

    Congrats girl!! I ran a half today also and it was my first in 4 LONG years!! My time was exactly what I wanted although definitely not as fast as you!!

  • Kim December 5, 2009, 4:27 pm

    WTG Caitlin!!!!

  • Emily Eats and Exercises December 5, 2009, 4:31 pm

    Congrats on working so hard for your great success. I wanted to ask you about the feet falling asleep. That happens to me every run and no one has been able to help. Any thoughts?

    • caitlin December 5, 2009, 4:48 pm

      have you tried: new shoes, orthotics, tying your laces differently? i know runnersworld.com has an article about how to tie your laces so you dont go numb

  • Marissa December 5, 2009, 4:33 pm

    CONGRATS!!!!!!!

  • lauren @ Eater not a runner December 5, 2009, 4:39 pm

    That is so awesome! Congrats!

  • Lizzy December 5, 2009, 4:40 pm

    Congratulations caitlin! i’m so proud of you! 🙂

  • Kristen December 5, 2009, 4:48 pm

    Congratulations Caitlin! I finally went under the elusive 2:00 this year too and it felt really nice to be able to put down a ‘1’ instead of a ‘2’! Good job pushing through the wall!
    ~K

  • gina (fitnessista) December 5, 2009, 4:55 pm

    whoo hoo! awesome job 😀

  • Michelle@eatingjourney December 5, 2009, 5:04 pm

    First of all congrats.

    Second I have TOTALLY started crying before. During my first 10km I started bawling 1/2 way through and at the end. 12km same thing. My 5km when I busted out a 8:38mile I bawled at the end. I think it’s a combination of things, most of which for me is about the journey that I’ve been on. ‘I can’t believe I am doing this’. you’ve been doing a hell of a lot lately, huge life changes, and pursuing something that you’ve been dreaming of.

    Thanks for sharing your journey with us all 🙂

  • Amanda December 5, 2009, 5:06 pm

    Way to go, Caitlin!! 🙂

  • Diana (Mymarblerye) December 5, 2009, 5:13 pm

    wanna hear something…lezzy? Whenever I run I think of you as my inspiration! Way to go :)!

    • caitlin December 5, 2009, 5:16 pm

      hahah thats not strange – there are tons of bloggers that ive never met and i think of them when i run too!

  • Melissa S. December 5, 2009, 5:16 pm

    yayy!!!!! you did so great and i can’t wait to join the club…now i just need to find a 1/2 to run!!!

  • Erin December 5, 2009, 5:32 pm

    Congratulations! You have a lot to be proud of! 🙂

  • Carolyn December 5, 2009, 5:38 pm

    Congrats!! SO excited for you. 🙂

  • Lee December 5, 2009, 5:53 pm

    That’s great. Congratulations!

    I’ve cried during races too, by the way, and have no idea why!

  • Deirdre December 5, 2009, 6:04 pm

    Congrats on a new PR! Myoplex is everywhere! They were handing the chocolate flavor ones out at Self Workout in Central Park. I tried the chocolate flavor and I wasn’t really a fan but vanilla sounds better.

  • caronae December 5, 2009, 6:07 pm

    Congrats! BTW we’re half-marathon twins. My PR is 1:58.44!

  • GirlonRaw December 5, 2009, 6:09 pm

    Congrats on the results!!! I can only dream of achieving that one day 🙂

  • Dee December 5, 2009, 6:18 pm

    Oh Wow! Congratulations! What an amazing accomplishment! 🙂

  • Evan Thomas December 5, 2009, 6:41 pm

    Congratulations! That’s awesome. All the half marathons I’ve run have only been on the treadmill, I’d love to do a real race

  • girlrunningaround December 5, 2009, 6:49 pm

    Great job! You’re my hero! 🙂

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat December 5, 2009, 7:23 pm

    Congrats, you did it! I’m sorry for the troubles you had but at least you still achieved your goal and each run is a learning experience 😉

  • emptynutjar December 5, 2009, 7:33 pm

    Good job. I am both envious and happy for you :). I cannot run a footstep 🙂

  • Ashley December 5, 2009, 7:45 pm

    Congrats on the new PR! Great post — race recaps are my favorite reads!!

  • Nicole December 5, 2009, 7:50 pm

    Congrats!! Going with the Galloway method toward the end of the race was a good idea…something I should remember to use when I need to. You rock girl!! Awesome job!!!

  • Salina December 5, 2009, 8:31 pm

    CONGRATS…way to go!!!!

  • Britt (Runnerbelle) December 5, 2009, 8:32 pm

    Congrats on the PR and achieving your goal of a sub-2 half marry!!

  • Paula December 5, 2009, 9:03 pm

    Wow! I loved reading about your marathon. Congrats!

  • maria December 5, 2009, 10:04 pm

    Congrats! Way to push through!!!

  • Good Taste. Healthy Me December 6, 2009, 12:00 am

    wow that is amazing! I think I really want to try and run a half marathon. If I set the goal for myself I’ll actually push myself to achieve it.

  • Robyn December 6, 2009, 12:06 am

    You are awesome! And motivating. You’ve got me itching to go run my first 5K. Love your blog.

  • Misty December 6, 2009, 12:38 am

    Great job on making it through, even after hitting the wall. We all knew you could do it!

  • Sara December 6, 2009, 2:46 am

    You rock! Awesome. My non-athletic-inclined self is also working on a fitness goal…to, um, be able to run…ONE mile continuously *hides in shame*. Seems like no matter how many times I run, I never build up any “tolerance”/stamina, lol. But I now have new inspiration. Thanks! 😉

    • caitlin December 6, 2009, 8:08 am

      just stick with it (if you really want to improve). when i started, i couldnt even run 1/4 a mile! you’ll master than mile!

  • Mel@midwestmomtris.blogspot.com December 6, 2009, 6:47 am

    Way to GO!!! You did a great job. I have trouble eating before a race, too. I think my nerves are the cause. Hope you had a great post-race evening.

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) December 6, 2009, 8:22 am

    I love that tattoo thing and you using the Galloway method. I want to complete a half and a full marathon and will probably have to use it due to previous injuries. I’m excited though for the challenge.

  • Niki (Running In Pink) December 6, 2009, 10:12 am

    Congratulations!! I’m hoping to join the sub-2 hour club for my next half, which might not be until April or May. That really is an amazing accomplishment and should give you a good boost of confidence before the Disney marathon! 🙂 P.S. I’ve started to cry during races before, too. Running is just so cathartic!

  • Jess (What's Normal, Anyways?) December 6, 2009, 12:28 pm

    You rock, Caitlin! Thanks, as always, for being such an honest blogger! I think your frank makes me enjoy your blog so much more and really inspires me to keep pushing to reach my own running goals (which I hope are as large as 1/2 marathons one day).

    I think it’s awesome to hear that you can actually have some walk time in your race and still finish sub 2 hours! Although, I have to admit the thought of running for ONE hour, much less too still freaks me out! What a challenge!

    Enjoy what I hope will be a relaxing weekend!

    • Caitlin December 6, 2009, 12:30 pm

      thank you 🙂 i feel the same way about running for 4.5 hours (like for the marathon). eck!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) December 6, 2009, 3:54 pm

    What an inspiration and a fantastic result 🙂 You deserve it after all your hard work!

  • skinnyrunner December 6, 2009, 9:36 pm

    congrats on your pr! great race!!

  • Jenny December 6, 2009, 10:33 pm

    Nice race, and congrats on the PR! I heard that was a tough race… we haven’t been having the best weather in Florida lately!

  • Jamie December 6, 2009, 11:30 pm

    Awesome race! I was actually in Orlando visiting this weekend and WISH I would have known there was a 1/2 marathon, I totally would have signed up. Can’t wait to see how well you do in the marathon!!!

  • RhodeyGirl December 7, 2009, 9:52 am

    Congrats Caitlin! You ROCK!

  • Carolina John December 7, 2009, 1:51 pm

    Congrats girl! Kelley just talked me into signing up for a new year’s half marathon that i’m hoping to break 2 hours at. You rocked this one, even having to push through the wall.

    also for what it’s worth, i randomly break out crying during long runs all the time. usually it’s over 19 miles or whenever a sad song comes on the ipod. but still, happens to me all the time.

  • Whit December 7, 2009, 2:30 pm

    Awesome! Way to kick half mary butt!

  • Morgan December 7, 2009, 3:03 pm

    CONGRATS ON THE PR AND SUB 2!!! That is awesome girl!!! That was craptastic weather too and the cobblestone’s are def not my favorite either. I was feeling very bad for ya’ll running the Half when it started raining. Way to pull through!

  • Julia December 9, 2009, 6:07 pm

    Boo-ya! You did it!

  • Hilary December 11, 2009, 9:43 pm

    Wow, great blog. Just spent a couple of hours on my couch reading a ton of your old posts, particularly the run re-caps! Haha.

    You are a VERY inspirational runner!

  • zlm3906 April 16, 2011, 10:46 pm

    I’m from China and also be a 5KM running fan.I read one of your articles in the http://www.aol.com,and I appreciate your life-style very much.Enjoy yourself everyday!

    • Caitlin April 17, 2011, 9:28 am

      Welcome! 🙂

  • Tara April 17, 2011, 8:45 am

    I’m just starting to prepare for an Army fitness test (I’m a 37 year old professional and trying to get a government job). I have never run in my life and your article (it was a link from AOL) really inspired me that you could go from 5 minutes-falling down on the pavement to marathons. I know I can do this! Congratulations!

    • Caitlin April 17, 2011, 9:27 am

      You can do it! How fun!!! Good luck 🙂

  • Kirk April 19, 2011, 4:17 pm

    Great blog! Congratulations on your new PR. Keep inspiring and keep up the great work.

  • Wex March 6, 2013, 7:55 am

    YEA GOOD JOB! 🙂 YOU’VE DONE WELL.

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