I have a big race announcement!
But first… lunch!
I was inspired by a lovely (non-vegetarian) recipe on Zesty Cook’s blog and thought I’d make a veggie version of Baked Pasta Casserole.
This mini casserole dish contained:
- 1 cup cooked wheat wheat pasta
- 5 chopped black olives
- 1/4 cup kidney beans
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup pasta sauce
- Pepper
- Cheese (to top)
I just combined everything in a little mini casserole dish and baked it at 375 for 20 minutes. After topping with cheese, I broiled for another few minutes.
Yum!
OK…. onto my BIG news! 
In June, I completed my first (and only) bike race – a Metric Century (race recap). My Dad and I completed the 60 mile race together!
Honestly, I thought the Metric Century was going to be a LOT easier than it actually was. Riding 60 miles at a steady pace – I kept up with a pack of men – was SO HARD.
In fact, it took me 4 hours and 24 minutes to complete the race – that’s only 30 minutes less than it took me to run a marathon!
When I finished the Metric, the first words out of my mouth were, “I wanna do a Century next!” A Century is 100 miles.
When Jenna announced she would be riding the Echelon Napa Gran Fondo Century Ride on May 23, 2010, I jumped at the chance to participate, too.
The Echelon Napa Gran Fondo is a charity event benefiting LIVESTRONG and both The Queen of the Valley Medical Center and The Saint Helena Hospital located in the Napa Valley, California.
That’s right… in May, I will be packing up my bicycle and flying ACROSS the country to participate in a 100-mile ride through the rolling HILLS (!!) of Napa Valley, California. This race could EASILY take me 7 hours.
Not only will this race be a tremendous physical challenge (trust me, 100 miles on a bike in the hills of California is going to be a LOT harder than a pretty moderate marathon run in the flat Florida), but I’ll also be raising $3,000 for cancer research. I hope I can count on your support!
Also – if you are interested in participating, I might form a TEAM! If you’d like to be on my team, please e-mail me at seebriderun@gmail.com.
This race is 2 months after my triathlon, which works out perfectly. I’m excited to put MAJOR time into the saddle between now and then. But, I have no doubt this will be the most physically challenging event of my life, and I am a little nervous.
What was something you thought you couldn’t accomplish, but you did? When I first started to run, I never thought I could complete a 10K… but I did! And know I know it’s ALL possible!
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{ 120 comments… read them below or add one }
Lunch looks great, love casseroles for one! I never thought I could finish my first 10k too, but I did! Training for a 1/2 marathon and then running a 1/2 is my next challenge. Way to go! That will be an amazing bike race
That is fabulous!!! Congrats! I’ve always wanted to do the MS 150 Ride in Erie with my dad. I may shoot for this year!!
That is amazing Caitlin!! Congrats girl!! you can do anything you put your mind too!
Yet again, another reason why you’re so inspiring!! I just joined TNT for the San Diego Marathon and honestly have you, as well as others, to thank for believing that I can do it! I’m sure the bike race is going to absolutely incredible and can’t wait to follow you along the journey!
That’s awesome! You’re going to rock it!
That is fantastic! You are an amazing individual!
So exciting! You will rock it!
You amaze me everyday Caitltin, giving me inspiration to do things I would have been scared to even imagine doing a year ago. This is awesome and best of luck with training. I know you’ll rock this Century!
That race sounds fun! I would love to do something like that, but my only plans for May are delivering a baby (which may take longer than your bike race!)
I’m looking forward to reading about your race prep!
Sounds like a wonderful race!! It will be so beautiful in Napa! For me, I was so excited to complete a half marathon, now I hope to complete a full marathon in July!
Wow that’s great! Sounds like a great race!
I would love to do something like that but I am not comfortable at all on a bicycle.
You’ll be great!
If this was not the week before my wedding, i would totally join you!
Yay for yet another endurance race!!! You are rockin’ the endurance world girl!
I think that race should be perfect… Ride 100 miles, drink 100 glasses of Napa Valley wine to celebrate. What more could one ask for?!
And that lunch of yours is FOOD PORN to the max!!!
FYI, I have pink bar tape too!!!
I knew it!! That was my guess.
SO exciting, can’t wait to read about your training. Wish I could fly out to Napa to cheer you on!!!
wow! awesome goal. your 2010 is going to be one amazing year of races. yay! good luck… i’m excited to follow along.
I am so excited to see both and Jenna working on bike training . . . I was really ready to sign up for my first running race but my knee has been bothering me a lot lately so I think I’m going to work towards training on a bike (although only at the gym until winter is over).
Hooray I can’t wait to follow along!
Congrats on choosing your next big goal and goodluck!! It sounds like an amazing race. I never thought I could actually run a marathon, but I did – and now I’m working hard to try to Boston Qualify! Craziness. I love setting goals, but I love accomplishing them even more!
Yeah, I knew you were going to do a big Bike race…..I know you will do great!!! =)
What an amazing looking lunch, wish I was at home so I could make the same……=(
I make a similar casserole but bigger! I love the personal portion…never thought of that. How quick + easy!! What amazing race news. I’m sure Jenna was pumped about it too. Good luck to you both! As always…completely inspirational!
salut!
congrats! that is incredible! great pictures too
P.S. To answer your question at the end of your post…….mine was LOSING 100+ POUNDS!!! It took me several years and several Ups & Downs alone the way but I finally did it in August 2009 and am still amazed everyday that I did it. I also completed a 10K last November and I never though I could run 6 miles, but I did and can’t wait to run 9 in September at my 1st 15K!
Marathon Shmarathon.
You astound me. A marathon just ain’t good enough, you have to complete a triathalon and THEN a century!
You are one brave girl! Good luck with training! You are going to have some seriously strong legs after all of this!
a century in napa sounds almost as good as an adventure race in the alps! you should look into clipless pedals. they make a world of difference esp over such a long distance. can’t wait to read all about your training and race!
I DEFINITELY need clipless shoes! Do you have any recommendations?
I have Look Keo pedals and love them. My recommendation though is to get them ASAP. I had a really hard time adjusting to the pedals (ie falling – A LOT) and you’ll want as much practice as you can get!
I really like the Shimano PD-R540 Pedal, but there are lots of good options out there. falling is normal, but it only happens when you’re going really slow (trying to clip in or out). Just go to grassy area and practice clipping in and out for an hour, and after that you’ll be a pro.
If you are planning on still doing triathlons, I would get triathlon cycling shoes. They only have one strap that comes over the shoe instead of three or two like normal cycling shoes. I love my shoes b/c they are so easy to get into especially during transitions!
What exciting news! You’ll do great! And for such a great cause too!
I am sooooo jealous right now!!! Good luck!!
You are CRAZY!! Best of luck to you
How exciting! I love that once you conquer something you are ready to try something new. I wish I was as ambitious. I also had to mention that your bike race is on my birthday which makes it even cooler!
Oh and I never, ever, thought I would be a runner. And now I have decided to run a marathon this year. A lot of work to be done, but all you Disney Marathoners showed me that anything is possible!
That is awesome news, Caitlin! You’re going to kick ass. 100 miles will certainly be a huge physical–and mental–challenge, but the sense of accomplishment that follows will be inimitable. All the best! I will definitely donate to your efforts!
On another note…not to pimp myself out on your blog or anything, but I recently became a running ‘expert’ for the Examiner.com, and wanted to let all the runners here know that I would *love* to hear their thoughts and comments on my stories. I’m also very welcome to future story ideas! Thanks in advance!
AWESOME!! That is so cool!! I never thought I would be able to do a marathon in under 4 hours…but I learned that all things all possible with the right training (physical and mental!)
That sounds like an amazing race, good luck! Can’t wait to hear all about it
That is awesome! Good luck with the race!
yeahh congrats on taking on another challenge!!
You are a brave, brave woman Caitlin!! Bah! Hills!! I’ll be cheering you from the sidelines
I never thought I’d actually do a triathlon when I cooked up the idea. I’m pretty sure I only ever did because I started a blog about it
Congrats on finally signing up for the Century! I just signed up for my first half marathon, and I know that hearing about you tackling something new will be inspiring! Hope you have a great time training and that you rock the race!
Wheee!!!! You two are going to have so much fun. It’ll be hard, but you’re a training maven and you’ll get it done no problem.
Way to go, Caitlin! How awesome is it that you and Jenna are going to do this together?! So fun…can’t imagine the weekend recaps that will come from this
You can do anything you set your mind to, and I have no doubt that you will totally rock this also! Good luck!
AH!!! NO WAY!!! I am a huge biker (and have never been to California) therefore I am SO SO jealous of your race! I might have to look into that as well
Congrats,so exciting!!! I wish I could do it too!!
Wow, this is so cool! I wish I could join you but I don’t even own a bike (yet), ha ha. I think it is great that you are going to raise more money for cancer too
Thanks for always challenging yourself and inspiring us in the process!
Agreed, get some clipless pedals!
I hope after my spring marathon to start training for my first tri, which means more time on my bike! (the hubby will like that as bikes) Although… I’m also toying with the idea of an ultra.
After running 12 marathons, I’ve come to realize not much is impossible…. its all in how commited you are to training!
oh my goodness! is there anything you CAN’T do? I think not
thanks for being such an inspiration…
Go Caitlin Go! That is awesome!
Ohh I had a really similar tea haha! Good luck on the century race I’ve never done much biking but I bet it’s really fun to cover so much ground and see so much – not to take away from the challenge of it!
That is awesome new Caitlin! I know you can do anything that you set your mind to do, you are strong woman.. physically and mentally. I am sure you will do amazingly in California. Good luck!
Wow that’s amazing, congratulations! So nice that you and your dad could do this together.
Your casserole looks delish.
first off – lunch looks SO good! Great pics of it too, btw
And congrats on the century! That sounds like SUCH a challenge, but I have no doubt that you can do it.
that’s so awesome! can’t wait to cheer y’all on
something i accomplished that i never thought i would is freedom over the disordered eating behaviors i’d dealt with for 15 years…not a physical accomplishment, but huge for me
excellent!!! i have no doubt you will kick the century’s booty all over california!
and really, what a beautiful place to ride…
Congrats on your plans for a century. I completed my first one last May, and it was such a great feeling at the end. I found that I loved the clif shot bloks and sport beans much more than any of the gel-type boosts. They were much easier to eat while biking. Good luck on a training plan.
Here’s one from Trek that can be modified for your own location:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JoXcJaT4wPM/S0Y9PYf4jnI/AAAAAAAAACI/Xckuxej0WFg/s1600-h/FreeTrainingPlan_Trek_2010.jpg
That is incredible! Can’t wait to see the journey.
I never thought I never even thought I’d be able to do run a 5K and now, it’s no big deal.
So exciting! It will be fun to watch you train for this upcoming race! My company sponsors the MS150 in our area… but I’ve never been inclined to ride a bike that long! LOL!
How will you train for the hills? In my first 5k, we had to go over one of the intracoastal bridges and it was killer since I’m used to completely FLAT terrain here in South Florida! I know you can do hills on a treadmill. Can you mock hills on a spin bike to train?
we have one similar on ramp that i plan to use a lot!
I knew it!!!! Congratulations and best of luck! you can do it! And i’d love to donate some money to such a good cause!
I thought I would never be able to run a mile, but here I am, and LOVING running. You CAN do anything you set your mind to!
I LOVE that you did the first race with your pops!! How cool is that!
OH my gosh, good luck and you are mad! My legs would CANE with an hour of biking, let alone 7!! GO YOU!
My biggest achievement was overcoming my ED – Ithought it’d kill me, but now I’m recoverd and life gets better every day!
Also, running a half marathon – I’m now entered for a full marathon, so that’ll be the next biggie
Congrats on this exciting decision! That yummy-looking casserole in on my menu for tomorrow, and I have a question for you . . . what type of cheese did you top it with? I have a tough time knowing what cheeses go with what!
I never thought I’d recover from my eating disorder. After 15 years of trying and failing, I thought it was impossible. I did it (thanks to you for your help and advice along the way), and now I will help others do it, too!
Just got a new job that will allow me to help others day in and day out!
that is a HUGE accomplishment!
oh and its cheddar!
Thank you so much Caitlin!
I’ll let you know how the recipe goes tomorrow. I just have to find a small casserole dish now!
Just curious will you be bringing your bike on the plane?
Wow, what an announcement! Happy training!
wow your drive and dedication really surprise me!! you are amazing! the fact that you are raising money for cancer research even better! you are truly an inspiration!!
I’m impressed by you constantly! Also, I’m excited because your bike posts were what originally got me hooked into your blog. I love bicycling!
Congrats Caitlin! Huge annoucement really impressive
Your so determined, it is really inspiring ! 
You are so brave! Despite running two marathons, I’m still terrified of bikes, lol
Wow! Congratulations!
That’s fantastic! You are a rockstar
I’m pretty sure that race would take me like 15 hours!
Awesome and exciting news!
WOW! So cool that you’ll be riding it together! I am super impressed…I went to Sonoma with some friends a few summers back, and we biked to five different wineries, and we were WINDED by some of those hills!
Good luck, girl! Can’t wait to read all about it!
hehe I knew it!
Love this challenge. You two are going to rock it! Cant wait to see your team too!
Oh wow, congrats on this! I’m sure it’s going to be amazing
WOW! good for you, that is amazing! I can’t wait to hear about your training
You guys will have such a wonderful time! I’m looking forward to reading all about it.
That is a great accomplishment – I can’t wait to read all about your training
What an amazing challenge. I bet the scenery will be beautiful – hopefully you will be able to take it in while you ride! Good luck with the training. That will be nice a break from just running.
Caitlin -
I’m trying to look into getting a bike, because I’d REALLY love to start riding.. What type of bike do you have?
Thanks
Ambre
i have a Giant road bike that I bought used from Craigslist.
Caitlin -
I’m trying to look into getting a bike, because I’d REALLY love to start riding.. What type of bike do you have?
Thanks
Ambre
P.S That’s so exciting about the Echelon Napa Gran Fondo Century Ride!!!
That would be an amazing accomplishment!
I think this is fantastic, and I would love to ride with you – ever since reading about your metric century I’ve been dabbling with the idea of trying road races out myself – but…I’m having a baby in April, which will be its own little Marathon. Best of luck, I can’t wait to follow your training! You are so inspiring
Exciting News! I’m looking forward to reading about your training plan. Biking is something I’ve never done for sport, so I know very little about it!
Congrats! This is amazing! I am so excited for you!
I also had a question…my boyfriend’s sister rode in the MS Bike Race in Sioux Falls, SD last August and raised money for the charity (also in honor of her aunt who has MS). This year I am planning on riding with her (it is 150 miles in 2 days, 75 out and 75 back) and I was wondering if you have an updated training plans or tips for a beginner biker? I have limited experience biking and less on a road bike but I am confident I can do it…just wondering how to make this easier? Thank you!!!
Congrats again!
here is a good resource; http://www.ultracycling.com/training/century.html i dont have any specific plans i use though, i just tried to do three rides a week (around 10, 10, and then a long of 20 to start), and the long ride would get 5/10 miles longer each week.
Thank you so much! You are such an inspiration!!!
That’s crazy awesome! Way to go. I know you’ll do great like you always do.
Wow!! That is so exciting! I wish I had the $$…I’d drive over (I’m in Reno) to ride with you guys.
I think the hardest thing I’ve done physically and mentally was completing the Chico Tour of the Unknown Valley century last spring. I thought it would be a piece of cake but didn’t budget in the 40 mph headwinds we had to ride into for 40+ miles. For a couple of hours we were only going 6-8 mph and getting blown all over the road. It was really hard to keep my spirits up and stay on the bike (the raspberry oatmeal bars at every stop helped
), but afterwards I was SO PROUD of myself…can’t wait to do it again this year!!
wow! I can’t even imagine that. But maybe that’s because I have basically no butt and no padded shorts in the world would save me from the pain that would accompany that.
You rock it out!
get some clipless pedals! it will make a big difference.
to add to that: I have speedplays, and they’re awesome. really heavy-duty, and pretty easy to get in and out of.
Very fun!!! My husband has done the Hotter Than Hell 100 for the last 5 years (100 mile bike ride in Wichita Fallas, TX – in August – blech
and LOVES it! I can’t bike to save my life, but he thinks it’s the greatest thing ever! His advice to anyone doing their first century race is to force yourself to do 100 at least once before the actual race – then on race day it will seem like cake 
Good luck!!!
WOW! That is an impressive goal. And you sound determined to reach it, so I know you will. One thing I thought I would never accomplish was competing in a figure competition. I finally did it this past November, 1 year after having a baby. It felt like such an accomplishment. Good luck!!! 100 miles on a bike? You are my hero.
I love that you’re doing a bike ride! Every summer I participate in the MS 150, which entails biking 150 miles over 2 days for multiple sclerosis. I will agree with you that biking a long distance is HARD (the pain of getting on my bike the morning of day 2 is unmatched by any pain I’ve felt in my life thus far) but it’s also really fun. You’re going to do great! If you need any training tips, send an email my way
I did my first 5k in December and am totally hooked. Never in my entire life did I think I would run more than a mile outside. Never. It is the greatest feeling!
My husband is a cyclist and has done many – a- century ride. You will do fantastic!!!
That is so exciting. I can’t wait to read all about how you train for that. Most important – how your rear end won’t get sore after 100 miles in the saddle.
HOW EXCITING! I would love to do that race
You will have such a brilliant time for sure 
Hi Catlin, I have been reading your blog for a couple weeks now and really enjoy it. The reason I am writing is because I am blessed to live near Napa and I wanted to wish you luck!! I know you will do great!! I wish I was riding but I’m definitely not ready for that race. I just ride for fun.
Have a great time!!
I have been riding for a long time and I highly recommend speed play pedals. They are much better for your knees than other pedals…….
What a great challenge for you and a great cause!
That’s awesome! And you’ll be in wine country to celebrate once you rock it
Can’t beat that! I never thought I’d become a runner- now I can’t imagine my life without it!
Thats awesome! Its already starting to look like an exciting year for you! I find it amazing that you are so willing to try new (and hard) things like this! I wish I had that same independence and confidence.
To answer your question, about 9 months ago I would have never dreamed that I could actually run a 5K. When I started running I couldn’t run 1/4 of a mile without stopping and I would run at a 15 min mile pace.
Now I’ve completed several 5Ks, an 8K, a 12K and a Half Marathon and I’m registered for my second Half next month. I can’t imagine my life without running!
I have never challenged myself or pushed myself to do something out of my comfort zone physically. I’ve been following your blog for a couple of months now, and I have to say that YOU were a huge part of my decision to sign up with TNT and run a marathon. I am signed up for the Rock N’ Roll SD marathon in June and I am scared shitless. We haven’t had our first run and i want to quit
oh it’s sad, I know — BUT I am determined to NOT quit and run run run! Thank you for your inspiration. And good luck with your trainings! I have no doubt that you will achieve what you want. I wish I had that same belief in myself =/
If you have time, please take a moment to visit my TNT webpage: http://pages.teamintraining.org/or/rnr10/bachtuyetl
oh yay!! good for you! remember, (this is very important), that taking walking breaks or even stopping to stretch during ANY run is NOT quitting. Quitting is hanging up your sneakers. As long as you are moving, you have not quit. Don’t get overwhelmed or put too much pressure on yourself and you will do great!
This will sound lame, but a year ago I didn’t think I could run a mile. Now I am training for a half marathon!
Also, I’m following along with your pumping iron challenge..it is tough! I posted about it on my blog today.
How exciting! It’s so awesome that you are taking on another challenge so quickly after finishing the marathon (I feel like I’ve said that before… if so, sorry!) – do you really think this will be harder than running a marathon? I would assume running 26.2 miles would be more difficult than riding 100 miles but you obviously know a lot more about this than I do… Can’t wait to hear more about your training!
I do think it will be harder – crazy, right? Running is pretty comfortable to do, but cycling for 7+ hours might be rough!
Start planning how to get your bike out there ASAP–it is harder (and more expensive) than it seems.
Good luck out there!
Oh wow! What an amazing goal! I never thought I would run a 5k – just didn’t think running was really for me. I finished my first in Jan and am signed up for two more in the next three months (around my wedding). I’m also looking into a quarter marathon (cute, right) in my area in May! Bring it on…
OMG! Girl, you are insane! In a good way, of course =) You never fail to inspire me….little old me who is still only running 1/4 mile a day. I can’t wait to follow your training process for these fun new events!!
Great bike idea!
Is Echelon sponsoring awesome bloggers like you and Jenna to do bike ride or do you have to pay flight/expenses all yourselves?
Break a leg(in a good way!)
Echelon is sponsoring Jen and I to fly out, kind of like how Team in Training does.
Thanks for info-sounds totally a good investment for a charity to me.You two will bring great coverage to cause!
Do you get paid as well?(I am wondering how these charities work to be honest!)Thanks!
naw it’s cool! i dont mind questions.
in exchange for publicity, raising $3K and forming teams (i had four other people sign up today! YAY!), i get a flight out there. i cover expenses and lodging. thats just a special arrangement because i’m blogging/advertising for the charity. but that’s all i get (besides the awesome experience of fundraising and riding thru napa!)
That is SO cool – I can’t wait to tell my hubby you are doing this … he is going to be so impressed by my blogger friend
Thanks Caitlin for being so transparent-I admire that!
Best of luck! You can do it! Biking through Napa will be difficult, but so worth it!
I never thought that I could do a 10K, but I completed one in November. I also didn’t think that my Japanese could ever get to the level it is now. It goes to show anyone that hard work will pay off, especially if it’s something that you truly love and want to do!
Ahh you are CRAZYY, but you can totally do this
My friend’s mom just completed the 100 mile bike race in Arizona a month or so back and just loved the entire experience!! We cheered her on along the way and were actually surprised by how prepared she was for it! Pack lots of yummy peanut butter & banana sandwiches, that was her trick!!
You’ll be absolutely fine! My husband trained for his first century ride this summer in two months. He’s in decent shape, but unlike you, he hadn’t just completed a marathon either
Definitely make sure you do enough hills training – that’s where it will get ya during the race!
Good luck with the training! If you’ve already done a marathon, you’ve already got what it takes to complete an endurance event. Good luck!
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