Race Announcement

on March 30, 2010
in All Posts

Fun announcement at the end of the post!

 

But first: breakfast!

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I had a great, big bowl of pumpkin oatmeal this morning.  Extra portion because I’m going to leave on a bike ride soon with Megan (I’m swapping around my work day so I can ride with her and then be productive). 

 

The star of my oatmeal was organic Maple Butter from Angela (basically just whipped maple syrup).

IMG_9345

HEAVENLY!

IMG_9349

My oatmeal contained:

 

  • 3/4 cup oatmeal
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 3/4 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 banana
  • 1/4 cup canned pumpkin
  • Toppings: almonds, flax, maple butter

IMG_9351

3 Races in 3 Weekends!

 

The next three weekends are going to be quite exciting!  Prepare for some great blog reading materials:

 

  • April 3: 15 mile trail race
  • April 10: 15K road race
  • April 18: METRIC CENTURY!!!!

 

Yes – last night, I totally signed up for a Metric Century (60 miles) bike ride on a whim.  It’s called Breakaway to Sugarloaf and takes place in Clermont, which is about 20 miles west of Orlando.  Clermont is known for it’s HILLS!

 Breakaway to Sugarloaf

FYI – A Century is called a century because it’s 100 miles, and a Metric Century is 100K.  Make sense now?  🙂

 

I’ve done one other Metric Century before (race recap here), and I’m hoping that this ride is a lot easier because I’ve been training harder.

 

One of the primary reasons I signed up for this Metric is that it will help keep me on track with training schedule.  I definitely need to be up to 60 miles (or farther) by April 18, and a “race” (technically a recreational ride) is exactly what I need to breaking up the monotony of training and keep me focused on the larger goal of 100 miles!

 

A few other bloggers – and hopefully my Dad – are going to ride with me!

 

If you run or ride longer distances, do you schedule shorter races into your training plan to keep you motivated, or do you prefer to have one goal at a time?  If you’re just beginning to get into racing or just like to be active without racing, how do you set smaller goals to propel you towards your larger goal?

{ 61 comments }

 

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs March 30, 2010, 8:38 am

    Gosh girl, you’re unstoppable! GO YOU!!!
    When I was doing endurance riding, my longer rides were about 40miles +, so in between I did short rides that weren’t competitive, of about 12-20miles. It kept my horses’ fitness (and mine up) and kept us fresh for the longer distances. I think it gives you confidence too – if you make that seem easy, a longer distance isn’t such a big deal 🙂
    Have a good bike ride! 🙂

  • jen trinque March 30, 2010, 8:42 am

    Both times I ran half marathons I just signed up for them and ran no other races before them! I trained plenty, but most plans recommend running in other, shorter races. But I ignored those recommendations. I almost ran a 10K before my last half, but it was cold and I was a wuss! You rock, though 🙂

  • Sara @ Activegal March 30, 2010, 8:48 am

    I have never done a full marathon, but when I was training for my half marathon I never did do any races in between. I think it was because I was terrifed at the time. Now I think it would be a GREAT idea! Not only does it help you get your mileage in, but it also helps you get in to the race atomosphere. Good luck!!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) March 30, 2010, 8:48 am

    since i don’t race, i would say that i set smaller goals to achieve the larger goal (weight loss) all the time! right now my goal is to increase my strength so that my body is strong enough to run again. so far it’s working! WOOHOO! 🙂 can’t wait to read about your races 🙂

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) March 30, 2010, 8:53 am

    Small, mini-goals are so important for me! Before getting my knee injured, I would set up long runs but the shorter runs were super important too.

    The maple butter has me drooling! Need to find some of this deliciousness ASAP. 😀

  • Liz March 30, 2010, 8:58 am

    I love scheduling races during training! During my half marathon training I did a 10K and during my full marathon training I did a half. It’s a great way to break up the monotony of training.
    I can’t wait to hear your goals/races post-century…you are a racing queen!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet March 30, 2010, 9:01 am

    You are a racing machine!!

    Julie from SavvyEats sent me maple butter a few months ago and it was the best thing ever! I devoured it within a week.

  • Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly March 30, 2010, 9:04 am

    I like having one race goal at a time and then I set mini training goals to help me get there!

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance) March 30, 2010, 9:06 am

    you are ON FIRE! can i borrow some of your bad-assness?

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) March 30, 2010, 9:07 am

    Dang! Those will be some exciting weekends 😀
    You’re awesome, Caitlin!
    I’m training for a half marathon, but have only done one shorter race (a 5k) so far. It’s hard to find many races around this area this early into the year. Seems like there’s SO many more in FL and the East coast than in Illinois.

  • Whitney @ Lettuce Love March 30, 2010, 9:07 am

    Congrats on signing up for the race. I plan to add a few short races (5K and 10K) into my half-marathon training. I like having little goals to keep me going.

  • Britt @ Runnerbelle March 30, 2010, 9:10 am

    I definitely schedule shorter events in with my training for longer events. It keeps things interesting and keeps me motivated. I just did a 20 mile race this past weekend, next event isn’t till the Boston Marathon but after the marathon I have a 5 mile race, a couple of 5K’s and then another marathon. Variety is good in my book! Then I’ll add in even more variety as a get ready for my first tri, a sprint, and then a half iron the end of the summer!!

  • Steph-exercise physiologist and artist! March 30, 2010, 9:14 am

    Good morning!
    I have got to go to crate and barrel and get those cute little spoons. Actually maybe I will order them online right after this post!!!
    My friend from Tampa does sugarloaf every year
    ummmm maple butter?? Yummmm!! that sounds like it would be so good in warm oats!!
    hope you have a great day!!!

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite March 30, 2010, 9:15 am

    You are seriously unstoppable!! I love your drive and motivation!!

  • eatdrinkandbemerrynyc March 30, 2010, 9:16 am

    I really think that training for races is one of the best ways (FOR ME!) to keep on track. It gives me a structure, measurable goals and a sense of accomplishment!
    Sara

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg March 30, 2010, 9:17 am

    I just bought some maple butter, and need to try it out!

    Sounds like a great race schedule!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday March 30, 2010, 9:17 am

    Aww yeah. Nicely done.

  • Jenny March 30, 2010, 9:18 am

    Have a great bike ride!

  • Lauren @ Eater not a runner March 30, 2010, 9:20 am

    I’m adding shorter races into my half-marathon training. It definitely keeps me motivated!

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin March 30, 2010, 9:21 am

    Woohoo on signing up for a Metric Century!!

    I do tend to schedule shorter races during my training to keep me on schedule. For example, my big goal for this year is to run a half marathon, and I have a 10 miler scheduled in less than two weeks to keep me on track! I also like to schedule 5ks throughout my training so I can work on my speed.

  • katherine March 30, 2010, 9:22 am

    I’m so lazy about it, but running shorter races in the midst of training is such a confidence boost. It’s a great way to gauge my fitness and endurance levels, and I get a shiny medal and all the glory of the race environment 😉

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing March 30, 2010, 9:22 am

    I’m addicted to racing, too. I am doing a free 5K on base on Thursday (unless a meeting comes up) and was thinking of doing another one two days later on the 3rd. Those race fees add up, though.

  • Jes (Self Motivation) March 30, 2010, 9:25 am

    Oooo good luck on your race! I love the idea of training for a long race (for me, my first marathon!!) and adding in shorter races in between. I’m planning a 5K in May and a half marathon in December. My marathon is in February, so the half should be really comfortable by then (I hope!). I wish there were some more races in between, but I haven’t found any yet.

  • swimsutra March 30, 2010, 9:26 am

    Just signed up for a very necessary 10k to motivate me to push out the rest of my 10-miler race training! Which is slightly less bad-ass than a 100k and 100-miler! 🙂

  • Joanne March 30, 2010, 9:27 am

    Def. include shorter races to keep me motivated. Also – I don’t include speed training in my schedule so the races act as speed training for me. You run faster in a race than on your own.

    As for your schedule – great going. Are you going all out every time? or using the races as part of the training plan and just going for stamina sake?

    • Caitlin March 30, 2010, 9:34 am

      The trail race will be hard but it’s with a group and thus “for fun”. The 15k and metric will prob be balls to the wall. Ahhhhhh hehe

      • Joanne March 30, 2010, 10:32 am

        I bet you’ll have fun in all 3 but pushing your self for those 2 races will really offer great feelings of achievement.

  • Kelly March 30, 2010, 9:31 am

    Wow you are crazy girl! Haha good luck with all your races though!

  • Meg @ Be Fit Be Full March 30, 2010, 9:34 am

    Oh my word! Rockstar, rockstar, rockstar.
    I followed your recipe for the grilled banana sandwich this morning(w/ strawberries) and was in HEAVEN!

  • Therese March 30, 2010, 9:41 am

    Geez! You’re a machine!!! That’s awesome!

    I’ve never run long enough distances to schedule shorter races in between but I’ve decided to do it this year! I’m going to train for my first half marathon which will be at the end of September (Scotiabank Half in Toronto) and there just happens to be a 15k race near the end of August. I should definitely be at 15k around that time plus the race is close to my race so I thought it would be a great way to not burn myself out in training and give me an idea of when I might finish my half! I burn out easily so I’m hoping this will help conquer that!

    • Therese March 30, 2010, 9:42 am

      That should say “close to my HOUSE” and not “race”. Obviously my coffee has yet to kick in.

  • Whitney @ Whitinspired March 30, 2010, 9:42 am

    I’m just getting into racing, but I think I’ll only be able to do one at a time. Too many goals would stress me out!

  • Karen @ Not Just Celery March 30, 2010, 9:46 am

    That’s so exciting, I am sure you will do great! Prior to training for my half marathon last year I had only run 5k’s so I signed up for a 5 mile race and a 7 mile race in my town that fit into my training schedule!

  • skinnyrunner March 30, 2010, 9:55 am

    dang 60 miles is a long race! and dont even get me started on the 100. I could not do it.

  • Susan March 30, 2010, 10:03 am

    Aahhh, maple butter! Funny, I always buy that stuff for non-Canadians as a gift, but I have yet to try it myself! I should really get on that, I bet it makes a faaabulous oatmeal topper.

    I think putting smaller races into your training schedule is a great idea. Keeps you on track, in the “race” frame of mind, and helps you realize what sort of things you need to do to prepare for the bigger race that you may not have realized by just training. I reeeeally want to do a metric century this summer! Should be tons of fun!

  • Katharine March 30, 2010, 10:15 am

    That Maple Butter looks TOO good!

    Congrats on your race decision – you are such a rockstar!!! 🙂

  • Emmanuelle March 30, 2010, 10:18 am

    Wow that is a lot of races, how do you do all this? 😀
    I’m not a runner but I’m almost tempted to start running when I read your blog (one day, who knows…). I bike occasionally when I am at my parents’ and I would love to do it more often, who knows one day sign up for a Metric 100? 😉

    Anyway, it seems like a good idea to include “smaller” races in your training, it can keep you on track and break down your training into smaller, more manageable goals. Yo go girl!

  • Evan Thomas March 30, 2010, 10:20 am

    How exciting! I’m taking things 1 race at a time. I still can’t believe 7 hours after my first half marathon I signed up for my next.
    Maple butter is pure bliss. It’s my favorite thing about having new hampshire relatives

  • Matt March 30, 2010, 10:24 am

    Shorter races are a great way to prepare for the real deal. Keeps you motivated and it lets you know how your training is progressing.

  • Andrea (canyoustayfordinner.com) March 30, 2010, 10:39 am

    Sounds like a really beneficial and great race you signed up for. It will make your training better and your confidence stronger!
    I love to set small goals that add up to something big. Weight loss was like that for me. A few pounds a week led to 135lbs. Every little step counts!
    Good for you!

  • Stacey March 30, 2010, 10:39 am

    Jason, my boyfriend, is an avid cyclist and last year he completed a metric century bike ride in the mountains and to this day, he says it is one of the hardest things he has ever done on a bike. I wish you luck!!! Can’t wait to read all about your adventures 😀

  • Kelly March 30, 2010, 10:41 am

    I definitely think you were smart to sign up for a metric century. One of the hardest things about biking for me is it takes SO long I just get bored haha. This will help you not be bored I’m sure! I wish more people around me would bike with me 🙂

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing March 30, 2010, 10:42 am

    Wow girl!!! You are like a racing machine!!!

  • Dotsie March 30, 2010, 10:55 am

    Your bike race goals are making me think about future goals for myself!! I’ve always wanted to participate in bike races, and actually thought I could do one this May-however, I have graduate school classes on WEEKENDS-and the two are on the same day. Such a bummer! However, I am making plans for 2011 bike races! Woot woot!!

  • John March 30, 2010, 10:56 am

    That’s great that you’re doing all this as it it will only help like you said for your century. Keeps you out of trouble when you’re busy too 🙂

    I think eventually I may schedule shorter races as I’ve never raced shorter than a HM. For now though I’m saving myself for the HM as I’ve been having off and on foot problems.

  • Run Sarah March 30, 2010, 10:57 am

    That sounds like an awesome training race and much more fun than doing 100k on your own!

  • Mary March 30, 2010, 11:03 am

    you go girl!! you’ll do great! that’s exactly what I do when I train. Usually though I use some sort of training plan (like hal higdon, I love him) that incorporates races into the plan. it definitely helps keep me accountable for mileage and helps me keep my eye on my goal! 🙂

  • Susan - Nurse on the Run March 30, 2010, 11:10 am

    I always wondered what why a metric century was called what it is…I get it now!

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers March 30, 2010, 11:38 am

    YAY!! Exciting!! I like adding in shorter races to training to keep me motivated, but also to be able to “run throughs” and see what might be different racing than training.

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat March 30, 2010, 11:46 am

    Shorter races help a lot! I’m training for a half marathon and our city works it out so that there is a 3-race series (5K, 10K, 10 miler) leading up to the half, all separated by two weeks. Then it’s three weeks between the 10 miler and the half.

  • Lisa March 30, 2010, 11:54 am

    I definitely choose smaller goals to work towards before the bigger goals. I need something to keep me training. For example, I’m going the Hood To Coast Relay this August (197 mile relay race). I’m doing 5k’s and 8k’s to prepare for HTC.

  • Amanda (modernation) March 30, 2010, 12:03 pm

    What great motivation. I have always wanted to schedule shorter races when training for longer ones, but never have. Maybe I should start. I envy your race schedule! Having the large race always on my mind usually keeps me motivated.

  • lauren (athlEAT) March 30, 2010, 12:08 pm

    awesome about the race! I am doing a 100k this May and need to get my butt in gear. Have done a century bike race and another 75 mile ride, but I feel like I never train correctly. Reading about your training is giving me a swift kick in the rear to get going. Less than 1 month until my 100k!

  • Nicole, RD March 30, 2010, 12:21 pm

    When I train for a full mary I get a 1/2 mary race in there to help. I don’t train in the morning, so getting in some races (AM) before the day of is helpful to get my routine down for race day – what to wear, what to eat, etc.

    100K bike – sounds like a great distance and race! And wonderful that you’re doing it with your dad and other bloggies!!

  • Ellen March 30, 2010, 12:26 pm

    Three races in THREE weekends?! Thanks for making me feel like a bum, Caitlin 😉 I like having one goal at a time. Otherwise, I spazz out and can’t really concentrate on ANYTHING!

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

  • Catherine March 30, 2010, 12:28 pm

    Wow, good luck with all of that!! I tend to work toward one goal at a time… recently they’ve been all half-marathons and marathons, but I generally don’t do smaller races before hand, then then again that’s partially just because I hate running outside in the cold, so aside from my regularly scheduled runs I don’t want to be outside at 8am on the weekends!

  • Angharad March 30, 2010, 12:31 pm

    Wooo! Exciting. I am thinking of signing up for a 5k for sure before a half marathon I’m training for and I’m increasingly thinking a 10k might be a good plan as well. However I do worry when I have too many things going on at once so too much for me is not too good!

  • Julie March 30, 2010, 12:48 pm

    Awesome race schedule! I just signed up for my first half mary….and I am excited!!! It’s May 30th and I’m already signed up for a 10 miler in June. I guess I’m doing things backwards and running my longer race first hehe. It’s people like you that inspire me to keep pushing myself.

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) March 30, 2010, 3:49 pm

    A half marathon is my major goal for this year. So I scheduled a 10K for this spring (actually this weekend) and then several 5k’s and another 10k for this summer to keep it fun.

  • Nora@LiveLifeEatRight March 30, 2010, 4:03 pm

    Those oats look amazing!! Good luck with the ride!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) March 30, 2010, 6:55 pm

    I think I would LOVE maple butter … I need to find some ASAP. Shouldn’t be that hard in Canada … one would think 🙂

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