Without a doubt, that was the most grueling, exhausting, and amazing race I’ve ever done!

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Sugarloaf was 62 miles of rolling hills. I climbed, I cried, I conquered… It was physically painful in many places, but I held on mentally and finished strong!  All in all, it was a great prep ride for next month’s Century in Napa Valley (That’s 100 miles!).  And it reminded me why I love endurance events!

 

Our day started bright and early.  I fueled with my normal pre-race meal (almond butter sandwich and a banana).

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Megan, Mark, and a reader named Kristen came to do the Half Metric Century (30 miles), and Ashley did the Metric with my Dad and I.  We all met at my house this morning and drove to the race start together.

 

Packets for riding events are a little different than they are for running events.  No chip timer (it’s a “recreational ride” – hahah, the irony) and no bib numbers.  But we did get a nice shirt!

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And then we got suited up and on our bikes!  When it was time to go, we just all started to pedal.  No mass start, no banner, no loud music.  Just a bunch of crazy people who love to spend hours on the bike!  🙂

 

The Metric Century (Dad, Ashley, and I) group started first.  I am actually a pretty slow cyclist (if I’m not putting in a lot of effort, I easily drop down to 14 mph) and my Dad and Ashley are REALLY fast.  I spent a lot of the first 10 miles staring at their butts!  My speed issues are compounded by the fact that I’m 6 incher shorter than Ashley and a foot shorter than my Dad!

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They dropped back every now and then to say hello, though!

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Right away, I noticed my legs were TIGHT.  Maybe it wasn’t the BEST idea to run a 8K race yesterday morning?  :)  I definitely did not have the freshest legs!  I prayed and prayed they would loosen up a little bit, but the pain was definitely compounded by the face that I was already working hard to maintain a decent pace.

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The course was BEAUTIFUL (and the hills didn’t get very intense until after Mile 20).  It was a very outcast day out, too… Perfect cycling weather!

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Over the course of the 5 hour, 13 minute event, I took in approximately 1,200 calories.  I get extremely hungry when I do endurance events, and I absolutely have to take in food or I get faint and weak.

 

The first aid station came up around Mile 16.  I was super excited for a break and some fuel!

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The goods:

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I love the junk food at cycling events!  All you really need is glucose, after all!

 

I opted for two Fig Newtons and one of my packets of organic Goo:

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Around this time, I began to think, “I cannot believe we’re only 1/4 of the way done!” 

 

But we rode on…

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And on…

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Then, the hills started.  I wish I could fully explain how hilly the course was.  Clermont, Florida is renown for it’s hills!  Did you know the USA Triathlon National Training Center is in Clermont?

 

The hills really started to suck away my positivity.  It was SO hard, and the hills felt never ending.  No breaks.  Around every corner was another hill!  I started to complain aloud (which, of course, means you’ve been having an internal breakdown for at least 20 minutes), and Ashley gave me a great pep talk. 

 

She said, “Remember you’ve done a Metric before; you’re experienced in racing.”  I told her I was dreading the infamous Sugarloaf Mountain at Mile 49 and she reminded me that it was fruitless to obsess about something that was two hours off.   She also said, “Remember when you did your first half marathon and you couldn’t imagine running the distance twice over?  You can do anything you put your mind to!”  It really helped build up my confidence to think of all my previous races.

 

At Mile 30, we came upon the second aid station.

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I tore into a 400-calorie ProBar that I had stashed in my jersey.  I love this flavor.

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And I had two iced oatmeal cookies.

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Yummmm!

 

It started to rain on us around Mile 35.  Everyone got a little nervous because we’re not experienced cycling in the rain!  I was so paranoid that I would wipe out at the bottom of a hill and began to lean on my brakes a little more. 

 

And at Mile 40, I had a complete physical and emotional meltdown.  I yelled out, “I need a break!” and we all stopped on the side of the road so I could rest for 5 minutes.  The hills and rain were really getting to me, and I knew I would feel 100% better if I just gave my legs a break.  I also took another packet of Goo.  Sugar never hurt any athlete!

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We started to pedal again, and then we came across the infamous…

 

SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN!

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This picture is from the first time I tackled Sugarloaf.  It was a lot easier to go up the hills when I’d only ridden 15 miles before!  This time around, my legs were barking less than halfway up the infamous hill, and both Ashley and I got off our bikes to walk it to the top.

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We were still proud when we finished though!

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I was especially excited to see another rest stop!  This time, I went straight for the donut holes.  I ate four before I even knew what had happened!

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After the last aid station, we only had another 13 miles until the end.  It felt SO close to the finish, although it took at least an hour!

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There were so many rolling hills in the last five miles that Ashley complained she was going to have a “discussion with the lunatic who designed this race course.”  I felt the same way!

 

And then, with just as little fanfare as the race began, it was over!  I was SO relieved to pull back into the parking lot!

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Final statistics:

 

  • Distance: 61.81 miles
  • Duration (with approximately 30 minutes of stops):  5:13
  • Average Pace (counting stops): 11.8 mph
  • Approximate Average Pace (not counting stops): 13.0 mph

 

Fun facts:  this race took me 19 minutes more than my marathon!  It felt harder, too!  And this is my second Metric Century, but it took more 40 minutes longer than my first one, which was PERFECTLY flat.  Go figure!  It was a VERY challenging course. 

 

I’m so glad Ashley and my Dad were there for the experience.  We had so much fun together, and I really appreciate how they both motivated me when the going got tough. 

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One major lesson learned at Sugarloaf:  I really, really need to put the pedal to the metal with my training before I attempt to ride 100 miles in May.  This race was so challenging, and it motivated me to re-attack my training plan with gusto.  I’ve been struggling with motivation lately, but there’s nothing like a grueling race to slap you back into reality.  I want to feel prepared for the Century!

 

We said our goodbyes to Ashley, and then Dad and I met up with the Husband for lunch.  Even though I had taken in about 1,200 calories during the race, I was positively starving by the time we sat down to eat at a cute little downtown restaurant called Dexter’s.

 

I started off with a beer:

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Truthfully, I had been fantasizing about a cold wheat beer since Mile 10.

 

And a side salad:

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For my entree, I inhaled this delicious grilled veggie sandwich.  I asked them to add goat cheese, which added something so special to the dish.

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The Husband and I split these fries:

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Now, I am home and feel PROUD and EXHAUSTED.  I want to curl up on the couch and snooze away the evening.  :)  Oh, and eat more!  My appetite is callin’.

 

Race #25 is complete!  Only one more (a 5K next weekend) and then I’ve done 26 races before my 26th birthday on April 26!

 

“There will come a day when you can no longer do this. Today is not that day.”

{ 167 comments }

 

  • Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly April 18, 2010, 5:59 pm

    You are awesome girl! I am so impressed by you and your “epic” determination!! 🙂

  • Alyssa April 18, 2010, 6:01 pm

    Way to go!! Epic is definitely the best word to describe it, that or “righteous” 🙂

  • Jenny April 18, 2010, 6:02 pm

    First of all, congrats! I have been anxiously awaiting this review all day:) I’m so impressed you ran yesterday, and completed this today- you are a beast! (In only the best of ways:)

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs April 18, 2010, 6:02 pm

    Caitlin, seriously, can you GET any more amazing!!??
    WELL DONE! It sounds like that was a tough race mentally and physically – I have so much respect for you, you’re a total inspirtation!!
    And I love that you did it with your dad (OH how I wish I had a decent dad!) – it must have been awesome to have that support 😀
    Have a fantastic relaxing evening girl – you deserve it!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) April 18, 2010, 6:03 pm

    that’s so awesome you pushed through til the end…way to rock that race! eat some fries for me (oh, and a couple of beers?) 🙂

  • Megan April 18, 2010, 6:07 pm

    Wow– great recap and what a ride! Congrats.

    I particularly love your quote at the end. I just had my first outing on the bike and it didn’t go so hot. Whenever I’ve had a bad run in the past, I let myself sulk for a bit, and then let it go– because I can do it again another day.

    Have another beer girl!

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) April 18, 2010, 6:09 pm

    I don’t think I’ve driven 60 miles in the last 3 weeks. Seriously. You’re crazy/amazing. Congrats on getting through it mentally and physically. Onto 100 right??

  • Adi April 18, 2010, 6:09 pm

    And yet another inspiring race recap! So awesome, way to go Caitlin.

  • Kara (@ Kara's Marathon) April 18, 2010, 6:09 pm

    Congratulations, Caitlin!!! You are SO epic! 🙂

    What is the total run/bike/swim mileage for your 26 races? You should get some sort of pendant or tattoo or something to commemorate your total distance!

    • caitlin April 18, 2010, 6:11 pm

      i added it up a while ago but i cant remember the number now bah!

  • Diana April 18, 2010, 6:09 pm

    That is awesome Caitlin, congrats!

  • Evan Thomas April 18, 2010, 6:10 pm

    Congratulations! You’re a beast! Way to conquer that mountain
    Those fries look omnomnomnom.

  • Shawna @ Balancing Me April 18, 2010, 6:10 pm

    Awesome recap, Caitlin! You.Are.EPIC!

    Congrats on the finish!

  • Danielle April 18, 2010, 6:13 pm

    Awesome race recap! I can’t imagine biking that much! I laughed when I saw the part about doing a full marathon. I just finished my first half marathon today and thought the same thing about having to do it twice!! I suppose we’ll see! At any rate, awesome job!!

  • Kelly April 18, 2010, 6:13 pm

    That course sounds really tough! Way to stick it out and complete it with pride! You are AWESOME! 🙂

  • BethT April 18, 2010, 6:13 pm

    This is amazing…the course looks so hard! I know you’ve mentioned this in the past, but tell me again why your dad uses a recumbent bike?

    • caitlin April 18, 2010, 6:15 pm

      he has arm trouble and neck pain. 🙂

  • Amanda April 18, 2010, 6:14 pm

    What a great recap – I love your honestly about how physically and emotionally challenging it was! Races are HARD and you really push yourself to the limit … you are so inspiring!!!

  • Shannon, Tropical Eats April 18, 2010, 6:14 pm

    YOU ROCK! Seriously that entire recap I felt like I was dying from exhaustion from those hills. Congrats!!

  • skinnyrunner April 18, 2010, 6:19 pm

    congratulations! 60 miles is a butt ton to drive let alone ride.

  • Devon April 18, 2010, 6:20 pm

    My father-in-law and I totally battled over iced oatmeal cookies just like those last night 🙂

    CONGRATULATIONS on your race!

  • Jessica @ WHY DONTCHA RUN April 18, 2010, 6:21 pm

    Wow, wow, wow!!!! You are amazing, girl! What an inspiration you are to so many! I know I get pumped and motivated each and every time I read one of your recaps. 🙂 THANKS!!

  • Michelle April 18, 2010, 6:24 pm

    Great Job! I Love your race recaps with all the pictures 🙂

    How many calories do you think you burned during the race?? That’s such an amazing feat 🙂 I can’t wait to be able to afford a bicycle and start cycling! 🙂 Fun 🙂

    Beer is perfect for recovery 🙂

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) April 18, 2010, 6:25 pm

    Nice work dude. I’d do that JUST for the donut holes!

  • Caroline April 18, 2010, 6:30 pm

    Congrats on the ride! You have motivated me to dust off my road bike and bring it in to be tuned up this week! Enjoy your evening of relaxation!

  • Amanda April 18, 2010, 6:30 pm

    Yay! I’ve been curious how it went. Good for you for pushing through when it got tough! Can’t wait til your Century!

  • M April 18, 2010, 6:31 pm

    YAY! I have been obsessively checking since last night (shut up, yes) for your review, knowing full well that you would not be finished with the race until this afternoon.
    That’s amazing! You and Meghann are both really helping motivate me in my own training.

    • caitlin April 19, 2010, 9:25 am

      🙂 thank you so much!

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances April 18, 2010, 6:32 pm

    Another awesome race recap! 🙂 You’re AWESOME – congrats on conquering those hills!!!

  • christie April 18, 2010, 6:34 pm

    Awesome job on the race! I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t anticipating it all day 🙂

    For real tho, does your but get used too sitting on a bike seat that long? Maybe I just need to try a different seat bc I can’t imagine how much that’d hurt!

    • caitlin April 19, 2010, 9:25 am

      are you wearing padded bike shorts? it’s more about the shorts than the seat. but yes, your butt does get used to it!

  • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) April 18, 2010, 6:35 pm

    Congrats Caitlin!!! You are such a rockstar.

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is April 18, 2010, 6:39 pm

    That is freaking amazing. Congrats, girl! 🙂

  • Deva (Voracious Vorilee) April 18, 2010, 6:40 pm

    Congratulations – that was an EPIC race :-).It sounds like it was brutal and fun and a challenge. YOU are awesome!

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers April 18, 2010, 6:40 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS!! Yet another amazing accomplishment under your belt. A cold wheat beer is exactly what I would want after doing that….along with collapsing to the ground and not moving again hahaa. GREAT JOB!!!

  • eatingRD April 18, 2010, 6:42 pm

    You are freakin amazing girl! I can’t believe you had an 8K race the day before, and look how you pulled through. I am so inspired and hearing you say you need to get your butt in gear for the century makes me realize the same. I’m still waiting to get my bike in, but hopefully it will be soon because I need to work on them hills asap!!! Spin class just isn’t the same. Have a nice relaxing sunday 🙂

    • caitlin April 19, 2010, 9:26 am

      i feel a little underprepared! let’s get our bootys in gear!

  • amanda @ fake ginger April 18, 2010, 6:43 pm

    You rocked it! Congratulations!

  • Allison April 18, 2010, 6:53 pm

    Caitlin, I have another biking challenge for you: RAGBRAI, the Register Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa. My in-laws did it a few years ago (on a tandem!) and they pretty much had the best time EVER. Apparently, it is a phenomenal experience. They want us to join them some day, and we are totally up for it. Check out the website: http://ragbrai.com/

    • caitlin April 19, 2010, 9:29 am

      everyone talks about this race! i looked at the website and it seems so incredible (and intense).

  • ari April 18, 2010, 6:54 pm

    yay! you’re so awesome and such an inspiration!

  • Kellie@obsessivelyhealthy April 18, 2010, 6:54 pm

    Congratulations on your race!

  • Jessica April 18, 2010, 7:02 pm

    You are a machine. I want to be just like you when I grow up.

    This week will mark the end of a journey for me my last class of my masters degree.

    Last night I watched Food INC! Simply eye opening, I did not know those things were happening, truly educational…now I want to read his books, which one do you think I should start with???? I am thinking that money is the ROOT to all evil, even when it comes to the health and well being of our society.

    • caitlin April 19, 2010, 9:29 am

      I’m glad you watched Food Inc! It’s a great movie.

      I would read In Defense of Food. I thought it was much more applicable to my life than Omnivore’s Dilemma. Enjoy!

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) April 18, 2010, 7:03 pm

    That’s incredible — you deserve a night of relaxation. You should be so proud of yourself. What an accomplishment!

  • John April 18, 2010, 7:05 pm

    Great race recap. I could feel your pain! It’s great you had some support with you to get you through to the end. It can be hard to finish on your own sometimes.

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) April 18, 2010, 7:12 pm

    Wow what a race! Congrats on finishing and especially on pushing through all the rough tough patches.

    I’m glad you had Ashley and your dad there to support you.

  • Caroline April 18, 2010, 7:13 pm

    Congrats!!!

  • JenRD April 18, 2010, 7:15 pm

    Congrats! What an amazing accomplishment!

  • Kate April 18, 2010, 7:15 pm

    Congratulations on your bike race!! That looks really hard! I have been thinking about getting my Mum’s bike out of storage and starting to bike this spring/summer as a form of cross training,and of course you inspire me to do triathlons and bike races! Time to get the bike out!

  • Kristen April 18, 2010, 7:17 pm

    Congratulations Caitlin!

  • emptynutjar April 18, 2010, 7:19 pm

    Reading your blog is bittersweet. I miss everything I was and could do.
    I think you are phenomenal..you and your dad and the others that did it and those things.

    • Caitlin April 19, 2010, 10:31 am

      i really hope you are getting some help! there are so many free counseling services out there, sweetie. reaching out for help means you’re strong. please do it!

  • Jes (Self Motivation) April 18, 2010, 7:20 pm

    Congratulations! You did it! You all are amazing!

  • Tonyne @ The Unlikely Success Story April 18, 2010, 7:22 pm

    That is so amazing Caitlin! Great job! I love the quote at the end! You almost make me want to try my hand at cycling…almost. 🙂

  • Teacherwoman April 18, 2010, 7:25 pm

    Great job, Caitlin!

  • Cyclist Kate April 18, 2010, 7:27 pm

    I just had to smile while reading this recap, because it’s just about exactly my experience with the century I did last spring. It was so much harder than I thought it would be and I definitely had a breakdown–I owe so much to my boyfriend who stayed with me and kept me going! After all of that, I was so relieved and so proud to pull into the finish. And then go inhale a giant Mexican meal, a beer, and ice cream :).

  • maria @ Chasing the Now April 18, 2010, 7:27 pm

    Congrats Caitlin!

  • Midgetkeeper April 18, 2010, 7:30 pm

    Great job Caitlin, you are so incredibly inspiring.

  • Jenna April 18, 2010, 7:34 pm

    Awesome job, lady. You are so inspirational, keep up the great work! 🙂

  • Erin April 18, 2010, 7:35 pm

    I always crave a Blue Moon like nothing else after a long bike ride. Glad to see I’m not alone!
    Congrats on finishing the race! I’ve been there when it seems so long and the hills seem SO BIG and it seems impossible…but it makes crossing the finish line that much sweeter! Good luck with training for the century!

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg April 18, 2010, 7:46 pm

    Wow– holy impressive!!! Sounds like a tremendous challenge– congrats for finishing!!!

  • Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope April 18, 2010, 7:47 pm

    so amazing.
    Without taking into account the 1200 calories consumed, how many do you think you burned?

    • caitlin April 19, 2010, 9:31 am

      hmmm probably about 2,400.

  • Gracie @ Girl Meets Health April 18, 2010, 7:49 pm

    Once again, all I can say is that you are a MACHINE!! You are seriously such an inspiration, and I’m glad to call you a friend 😀 I love your honesty about your breakdowns…the mental aspect of races is (I’d assume) the most difficult to tackle, and you must feel so much stronger and accomplished for getting through it.

    One more to go!! Girl, you’re gonna be at 100 races before we know it 😉

  • Erika April 18, 2010, 7:51 pm

    Fun to ready this after just finishing another 62 mile ride today myself (other coast though, lol)……Funny thing for me was after we were done, I was heading back to my car and got a flat! I was so glad it happened then instead of while out riding….hills are EXHAUSTING especially after you’ve completed 40 miles prior and your legs are tired from the previous workout you did…but we perservered and we are the better for it 🙂 So glad you had fun!!!

    • caitlin April 19, 2010, 9:32 am

      ah i was so scared of getting a flat! i hate flats!

  • Me-Linh @ Sweet and Sweat April 18, 2010, 7:55 pm

    CONGRATS! Wow that is amazing 🙂 60 miles is like from my house to San Francisco…which makes that distance seem way longer. You go girl!

  • Anne P April 18, 2010, 7:57 pm

    You are such a rock star!

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin April 18, 2010, 8:03 pm

    Congrats, Caitlin!!!!! What a huge accomplishment.

    And to think I was just huffing and puffing on some hills during my 8 mile ride… =)

  • Amanda (The Shoe Perspective) April 18, 2010, 8:04 pm

    THAT’S IMPRESSIVE!! Go Caitlin! Go Meghan, Mark Kristen, Ashley, and Mr. Caitlin’s Dad! YOU ALL ROCK!!! I might run a 5k this summer, and I’m going to startthe C25K program this week. Thanks so much, Caitlin! (just to let you know, this is all your fault) 🙂
    (sorry, I do not have pics because I do not own a camera. My friend brought hers, but by that time we realized it it was too late..)

    • caitlin April 19, 2010, 9:32 am

      the c25k program is great! you will have loads of fun!

  • Vaala April 18, 2010, 8:05 pm

    Congratulations! That’s a really awesome effort girl. Hills are hard on bikes…I find them harder on a bike than running.

  • Joanne April 18, 2010, 8:05 pm

    Way to go Caitlin. That was an amazing Metric and you did it. It will make the Century that little bit easier…not real easy (that wouldn’t be fun) but now you know what you’re up against, how you’re going to feel and how to deal with it. Good job.

  • Susan April 18, 2010, 8:09 pm

    Uh-mazing. I am so proud of you!!Sounds like the course was backwards though, the hills should have been at the beginning – not the end 😉 A big congrats to Ashley and your Dad too. My dad is an h-core cyclist as well. It’s so nice to have something to bond over now!

  • Michelle @ HeathyEatingRoadmap April 18, 2010, 8:12 pm

    Congratulations!! Is the race in Napa going to be hilly? Hopefully they’ll give you shots of cabernet at the pitstops.

    • caitlin April 19, 2010, 9:33 am

      it’s going to be hilly but not that bad!!!! not rolling and constant hills. just a few climbs.

  • April April 18, 2010, 8:12 pm

    GREAT JOB! Sounds like it was a really tough day, but you stuck it out and owned it. So good that your Dad and Ashley were along for the ride too. I always think it’s so much easier to push through the tough times when I have support with me. Keep up the training for the 100 miler in May! 🙂

  • Alison April 18, 2010, 8:13 pm

    Congrats on a great, challenging race! I love that quote at the end of your post. I just wish I weren’t currently injured so I could live it to the fullest!

    • caitlin April 19, 2010, 9:37 am

      we all go through injuries… it sucks but you will heal! i couldnt run for two months last spring. it was shitty, but it passes. i hope you feel better soon 🙂

    • caitlin April 19, 2010, 9:37 am

      we all go through injuries… it sucks but you will heal! i couldnt run for two months last spring. it was shitty, but it passes. i hope you feel better soon 🙂 🙂

  • Dominique April 18, 2010, 8:16 pm

    Congrats, Caitlin! What an awesome job on the race today. You’re a total trooper!

    You must be super excited for your bday too. I would be; I love birthdays. What’s even more exciting is that when your age lands on the date of your birthday (which would be this year for you, mine was 25 since I was born on the 25th), it’s supposed to be your best year ever. Being 25 was pretty much the best year ever for me.

    • caitlin April 19, 2010, 9:38 am

      its called your golden birthday! i think its a good luck year 🙂

      • Dominique April 21, 2010, 8:49 am

        Oh yeah, that’s right! It is supposed to be good luck and your best year ever. I’m sure yours will be amazing.

  • Christie {Honoring Health} April 18, 2010, 8:20 pm

    Congrats on the race. Sounds like it was really challenging!

  • Jessica Lee April 18, 2010, 8:20 pm

    congrats on the race. hills are sooo hard! keep up the work. you are such an athlete!

  • Bec April 18, 2010, 8:20 pm

    congrats on your 2nd metric century! I am anxiously awaiting school being done so I can start training for my metric century weekend, 2 metric century races in 2 days!

  • Wendy April 18, 2010, 8:20 pm

    I’ve been getting a bit burnt out on running lately, and have started to seriously consider investing in a bike. This post has pushed that desire to a new level! Congrats on an awesome accomplishment Caitlin! You are amazing!

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter April 18, 2010, 8:23 pm

    Whew! great job. That sounds like a super grueling race.

  • Meghan April 18, 2010, 8:24 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS!! YOU are an amazing, healthy, REAL inspirations! You are going to rock the 26th before 26!

  • jen trinque April 18, 2010, 8:31 pm

    Congrats! You are amazing.

  • Andrea @ Run, Eat, Date, Sleep April 18, 2010, 8:33 pm

    You are such an inspiration! Congratulations on yet another amazing race!

  • ashleigh April 18, 2010, 8:38 pm

    Your race recaps are always the best to read because you are so honest about your struggles but always power through. Amazing job!

  • Gina G April 18, 2010, 8:38 pm

    your amazing Caitlin! way to go! =)

  • Laura Georgina April 18, 2010, 8:45 pm

    You are WOW! Congrats on a great weekend of great races 🙂

  • Kelly April 18, 2010, 8:49 pm

    Amazing job with the 60 miles! I am doing 30 in a couple of weeks and I hope some day I’ll be able to do the 60!

  • lauren @ Eater not a runner April 18, 2010, 8:54 pm

    Awesome job!! You earned that beer (and then some!)

  • Christie April 18, 2010, 9:00 pm

    WOW- what an amazing accomplishment! I love how you shared your story with us. The mental side of racing, running or cycling, can be so crazy!

    Great job!

    ~Christie

  • Jae April 18, 2010, 9:09 pm

    You’re such an AMAZING person 🙂
    CONGRATS and oneday, hopefully, I can overcome my ED and do what you’re doing right now. You’re such an inspiration and I know that your future is bright and gleaming and so full of promise.
    oh and omg the first picture, i was thinking, if I were her I would eat every single treat at least once, and guess what? you did 🙂
    I laughed by the end of the post. ^^ once again, CONGRATULATIONS
    we need more women like you in this world

    • caitlin April 19, 2010, 9:39 am

      i KNOW you can overcome your ED.

  • Whitney @ whitinspired.wordpress.com April 18, 2010, 9:11 pm

    Congrats on finishing…that’s all that matters! It’s inspiring to see someone go through so much physical pain and still get through it. That sounds so bad, but it really is inspiring! Great job and you’ll be ready for the Napa Valley race!

  • Julie @ Pickley Pear April 18, 2010, 9:16 pm

    Great recap! Sounds like a killer, obv, 61 miles is killer! Keep eating and have a fab night!

  • Brigid April 18, 2010, 9:24 pm

    Congratulations! You are awesome!

  • Heather (runningwithsass.com) April 18, 2010, 9:26 pm

    I cannot even imagine riding that far. You are a beast! good job!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) April 18, 2010, 9:26 pm

    Great work girl!! And what a refreshingly honest race recap 🙂

  • Amber April 18, 2010, 9:32 pm

    Great work! You are such an amazing athlete – I’m totally in awe of you!

  • Fit Chick in the City April 18, 2010, 9:33 pm

    Awesome, awesome job! I love that quote!

  • Matt April 18, 2010, 9:37 pm

    Great job pushing through!

  • Meghann April 18, 2010, 9:43 pm

    Yay!!! You are a-ma-zing! Melissa and I were thinking of you when we finished our 15 mile bike ride in the rain this morning. The 15 was tough to me, I couldn’t imagine 60 hilly miles. 🙂 You rock. Obviously.

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing April 18, 2010, 9:47 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS! You are seriously awesome. I am in awe of you and the things you do.

  • Lisa April 18, 2010, 10:03 pm

    Thanks for posting the update and being honest with how hard it was. If you could anything different before a race like today’s, what would you do?

  • Jenna April 18, 2010, 10:04 pm

    Great job!!!

  • Mary April 18, 2010, 10:10 pm

    I knew you’d kill that race and you would persevere until the end! way to go caitlin! you’re amazing 🙂

  • Kelly April 18, 2010, 10:15 pm

    Wow awesome that you did this! I can’t even imagine.

  • Katey April 18, 2010, 10:18 pm

    Hey Caitlin. I have the same knee problem as you (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome) and I went on my first long bike ride today (15 miles) and my knees KILL.. I iced them & took an advil.. and they’re still sore… Do you do anything special when you ride your bike to help your knees? I know you wear sleeves when you run.. but does that work for biking too? Also- I ride a different bike than you (I have a mountain bike).. would that affect anything? I appreciate any advice/ information that you would be able to give me. Thank you in advance!

    • caitlin April 19, 2010, 9:41 am

      i would imagine its harder for your legs to ride 15 miles on a mountain bike than a road bike…. but i’m not sure what else it could be. have you tried my knee strengthening moves? they really do help! http://www.healthytippingpoint.com/2009/09/knee-pain.html i don’t wear my sleeves when i ride, but maybe its worth a shot!

  • Jaclyn April 18, 2010, 10:47 pm

    Congrats Caitlin. What an amazing accomplishment! You should feel so proud!
    Enjoy your evening and a great dinner, ha! 😀

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) April 18, 2010, 10:51 pm

    You are one TOUGH girl!!!! Congrats on completing another metric century you wild woman!!!

    Those fries look freakin’ awesome!! I would have scarfed the whole plate down to myself after a race like that!

  • Lauren (Health on the Run) April 18, 2010, 10:52 pm

    Congrats on finishing an entire weekend of races!! So impressive!! While the bike race sounded wicked tough, it was so fun to read your recap of it.

    Also, congrats on almost completing your 26 races before your bday! Such a cool challenge to have given yourself 🙂

  • Jenn (www.j3nn.net) April 18, 2010, 10:56 pm

    WOW! 😮 61 miles! That’s fantastic!! Excellent job. 😀 You’re so motivational. I especially like how you aren’t afraid to give your body the fuel it NEEDS. I see a lot of endurance athletes, and aspiring endurance athletes, eating very little before, during and after a huge event. You’re setting a great example for everyone, keep it up!! :mrgreen:

    Jenn

    • caitlin April 19, 2010, 9:42 am

      fuel is super important! who wants to go through life not eating donut holes at aid stations, anyway?? LOL

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople April 18, 2010, 11:09 pm

    I am completely awe-inspired by you! Thank you so much for sharing pictures and thoughts from this long journey. And congrats! You’re almost to your 26 in 26.

  • emily April 18, 2010, 11:22 pm

    You are such a freaking bad ass! All of your race recaps put a smile on my face 😀

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] April 18, 2010, 11:35 pm

    Wow, greattt job! I love that you’re always up for a new physical challenge.

    Btw, I had your sweet tater with baked beans for dinner – super yum!

  • Sam (My Sugar Obsession) April 18, 2010, 11:42 pm

    CONGRATS!!!

    here is a blog that i found you might like. this guy just ran a 50 mile race! his recap of it is pretty interesting. (ignore the blogspot address. its a little odd/vulgar/weird. BUT his race recap and out look on life is awesome!

    http://midgetpornstar.blogspot.com/2010/04/day-i-outran-my-garmin.html

    • caitlin April 19, 2010, 9:42 am

      thanks for passing this on!

  • Alison April 18, 2010, 11:43 pm

    Congratulations on finishing! That hill looked killer! I just saw your birthday is the same as my husband’s – last year he ran his first 26.2 on his 26th birthday:-)

  • kate April 18, 2010, 11:47 pm

    Congrats! I really want to complete a bike race – I just need to find one!

  • Mama Pea April 18, 2010, 11:49 pm

    Yay you! The donut hole shot may be my favorite picture of you ever.

  • Sarah-Mae @ Eat, Run, Knit April 18, 2010, 11:52 pm

    WAY TO GO GIRL!

  • Tay April 19, 2010, 12:04 am

    Congrats!!!! I can only imagine how good all that yummy junk food must’ve tasted! 😀

  • liane April 19, 2010, 12:34 am

    Congrats! I love reading about all your different racing adventures… and the thought of donuts at water/fuel stops makes me consider doing a cycling race 😉

  • Marina April 19, 2010, 1:16 am

    I admire you! you are amazing and unbelievable!
    Great job!

  • Andrea @ TastebudApproved April 19, 2010, 1:35 am

    What an accomplishment! You should feel so proud of yourself! I hope I can do that one day

  • Ashley April 19, 2010, 2:45 am

    Favorite race recap ever!! I love all the photos you were able to take during the race and the food documentation. Love the donut hole photo 😉 Congrats girl…job well done! I know I’ve told you numerous times I have wanted to race in a triathlon, well I finally got a steal of a deal on a road bike today!! Time to get riding 🙂

  • Jo April 19, 2010, 3:02 am

    I love the race recap, possibly my favourite one ever. Thank you so much for sharing and I hope you feel proud of yourself, you did amazingly well.

    xx

  • Courtney (Pancakes & Postcards) April 19, 2010, 3:05 am

    congratulations! I loved loved loved reading this! Makes me want to try a bike ride. I love your descriptions about the challenges and the mental part of these races. You should be so proud, and you will kick butt at your century!

  • Emmanuelle April 19, 2010, 4:09 am

    Epic! And awesome!
    You are such an inspiration, keep going!

  • Rachel (Suburban Yogini) April 19, 2010, 5:04 am

    You are amazing. Period. 😀

  • Cassie @ A Very Busy Mind April 19, 2010, 5:34 am

    AWESOME, Caitlin! I love your descriptions of the times you struggled – not because I’m happy you struggled, of course, but because I really think they’re inspiring. Your perseverance is just amazing.

    I’ve said it before, but THIS is why I read this blog…it’s the perfect workout motivation! 🙂

  • ~Jessica~ April 19, 2010, 5:37 am

    HUGE congratulations. Definitely an EPIC success 😉

    I love the fact that you acknowledge and write about your struggles, but always get through them in the end. I have no idea how you managed that huge hill after riding for so long, but it’s totally awesome that you did.

    P.S You think you’re a slow cyclist!? I struggle at 10mph…I can RUN faster than I can bike most of the time!

    <3

    ~Jess~

    • caitlin April 19, 2010, 9:43 am

      haha thanks! we should be slow cyclists together.

  • Kath April 19, 2010, 7:39 am

    Congrats Caitlin!!!!!

    I think I would like distance cycling – if I had a bike and some good weather 🙂

    BTW, I love how your eyes crinkle when you smile 🙂

  • runnerforever April 19, 2010, 8:28 am

    Awesome job, the toughest races are the best, I love the sense of accomplishment when you are done.

  • Tracy April 19, 2010, 8:28 am

    You are seriously such an inspiration!

    I really want to get into biking after my marathon this weekend – I love distance/endurance training and races but my body can’t handle another marathon – bad knees. I’d love to see some advice on how to start biking when you don’t have access to flat roads with no traffic – I live in Atlanta and there are lots of hills and traffic! You might not have experience with this type of riding, but if you do – would love to hear how to make it work!

    Thanks as always for your dedication to the blog – I wish I could keep mine updated as much as yours!

    • Caitlin April 19, 2010, 9:43 am

      you prob just need to drive somewhere to bike. find a quiet back country highway!

      or try spin class during the week and long bike rides during the weekend!

  • Di April 19, 2010, 8:45 am

    Congrats! Good luck with the training, you’ll do great in Napa. 🙂

  • Shannon April 19, 2010, 9:12 am

    Woohoo, great job Caitlin! Thank you so much for posting – it’s so motivating to read real race recaps that aren’t sugar-coated!

  • Christina April 19, 2010, 9:14 am

    Congrats!! That sounds like one intense race!

  • Erin April 19, 2010, 9:16 am

    Congrats on your race! 62 miles is so amazing! Great work 🙂

  • Emily April 19, 2010, 9:24 am

    Wow, congrats on your long journey!
    I mostly just wanted to say that I love Dexters! It’s one of my favorite places to eat in O-Town 🙂

  • Therese April 19, 2010, 9:29 am

    That is AMAZING!!! Way to go! You consistently inspire and motivate me when it comes to my own workouts and running and this post inspired me even more! Fantastic!

  • Chrissy April 19, 2010, 10:22 am

    Congrats! I just got back into biking after a long and cold winter/marathon training, and this is super motivating. I’ve got a triathlon on my schedule for July and a century ride planned for August – time to get cracking!

  • Teri [a foodie stays fit] April 19, 2010, 10:38 am

    awesome job!!! Having friends and family to cheer you along makes such a difference. I’m glad you had them and that you accomplished your 25th race!

  • ActiveEggplant April 19, 2010, 11:12 am

    Congrats on the finish! (And love the jersey by the way!)
    I must say, I think it’s fabulous that you can experience things like this with your father. I lost my dad almost 6 years ago and not a day goes by without thinking about him. We never did things like riding together, but we had just started a routine of a weekly dinner out together. Just spending time with him and chatting was awesome. He moved to FL when I was in middle school and I didn’t move to FL until I was 24 years old, so I was just start having a real relationship with him! Sadly though, I lost him only about a month after I moved here. But at least I had a “taste” of spending time with him and doing some father/daughter bonding.
    Anyway – I know that’s a bummer of a story – but just wanted to let you know that it warms my heart to see you being so close to your dad!

    • Caitlin April 19, 2010, 11:19 am

      i’m sorry about your dad. i do really appreciate these experiences with my father.

  • Mastering Public Health April 19, 2010, 11:27 am

    I can’t even begin to imagine doing *anything* for 62 miles, let alone that hill. Congratulations, what a major accomplishment. You are tackling and conquering these races left and right!

  • Mary @ What's Cookin' with Mary April 19, 2010, 11:54 am

    Cangrats on finishing your metric century!!! The farthest I’ve ever gone was around 30 miles and that felt FAR!!

  • Kristy April 19, 2010, 12:22 pm

    The muscle definition in your legs is ridiculous! Congrats, you are such an inspiration!

    • Caitlin April 19, 2010, 2:12 pm

      rawr! 🙂 thanks.

  • life.art.midnightsnacks.com April 19, 2010, 4:53 pm

    muscle definition is ridiculous! totally agree…and congrats on your race!! maybe someday…. 🙂

  • Tina April 19, 2010, 11:05 pm

    so is it weird that as I scrolled down the picks I thought I could smell the powdered donut hole. LOL. Great job out there today. You not only conquered your demons but you ravaged them!!! Can’t wait to hear about Napa (near my neck of the woods!)

  • Jena August 13, 2010, 4:45 pm

    Hi, I stumbled across your blog, and I’m glad I did. This post made me smile, and nostalgic. You see, I grew up in Clermont. I was born and raised there. My Uncle & Aunt live @ the top of Sugarloaf, I spent many summers there playing with my cousins, horseback riding, and swimming in the neighbors pool. People don’t realize Florida even has hills, then you get to Clermont! Glad you had a great ride, Clermont is beautiful city (even if it is being over run with houses)

  • Danielle August 31, 2011, 10:06 pm

    Hi Caitlin! I just came across this post somehow on your blog and had to tell you that I recently experienced 52 miles of Clermont hills this past weekend… and it was BRUTAL. I actually joined in on a group ride in the area and didn’t know what I was in for. I’m used to 14mph pace and our average for the 52 was 16mph, and back of the pack the entire time. I broke down half way through and wanted to curl up in the shade and call someone to come get me. I felt soo low. So anyways it was refreshing to read that I’m not the only one that had to walk up a hill!!! 🙂 I’m considering doing the Horrible Hundred this year, which includes Sugarloaf and all major Clermont hills.

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