Spending the day watching football in Clemson was so much fun – and it was even better because the Hurricanes won.  :)  The town of Clemson was so alive and welcoming today – I loved it!

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Even though I didn’t go to sleep until 1:30 AM or so, my alarm was blaring at 7:15 (the Husband LEFT at 7 AM), and by 8:00, Jen and I had pulled out of the house to make a quick Starbucks run.  Then, the ladies and then boys met up to tailgate for a few hours before the game began.  I really liked Clemson’s tailgate atmosphere – the area we were in was super family-oriented, shady, and relaxed.

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Michelle, Jen, and I:

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Ben, Husband, and Jeff:

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It was actually pretty chilly this morning (Michelle was smart and brought a blanket to sit with! I was jealous).  It really warmed up though – I ended up getting burned from sitting in the sun during the game.

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But first: BREAKFAST!

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I had some fruit, a pumpkin and chocolate muffin, and a slice of cinnamon bread:

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Go beg Jen for the pumpkin and chocolate muffin recipe!  It was epic.

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After digesting, it was time for some corn hole.  What do you call this game where you live (if you play it during your tailgates!)?  I’ve heard it called so many different names, but I prefer corn hole.

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I didn’t make a single shot until I drank half a Miller Lite.  Beer is a performance enhancing drug for tailgating games!  :)  After drinking half a beer, I promptly made a number of shots.  Go figure.

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During the tailgate, I got to meet Katherine, who goes to Clemson.  I know her through Twitter!  So fun.  :)  She confirmed for me that it’s true  – Clemson is just dripping in Southern sweetness and hospitality.

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My experience with stadium food is that it’s 1) expensive; 2) unhealthy; and 3) not vegetarian-friendly.  Michelle and Jen warned me that the food in Clemson’s stadium wouldn’t be very good, so I ate a veggie burger on half a whole wheat bun before we went in.

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Then it was time to walk into the stadium!  I loved that Clemson’s stadium was right in the middle of campus – so cool.  Much more conducive to creating school spirit than a stadium that you have to bus students to, if you ask me.

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The game was completely sold out because it was their Homecoming game (and Miami has that effect on games in general)!  There were tons of people outside the stadium begging for tickets. 

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Due to our new budget, this might be the only Miami game we’ll get to go to this year (well, we might go to Miami v. Duke in two weeks because it’s so close).  :(  Last year, the Husband went to ten games, and I think I went to five or six. 

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Good atmosphere!

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I loved the release of thousands of orange and white balloons at the start (and then I couldn’t help but worry about the environmental impact of all that trash!).

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I snuck some food into the stadium, such as carrots and sugar peas.

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This hemp and flax bar, which was alright.

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And I snagged several handfuls (this times five) of Michelle’s trailmix, which included pretzel M&Ms.  I highly recommend pretzel M&Ms!  SOOO good.

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The game was a good one, but it was LONG.  And by long, I mean longer than most football games.  :)  It was televised so there were tons of commercial breaks and both teams seemed to take a time-out every two minutes for shady calls.  Once it was clear that we were going to win (sorry, Clemson!), I just wanted it to be over.

 

While stuck in traffic on the way back, the Hus and I broke into the leftover fruit.

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And I scourged up dinner from more tailgate leftovers before we left Jen and Jeff’s.

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A PB sandwich.

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Sugar snap peas, hummus, and crackers:

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I’m actually writing this post as we drive from Clemson to Charlotte.  I am SO ready to be home and crash in my own bed, especially because I’m waking up and running 17.0 miles tomorrow.  This is definitely going to be the make-it-or-break-it run for my last-minute marathon in four weeks.  If I can’t do this comfortably… well, I’m not sure what will happen!  I’m just hoping it goes well.

 

How’s your college team doing this year?

{ 81 comments }

 

  • Lily @ Lily's Health Pad October 2, 2010, 9:27 pm

    This was so fun to read! It could’ve been a day in the life of me as a Clemson student. 🙂

  • Tatiana October 2, 2010, 9:34 pm

    Jacory was freaking me out, but in the end we won! Looks like you guys had a good time! 🙂

  • Bethany @ More Fruit Please October 2, 2010, 9:36 pm

    I’m better at a lot of games too after a little alcohol! I can’t believe the crowd at the game – that looks intense!

  • Heather October 2, 2010, 9:37 pm

    my team is undefeated! GEAUX TIGERS!
    If its the same choc pumpkin recipe Jen gave me last year, then I have it on my blog under “recipes” as I made them the other day, they ARE epic!

  • holly @ couchpotatoathlete October 2, 2010, 9:40 pm

    The MN Gophers are doing HORRIBLE — ugh. I don’t even watch!

    Today Jason and I went to a MN Twins baseball game and it was so much fun! I’m not the biggest sports fan, but somehow being at the stadium is just the best!

    I love your shots of the stadium — all of the orange is just crazy! 🙂

    • Vikki October 2, 2010, 10:12 pm

      The pictures don’t do it justice. Gameday at Clemson is like a sea of orange. I sooo miss it.

  • Jeanna October 2, 2010, 9:41 pm

    You can do it! You encouraged me to pull the trigger for the Disney full! I did 10 today… just remember like all the training sites say- your long run should be done at a pace which you could comfortable hold a conversation! Knock it out of the park!

  • Maria @ a healthier Maria October 2, 2010, 9:43 pm

    This is so cool! I went to Clemson for undergrad & miss the football games… I’m glad you had a good time though I wish the outcome had been a different! 😉

  • Rachel October 2, 2010, 9:46 pm

    What a fun day!! You must be exhausted! Go Canes!

  • caronae October 2, 2010, 9:57 pm

    Sounds like a great football Saturday! Haha — I’m in college and I’m definitely not that into it! Lame Caronae.

    I haven’t tried the pretzel m&m’s but had some of thew coconut ones the other day and they were AWESOME!

  • Renee October 2, 2010, 9:57 pm

    I absolutely ADORE your blog!! And it only took pictures of my Hometown of Clemson for me to finally comment. The atmosphere of Clemson during a game is electric and I’m glad you were able to tailgate there. 🙂

    I’ve been reading your blog and have learned so much. I’ve started my running journey at the ripe ole age of 40. My sweet daughter has discovered her passion for running as well at the ripe age of 13 years old. In fact, she ran her personal best this morning at a 5k meet with her school…..25:02 after only 4 weeks and very little training! Yay!

    I just wanted to let you know that we BOTH enjoy your blog. I love the motivation and the yummy recipes. I’m only a few weeks into my running journey and I’m slowly getting hooked.

    Thanks for all your posts — And on a fun note, I used to earn $$$ when I was 13 years old by walking up to the Clemson Stadium and painting Orange tiger paws for tips during the tailgating. Fun Memories!!!

    • Caitlin October 3, 2010, 7:56 am

      Yay! SO FUN that you and your daughter love running. She is impressively fast, too! 🙂

      Thank you both for reading!

  • eatmovelove October 2, 2010, 9:59 pm

    LOL – everything is so Orange! Beer for coordination? Who knew?! …I want that Pumpkin recipe now…

  • Jen October 2, 2010, 10:02 pm

    Such a fun day! And you’re well aware how poorly my team is doing 🙁

  • Rika October 2, 2010, 10:06 pm

    I just gotta say- you and the Husband make a be-you-tee-full couple!

    • Caitlin October 3, 2010, 7:58 am

      why thank you!

  • Kristen J October 2, 2010, 10:07 pm

    In the midwest it’s called “Bags” – and I play better when I’m drinking too 🙂

  • Carolina John October 2, 2010, 10:08 pm

    85,000 screaming tiger fans will create quite an environment! Glad you had fun. my grandfather used to take me to clemson football games as a kid, and i’ve been to several as an adult too. but my last game there was around 2000.

    Let me know if you go to the Miami/Duke game. I’d love to meet up with you guys after! Duke is very close to us.

    • Caitlin October 3, 2010, 7:58 am

      yay that would be fun! i’ll let ya know!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss October 2, 2010, 10:14 pm

    Woohoo for college football!! It looks like you all had an awesome time 🙂 So far Auburn’s doing really well..5-0! 🙂 I’m knocking on wood after this, though. 😛

  • Susan@MomSwimBikeRun October 2, 2010, 10:14 pm

    Well I went to Pitt but I am currently cheering on Penn State. Go figure. My husband wans’t going to change so if you can’t beat ’em join ’em! LOL

  • Maria @ Oh Healthy Day October 2, 2010, 10:18 pm

    Oh Virginia Tech has disappointed me already this season…hopefully they will get with it soon! College football games are soo fun – though I feel old because the student section is just annoying anymore.

  • Andrea October 2, 2010, 10:20 pm

    As a Canadian, I find college football to be a very foreign concept. My university didn’t even have a team. Looks like fun though.

  • stacey-healthylife October 2, 2010, 10:21 pm

    I agree about the balloons. Good luck with your run.

  • Wei-Wei October 2, 2010, 10:21 pm

    It’s so fun to read about the healthy snacks you brought – and then that remark about the balloons! I wonder about that too… 😛

    • Katy October 2, 2010, 11:05 pm

      I actually used to spend hours before each game blowing up the balloons so I could get a field pass. It was one of my many joys to get to do this every game: http://www.katyandclay.com/2010/09/im-sorta-famous-again.html

      They are actually some kind of “environmentally conscious” balloon. I do know that at some point my freshman year we switched to a biodegradable balloon, so that can alleviate some of your worry.

      • Caitlin October 3, 2010, 7:59 am

        Oh yay! I do hope they were the environmentally conscious balloons. That worried me so much!

  • Tracy October 2, 2010, 10:32 pm

    I’ve heard that game labeled Cornhole, Baggo, and Tailgate Toss. I just call it Toss Across.

    Did you blend in well at the game? Both Clemson and Miami are orange – and that pic looks like a lot of ORANGE!

    • Caitlin October 3, 2010, 8:00 am

      hehe yes! if it wasn’t for the big u on my shirt, no one would’ve known!

  • Megan @ The Oatmeal Diaries October 2, 2010, 10:44 pm

    I love playing cornhole! Such a classic tailgate “sport.” This was a great day for football; glad you enjoyed it!!

  • Kiran October 2, 2010, 11:01 pm

    I miss attending games back in Malaysia 🙁 Good luck on your marathon tomorrow 🙂

  • Megan October 2, 2010, 11:10 pm

    I will be at the Duke/Miami game! I feel that it is my duty as a die-hard Duke fan to support the football team (even though they kind of suck) as well as the basketball team. Tickets to Duke football games are pretty easy to find – not so much the case for basketball though!

    • Caitlin October 3, 2010, 8:00 am

      haha yeah, they are like $10 which is why we are considering going 😉 we will have to meet up!

  • Tracey October 2, 2010, 11:16 pm

    I miss tailgating at college football games. I’m a die hard Nebraska fan! We have won all of our games this year but we really haven’t played anyone. The boys have been getting lots of penalties which is not good at all. Hopefully we can get that fixed in time for the more challenging teams!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing October 2, 2010, 11:17 pm

    USC and they’re doing GREAT. Boo Clemson… haha

  • maria @ Chasing the Now October 2, 2010, 11:19 pm

    Sounds like some really fun tailgating! 🙂 I love that it was family-friendly. I’ve never been to any tailgating area I would consider family friendly. It’s usually just beer, beer, beer.

  • Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat October 2, 2010, 11:19 pm

    My college isn’t really known for their football team, so I never really got the whole tailgating experience. Looks like a fun day though!

  • Kim @ Kim Lives Healthy October 2, 2010, 11:22 pm

    They aren’t doing too hot – they apparently just lost to Miami today 😛

    I’m glad you had fun in Clemson, it was a great school and I love the hills and the seasons up there. It’s a big change being in Orlando. I miss the nearby farm towns like Pendleton and being able to go for a drive and get lost in the middle of the mountains 🙂

    Tell your friend I love her purple tiger hoodie too 🙂 Wish they had that 4 years ago when I was there!

  • Jessica@tastyandtrim October 2, 2010, 11:34 pm

    Looks like such a fun time! I’m slightly obsessed with those pretzel m&ms – they are addicting! I hope you have a great run 🙂

  • Elizabeth October 2, 2010, 11:44 pm

    We WERE doing alright until tonight (Florida lost to Alabama). Talk about a terrible game. Oh well.

    I went to undergrad in the midwest and we called it cornhole.

  • Amanda October 2, 2010, 11:54 pm

    Your tailgates always look like so much fun! My college doesn’t have very good ones. I guess I need to go to more away games!

  • Amber K October 2, 2010, 11:56 pm

    I went to a community college. If we had a football team I have no idea how good it was or is!

    In high school our football team was AWFUL. One of the first games during my sophomore year was the last game they won while I was in school. Very sad! lol

  • Claire @ Low Impact Fashionista October 3, 2010, 1:19 am

    Thanks for this very cute homecoming post! Made me feel like I was actually at the game. I missed the homecoming game at my University (University of Minnesota) this weekend so I could see my Mom (she recently had surgery), but I know we lost! Seeing as we have the lowest paid coach in the Big Ten…and our record has been less than impressive these last couple years…it’s looking like the U of MN will have another sad season. That’s ok though I’m not that big of a fan 😉

  • Palm October 3, 2010, 1:31 am

    Sounds like a great football Saturday! The sea of orange looks stunning. The color, the crowd and the southern sunshine make the town of clemson look so alive and welcoming.

    I miss SC. Go Tigers!

  • Caroline October 3, 2010, 1:53 am

    This is the second season my Alma Mater has had an on-campus stadium and it’s pretty epic! Ticket sales aren’t much better though. Then again I went to The University of Akron and our team is (as usual) a hot mess this season. Still, I would have loved the stadium to be there when I was an undergrad – I hated taking the shuttle/driving out tothe old one!

    I hope you do makeot out to the Miami/Duke game. It would be great to have you in Durham!

  • Little Bookworm October 3, 2010, 4:28 am

    Good luck on your run!

  • Stacey (The Habit of Healthy) October 3, 2010, 6:21 am

    It looks like you had a fab time. I hope the run goes well.

  • Maria (Tough Cookie) October 3, 2010, 8:26 am

    I didn’t know you were a UM alumni?!?! Me too! GO CANES!!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin October 3, 2010, 8:33 am

    Your homecoming game experience sounds MUCH better than mine. It ended up raining all day yesterday, so we watched the game from my friend’s tv instead of going to the game. 🙁 But at least we won!

  • Gracie October 3, 2010, 8:51 am

    I call it corn hole too (even though “corn” and “hole” are two of my least favorite words, haha)

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) October 3, 2010, 9:03 am

    So fun that you were able to meet Katherine! I love her blog. 😀

    And those pumpkin chocolate muffins look to die for. I’m so into that deliciously orange veggie lately. 😀

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) October 3, 2010, 9:17 am

    Looks like a great time! I love doing things that are so full of excitement and spirit! I went to culinary school right out of high school, so no football team there. Unfortunately that led me to really not be in to football since I don’t really have memories of it.

  • christina cadden October 3, 2010, 9:45 am

    Looks like fun and I hope your run went well!

  • Katie October 3, 2010, 10:06 am

    O-H I-O! Go buckeyes, 5-0! Your tailgate looked like fun. I love to tailgate!

  • LindseyAnn October 3, 2010, 10:09 am

    My team (Division 2 Northern Michigan) is actually having a great year for us! We’re currently 3-1 in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play, and 3-2 overall. 🙂

    This game looks like it was so much fun. I don’t have a D1 team that I cheer for, but I always thought it would be fun to go to one of those massive games!

  • Joanna @ landanimal.wordpress.com October 3, 2010, 10:10 am

    Wow, healthy tailgating achieved! I attended a tailgate yesterday and all they had was bratwurst. I asked what kind of meat it was and they all laughed. They were like Who cares?? It’s like a hot dog! Eat it! The take home message was that they felt it is ridiculous to want to know what you are eating! I will be bringing my own snacks next tailgate!

  • Anna @ Doing Good & Living Well October 3, 2010, 10:10 am

    Oh tailgates are so much fun! This makes me miss college for real. Sadly, my team (UGA) is sucking wind this year. I don’t know what our deal is (since I can’t watch most of the games on TV in DC) but we need to work it out. I’ll be heartbroken if we aren’t even bowl eligible. *sigh*

    I hope your 17 miler goes well!

  • Lana October 3, 2010, 10:33 am

    I love, love, love football and tail gating!! I go to Texas A&M, so football is huge. I also agree with you about football not having healthy/vegetarian options…luckily there is a subway right next to where we tailgate so I always get something there before the game and bring fruit/carrots like you did. I so glad you had a wonderful time!!

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers October 3, 2010, 10:34 am

    I call it corn hole 🙂 Can you believe my college didn’t have a football team?! It didn’t stop us from tailgating though 😉

  • Katie @ peacebeme October 3, 2010, 10:53 am

    My boyfriend is in Afghanistan and his friend Jarryd (who is over there too) purposely chose this time to come home on leave just so he could go to this Clemson game…he is THAT into his alma mater Clemson. Poor him that they lost! But I think it’s funny that he has such Clemson pride. 🙂

  • Kjirsten (Balanced Healthy Life) October 3, 2010, 10:59 am

    College football games are so much fun! While I was at the gym yesterday I saw some of the Miami and Clemson game on TV!
    I loved that you snuck in healhty snacks! I always do this too!

  • Natalia - a side of simple October 3, 2010, 11:34 am

    Sounds like a great time! And those eats look so good and fresh. PS. love your cropped jacket, it looks great on you! I’m pretty short and can never pull them off despite my best efforts 🙁

  • Anne October 3, 2010, 11:58 am

    We definitely called it corn hole. Of course I went to school at Purdue, which is in Indiana “the land of corn”. Glad you liked Clemson. My fiance went there and we’ve been to one game so far together down there. We rotate between schools (Purdue, Virginia Tech(our grad school) and Clemson for attending football games once per year. So next year we should make it down there. YAY FOOTBALL!

  • Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa October 3, 2010, 12:10 pm

    Looks like a fun time! One of my teams is doing way better than the other! UCLA has only won three games, but we took out Texas last week!! My other team, Northwestern, is 5-0! I’m super excited and hope (knock on wood) that we get to go to a bowl game again this year.

  • Jess @ atasteofconfidence October 3, 2010, 12:20 pm

    Looks like you had a fun day! My team is doing great- University of Michigan! Undefeated:)

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] October 3, 2010, 12:48 pm

    I love all the orange in this post – my favorite color!

  • Krista @ Can't Survive on Yarn Alone October 3, 2010, 1:02 pm

    We call it bags by me (Chicago.)

    Anytime anyone calls it corn hole I start laughing. It makes me think of the Great Cornholio from Beavis & Butthead and I wasn’t even a big fan of the show!

  • Jill@BeerIsForGirlsToo October 3, 2010, 1:42 pm

    It’s called bags around me, and I LOVE that game!!

    Also the tailgate looks fun, only not enough beer 😉

  • Katherine October 3, 2010, 1:54 pm

    Seriously the coolest thing ever seeing my face on your blog this morning! haha! I wish we could have hung out longer! I LOVE cornhole, but I suck at it & your tailgate spread looks awesome! Ive been reading your blog for about a year now and you are even MORE sweet and fun in person, I didnt know that would be possible! Anyway, it made me so happy to see what a great time yall had in Clemson. if you are ever here again, please let me know!

    OH and its true- Miami was DEF the better team, but I still do love my tigers even though we are painfully struggling this year!

  • Faith @ lovelyascharged October 3, 2010, 2:02 pm

    Wahoo for tailgating and football! Now, I’m a pro fan all the way, but yesterday I got to go watch my boyfriend’s alma mater KICK BUTT!!!

  • Tricia Kuchler October 3, 2010, 3:58 pm

    We call it Bag-o!

  • Lisa October 3, 2010, 5:15 pm

    Those stadium photos are awesome! What a fun time.

  • Elizabeth October 3, 2010, 6:28 pm

    Next weekend is FSU vs Miami! I’m going and so excited to cheer on The Noles! Sorry but you’re team is going down!

  • Jennifer October 3, 2010, 6:41 pm

    We call it cornhole in Colorado. Great pictures, I’m glad your team won!!

  • Lacey @ Lake Life October 3, 2010, 10:55 pm

    I absolutely love your jacket, and the balloon pics were great!

  • Kristy October 4, 2010, 7:40 am

    Your brown jacket is too cute! Kudos!

  • Wendy Irene (Give Love Create Happiness) October 4, 2010, 1:36 pm

    your pictures of the game were wonderful!

  • Beverly October 4, 2010, 4:49 pm

    Thanks for the great post and pics of the game. I don’t comment often, but as a die hard Clemson fan, I really appreciated the pics. The atmosphere at Clemson football games is always incredible, and homecoming is always a blast!

    Glad you enjoyed your time at Clemson, and congrats on your win. 🙂 🙁

  • Charise October 7, 2010, 9:30 am

    I am Purdue fan, and we are AWFUL this year. We’ve lost our best running back, best wide reciever, and starting QB to ACL injuries. It makes driving the 4 hours back for every home game (we have season tix) a little unworth it, except for the tailgating with all our friends part!

    Also a fan of that jacket!

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