I dug deep – and I pulled out a marathon that I didn’t even know I had inside me.

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How deep did I dig, you ask?

 

I slammed through 26.2 miles in 4:22:38 – a full 32 minutes faster than my first marathon and 13 minutes faster than I hoped to run this race.  Smashing my goal of 10:35/mile pace, I pulled out a 10:02 pace for the race.  This was my 30th race and BY FAR the best one I’ve ever run – I ran hard, I ran smart, and I totally surprised myself!

 

It wasn’t easy!  In fact, it was the hardest race of my life.

 

Started like all the other races!  I woke up at 4:25 AM, drank two coffees, and ate PB toast.

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Then, DadHTP, the Husband, and Nicole piled into our car and we began the 2-hour journey to Greenville, South Carolina.  I sat in the back and set up a “hydration station.”

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I drank a Gatorade on the way to the race, ate a banana, and I ate a Clif bar.  I also drank two waters.  I did NOT feel like eating 800+ calories before 7:00 AM but I knew it would benefit me during the race.  If you want to run fast, you better fuel up!

 

We arrived in Greenville a little later than I would’ve liked, so I booked it to the baseball stadium (the starting line).

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Luckily, we had enough time to grab my bib, go to the bathroom, and say hello to a group of bloggers + readers who were also running the race!  There was also a 5K (which Nicole ran) and a Half Marathon going on.

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Jen was also running the marathon, but we didn’t run together because she is much faster than me!

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Before I knew it, it was time to line up at the start.   This race was smaller and SO different than the Disney Marathon.  Although Disney had its benefits (more aid stations, better spectator support), I loved Spinx SO much more.  It was more personable, less of a hassle, and more relaxed.

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Elvis did the 10… 9… 8… 7… 6… 5… 4… 3… 2… GO countdown!  And then we were off.

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It felt so strange to be doing a race by myself.  I can’t even tell you the last major race that I did alone (probably a Half Marathon in late 2008?).  But I really WANTED to do this marathon alone.  I wanted to see what I was capable of when I was dictating when to run and how fast and when to take walking breaks.

 

The first few miles flew by!  I was using Nicole’s Garmin because mine died on the way to Greenville, and I didn’t realize she didn’t have AutoLap on (which automatically tells you the pace each mile.  But I did the math in my head each mile was pacing 9:10 – 9:50 per mile.

 

I was feeling GOOD!

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The course was beautiful for the first Half.  We went through a lovely park and along a Greenway with a rubberized (and therefore knee-friendly) sidewalk.  I was smiling SO big by Mile 6.0 as I realized that I WAS RUNNING A FREAKING MARATHON.  I was so, so, so happy and grateful as I remembered that I doubted for a long time that I’d ever be able to run a marathon, and then that I doubted I’ve ever run a second one.

 

The course looped back on itself around Mile 7.0 and I got to run by Jen, which was awesome!

 

I also started to fuel early into the race.  I took a Gu at Mile 4.0, Mile 9.0, Mile 16.0, and Mile 22.0.   I had carefully reviewed the course map and knew that aid stations were spaced 2 – 3 miles apart, so I carried my own water bottle and would fill it with three paper cups worth of Gatorade or water at each station.  I have no idea how much Gatorade I drank, but I never got hungry. 

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The other way I ran a smart race was I really focused on running the tangents to run the shortest legal distance (I ended up only running an extra 0.1 mile, which is NOTHING for a marathon).  Fueling right + running right = an awesome marathon!

 

And although the spectators weren’t amazing in numbers, the people who were there had such fun signs!  They made me laugh with messages like, “Only 5 more miles until yummy nom noms” and “Chuck Norris never ran a marathon.”  And this one, of course!

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Don’t worry – I didn’t!  🙂

 

At Mile 12.5, I came up a top of a hill and saw Nicole waiting for me!  I was SOOO excited to see her.  We ran together for another half a mile and then I saw my Dad and the Husband!

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I was feeling SOOOO good!  I screamed to the Husband, “I’m on pace to run a 2:07 Half Marathon!” And he yelled back, “I’ve been Twittering from CaitlinHTP this whole time!”  Only when I got back to the car did I find out he was tweeting stuff like this (and everyone thought that I was tweeting while running!):

 

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It’s like he was reading my mind!  🙂

 

At Mile 16, I realized that I could hit the lap button manually as I passed each mile marker.  So from this point out, I have mile splits.  I ran Mile 1 – 15 in 2:27:44, which is an average pace of 9:47.

 

The excitement of running the marathon began to wear off around Mile 16.  I was definitely beginning to feel the distance and began to take walking breaks.  I have written many times before about how much I LOVE walking breaks, and I am happy to report that I used the walk/run method throughout the second half of the marathon!  I walked every mile, and for the last four miles, I walked every half mile.  I walked during Mile 25 about 4 times and still had awesome times.  Walking RULES.  I also took a few stretching breaks to do downward dogs.

 

  • Mile 16: 9:59
  • Mile 17: 10:06 <—my first 10:00+ mile
  • Mile 18: 9:51
  • Mile 19: 9:35
  • Mile 20: 10:18

 

I was so excited to see Mile 20 – the furthest I ran this training – that I stopped to take a picture of the mile marker!

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Also, around this time, I came up alongside the 4:15 pace leader.  He said he was a little behind his goal pace, but I could barely believe that I was even TALKING TO the 4:15 pacer.  I told him, “I NEVER though I’d see you!” 🙂 I did some math and quickly realized that I might be able to run a 4:20 marathon.  I began to FREAK OUT.  I was so excited that I was doing so well!

 

But then… I hit Mile 23.

 

Mile 23 was the death march during the Disney Marathon.  During that race, my pace shot up because I literally could not do anything but shuffle.  It was an excruciating mile.   When I passed the Mile 23 marker during this race, I became so scared.  I really was waiting to get hit by exhaustion.  I knew I was pushing my pace and really feared that I would crash and burn.  I put on Eminem’s  “Til I Collapse” and walked/ran my way to glory.

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  • Mile 23: 10:51
  • Mile 24: 10:31
  • Mile 25: 10:13

 

Also, side note:  I had to stare at this guy for Mile 23 – 25.  I wanted to kill him.  I felt like he was mocking me.  😉

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At Mile 25, I really started to get ITCHY!!! :)  I knew the marathon was almost over, and I really wanted it to end ASAP.  That’s when I saw Nicole’s smiling face again!

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Nicole was SO awesome and ran Mile 26 with me! I really needed her there, too.  I couldn’t hold a conversation (I really felt like death) but I reached over and squeezed her arm to say, “Thank you.  I cannot talk but I am so glad you are here!”

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  • Mile 26: 10:38
  • Mile 26 – 0.2: 1:55

 

Nicole said goodbye as I entered the stadium for my victory lap.  I began to cry the minute I hit the field and literally openly sobbed as I crossed the finish line.  I had big tears running down my face.  I was exhausted, my legs hurt, and I was so proud of myself.

 

Pain is temporary, pride is forever.

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When I looked down and saw my time – 4:22:38 – I was FLOORED.  I never, ever thought I had a sub 4:30 marathon in me.  But I’ve spent the last three months training right, eating well, and doing lots of yoga.  Three cheers for what another 10 months of healthy, happy living does for a girl – it knocked 32 minutes off my marathon personal record!

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The cruel irony was that I had to climb the stadium stairs after running 26.2 miles – and it hurt.

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Jen also ran an awesome marathon, and Nicole kicked butt on the 5K!  Check out their blogs for recaps.

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I stumbled over to the food display and grabbed some Pumpkin Bread (obviously).

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And after sitting down for a few minutes, we piled into the car and headed for my personal version of heaven – Whole Foods hot bar.

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I piled my plate with 1.5 pounds of macaroni and cheese, tofu, sweet potato casserole, black beans and rice, and veggies.  I also had a coke.  🙂

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I pulled on my compression socks (which really do work) and we drove home!  When I arrived, I pulled out the blender and made a protein smoothie (2 cups spinach, 1 cup almond breeze, 2 tablespoons protein, flax, and a banana).

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There is MUCH more refueling in my future. 

 

This race was a wonderfully amazing race.  I don’t think I’ve set a PR in over a year (at least), and it was absolutely glorious to do it on the biggest, baddest race distance I’ll ever tackle – the marathon!

 

Thank you SO much for your support!!!

{ 328 comments }

 

  • Kristina @ spabettie October 30, 2010, 5:17 pm

    CONGRATS !! that is an AWESOME time !! 😀 and I *LOVE* that Elvis was there… <3

  • Val @ Balancing Val October 30, 2010, 5:17 pm

    26.2 in 262 minutes! Your awesome! 🙂

    • Julie @SavvyEats October 30, 2010, 8:19 pm

      That is especially awesome!

    • Heather October 30, 2010, 8:26 pm

      OH MY WORD AMAZING.

      • eatmovelove October 31, 2010, 9:50 am

        No way! I never noticed that – neat!

  • Erin October 30, 2010, 5:18 pm

    Congrats on an amazing race!!! I’m so stoked for you 🙂

    http://www.bishella.blogspot.com

  • Brittany (a healthy slice of life) October 30, 2010, 5:19 pm

    Incredible!! Congrats Caitlin! What an amazing feeling!!

  • Janessa October 30, 2010, 5:20 pm

    Yay! Congratulations! You’re AWESOME!!!

  • Lauren at KeepItSweet October 30, 2010, 5:20 pm

    congrats on a great marathon!! this is an awesome recap, i am impressed you are capable of even posting this today:-)

  • Chase October 30, 2010, 5:21 pm

    Awesome!!! Super excited for you smashing that PR!! Way to go Caitlin!

  • Anne P October 30, 2010, 5:22 pm

    YOU ARE A ROCKSTAR!!! So proud of you – wish I’d been there to cheer you on!

    xoxo

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine October 30, 2010, 5:22 pm

    AMAZING JOB!! Seriously- way to smash your expectations! You are so strong and should be so proud of yourself!!

  • Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete October 30, 2010, 5:22 pm

    wow!! YOu did so well!!! So proud!! Good job. Really, good job. I so would have wanted to throw a rock at that guy during the race too!! I bet he was just within your reach during the whole thing!

    Again, congrats, girl. You SOOOOO deserve it!

  • Sarah @ Sarah's Shaping Up October 30, 2010, 5:23 pm

    congratulations! you are my inspiration! 🙂

  • Emily @ The Front Burner Blog October 30, 2010, 5:23 pm

    Sooooooooooooooooo proud of you!! 🙂

  • Dori October 30, 2010, 5:26 pm

    Caitlin I am so, so, so proud of you and happy for you. This is amazing and makes me excited to run my own marathon (next YEAR)! Happy you decided to run this one, it was perfect for you. And I need to see if my Whole Foods has sweet potato casserole now, that is my favorite dish!

  • Kristy @ Kristyruns.com October 30, 2010, 5:26 pm

    Congrats! It was great to meet you and the other gals briefly! …the restroom was calling our names! 😉 We wanted to prevent that whole pants popping thing. And yes, that was def my favorite sign of the day!

  • Marci October 30, 2010, 5:26 pm

    What a great recap and incredible time! So happy for you and you looked great in the pics! Fun to follow your training and see a really happy ending. I ran 9.3 miles today and hate the stairs when I get home. It was my longest distance and I thought about you running a marathon at the same time. Hope you will be resting your legs tonight! Such a great accomplishment. Congrats!

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 1:20 pm

      Congrats on running a 15K!

  • Corey @ the Runners Cookie October 30, 2010, 5:26 pm

    Such an amazing feeling to PR by so much and totally surprise yourself!! Really happy for you 🙂

  • Lizzy October 30, 2010, 5:26 pm

    I have tears in my eyes!!! That is so amazing Caitlin, you ran practically even splits!!! If I run what you do next weekend at NY, I will be so happy. That was so inspirational and absolutely amazing. So so proud of you!

  • Carolyn @ eatlivebewell. wordpress.com October 30, 2010, 5:26 pm

    Awesome race recap! I’ll read this before my half in a few weeks. I’ve trained hard, I’m running fast, and just because my training run hurt today, doesn’t mean I can’t kick ass during my race.

    I’m also a fan of run/walk. I ran a marathon using that method a few years ago.

  • Sarah for Real October 30, 2010, 5:27 pm

    Congratulations!!!! You are truly an amazing and inspiring woman!

  • KIMpossible October 30, 2010, 5:27 pm

    I’m embarking upon my first marathon on January 30th. I just read your recap and even though I don’t know you, I’m smiling from ear to ear with pride for you! That is an amazing accomplishment and just goes to show how hard work and dedication pays off! I’m going to keep reading this whenever I have my doubts about my own race! You rock! =D

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun October 30, 2010, 5:27 pm

    I just teared up reading that because I can tell how happy you are. You did amazing! I hope the rest of the weekend is filled with relaxation and good eats. And PRIDE!

  • tina October 30, 2010, 5:28 pm

    congrats girl!!!! i was thinking of you this AM and am SO happy to read how WELL and STRONG you did- thats freaking fantastic! be so proud of yourself, get lots of rest and fuel up!!!!!

  • Erika @ Food, Fitness, & Fun October 30, 2010, 5:28 pm

    Wow! Congrats on an awesome race! 🙂 You are such an inspiration!

  • Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) October 30, 2010, 5:29 pm

    WELL DONE!!! 😀 That was AMAZING and so INSPIRATIONAL! Yet another medal to add to your amazing collection! 🙂 That is a really awesome time, so CONGRATULATIONS again!!

  • Amanda @ Vegacious October 30, 2010, 5:30 pm

    You are awesome – and you inspire so many (including me)!!! Congratulations!

  • Amber October 30, 2010, 5:30 pm

    Congrats!!! So inspiring! Brought tears to my eyes!!

  • Jen47 October 30, 2010, 5:30 pm

    *sniff* You are AMAZING girl! I”m so incredibly proud of you! You inspire me so much! You constantly remind me of what we are all really capable of if we work hard and don’t give up! I heart you! 🙂 Get some rest!

  • Sarah October 30, 2010, 5:30 pm

    Okay, I started to tear up reading this – congratulations! I was actually thinking about you today. I had a 10 mile training run for my first half and this was the first time I hit double digits. I have some friends running half today so I thought about you all running the spinx and my friends doing races around the country – it gave me such a boost!

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 1:27 pm

      Congrats on double digits!

  • Priscilla October 30, 2010, 5:31 pm

    Congratulations Caitlin! Thanks for sharing your journey to Marathon #2! Awesome! 🙂

  • Little Bookworm October 30, 2010, 5:31 pm

    Congratulations Caitlin, you are amazing! 🙂

  • Kim October 30, 2010, 5:31 pm

    Congrats!!!! You are amazing and so inspiring! Great race!

  • sarah October 30, 2010, 5:31 pm

    You ran a smart and very, very strong race! I thought of you this morning. Wishing you many more PRs :>

  • Kaci October 30, 2010, 5:32 pm

    You are amazing!! CONGRATS!! =) XOXO

  • Maria@LaPiattini October 30, 2010, 5:32 pm

    What an amazing recap! Congratulations on your new personal record. And thanks for the info on tangents, I read that article and didn’t know that until now- good tip 🙂

  • qualler October 30, 2010, 5:32 pm

    Awesome job. Reading this makes me excited about doing my second Marathon by training and fueling smarter than the first. I did a 5k this morning after doing a month of core training, something I lacked in Marathon training, and felt so good. Can’t wait to do my next Marathon next may!

  • Jennifer@ knackfornutrition October 30, 2010, 5:33 pm

    Wow!! That is so great! I am so happy for you!!! Congratulations!

  • elaine! October 30, 2010, 5:35 pm

    Super duper epic OMG marathon congratulations!!!! Way to go!

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) October 30, 2010, 5:35 pm

    Holy crap speedy! Your recaps always make me cry.

  • healthy ashley October 30, 2010, 5:36 pm

    So proud of you!!!

  • hippierunner October 30, 2010, 5:36 pm

    I enjoyed reading this so much! Congratulations! You are AWESOME!

  • JL goes Vegan October 30, 2010, 5:36 pm

    Congratulations!!! A race well run!

  • girlevolving October 30, 2010, 5:38 pm

    Two weeks ago I ran a 4:22 as well… a 32 minute PR for me, too! It felt SO amazing to run the race I knew I had in me (or even better than I thought!). I’m so happy for you!

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 1:34 pm

      we’re marathon twins!

  • Brittany October 30, 2010, 5:38 pm

    How wonderful! You did such a great job! And you kicked marathon ass and had a great time! Thanks for the motivation today 🙂 <3

  • Stephanie October 30, 2010, 5:38 pm

    Caitlin, you are so cute. Congratulations on running such an awesome race. You really inspire people like me!

  • karen October 30, 2010, 5:39 pm

    I am so happy for you – what an exciting accomplishment! I saw some of your hubby’s tweets and for a bit I wondered if you were actually tweeting while running. LOL.

  • Jen October 30, 2010, 5:40 pm

    Congratulations Caitlin!!! It sounds like you had an amazing race and wait to go on smashing your marathon PR!!

  • Amy* October 30, 2010, 5:40 pm

    Congratulations! Reading this has me so excited for my own upcoming marathon. You are inspiring!*

  • Amy October 30, 2010, 5:40 pm

    Great job Caitlin! I feel weird being so happy for someone I don’t know, but I truly am! I’m about to go for a run myself, and you are definitely inspiring me :).

  • Rachael October 30, 2010, 5:41 pm

    Fantastic job Caitlin!! This is so inspiring!! 🙂

  • Shelly October 30, 2010, 5:42 pm

    Good job!!! I thought about you today when I was waking up bright and early for my half marathon. Congrats on your awesome PR!!!

  • caronae October 30, 2010, 5:42 pm

    Congrats Caitlin You sound so happy in this recap, and I am happy for you! 🙂 You seriously improved so much, and it sounds like you ran a really smart race. That is the best feeling in the world — running a smart and a fast race!

    Keep up the awesomeness!

  • Kathleen October 30, 2010, 5:43 pm

    Woohoo! Congrats to you on your awesome time and three cheers to feeling fabulous after your race. I would have needed a piggy back up those stadium stairs. You rock Caitlin!

  • Book Worm Runs October 30, 2010, 5:44 pm

    Congratulations on an AMAZING race and an amazing day!! Now eat up and rest! :o)

  • Emma October 30, 2010, 5:44 pm

    That is so amazing!!!

  • Kristina October 30, 2010, 5:45 pm

    Wow! Congrats girl, for all your hard work. YOU ARE A ROCKSTAR!!! 🙂

  • sara October 30, 2010, 5:45 pm

    Congrats and what an amazing accomplishment! You are so inspiring-I need to remember this post for when I need some motivation! Pamper yourself for the next few days-you totally deserve it!!

  • Liz @ LBBakes October 30, 2010, 5:48 pm

    Congrats! I’m going to make sure to come back and read this again before my marathon next week 🙂

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 1:34 pm

      good luck on your marathon!

  • Ingunn October 30, 2010, 5:49 pm

    You rock!!!

  • Jessica @ Dairy Free Betty October 30, 2010, 5:50 pm

    AMAZING!! I cried reading the whole thing, what an accomplishment, and I can’t believe you knocked THAT much time off your PR!! Way to go!!!!!!!!

  • Jenny @ The Healthy Teenager, green tea and yoga, not alcohol and parties October 30, 2010, 5:51 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS! You did SO SO well and it’s so inspiring and amazing to see just how much your training paid off.
    What an incredible outcome! You’re my idol 😀

  • Paige @Running Around Normal October 30, 2010, 5:51 pm

    Hells yeah!!! Awesome job Caitlin!!! 🙂 I can’t believe they made you climb stairs afterward! What the heck?!

  • ida October 30, 2010, 5:52 pm

    Congrats on the PR!! There is nothing better than a post-marathon high, and you earned every bit of it. I hope you’re not too sore tomorrow and recover quickly.

  • Susan October 30, 2010, 5:53 pm

    Uh-mazing. Shaving 32 minutes off your time is unbelievable!! Congrats Caitlin!!!!!

    Bytheway, I had no clue it was your husband tweeting this morning. I thought you were just going wonky from the running 😛

  • Lee October 30, 2010, 5:54 pm

    You rock, girl! Great job.

  • Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa October 30, 2010, 5:54 pm

    Congrats! That is amazing! 🙂

  • Nikki @ Balance and Moderation October 30, 2010, 5:56 pm

    What a great race recap! Great job on your marathon. You are an inspiration to rookie runners like me. Thank you!!

  • RED October 30, 2010, 5:58 pm

    Awesome run! Congrats!!! I am sooooo itching to run another marathon! Especially after reading this! 🙂

  • Lynne October 30, 2010, 6:02 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS! I am so happy for you 🙂 Great job!

  • Jeni Wood October 30, 2010, 6:03 pm

    How did I miss the meet up? 🙁 I was looking forward to it!
    Congrats on the fantastic marathon! I had similar half results. I smashed my goal by 12 minutes and was 26 seconds away from a sub 2! I had similar thoughts when I had to climb those stairs…torture! (I wrote a recap on my blog) I love setting PRs too! (I had it easy though. It was my first.) congrats on your amazing PR!

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 1:35 pm

      congrats on your race! sorry we missed each other 🙁

  • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) October 30, 2010, 6:05 pm

    You are so awesome Caitlin! Congratulations on the great marathon 🙂

    p.s. I totally teared up reading this.

  • Trista October 30, 2010, 6:05 pm

    Awesome! Congratulations on an awesome race! I ran my first half marathon today in Minneapolis and the weather and course were beautiful! Plus, automatic PR – yay! It looks like you had great weather too. Did you see a lot of runners in costume?

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 1:37 pm

      There were NO marathoners in costume so thank god I didnt run in one.

  • ashley @ ashley's adventures in alaska October 30, 2010, 6:05 pm

    CONGRATS!! What an amazing accomplishment to run such a strong race with such a great attitude! I love love love reading your recaps (and, well everything else). 🙂

  • amanda @ Hungry Vegan Traveler October 30, 2010, 6:07 pm

    Wow! That’s wonderful! Good for you! You’re right – pain in temporary, pride is forever. You look so amazingly happy! CONGRATS!!!

  • Haleigh October 30, 2010, 6:08 pm

    Yay! Congrats girl!

  • Laurie October 30, 2010, 6:08 pm

    AWESOME! I can’t believe you were able to get this amazing post out after this long and incredible day! I love the way you said “Three cheers for what another 10 months of healthy, happy living does for a girl “. It is a good reminder, and makes me a little sad, because I’ve been less than healthy of recent. Rock on girl!

    • Caitlin October 30, 2010, 7:00 pm

      It’s OK 🙂 You don’t have to be perfect to be healthy and the body rebounds ridiculously fast. Start making small changes = they add up!

  • Evan Thomas October 30, 2010, 6:13 pm

    Congratualtions! Of course you had it in you all along 🙂
    I loved reading DadHTP and HubbyHTP’s tweets. They really sounded like you! Lol.

  • Teri H October 30, 2010, 6:13 pm

    So…so… AWESOME!!! Congratulations!

  • Benai Dickinson October 30, 2010, 6:15 pm

    Congratulations on an awesome marathon and finish, you are an inspiration!!

  • Deirdre October 30, 2010, 6:16 pm

    Congrats so proud of you! You totally rocked it! I can’t believe you had to climb stadium stairs after a marathon. That sounds killer!

  • Emily October 30, 2010, 6:18 pm

    You’re amazing. A real inspiration, not just for runners but for anyone who wants to achieve something.

    And you look so good after running your marathon! All glowy and lovely! That’s pretty amazing too.

  • kathleen October 30, 2010, 6:19 pm

    awesome marathon finish!

  • Amanda October 30, 2010, 6:19 pm

    Congratulations on such a great race!! You really are a wonderful example of smart training, fueling, and actual race-day behavior (walking, stretching, etc). You’re SUCH an inspiration!!!!

  • Natalie October 30, 2010, 6:22 pm

    Congratulations!! I’m doing my first marathon in January. You really kicked butt girl, such an inspiration.

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 1:38 pm

      Good luck on your upcoming marathon!

  • Carmen October 30, 2010, 6:22 pm

    Congrats on the amazing marathon PR!

  • Liz October 30, 2010, 6:25 pm

    Congratulations! Your husband’s tweets made me laugh 🙂 You are truly an inspiration!

  • carpensm (A Life Without Ice Cream) October 30, 2010, 6:26 pm

    CONGRATS!! I loved reading your recap so much… gave me goose bumps!

  • Brynn October 30, 2010, 6:28 pm

    What an amazing job! Loved the recap, I found myself getting teary-eyed reading your post. Congrats on such an awesome accomplishment!!

  • Jaime Runs October 30, 2010, 6:31 pm

    Aw I shed a little tear for you at the finish line part. Congrats!!!

  • Michele October 30, 2010, 6:31 pm

    Congratulations!!! I love your recap and am so happy for you. Seriously, the stadium stairs. I’m speechless.

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey October 30, 2010, 6:31 pm

    You did amazing! Great job Caitlin! For a while I was wondering how the heck you were tweeting! 🙂

    Keep on eating!

  • Maeve October 30, 2010, 6:33 pm

    You’re amazing! Congrats! This is what the MC article should have talked about. You’re an inspiration to us all!

  • Mandy October 30, 2010, 6:34 pm

    Incredible, congratulations! How do you manage to look so damn good after running for four hours straight?! In that photo of you holding your medal post-race, you look like you’d just been for a leisurely stroll in the park.

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 1:38 pm

      I washed my face in the bathroom 🙂 That always helps!

  • Lisa @ Early Morning Run October 30, 2010, 6:39 pm

    Congrats on a great race!! What a huge difference in your pace and pushing through mile 23 and then having negative splits the rest of the way? Awesome!! (Can’t believe they made you climb stairs though afterwards. Now that’s brutal!)

    Enjoy and celebrate your awesome accomplishment!!

  • Michelle (The Runner's Plate) October 30, 2010, 6:39 pm

    Awesome recap!! I am so excited that everything went well and your time was better than you expected!! This really makes me want to run another marathon soon!

  • Kath October 30, 2010, 6:40 pm

    Woooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So happy for you!!

  • Robyn October 30, 2010, 6:40 pm

    yay you!!!

  • Kiran October 30, 2010, 6:42 pm

    Yahoo! You did it Caitlin.. Congrats!!!!!!!

  • Brynn October 30, 2010, 6:46 pm

    Woohoooo! Congratulations! You make me want to run a marathon!

  • Christina October 30, 2010, 6:47 pm

    Congrats Caitlin! Way to kick ass!!

  • John Black October 30, 2010, 6:48 pm

    Katie,
    I’m so proud of you, I think the best is yet to come.
    Love you,
    John

  • Marisa @Loser for Life October 30, 2010, 6:49 pm

    Wow, great recap, Caitlin! What a wonderful experience! Congrats!!!!!

  • Charlotte October 30, 2010, 6:52 pm

    Congratulations Caitlin! You deserve every ounce of happiness you’re feeling right now and you inspire me every day!

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit October 30, 2010, 6:53 pm

    You are amazing! congratulations 🙂

  • christina cadden October 30, 2010, 6:54 pm

    Congrats on your run!

  • Alison (Ali on the Run) October 30, 2010, 6:54 pm

    Amazing!!! Congratulations, Caitlin! You’re a total rockstar and a huge inspiration.

  • Rachel @ EatMoreMeatLess October 30, 2010, 6:57 pm

    Congratulations!! So proud of your accomplishment today, keep eating and drinking!

  • Lizzy October 30, 2010, 6:57 pm

    CONGRAS Caitlin!!!! thats awesome. reading this brought back tears! so proud of you!

  • Samantha @ Mama Notes October 30, 2010, 6:59 pm

    I practically teard up reading this- way to go girl!!!

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing October 30, 2010, 7:02 pm

    Congratulation!! You are so awesome! I PR’d today at the Wicked 10K and it’s a great feeling.

  • Casie October 30, 2010, 7:03 pm

    You totally smashed it!! Congratulations!
    You’re an inspiration, I’m looking to hit 4:30 for my second marathon too. Hope you recover well.

  • Leah @ Why Deprive? October 30, 2010, 7:06 pm

    Congratulations!! Taking 32 minutes off your time is beyond incredible!!
    It makes so much more sense now that I know your husband was tweeting for you. I wondered how you were pulling that off!

  • Gracie October 30, 2010, 7:06 pm

    CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You seriously rock. XOXOXO

  • natalie@http://healthybalancingact.blogspot.com/ October 30, 2010, 7:07 pm

    wow! congrats reading your re-cap brang tears to my eyes..you have totally inspired me. way to go girl!!!

  • Mary October 30, 2010, 7:08 pm

    Congratulations on your awesome finish. The recap made me cry!

  • michelle October 30, 2010, 7:10 pm

    great recap!

  • Heather October 30, 2010, 7:11 pm

    way to go! you did so great! I am sure I will cry when I do my full in january. I was thinking of you and Jen when I was running my half mary this morning!

  • Camille October 30, 2010, 7:13 pm

    You did incredible!
    Congrats on a job amazingly done!

  • Amy Ramos October 30, 2010, 7:14 pm

    Congrats!! You did an awesome job. I hope you are relaxing and then may be treat yourself to a massage soon!

    I noticed your hydration set up on the way to the race. Did you drink all of that? I hate to ask, but did you have to go to the bathroom alot?
    During my 1/2 earlier this month, I felt like I had to go to the bathroom.all.the.time. I did manage to drink plenty of water before the race. I don’t know if it was nerves or what. I think maybe because I did not hydrate well before the race, I did not do as well as I hoped. Then again I really did not have anything to compare it to!

    Again, congrats!!!

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 1:40 pm

      I drank it all in the car and went to the bathroom twice during the 2 hour drive. Then I peed again before the start. I felt the need to pee about four times during the marathon but I really didn’t want to sit or squat down in a potty. 🙂 So I held it. You could always just pee yourself… I hear that’s what the really fast people do 🙂

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) October 30, 2010, 7:16 pm

    You are a rockstar! A deep digging rockstar 🙂

  • Amber from Girl with the Red Hair October 30, 2010, 7:18 pm

    I KNEW you had a 4:30 marathon in you and look at you blowing all our expectations out of the water! So proud of you and so happy for you. You are amazing 🙂

    PS: Your hubs tweets were killing me this morning! LOL

  • Cristy October 30, 2010, 7:26 pm

    You completely kicked that marathon’s tushy!! So many congrats, you totally earned it!!!! 🙂

  • emptynut October 30, 2010, 7:27 pm

    wow. you’re just incredible…no words, honestly.
    I used to run…and I confess, I teared up a lot reading this…my body is suffering from a lot of stuff, and walking is a painful thing to do now. I couldn’t jog 20 seconds if I tried with vigor. So, now I just accept that its no longer a thing for me. At all.
    You are just…wow.

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) October 30, 2010, 7:31 pm

    AWESOME! Congratulations!!! You totally rock, girl, and should be so very proud.

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In October 30, 2010, 7:31 pm

    AWESOME!! way to prove that fueling and training right work!! Congrats!

  • kathryn October 30, 2010, 7:34 pm

    I ran the Spinx 5K today…at 7.5 months pregnant! I totally understand the rush of emotion at the entrance to the stadium even though I had gone a MUCH shorter distance 🙂 Celebrating with you!

    • the veg meg October 30, 2010, 7:41 pm

      i’m pretty sure I saw you at one point! i was like dang get it girl!

      • kathryn October 30, 2010, 8:02 pm

        Ha! I saw at least 2 other pregnant 5K runners…I may have been the only one in costume though ;). Congrats on your race!!

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 1:41 pm

      congrats on the 5k and your baby 🙂

  • the veg meg October 30, 2010, 7:40 pm

    those stairs were really not fun! but you are a MACHINE and you did so good!! Congrats!

    I wish I could’ve been at the meetup before the race, but i was thinking about you after mine ended! :]

  • Lacey @ Lake Life October 30, 2010, 7:40 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS CAITLIN!! You go girl- literally 🙂

    P.S. Did you see anyone in costume?

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 1:41 pm

      nope!

  • kate October 30, 2010, 7:51 pm

    CONGRATS girl!! you are amazing and SO inspiring!!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin October 30, 2010, 7:52 pm

    Congrats Caitlin!! You did an amazing job! 😀 This inspires me to do a race someday!

  • maria @ Chasing the Now October 30, 2010, 7:54 pm

    I know there’s already a million comments, but I have to leave one too and say I am very proud of you! You are an inspiration, Caitlin!

  • Meghann October 30, 2010, 7:56 pm

    I’m so proud!!! I told you, you had this in you! YAY!!!!! GO CAITLIN!!!! Now, I want to run another marathon… good thing I signed up for that one in December. Also, I want to run a marathon with you please. Just let me know when and where and I’ll be there.

  • Ilana October 30, 2010, 7:58 pm

    Congrats!!! What a fantastic job!

    About fueling up – my dad, stepdad, and uncle all run and race and I asked their opinion on “prefueling,” even for marathons, and they all agreed that they might eat larger the day or two (or week) before but they don’t eat a highly caloric meal right before to “get them through,” just their normal meal. Is this a to-each-their-own kind of thing, or is there a specific reason you think prefueling is the best way to go?
    I’m asking just because I’m still working out my own nutritional kinks regarding fueling myself for energy I expend etc and I’d love to hear all sides.

    Again mazel tov on the fab marathon!!!

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 1:43 pm

      Well, part of the reason that I ate so much was:

      Up at 420
      Left at 515
      Didn’t start until 8 AM

      I woke up hungry, too. I think you just need to experiment with prefueling, but I also think you should eat as much as possible because you will need the calories during a half or full.

  • Mary October 30, 2010, 8:00 pm

    Girl you’re SO bad ass! Congrats and I’m glad you did not poop your pants 🙂

  • Bronwyn October 30, 2010, 8:00 pm

    Congratulations Caitlin! so inspiring- I’ve just recovered from a injury and I’m finally out running again after completing my first half marathon in August (1hour 59 mins!) Watching your journey for this marathon has inspired me to find another race to train for again!
    This is my goal for next year: http://www.thedual.co.nz/
    If you ever make it to New Zealand make sure you come for this race!

  • skinnyrunner October 30, 2010, 8:02 pm

    like everyone said, congrats!! what a great race!

  • Nikki M. October 30, 2010, 8:06 pm

    You are AWESOME! Enjoy the rest of your weekend! 🙂

  • lindsay October 30, 2010, 8:06 pm

    Love your recap – brought tears to my eyes!! Congratulations!!

  • zoe (and the beatles) October 30, 2010, 8:07 pm

    congratulations, caitlin! well done! you’re quite the inspiration 🙂 have a fantastic (hopefully restful!) weekend!

  • Jacquelyn October 30, 2010, 8:11 pm

    Congratulations! I’m SO proud of you and I can’t wait to someday run a marathon myself!

  • JenRD October 30, 2010, 8:11 pm

    What an amazing accomplishment! You must be on such a high right now. Congrats!
    I was actually reading some of your husbands tweets and wondering how the heck you were tweeting while running…

  • Tanya @ Vegan Faith October 30, 2010, 8:14 pm

    Caitlin! I am so proud of you! Way to go! Have a great rest of your weekend!

  • Lara (Thinspired) October 30, 2010, 8:15 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS, CAITLIN!! I am so proud of you and feel so inspired reading your post. You are amazing. Job well done, sister.

  • Me-Linh @ Sweet and Sweat October 30, 2010, 8:17 pm

    YOU DID SO GREAT! Everything was going so well for you I knew you would rock it. You’re pumping me up for my race tomorrow.
    Congrats again, you’re awesome!

  • Cynthia October 30, 2010, 8:17 pm

    Congrats on your marathon. You totally rocked it!

  • Julie @SavvyEats October 30, 2010, 8:20 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS on your awesome marathon!

    Heather and I were wondering how you were tweeting while running… guess it was the husband! 😉

  • Karen @ Not Just Celery October 30, 2010, 8:23 pm

    Awesome job Caitlin! I love reading your race recaps! 🙂

  • Heather October 30, 2010, 8:26 pm

    being proud of you is an understatement. you are such a frickin rock star. can’t wait to see that medal hanging up with the others!!

    You are awesome. and, you know, epic.xoxo

  • Shell October 30, 2010, 8:27 pm

    Congrats Caitin! You are a machine girl! So so proud of you, you are such an inspiration 🙂

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) October 30, 2010, 8:27 pm

    You are so amazing for going above and beyond what you thought you could. Have faith in you and you can do amazing things!!!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) October 30, 2010, 8:30 pm

    Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Hehe, I love that “Don’t poop your pants” sign 🙂

  • Caitlin October 30, 2010, 8:33 pm

    Congrats! This is so inspiring. I’m running NYC next weekend and it’s my first, so I don’t really know what to expect, but reading your post made some of my nerves go away and made me really excited!

  • Heidi - apples under my bed October 30, 2010, 8:34 pm

    Wow. I’m so inspired! You are so right – I’ve been following your program, and all that healthy eating and yoga, and smart training has really really helped!! Congratulations, lovely. This is amazing. Such an achievement!!
    Heidi xo

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef October 30, 2010, 8:37 pm

    awesome! great job!! 🙂

  • Ramona October 30, 2010, 8:43 pm

    Yes! Congratulations to you! Thanks for the awesome recap, too! I teared up as I read the ending. That is so awesome! I’m pumped for my 13.1 next Saturday. Whoo hoo!

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 1:44 pm

      Good luck for your upcoming half!

  • Jes (@ Self Motivation) October 30, 2010, 8:45 pm

    You are amazing!! Congratulations! I cannot wait to run my marathon!

  • Carol October 30, 2010, 8:48 pm

    WOW! So cool! Good for you!!! I am working toward running a 5K and can’t even imagine a marathon:)

  • Jess October 30, 2010, 8:48 pm

    Congrats Caitlin! You definitely earned it. You are a true inspiration!

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers October 30, 2010, 8:53 pm

    Dang girl you killed it!!! Thanks for showing us all if you train right & you train smart, you do amazing amazing things. 🙂 WOOHOO!!

  • Sassy Molassy October 30, 2010, 8:55 pm

    Awesome race report! Looks like you had a great race. Sometimes the smaller ones are less invigorating with the smaller crowds, but you get a more personal experience. Glad you rocked that race. You look pretty happy throughout the whole thing. Oh and it was so fun to have your hubby tweeting things along the way.

  • Carolina John October 30, 2010, 8:56 pm

    Congratulation Caitlin! I didn’t realize you were doing the Spinx RunFest. I wanted to do that race too, I grew up in Greenville. I had a few other friends doing it too. Isn’t greenville a cute city?

    You put up a FANTASTIC time! Rock on girl. This is truly something that you should be proud of.

  • Cyclist Kate October 30, 2010, 8:57 pm

    Yay!!! Congratulations! So happy for you…you rocked it.

  • Theresa October 30, 2010, 9:07 pm

    I was so excited and energized thru the first parts of this post, I was so thrilled for you!!!!! and then you started to say that she met you at mile 26 and you reached your hand out because you couldn’t speak and you brought me to tears!!! You are a TRUE INSPIRATION every single day in my life…my life (esp. my eating habits) have done a total 360 because of you…I used to eat McD’s ALL the time and I now eat fresh raw veggies and almond butter ALL the time hahaha!!!!!!!! Thank you for being you and being such a shining star!!!!!! Happy Halloween!!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATS on your new PR and one AWESOME marathon!!!!!

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 1:51 pm

      Yay for healthier eating habits!

  • Andi October 30, 2010, 9:21 pm

    AMAZING JOB! Congrats on such a great achievement!

  • Grace October 30, 2010, 9:27 pm

    Congrats on smashing your PR. I am so happy for you. You rocked the race!

  • Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat October 30, 2010, 9:39 pm

    Congratulations!! You did awesome!!

  • Meredith October 30, 2010, 9:42 pm

    What a HUGE PR! Congratulations and be sure to celebrate!

  • SaraRM October 30, 2010, 9:46 pm

    WOW! Congratulations, I know you have worked ridiculously hard the last few months and deserve it 500%!!! I definitely was teary eyed reading this. Way to go!

  • heidi @ runaroundaroo October 30, 2010, 9:46 pm

    Congrats on your super amazing marathon! That is awesome that you rocked the race! Whoo hoo!

    Oh, and making you walking the stadium stairs after the race…just cruel!

  • Cate October 30, 2010, 9:46 pm

    Wow, wow, wow! Totally awesome! This was great recap and it sounds like a good race. You definitely rocked it 🙂

  • BethT October 30, 2010, 9:46 pm

    Congrats on the great race – sounds like you did an amazing job.

  • Patricia October 30, 2010, 9:46 pm

    Way to go Caitlin!

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound Weight Loss!!! October 30, 2010, 9:47 pm

    CONGRATS!!!

    What an inspiration you are!

    I remember a year ago I never thought I could run more than 4 miles and than 5, eventually 6 and 7……..all the way up to 11 miles now……but I did it and someday I hope to run my 1st 1/2 marathon and full marathon just like you.

    Thank you for motivating me to keep challenging myself, it is the best feeling in the world!

  • Sarah @ EatRunGarden October 30, 2010, 9:47 pm

    congratulations!! That’s amazing! It was so exciting to read your husbands tweeting as you during the race. WAY TO GO!

  • April October 30, 2010, 9:52 pm

    Great job! Your post is so inspiring!

  • Brandy October 30, 2010, 9:54 pm

    I have been reading your blog for a while now and really enjoy it. Even though I don’t know you, I found myself anxiously awaiting your recap and reading twitter to see how things were going! Yay for you – congrats on such a fantastic race! I am feeling so motivated after reading your recaps (and also some of your long run posts)!! My last marathon was in 2005 and I am definitely getting the itch to run another!
    Thanks for the inspiration 🙂

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 1:52 pm

      thank you so much!

  • Jamie @ Food in Real Life October 30, 2010, 9:56 pm

    I’m so happy for you Caitlin! SO SO HAPPY! Just enjoy and bask in your epic-ness! 🙂

  • Brie @ Brie Fit October 30, 2010, 10:06 pm

    Congratulations! That is totally awesome. I hope my second marathon will smash my first’s time as much as yours did!

    Also, vain: I love the shirt you’re wearing in the race. It’s really hard to find long-sleeved v-neck running shirts! Where did you get it?

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 1:54 pm

      It’s a brooks shirt!

  • Kris October 30, 2010, 10:08 pm

    Amazing! I got teary reading about your stadium victory lap. Yay for you girl!

  • Melissa October 30, 2010, 10:11 pm

    What an awesome accomplishment!! You must feel like you’re on cloud 9! Congratulations, Caitlin! You are an amazing woman! 🙂

  • Shannon, Tropical Eats October 30, 2010, 10:13 pm

    you rock! CONGRATS!!!!

  • Wendy G October 30, 2010, 10:17 pm

    Way to go!! Enjoy every second of this achievement! You’re an inspiration!

  • Nicole October 30, 2010, 10:17 pm

    Congrats girl!! You’re a rock star!! You really are an inspiration!!

  • kristin October 30, 2010, 10:18 pm

    congrats lady!!!!

  • tabatha October 30, 2010, 10:21 pm

    What are the compression socks for, and where did you pick them up at?

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 1:55 pm

      They are http://www.recoverysock.com/ and yes they work!

      • Tabatha November 1, 2010, 8:17 am

        I don’t understand the purpose? Is this supposed to keep your ankle swelling down after a race?

        • Caitlin November 1, 2010, 8:53 am

          They reduce overall inflammation. Check out the website for more info!

  • Jillian@ Reshape Your Life October 30, 2010, 10:30 pm

    Congratulations!! I am so inspired by your race and training that I want to run a marathon one day… But since I have only been running for a few months a 5k in December will have to do for now!!

    You are such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your life!! And congrats again on the awesome marathon!!

  • Erica October 30, 2010, 10:31 pm

    Way to go Caitlin!!!!! I knew you had it in you;-) I was at my son’s district cross country meet this morning and kept checking twitter to see how you were doing! Interestingly, he finished 26th and qualified for state! 26 seems to be the runners number of choice today. Enjoy your post marathon high…even 3 weeks later I still find myself giggling every once in a while saying “I ran a freaking marathon!!” Hugs and congratulations to you!!!

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 1:57 pm

      Yay 26 🙂 a good number!

  • Carin October 30, 2010, 10:36 pm

    Well done Caitlin! That’s fantastic. I find your posts so motivating and it’s obviously rubbed off…. I ran my first half marathon here today in Auckland! Beautiful weather (it’s Spring in NZ) and a great run, including the harbour bridge. I kep saying to myself “Wow – I never thought I could do this!” – but obviously I could! Perhaps you should come over for next year’s Auckland Marathon? 🙂

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 1:57 pm

      Yay! I want to!

  • Emily October 30, 2010, 10:39 pm

    Loved following the tweets today, you are so inspiring Caitlin!! Congratulations on an amazing race!!

  • Alayna @ Thyme Bombe October 30, 2010, 10:39 pm

    Caitlin, I don’t even know you and I am so proud of you! I ran my first ever race today and beat my PR by 5 minutes, so while I’m on a huge high right now, I can’t even imagine the pride you feel for what you’ve accomplished. Thank you for being an inspiration to women and girls that we are strong and can do more than we even know!

  • Amy October 30, 2010, 10:44 pm

    Congratulations! I was thinking of you today and wondering how your marathon went. I’m glad it was a success!

  • Mama Pea October 30, 2010, 10:48 pm

    Way to go, Caitlin. I kept thinking about you all morning. You KILLED it!

  • Justy2003 October 30, 2010, 10:48 pm

    CONGRATS!!! So glad that you were able to run your second marathon…AND kick its ass!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing October 30, 2010, 11:03 pm

    Wow you are AMAZING!!!!

  • Wei-Wei October 30, 2010, 11:13 pm

    Wow, you really busted out an AWESOME TIME. I’m so damn proud of you now, it’s insane! I’ve been watching you train, and you’re literally the first person I’ve watched train all the way from the first announcement (“I’m running a marathon!”) to the recap! I love this! You’re so amazing. CONGRATULATIONS!

  • Kate October 30, 2010, 11:19 pm

    I love the picture of you at the top of the stairs 🙂

    I loved reading EVERY SENTENCE of this race report- what a well run race, and a fantastic result to prove it 🙂

  • Allison October 30, 2010, 11:22 pm

    AHHH!!! Congrats! So cool!

  • The Healthy Hostess October 30, 2010, 11:24 pm

    YOU GO GIRL! Great recap! What a great race! You deserve to celebrate!!

  • Nancy October 30, 2010, 11:27 pm

    Wow! What an amazing job! You are EPIC! and INSPIRING!

  • Katheryn October 30, 2010, 11:48 pm

    Congratulations! What a huge accomplishment!

  • grocery goddess jen October 30, 2010, 11:49 pm

    I was SO excited for you when I saw your race time on twitter! You rock, girl!

  • shab October 30, 2010, 11:56 pm

    Totally awesome..by the time I finished reading this post I was all in tears..YOU DID IT!!!

  • Krista (kristastes) October 31, 2010, 12:06 am

    Congrats, Caitlin! Loved your recap — way to beat your goal and you made me SUPER excited for my Philly Marathon 😉

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) October 31, 2010, 12:14 am

    SO PROUD OF YOU I HAD TEARS IN MY EYES READING THIS!!!!!!! Best recap EVER. I think I say that every time, but I promise this time!

    Also Chuck Norris never ran a marathon almost made me pee myself.

  • Maren October 31, 2010, 12:20 am

    Caitlin, I am with Angela above, I cried reading this! I am so proud of you and I’m getting goose bumps and tears again as I type. You are SUCH an inspiration!!! I first got tears when you said the hubby was tweeting for you! That’s so awesome. so, so awesome!!!

  • Pam C October 31, 2010, 12:24 am

    Seriously you inspire me every day but this brings it to a whole other level! YAY! But honestly the wiked(yes I’m from New England!) quick Recap? unbelievable and very much enjoyed! haha

  • astrorainfall October 31, 2010, 12:33 am

    Hi Caitlin, you are an inspiration. I just got into running half-marathons and aiming to do my first full one next year. I know I’ll be rummaging around your archives for your other marathon experiences to get tips.

  • Terrie October 31, 2010, 12:39 am

    I am so HAPPY for you Caitlin! You are a running MACHINE! Way to go on taking off over a half an hour off your previous marathon time. I was thinking about you this morning as I knew you were running. And I was waiting patiently for your recap. 🙂

  • Alexia @ Dimple Snatcher October 31, 2010, 12:42 am

    yyyyyyyyyyyyyaaaaaaayyyyyyyy!!
    so so inspiring.
    i want to start running someday!
    i was also inspired by your lunch at whole food 😉

  • Rebecca October 31, 2010, 12:45 am

    I’m so proud of you!!! YOU. DID. AWESOME!!!

  • Amber K October 31, 2010, 12:47 am

    That is so incredibly awesome! I feel like words can’t adequately described how amazing you are. I feel a deep sense of pride even knowing you! (well at least I know OF you, 😉 )

    Nothing anyone can say can you bring you down from something like that. You went out there, you rocked it, and better yet you can continue on your healthy living journey. Way to go!

  • Maddie October 31, 2010, 12:52 am

    Yahoo! I was thinking about you today! You killed that marathon.
    Question. What do you run with? iPhone to take pics + water bottle? I’m glad you take pictures along the way so we can live vicariously through you after! 🙂
    GET SOME SLEEP!

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 1:58 pm

      point and shoot camera in my spibelt and water bottle in hand!

  • Maddie October 31, 2010, 12:53 am

    Yahoo! I was thinking about you today! You killed that marathon.
    Question. What do you run with? iPhone to take pics + water bottle? I’m glad you take pictures along the way so we can live vicariously through you after!
    GET SOME SLEEP!

  • Lauren October 31, 2010, 1:21 am

    you are EPIC!!

  • Mrs. Muffins October 31, 2010, 1:23 am

    You are SO inspiring. I can’t wait for my run monday morning so I can kick some ass like you 😉

    xx

  • Kelly October 31, 2010, 1:39 am

    You are amazing and I think you are awesome! Congrats on your fantastic PR! You’re the best!

  • Cindy October 31, 2010, 1:44 am

    Congratulations! You are A-MAZ-ING!

  • Laura October 31, 2010, 3:42 am

    Congratulations Caitlin!! You did so well!! Thank you for your inspiring post. In an hour I am leaving for a race myself, something totally different: 4k in fields through mud and water. I normally only run on roads, but thanks to your story I feel inspired to kick some serious butt there!

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 1:58 pm

      how was the 4k?

      • Laura November 3, 2010, 3:18 am

        It was great! I had so much fun! I ended up all soaked and muddy. We had to run through fields and empty corn acres and cross about 8 ditches with water in them. Recap coming very soon on my blog, I am still waiting for pics.

  • Penelope October 31, 2010, 6:16 am

    I’m so proud of you Caitlin!!!!!!!! You are EPIC!!!!!!!

  • Kimberly October 31, 2010, 7:23 am

    Congratulations on such an excellent race! Isn’t finishing on a ball field fun? (I did it for my last half and loved it.) You sort of make me want to do a full 🙂

  • Brittney October 31, 2010, 7:52 am

    That is so so cool! I know I told you in person last night, but you really did awesome! That recap made me emotional! I’m inspired 🙂

  • Becky October 31, 2010, 8:00 am

    You. Are. Awesome! CONGRATULATIONS on an EPIC marathon!

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) October 31, 2010, 8:03 am

    You are, in one word, amazing. ROCK on! You’re such an inspiration. 😀

  • megan October 31, 2010, 8:17 am

    YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!! Congratulations!!!! Enjoy basking in your sub-4:30 glory and don’t forget the victory beer!

  • Leah @ Simply Fabulous October 31, 2010, 8:39 am

    Congratulations Caitlin!! Amazing amazing. Way to go, you should be so proud and I hope you are celebrating big this Halloween weekend!!

  • Alicia at Poise in Parma October 31, 2010, 8:49 am

    I figured out around midway that you probably weren’t tweeting – I’m a bright one! 🙂 I had a very average (at best) training run for my half yesterday. I was doing my best to not get down on myself – but your recap set me straight. It’s hard to be discouraged with running when you look so happy doing it! Congrats!

  • Laura October 31, 2010, 9:05 am

    I’m so proud of you, Caitlin!

  • jess October 31, 2010, 9:32 am

    not gonna lie i got a little teary-eyed reading this. you are AMAZING

  • Jen October 31, 2010, 9:37 am

    I am SO proud of you! Your recap made me tear up!

  • Emilie October 31, 2010, 9:38 am

    Way to go! An awesome race and an awesome recap 🙂

  • Bobbie October 31, 2010, 9:48 am

    Great Job Caitlin! I was so looking forward to your race recap and it didn’t disappoint…it brought TEARS to my eyes! Getting Stronger Every Day!!!

  • holly @ couchpotatoathlete October 31, 2010, 9:57 am

    Congrats!!!! I love reading your recap!

  • Michelle October 31, 2010, 10:11 am

    Amazing and totally inspiring! 🙂

  • Morgan @ Healthy Happy Place October 31, 2010, 10:25 am

    Congrats, Catlin!! I also like smaller races. It feels like there isn’t as much pressure, and I do much better that way.

  • Lauren @ Girlwiththepinkhat.blogspot.com October 31, 2010, 10:30 am

    Congrats Caitlin!!! You should be SO proud!!

  • Carly (Swim, Run, Om) October 31, 2010, 10:32 am

    I’m sitting here absolutely bawling … you are so impressive and such an inspiration. Congratulations!! 🙂

  • Lindsey October 31, 2010, 10:34 am

    Congrats!! You did an awesome job! And that’s so cool that you came in under your time goal. It really was an amazing marathon, and it was great to meet you 🙂

  • Kelly October 31, 2010, 10:35 am

    Congratulations!! That is awesome!

  • Liz @ Blog is the New Black October 31, 2010, 10:42 am

    Congrats! Enjoyed reading this! I was mentally rooting for you as I read, like I was there with ya. 🙂

  • Katie October 31, 2010, 10:45 am

    Seriously amazing!!! Congratulations on pulling off an amazing race!

  • Heather October 31, 2010, 10:47 am

    Congrats! Awesome recap 🙂

  • Natalia - a side of simple October 31, 2010, 10:51 am

    So happy for you! Really awesome job, Caitlin. You deserve it.

  • Andrea @ Run, Eat, Date, Sleep October 31, 2010, 10:57 am

    Congratulations! So happy for you! That’s an amazing time!

  • Stacey October 31, 2010, 10:59 am

    Great job Caitlin!!!!! Very inspiring 🙂 I’m so proud of you!

  • Maddie October 31, 2010, 11:15 am

    Congrats on your second marathon! You did a great job and your time is awesome. 🙂 Enjoy refueling!

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances October 31, 2010, 11:34 am

    Congrats on an awesome race!!! 🙂 So happy for you! You are amazing.

  • Katie Key October 31, 2010, 11:51 am

    Hi there!

    I came across your blog after googling (2010 Spinx Run Fest Photos). For starters, CONGRATS on beating your PR for the marathon! That’s awesome! I ran the half (my 2nd) and beat my time from my first (which I only ran 3 weeks ago) by 14 minutes!! I really like your blog and I will bookmark it and check back often.

    Secondly, I saw your sidebar comment about a Marie Claire article and was curious so I clicked through to see what you were talking about. I am stunned. How dare they write such a scathing article! After browsing your blog, there is nothing unrealistic about your exercising/eating and you are most certainly not encouraging women to be unhealthy. Whatever you do, don’t take anything that article had to say to heart (I know, easier said than done). Keep on blogging!

    This girl will definitely keep on reading!

    Thanks,
    Katie
    katiemkey@gmail.com
    Greenville, SC

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 1:59 pm

      thanks Katy 🙂 I appreciate the support. Did you run the marathon too?

      • Katie Key November 2, 2010, 10:07 am

        I did not run the marathon, but I did run the half marathon! I plan on running the Rock N Roll New Orleans full marathon in February! Woot!

  • Susan October 31, 2010, 11:51 am

    Congratulations on your race! You must be so proud!

  • Becky October 31, 2010, 11:57 am

    Congrats on a great marathon. I live in Greenville SC and ran the 1/2 yesterday. So nice to hear how much you enjoyed our small city marathon.

  • Amara@GirlinaWhirl October 31, 2010, 12:05 pm

    congratulations! I usually never read on Sunday, but I had to check out how you did. So Happy for you!!!

  • Melissa @ For the Love of Health October 31, 2010, 12:13 pm

    Caitlin- this is unbelievably amazing! So impressive and inspirational! I want to run my first full next year- any tips?

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 2:00 pm

      I think Hal Hidgon has really good starter plans for novices, but tweak it according to what you know works for you. And do yoga!

      • Katie Key November 2, 2010, 10:09 am

        Hal Higdon’s programs are fantastic! And for each distance, he offers novice, intermediate, and advanced programs.

        Yes, yoga is awesome! Your body will thank you for it!

  • Lauren October 31, 2010, 12:39 pm

    WOW!!!! AMAZING!!!! I am tired just reading your review of the race though haha

  • *Andrea* October 31, 2010, 12:42 pm

    Caitlin – you should be SO PROUD of yourself! I am so amazed at how you tackled this marathon and even exceeded your goals! I’ve learned so much from you and your blog and you’ve challenged me to try things (running and non-running) that make me “nervous” but in the end create character : ) congrats!!!

    • Caitlin October 31, 2010, 2:00 pm

      Courage is the best thing you can have!

      • *Andrea* October 31, 2010, 3:44 pm

        so true… it takes hard work though sometimes for me at least. great race 😀

  • Lisa October 31, 2010, 12:46 pm

    Congratulations! Great run and and race report!

  • Leah @ L4L October 31, 2010, 12:49 pm

    This didn’t come through on my reader for some reason? Congrats! You soooo rocked it! Marathon recaps always choke me up!

  • Erin October 31, 2010, 1:16 pm

    Congrats on your PR marathon! I loved reading your update. Go Caitlin!

  • Kristine October 31, 2010, 1:27 pm

    Congratulations! You are awesome : )

  • Reenie October 31, 2010, 1:37 pm

    WOW!!! Way to go Caitlin!!! YOU ROCKED IT!!!

    I had tears in my eyes reading your recap!!!

    Soooo happy for you. 🙂

  • jayme October 31, 2010, 1:44 pm

    this is such an awesome recap!
    i’m bookmarking it for inspiration when i don’t feel like going out for a measly 3 mile run.

    congratulations! 😀 you’re so strong!

  • lauren (athlEAT) October 31, 2010, 1:48 pm

    what a great recap – bask in the glory today and enjoy it! congrats. 🙂

  • Heather C October 31, 2010, 2:18 pm

    “Fueling right + running right = an awesome marathon!” – no better way to put that! SO SO happy for you, Caitlin! The hardest races are the ones we learn the most from – about running, but more about ourselves. All that speedwork + yoga + healthy eats did wonders 🙂 as did your dedication to endurance and pushing through! Congrats, girl!

  • Meg October 31, 2010, 2:20 pm

    congrats caitlin on an amazing race! you must be so, so proud. i loved your recap too!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) October 31, 2010, 5:01 pm

    What a wonderful race Caitlin- congrats!! You should be so very proud!!!

  • Tricia Kuchler October 31, 2010, 5:47 pm

    Congrats! You’re awesome and so inspiring 🙂

  • Chris October 31, 2010, 5:54 pm

    What a great race! I stumbled onto your site while looking for reviews of the race. I think we ran a few miles at the same pace until maybe the 18 mile mark or so. This was my first and, while it hurt, I finshed!

  • Lisa October 31, 2010, 5:56 pm

    What a great recap! I seriously did think you were tweeting during your marathon. I’m kinda glad to hear you weren’t. LOL Congrats on beating your record!!

  • Jennifer @ Frost Bites October 31, 2010, 6:43 pm

    Congratulations Caitlin! I will be running my first half-marathon (ever) in 3 weeks. You are so inspiring! Great job!

  • Rebecca October 31, 2010, 6:52 pm

    Congratulation Caitlin, you did amazing.

  • ari October 31, 2010, 7:02 pm

    you are so freaking awesome.

  • Pure2Raw Twins October 31, 2010, 7:56 pm

    Congrats girl!! 🙂

  • Teresa @ Teresa Tastes & Travels October 31, 2010, 8:52 pm

    Seriously. So. Inspiring. 😀

  • Chetney October 31, 2010, 9:13 pm

    When I got to the part where you were doing the victory lap, I cried right along with you!! Many congratulations, how amazing!

  • Natalie November 1, 2010, 5:06 am

    Congratulations CaitliN! Super proud of you hard work and dedication! You are stronger then what you think 😉

  • Tracy November 1, 2010, 6:42 am

    Congratulations on finishing with a great time! Oh- I’m from Greenville and run on that trail all the time (The Swamp Rabbit) and there are unicyclists on it every time. It always irritates me, too (not sure why), but I laugh about it when I’m done!

  • Foxy November 1, 2010, 7:16 am

    What an AWESOME achievement! Well done Caitlin!

  • Sarah November 1, 2010, 10:19 am

    congrats caitlin!! that is so amazing!

  • lisasfoods November 1, 2010, 10:31 am

    Congratulations! You are an inspiration.

    I’ve only run two 5ks, and cannot imagine ever running a marathon…but maybe I have one in me too, for one day.

  • Cindy November 1, 2010, 10:53 am

    So proud for you, you did great!

  • Ellen @FirednFabulous November 1, 2010, 1:07 pm

    Ohmygosh, now you have ME crying! You are such an inspiration. AWESOME JOB!!!!!!!!!

  • aron November 1, 2010, 1:25 pm

    amazing job Caitlin!!!!! CONGRATS!

  • Sarah November 1, 2010, 3:28 pm

    Well done on this race! I’m so happy for you. 😀 Isn’t it amazing what you can accomplish when you take care of your body?!

  • Jen November 1, 2010, 4:02 pm

    You’re kind of awesome.

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie November 1, 2010, 8:09 pm

    Congratulations! What an amazing accomplishment. You make me feel much better about marathons that might possibly be in my future. hehe

  • maya @ finding balance in tokyo November 2, 2010, 7:53 am

    Congratulations Caitlin!

    Amazing how much you improved your time over your first marathon!

    I loved following your progress through the husband on twitter. 😀

  • brandi November 2, 2010, 12:33 pm

    LOVE this recap 🙂 I’ve read it a few times and am just so excited for you! Congrats!!!

  • Lauren November 2, 2010, 6:57 pm

    I know I’m a little late in saying this but — CONGRATULATION!! 🙂 It was really fun tracking your progress through the hubby’s tweets on Saturday morning. It sounds like everything came together for you on race day and you had a great race!! Congrats on smashing your old PR — that’s amazing!! 🙂 Hope you ride this marathon high for a long time!

  • Dee November 2, 2010, 9:25 pm

    I am super late, but oh my gosh!!! CONGRATS girlfriend! I knew you could do it! I am so proud lol and I’m just a blog reader. You must be on top of the world! You go girl!

  • Joey November 3, 2010, 11:08 am

    Finally had the chance to read your race recap… YOU ROCK!!! Awesome finish & congrats on breaking your PR! Woohooo!!!!!

  • Monica November 4, 2010, 10:09 pm

    Just getting caught up on blogs from when I was away on vacation, and I just wanted to echo all the congrats!

    This recap was great. I will likely never run a marathon and it was cool to experience this from someone else’s eyes.

    Really great work!

  • Madelyn November 22, 2010, 2:11 pm

    I’m just NOW catching up on my blog reading – I am SO far behind! – and finally got to read your race recap. Can I just say how amazing I think you are?! You are incredible. I had tears in my eyes when you wrote about the tears in your eyes. I am SO happy that the marathon went so well for you. I was cheering for you from a distance while I was walking in the 3-Day for the Cure that weekend, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the race tweets! I was definitely one those people that thought you were actually tweeting while you were running. 🙂 Congrats again! You’re so epically fabulous!

  • Ashley February 8, 2011, 7:25 pm

    I’m so ridiculously behind on my blog reading but just had to comment and say that I found this post so awesome and inspiring, and it brought tears to my eyes!! I’m trying to get back into running and hope to be able to run a marathon one day. Reading this post helps to give me more hope that I will be able to do it. 🙂

  • bonnie August 14, 2012, 4:14 pm

    Amazing! I just started reading your blog today and was dying to read your story about the marathon! Nice job!!! I ran my best marathon in exactly the same time as you. (Baystate in Lowell in 2006). I feel like you took the words right out of my mouth in your story about your race. I had such a similar experience and to boot, had to run a lap around a baseball stadium at the finish! I thought I was going to die when I ran into the stadium realizing I had to go around the entire thing. Thanks for the great story!!!

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