The Next Big Thing

on December 15, 2010
in All Posts

Ready… set… register!

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After wavering back and forth, I finally registered for the National Half Marathon in Washington, DC on March 26!  This will likely be my biggest (in terms of money spent, miles driven, and training effort expended) race on the Spring, and I am super excited!  Other blog friends are doing the race, too (like Megan, Jen, and Emily!), and we’re going to make a weekend of it.

 

My goal for the race is to run a sub-1:55 Half Marathon.  My PR was set exactly a year ago during the Orlando OUC Half Marathon, which I ran in 1:58:45.  I would really like to bust out a 1:50, but that’s a 8:24/mile pace and would require a ton of great training and perfect race conditions.  A girl can dream!

 

Super pumped up from registering, I ate some toast for a pre-run snack:

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And took off on a 5K training run, which I finished in 29:45.  I would’ve run longer but my iPod died and this runner does NOT like running without music.  🙂

 

Came home and made an awesome lunch. I am so glad to be cooking from my own kitchen again!

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In the mix: stir-fried corn and broccoli, vegetarian faux meatballs, cheese tortellini, and pasta sauce.

 

The mix was awesome.  I think corn adds a lot to a pasta dish because it adds so much texture and bulk.

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And here’s an awesome mid-afternoon snackie:  Pumpkin Dip!

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Pumpkin Dip is #1 on my list of Top 5 Pumpkin Recipes, and it’s for good reason.  Man – is this stuff good!  Especially with a pink lady apple. 🙂

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What big races are you gunning for?

{ 138 comments }

 

  • Michele @ Healthy Cultivations December 15, 2010, 2:56 pm

    Oh, how fun!! A race in D.C. should be a great experience… and a girl’s weekend makes it even better.

    I’d love to do some kind of “big city” event — like NYC, D.C., or Chicago.

  • Kacy December 15, 2010, 2:57 pm

    Congrats! That sounds like a super fun race!

  • Lisa December 15, 2010, 2:57 pm

    I’m going to start training for the Portland Century. It’s in August of 2011. I might do another bike race in July. Either way I need to start training on the bike!

  • Sagan December 15, 2010, 2:57 pm

    I would like to come have dinner with you 🙂 Your stirfry/pasta mix sounds SO GOOD.

    And congrats on choosing your next race – exciting!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) December 15, 2010, 2:57 pm

    Pumpkin anything is perfect in my book! Add in the pink lady…you are talking heaven! Congrats on the run and registration!

  • Anna December 15, 2010, 2:57 pm

    Yay! Knowing that so many blog peeps will be running the National Half will hopefully motivate me to light a fire under myself. The last 5 months have been a doozy for me, health-wise, so running has definitely been put on the back burner. Crossing my fingers I don’t any more surgeries/illnesses from here on out causeI really want to run teh race again. I did it in 2008, tried to in 2009 but got really sick halfway through training, and now I’m giving it one more go in 2011.

  • Tami December 15, 2010, 3:00 pm

    after only doing 2 sprint triathlons I signed up for a half ironman in late June! i wake up sometimes in the middle of the night thinking about it but last season I trained hard and was already doing the distance so I just decided what the hell…JUST DO IT

  • Sara December 15, 2010, 3:00 pm

    You’re going to be in my town on my birthday! If your schedule isn’t already filled, we should meet up for a little reunion 🙂

  • Jess@atasteofconfidence December 15, 2010, 3:01 pm

    Yay, congrats!

  • sarah w. December 15, 2010, 3:01 pm

    will u be staying at Emily’s house?? congrats!

    i’m here in DC too (well northern virginia)

    i’m signed up to do a 10k April 2 so i can force myself to keep up with my running antics this winter and lose 15-20lbs before my Costa Rican vacation!

  • Heather December 15, 2010, 3:02 pm

    I signed up for my first Half on March 27. Im nervous but dont think Ill have any issues finishing it.

    Any advise for a first time Half? How long should I wait between races? Im super excited and its still 3 months away.

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 6:37 pm

      It just depends on your body and how fast you recover! 🙂 I can do two halfs a month if I’m careful.

      Re: racing in general, I would just say: start slowly, don’t get caught up in the energy, and have fun. Remember you’re setting your PR so it’s OK not to go all out! Hehe.

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin December 15, 2010, 3:03 pm

    Awesome!!! I’m doing the half marathon that day in DC. We’ll have to get together.

  • tina December 15, 2010, 3:05 pm

    omg, i’m pretty sure i’m goign to be trekking to DC for the national half as well! we will definitely have to do a meet up!

  • Gavi @ GaviGetsGoing! December 15, 2010, 3:06 pm

    I love corn, too, but I’ve never eaten it with pasta. Maybe I’ll try it soon with my quinoa pasta!

    I am signed up for the Kaiser Permanente half marathon on February 6th, and I can’t wait! I’m looking to break my 1:51:50 PR…and have a great time running with friends! I am also considering signing up for a marathon in the fall. I can’t wait to see what 2011 will bring for running!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday December 15, 2010, 3:09 pm

    Congrats on registering for the half marathon. 1:55 is speedy, but I bet you can do it!

  • Sarah for Real December 15, 2010, 3:09 pm

    Bloomsday! It’s a ginormous (50k people) race here in Spokane in May. I think it’s 12k. I’ve only ever done a teeny 5k before so I’m nervous and excited.

    Shhh… don’t tell but my secret ambition is the Leadman Triathlon. It’s 1 mile downhill skiing, 8(?) miles mountain biking and 4 miles running. I’m thinking I probably won’t be ready for it until next year (2012) though. The skiing part takes time to learn safely.

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 6:36 pm

      that sounds epic.

  • Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks December 15, 2010, 3:09 pm

    The 100th running of the Bay to Breakers in May. I’ve always wanted to do it…even as a walk (people dress up and walk the race as well as run…it’s a big deal in San Francisco). I hope I can register, as they are limiting the number of participants this year.

    It’s a 12K and I’ve never even done a 10K, so it’ll be the longest race I’ve ever done. I think it’s a good choice though, as it’s low pressure. So many people walk, so if I need to walk, I won’t feel so self conscious. They’re even doing medals in 2011 to celebrate the 100th race.

    I’m super excited! I totally want some race bling! 😉

  • Leah @ Why Deprive? December 15, 2010, 3:10 pm

    Sounds like that should be a fun race!

    Your lunch looks fantastic. Thinking about it is making me hungry. 🙂

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) December 15, 2010, 3:10 pm

    My big race right now is the Disney Half- Marathon coming up.

    I want to do Gasparilla (the 15K, 5K, and Half- Marathon) in February, but I’ll have to see how my IT bands hold up after Disney.

    I would LOVE to do the DC race! It’s a little far for me right now, but (when) I move to DC in a year to a year in a half, I’m doing it! 🙂

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 6:35 pm

      Epic. I love Gasparilla.

    • Cyndi Eggers December 15, 2010, 9:18 pm

      Katy – I’m doing the full at WDW and am also nursing an IT band that acted up recently. I came down with the flu and missed a long run and think I made a mistake by picking up where my training plan had me – in hindsight I should have maybe revised and eased back into the high mileage (I missed a 13m and a 5m and when I went back I did my 20 miler. At mile 16 the knee started to twinge.)

      I will be so bummed if it keeps me from the finish – I’ve trained so religiously for this! Good luck and here’s to good weather that weekend!

  • Jen @ Jen is Green December 15, 2010, 3:13 pm

    The half in DC Sounds fun!!! I’m planning on running the Melbourne Half marathon in Feb! It will be my first out of state race (I’m from upstate NY). I also got into the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile race in April and I’ve never been to DC so I’m super excited about that!!!

  • Katie @ Live for the Long Run December 15, 2010, 3:13 pm

    The National Marathon is going to be my first marathon! I’m so excited!!

    Good luck in the half!

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 6:35 pm

      Yipeee!

  • Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete December 15, 2010, 3:14 pm

    You can totally do it!! I’m so excited for you. Welcome to hardcore speedwork. The winter is a great time to focus on it too.

    I don’t know what races I will be doing next year besides my Ironman. That is pretty much my one “A” race. I guess I should start planning others around it!

  • mindy @ just a one girl revolution. December 15, 2010, 3:15 pm

    I’m finally finding my motivation again for running, so I’m doing a 5k in February. Short but after months and months of very sporadic (often nonexistent) running, it’s a great place to start again and I’m really excited!!

  • Kim December 15, 2010, 3:16 pm

    I am registered for the National Half Marathon too! I submitted my Marathon Story and heard response today that I will be featured in the next newsletter. Hopefully I will spot you there! Good luck with training.

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 6:31 pm

      Oh that’s so cool! 🙂 I can’t wait to read your story.

  • Kim (Book Worm Runs) December 15, 2010, 3:17 pm

    Sounds like so much fun!! 🙂 My big race will be my first Marathon in October!! Can’t wait 🙂

  • Anna @ History Running Girl December 15, 2010, 3:18 pm

    I’m running the rock n roll marathon in San Diego!!

  • Victoria (District Chocoholic) December 15, 2010, 3:19 pm

    Yay! I’m probably running in that race as a relay team from my office. (I’m a wimp. Or, more precisely, a swimmer who sometimes runs)

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg December 15, 2010, 3:19 pm

    Fun! Registering for a new race always puts a pep in my step 🙂

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine December 15, 2010, 3:20 pm

    I’m thinking of doing a half in the spring- haven’t decided which one yet though!! And you can absolutely do a 1:50 half if you put your mind to it. That’s the pace I’m going for in my next race!!

    • Ali W December 15, 2010, 3:54 pm

      you should look into the long branch half marathon in nj on may 1st or the delaware half in april..both have pretty flat courses apparently and the weather shouldn’t be too bad for either of them 🙂

  • Erin December 15, 2010, 3:20 pm

    OMG, how exciting! My family is doing the DC run and they are trying to convince me that I can do the Half…I dunno though. We’ll see how these next few weeks go.

    If I do end up doing it…I would be OVER THE MOON if you could have some sort of meet-up. <3

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 6:30 pm

      Yes I def will!!! It will be super fun.

  • Amy at TheSceneFromMe December 15, 2010, 3:21 pm

    I don’t have any races in my future, but you and your friends are going to have a great time in DC!
    Maybe you can even visit Georgetown Cupcakes for an after race treat!

  • Ali W December 15, 2010, 3:24 pm

    I’m registered for the DC National Half too!! I can’t wait for it! I was able to bust out a 1:49 at the Thunder Road Half this past weekend and I would love to get down to 1:47 for this race! Any chance for a blogger/meet up??

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 6:30 pm

      yes for sure!!

  • Alison December 15, 2010, 3:24 pm

    Congrats on your next big race! I’ll be running the National half, as well. Just as soon as I sign up, which I need to do soon.

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 6:29 pm

      Hurry! They said it will sell out by 1/1

      • alison December 15, 2010, 6:37 pm

        I did! I signed up as soon as I left this comment. It should be a fun race! My friend at the gym is registered to run; she suggested this race to me over a month ago and I don’t know why I hesitated for so long. Now, I’m really excited about it. My husband ran the half in 09. He liked the course a lot, but he remembers it being really cold that day.

  • Kelly December 15, 2010, 3:26 pm

    I was thinking about signing up for that race, but decided I didn’t want to have to train through the entire winter haha. I signed up for the Cherry Blossom 10 miler in April instead. I hear it’s a great race tho!

    • alison December 15, 2010, 6:40 pm

      I feel the same way. January and February are brutal around here; I certainly don’t want to run those 16-20 mile long runs in wintry weather. I’m doing the half, but thankfully that doesn’t require quite as much training.

      My almost 9 year old daughter and I made it in the Cherry Blossom 5k lottery. We’re excited about it!

  • Christina December 15, 2010, 3:27 pm

    I’m hoping to run the Charlotte RaceFest half-marathon on April 16. I work in public accounting, so with the race being the day after tax day, I’m thinking it’s the perfect way to celebrate the end of busy season! 🙂

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 6:28 pm

      I think I’m going to do that one, too!

  • Tonyne @ Unlikely Success Story December 15, 2010, 3:32 pm

    I am super stoked about the Rugged Maniac in April. I think that will probably be my next race. 🙂

  • Jeni @ stepping out December 15, 2010, 3:32 pm

    On Sunday I signed up for the Hilton Head Half Marathon. It’s a small race but I love the island and it will be my first “travel” race. I already booked the hotel and everything!

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 6:28 pm

      I’ve heard that race is awesome, FYI!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss December 15, 2010, 3:33 pm

    Woohoo! Congrats on registering! That’ll be a fun race. 🙂

  • the veg meg December 15, 2010, 3:33 pm

    There’s a half marathon in April in Columbia (SC) and one in Charlotte, both on the same day. They’re on the day of closing night of my last show in college (AHHH!) and I’m not sure which one yet, but I’d really, really, really like to be able to do one of them!

  • Marina December 15, 2010, 3:37 pm

    Congrats on signing for the race, I’m sure you’ll be awesome. I admire your will and strenght 🙂

  • Jackie December 15, 2010, 3:40 pm

    I am doing the National Full Marathon!! I started my training about a month ago! :)the Half is a GREAT course, i did it last year, beware, there are hills!!!

  • Beth @ 990 Square December 15, 2010, 3:46 pm

    Caitlin–I’m doing the National Marathon too–only as a participant in the Half Relay! Will you be doing a meet up with DC area bloggers?!

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 6:24 pm

      Yes! Most def.

  • Jennifer@ knackfornutrition December 15, 2010, 3:47 pm

    See ya there!

    I registered for the same half about a month ago. Since I’ll be living there I actually won’t have to travel. So Refreshing.

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Graduate December 15, 2010, 3:48 pm

    I’m looking into a 10K for the spring! I’m not quite up to half-marathon status yet but I’m slowly but surely getting there. 🙂

  • Nancy K @ NancysPerfect10 December 15, 2010, 3:48 pm

    I’m still a toddler when it comes to running. Just did my first 5k with GOTR this weekend and now I want to do a “grown up” one 😉

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 6:23 pm

      Everyone starts somewhere! What are your dream races?

  • Brittney December 15, 2010, 3:50 pm

    I’m doing the Charleston Marathon next month, my first! Getting nervous too!! Maybe I’ll join you guys for the National Half if I’m not knocked up in March…lol!

  • sara December 15, 2010, 3:53 pm

    The only race I’ve ran so far is a 5k, but I’m planning on running a 10k, 15k, half marathon, and doing the Warrior Dash this next year. I’m super excited to train through the winter, and my husband is going to do the Warrior and the half with me!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) December 15, 2010, 3:54 pm

    Yay for signing up for anothe race!
    After last weekend’s half ironman – I am at a bit of a loss as to where to go from here?!

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 6:21 pm

      Ironman????

  • Whitney December 15, 2010, 3:56 pm

    I just finished running the Thunder Road half and am contemplating making the leap and registering for a Rock n Roll marathon next year, eeeek 🙂

  • Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa December 15, 2010, 3:59 pm

    I’m signing up for the Rock n Roll 1/2 in San Diego in June and then I’m signing up for the Chicago Marathon! Ah!

  • Lauren December 15, 2010, 4:03 pm

    There’s a half marathon in February in New Orleans where my family lives but for some reason I’m super hesitant to sign up. It’s hard to train in the winter in Colorado and I’ve only ran in NO a couple times, plus my IT band has been acting up. BUT my uncle offered to pay for flight and registration fees. So torn!!

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 6:20 pm

      Do it – can’t you just do the 5K or something instead? 🙂

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete December 15, 2010, 4:07 pm

    All this talk of training (and reading Tina’s blog about her marathon training) makes me want to register for a race in the spring. I’ve been hemming and hawing over running another marathon in June and I just need to keep thinking about it.

    Now that I’ve done one I know what to expect and can work harder on getting a great time.

  • Dean December 15, 2010, 4:10 pm

    I completed my first half in November but have been plagued with knee pain ever since. I had planned on doing 3 more here in So Cal and travel for a couple more in 2011. Saw my doctor the other day and he said don’t run. Ugh so upset. Trying to get in with a sports medicine doctor now. Regardless, I’ll be doing my first sprint tri in March in Pasadena, California.

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 6:20 pm

      Awww 🙁 I feel your pain! Get into swimming. It’s fun!

  • Michelle December 15, 2010, 4:16 pm

    I just registered for my first 25K trail run in February! It will be the longest I’ve ever run. I live in Oregon, so the race is going to be M.U.D.D.Y but I can’t wait for the challenge!

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 6:19 pm

      I wish I could do that race with you. It sounds fun!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat December 15, 2010, 4:17 pm

    That race sounds exciting! I admire your drive Caitlin. You’re inspiring me to register for a race when the weather is somewhat decent again! 🙂

  • Rae December 15, 2010, 4:24 pm

    SOOO exciting!! Ill be in town for work that weekend so I am running the full 🙂 hope to see you there!!!

  • Liz December 15, 2010, 4:25 pm

    That’s my big spring race too. Even though I have done it before and am not traveling for it, I am going for a PR too. I’m excited so many bloggers will be coming to town, especially since the race is on Saturday and we can go out after!

  • Amalfi Girl (EatRunHaveFun.blogspot) December 15, 2010, 4:34 pm

    I’m hoping to pull off the Philly half-marathon in November. Considering I’m currently able to run for 2 minutes and 15 seconds in a row–something I am exceedingly proud of, no less–it’s a good thing I have nearly a year to train. Good luck meeting your goal!
    Oh, and can you fed ex me some of that stir-fry? It looks divine…

  • Kjirsten- Balanced Healthy Life December 15, 2010, 4:34 pm

    The only race I have scheduled is the Sedona 1/2 marathon in February. I am debating if I should train for the San Diego marathon in June, but that is going to be up to my hips to decided if I can run that far!

  • Casey December 15, 2010, 4:35 pm

    Hi Caitlin,

    I’m running a half on March 27th and am actually really interested in seeing your training plan for this. Would it be possible to post your schedule? I’m beginning to set up my own training schedule and since our races are the same weekend, I’m really curious to see yours- as you’ve done far more races and therefore training schedules than me.

    Thanks!
    Casey

  • Lisa Fine December 15, 2010, 4:37 pm

    I’m off my running kick at the moment, all because of the cold. I’ve tried running in cold weather (below 40*F or so), but even with bundling up, I don’t like breathing in the cold air. So I’m doing much more walking and yoga in the winter months, and plan to find a race to run in the spring.

  • Emily December 15, 2010, 4:39 pm

    Hi Caitlin,
    Congrats on signing up for the National Marathon. So exciting! I am a long time reader and I am actually running the same marathon! I ran Chicago in ’09 but I’m ready to set a new PR. Maybe I’ll see you out there – I’m making a weekend of it as well!

    Happy running!

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 6:17 pm

      Sweet! I will def be doing a meet up!

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) December 15, 2010, 4:41 pm

    This really makes me want to sign up for a race. It is too bad our weather won’t be ‘runnable’ again for months. I will have to live through you! 🙂

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In December 15, 2010, 5:01 pm

    I haven’t signed up yet, but I’m already training for the Go! St. Louis Marathon in April. It’ll be my first..!!

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing December 15, 2010, 5:11 pm

    That’s how I make my pumpkin butter dip! Then I eat it with Stacy’s Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips 😀

  • Julie December 15, 2010, 5:20 pm

    Yay for halfs! I PRed last year in the half at 1:54, and I never thought I’d do sub 1:55! I don’t have any halfs lined up for next year until October.

    But I do have LA Marathon in March, Fargo Marathon + 5K in May, and probably a Fall Marathon. About 3 fulls a year is more than enough.

  • Katie in DC December 15, 2010, 5:21 pm

    I’m doing the National Half too, hoping to break 2:15 (I’m slow!). 🙂

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 6:16 pm

      You’re not slow 🙂 It’s all relative anyway!

  • Gwen December 15, 2010, 5:30 pm

    I;m doing the relay with my girlfriends that day! Hope there is a meetup!

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 6:09 pm

      Of course! We will have to do something.

  • Jill December 15, 2010, 5:34 pm

    Bay to Breakers 12km in May–SF!

  • hippierunner December 15, 2010, 5:39 pm

    I just signed up for the Los Angeles Marathon! 🙂

  • Baking 'n' Books December 15, 2010, 5:40 pm

    Are those who DON’T race allowed…? 😉 I didn’t realize how out of place I am! These are some great goals here.

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 6:09 pm

      Of course 🙂 I just love to race.

  • Samantha @ The Life Abundant December 15, 2010, 5:50 pm

    Oh how fun Caitlin! I think I will be ready for a 1/2 in April. I have a 10k planned in February. Right now I am most focused on building a good base and enjoying the run!

  • Emily Malone December 15, 2010, 5:51 pm

    YESSSSSS! I am so excited!! 🙂

  • Katie G. December 15, 2010, 5:52 pm

    It’s ironic you asked this question today…I just put together an entire spreadsheet today of all of the races I want to do in 2011…first priorities being my first triathlon and another century..maybe a 10k and tons of fun 5k’s in between! I need to weigh my options and costs and then will make decision and commit (register). Yeah for an exciting 2011!

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 6:08 pm

      I love that you made a spreadsheet. <3

  • Allison Lore December 15, 2010, 6:08 pm

    Congrats! I am actually thinking of making that one my first half marathon! I want to see if I survive my New Years Day 10K, first before signing up, haha.

  • Shannon December 15, 2010, 6:13 pm

    I registered for the National Half Marathon today, too! It will be my second, after this January’s Manhattan Half. I’m scurred … but it will be fun. I get to visit a college friend, see DC and RUN DC!

  • Michelle December 15, 2010, 6:14 pm

    I just found out today that I won the lotto to run the NYC Half Marathon on March 20th! So my training starts like, tomorrow. 🙂 It will be my first half marathon and i’m BEYOND excited!!

    • Theodora December 15, 2010, 6:20 pm

      I got in, too!! I did it last year–it’s a great race!

      But I’d been considering the DC Half…or full…also. Crazy to run both?

      • Michelle December 15, 2010, 6:22 pm

        Yay! That’s so good to hear it’s a great race! It would be crazy for me to run another half the next weekend but if you think you can handle it, go for it!!!

  • Effie December 15, 2010, 6:39 pm

    DC races are always fun as the routes are just amazing as you get to see all the national monuments. I personally just signed up for my second Marine Corps Half marathon in May and will be running the Marine Corps Marathon in October. Definitely one to check out too.

  • Danielle @ InDeesKitchen December 15, 2010, 6:42 pm

    I’ve been thinking about signing up for that… you will love DC though. Have you been before?

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 6:44 pm

      a few times! I’m super excited though.

      • Casey December 16, 2010, 9:02 am

        Some friends and I considered signing up for this one. I decided against it because I figured it would be a huge race and it might be overwhelming since it would be my first half-marathon. We are looking at this one instead http://www.run4virginiawine.com. I still need to get up the nerve to register!!

        • Caitlin December 16, 2010, 9:22 am

          Good idea Casey! You actually can’t have the National Half be your first, anyway. You need a qualifying time to run it. So maybe do Run 4 VA Wine first and National next year!!

      • Casey December 16, 2010, 9:42 am

        oooooooh good to know! I should probably pass that information on to the other two people because I think they are still interested! Thanks for the info.

      • Danielle December 17, 2010, 10:53 am

        You’ll love it – DC that time of year is the best!

  • LindseyAnn December 15, 2010, 6:45 pm

    It’s not a big race, but it is to me! I’m running the Bayshore Half-Marathon in my hometown (Traverse City, MI) this coming Memorial Day weekend, and I’m gunning for a 1:50, too! 🙂
    As for BIG races, I don’t know. I’ve come to love smaller races so much, the super big ones have lost some appeal to me. That being said, Boston remains a long-term goal (and why “Shipping Up To Boston” by the DropKick Murphys remains on my training playlis!t 🙂 )

  • nicole December 15, 2010, 6:49 pm

    I was thinking about doing the DC half because my sister lives there and we wanted to do a sibling race, along with my other two sisters and brother. No word of it will actually happen though.
    I just signed up last night for the 13.1 LA half on Jan 16! I hope I can break 1:45, but we’ll see.

  • Laura (Starloz) December 15, 2010, 6:52 pm

    i love love love phili, yummy. i cant imagin it with pumpkin.

  • Christine December 15, 2010, 7:07 pm

    1/2 marathon in February in Huntington Beach, CA (Surf City),a 21-miler in Big Sur, and possibly Rick & Roll Seattle in June (far and expensive, so we’ll see).

    By the way, I’m so making that dip this weekend!

  • leah December 15, 2010, 7:22 pm

    i ran the national half last year and did it in 1:52!! I live here in DC so if you have questions about the course i’d be happy to share the truth 😉 I did most of my training runs at about 9:30 min/mile, so if I can do it, i know you can too!

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 8:43 pm

      Oh thanks!!! Yea – tell me any deets you know!

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga) December 15, 2010, 7:36 pm

    I dont race anymore but used to do about 30 a year. I was always running 5 & 10ks, halfs, and marathons. These days, I am happy to just run 2 miles and bust out 20 mins of yoga and weighlifting moves in my garage. Kids…they change your life and how much time you can devote to training. But this is a good thing, of course 🙂

  • Lauren December 15, 2010, 7:40 pm

    Congrats on the next race. This one sounds awesome!!

  • Emilie December 15, 2010, 7:49 pm

    I’m still trying to figure out my ’11 race schedule, although I know for sure I’ll be running the Marine Corps Marathon in my hometown of Washington DC! I’ve heard good things about the National Marathon–good luck with training for your PR. I’m looking forward to reading about it 🙂

  • Tabitha December 15, 2010, 8:32 pm

    Last night I signed up for my first 1/2 marathon, Rock N Roll half Dallas. I am pumped and was so excited that you are running a marathon in March. YOu will keep me inspired and you don’t even know it. I hope to be crossing 1/2 Marathon off my “LIfe” List in March. Thanks for being the wonderful person you are 🙂

    • Caitlin December 15, 2010, 8:44 pm

      Yay!!! 🙂 We will have so much fun training together over the internet – keep me updated on your r!

  • Heather December 15, 2010, 8:53 pm

    yall will have a blast! I have been eyeing a couple of spring halfs but want to make sure I am fully healed before I register.

  • Victoria December 15, 2010, 9:13 pm

    YAY DC!
    I’m may be at school but I hope you have a blog get together (although I don’t personally have a blog….)! 🙂

  • Julia December 15, 2010, 9:40 pm

    You’ve just motivated me to start signing up for some spring races. I’m going to do a 10km at the beginning of May and a half a few weeks later. Thanks!

  • Erin December 15, 2010, 10:13 pm

    I was just talking to my husband about signing up for another 1/2 Marathon over Memorial Day weekend – I think I can do better this time around (although there was crazy heat last year so that played a part in my finish).

    And… I LOVE THAT RECIPE!!! I’m not generally a pumpkin fan but I would eat that by the spoonful. If you haven’t already you should try it with gingersnaps. Yum!

  • Kiran December 16, 2010, 12:26 am

    I am a sucker for anything pumpkin and this dip looks so delish!

  • Amber K December 16, 2010, 12:35 pm

    I am loving apple season right now. I’d probably skip right over the tip and just snack on the apple 😉

  • Amanda (tomboy that wears makeup) December 16, 2010, 7:34 pm

    Hoping to do the san fran marathon! I also want to do another triathlon:)

    Yay for 2011!

  • Melissa December 16, 2010, 8:37 pm

    I just registered for it! My sister is running the half as well – its her first half so I am excited to be there to run it with her and I have a friend running the marathon as well. I am going to pace my friend running the marathon (I hope to get to the half point at 1:46) but my sister will probably be around your pace (1:53ish) if you want some running company during or even at the start

    • Caitlin December 17, 2010, 9:26 am

      We will def have to do a meet up! And I always like running company!

  • Blair December 16, 2010, 11:57 pm

    I registered for this a couple weeks ago and am so excited to run it! DC is my hometown but I’ve been out in CA for school, which is when I first got into running. So this is my first “real” DC race and I’ve heard only awesome things about the half course. And I convinced my friend to sign up for it with me (it’s her first).

    Looking forward to a meet up!

    • Caitlin December 17, 2010, 9:26 am

      Awesome!!! You have the prettiest name.

  • Laura December 17, 2010, 12:19 am

    I’ve been teeter-tottering between going for a 1:55 or a 1:50 at my next half in March too! I don’t think 1:50 is realistic so I’ll probably go for 1:55 and then try and hit 1:50 later in the year.

  • Lacey @ Lake Life December 18, 2010, 6:41 pm

    I’m definitely going to have to make that dip!

  • Camels & Chocolate December 25, 2010, 6:01 pm

    Hey, my half PR is a 1:58, too! And sadly it was the first half I ever ran…all the dozens of others I’ve done have been 1:59 or 2:00 =(

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