Sometimes races are about setting personal records. Sometimes races are about running new distances.
Sometimes races are just about having fun. Run for Your Cause 2011 was that kind of race!
I did the 4.0-mile course last year and smoked my expectations, crossing the finish line in 32:51. I had to push really hard the entire time, especially up several big, long hills.
I may be smiling, but trust me – I felt like I was DYING during the race last year.
This year, I chilled out on pace – for several reasons. I’m not trained to do a fast 4.0 miles, I have a triathlon tomorrow (two races, one weekend – whoop!), and I was running with Jen, who’s PREGNANT!
Since we were running with babe in tow, we definitely wanted to keep our pace down. Jen’s doctor has given her the go-ahead to run as much as she feels comfortable with, but we didn’t want to overdo it. So instead, we used the race as an opportunity to catch up with each other and talk about all of Jen’s exciting life changes. She struggled with infertility so this feels like a LONG TIME COMING!
Backtracking a bit… Today started off like every other race – with a peanut butter and banana sandwich, which I gulped down because I woke up a little late. Whoops.
We arrived at the race site, got our numbers and shirts, met up with Kelly, and line up for the start!
Run, ready, go!
Jen’s husband, Jeff (an Ironman!), followed us around on his bike and snagged some mid-race pictures.
We intentionally maintained a 10:30 – 11:30/mile pace. We took a few walking breaks, especially up hills and at water stations.
And then, just like that, the race was over.
Our official time: 44:00 on the nose.
Running with Jen was awesome. I am so, so thrilled that Jen and Jeff are finally going to get the baby they wanted for so long. They’re having a girl, and I hope she grows up to be a Girls on the Run girl! If her momma and daddy have anything to do with it, I think she will.
We snagged a slice of Great Harvest bread after the race…
…And then, I hightailed it home. I’m going to take a nap, and then I’ve got to get some work done.
All in all – very, very fun to do the same race again. I hope to make Run for Your Cause a tradition. I’d love to do it every single year!
Want more race recaps? Check out all 37 here!
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{ 54 comments… read them below or add one }
How fun you guys got to run together! I’ve done 2 races 2 years in a row and I love it. It’s nice to know what the course is like and it’s fun to see how you change from year to year and where you are in training.
Awesome! I love seeing pregnant women run for some reason. At my last marathon at mile 25 I saw a woman with a “caution while passing. baby on board” shirt.
Congratulations! Why/how do you look so pretty while running?!
And congratulations to Jen and Jeff on their baby! That’s so exciting! When is an HTP baby coming?
Aw thanks
I think a hat is key for looking pretty while running. LOL!
haha I was thinking the same thing!~Like, so beautiful already, but still lookin’ exactly the same lol. And congrats Jen! It’s amazing that she’s still so active while pregnant! I think it gives many women some kind of hope to keep on keeping on.
Jen’s running shirt is awesome!! Did she wear a heartrate monitor?
I need to find races that finish with GH bread.
Getting some Great Harvest bread at the end of races is one of the best part about the Charlotte races!!! Jeff always knows to give me a butt piece. I love that crust!
I love Jen’s shirt! That is so sweet!
I’m glad you enjoyed the run. Sounds like it was a great run with friends!
That street name is called Ideal Way, so cute!
Fun race! I also had a 4 mile race today. Nice job!
Awesome recap! I LOVE jen’s shirt with the footprints! so sweet
Jen’s shirt is so cute! I think races with no pressure are really fun; looks like y’all had a good time!
Looks like a fun race — and wow you were speedy last year!
Jen is such a cute pregnant lady and I love her shirt!
Such cute pictures! I love Jen’s shirt. Glad you had fun on the run instead of feeling pressured!!
I love the running for two t-shirt!
How fun!! And Jen looks absolutely adorable!!
Great job on the run! I love the story and pictures! Some friends and I just signed up for a half marathon in myrtle beach, sc in oct, have u ever done that one? Doing any fun ones around charlotte this summer/fall?
I haven’t done that one but it sounds fun!
Check out this race calendar for local events http://www.runforyourlife.com/events
I wrote this on Runner’s Trials’ blog last week: despite the fact that I am not pregnant, I think wearing the shirt she has on in my next half marathon would be a great idea. No one would think I was slow, I’d get dibs on porta potties, and maybe some extra post-race snacks. The only drawback would be the whole “being a big fat un-pregnant liar” thing
Congrats to the 4 of you! Jen, Kelly and Baby
Congrats on the race! That’s great to hear about your friend! I think it’s the happiest thing in the world to see two people bringing another life into the world, especially after they have had trouble beginning a family.
A “fun” run, I had no idea that was possible!
That’s the only way I could do it, for sure.
Congrats! I love Jen’s shirt!! Too, cute.
can you ask Jen where she got her shirt? it’s adorable! i’m running 2 races next month & would love to rock that w/ my emerging belly
I think from here: http://www.fortwofitness.com/
Hey girl. Your stride looks better. I’ve been worried about your knees and other injuries and in looking at some of your past race photos I noticed you heel strike sometimes. I like in today’s race pics I cannot see the bottom of your foot. I know you were using a slower pace and that probably helped but when you are at your normal pace think of showing the folks behind you the bottom of your foot by raising your heels and never seeing your toe out in front of you. I know I used to heel strike when I tried to pick up my pace but now I know to increase my turnover and draw my heel closer to my glutes to increase stride length. Do great tomorrow, can’t wait for the recap!
Girl you are so good to me! Thank you for watching my stride. I’m going to really pay attention tomorrow.
Congratulations!Doing it with friends makes racing/running even more fun. I love the pic where you’re framing Jen’s belly! Makes me smile. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
I love the belly pictures! I hope I’m still running when I’m pregnant
Does that street sign (in the pic with all the runners) really say “Ideal Way?” Heh Heh. How perfect!
Those pictures are great! Congratulations on finishing another race and good luck tomorrow!
That running for two shirt is adorable! Did she mentioned if it feels very different when she runs pregnant verse before?
Congrats on a great (and fun!) race, Caitlin! Glad you were able to run it pain-free too!
Great race! I love her Running for Two tank!
So adorable!
Nice job on the race! Sometimes it’s nice to forget about goals and speeds, and just run for fun. Especially when you have friends to chat with! Big congrats to Jen on her pregnancy.
Great job Caitlin! All of your races are so inspiring; I’ve always been a recreational runner, but reading your posts (along with other bloggers who compete in races!) have really motivated me to take it to the next level! I did my first 10 K in May and have signed up for another in October, and I’m planning on training for a half in February! I also really want to do a spring triathlon next summer! I’ve barely started racing and I already have the bug!
Great job Caitlin! All of your races are so inspiring; I’ve always been a recreational runner, but reading your posts (along with other bloggers who compete in races!) have really motivated me to take it to the next level! I did my first 10 K in May and have signed up for another in October, and I’m planning on training for a half in February! I also really want to do a spring triathlon next summer! I’ve barely started racing and I already have the bug!
so glad yall had fun! I know Jen wanted it to go smoothly. Some races are just meant to be all about some good times!
Oh my, i LOVE the picture of you showcasing the little bebe! Sounded like an awesome run. FunRuns are the best! In fact, I think all my runs are funruns. Leads to zero injury! Goodluck at your race tomorrow!
That’s awesome for Jen! Also, I love the shirt you ran in!
Sooo baller you got to run with Jen!!!
I absolutely love Jen’s shirt!
I hope to run my first marathon next year. Any suggestions as to which race would be best for first timers?
Check out this post! http://www.healthytippingpoint.com/2011/06/how-to-select-your-next-or-first-race.html
Congrats!! I hope I can run a race when I’m pregnant, that’s health!
Congratulations on a race well run, and all that fun, Caitlin and Jen (and Kelly)! That’s absolutely fantastic!
xyx
Congrats on the run.
She looks so amazing pregnant
How tall are you Caitlin? You look tall in that pic!
I’m only 5 ft 4
Congrats on the run and to your friend (who looks positively radiant)! I have a race coming up that started off as a running a-new-distance and a personal-best type of deal that may turn into a just-for-fun race
just when i couldn’t be inspired more, you go and do this. you are always out there supporting causes and participating to help those in need- you are an angel!! <3
Love that Jen is running for two & you gals are out there doing races together, too cute!
I love Jen’s shirt, so cute!
Is that GH Cinnamon Chip bread I spy?
That’s so cool. I wish we had something like that nearby.