Today was a very special day.  It was my 40th race, a huge milestone for me.  And it was my strongest triathlon to date! 

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(A big THANKS to Kelly, Carolina John’s wife – a wonderful photographer who took so many of these great race pics!)

 

Plus, I got to race in the scenic mountains of Asheville, North Carolina.  It was beautiful!  I felt like I was swimming, biking, and running in a postcard.

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Alright – let’s back up.

 

Today started off like all the other 39 races.  My alarm clocked blared at 4:45 AM (how come I can race on 4.5 hours of sleep but cannot work on 7?), and Healthy Ashley and I geared up and ate peanut butter sandwiches.

 

We hopped in the car and drove 30 minutes in the dark to the very beautiful Lake Logan.   We unloaded all of our stuff and headed over to packet pick-up.

 

I thought I’d explain how packet pick-up works for a triathlon since it can be kind of confusing, especially if you’re a first timer.  For a running race, all you need is your bib number and timing chip (if the race is timed).  For a triathlon, you need THREE numbers, a chip, and body markings.

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Step 1 is to pick up your numbers and show proof of USA Triathlon membership (or pay a $10 per race fee).  This is basically insurance in case you drown or crash.  You think I’m joking… but I’m not. 

 

The three numbers are for:  1) your body (for the run); 2) your bike; and 3) your helmet.

 

After picking up your numbers, you’ll head over to another station and pick up your timing chip.  You attach it to your foot using a tie or a Velcro strap.

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Last, but not least, you need to head over to body marking.  Volunteers will mark your bib number on your arms and knees, and your age and division on your calves.

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After picking everything up, we headed to transition, racked our bikes, and set up our gear.  It all sounds very intimidating, but I promise – it’s really not.  Just give yourself time to get everything done.

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Ashley and I ran into Carolina John in transition!  Hi, John!  I’ve been reading his blog for YEARS.  Funny how you feel like you know bloggers even if you haven’t met them in real life.

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And then… it was time to RACE!

 

So – this race was an Olympic/International triathlon, which consists of:

 

  • 1500 meter swim
  • 40 KM (24 mile) bike
  • 10 KM (6.2 mile) run

 

First up:  the SWIM!

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The lake was BEAUTIFUL.  Each wave staged on the dock and then jumped in the water to start.  Most everyone around me was wearing wetsuits, but I was SO GLAD I opted not to get a wetsuit.  The water was 74, which I know some people find to be cold, but I was perfectly okay.   Wetsuits can be so restricting.  I was much more comfortable in my trisuit.

 

Ashley looked like she was going to pass out at the start, and I almost vomited into the sand waiting for the whistle.  We vowed to stay together for the first 500 yards or so.  I think swimming slowly together for the first 10 minutes helped us both adjust to the water, and I talked Ashley through a minor little panic attack at the second buoy. 

 

The course was a big rectangle.  The scary thing about lake swims is when you look at the course, it always seems SO FREAKING LONG.  And it was – 1500 meters is FAR.  But I was so, so proud of myself because when Ashley and I separated, I really focused and buckled down.  I think I swam 750 meters straight without a break!  I was a powerhouse, people!  And to think – I used to be terrified of open water. 

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Just because you’re scared of something TODAY doesn’t mean you always will be afraid.  Practice makes perfect.  If you can’t swim, bike, or run right now, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to do a triathlon.  You can get through anything if you practice enough.  Heck, it took me 4 or 5 tris to get to this point.  I’m glad I waited out the fear!

 

We passed under a bridge and jumped up on a dock to run to transition.  I crossed the mat in 38:08, about two minutes faster than my last Oly tri.

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I came out of Transition 1 in 3:21 – not bad, but not great.  I really need to work on transitions!

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The bike was awesome.  I thought it was going to be the worst leg, but I really focused on being in the right gear, and the 24 miles went by so quickly.  The few tough hills were killers, though.  My calves and quads were aching during the last climb. 

 

On the bike, I ate three packets of Hammer Gel and drank a bottle of water.  I knew it was so important to take in calories, even though I was experiencing the dreaded “I’m doing hard cardio and don’t wanna eat.”  I said, “Tummy, shut up.  Eat your Gel.”  So I did.

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I finished the 24-mile bike course in 1:29:39.  I was THRILLED because I was expecting it to take closer to 1:45.  I was in and out of Transition 2 in 3:02.

 

Oh man – the run.  What to say about the run?  It was a 10K out and back course with the turn around at 3.1 miles.  The ENTIRE first 5K was uphill.  A very gradual uphill, but uphill nevertheless.  I was dying.   I can’t tell you how great it felt to turn around and know the next three miles would be a downhill breeze!

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With about two miles to go, a girl (we’ll call her Purple Shorts) passed me.  I glanced down at her body marks and saw she was in my age division.  “Oh, hell no!” I thought.  I strategically hung about 20 feet back, hoping she wouldn’t noticed my sneakiness as I dogged her.  But when Purple Shorts took an unexpected walk break, I was forced to pass her. 

 

I could literally feel her when she saw my age and realized what was happening.  In a flash, she was right on my heels.  I dropped down to a 8:00/mile pace (which was seriously excruciating at this point in the race) and held her off for 0.75 mile.  Just as the finish line came into view, she passed me.  I felt so defeated!  I was totally out of gas during the home stretch.  I couldn’t believe she had more juice in her after the last punishing mile I had put her through.

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But then – totally unexpectedly, she slowed about 200 yards from the finish!  I think Purple Shorts kicked it up too early.  I slammed past her and through the finish line. 

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The little competition with Purple Shorts I was exactly what I needed to finish the 10K in 57:44 – a time that would’ve been an amazing finish for a NORMAL 10K, let alone one at the end of an Oly tri!  My final time: 3:11:53.  I finished 12th in my age division (out of 15), and since the field was so competitive, I feel pretty good about it!   One day – mark my words – I will finish an Oly tri under 3:00 hours.

 

Ashley finished strong and happy!  You’ll have to check out her blog for a recap.

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Post-race, we grabbed some grab (the race organizers had amazing food – hummus and cheese sandwiches, potato chips, apples, and more!), pulled our gear together, and drove home.

 

All in all – an amazing race with my amazing friend!  

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After showering, I actually met up with my mom for a day in Asheville.  We shopped ‘til we dropped, snacked on gooey fudge, and ate at a great vegetarian restaurant (the Laughing Seed).  I ate my face off.  So hungry after so much hard work!

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I would HIGHLY recommend anyone in the area do the Lake Logan Triathlon next year.  Very well organized, totally beautiful, and lots of fun.  What else does a triathlete need?  Not much! 

 

…Except maybe flippers. Winking smile

{ 118 comments }

 

  • Erin August 6, 2011, 9:04 pm

    Congrats Caitlin! It looks like you had a great time and the weather wasn’t too bad. This post reminds me that I need to sign up for a race soon, it’s been too long!! 🙂

  • Victoria (District Chocoholic) August 6, 2011, 9:04 pm

    You’re like an open water champ now. Next year, I expect to see you at the La Jolla roughwater swim. Nice race!

    • CaitlinHTP August 7, 2011, 11:13 am

      Ohmigod, whatever La Jolla is, I don’t wanna do it!

      • Victoria (District Chocoholic) August 7, 2011, 11:15 am

        There’s a version that’s a mile! You just did a mile and THEN biked and ran. Plus it’s off the SoCal coast.

      • Courtney (TriCourt) August 11, 2011, 7:15 am

        La Jolla is beautiful. The scenery alone is worth the open water challenge. Great race!

  • Ryan Knapp August 6, 2011, 9:04 pm

    Great race report and awesome time. Loved how you were able to pass purple shorts at the end! brilliant performance.

  • Jaclyn @therealhealthwife August 6, 2011, 9:08 pm

    Congratulations!! That is awesome how you passed “purple shorts” at the end, way to go!

  • Courtney Leigh August 6, 2011, 9:08 pm

    My second tri is in two weeks (another super sprint/Sprint) and I am hella nervous about the bike. I love this recap because it makes me super hopeful. You are such a rock star!

  • cathy August 6, 2011, 9:10 pm

    way to go, caitlin! i love the story of you and purple shorts.
    gotta say: today i am scared to even contemplate doing a tri…but reading your reports, and seeing the challenges you overcome…well, never say never, right?!
    again, congratulations on a great race!

    • allison @ thesundayflog August 6, 2011, 9:14 pm

      do it do it do it! reading caitlin’s tri recaps is what forced me to finally bite the bullet and sign up for a tri…and my FIRST one is tomorrow 🙂

      • Alicia August 6, 2011, 10:33 pm

        Good luck! You’re gonna kill it!

      • @HilaryFleming August 6, 2011, 11:03 pm

        That’s cool! Good luck!

  • Beth @ 990 Square August 6, 2011, 9:10 pm

    fantastic recap! My husband just read it over my shoulder, and I think it helped calm his nerves for his first sprint tri tomorrow morning!

  • Kris @ tryingtotri August 6, 2011, 9:11 pm

    Way to go! What an awesome race you had. 🙂

    The pictures sure look beautiful, and it sounds like you had a wonderful race experience. Congrats!

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) August 6, 2011, 9:11 pm

    Congratulations Caitlin! Way to conquer the course and come out with a GREAT time!

    I loved reading this recap, especially since I am being faced with the realization that I am going to be forced to stop training for my first marathon (Chicago) due to a high ankle sprain. I have been feeling so many different emotions, especially since I have already invested months of training with only 2 months to go. 🙁 I seriously can cry at the drop of a hat right now.

    However, reading this recap has given me some hope that “hey, I may not be able to train for my marathon right now, but I can train for a triathlon.” I’ve been looking up sprint triathlon training plans all evening and would love to do one in a few months (and just worry about the running part of it once I am healed)

    • CaitlinHTP August 7, 2011, 11:37 am

      Maybe you can do an AquaBike or get a relay together and just do the swim?

  • allison @ thesundayflog August 6, 2011, 9:13 pm

    ahhhhhh! such a great race. i am so excited for you and for how well you did. i think shaving 11 minutes off your time will be easy peasy. ill have mine up tomorrow =)

  • Stephanie @ Food and Fitness 4 Real August 6, 2011, 9:15 pm

    Congratuations! I know you were worried about the weather so I am so glad that you had a great race. The course did look beautiful, it almost makes me want to try a tri. (haha)
    I also liked the picture of your mom at the end. She looks so pretty.

    • CaitlinHTP August 7, 2011, 11:40 am

      Momma is the best!

  • Sam August 6, 2011, 9:21 pm

    Awesome! I loved reading about the whole race! So happy for you 🙂 Way to go passing the girl 😉 Thinking about being out in that water actually does kind of freak me out. I didn’t think so but then seeing those pictures! Eeps. You are so brave and strong! I love what you said about fear. So true. Great job 😀

  • Errign August 6, 2011, 9:22 pm

    Awesome job Caitlin! Glad you liked Asheville- The Laughing Seed is yummy 🙂

  • Callie @ Callieflower Kitchen August 6, 2011, 9:23 pm

    awesome job on your oly tri!!! makes me want to get out for another one before the season’s over

    ps. you look super-cute pre and post race 🙂

  • Army Amy* August 6, 2011, 9:24 pm

    Yeay for a great 40th race! I’m kind of curious: why do they mark your age division on you?*

    • CaitlinHTP August 7, 2011, 11:41 am

      So you are competing against people who are generally at the same level as you!

  • Kaitlin @4loveofcarrots August 6, 2011, 9:29 pm

    WOW! Congrats on completing 40 races thats awesome! The views look great!

  • katie @ KatieDid August 6, 2011, 9:33 pm

    Yay for deciding to stick it out, I knew you wouldn’t regret it! And the rain held off too! Congratulations, I love reading your race recaps they are so inspiring.

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me August 6, 2011, 9:34 pm

    Looks like such an awesome race! Congrats! You rock!

  • Jenny @ Best Jenny Ever August 6, 2011, 9:37 pm

    Awesome recap! I did my first triathlon with zero training (I had never run before either) 7 years ago and definitely want to try it again. I had major water panic (the swim was in the ocean). I hope to do one again next season.

  • Corrie Anne August 6, 2011, 9:37 pm

    Woohooo! I was excited to see this recap! I’m so proud of you! Great job! You’re totally inspiring me to try a tri! 🙂

  • Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga August 6, 2011, 9:38 pm

    Congrats, Caitlin, on your tri! And your 40th race.

    So glad you could do it with your friend and had an amazing race!!!

  • Baking N Books August 6, 2011, 9:39 pm

    YOU. ROCK. SOCKS.!

    And – I love that shirt. So flowy and cute.

  • Brooke August 6, 2011, 9:41 pm

    I was waiting all day for the recap! Thats so exciting, congrats! I think thats a fantastic time! I want to do my first tri, but I’m still a little scared of the swim, I’ve never been an avid swimmer! And that 10K time is fabulous!

  • Paige @ Running Around Normal August 6, 2011, 10:03 pm

    Wow! Your time was exceptional! This was a really interesting race recap to read, Caitlin:) Nice job!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) August 6, 2011, 10:09 pm

    Congrats Caitlin! Great recap of the race! I love that you had some motivation to get you through it! Sleep well tonight!

  • Emily August 6, 2011, 10:12 pm

    Congratulations on an amazing race!! I love reading about your competitions, they are always so inspiring 🙂 Thanks for being so real in your recaps…loved the purple shorts story!

  • Natalie August 6, 2011, 10:15 pm

    great job, way to go on your improvemenT and strong finish!

  • Chelsea August 6, 2011, 10:24 pm

    I love your race recaps! First thing I thought was, “NO RAIN!” You did great :)! The weather really turned out for you and ended up a beautiful day ha. Way to go girl! I have a 10k coming up and I’m extra nervous. I’ve only ran one race (5k)! I hope to get my races up in numbers like you!

  • Alicia August 6, 2011, 10:34 pm

    I completely LOLed during the “Eat your Gel” part. Great post, as always! Congrats on the tri!

  • DadHTP August 6, 2011, 10:41 pm

    18 mph average on the bike? Rockin’!

    • CaitlinHTP August 7, 2011, 11:42 am

      Was that the average??? I can’t do math.

      • DadHTP August 7, 2011, 11:47 am

        neither can I when I’m as tired as I was – that would have been 27 miles. You averaged 16. Good – we’ll get you to rockin’.

  • Jen August 6, 2011, 10:42 pm

    I’m soooo proud of you! Awesome race 🙂

  • sarah (sarah learns) August 6, 2011, 10:56 pm

    congrats on killing that tri! 🙂 i love reading your race recaps – they are ALWAYS so inspirational!

  • @HilaryFleming August 6, 2011, 11:02 pm

    Good show Caitlin! Nice PR. I always enjoy reading your race recaps. You leave me inspired to want to head to the pool and learn how to swim well enough to do a freaking triathalon. And what a gorgeous location! I love exercising in the outdoors. I’m not to familiar with NC, it looked like you were in mountains. Did you have any issues with altitude during your tri?

    • CaitlinHTP August 7, 2011, 11:43 am

      Naw I don’t think it was that different. At least i didn’t notice!

  • Ashley @ The Fit Academic August 6, 2011, 11:04 pm

    Loved hearing about the competition with Purple Shorts! I’ve only done 1 tri before and my goal was just to FINISH, so I’ve never experienced this (since in running races you don’t know – aside from guessing – what peoples’ age divisions are). I loved the recap! And congrats on finishing strong!!!

  • SaraRM August 6, 2011, 11:06 pm

    Congrats, great race especially run!!

  • Nicole August 6, 2011, 11:23 pm

    Yay! So impressed!

  • Angela @ MyPinkyToes August 6, 2011, 11:28 pm

    You are awesome and so inspirational!!! I really hope to do a triathlon someday!

  • Elisabeth August 6, 2011, 11:40 pm

    Congratulations on a great race – especially since it’s your 40th! 🙂

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen August 6, 2011, 11:47 pm

    Congrats Caitlin! What an awesome way to celebrate your 40th race with a your best time yet in that distance. I love that you beat purple shorts in the end 😉

  • Mary August 7, 2011, 12:14 am

    Oh my gosh, this is making me SO excited for my first tri next weekend!!!

  • Candice August 7, 2011, 12:25 am

    i have my very first tri.. in open water.. olympic distance in 3 wks. yes I’m freaking out. but this post just got me excited!

  • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed August 7, 2011, 12:35 am

    I can’t believe you had the energy to shop after all that! Glad the weather held out for you congrats, congrats, CONGRATS! You rock!

  • Luv What You Do August 7, 2011, 12:36 am

    Congrats on your race! What a beautiful place to be! Isn’t it funny how there is always someone you are internally competing with. At my last race, she passed me on the bike and I smoked her on the run. I wished her a good race afterwards and a friendly conversation began…triathletes are the nicest people! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

  • Jen August 7, 2011, 12:51 am

    Congrats Caitlin (and Ashley too!) – you never cease to amaze me! So happy to hear that the tri went well & Asheville looks and sounds like an amazing place!

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) August 7, 2011, 1:16 am

    Awesome! I hope I conquer my fear of open water soon- even looking at pictures of the lake scares me!

  • Khushboo August 7, 2011, 1:50 am

    You are a machine…awesome job!

  • Lisa August 7, 2011, 2:01 am

    Congrats on such a great race and time! I’ve been debating doing an upcoming Olympic tri because there’s a 4hr time limit. But you’ve inspired me with this report and I think I’m going to do it! I hope you don’t mind if I use you as my virtual purple shorts competitor! 🙂

  • Devonshire August 7, 2011, 2:20 am

    Congrats on your 40th race!!!!

  • Brittnie August 7, 2011, 5:55 am

    You totally rocked it! Great job and congrats!!

  • Kerry August 7, 2011, 6:19 am

    Congratulations Caitlin! You did great!

  • Aine @ Something to Chew Over August 7, 2011, 6:21 am

    Great job Caitlin! You’re such an inspiration 🙂

  • Lara August 7, 2011, 6:47 am

    Yay Caitlin! Congrats on an awesome race 🙂

  • Heather August 7, 2011, 7:34 am

    Congrats girl! I love this: just b/c you’re scared of something today doesn’t mean you’ll always be- so true & so inspiring. The course looks stunning- I think I may need to put this on my list for next season!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin August 7, 2011, 8:03 am

    Congrats Caitlin! You did an AMAZING job! I’m so wowed that you ran a 10K race in under an hour after already swimming and biking!

  • Alaina August 7, 2011, 8:09 am

    Congratulations Caitlin!!! Your posts are definitely making me want to do a triathlon!

  • Bec August 7, 2011, 8:28 am

    Congrats!! You’re beautiful AND a kick-butt triathlete!! (virtual high five)

  • Kristen (inspiredbydooce) August 7, 2011, 8:44 am

    Way to go Caitlin! Aren’t you glad you didn’t bail?!?

    Congrats on such a strong race. Sub-3hours will be yours oh so very soon!!

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef August 7, 2011, 9:01 am

    congrats!!! sounds awesome. 🙂

  • Laura @ My Reason to Tri August 7, 2011, 9:07 am

    i am SOOOO happy for you! i know you were really nervous about this race, but you totally ROCKED it!!!! and way to go on that strong finish. like you, that would be a great time for me for a stand alone 10k, but would never expect that after a 1500m swim and 24m bike….AWESOME!!!!!! im having to live vicariously through you and my friend who is doing the aquathalon today. i had hoped to do the sprint tri today, but couldnt find it in my budget to do it 🙁

  • Lee @ in the pink of condition August 7, 2011, 9:30 am

    Wow!!! Great job! I’m new to triathlon training, and I’m currently scheduled to do my first sprint tri in September. I was just curious about why you didn’t wear a wetsuit. I have read that they are great for longer distance swims, because they help you stay buoyant. They have wetsuits without sleeves, which may feel less constricting!

    • CaitlinHTP August 7, 2011, 11:45 am

      I tried the sleeveless and it did not work for me. Definitely do practice swims in your wetsuit!

  • Sarah August 7, 2011, 9:40 am

    WOOHOO!!! You rocked it Caitlin! You should be so proud of yourself!

    You know, I’m really glad that you wrote about how being competitive helped get you through the last part of the run – too often people talk about how negative competition is, but it’s really like anything else: it’s how you use it that determines whether or not it’s good or bad. I’m pretty sure Purple Shorts did better as a result of competing with you, too!

    And I just want to say, your mum always looks so perfect and polished on your blog – it’s inspiring. Oh, and I love your top in that last photo. 😀

    • CaitlinHTP August 7, 2011, 11:46 am

      Aw my mom will love this comment. She loves to dress up.

  • Jen August 7, 2011, 9:51 am

    Could you and your mother be any more gorgeous? I think not. Congratulations on the race! And on beating Purple Shorts to the finish line! I’m all for a little friendly competition! It makes things fun. I find ways to compete with myself when I don’t have anyone to compete with. Haha! By the way, I love what you said about how being afraid of something now doesn’t mean you’ll always be afraid. I think fear holds back a lot of people from doing adventurous things and trying something new and challenging (including myself). Thanks for the inspiring post!

    • CaitlinHTP August 7, 2011, 11:47 am

      thank you : )

  • willrunforwine August 7, 2011, 10:03 am

    Way to go Caitlin!! That is an awesome time. You may inspire me to do a Tri yet! We’ll see how I feel about that after my first Du later this month!

    p.s. Have you ever thought about doing a cookbook? 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP August 7, 2011, 11:47 am

      The HTP book will feature about 40 recipes!

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit August 7, 2011, 10:30 am

    Congrats! What an amazing race you had. It was exciting just to read about it, and totally inspiring as well 🙂

  • Kathrin August 7, 2011, 11:32 am

    Congrats on a great race! I saw you out on the run course and you looked strong!

    Where did they post the age group results? I can’t find them anywhere.

    • CaitlinHTP August 7, 2011, 11:48 am

      Yay! I heard you yell Healthy Tipping Point I think 🙂 🙂 The age results were posted on the trailer at the course, I don’t know if they are online.

  • Kristen @ The Concrete Runner August 7, 2011, 11:39 am

    Holy crap, girl! You did AWESOME! You’re definitely going to break 3 hours soon – 3:11 is so close! I think you need to stop doing triathlons tho… it is making me want to do one so bad! Ha! Someday, maybe I will…

  • Sara K August 7, 2011, 11:41 am

    Yayy! Congratulations on the triathlon (and on overtaking purple shorts! That recap was so intense)! And you definitely recuperated the right way with some shoppin’ and dining with the mama 🙂

  • LIz August 7, 2011, 11:42 am

    congratulations on your 40th race and even more importantly – overcoming your open water fear and rocking the swimming part!! You are amazing!!

  • Jennifer August 7, 2011, 12:17 pm

    Congrats! I did this one last year and found the uphill 3 miles very mentally (and of course physically) challenging. You should be so proud and its great you are inspiring so many other people to do tris 🙂

  • TheHungeredOne@MovingandMunching August 7, 2011, 12:23 pm

    Great job! lol I totally understand about the age and passing thing… i just did my first tri and some times seeing the ages totally motivated me to pass people too.

  • Cheryl August 7, 2011, 12:34 pm

    I woke up at 4:30 this morning to head to my Sprint Tri. Had a small panic in the water, but thought about how you swam for over 30 minutes…definitely an inspiration and encouragement to keep going! Did my personal best this year–very thankful to read your post this AM. It was perfect timing!

    • CaitlinHTP August 7, 2011, 12:37 pm

      Congrats! can’t wait to read your race recap!

  • Marci August 7, 2011, 12:50 pm

    Awesome recap, way to go! I am starting to get the triathlon bug! What a pretty course and great city!

  • Amber K August 7, 2011, 1:17 pm

    Rock ON girl! That is awesome. And I love the rivalry with Purple Shorts 🙂

  • Sarah for Real August 7, 2011, 1:44 pm

    Congratulations!!!

  • Pamela August 7, 2011, 3:45 pm

    You inspired me to start swimming a few weeks ago, and I was SO PROUD of my 1350 meters yesterday – with lots of breaks, and a few kickboard laps. 🙂 Reading about you rocking 1500 m open swim simply BLOWS my mind. You are an athlete as well as an inspiration. I really enjoyed reading this recap, thank you for always being so REAL.

    • CaitlinHTP August 7, 2011, 8:21 pm

      Way to go Pamela!!! 1350 meters in the pool is super impressive 🙂 Thank you!

  • Callie August 7, 2011, 6:51 pm

    Congrats!!! That’s amazing. 🙂
    It’s nice how you had some friendly competition with Purple Shorts to motivate you.

  • Amy @ ahealthyandhappyheart August 7, 2011, 8:52 pm

    Great Job! You are so inspiring! After reading your re-cap…I want to go to the gym! (even though it is 9pm!) Keep it up!

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In August 7, 2011, 9:50 pm

    I have absolutely loved following your open water swim and triathlon experiences. Congratulations on a great one!

  • Sarah @ w30 August 7, 2011, 9:56 pm

    Yay! Love the Purple Shorts bit. 🙂 Congratulations on an awesome tri (and, especially, the epic swim)!!

  • Mel August 8, 2011, 12:35 am

    Great work!

    I get confused by distances. It seems like the “Olympic” length should be pretty standard, but I’m doing one in September where the bike is 26.4 miles. What the heck?

    • CaitlinHTP August 8, 2011, 9:22 am

      Yea – tri’s aren’t as standardized (except ironmans/half ironmans) as running races. All the distances usually vary a bit!

  • Janiek August 8, 2011, 4:55 am

    Wow Congrats Caitlin! That is an amazing accomplishment!

  • Ann August 8, 2011, 8:44 am

    Caitlin- what an amazing time! you should be so proud! i’ve been following your blog for awhile and you inspired me to start running- now your motivation is making me want to sign up for my very first 5K!! 😮 so thank you! and congrats again on your accomplishment!

    • CaitlinHTP August 8, 2011, 9:23 am

      Way to go Ann 🙂 Kick butt!

  • Marisa E August 8, 2011, 9:11 am

    Awesome updated pics!!! Congrats- you kicked major bootay!!

  • Sarah Keffer August 8, 2011, 9:16 am

    I had a dream about you last night! I dreamt that I read your race recap and you said that it was a good race but your time wasn’t the greatest…why you ask?? Because you were working on your book during the race…pen and paper in hand during the run and bike; but not in the water, that would just be silly 😉

    • CaitlinHTP August 8, 2011, 9:23 am

      bawhahahaha. oh man.

  • Megan @ On the Road Again August 8, 2011, 10:39 am

    Congrats on the finish! What a beautiful course. Seeing you complete 40 races to date is so inspiring!

  • Stacy S. August 8, 2011, 1:12 pm

    Great job on your Oly Triatholon, Caitlin! You totally rocked it! Woot woot!

  • Katy Widrick August 8, 2011, 1:34 pm

    YAY! Very proud of you, especially for overcoming the scary swim.

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife August 8, 2011, 5:59 pm

    WAY to go! that seriously rocks, girl 🙂

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) August 8, 2011, 5:59 pm

    Gosh Im SO proud of you!!! You looked fear in the face and said f* you. heh. Love it.

  • Sarah August 9, 2011, 2:02 pm

    Hi Caitlin. I thought you looked familiar. I did the race as well….and went to Laughing Seed for some post race grub as well– I went with the shitake corn cakes, yum! And then went to rosettas later for some corn bread…its why I like to race, I get to enjoy good food! So I wish I hadnt worn the wetsuit since I ended up unzipping it halfway within the first five minutes, so great idea with the tri suit! Congrats on your race:)

    • CaitlinHTP August 9, 2011, 5:08 pm

      Were you sitting at the bar at the Laughing Seed??

  • Sarah August 11, 2011, 5:24 pm

    I was at the bar for about 5 min while waiting on our table….we were in line behind you I think? Its bizarre bc I thought to myself how familiar you looked, and I knew I must have seen your face somewhere before….and then I finally figured it out! You must get that alot! I loved everything about that race weekend, will def do it again next year! Hope to see you around again!!

    • Caitlin August 11, 2011, 5:50 pm

      So funny 🙂 I am definitely doing that race again too!

  • Hayley @ Oat Couture August 24, 2011, 11:49 am

    Ahh I’m only just reading all your posts now as for some reason they haven’t been popping up on my reader but well done on your tri girl!! So pleased for you, you absolutely rocked it!! 🙂

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