No matter how fast or how slow I cross that finish line, today’s race proved to me that I’ve always got the racing spirit deep inside!  And that feels good.

cakb

Not only was this afternoon’s 5K a great race, but it was also the very first non-Girls on the Run race that the Husband has EVER done.  He spontaneously decided to sign up this morning.  Obviously, he crushed me.  Don’t you hate it when people who don’t run regularly kick your butt?  Grrr!  Hah.

 

The really neat thing about this 5K was that it took place on the Charlotte Speedway – where all the NASCAR races happen.  I will definitely do this 5K next year because of the unique location. 

IMG_0030

On the drive over, Kristien told me he was going to just gun it and see how fast he could go.  He’s naturally athletic and runs with about twice a week, and I suspected that he could pull out a few 8-minute miles.  He asked me for a few tips, and I said that the most important thing to remember was not to go out too fast.  “You’ll feel like you’re going slower than you actually are because of the crowd,” I warned.  “It’s better to speed up than burn out in the last mile.”

IMG_0040

My goal for the 5K was simply to run a race at 13 weeks pregnant and not stop to walk.  I was hoping I could maintain a 10:00-mile pace (a far cry from my glory days of a 23:42 5K, but that’s okay with me!).  It’s all relative, after all.

 

We started off on the Z-Max Dragway, a straight, flat shot.  The Hus scooted up to the front, and I hung out in the middle of the pack.

IMG_0037

The course, as a whole, was pretty challenging, thanks to a really, really big hill that led up to a highway overpass to take the runners from the Dragway to the Speedway.  But it was also a very interesting course because there was so much to look at.  We even got to go through two underground tunnels, which was fun.

IMG_0042

IMG_0043

When we entered the speedway, I knew I only had 1.5 miles to go, and I was feeling pretty good, so I started to pick up my pace a bit.  I didn’t want to push myself too hard because of BabyHTP, but man – it sure felt good to get back into that racing mindset and really buckle down and give it a strong effort.  It was so fun!  I had a big grin on my face as I came up on the water stop.

 

I grabbed some water and continued on.  People warned me that the slope of the track might be troublesome, but the section that we were running on really wasn’t that slanted.

IMG_0048

At this point, I could see the finishers coming in on a big television screen.  I kept looking for Kristien because I knew he would be done soon but never saw him cross.

IMG_0049

By Mile 2.8, I was feeling good.  Really, really good.  So I started to ‘rabbit’ people – this is a technique I use to pull myself forward during races.  I’ll pick someone in front of me, visually lock in on them, and just put the metal to the medal until I reach them.  Then, I’ll pick another rabbit and work towards them.

 

I was so focused in the last sprint that I passed not one, not two, but three men who all looked like they were working really hard!  It was so exciting.  Go baby, go!

IMG_0053

BabyHTP and I finished in 31:14.  Not too shabby!

 

…And then I found the poor Husband.  He was sitting in the grass, looking like he was about to puke. 

IMG_0052

And that’s when he told me that he did, in fact, puke… right after the first mile marker (and yes, he told me I could tell you this story).  He thought he just started off to quickly and was too excited. 

 

But get this – he still managed to finish in 25:34, an average of 8:15-minute miles.  Pretty good for someone with no serious 5K training and a glorious yak under his belt!  We had a good laugh because I also puked after coming out too hard during one of my first races – maybe race yakking simply runs in the family…

{ 50 comments }

 

  • Carly December 10, 2011, 6:11 pm

    Aww poor Kristien! Sounds like a pretty fun day though! 🙂

  • Katie @ Peace Love and Oats December 10, 2011, 6:31 pm

    That course sounds so cool! Congrats to all three of you!

  • Kristen (inspiredbydooce) December 10, 2011, 6:40 pm

    I love that he decided spontaneously to race. FUN!
    Congrats on BabyHTP’s first 5K!

  • Kayla December 10, 2011, 6:42 pm

    Wow! Congrats to you and Kristien! And that always happens to me.. my boyfriend didn’t even train for a 5 miler we ran together and still beat me, even though I’d been training for 2 months!

  • Susan December 10, 2011, 6:47 pm

    Hmm. Well, your race time is 8 seconds slower than my PR. And you are 13 weeks pregnant. So….I either have to hate you, or use this as inspiration to kick butt in my 5K tomorrow. The hating option is so much easier…Nah, guess I’ll be inspired. Anyway – looks like you had fun, which is awesome!

    • Caitlin December 10, 2011, 6:49 pm

      @Susan: 🙂 Like I said, it’s all relative. That’s the glory of PRs! I hope you kick BOOTAY tomorrow. Let me know how you do!!! Just don’t yak.

  • Sue Schneider December 10, 2011, 7:01 pm

    Wow, the second mile was a tough one UPHILL. I finished but was 2 minutes slower that a 5k last weekend. Does any of you know the grade/climb that the course had? Did anyone you know GPS it for upload on Map My Run? Just curious! Thanks.

    • Caitlin December 10, 2011, 7:03 pm

      @Sue Schneider: Yay so glad to hear you did it, too! That race’s big hill was torture, wasn’t it? I wasn’t wearing my Garmin so I’m not sure. It was intense thoughhhhh. We’ll have to do it next year and see if we can improve our course records!

      • Sue Schneider December 10, 2011, 7:10 pm

        I have this course on my calendar for a rematch December 8, 2012.

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss December 10, 2011, 7:02 pm

    That does sound like a fun race! Not every day you get to run on a real speedway!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey December 10, 2011, 7:19 pm

    Poor husband! Yuck! Glad you had fun!

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife December 10, 2011, 7:19 pm

    Bahah. That is awesome. Hope he feels better.

    What a cool race–and so fun that baby HTP could be there too 🙂 The racing part is SO fun. My hubby will never understand that–he’s like “who pays to run?!” Hah.

  • Mary December 10, 2011, 7:42 pm

    Too bad about the puking, but what a great time for the husband! Not too bad for you and Baby HTP either! I love that you are staying active and healthy during your pregnancy. Can’t wait to hear about your next challenge!

  • Victoria December 10, 2011, 7:42 pm

    What do you think about the story on the Marathon Mommy last year? They discussed it on “The Doctors” recently and they seemed to agree that the woman running a marathon within hours of birth was not the greatest decision.

    • Caitlin December 10, 2011, 8:03 pm

      @Victoria: running long distances during pregnancy is not something that I ever felt like would a good decision for me, but everyone is so different that I would never judge a woman who wanted to. However, I just can’t see a good reason to run a marathon the day you deliver… Seems like unnecessary stress. I can’t imagine it would be safe for 99.99% of people. It was obviously okay for that woman! What do you think?

      • Victoria December 10, 2011, 10:00 pm

        I think she was nuts.

        I agreed with the general consensus of The Doctors: its not something they would advocate or support. They said it would have be done on an individual basis. But from their perspective, not a good idea.

        I think walking is fine during pregnancy. Honor your body and don’t stress it unnecessarily. Just my opinion.

        • Leah December 11, 2011, 4:17 am

          @Victoria: I personally think women put too much pressure on themselves to exercise like they always did once they are pregnant. Just enjoy the 9 months and the little life growing inside and everything will balance out in the end. Exercise is important, yes! But running a marathon? Not for me. Did she know that she was in labour? I’ve missed this story!

          • Amy S. December 11, 2011, 2:50 pm

            @Leah: I read that the doctor cleared her for running the half marathon, but she felt okay and walked the last half. She wasn’t in labor or due that day, but clearly the marathon moved things along.

  • jason @ personal trainer December 10, 2011, 7:56 pm

    Looks like a really interesting course. So many 5ks are boring runs but 2 tunnels? Brill!

    And well done the puking hubby too!

  • Brooke @ sweats & sweets December 10, 2011, 8:14 pm

    Thats awesome for you and BabyHTP and puking isn’t always bad!

  • Army Amy* December 10, 2011, 8:24 pm

    How fun that you, babyHTP, and your husband all ran the 5k!*

  • Lisa December 10, 2011, 8:25 pm

    Ha, I came sooo close to yakking in my first race this spring, also 5k. After not running much during the winter I pushed it during the race, which happens to end with a giant hill. On the way up I started heaving and knew I was about to leave my ‘mark’ on the course. All I could think was ‘oh no, I do not want to be THAT person!’ I slowed to a walk and practiced deep breathing which got it under control, whew!

  • Ashleigh -http://www.simplehonestreal.com December 10, 2011, 9:28 pm

    Way to go! That is a great time for you and the little one!

  • Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn December 10, 2011, 9:51 pm

    Ahahah oh God. Poor guy puked everywhere? Also I am in agreement. Dudes should not have so much speed on us ladies without effort. Not okay.

  • Shannon December 10, 2011, 10:16 pm

    Looks like such a fun race! Congrats Baby HTP on your first 5K. Great job! 🙂

  • Rachel Starr December 10, 2011, 10:19 pm

    Boys are notorious for the workout yak! My husband signed up for a bootcamp last month – and he NEVER works out. I told him to take it easy. But secretly I knew he would push too hard & puke. Sure enough…I always tease him, “you listen to me, you’ll live longer!” ;). Silly man…

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing December 10, 2011, 11:54 pm

    Congrats to you and the husband!

  • Khushboo December 11, 2011, 1:24 am

    You both did a fab job- nice going!

  • Leah December 11, 2011, 4:14 am

    Regardless of time, I think it’s great that you are continuing to exercise throughout your pregnancy. Time means nothing, moving is so healthy for you and your little one! Congrats on a great race (and to your husband as well!).

  • Allison December 11, 2011, 6:53 am

    Great job completing the race- not so much the post-race happenings, but you both finished and that’s what matters! Hope it doesn’t become a common, family thing [ha]!

  • Charlie (Therunnerbeans) December 11, 2011, 7:40 am

    I have felt like I’m going to vom after I finished both of my races. I don’t think its anything to be ashamed of, actually quite amusing! poor guy!

  • Emily @ Relishments December 11, 2011, 8:02 am

    My husband only ran one race this summer (I ran 3) and he kicked my butt with hardly any training. I totally feel you!

  • Tammy Root December 11, 2011, 10:07 am

    YAY! Good for you Kristien and Caitlin and BabyHTP!!! I am impressed. I cannot even imagine running a 5k at 12 weeks pregnant (my energy is so much lower than normal). 🙂 You go girl and Dr. B!

    • Caitlin December 11, 2011, 10:21 am

      @Tammy Root: You will get your energy back, I promise 🙂

      • Tammy Root December 11, 2011, 11:40 am

        Here’s hoping I do! 🙂 My hubby and I are about to go hiking today — we live in Santa Fe and the trails are gorgeous.

  • Caroline December 11, 2011, 11:55 am

    I definitely struggle with going out to quickly in races, and each mile I get slower and slower. I’ve never thrown up from a race yet, but I’ve certainly felt like I was going to before! Congrats on having a great run w/ baby HTP!

  • Amber K December 11, 2011, 2:01 pm

    Great job on the race! The yakking doesn’t sound like fun, but glad he’s feeling better now.

  • jane December 11, 2011, 2:44 pm

    haha i wanted to comment. the other day i was listening a radio show about typical things “white girls” do that other races apparently dont. the main thing was talking pictures of their feet! i immediately thought of you 😉

  • Amy S. December 11, 2011, 2:56 pm

    Isn’t the phrase “pedal to the metal?” I’m saying “metal to the medal” aloud and it sounds really strange to me. Either way, congrats to you and hubby for a great race!

  • Kelly December 11, 2011, 3:34 pm

    That’s a great race time!!!

  • Ali December 11, 2011, 3:44 pm

    The couple who runs together stays together! Adorable!!!

  • Courtney December 11, 2011, 5:48 pm

    Great job to both you and your husband! Hope he is feeling better 🙂

  • anon December 11, 2011, 9:05 pm

    Hope that you are both ok!

  • Jessica @ MyKindnessCounts December 11, 2011, 10:34 pm

    How awesome that you and the Husband did it together! Good for you guys! 🙂

  • Amber @ Bold, Busy, Blessed December 11, 2011, 11:04 pm

    You are a rockstar! Bummer on the vomming, my sister definitely puked during her first 5K. I felt so bad.

  • Amanda December 12, 2011, 7:46 am

    Congratulations on your 5k with baby! I also ran a race this wekend (Tucson Half), after takig soem time off from running, and it was a blast! I crossed the finish line with a huge smile because I remembered how much I love running and racing!

  • Angela @ MyPinkyToes December 12, 2011, 2:15 pm

    Congratulations to all THREE of you on this race!!! I love that your husband randomly signed up at the last minute…I always hope my husband will do that too!

  • Kenley December 17, 2011, 12:23 pm

    Awesone job on that 5k time to you and BabyHTP! Sounds like you’ve got a little “helper” athlete in there! 😉

    I just finished a 5k at 15 weeks pregnant. I walked a couple of times but ran much longer without walking breaks than my normal prego runs. I freaked out after the finish because it got a little achy where baby hangs out and I know I broke the “heart rate under 140” rule. Does that type of issue ever concern you with running? Just wondering… I probably worry too much because it feels fine now. 🙂

  • Mike Murray January 2, 2013, 2:46 pm

    I enjoyed reading your blog, you need to get back to it. Btw, I am a big advocate of LMR and GOTR programs and I appreciate your involvement.

Previous post:

Next post:

Healthy Tipping Point