I just… I just don’t even know how to start.  But I will say this:  I killed it.  I pulled out a half marathon that I really and truthfully had no idea that I had inside of me.  And it feels amazing.

2

I was so nervous going into this race.  It was my first post-baby half.  I had trained as well as I could, given all the new in’s and out’s of my life, but I wasn’t 100% confident.  I wasn’t sure what pace I could achieve.  I didn’t even publicly confess a ‘time goal’ – but I’m sure that you guys know that I totally had a secret time goal.  Hah.  I would’ve been happen with anything under 2:10:00.

 

I ran a 2:00:15.  For real!  My second best half marathon EVER.  And seven months after Henry’s birth.  My mind is blown.

 

Okay… let’s back up.  This race was a ZOOMA race; I was running as a race ambassador with a bunch of other wonderful bloggers.  When my alarm went off at 6:15 AM, I gave a big sigh of gratitude for a restful night’s sleep.  It was so nice that the race started late (at 8 AM).  I got ready, ate a huge peanut butter sandwich, and made my way downstairs to meet up with my other bloggy friends.  We boarded a bus and were transported to the start line.

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This race was a point-to-point course, which I loved.  My favorite type of race is really an out-and-back because you get to look at other runners as they pass you in the opposite direction, but point-to-point races are pretty cool, too.

 

Speaking of cool… it was FREEZING.  All the runners huddled up to get away from the chilly wind.

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I hung with Julie from Peanut Butter Fingers at the start (she’s so fun). 

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We had a last-minute discussion about fueling techniques and decided that we both start taking in fuel way too late in the race. I spontaneously decided to try a little something different and fuel up much earlier than I would normally would.

 

And just like that… before I knew it… we were off!

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I usually pay attention to my surroundings during events – and this course was truly beautiful – but I got sucked into my thoughts almost immediately.  For some reason, I couldn’t stop thinking about Henry’s birth.

 

Even seven months later, I revisit his birth fairly frequently.  Not just because it was incredible to meet my beautiful, wonderful baby boy, but because our birth experience taught me so much about myself.  In all the races that I’ve done… the marathons, the triathlons… nothing showed me how incredibly strong my body and mind are like childbirth did.  It sounds clichéd – and maybe it is.  But as I ran the first three miles totally wrapped up in the memory of my water breaking, of driving to the hospital, of getting checked into my room, of going through that horrible transition period, and of pushing for three long and painful hours.  I thought about how my midwife kept promising the baby was ‘almost here,’ and I’d look at the clock and half an hour would pass without progress.  I thought about how I was in so much pain and so exhausted, but how amazing it felt when he was placed on my chest.   And more than anything, I thought about his little mewing cry and his sweet little face.  How the best things can come out of the most painful of experiences.

 

The first part of the course flew by – a blur of memories.  I forgot I was running at all until I tackled a bridge.

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I had intended to run the race watch-less because I had generally trained without a watch, but at the last moment, I panicked about ‘flying blind.’  I ended up downloading the RunKeeper app on my iPhone, which has a GPS device in it and automatically gave me updates over my music.  When the app announced that I had just run a 28 minute 5K, I suddenly thought: I can do this.  I can run a sub-2:00 half.  I just have to believe that I can.

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The course took us through Florida coastal plains and into a state park.  With my new goal in mind, I picked up the pace.

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I also started to fuel.  In my past halves, I haven’t eaten until Mile 7 or so.  But today, I ended up taking Gu at Mile 2, 6, and 9.  I also drank some CytoMax (like Gatorade) and a lot of water.  ZOOMA had an amazing amount of aid stations; it was one of the best staffed races that I’ve ever done.

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Most of the race was long back roads of the state park – there was a beautiful canopy overhead.  It was flat as a pancake from that point forward, and the trees sheltered the runners from the wind.  It was about 55 degrees – perfect weather. 

 

The miles ticked by, and RunKeeper kept announcing my average pace – “You’re running an average pace of 9:28… You’re running an average pace of 9:15…. You’re running an average pace of 8:58.”  It kept dropping and dropping – a perfect negative split.  I was getting faster and faster, not slower, and I still felt fabulous.

 

Around Mile 7, my hip started to ache – remember how it flared up on Thursday?  It wasn’t a big deal, but I did stop to stretch it out.  Doubt crept into my mind but I quickly pushed it away.  I stayed so positive the entire race.  I thought again of Henry’s birth and reminded myself… If I can do that, I can do a half marathon.

 

The last five miles or so were on A1A – the highway along the ocean.  By this point, the crowd of runners had thinned considerably (there were only 400 people doing the half).  I had forty feet of breathing room ahead and behind me.  I loved it. 

 

The last three miles hurt.  My body protested as I pushed myself to maintain sub-9:00 miles.  I started to do math in my head – “If I run the next three miles in 27 minutes, I may break my personal record of 1:58.”  I would recalculate every mile marker.  I knew it was going to be tight.

 

Around Mile 12, I remembered my foe:  the sand finish.  I had been told that the last 0.3 miles were in the sand.  I started to run as fast as I could, as I knew I would slow significantly when I hit the beach.

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I am SO glad that I knew about the sand.  I don’t think I would’ve handled it well otherwise – I was already fighting back tears because I wanted so badly to hang onto my pace, my lungs felt like they were about to burst, and my legs were screaming.

 

The sand lasted forever.  It went on and on (0.3 miles is a long way in mushy sand). 

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When I crossed the finish line in 2:00:15, I was thrilled.  If it hadn’t been for that sand finish, I would’ve definitely ran a sub-2:00, and I may have even set a personal record.  But I am not disappointed at all by those 15 seconds.  It was my second best half time by a few minutes, and it’s definitely not a time that I expected to run today.

 

I stumbled about the finisher’s corral for a bit, and then I wiped tears from my eyes. It feels like I have come full circle after pregnancy, childbirth, and the first few exhausting newborn months.  My life has been forever altered by Henry, and although my primary role these days is as my sweet baby’s mom, it felt so good to do something that was very the ‘old me.’  Kids change a lot about life, but I’m still Caitlin – you know?  I shouldn’t doubt myself so much.

 

Things that made a different for this race:

 

  • Hill Work:  The neighborhood I live in is super hilly – I basically do hillwork for every run.  The race was completely flat, making what is normally a fast pace seem much easier.
  • Fueling:  Fueling earlier and more often during the race made a huge different.  Lesson learned – do not wait until your hungry.  It’s too late at that point! 
  • Stroller Jogging:  Henry and I have begun to run together using a jogging stroller. I owe you a post about this, but I’ll say this for now – doing hillwork with forty pounds of baby + stroller makes for one strong momma.  We’ve done a lot of five and six milers together, and it is exhausting!  (I want to add that this is with pediatrician’s approval – head control is a concern, but Henry is so far along with his motor skills that his doctor assured me it was completely safe to run on smooth roads together – please check with your doctor before running with bebe!).
  • Attitude:  I created so much resolve and determination from ruminating on my past experiences during this race.  Like so many things in life, if you can dream it, you can do it. 

 

On that note…. Post-race PARTY.

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And a celebratory glass or two of bubbly champagne!

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… That almost landed me on my ass.  See?  Some things never change.  Winking smile

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There was live music, free massages, complimentary yoga, food and drinks, and more.  ZOOMA definitely knows how to put on a great show.  It was a blessing to experience this race.

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How do I feel?  Pretty awesome.  It will take a while for the shine of this event to wear off. 

 

My poor aching legs… now, that’s another story entirely.  Whew!

{ 112 comments }

 

  • Mary January 19, 2013, 8:21 pm

    Congratulations…what a great time! You a truly an inspiration!

  • Maddie January 19, 2013, 8:30 pm

    What a great post Caitlin- very motivating and uplifting! Congratulations on a very well deserved post-baby half!

  • Axel January 19, 2013, 8:32 pm

    I want to run my half in under 2 hours too. Thanks to your post (& my last few runs)
    I’m beginning to believe I’ll make it!

  • Anne Marie January 19, 2013, 8:41 pm

    What a great race recap! Congratulations on an amazing race, Caitlin. You earned it!! I bet Henry is very proud of his momma right now 🙂

  • Alexandra January 19, 2013, 8:43 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS!!! This recap got me a bit teary… such an amazing accomplishment!

  • Kerin January 19, 2013, 8:46 pm

    Congratulations!! You are an inspiration. You’ve got me thinking that maybe in a year, I can too. 🙂

  • Caroline January 19, 2013, 8:47 pm

    Congratulations on running such a fantastic race! It sounds like you conquered the mental side of it pretty well too! I fuel at miles 4, 7, and 10 usually in a race, and that works pretty well for me. I want to make sure i never experience a lull in energy, which is why I take in fuel so quickly. Enjoy the runners high- you earned it:)

  • Kayla @ Lovely Ride January 19, 2013, 8:52 pm

    WHOA! Congratulations, Caitlin! Great race and great post. I’ve been looking forward to hearing about it! It definitely was an emotional read. Thanks for sharing!!

  • Laura January 19, 2013, 8:53 pm

    You did it!! Congratulations!

  • Kim January 19, 2013, 8:54 pm

    Way to rock it!!!

  • Amber K January 19, 2013, 8:59 pm

    Congrats on your PR! <—I read entirely too many blogs. I wouldn't even know what meant if it weren't for the Internet, lol.

    • Amber K January 19, 2013, 9:00 pm

      Annnnd I just realized that you said second best and not THE best. Clearly my reading comprehension sucks, HA!

  • JenRD January 19, 2013, 9:00 pm

    Yaaaaay! Congrats! What an accomplishment. You just gave me the inspiration to sign up for my first half!

  • Jill January 19, 2013, 9:01 pm

    I am SO thrilled for you! What a wonderful experience!

    You’ve inspired me to change up my fueling, too. I have a 12 miler tomorrow (and a 1/2 next week). I usually fuel at about 5-6 miles, but I’m going to try earlier to see if it makes a difference.

    Enough about me, congrats again on an amazing race!

  • abbi January 19, 2013, 9:02 pm

    Congrats, you can tell how much this means to you! 🙂

  • Suzanne January 19, 2013, 9:08 pm

    What a beautiful post! I’m only twenty years old with no children and I haven’t run any races longer than a 8k, but this post really spoke to me somehow. I look forward to defining moments in my life, but for now I like reading about yours!

  • Michelle January 19, 2013, 9:20 pm

    I’m sad I missed the post-race photo!! Man I was slow.

    It was nice meeting you last night – and huddling with you this morning. Congrats on a great race!

  • Alexa January 19, 2013, 9:23 pm

    This is so awesome! I’ll be running my first post baby half six months and one day after I gave birth later this spring and I am so anxious, as I’m 12 weeks postpartum now, and am only up to 2.5 miles because of my surprise csection that set me back for exercising even more. This gives me such a boost to read this, because I agree, when I run, I feel like I’m doing something just for me, that’s outside of mom duty.

  • Amanda K. January 19, 2013, 9:42 pm

    way to go! you had an awesome race, and it was great reading how you felt after baby.

    i felt the same way about my first 1/2 after baby. it was amazing to run a race, but even better to realize you are both a mom and a person who is fit and healthy and STRONG.
    my 1st 1/2 back was a PR (http://www.thekriegers.org/2012/11/richmond-half-marathon-race-report/), and i was shocked and amazed.

  • Chatty natty January 19, 2013, 9:48 pm

    Luv it! Totally proud of you. Way to kick butt. My marathon times have only improved after having kids.

  • Joy January 19, 2013, 9:56 pm

    Congratulations, Caitlin!! This recap was so wonderful to read.

    You trained hard and all that hard work paid off. You should be super proud of yourself.

  • Emily January 19, 2013, 9:57 pm

    Congrats!!!! Way to go, mama! You deserve it 🙂

  • Susan January 19, 2013, 9:59 pm

    Caitlin-
    Awesome recap, makes me want to do this race next year. I love Amelia Island. I really like that you said that “it was a blessing to experience this race.”

  • Bron January 19, 2013, 10:00 pm

    this post gives me so much hope! I have a 3 week old baby who is currently going through growth spurts and not wanting to sleep anywhere except on me… after a week or two of the baby blues I am starting to feel better but still being 3 weeks away from being able to run again (I had a c-section) at times I’m feel like I’ll never be ‘me’ again… but just gotta keep reminding myself that she will grow out of this phase, eventually I will get more sleep and soon I’ll be able to have half an hour to myself to go for a run – my goal is to do a half marathon in October and reading your post today really made me feel like its an achievable goal again! so thanks 🙂

  • Cate January 19, 2013, 10:00 pm

    way to go Caitlin! sounds like you had a great race 🙂

  • Michelle January 19, 2013, 10:13 pm

    Way to go! So proud of you!

  • Laura January 19, 2013, 10:16 pm

    Congrats! What min/mile pace were you running during training?

  • Elisabeth January 19, 2013, 10:28 pm

    Congratulations on your first post-baby half! I’ll definitely have to look into Zooma races.

  • Steph January 19, 2013, 10:31 pm

    First – COGNRATULATIONS! That is an amazing recap

    Second – I think your ambassador-ing worked because that sounded like an absolutely AH-MAZING setup for a half marathon!

    Go enjoy that big bed!

  • Allison January 19, 2013, 10:37 pm

    Congratulations! I think I smiled while reading this whole post.

  • Sonia the mexigarian January 19, 2013, 10:40 pm

    Congrats in such an awesome half ! It’s gives me a lot of hope and new incentiVe to train properly for my half in April. You completely rocked this! Thanks you for such an inspirational post.

  • Lana January 19, 2013, 10:50 pm

    Congrats on a wonderful post-baby race! So happy for you.

  • Maggie January 19, 2013, 10:56 pm

    Hooray!

  • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed January 19, 2013, 11:05 pm

    Great job! I’m definitely a fan of hill training, I mean it sucks while it’s happening, but it makes you so much stronger. This event looks amazing. Bubbly at the finish?! Congrats, you deserve it 🙂

  • Jeri January 19, 2013, 11:18 pm

    You’re AMAZING! I am a long-time reader of HTP and a bit of a hesitant commenter, but on a post like this I could not help but send some congrats (: I’m running my first half tomorrow and honestly, I have been paranoid as heck all week. This post was exactly what I needed to get my head in the game and remind myself what I am capable of. Thank you for the inspiration, both in your race and your attitude about life (:

    • Caitlin January 20, 2013, 7:52 am

      Good luck!!!!!

  • claire January 19, 2013, 11:23 pm

    Congratulations! Very happy for you!

  • Katya January 19, 2013, 11:51 pm

    Fantastic race!! Well done and sounds like you really enjoyed it. Henry must be very proud of his beautiful mama!

  • Heather January 20, 2013, 12:02 am

    congrats on an awesome race! i will take your fueling advice during my next half – i think i wait too long!

  • Claire January 20, 2013, 12:10 am

    Well done. having kids definitely doesn’t slow us down, which is another reason why running is the best sport ever.

  • Amanda January 20, 2013, 12:52 am

    Huge congrats! You are an inspiration! I always find that drawing from past tough experiences and recalling how I overcame them really helps me through difficult runs. I’m see childbirth is the most intense thing you could imagine! You rock!

  • Reenielou January 20, 2013, 1:12 am

    I just knew you’d do well….way to go Caitlin. Congrats!!

  • Melissa January 20, 2013, 1:18 am

    That’s awesome! What an inspiration!

  • Jen January 20, 2013, 2:27 am

    Congratulations!!! I just had a feeling that you were going to have a great race, but you completely blew it out of the water! 🙂

  • Kermit January 20, 2013, 2:57 am

    Well done!! I had a feeling you would blitz this race and have been following your training for this one with real interest . While you ran a half, across the other side of the world I ran my first 5k race after a year off running with bilateral tibial stress fractures.
    It’s been a long road back and it was your blog that inspired me to continue and to do something I NEVER thought I would do. I took up swimming after having not swum a lap of a pool for 20 years. Thank you so much , you had no idea but your love of swimming as a complementary exercise to running made me give it a go and I believe is a big part of why I can now start to run again.
    Enjoy the post race high ! It’s the best feeling isn’t it
    Kermit 🙂

    • Caitlin January 20, 2013, 7:51 am

      Congrats on your 5k!!!

  • Tahlia January 20, 2013, 5:01 am

    I teared up reading this! Could totally feel your emotion through this post. So inspiring and uplifting. What you have accomplished with your busy lifestyle makes me less hesitant about achivieving my fitness and life goals in the future. So happy for you 🙂

  • Robin January 20, 2013, 7:05 am

    I have found fueling early is the key in racing. I did so in my half in October and dropped my half time from 1:41 to 1:35 and my marathon last week from 3:32 to 3:24. In both races, I fueled early and much more often than normal.

    AND, I think moms are stronger runners. We know how to kick butt out there and you have some major PR’s to break with that baby at home.

  • Tammy Rot January 20, 2013, 7:22 am

    Wow Caitlin! So happy for you! You rocked it, as I knew you would. Henry is going to be so proud of his mama!

  • Sara @my less serious life January 20, 2013, 7:31 am

    a HUUUUGE congratulation. what a major accomplishment. you are inspiring, for real. way to go.

  • Brittney January 20, 2013, 7:39 am

    Awesome job Caitlin!!!

  • Tricia January 20, 2013, 7:42 am

    Oh my! Congrats, Caitlin!

  • Emilia January 20, 2013, 7:51 am

    Congratulations! That’s an amazing race time no matter what but even more of an astonishing achievement considering how soon it is after giving birth. Great recap too. I think it’s fantastic that you were able to reflect like that during the beginning of your race, inspiring 🙂

  • Stacy January 20, 2013, 8:17 am

    Oh, Caitlin, I am so HAPPY for you and PROUD for you! This post brought tears to my eyes. Congratulations on the race and for so much MORE that the race brought to you!

  • Jen January 20, 2013, 8:24 am

    Congrats! Your post was beautiful, made me all teary. I’m 9 months post- 2nd baby and just starting to get back to running again. I’ve had terrible back and hip issues since I was pregnant with my first (he’s now almost 3.) Anyway, you’re so inspiring! Not just for the run, but for the reminder that I’m me under all the Mom stuff. I’m determined to find me again – I’m looking forward to training for a race this spring. I used to 5Ks, 10Ks, and halfs quite a bit, but none for a long time. I’m a GOTR site coordinator (used to be a coach) so I’ll probably do the 5K in April. I can’t wait!

  • Cassandra F. January 20, 2013, 8:38 am

    Congratulations on such a great accomplishment, on so many levels. 🙂 I’m a new adoptive mom with a year of struggles behind me and a new, exciting year ahead. Thanks for this great reflection. It helps more than you know.

  • Erica January 20, 2013, 8:40 am

    Congratulations, this is a great race recap and really well done on your half marathon!!

    I ran a half at seven months after my first child (he’s almost 10 months now), and it was a 10 minute PR! I had a similar experience – I kept thinking about childbirth and how it was the most epic thing my body had gone through and done to bring our son into the world. It’s cheesy, but so true! I don’t know how I did it because I definitely was not doing stroller runs, but I do believe in hill training (I live in Chapel Hill, NC and the race was in a flat area of Virginia).

    Now I’m training for a race that is supposed to be flat and fast, and I’m aiming for a 2:00 finish. This post was very motivational!

  • Victoria (District Chocoholic) January 20, 2013, 8:42 am

    Congrats on a great race – not just the time, but the way you pushed through mentally. You are strong!

  • Kathy K January 20, 2013, 8:55 am

    You ROCK! Congrats!

  • Katie @ Soulshine and Sassafras January 20, 2013, 9:27 am

    Congratulations, Caitlin!! I’m so happy for you!

  • hilary January 20, 2013, 9:28 am

    You are incredible!!! 🙂 I heard the zooma races are great, I definitely want to do one sometime.

  • Lee January 20, 2013, 9:32 am

    That’s awesome! Congrats.

  • Gillian January 20, 2013, 9:38 am

    Congratulations! Very inspiring 🙂 Ride that post-race high all week!

  • Sara @ fitcupcaker January 20, 2013, 9:56 am

    congrats, thats awesome! Gotta have a celebration at the end!

  • Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries January 20, 2013, 9:58 am

    Awesome job Caitlin! You absolutely should be so proud. Congratulations! 🙂

  • Katy January 20, 2013, 10:13 am

    Congratulations! What a great time! Sounds like you had plenty of inspiration to keep you going. 🙂

  • Shel@PeachyPalate January 20, 2013, 10:28 am

    Oh wow, fantastic recap! Well done, I’d say you feel amazing today, what an accomplishment so soon after having Henry! Inspirational!

  • Molly@This Life Is Sparkling January 20, 2013, 10:37 am

    Congrats! It sounds like such a fun race to run!

  • Jen January 20, 2013, 10:52 am

    Congrats on a wonderful half! Glad to hear it was such a terrific experience for you, ESP. Post-baby! You are an inspiration to all of us making plans for racing after baby 🙂

  • kalli January 20, 2013, 11:03 am

    i am so proud of you caitlin! i love how in a way you have come full circle and have rediscovered you with mommy hood. so happy 🙂

  • Holly @ Healthy Living Holly January 20, 2013, 11:52 am

    FANTASTIC JOB, CAITLIN! way to kill it!

    have a fantastic sunday!!

  • Jacquelynn January 20, 2013, 11:52 am

    Congrats! That was a great recap and sounds like an awesome experience… Way to go!

  • Samantha Angela January 20, 2013, 12:02 pm

    Great job on the run!!!

  • Alex @ Raw Recovery January 20, 2013, 12:06 pm

    A huge congratulations to you, Caitlin! You’re such an inspiration and I’m so proud of you and grateful that you share your journey with us!

  • Jenna January 20, 2013, 1:16 pm

    Wow! What an inspiration, congratulations! Seems like you had an awesome time. Welcome back to the races 🙂

  • Sarah January 20, 2013, 2:50 pm

    Congrats!! Very well done, you should be proud!! 🙂

  • Erica January 20, 2013, 2:56 pm

    Congrats! Way to do it girl! I did my first this weekend. SO fun and SO hard.

  • SkinnyRunner January 20, 2013, 3:11 pm

    dude, you did kill it! what an inspiring race recap! enjoy the bubbly 🙂

  • Amanda January 20, 2013, 3:30 pm

    Congrats! This recap had me teary eyed. You should be very proud of yourself 🙂

  • Sarah January 20, 2013, 4:05 pm

    Congratulations!!

  • Carrie January 20, 2013, 5:08 pm

    Congrats Caitlin! I am running my 3rd Half Marathon in April! Will be my first race since I’ve moved to Colorado so am very excited : )

  • beth January 20, 2013, 5:33 pm

    Good job!!! Way to rock it… you are amazing.

  • Hannah January 20, 2013, 5:44 pm

    Congratulations!

  • Kendra @ My Full-Thyme Life January 20, 2013, 5:51 pm

    Nice work, mama!! Congrats on finishing in such great time!

    I love how you recalled Henry’s birth to get you through. Such a perfect blend of your new life as a mom and the woman you were and will always be outside of your role as mom. Way to go and I hope you get some well deserved rest and relaxation!

  • Theodora January 20, 2013, 6:44 pm

    What an awesome post-baby half! Congrats lady!

  • Ashley January 20, 2013, 6:55 pm

    I just want to say that this post was SO INSPIRING! Thank you so much! I love your honest way of writing and love seeing (feels like sharing!) your accomplishments! Congrats!

  • Ashley@CupcakesnCrunches January 20, 2013, 7:07 pm

    Awesome job, girl! What a motivating post!

    I ran the race too and I ran it with a pacer. My watch messed up during the run, so my distance was off, but my pacer said the race was actually slightly longer than 13.1 miles. Her watch said 13.25 and my boyfriend’s watch said 13.2…so technically….if you add in that extra distance…you were totally under 2 hours! 🙂

    • Caitlin January 20, 2013, 7:23 pm

      🙂 congrats!

  • Luv What You Do January 20, 2013, 7:13 pm

    You earned that bubbly! Sand is brutal. Congrats to you! That is an inspirational run for women and mothers everywhere. I have already been checking out the Wisconsin race and hope that they post a date soon. I’d love to run that half! Hope you are resting up!

  • Katie @ Talk Less, Say More January 20, 2013, 7:36 pm

    Congrats!! What a great race and so inspiring! If you can do this, I can totally run my first 1/2 in April! 🙂

  • Sharisse January 20, 2013, 9:11 pm

    Congrats on such a great time! That looks like a great race and the sand finish is new and interesting. You really did kill it. High five!!!

  • mindy @ just a one girl revolution. January 20, 2013, 9:20 pm

    Congrats, friend! You’re an inspiration, as always.

  • kirsten January 20, 2013, 9:43 pm

    Congrats Caitlin!! 🙂 Awesome job!!

  • jose January 21, 2013, 8:13 am

    cool .. congratulations , btw I just completed the Mumbai marathon – 42km feels great too read a similar achievement

  • Nadine January 21, 2013, 8:23 am

    Congrats on a great race! I noticed that you were not listed as one of the Blog Ambassadors on the Zooma page?

    Unrelated question: How is the IUD working for you after a few months now? Do you still like it? I’d love an update since I’m deciding what to do. Thanks!!

  • Jess January 21, 2013, 9:35 am

    Congratulations on a great race! I truely think having a baby makes your faster. I PRd every race I did last year.

  • Anne P January 21, 2013, 1:09 pm

    Girl, this is amazing! So proud of you! xo

  • Ashley // Our Little Apartment January 21, 2013, 2:11 pm

    YES! I ALWAYS think about my son’s birth when I’m running really hard. It’s like, “I did THAT, I can do THIS.”

    I completely, completely feel you about testing your body’s strength and drawing upon that when running. It’s so weird – I’ve never had anyone else who felt like that! 🙂

    (But I’m still scared to actually give birth again…ha. 2.5 years later.)

  • Laura January 21, 2013, 3:04 pm

    Congrats!!! You did a great job. Can I ask you what you used to carry your iphone while you were running? I want to upgrade from my ipod to my phone but I do not know what the best option would be for carrying it.

    • Caitlin January 21, 2013, 4:50 pm

      Just my hand 🙂

  • Kelli January 21, 2013, 3:41 pm

    Congratulations on such a well executed race! It made me tear up reading about it. The whole time I was pregnant & in labor I thought a lot about the half marathons I’ve done & how strong my body is. I can imagine that if I ever run another 1/2 I’ll be thinking about child birth as the measuring stick for my body’s strength too.
    On a lighter note, am I the only one who had Vanilla Ice running through my head about halfway through your post? 🙂

    “A1A, beach front avenue, girls lookin hot wearing less than bikinis…..”

  • Heather From KC January 22, 2013, 8:00 am

    YOU go GIRL!!

  • Caitlin January 22, 2013, 2:35 pm

    Congratulations! Just a quick question about fueling–you took part of a GU at 2, 6, and 9? Or a whole? If you took just part of one, how did that work out for you? My gel seems to get every where if I try to take only part of it. If only I could chew and run 🙂

    • Caitlin January 22, 2013, 2:38 pm

      No I ate three gu total!

  • Lani January 22, 2013, 7:19 pm

    Congrats! That’s so awesome. I didn’t have my gps this race (Tink) and it really made me realize I need it for pacing. But I love your insight on fueling– I will try that next time!

  • Ali @ Around the VeggieTable January 23, 2013, 10:06 am

    Congratulations! This got me pretty inspired for second and third half marathons, which I am running in the spring 🙂

  • Amber January 23, 2013, 10:45 am

    This is exactly what I was hoping to hear! I too am planning a 1/2 marathon for about 7 months after I give birth, I figure if I have that goal in mind now (when i’m 15 weeks) it will encourage me to stay on the right path for this pregnancy!

  • Hope January 29, 2013, 1:11 pm

    What jogging stroller do you use? We have a $200 budget for one, and we’re trying to find the best option.

    • Caitlin January 29, 2013, 1:29 pm

      Bob Ironman – I hope to do a review soon.

  • The Inspirator March 31, 2014, 11:44 pm

    Nice work on doing a half marathon! I’m hoping to do one this coming August but am unfortunately struggling with dodgy hamstring injuries at the moment. I will get there though! 🙂

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