Well, well, well.  15 weeks of training flew by in the blink of an eye.  Training for a big race is a funny thing on so many levels – the way it consumes your life, the way it warps your perception of a ‘normal workout,’ the way your plan initially seems so long and daunting but the weeks positively zip away when you’re actually in the thick of it.

IMG_2896

I have been reading Meghann’s Miami 70.3 recap non-stop.

 

How am I feeling? Pretty good. But truthfully – a pretty nervous, too.  Alright… I actually just puked a little in my mouth. I may have done a dozen or so sprint and Olympic triathlons, and I may have done a handful of half marathons, and I may have biked a few metric centuries… but I have never, ever swam 1.2 miles, biked 56 miles, and ran 13.1 miles all together. The idea seems crazy and somewhat frightening. I’ve entered the point of taper when I start to second guess myself, to wish I had done more, to wish I had pushed myself harder.  But at the same time, I feel pretty confident that I’ve done enough.  I had a great coach guiding me, and I know that helped a lot.  All in all, despite the nerves, I am really, really excited.  And I’m truly looking forward to Sunday.

 

My race isn’t about who is in front of me or who is behind me (as long as it isn’t a shark). It’s about me.  Just me.  And I don’t care about the time on the clock as much as how I feel when I finish.  I want to feel strong and capable and confident and happy.  I want to prove to myself that I can do something that I previously believed was impossible. I think it’s fine to derive a positive emotion from a certain finishing time (and I’ve certainly been in that mindset, too), but this race is about something much more basic.  It’s simply about… me.  From the inside-out.  I do it for that moment when I think, “I want to quit!” and then I keep on going. That sweet spot. It’s an incredible feeling.

 

I think we all need a way to test our limits, to push our boundaries, to discover how far we’re willing to go.

 

What does it take to get to the starting line of a Half Ironman? Well, for me, it took:

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in race fees, travel costs, a new (but very much needed) bike, gym childcare, fuel, and other triathlon supplies. My head hurts just looking at that number.

15

long but totally awesome weeks of training.

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My lovely readers. <3 You get that it’s more than a workout, it’s more than a hobby, it’s more than a medal. The support has been awesome and tremendous.  Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the kind comments and e-mails. It really does mean a lot to me to have your support.  More than anyone, I understand that behind every comment and e-mail is an actual human being, and I deeply appreciate the time it takes to write a kind word.  Thank you so much!

4

very awesome triathlon coach. I couldn’t have done this without Coach Marni – who I finally get to meet in real life this weekend!

2

super supportive husband. When I decided that I wanted to do a Half Ironman, I knew that I had to ask Kristien for his support. Kristien really stepped up emotionally and logistically to support me in this race.

3

happy baby boy. Dear Henry was such a trooper over the last three months!

6

of episodes of Breaking Bad, Orange is the New Black, and Downton Abbey, all of which I enjoyed watching while riding my indoor trainer.

swim

yards of swimming (about 30.75 miles).

bike

miles of biking (about 45 hours of total saddle time).

run

miles of running.

 

In case you’re wondering, that works out to approximately 100 hours of exercise in the last fifteen weeks.  Holy shit.  No wonder my house is in shambles.

 

And now… it’s time to do this.

70.3

Fingers crossed for a wonderful race experience. Ready or not – here I come.

 

See you in MIAMI! 

{ 70 comments }

 

  • Sana October 24, 2013, 2:01 pm

    Best of luck to you! Can’t wait to see you do the full ;)!

  • Kim October 24, 2013, 2:02 pm

    Yaaaaaaay!!! I cannot WAIT to hear the recap! Good luck to you!!

  • Larkin October 24, 2013, 2:03 pm

    Good luck!!! As a new triathlete, I’ve been reading your training closely and rooting for you from D.C.! Trust your training and just have fun- you are ready and will rock it! I can’t wait to read your race recap. 🙂

  • Katie October 24, 2013, 2:06 pm

    YAY!!!! I hope you have a blast!

  • Haley October 24, 2013, 2:13 pm

    So excited for you…can’t wait to hear the “after” story!!!

  • Megan (The Lyons' Share) October 24, 2013, 2:18 pm

    You are going to ROCK this, Caitlin! So excited to hear about it! I hope the fact that you’ve inspired so many during the process is inspiration to you during the race.

  • Aishah @ Coffee, Love, Health October 24, 2013, 2:20 pm

    You go girl! You are such an inspiration not just in exercise, but in so many other ways! You deserve to do this for yourself for all the good you do xoxo

  • Sara @ LovingOnTheRun October 24, 2013, 2:31 pm

    Good luck!! I am so excited to cheer you on! Enjoy and can’t wait to hear all about it! You’ve worked hard for this!

  • Ashley N. October 24, 2013, 2:43 pm

    WOOHOO! Congratulations on all of the time, energy and overall commitment you’ve made to completing this! Looking forward to reading a post on the other side! 🙂 Good luck!!

  • Jill October 24, 2013, 2:59 pm

    you are going to do amazing!! good luck!!

  • Ali October 24, 2013, 2:59 pm

    Good luck! You’re going to do great. Studying other people’s race recaps and going through the race in your head is exactly what you should be doing now! Unless it’s making you nervous ans anxious…then don’t. I had a decent first 70.3, and I credit that to being able to swim, transition, bike, transition, run, finish in my sleep–I had the while thing memorized. It really helps!

    • Caitlin October 24, 2013, 3:25 pm

      I was starting to feel like it was good for me to read other recaps but now it’s freaking me out. So no more recaps. LOL

  • Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs October 24, 2013, 3:01 pm

    Best of luck! You’ve done all the work, now try to enjoy the race! 🙂

  • Carina October 24, 2013, 3:12 pm

    Wow, 100 hours in 15 weeks is almost an hour of working out per day! And you probably did even more than that! I’ve never done a tri but a HIM or IM is on my goals horizon some day. You’ve got this! Looking forward to reading about it.

    • Chrissy October 24, 2013, 3:53 pm

      Funny, I thought that 6.5 hours of exercise a week sounded pretty easy, for a half-ironman, I mean. I probably run that much just to train for a marathon. Maybe I should go for a HIM.

      • Caitlin October 24, 2013, 3:57 pm

        Well, it’s not 6.5 hours of exercise a week. You don’t average the exercise out over 15 weeks – that’s not how training plans work. You build up to about 10 – 13 hours a week towards the end (of my plan, they are all different). That being said, if you can do a marathon, I think you could definitely handle HIM training (but I shall wait to fully weigh in as I have to finish first).

        • Chrissy October 24, 2013, 4:11 pm

          Yes, I know that. You taper for marathons as well. I was just suprised that overall time commitment seemed lower than I would have expected. Good Luck!

          • Caitlin October 24, 2013, 4:12 pm

            you too! enjoy the marathon.

  • Courtney October 24, 2013, 3:23 pm

    Good luck! I ran marathons and my fiancé does FULL ironmams which is just crazy! I have been reading your training posts and you have made me want to give the triathalon a try!

  • Autumn October 24, 2013, 3:54 pm

    Stay positive. You are strong. You are ready. Go kick some Half Ironman ass.

  • Samantha October 24, 2013, 4:14 pm

    Hi Caitlin,
    I have really enjoyed reading about this chapter of your life! I wish you all the best and that you feel strong during the race and finish with a smile on your face. I can’t wait to read the recap. I am sure I am not the only reader who will be thinking of you and rooting for you in spirit on Saturday.

    • Caitlin October 24, 2013, 4:15 pm

      Thank you sweetie

  • Laura October 24, 2013, 4:17 pm

    So excited for you and to read your race recap of course! I’m doing my first 70.3 in June of 2014 and I’ve gotten over my initial nerves when I signed up-I seriously felt butterflies in my stomach every time I thought about doing it-but I can’t imagine what they’ll be like leading up to the race!

  • Julie October 24, 2013, 4:20 pm

    Good luck Caitlin! Can’t wait to hear all about it. I’ll be rooting for you! Hope it’s everything you wish for & more.

  • Tori @ In Love and Peanut Butter October 24, 2013, 4:42 pm

    Good Luck!! You’ve put in the training and you’re ready. I love your outlook going into the race. I’m doing Miami this weekend too as my second 70.3. Maybe I’ll see you out there!

    • Caitlin October 24, 2013, 5:35 pm

      Yeah?!? So fun !!

  • Elisabeth October 24, 2013, 4:47 pm

    Good luck!! Can’t wait to read the recaps 🙂

  • charitydawn October 24, 2013, 4:49 pm

    Good luck Caitlin!! You’ve worked hard for this be proud of that!

  • Amy @ Healthy and Fit for Real October 24, 2013, 5:04 pm

    You go girl!! No matter what happens, you will do awesome and should be so incredibly proud of yourself for all you’ve accomplished! Just reading this post and seeing all the miles swam, biked and ran in the last few months is awe-inspiring. 🙂

  • Amanda October 24, 2013, 5:16 pm

    Good luck!! You’ll amazing as always!

  • Janelle October 24, 2013, 5:28 pm

    You have SO got this. 🙂 I’ve never even run 13.1 miles at one time – let alone combined with the swim and bike. You have already accomplished so much! I hope that you find your pace, have fun, and relish how strong you are!

  • Heidi October 24, 2013, 6:12 pm

    Good luck!!! You’ll do great! It’s been so awesome reading about your training – all the ups and downs and it’s so awesome that now it’s here 😀 Go OWN that race 😀

  • Lauren @ Sassy Molassy October 24, 2013, 6:18 pm

    You are ready for this Caitlin! Your prep work has put you where you want to be on race day. Can’t wait to hear how it turns out.

  • Kendra October 24, 2013, 6:28 pm

    YAY!!! You will do great! You are such an inspiration and don’t forget… Despite the coach, the amazing husband, your sweet baby boy, family, friends, and readers… It is all Y-O-U. No one forced you to do this. No one pushed you on the bike. No one pushed you into open water (well, DadHTP almost did). No one laced up your sneakers for you on a day that you just couldn’t fathom it. YOU did. YOU pushed yourself and YOU worked your damn butt off and now all YOUR hard work is about to pay off!

    Kudos to you Caitlin! Have fun and go kick some butt!

  • Marie-Santé October 24, 2013, 6:32 pm

    Ha! You gave me chills. Have fun!!!

  • Amber K October 24, 2013, 7:11 pm

    Good luck Caitlin!

  • Anna {Herbivore Triathlete} October 24, 2013, 7:38 pm

    How exciting, it is finally here!! Good luck, you will rock Miami! Can’t wait to hear your recap.

  • Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen October 24, 2013, 8:04 pm

    GOOD LUCK! You will do awesome! Such an inspiration!

  • mindy @ just a one girl revolution. October 24, 2013, 8:43 pm

    Caitlin, go kick this race’s ass! You’ve put in the training, now have fun and enjoy your victory lap!!

  • Erin October 24, 2013, 8:48 pm

    You are AWESOME!

  • Jenny O October 24, 2013, 9:31 pm

    You’re ready and will do awesome!!!
    I can’t wait to read your report and be inspired for my first half iron in June 2014!
    All the best and good luck 🙂

  • Brynn October 24, 2013, 10:22 pm

    Good luck, Caitlin! Have fun!!!!! Even with the swim 🙂

  • Abby October 24, 2013, 10:49 pm

    Stay strong and believe!

  • Heather October 24, 2013, 11:09 pm

    You are an amazing woman and so proud of you for doing this! I’ve been thinking about you all week and can’t wait to read your recap. You are strong, confident, motivated and you can do this! You are an inspiration to me and so many of your readers. You inspired me to start swimming and I love it so much. Thank you for this blog and being a shining light in this world.

    Go get that Half Ironman! Whoop! Whoop!

  • Kyla October 24, 2013, 11:34 pm

    Good luck!! You’re going to do great! Can’t wait to read your recap!!!

  • Kathy October 24, 2013, 11:40 pm

    Good luck in Miami! You’ve got a great attitude and the training to go with it, now you can enjoy!

  • Amanda October 25, 2013, 1:13 am

    You’ve got this!

  • Gabrielle from Austria October 25, 2013, 6:33 am

    Dear Caitlin!

    I’ve been reading your blog for a while now, I like it very much!
    “Alles Gute!” (That means: Good luck!) for your Half Ironman. You’re awesome!
    I’ll think of you when I run the Venice Marathon on Sunday.

    • Caitlin October 25, 2013, 9:04 am

      How awesome! Have fun!

  • Kristen October 25, 2013, 7:08 am

    Good luck!!! Will be mentally cheering you on!

  • Anna October 25, 2013, 8:19 am

    Good Luck!! You will do great!! I’ve been thinking about doing a Half-Ironman and you have been such motivation to me!! I can’t wait to hear about the race!!

  • Amy Q October 25, 2013, 9:43 am

    You. Got. This.

  • Katy October 25, 2013, 9:45 am

    Good luck and have fun!

  • Colleen October 25, 2013, 9:45 am

    You are a ROCKSTAR for just getting to this place. Now relax and enjoy your hard work and training and know you have an amazing family waiting for you at the finish line.

  • Kristen October 25, 2013, 9:52 am

    You can do it! Have a great time and remember to BREATHE!!

  • Beth October 25, 2013, 9:59 am

    Good luck Caitlin!

    I understand exactly where you are (I’m running my first marathon, Marine Corps, on Sunday). Your post sums up exactly how I feel. The time doesn’t matter, I just want to conquer this challenge. I hope you and I both will feel that sense of accomplishment on sunday night, and know that we are stronger than that little voice in our heads!

  • Jennifer October 25, 2013, 10:08 am

    Yayyyyyyy, Caitlin! You are going to ROCK this! I can’t wait for the race report!

    On a side note- your 1/2 IM journey has been very inspiring to me. I am running a race tomorrow and have a few pre-race jitters. Your words, “My race isn’t about who is in front of me or who is behind me (as long as it isn’t a shark). It’s about me. Just me.” are just what I needed. So- THANKS!

  • Allison October 25, 2013, 10:12 am

    From one Miami grown girl to another, YOU GOT THIS GIRRRRRRRRL! Can’t wait to hear how it goes!

  • Jess October 25, 2013, 11:00 am

    You’re gonna do AWESOME! Looking forward to reading about it! You’re an inspiration!

  • Elizabeth @ Positive Change October 25, 2013, 11:18 am

    Good luck! All of your hard work will pay off!!

  • Joy October 25, 2013, 11:54 am

    Caitlin, I’ve really been inspired by your commitment to this race. I love reading about all of the training you’ve been doing and all of the great results you’ve felt so far (great bod, feeling so good about yourself). I’ll be thinking of you this weekend and can’t wait to hear how you felt during the race.

    Now it’s time to trust your training and enjoy race day! Don’t forget to have fun!

  • Kim L. October 25, 2013, 12:31 pm

    Good luck! I’ll be thinking about you on Sunday and I look forward to seeing your recap after the event. YOU ROCK!!!!

  • Stacey October 25, 2013, 12:55 pm

    Good luck! Trust your training – you’ve got this!

  • Wendy October 25, 2013, 2:32 pm

    Wishing you much luck from Connecticut! You got this! Excited to read your “after” post and hear all about it.

  • Taylor @ Single-tracked Mind October 25, 2013, 6:02 pm

    Congrats on all your hard work! You’re gonna rock this, and I can’t wait to read the race recap!

  • Cate October 25, 2013, 8:36 pm

    I’m so excited for you and am sending good race vibes your way! Good luck this weekend!!!!! 🙂 Looking forward to your post race recap!

  • Leah October 25, 2013, 10:18 pm

    I’m so excited for you! Its gonna be amazing 🙂 . I can’t wait to read about how it went.
    You have inspired me to do a sprint triathlon one day. I just started running about a year and a half ago. And I love the sense of accomplishment in getting your body to do what you tell it to.
    Haven’t been running since I’m now pregnant and nauseous and tired, but I’m getting a jogging stroller so I can run to get back in shape after I have the baby!

  • Susan October 26, 2013, 3:58 pm

    Have fun and enjoy the race!

  • Mary October 26, 2013, 8:29 pm

    I am so excited for you! I said I would never do another HIM but when I read your posts I get inspired all over again. Most important…have FUN! Can’t wait to read the recap:).

  • Jessi October 27, 2013, 10:00 am

    You are such a wonderful inspiration to me. I’m proud of you, and I don’t even know you! 🙂

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