Miami 70.3 2013 Race Recap

in Half Ironman

The Miami Half Ironman was an awesome race.

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For weeks, I’ve been visualizing a perfect race. While I swam laps, I imagined the perfect swim. When I rode my indoor trainer, I thought about the perfect bike.  And when I pushed Henry up big hills in his jogging stroller, I dreamed of a perfect run.  My perfect Half Ironman (HIM) looked like this:  a confident swim with no freak outs; focused fueling and hydrating; running in race in my ‘happy pace’ to prevent burnout; and a strong finish.  Going into this race – my first 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and 13.31 mile run Half Ironman – I didn’t think about my goal finishing time at all.  I didn’t even wear a watch!

 

But, amazingly, I managed to run my version of a perfect first HIM and finish in a time that I’m proud of, too.  Picture me tossing race medal-shaped confetti in the air.

 

The Miami 70.3 HIM was a great event. The weather was beautiful, Brickell / Biscayne Bay location was gorgeous and chic (very Miami), and it was very well-organized.

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Kristien and I stayed at a hotel very close to the start line, so I didn’t have to wake up too early.  We arrived about an hour before my swim wave started, and I immediately organized my transition area and got bodymarked.

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We sat on the edge of Biscayne Bay and watched the sun rise.  The sunrise was so beautiful.  Around this time, the race officials declared that the swim wouldn’t be wetsuit legal because the water was too warm.  I didn’t bring a wetsuit so that was fine by me.

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The swim itself was one 1.2 mile loop around Biscayne Bay.  The course took the athletes right next to the causeway and by a few big cruise ships.

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My swim wave was actually the fourth one – it was awesome to start so early – and two of the waves before mine were the professional athletes.  I stayed with Kristien and we watched the professional men and women go.  I have never JUMPED off a dock at the start of a race before!  It was very dramatic.

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The athletes entered the water a few minutes before the start of their wave.  In the time, you could warm up by swimming back and forth behind the start line, tread water, or hang onto a pontoon.

 

I decided immediately that I’d use the time to warm up.  Last week’s (failed) open water attempt taught me that this would calm my nerves a lot.

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Coach Marni also told me to position myself to the left and rear.  When I did line up, I let everyone else get in front of me.  I wasn’t feeling nervous yet, but from experience, I know how fast I go from calm to freaking out in open water.  Getting kicked in the face and crawled over does not help.

 

READY, SET, GO.

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Guess what? I ended up having an amazing swim.  I never freaked out – in fact, I felt strong, confident, and capable the entire time.  I credit this to regularly doing swims over the race distance and  positive visualizations.  I focused on breathing, sighting, and pacing and tried not to think about anything else.  My sighting really paid off – I never swam off course.

 

My mantra during the swim was: ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK.

 

I quickly overtook a few women in the wave before mine, and it took about 750 yards for the men behind me to catch up.  I guess I got lucky – I rarely ran into other swimmers (or was ran into!).

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This was one of the first triathlons that I exited the swim and didn’t feel exhausted.  I had energy to spare!  I actually did the cha-cha as I come into transition, screaming, “WHOOP WHOOP!”  Kristien shouted to me, “You did the swim in 45 minutes!” and I was floored.  I hadn’t thought a lot about goal times, but from training, I knew that 45 minutes was a strong swim for me.  Whoop whoop for real.

 

Time to transition…

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I took my time in both transitions (each one was over 5 minutes).  My rack was really far from the Bike In/Bike Out, which didn’t help things, either.

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The bike was one long out-and-back loop.

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The bike was boring. It’s hard to find 56 interesting miles in a big city, I know, but it was really just completely dull.  At least it was flat!

 

It was also windy.  I had the wind in my face on the way out, and I consoled myself with the thought that it’d be a tailwind on the way back.  But guess what?  A few miles after the turnaround, the wind shifted direction and was in my face!  Ahhh.

 

My plan for the bike was to:  get through it and focus on fueling.  Biking is always my weakest sport; I was totally fine with a 15 MPH pace; and Coach Marni had really drilled the importance of taking in calories.  So I didn’t mind that people were passing me right and left (metaphorically of course) – for the most part, I was in my little zone.  I was careful not to accidentally draft the cyclists passing me (sitting behind another cyclist to minimize wind resistance is illegal, and if someone passes you, the onus is on you not to draft).

 

When I saw the Mile 40 marker, I was really pumped.  I wasn’t hurting, but I was ready to be off the bike.  My feet were starting to ache, too (I don’t think my cycling shoes fit me anymore – my feet got wider after pregnancy).  I was also ready for more water!

 

In transition, I said hello to Kristien (he was so easy to find because he made me a big, colorful sign!) and set out on the run.

 

That’s when I ran into Coach Marni!

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My triathlon coach, Marni, was there with her dog Campy to cheer on her husband, Karel.  I plan to dedicate an entire post to the experience of having a tri coach, but I have to say – I just don’t think that I could’ve done this without Marni.  She gave me an excellent pre-built plan, helped me modify it for my own needs, and provided constant support.  I was also just SO inspired by Marni.  She’s done SEVEN IRONMANS and been to the World Championships three times.  Incredible.

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Three cheers for Karel!  Check this out:  he finished 14th in his age division with an overall time of 4:33.  He did a 35 minute swim, a 2:22 bike, and a 1:32 Half Marathon. Holy hell.

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After leaving Marni, I took a bathroom break (I had seen a guy pee himself while on the bike and – although I know this is a triathlon “thing” – I could just not. make. myself. do. that).  After, I decided to focus on everything Marni taught me.  Truthfully, I was feeling pretty good coming off the bike, but I was very wary.  I just didn’t know how a freaking Half Marathon would go after such a long swim and bike.  I followed Coach Marni’s plan to T, which was:

 

Walk through every water station for 60 – 90 seconds.

Walk up the causeway (which I ran up four times).

Take in some calories every 15 minutes, for a total of 200 every hour.

Hydrate!

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There were TONS of water stations, which was awesome.  The volunteers on this course were outstanding. I’d take two cups of icy water at each stop, drinking one and dumping the other on my head.

I thought a lot about Henry on the run – it helped keep my mind off of the pain, which was rapidly setting in!  My right IT band was achy and giving me Runner’s Knee symptoms (which I struggled with a lot in the past but have pretty much beat – unless I’m doing a Half Ironman, I suppose!).  I met a few friendly runners on the course; it was fun to talk to people because the race was very international. I met people from Ireland, Argentina, and Brazil!

When I saw Mile 11, I practically kissed the sign.  And when Mile 12 came up, I started running and did not stop to walk anymore.  The finishing chute was long, windy, and completely lined with spectators.

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Tears sprang to my eyes as I crossed over. I was so happy!

 

1.2 mile swim: 45:32

56 mile bike: 3:35:11

13.1 mile run: 2:31:04

Finish: 7:03:07

 

Although I didn’t care about my time going into the race, now that it’s over, I’m very proud of that finishing time.  My goal for Sprint and Olympic tris is to finish in the 50% of my age group, and for this race, I was in the 65%.  Considering that this was my first HIM, I’m pumped!  But truthfully, I’m more proud that I ran a smart, well-paced race. I never burnt out, I never felt like I couldn’t go on, and – most importantly – I don’t feel like I could’ve gone faster.  It was the perfect medium!  The perfect race!

 

I love races because there’s room for everyone.  Look at Coach Marni’s husband – Karel KILLED it.  I’m in awe of people like Marni and Karel!  I can’t imagine how much hard work and dedication Karel put into training to push out such an incredible finishing time.  But at the same time… before the race started, while I was setting up my transition area, I spoke to an older women who told me her goal was to finish within the cut off time.  “Last year, I was just a few miles from the finish line when the race officials had to yank my timing chip!” she said with a huge grin, clearly not upset by her Did Not Finish despite the fact that no one gets to the start line of a HIM without spending a lot of time and energy on training. She continued:  “This year, my goal is to beat the race officials to the finish line!”  She was so excited to simply BE THERE in that moment – her JOY rubbed off on me.

 

I looked around the finish line party, and I could clearly see all types of racers.  Lots of Karels, lots of people like that older lady and me.  I loved that there’s room for everyone in triathlons. It makes me happy. 🙂

 

Crossing the finish line of a Half Ironman has been a dream of mine for a long, long time, and it was an incredible experience.  I feel very proud of myself for completing the race at this point in my life.

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<3

{ 107 comments }

 

  • Erica { EricaDHouse.com } October 29, 2013, 9:06 am

    Congratulations on such a great race! I’ve got my eye’s set on a Half Ironman next Spring. Doing my first marathon in 2 weeks then I’ve got a few months to learn how to swim 😉

  • Shannon October 29, 2013, 9:15 am

    Congrats! What an amazing accomplishment! Your hard work and dedication paid off in an excellent race. So happy for you!

  • Kattrina October 29, 2013, 9:22 am

    Yay! I’m so happy for you! You must feel on top of the world! Great job and great time. Do you think you’ll do another one soon? Or relax for a bit? What’s your new big goal?? Super congrats!!!

    • Caitlin October 29, 2013, 9:26 am

      Relax!!! No real big goals for now I want to do more yoga though

  • Leah October 29, 2013, 9:29 am

    Congratulations Caitlin! As a long time reader it is fun to see you tick off huge accomplishments such as this one. I couldn’t wait to read this recap. Are you sore at all? I’d also love to know how the older lady you spoke to did. Hope she met her goal!

    • Caitlin October 29, 2013, 10:02 am

      I wish I had seen her bib number. I would’ve loved to know how she did. I know she was around me in transition so I should do some investigating and see if I can figure her out.

      My thighs hurt but my knees feel good. WAHOO.

  • SpaceySteph October 29, 2013, 9:32 am

    Wow! You’re amazing. It’s hard for me to imagine what a 50+ mile bike ride looks like… but I grew up in south Florida so that really put it in perspective for me. It’s amazing to ride from Miami to Davie!
    (Alternately, my daily commute is ~52 miles, and I would never dream of biking it.) I’m just… wow!

  • Emily @ The Good Era October 29, 2013, 9:35 am

    This is wonderful!!! I’m so glad the race was everything you dreamed of and that you were able to check off a BIG bucket list item! Congratulations, you are so inspiring!! 🙂

  • Pam October 29, 2013, 9:39 am

    Huge congrats! Awesome to read your recap, you are an inspiration! And great job to the husband on the great pictures and cheer support!

  • Aishah @ Coffee, Love, Health October 29, 2013, 9:40 am

    Great great greattttttttt job Caitlin!!! Congrats to you!!!! this got me teary lol You are such an inspiration. And the last pic must have been the best way to finish off such a great dream of yours- with your beautiful baby boy! 🙂

  • Katie October 29, 2013, 9:43 am

    Yay!!! Congratulations!!! I wash thinking about you on Sunday and am so glad to hear it went well!

  • Sara @ LovingOnTheRun October 29, 2013, 9:43 am

    Wow congrats!! You really did an amazing job and I have to say you rocked that swim!!

    You should feel so proud – Enjoy the celebration!!

  • Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs October 29, 2013, 9:43 am

    Congratulations Caitlin! You did an amazing job!

    Also, Henry looks so grown up in that last photo! 🙂

  • Jennifer October 29, 2013, 9:49 am

    Congratulations!! I am so impressed. 🙂

  • Kier October 29, 2013, 9:50 am

    Congratulations on a great race!

  • Nicole October 29, 2013, 9:53 am

    Congratulations Caitlin! It’s been inspiring to follow you through this journey and (I know you don’t know me and probably don’t care) but I’m so proud of you! I was checking in all day Sunday to see if you would post a little “I did it!” post. Again, great job!

    • Caitlin October 29, 2013, 10:01 am

      I do care 🙂 Thank you for the support. I felt the positive vibes all the way to Miami!!!

  • Peach October 29, 2013, 9:59 am

    I gotta say, I’m inspired.

  • Jacquelyn @justjacq October 29, 2013, 10:03 am

    Wow, I am amazed! You are so inspiring. Also, I like that they clearly marked Hooters, Bubbagump, and Hard Rock on the map.

  • Casey October 29, 2013, 10:07 am

    It’s amazing how emotional I can feel after reading your final post. I’m so proud of you as a women, a mother, and an athlete. It motivates me every day to see all your hard work. Congratulations and good luck with all your future endeavors.

  • Caitlin October 29, 2013, 10:14 am

    Congratulations! What an awesome accomplishment!! You rock!

  • Amy I. October 29, 2013, 10:14 am

    Congratulations! I’ve read your blog for the last two years and I’m amazed by you! You are a strong, honest, hard-working woman who is an inspiration!

  • Danielle October 29, 2013, 10:34 am

    Awesome, awesome, awesome. No words.

  • Aishah @ Coffee, Love, Health October 29, 2013, 10:40 am

    Question- what did you eat when you were done? lol I hope you enjoyed a big, delicious meal!! 🙂

  • Andrea October 29, 2013, 10:43 am

    You go girl!! You are so inspiring!!

  • Whitney @ Pancakes and Tulips October 29, 2013, 10:47 am

    Congratulations! I’ve been following your training and it’s so awesome to read that you had such a good race. Way to go!

  • Colleen October 29, 2013, 10:49 am

    Congrats Caitlin!!! You have me wanting to start running and swimming again. enjoy your R&R, you definitely deserve it!

  • Justine October 29, 2013, 10:58 am

    HUGE congrats to you! So glad your race was YOUR perfect race! You certainly deserved it!

  • Ali October 29, 2013, 11:01 am

    Congratulations on such a great race!! Nothing better than to start out a triathlon with a strong and smart swim – it really helps set the tone fo the day. It’s been inspiring to read your blog as you balanced your mom duties, work, HIM training and still managing to have fun along the way. Well done!

  • Emily @ Transitional Objects October 29, 2013, 11:08 am

    You look so JOYFUL! That smile is such a testament to an excellent race. Congratulations, truly.

  • Ashley N. October 29, 2013, 11:13 am

    Congratulations!!!! What an amazing accomplishment. You are a true inspiration, thank you for sharing your story. 🙂

  • Mandy @ Eat Pray Grow October 29, 2013, 11:15 am

    I have to say, I’ve personally never had the desire to compete in an event (running, tri, or otherwise), but I’m a sucker for stories like this – it’s so inspiring to see all that training and hard work pay off! Thanks for taking us along for the ride!

  • Julie October 29, 2013, 11:18 am

    I couldn’t wait to read this recap! SO PROUD of you, Caitlin! I got tears in my eyes when I scrolled down to the pic of the finishing chute. I can’t even fathom this race. When I read the stats you posted Sun., I did a quick calculation to figure out your speed on the bike & couldn’t believe you could maintain such a fast pace for so long! It’s funny that you think you’re slow. 😉 I’ll be running my 1st 5K in less than 2 weeks & couldn’t be more excited. I just started running 2 months ago. When I was thinking about trying running, I was seriously daunted by the prospect of running a whole minute straight! Now I’m up to 30 min. & 3+ miles. I think a 5K is my limit, but you never know… 🙂 Thanks for being such an inspiration!

  • Jenn October 29, 2013, 11:31 am

    What an amazing accomplishment. It has been inspiring following you along on this journey.

  • Joy October 29, 2013, 11:33 am

    AWESOME! Congratulations on your race. It’s been so much fun following your training and dedication to doing this race. Totally inspired. Way to go!!!

  • Lori October 29, 2013, 11:45 am

    Congratulations – really impressive – you should be so proud.

  • Kendra October 29, 2013, 11:49 am

    Congratulations, Caitlin! Another inspiring feat! You just keep ’em coming, don’t you! I kept checking on Sunday to see your big finish and I teared up a bit when I watched the clip. And then I teared up again seeing that last picture of you and Henry! (I’m a big softie)

    It has been awesome to follow you on this journey and I can’t wait to see what else you have in store. Great job!

  • Pam S @nutsfornutritionblog October 29, 2013, 11:56 am

    Very inspiring!! Congrats again, happy it went so well for you!!

  • Anna October 29, 2013, 12:11 pm

    Awesome job and Congratulations on finishing strong!!! You are an inspiration and have definitely got me thinking about a half iron man.

  • Mary October 29, 2013, 12:25 pm

    Awesome job!! I agree that in triathlon there is a place for everybody. I fall right around your pace (we would be great training buddies lol) and I will probably never come in first (except the one time I was the only one in my age group;)), but I am proud of every finish. The support in the sport from fellow athletes is amazing, and I am grateful I can be a part of it. Congratulations again, and I think yoga is a great idea for the off season. Relax and enjoy basking in the glow of your accomplishment!

  • Samantha October 29, 2013, 12:28 pm

    Congratulations! That is very inspiring!

  • emily October 29, 2013, 12:30 pm

    Loved this recap; I am so glad you got your perfect race!

  • Jessica R @ FromtheKitchentotheRoad October 29, 2013, 12:33 pm

    I am so happy that you are so happy with your race performance! That seriously is the best! It is great that people with different goals can all participate in the same event. Congratulations!

  • Janelle October 29, 2013, 12:37 pm

    This post made me teary. So amazing!!!

  • Caitlin October 29, 2013, 12:40 pm

    Caitlin, you’re so inspiring and seriously amazing. I’m running my first marathon (NY) on Sunday and had tears in my eyes reading the last part of this post- I can’t wait to reach the finish line!! Congrats on being a HIM!

  • Shannon October 29, 2013, 12:46 pm

    You are such an inspiration! I have so loved following your training progress and your positive attitude and honesty about everything. Congratulations on finishing and having an awesome race!

  • Kimberly October 29, 2013, 1:19 pm

    Congratulations! Completing a Half Ironman is a huge accomplishment.

  • Katie@LifesNextBigStep October 29, 2013, 1:33 pm

    This is so awesome! Congratulations on your HIM and your time and your awesome attitude towards it all. Such a milestone in your life 🙂

  • Andrea October 29, 2013, 1:35 pm

    You are absolutely amazing. You are the reason I signed up for my first triathlon last summer, and the reason I am now in a triathlon club! You’re so realistic, and you connect so well with readers – you are a REAL person doing a triathlon, which made it easy to believe I could do it too! I am so excited you finished your half marathon – what an incredibly achievement. And Henry is absolutely gorgeous – what a nice photo.

    • Caitlin October 29, 2013, 1:50 pm

      Thank you! 🙂

  • Caroline @ Fighting For Wellness October 29, 2013, 1:39 pm

    Congratulations on being a Half Ironman! What a cool thing for you to get to experience!

  • Kate October 29, 2013, 1:46 pm

    Great job Caitlin! You rocked it!!!

  • Ali October 29, 2013, 1:49 pm

    You.are.awesome! Congrats:)

  • Allie October 29, 2013, 1:59 pm

    Congratulations Caitlin! I can’t even imagine doing a half ironman! You are such an inspiration to me and many others. Amazing!

  • Peggi October 29, 2013, 1:59 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS! What an accomplishment!!!!! I hope you had a great big meal afterwards including a BIG dessert, lol.

  • Lori October 29, 2013, 2:04 pm

    Congratulations! You continue to inspire!

  • Taylor @ Single-tracked Mind October 29, 2013, 2:04 pm

    Congratulations! This is so inspiring – and well timed. I’ll be registering for my first HIM (Vineman, in Napa) in a few days. I’m scared and excited!

  • Janel October 29, 2013, 2:50 pm

    Well done Caitlin. You have a lot to be proud of!

  • Katy Widrick October 29, 2013, 2:51 pm

    Giirrrrrrrrrlllll you’re going to make me think that I could actually do one of these…I loved your attitude so much (you didn’t wear a watch? amazing!) and really can’t wait until your post about the importance of having a coach. Right now, I’m still in love with Olympic distance but I really want to accomplish a half iron at some point.

    Will you do another 70.3?

    • Caitlin October 29, 2013, 2:53 pm

      Maybe one day! But not anytime soon. 🙂

  • Robyn October 29, 2013, 2:56 pm

    Congrats Caitlin! You’re awesome and such an inspiration… thinking about my first half-marathon (still just thinking) but people like you make it easier to believe that maybe yes I can do it!

  • Gwen October 29, 2013, 3:13 pm

    Way to go Caitlin. Super inspiring to read and so happy for you,

  • Jamie October 29, 2013, 3:23 pm

    yay caitlin!! Marni may inspire you, but YOU are a total inspiration!! amazing!!

  • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine October 29, 2013, 3:33 pm

    Congratulations Caitlin! I am so proud of you and all your hard work! I loved reading about your training every week, it really played off! So inspiring 🙂 XO

  • Alison (Fueling for Fitness) October 29, 2013, 3:35 pm

    Congratulations on a success race! I’ve enjoyed reading your posts on training and this recap was the perfect conclusion! Also, that picture of you and Henry is adorable!

  • jen October 29, 2013, 3:53 pm

    congratulations caitlin! i am so happy that you had such a positive race experience. visualization and mantras are so powerful and you trained and raced smart!

  • Zara October 29, 2013, 4:33 pm

    Hi Caitlin 🙂 I’m a long time reader and fan and don’t usually comment but just had to say this post brought a tear to my eye because I just felt SO PROUD of you and happy for you! Kind of odd I know, seeing as you don’t know me and we’ve never met but I really love your blog and you’ve given me heaps of inspiration (as well as happy procrastination) over the last while so a huge than you for being so awesome and again massive congratulations, savour this moment! X

    p.s. I am thinking of signing up to a baby tri this summer (I live in NZ so we are coming into summer now) purely from your inspiration!

  • Breanne October 29, 2013, 4:36 pm

    Congratulations Caitlin!!! You are awesome and SO inspiring 🙂

  • Reenie October 29, 2013, 4:43 pm

    Congrats Caitlin ~ sooo happy for you!! Way to go!!

    (pic of you and Henry = adorable)

  • Joey October 29, 2013, 4:59 pm

    Never doubted you but so thrilled to read how well it all went. You’re amazing & inspiring. You go, girl!!!

  • Kelly October 29, 2013, 5:05 pm

    Awesome job- you should be really proud of yourself!
    I’m pregnant at the moment, but I’m really hoping to get back into sprint tris next summer, and maybe an Olympic the year after (maybe). It gives me hope that this is possible after I have a child 🙂

  • Louise October 29, 2013, 5:13 pm

    Amazing. Well done! Also you guys make cute babies 🙂

  • Charity October 29, 2013, 5:52 pm

    AMAZING!! absolutely amazing Caitlin! You are such an inspiration. I watched you crossing the finish line and teared up. (I’ll admit I felt kinda silly til I read other readers teared up as well)
    I was on the treadmill yesterday and really didn’t want to finish my time, my bed was calling me much stronger then the treadmill was. I reminded myself that you just completed an Iron man.. that’s 7 hours of activity, I could make it 45 minutes! Thanks for the movtivation 😀

  • Cate October 29, 2013, 6:39 pm

    Huge Congrats Caitlin!!! It sounds like you had a fun time and finished feeling good! 🙂 so inspiring!

  • Eva October 29, 2013, 7:10 pm

    I’ve been reading for years and have never actually commented – – finally breaking through! Congratulations Caitlin! Such an inspiration — and that picture of you and Henry is priceless!

    • Caitlin October 29, 2013, 8:27 pm

      Thanks Eva 🙂

  • Marni October 29, 2013, 7:12 pm

    I’m SO proud of you Caitlin!! Being there with you as your coach through this journey has been amazing. I have been so inspired by your worth ethic but also your ability to stay balanced with your tri goals and with the rest of your life duties. What I loved most about seeing you out on the course was your smile. You were absolutely happy the entire time and I loved that. Your body did not disappoint you and that’s because you never gave up and you were smart with your race day plan.

    You inspired a lot of people with this goal of yours and you also inspired me to dream even bigger. Thank you for wanting to challenge yourself, discover your limits and become someone you never thought you could be.

    You are now a half ironman finisher and your body has covered 70.3 miles in one day! Time to set new goals in life and to never waste a day on earth. Keep living a great awesome life and sharing it with the world.

    -Marni (and Karel) – we are both SO proud of you

  • Amber K October 29, 2013, 7:13 pm

    Man, just reading that is exhausting. Congrats on a great race!

  • Theodora October 29, 2013, 7:17 pm

    Congrats! And you’ve done such an awesome job getting over your open-water fears. Just those pics of the open water make me nervous…

  • Tonyne October 29, 2013, 7:18 pm

    I teared up just reading this! What an incredible journey and life moment for you! Absolutely fantastic.

  • Janelle October 29, 2013, 7:35 pm

    I’m so happy for you! I was so anxious to hear how it went and so glad to hear it went well! Your commitment to training was so inspiring. A huge CONGRATS to you 🙂

  • Elisabeth October 29, 2013, 8:34 pm

    Congratulations on such a strong race!

  • Kath October 29, 2013, 8:37 pm

    Congrats on rockin’ it!!

  • Amie October 29, 2013, 9:07 pm

    Hello!
    I am also a Marni groupie. Love her! I just ran my third marathon on September and it was my best one yet. She contributed to my success. Race day nutrition is huge!
    I am a runner. Not a fast one. But I love it. I have never done a tri. I am considering the Beat the Heat sprint tri in Daytona on nov 10.
    My goal: 70.3 April 13, 2014. Haines City FL.
    It is a HUGE goal. I am not a great swimmer. And the bike can be a challenge too.
    I was inspired reading your story. I have 3 kids so I understand juggling kids, home, work etc. While training.
    Great job!!
    Amie 🏊🚴🏃

  • Joyce October 29, 2013, 9:10 pm

    What an awesome accomplishment ! So inspiring and I loved to read that there is something for everyone! Congratulations. Looking forward to reading about your opinion on a tri coach. Thanks for taking us along on your special day!

  • Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope October 29, 2013, 9:56 pm

    Congratulations on a great race and wonderful accomplishment!! Now that you’ve checked this off your bucket list, I think you should work on baby #2 because you guys make the cutest kids and I am craving some pregnancy updates;)

  • Kyla October 29, 2013, 10:26 pm

    Way to go girl!! Keep on rocking with yo’ bad self!

  • Runner Girl Eats October 30, 2013, 6:52 am

    Congrats!!! You did a great job and crushed the HIM. Enjoy your post race recovery/high 🙂

  • Tori @ In Love and Peanut Butter October 30, 2013, 8:29 am

    Congrats on a great race Caitlyn! It was great to meet you. How crazy we were racked right next to each other? I could tell you were having a great race when you ran into T1 and yelled “THAT WAS AWESOME!”. What a great day for a race! Congrats on accomplishing your dream!

  • Amanda October 30, 2013, 11:02 am

    Congratulations!!!! I’m so excited and proud for you that I’m crying reading your recap!!

  • Erica October 30, 2013, 1:16 pm

    Congratulations on an awesome race! Your post is so inspiring… It makes me want to try a tri 🙂

  • Luv What You Do October 30, 2013, 11:07 pm

    So fun to read!
    I want to do a HIM too! You are such an inspiration!

    Do you think you’ll do it again?

  • Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen October 31, 2013, 8:26 pm

    Congrats on rocking that race!!! You are so inspiring !

  • Emma Katie November 1, 2013, 11:16 pm

    Such an inspiration! Awesome effort.

  • Susan November 2, 2013, 10:21 am

    You are AWESOME! Congrats on being a HIM! 🙂

  • Megan @ The Lyons' Share November 3, 2013, 5:35 pm

    I’m way late in reading, but couldn’t pass it by without telling you how AMAZING you are! You are such an inspiration – a working mama with tons of responsibilities who happens to ROCK a half ironman? Congrats, Caitlin!

  • Kristy November 5, 2013, 11:07 pm

    This was a super inspirational post! I am tearing up!

  • Eva May 18, 2014, 10:09 am

    What a great recap and (very) belated congratulations to you on a wonderful first HIM! The thought of doing an Ironman honestly never crossed my mind before– it just seemed so out there– but it might actually be a new long-term goal for me now. perhaps within the next 5 years. 🙂

  • Stephanie Sullivan June 18, 2014, 5:07 pm

    Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I begin my training plan for Miami next Monday and am so excited. This will be my first 70.3 although I did train for one years ago by tore my gluteal medius two weeks prior. I will certainly keep in mind your “happy thoughts”through my training!

  • Karen June 25, 2014, 4:08 pm

    I’m baking your’re tofu cubes as this is being composed…..but the reason I am writing you is to ask how you fueled during the half ironman, I am signed up to do the Miami Man Half Iron Duathalon in November.
    I’ve done multiple marathons, including Boston, numerous halfs and hundreds of 5’ks
    I’m not very good at fueling, plus I am gluten free, (not by choice.)
    Many thanks..ps looking forward to the tofu, smells yummo

  • Traci January 11, 2015, 4:46 pm

    Love your blog! I’m running the ironman half in Miami this October. My first triathlon. I was wondering if you wear cycling shoes during the bike part? I’m planning on doing a few sprint triathlons here in Orlando before the Ironman. I’m so nervous but this year I turn 30 and want to do this! (I’ve run a handful of marathons before this).

    • Caitlin January 12, 2015, 11:19 am

      I would definitely get use to cycling shoes with clip-ins before your Half Ironman. It really improves performance. Good luck!

  • shaun August 25, 2015, 12:27 am

    Great read Caitlin, really puts you there,loved the pics also.

    Im racing Miami this year (first time) and cannot wait. I enjoy reading peoples experiences.
    Not looking forward to these head winds that I keep reading about ha ha.
    good luck if your doing it again this year.
    Australia

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