Two Races, One Weekend

on November 2, 2009
in All Posts

This afternoon, I randomly decided to sign up for the Baldwin Park Half Marathon.  The thing is that I’m already committed to running the Celebration Health 10K the day after the Half.   These races take place the weekend of November 14 – 15.

 

TWO RACES in ONE WEEKEND?  Am I crazy?!  Yes.  It helps keep life interesting. 

 

Don’t fret, I’ve done this brand of crazy before.  Last February, I ran the Gasparilla Bud Light Challenge (Part 1, Part 2).  The Bud Light Challenge consisted of running a 15K and a 5K on Saturday, and a Half Marathon on Sunday.  It was… insane, grueling, and challenging!  But it was also AWESOME. 

CIMG2432 CIMG5816

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I’m pumped about this DOUBLE HEADER because the Half Marathon comes BEFORE the 10K, and the 10K is a “relaxing” run with my brother-in-law, Nick, who is a new runner and wants me to run with him the entire time.

 

One of the goals on my fitness bucket list is to run a sub-2:00 Half Marathon.  To date, I’ve run 2 Half Marathons, both in 2:05.  I hope I’m conditioned enough to break the magical 2:00 barrier in 12 days!

 

To bolster my self-confidence, I set out on a speedy 5.0 mile tonight.  My goal was to run each mile under 9:00/mile.  My legs and gut were definitely protesting for the first two miles, but I quickly got into my groove and pushed through.

 

  • Distance: 5.0 miles
  • Duration: 43:31
  • Mile 1: 8:59
  • Mile 2: 8:51
  • Mile 3: 8:35
  • Mile 4: 8:36
  • Mile 5: 8:30

 

Wahoo!

 

Dinner was breakfast-inspired:

 IMG_4526

I had a 2-egg omelet with cheese, asparagus, and mushrooms:

 IMG_4527

And red potato hashbrowns.  Yummmm!

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Pre-run snack was a bowl of Grape Nuts and Greek yogurt:

 IMG_4521

And post-run snack was an Arnold Sandwich Thin with PB:

 IMG_4525

Off to cuddle with the Husband!

{ 59 comments }

 

  • Kristy November 2, 2009, 8:01 pm

    Great job on the speedy 5 miles!! 🙂
    2 races in one weekend definitely keeps life interesting but it’s good to challenge yourself and spice it up!

  • Tracy November 2, 2009, 8:05 pm

    I am jealous! My knees would NOT like it if I did a 10k the day after a half!

  • simpledaisy November 2, 2009, 8:09 pm

    Wow…that is a lot for one weekend! Good luck on your sub 2 hour half!!

  • Lee November 2, 2009, 8:11 pm

    That’s pretty awesome. Can’t wait to hear how it goes.

  • Evan Thomas November 2, 2009, 8:14 pm

    Good luck with the races! Youll definitely pile on the miles with those!

  • brandi November 2, 2009, 8:16 pm

    congrats on the run today! Great job 🙂

  • Lex November 2, 2009, 8:16 pm

    You are freaking amazing!
    I only wish I could just ‘randomly’ join a run like that!!
    I wish I could run. period!

    Danggggg those red potatoes look DELISH!!!!!!!!

  • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) November 2, 2009, 8:27 pm

    You are awesome and you totally can do it! I am inspired!

  • Jenna November 2, 2009, 8:28 pm

    girl you are crazyyy! but i know you will rock at both the races!
    jenna

  • bobbi November 2, 2009, 8:36 pm

    how fun, I too am running a half marathon this weekend! You are so PILING ON THE MILES!!!!

  • Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun) November 2, 2009, 8:40 pm

    Good luck on your fitness bucket list! You rule for accomplishing all of that, someday I hope to be at your running fitness level.

    Love red potatoes. They are delicious morning, noon, and night.

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is November 2, 2009, 8:47 pm

    Oh!! I thought you were doing this race INSTEAD of the one on Sunday. Go for it!

  • Lauren November 2, 2009, 8:52 pm

    Hey girl! I think it’s so awesome that you are so passionate and running these great races in one weekend. But please please please be careful hun! You did do this last year, but wasn’t that when you had all that knee trouble? Oh my, I would be devasted if this happened to you again right before your marathon. You’ve been working so hard and have come so far that anything to over work yourself beforehand would be awful. But I know that you know your body and you would never do anything that you thought you couldn’t handle. Just looking out because I care so much! 😉

    Have a great night hun!

    • Caitlin November 2, 2009, 8:54 pm

      i’ll be good!!! my knees have been excellent 🙂 thank you, you are such a doll.

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) November 2, 2009, 8:55 pm

    Oooo fun! I always have big goals of wanting to run like this. For now I’m searching for a 10K in the spring that I can train for and be ready after rehabing my hip.

  • Amanda November 2, 2009, 8:56 pm

    Awesome! I’m dying to run another race, but the next one I’ll be able to do isn’t for 3 weeks. its actually on my birthday, what a great way to celebrate.

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl) November 2, 2009, 9:03 pm

    Oh that is a fancy looking omelet my dear! Mine look sloppy usually!

  • Megan November 2, 2009, 9:08 pm

    Awesome goal! I’m sure with all your marathon training you will be able to run a sub 2 hour half no problem!

  • Katie - Life Discombobulated November 2, 2009, 9:08 pm

    I was actually thinking about something you said a while back while I was on my run today. After your last race, you said that you were going to start picking up the pace on some of your shorter runs in order to increase your overall speed. Have you been doing this and do you think it’s helping?
    You’ll do GREAT this weekend and I’m super excited to read about it!

    • Caitlin November 2, 2009, 9:10 pm

      yes, i have been trying! i think today’s run is a testament that its working!!

  • Nikky November 2, 2009, 9:09 pm

    Awesome!

    Best weekend ever, I volunteered at an even that was a total of 8 different races. They rented out an entire campground around a lake and set up the trails around the lake for the races and spent a whole weekend just running, swimming, camping, there was music and dancing and it was awesome. I was SUPER impressed with the people who ran the 100-mile race (they also had a 50 mile and a marathon.. just intense!) My goodness.

    But yea, Run Woodstock here in MI, awesome good time and weekend full off races (the moonlight 5k was my favorite… the path was all lit with lanterns and it was great)

  • Marissa November 2, 2009, 9:10 pm

    Congrats on the speedy run!!!

  • Marisa (Trim The Fat) November 2, 2009, 9:11 pm

    Girl, you ARE crazy!!!! Seriously, what a cool challenge for yourself! I think it’s great that you are always looking for ways to push the envelope. Awesome!

  • Deva (Voracious Vorilee) November 2, 2009, 9:19 pm

    Breakfast for dinner is one of my favorite ways to eat breakfast. So is breakfast for lunch.. and for breakfast. 🙂 I just love breakfast food, I guess!

  • Bernadette November 2, 2009, 9:22 pm

    You are truly an inspiration and I could really use some advice… I’ve been in sort of a running ‘rut’ lately and was wondering if you could tell me how you ‘push through’ when your stomach and legs are protesting. I always head out with the best intentions and when the going gets rough (usually in the first couple miles because I’m not warmed up) I start walking even before my head processes the thought. It’s like my legs and head are separate! Can you give me any advice??

    Good luck and good job!!!
    xoxo
    Berni

    • Caitlin November 2, 2009, 10:12 pm

      ooo that is a toughie.

      sometimes i pick a goal – like a lamp post or an intersection – and power through until that point. its easier to stick with the run if you dont think “i have to do this for 4 more miles” just “i have to do this until that lamp” and then you pick a new marker and keep going!!

      also i think it will come with time, so just keep at it!

  • Matt November 2, 2009, 9:23 pm

    One year, I want to do the Goofy Challenge which is a half marathon and a marathon IN THE SAME WEEKEND. I was going to do it this Januray but the half was already sold out 🙁 I guess that gives me another year to get ready!

    I am sure you can rub a sub 2:00 half. That kind of distance is all about pacing. You just have to make sure you don’t go out too fast, but you don’t want to go out too slow either. You know what I mean?

  • Jenna November 2, 2009, 9:28 pm

    You are crazy, but I love it. Dedication for sure.

    I signed up for my first half marathon next year. I am already SO excited, but so nervous!

  • Taylor - Pacing for Pretzels November 2, 2009, 9:29 pm

    Caitlin, I am super impressed with your speedy run and your back to back races! I was pooped after one 10k this past weekend. Do you run in the dark now that the clocks have been set back? I am a little nervous to do so, might need to invest in a supercool reflective vest.

    • Caitlin November 2, 2009, 10:11 pm

      yes, sometimes. i have a blinking light i wear, but a reflective vest sounds cooler!!

  • Laura November 2, 2009, 9:41 pm

    My fiance is a triathlete and is always trying to turn me in to a runner (I usually stick to power walking and aerobics videos for exercise). For Christmas, I’ve decided to sign us up to do a 5k together and am going to secretly train over the next seven weeks! Your reminders of how tough it was for you when you first started running have been a great inspiration as I begin my journey.

    Do you have any tips on managing the walk/run type of training plan without having to stare at a stopwatch the whole time? Tonight I had to walk 45 seconds and run 15 seconds for a total of 30 minutes. The exercise part was fine, but keeping up with the time was cumbersome. Any ideas?

    • Caitlin November 2, 2009, 10:10 pm

      hmmm sometimes i use music to help me when i’m doing a walk/run thing. like, i run through the first 2/3 of a song and then i walk until its over. could that work for you??

  • Shelley November 2, 2009, 9:52 pm

    just wanted to let you know that i follow your blog & you really inspire me with your running/healthy habits 🙂 that’s awesome that you are taking on 2 races!! best of luck

    xoxoxo
    Shelley

    • Caitlin November 2, 2009, 10:10 pm

      thank you 🙂

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) November 2, 2009, 10:11 pm

    How are you enjoying veggies now? Have you taken a new liking to them?

    • Caitlin November 2, 2009, 10:12 pm

      i am trying (aka not really). LOL

  • emily November 2, 2009, 10:12 pm

    Good luck with your conditioning. My goal for my half is under 3 hours!!!

  • Wendy November 2, 2009, 10:14 pm

    A sub 2-hr half is on my list too. My two halfs have both been 2:07, so if you can do it, so can I!

    Have fun this weekend! That sounds like a good kind of crazy to me. 🙂

  • Emily Eats and Exercises November 2, 2009, 10:59 pm

    Sub 2 hours is fast! Good luck with your goal. I love reading your race recaps – I can’t wait to get two in one weekend!

    Any thoughts about speeding up your running? You are clearly doing it successfully – I could definitely use some advice. I’ve been good about increasing my milage, but I’m still slooow.

    • Caitlin November 3, 2009, 7:10 am

      speedwork, speedwork, speedwork! run at a fast clip for 0.25 mile, recover for 1 minute (ie running slower), and repeat for 8 intervals or more.

      also i think of lot of my unspeediness was just mental. its a matter of putting the pedal to the metal, metaphorically of course 🙂

  • Justy2003 November 2, 2009, 11:05 pm

    Awesome run tonight…what a great pace! The 2-race-weekend sounds like fun…and definitely another challenge for ya! But, you did 3 races in one weekend before, so I’m sure you’ll do awesome 🙂

  • Madeline @ GreensAndJeans November 2, 2009, 11:05 pm

    You know what? You can totally do it. I did a half yesterday and my legs could definitely handle a 10k today. ROCK IT LADY!

  • Mary @ Fit this girl November 2, 2009, 11:06 pm

    Yay!! You can do it–the sub 2 half!! I wish i could split my miles and see each of what I can do. Now that I have a PR half (or A half time under my belt) anything I do will have to compare to that! Gah! Improvement looms… 🙂 LOVE your challenge of a 2 race weekend!!!

  • Lizzy November 2, 2009, 11:07 pm

    So excited for you! Running these 2 races in one weekend is a challenge, you are so inspirational! I know it’ll be great

  • Jacqueline November 2, 2009, 11:14 pm

    Great job on the run today!
    Man I really need to make a bucket list.

  • Anna November 3, 2009, 1:00 am

    You look great – perfect cheery inspiration for those of us trying to tackle our own goals. Good luck and great job achieving your goal on the splits. Also thank you – it’s due to Operation Beautiful that I always have the song “you are beautiful” running through my head. I love coming up with ne post its!

  • Nicole November 3, 2009, 2:52 am

    You definitely have the potential to run a sub-2:00 half marathon! If it starts hurting, just remember, “it hurts so good”! You are going to freak when you finally run below 2. I know that I did. Then, you will start to say, “okay, now I want to run a sub 1:55, then sub 1:50…” Speed work pays off doesn’t it? 🙂 Good job on working so hard!!

    • Caitlin November 3, 2009, 7:10 am

      hahah DAMMIT i think you are right!!

  • Stacey November 3, 2009, 6:05 am

    Awesome! You can totally do those races 😀 And I love red potato hash browns! We always have them with an egg-based dinner too 🙂

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) November 3, 2009, 8:00 am

    Wow! Great job on the 5 miles! Speedy speedy:) Congrats on signing up for the two races. How exciting (and brave!)

  • Allison November 3, 2009, 8:14 am

    I definitely think you can do it! I ran my first half two weekends ago and was easily under two hours (1:53:18!) The key I think is to go out slower than you think you need to. I did the first 6 miles right at a comfy 9 minute/mile pace and then ran the next 7 like I was slowly pressing down on the gas pedal. I ran my last mile in 7:48! Pacing is key. I think the 10k the next day may hurt a lot after a killer half marathon though!

  • Jamie in Arkansas November 3, 2009, 8:16 am

    Caitlin, I hope I can inspire you!
    My first half marathon was a 2:05. My second one was a 2:04. I just ran my third one this weekend and ran a 1:58!!!!!!! You can do it too!!!! I’m pumped for ya! 🙂

  • Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers November 3, 2009, 8:21 am

    what an awesome challenge! 🙂 good luck – you’ll do great. oh & i’m a huge fan of breakfast for dinner.

  • Sammi November 3, 2009, 8:42 am

    That is crazy but it sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun! I need to sign up for a 10k sometime. I was waiting until I was ready for that distance but I believe I’m up for it now. Good luck on the sub 2:00 and have fun!

  • Carolyn November 3, 2009, 9:42 am

    Kudos to you for doing the two races!! I ran a 5k on Saturday in 32:28. i think I’ll challenge myself tomorrow to do each mile in under 10:30 so I can shave a minute off my PR. Thanks for the inspiration!!

  • Melissa November 3, 2009, 1:30 pm

    GOOD luck! (PS: you’re a little bit crazy! LOL)

    I ran my 1st Half Marathon in 2:05 too. I’m planning on running at least 2 more Half Marathons in 2010 and I have the same goal as you: finish in under 2 hours!

  • Nikka @ HealthfulGirl November 3, 2009, 5:05 pm

    Wow, you are crazy! In a good way 🙂 What a weekend that’s going to be!!
    Caitlin, how did you make those yummy red potato hashbrowns? I need to add them to my breakfast repertoire asap!

    • Caitlin November 3, 2009, 5:06 pm

      the key with hashbrowns is you have to get them a little soft first – i like to cut them up and put them in a bowl of water and microwave for 8 minutes or so. then, in a wok, mix the potatoes with water, EVOO, pepper, salt, curry powder, chili powder, apple cider vingear (or whatever) and cook on medium for another 20 minutes or so, adding water as necessary. as a final step, burn off all the water on high and crisp the edges.

  • Nikka @ HealthfulGirl November 4, 2009, 10:18 pm

    Thank you for all the info. I can’t wait to make these!

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