Blogger Lunch and a Pasta Party

on January 9, 2010

Less than 12 hours and I’ll be on the bus, headed to the start line! 🙂 I can’t believe the MARATHON is here!

Thank you again for supporting me through this journey. I especially want to thank everyone who contributed to my Team in Training efforts in the fight against cancer. Together, we raised $3,025! 🙂

This afternoon, there was a blogger meet-up for all the people in town for the Half and Full marathon. I think over 30 people came!

I didn’t get any good group shots! I was too flustered. 🙂

I ordered the Vegetarian Eggs Benedict (no ham, of course).

I figured it would be caloric and filling. I was right. Mmmm, hollandaise sauce!

And a generous serving of home fries and fruit.

We came home, and Lauren and I got to packing. I am always SO paranoid about forgetting something when I travel for races. I try to remind myself that if I have my sports bra, knee sleeves, and sneakers, I’m good! 🙂 Oh, and my race number!

I’m hosting a pasta party for our family and friends. There are more than 16 people in my living room! We’re about to dig into these lasagnas. I’m also going to eat French bread, a salad, and a brownie.

I’m off to be the hostess with the mostess! I’m not bringing my laptop to Disney, so this is the last time you’ll hear from me until I can officially say…

I AM A MARATHONER!

(Cross your fingers!)

{ 126 comments }

caronae January 9, 2010, 5:25 pm
GOOD LUCK! I believe in you, and I’ll be rooting for you. You are gonna rock it!
Justy2003 January 9, 2010, 5:26 pm
I’m so excited to hear about the marathon! I’m sure you will do amazing! Good luck and try to just enjoy it!
Meg C. January 9, 2010, 5:27 pm
good luck caitlin! kick some ass and stay injury free!
Evan Thomas January 9, 2010, 5:28 pm
Good luck!
Lindsey @ EatReadRun January 9, 2010, 5:29 pm
YAYA – Good luck!! You will do just great. Can’t wait to hear all about it when you’re back. Enjoy it!!
Megan January 9, 2010, 5:31 pm
GOOD LUCK!!!! You’ll do awesome! I can’t wait to read the recap 🙂 Have fun!
TorontoGirloutWest January 9, 2010, 5:32 pm
Ooooo so excited for you!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂

I’ll be pulling for you! Knock them dead!!!
Laura January 9, 2010, 5:32 pm
Soooo much good luck Caitlin, from all the way over the Atlantic in snowy England. I will have everything crossed for you. You’ve done all the hard work, raised your amazing target, been very sensible about your health, now enjoy it! I hope you have so much fun with your friends, and that the weather shines on you… Pace yourself ! 😉
Mariel January 9, 2010, 5:33 pm
Good luck! Can’t wait to hear about your marathon!!
Julie @savvyeats January 9, 2010, 5:33 pm
GOOD LUCK!!
The Jesse January 9, 2010, 5:34 pm
GOOD LUCK, GOOD LUCK, GOOD LUCK and have sooo much fun! Can’t wait to hear all about your marathon debut!!! ENJOY every moment 🙂
Cyclist Kate January 9, 2010, 5:34 pm
Woo! So excited for you!!
Niki January 9, 2010, 5:35 pm
Good luck girl! You’re gonna do awesome!!
Sammi January 9, 2010, 5:36 pm
It was so awesome getting to meet you today! I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little starstruck meeting you 🙂 lol.
You may want to add in some sort of pants to your race necessity list! I’m sure you wouldn’t forget that though!

Good luck tomorrow morning! Hopefully I’ll get to see you there! I can’t wait to read your blog about it!
kirsten January 9, 2010, 5:39 pm
GOOD LUCK!! I can’t wait to read your recap!! 🙂
Amelia January 9, 2010, 5:42 pm
Great to see you again today! Good luck with everything tomorrow. I’m sure you will do a terrific job! 26.2!!! 🙂
Tara January 9, 2010, 5:43 pm
I am a relatively new reader/subscriber to your blog, and I only ever read blogs during business hours when I’m bored at work! I have been so excited hearing about the Marathon that I’ve actually made the effort to check your blog over the weekend at home! Best of luck, I know you’ll do great! I can’t wait to see the post-race post!

Also, about you always forgetting something… as long as you have your sports bra, knee sleeves, and sneakers you’ll be fine…. except running pants-less! haha! So don’t forget your shorts!!
- caitlin January 9, 2010, 6:22 pm
  thank you! that is the sweetest comment 🙂
Vicki January 9, 2010, 5:44 pm
Good luck! So exciting! 🙂
Kristen January 9, 2010, 5:44 pm
Best of luck! Can’t wait to hear about it
Eliza January 9, 2010, 5:50 pm
GOOD LUCK!!!! During your race remember to stay focused and know that you have trained for this thing for a while and you are totally prepared!!!!
Eliza January 9, 2010, 5:50 pm
Yea, and what Tara said, dont forget your pants!!!
Morgan January 9, 2010, 5:52 pm
Good Luck tomorrow!!

You must have a stomach of steel to be eating that heavily the day before your big race!
Morgan @ Healthy Happy Place January 9, 2010, 5:56 pm
Good luck!!!
Jen January 9, 2010, 6:03 pm
Good luck! Have a blast, and I promise that when you hit Mile 23, you’ll KNOW you’re gonna finish!!
Claudia January 9, 2010, 6:09 pm
Good luck tomorrow!! Dinner looks yummy!!
Carol January 9, 2010, 6:10 pm
If I can do it, you most certainly can do it! Just remember the mantra “left, right, repeat!”. That got me to the finish line of my first (and so far only) marathon. I look forward to hearing how you both did, but you’re going to rock it!
Have fun and enjoy the moment…you’ll only ever have one “first”.
Susan January 9, 2010, 6:11 pm
Ahhh!!!! Good luck!!!! Doesn’t matter what happens after you cross the start line, cause you are totally making it to that finish line 😀
Tay January 9, 2010, 6:11 pm
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Heather @ Side of Sneakers January 9, 2010, 6:12 pm
The pasta party is such a fun idea! You WILL be a marathoner!!!
Jenna January 9, 2010, 6:14 pm
Goodluck Caitlin! Im sure you will rock this marathon 😀 I’m looking forward to hearing all about it! 🙂
Meg January 9, 2010, 6:21 pm
Hoooraayy 🙂 Enjoy it!
Julie @ Pickley Pear January 9, 2010, 6:22 pm
I love hearing stories about first-time marathoners! I ran my first half in October 2009 and it was so much fun, and gratifying. I think the blogger-lunch was such a cool idea. Where do you find out about things like that?

GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!!
Emily Eats and Exercises January 9, 2010, 6:23 pm
Good luck Caitlin! I can’t wait to hear the recap. Have fun eating lasagna – remember, nothing new the night before the race!
ari January 9, 2010, 6:28 pm
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!! you’ll kill it 🙂
Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com January 9, 2010, 6:30 pm
GOOD LUCK!! I wish you all the best, you’re going to be fabulous and you deserve it 100% 🙂 enjoy it!
Anne P January 9, 2010, 6:40 pm
ROCK IT OUT!!!!!!!!!
Angie All The Way January 9, 2010, 6:41 pm
I’m soooo excited for you Caitlin and will be wishing you a restful night’s sleep because I know you don’t need wishes for a great race 😉

(Best of luck anyway though!)
Courtney January 9, 2010, 6:43 pm
Yay…the big day is almost here!! I hope you enjoy every moment and drink it all in! You put lots of time and energy into this…now ENJOY and ROCK it!!!
Courtney
adventures in tri-ing
Betty January 9, 2010, 6:43 pm
Good luck!!! You will be awesome!
Tara January 9, 2010, 6:48 pm
Go kick some butt! You’re more than ready. Hey, you should read “Born to Run”, it will make you feel like 26.2 is a piece of cake : )

Good Luck!!
- Meghan January 9, 2010, 7:38 pm
  You should read Born to Run! It’s an amazing book. (And good luck!)
  - Anna @ annarunsmadison January 9, 2010, 11:27 pm
    I second that. I really don’t enjoy reading books, but I flew through “Born to Run” in a matter of days. Def. a MUST read 🙂 Good luck Caitlin!!
Danielle January 9, 2010, 6:50 pm
Good luck and enjoy the experience! YOU CAN DO IT!
Angela (Oh She Glows) January 9, 2010, 6:51 pm
Goodluck you amazing woman you!!!!
I am so excited, so I can only imagine how you must feel. Its like CHRISTMAS EVE!!!!! hehe 😉
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is January 9, 2010, 6:59 pm
EAT UP GIRL!!! 🙂
Brynn January 9, 2010, 6:59 pm
Good luck, Caitlin!! Have fun!!! I’ll be thinking about you tomorrow 🙂
Heather January 9, 2010, 7:02 pm
i am so proud of you. (and also i am a little dorky and teary right now knowing that you will be running in just a a handful of hours. EEEEEEEEEEEEEK.)
Lee January 9, 2010, 7:04 pm
Woo hoo! Good luck!
Bridget January 9, 2010, 7:06 pm
Best of luck to you!
Kristin (whimsyville) January 9, 2010, 7:11 pm
I’ve truly enjoyed following your progress – I can’t wait to hear about the race!
Kristen January 9, 2010, 7:12 pm
you’ll all do great! hope the pasta party was a success. don’t forget your chip too 🙂

have fun- can’t wait to see the finishing smile.
Kristine January 9, 2010, 7:15 pm
Good Luck, Caitlin!! I can’t wait to hear how you do!!
Kelly January 9, 2010, 7:16 pm
Good luck!!! You are going to do awesome!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg January 9, 2010, 7:17 pm
Best of luck!!! You’re going to do awesome, and I can’t wait to hear all about it!
Jenna January 9, 2010, 7:24 pm
Have a great pasta party!!!
And GOOD LUCK 🙂
Jenna
Kristie January 9, 2010, 7:28 pm
Good luck Caitlin! So excited to read your recap and how you rocked the marathon 😀
Jessie January 9, 2010, 7:34 pm
Good luck! You guys are going to have such a good time, I can’t wait to hear about it!
Meghan January 9, 2010, 7:36 pm
That lunch looks so fun..I always have envy of all you Floridians..I wish I could join!! GOOD LUCK tomorrow…you are going to kick that marathons ass! Pretty soon you’ll be able to say “I eat marathons for breakfast” 🙂
- caitlin January 10, 2010, 5:12 pm
  dude i said “i eat marathons for breakfast” like twenty times!
  - Meghan January 11, 2010, 9:25 am
    AND YOU DO! Congrats on the amazing accomplishment!
Matt January 9, 2010, 7:37 pm
Good luck tomorrow!
Jessica @ Jessica Balances January 9, 2010, 7:43 pm
Best of luck tomorrow! I can’t to read all about it! 🙂
Allie January 9, 2010, 7:43 pm
good luck and have a great time!!! congrats on all your hard work!
Samantha January 9, 2010, 7:45 pm
Go Caitlin go!!
Cassie @ A Very Busy Mind January 9, 2010, 7:59 pm
Good luck, Caitlin!
Lauren January 9, 2010, 8:04 pm
Good luck tomorrow!!!
Nicole January 9, 2010, 8:06 pm
Good luck tomorrow! I’ll be thinking of you!
Maria January 9, 2010, 8:08 pm
Caitlin, you are such an inspiration in my life, and I want to say thank you.
Best of luck to you, I know you’ll be awesome!
Amy January 9, 2010, 8:12 pm
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD LUCK (even though you don’t need it) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Katie O. @ Fit to Wed January 9, 2010, 8:31 pm
Yay! Good luck, you are going to rock it!!
Alison January 9, 2010, 8:49 pm
woo hoo! good luck!
Joelle (The Pancake Girl) January 9, 2010, 8:52 pm
Good luck!! Woooo, you’ll do great!
Alyssa January 9, 2010, 8:56 pm
Good luck tomorrow!!!
Nikky January 9, 2010, 9:07 pm
Good luck!! I’m so excited for you!
Joanne January 9, 2010, 9:08 pm
OMG! I can’t believe your marathon is here. Good luck and a thousand best wishes on a great race. I hope it’s just what you want it to be.
If any of your readers are interested in healthy food facts and great recipes, here is a super book giveaway – would love everyones comments: http://www.applecrumbles.com/2010/01/09/cookbook-review-clean-food-by-terry-walters-vegetarian-friendly/
Amy January 9, 2010, 9:15 pm
You are amazing, Caitlin! GOOD LUCK!! I am so proud of you. Can’t wait to here about your fabulous marathon experience 🙂
Cathy January 9, 2010, 9:24 pm
Good luck tomorrow! You are going to do great!!
- Sana January 9, 2010, 9:25 pm
  Good Luck Caitlin!!
Devon January 9, 2010, 9:27 pm
Good luck!! I’ll be thinking about you tomorrow morning!
Rosey Rebecca January 9, 2010, 9:32 pm
Gooood luck!! I totally had a brain fart and thought the race was today! You’re amazing! I can’t wait for the recap!
Carolina John January 9, 2010, 9:32 pm
Good luck tomorrow Caitlin! I know you are going to love it and have fun.
Tasha - The Clean Eating Mama January 9, 2010, 9:40 pm
Best of luck to you!! Remember that you are STRONG and BEAUTIFUL! =)
Niki (Running in Pink) January 9, 2010, 9:40 pm
Good luck tomorrow!!!!!!! Excited to read the recap. Have a great time!
Laura Georgina January 9, 2010, 9:54 pm
Have an awesome, awesome marathon, chickie! You are an inspiration to us all.
Jessica @ The Process of Healing January 9, 2010, 10:07 pm
Good luck!! You have worked so hard for this, you’re going to rock it! I can’t wait to follow you and the other bloggers in the morning!
Nicci@NiftyEats January 9, 2010, 10:09 pm
Good Luck tomorrow, I’ll be tracking you and others! I know you’ll rock it.
Amanda January 9, 2010, 10:10 pm
Congrats! I wanted to ask you if you knew if the marathon would be televised, but I guess you won’t see this until the race is already over. I hope you have a wonderful time!
Paige (Running Around Normal) January 9, 2010, 10:19 pm
I can’t believe it’s here! So exciting for you.
GOOD LUCK!!
Salina January 9, 2010, 10:26 pm
Have a great run!!!!
laurie January 9, 2010, 10:44 pm
Good luck! I cried when I crossed the finish line during my first marathon. I am so excited for you. Just take it mile by mile–even when you are tired, a mile doesn’t seem that long. (I always walk through all of the water stations–make myself drink and rest for a few seconds). I also love putting my name on my shirt so I can hear the crowd cheering me on. I look forward to hearing about your experience!
Heather January 9, 2010, 11:01 pm
In the event of a painful step, a loss of breath, an overwhelming wave of exhaustion at mile 6 or 16, in those moments when you question why why why why… Allow yourself to remember that you are an inspiration to us all. You are running each step for so many people that you will never know. Run Caitlin Run.
Jess January 9, 2010, 11:20 pm
Good luck Caitlin! I hope you have a blast and get some great pictures with all the characters! Can’t wait to read your race report!
Julie @savvyeats January 9, 2010, 11:25 pm
GOOD LUCK!!! You’ll rock it! 🙂
Cynthia (It All Changes) January 9, 2010, 11:50 pm
I’m going to be saying a prayer for you tomorrow morning as you run. Good Luck!
Jenny Eastwood@ JennyLikesToRun, Teenager with a healthy twist on life :) January 10, 2010, 12:03 am
GOOD LUCK!! You’re going to do AMAZINGLY, and I can’t wait to hear all about it 😀 You inspire me Caitlin, more than ANYBODY has been able to, and I’m so proud that you’re running your first marathon 🙂
HAVE FUN!
xoxo
Erinn January 10, 2010, 2:07 am
Best of luck Caitlin!! I just ran my first HALF marathon last weekend and it was quite the memorable experience. I love your tips and motivators for runners on this blog. You will do amazing, and I can’t wait to see pictures!
Heather @ For The Health Of It! January 10, 2010, 2:19 am
SAAAWEEEETTTT!!!!!! You’re gonna do so awesome!!! I envy you You and you will feel so fantastic when it’s over and then the anticipation to schdule the next one and beat your time! Its such an awesome feeling!
~Jessica~ January 10, 2010, 4:55 am
I am crossing everything for you, including my eyelashes. You’ll be fabulous, I just know it. Good luck! I am so excited for you and I’m 1000s of miles away in the UK. Yay for vicarious marathon glory 😉
JAG January 10, 2010, 6:48 am
Good luck Caitlin, I’m thinking of you!
Katelyn January 10, 2010, 6:56 am
good luck! i’m so excited for you and i hope you have a wonderful time at the race!
Kelly January 10, 2010, 7:29 am
Just checked the weather in Orlando right now….44! Looks like those runs in London are going to be good practice. I know you’ll be able to do it though!
megan January 10, 2010, 8:48 am
GOOD LUCK! You are going to rock that marathon!!
Chloe January 10, 2010, 8:55 am
i love reading your blog, im 14 from england and ive been following you for a while, especially when you were in london!

so best of luck, i know you’ll do great! i hope you acheive what you have been dreaming of, take care and most importantly have fun, i cant wait to hear how it goes for you 🙂 ps your dogs are sooo cute ! Chloe x
- caitlin January 10, 2010, 5:11 pm
  thank you chloe! i appreciate it 🙂
Gina January 10, 2010, 8:56 am
Good luck Caitlin! You are going to do amazing! At least you have the sun shining down today 🙂
Hannah January 10, 2010, 9:16 am
Good Luck Caitlin i can’t wait to read all about the marathon, you are an inspiration and i love reading your blog….i know your going to do great!!
Hannah January 10, 2010, 9:19 am
Good Luck Caitlin, i love reading your blog, you are an inspiration and i cant wait to read about the marathon. You are going to do great!!
Fudgey Smith January 10, 2010, 9:53 am
Good Luck. I know you will do it & you’ll love it. Can’t wait to read your post marathon blog.

Thinking of you x
Heather @ The Joyful Kitchen January 10, 2010, 10:06 am
you’re going to do so great! congrats on raising the money, too, it’s so amazing that you’re doing this for a good cause.

can’t wait to hear the results! 🙂
Ash @ Good Taste. Healthy Me January 10, 2010, 10:46 am
Oh I did the same thing for a get-together at my place the other day. Aren’t lasagnas so easy!? I prepped them the day before-hand and it was great not having to really prepare anything the day of. SCORE!

Good luck at the race! 🙂
maren January 10, 2010, 10:48 am
i was tracking you, and saw you just finished! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!
Rachel January 10, 2010, 10:53 am
YAY!!!! You finished!!! I get emotional myself thinking about it and I don’t even (personally) know you! Congratulations!!!
Retta @ RunRettaRun January 10, 2010, 11:14 am
I cannot wait to hear about your experiece, Marathoner! Congratulations!
Laura January 10, 2010, 11:21 am
Good luck today! Congrats!
BethAnn January 10, 2010, 11:32 am
Can’t wait to see your update!!!! i was in europe (paris, amsterdam..all over the netherlands) for two weeks and have missed your blog (and eating healthy….pastries for breakfast?!) so much!!!! Good luck! You are running right now…but I’m sure you are beasting the marathon. Go girllll.
Rachel January 10, 2010, 11:35 am
GOOD LUCK!!!
Catherine January 10, 2010, 11:41 am
CONGRATULATIONS!! You did it! 🙂
Erika January 10, 2010, 11:44 am
HI ya Caitlin! While I often lurk about reading every day and have found myself to be a silent cheerleader, figured today was a great day to come out from hiding to say congrats and thank you for sharing the adventure 🙂 Enjoy the day – you deserve it 🙂
- caitlin January 10, 2010, 5:10 pm
  thank you 🙂
Kalli@fitandfortysomething January 10, 2010, 11:56 am
Was the team in training a positive experience? I am thinking of joining?
Amber K January 10, 2010, 12:19 pm
Good luck, have fun, and I can’t wait to read about how it went!
Nikky January 10, 2010, 12:59 pm
Congrats times 26.2!! You really have been such a huge inspiration since I found your blog, and I’m really excited (despite not knowing you) for you.

Can’t wait to read the recap!
Andrea @ For the Love of the Run January 10, 2010, 1:22 pm
Thinking of you today! Can’t wait to read your race recap!
Karla January 10, 2010, 2:06 pm
Wow 30 people came!! That’s nuts!

Good luck! You’ll be a marathon running star!
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) January 10, 2010, 11:22 pm
Wow – that is a BIG blogger meet up!! Sounds so fun!!

Those lasagnas look perfect too 🙂 Mmmmmmm!!

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