Top Races of 2010

on November 30, 2010

Hi, friends! I had a busy-busy day between writing, coaching Girls on the Run, and playing secretary at the clinic.

Dinner, therefore, was a fast one:

You cannot go wrong with the classic PB&J and an apple. I did, however, actually eat two sandwiches because the bread was small, and I was hungry. 🙂

Post-Girls on the Run (and it was actually a good, sweaty workout for me today – we played games in the gym because it was raining), I had a Green Monster.

In the blender:

1 cup almond milk
1/2 banana
2 cups spinach

Veggie power!

Top Races of 2010

I’ve still got two more races left in 2010 – the Girls on the Run 5K and the Thunder Road 5K – but by in large, racing is over for the year. It was an awesome year, all in all! I’ve already ran 11 races in 2010 – here are my summary of my favorites!

Most Excruciating / Terrifying: Wildman Olympic Triathlon – 3:06:07 (Runner-Up: There is no runner-up. Nothing will ever trump that race. Wait, actually, the Disney Marathon might come close due to the weather.)

Wildman ranks among my Top Five Favorite Races EVER purely because it was so excruciating slash terrifying. Swimming 1.5 K in open water was something I never thought I could do, so finishing the race was a huge personal accomplishment that I will forever remember. PLUS – that video rules. Does anyone else tear up when the Husband begins to run next to me as I exit the water? Just me? Oh, okay. 🙂

Most Fun: Iron Girl 15K – 1:24:39 (Runner-Up: Croom’s 15 Mile Trail Race)

IMG_0010 - Copy

The Iron Girl 15K was so beautiful – seriously, check out those race recap pictures! – because it was right on the west coast of Florida. It was gorgeous, perfect weather, and my first (and only) all-female race. Rock it out, ladies!

Most Surprising: Spinx Run Fest Marathon – 4:22:38 (Runner-Up: Run for Your Cause 4.0 Miler)

I blasted my marathon PR by 32 minutes and beat my goal by 13 minutes. I couldn’t believe that I actually did it!

Most Disappointing: Freedom 5K – 24:56

Horrible course organization cost me a personal record and taught me an important lesson: always study the course map before!

Best for My Body: Echelon Gran Fondo Century (100 miles) Bike Race – 9:30:00 (Runner-Up: Breakaway to Sugarloaf Metric Century)

Running is awesome, but I have to say that training for a 100-mile bike ride shaped my bod in ways like never before. Plus, I was hardly ever sore – I love low-impact sports! I really cannot believe we actually finished this race – we were literally the LAST PEOPLE to cross the finish line.

What races did you do in 2010? What lessons did you learn from racing this year?

{ 83 comments }

Balanced Healthy Life November 30, 2010, 9:03 pm
I like the race recap! It is very motivating! I haven’t had a pb&j in years!
Emily H. November 30, 2010, 9:05 pm
Hi Caitlin! I have been blog lurking for a while, and absolutely love your blog! You are so honest and I appreciate that you paint a “real” picture: the slumps, the triumphs, the highs and the lows. My only (and FIRST!) race is a 10K on December 18. It is actually your blog that really encouraged me to start running, and enter a race. Wish me luck!
- Caitlin November 30, 2010, 9:07 pm
  Hi Emily! Thanks for delurking to leave me such a sweet message. I appreciate it and wish you the best of luck on your 10k!!!
Nicole @ yuppie yogini November 30, 2010, 9:06 pm
Veg power! Rock on! 🙂
Sarah November 30, 2010, 9:08 pm
The husband running with you was pretty touching- love those supportive men. And a big ditto to Emily- you keep me motivated!! Keep up the great blog.
Joanna November 30, 2010, 9:10 pm
Very inspiring post. I have been trying to get up the nerve to complete my first race for years. I am planning to do it in February of next year. Who knows, maybe I will catch the bug and be able to make a post like this next year myself!

Also, what kind of jelly do you use? I have been trying to find a healthy one. You know, one that is made with actual fruit!
- Caitlin November 30, 2010, 9:13 pm
  I don’t know specific brands – I just buy some sort of organic one and the ingredients are usually OK.
  
  Do a race! I promise you will not regret it 🙂
Sarah November 30, 2010, 9:14 pm
I did my first ever race (a half marathon) last week on Thanksgiving morning! I have to say – I started reading food blogs this year (yours was actually the first, I came in during your first “Big Birth Control Question post when I was having the same debate myself) and it has changed my life. I now care about being healthy in ways I never have before, cooking isn’t so scary and I have so much more confidence overall. I had been blogging for a couple of years, but started to transition my blog into a food blog over the past couple of months. Everything has been such a positive experience for me – thanks to you and your readers!

(p.s. my race recap is here – http://www.thestrengthoffaith.com/2010/11/race-recap-atlanta-half-marathon.html)
- Caitlin November 30, 2010, 9:15 pm
  What a wonderful comment! I am so glad you are coming into your own. Off to read your race recap!
  - Sarah December 1, 2010, 11:52 am
    Thank you for your wonderful comment! I hope it is the first race recap out of many. 🙂
  - Sarah December 1, 2010, 11:52 am
    Thank you for your sweet comment! I hope it is the first race recap out of many. 🙂
Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) November 30, 2010, 9:16 pm
You can never go wrong with PB&J! Glad you had a good day with the girls. I hope your head is feeling better!
Laura November 30, 2010, 9:17 pm
I teared up! Awesome video and great race overview! What’s the song in your Wildtri video?
- Caitlin November 30, 2010, 9:24 pm
  It’s The Killers “All the things that I’ve done”
Katie - Life Discombobulated November 30, 2010, 9:18 pm
It was so much fun looking back at your tri video! And it’s NOT just you!!! I totally tear up when he starts running with you!!! 🙂 It’s so sweet! Congrats to you for all of your awesome racing accomplishments this year.
- Cindy Robinson December 1, 2010, 8:31 am
  Ha ha, I teared up at the very beginning when the song started 🙂
Paige @Running Around Normal November 30, 2010, 9:23 pm
What a cool post!! I love reading your race recaps 🙂
Christine November 30, 2010, 9:27 pm
Love the recap! Great job on the 100 miler! I just started entering races (and regularly running, for that matter) this year and have found that I actually prefer the 1/2 marathon to anything shorter. My favorite race was the Disneyland Half Marathon I did in September. It was my first and I loved running through the park and Angel stadium. I love how entering races gives you the opportunity to see new places, whether local or not!
Katie V November 30, 2010, 9:27 pm
Great video, aw 🙂 Another lurker unlurked. I started running last year but never raced (I raced once years ago in high school and came in dead last! You can still find it on the internet 10 years later haha). So I thought racing wasn’t for me. But I realized that I want to be part of that atmosphere and challenge. I tried to sign up for races but it was a little late in the season when I started looking (I live in Toronto so most races are over by sept or early oct). Anyway, (this is becoming a long comment) my friend and I have signed up for a half (!) marathon on Feb 20th in Ottawa (read: insanely cold). I’ve been trying to transition from barefoot (VFF) running so I don’t lose my feet. I loved reading about your races and can’t wait until I can recount multiple races from the same year.
- Caitlin December 1, 2010, 9:13 am
  OHmigod I Cannot imagine running a half barefoot in February in Canada. BRRR!
  - Katie v December 1, 2010, 10:26 am
    Oh no, me either. I’m transitioning to minimalist shoes to get me through the winter. I’m so sad to be giving up the vff for now. Maybe I should move south lol.
lindsay November 30, 2010, 9:28 pm
Love that video!! I am not much of a racer anymore (injuries) but I did walk an 8k and finished with 14:16 minute miles! Pretty fast for walking 🙂
Jessica @ The Process of Healing November 30, 2010, 9:29 pm
You are AMAZING!

I was supposed to run my first race in 2010 but because of a stress fracture, that I’m STILL struggling with, racing and running in general is not in my future anytime soon. But I know that one day, one day, my time will come.
Ali @ Ali on the Run November 30, 2010, 9:38 pm
I love this recap! It’s so inspiring. I love your attitude toward racing: you set realistic goals and you learn from your outcome, whether you surpass those goals or “fall short.” I’m learning not to be so hard on myself, and your blog is helping.

And yes, of course I teared up watching the triathlon video. I’m a sucker for cute things like that.

Awesome year for you! Looking forward to 2011 already!
G November 30, 2010, 9:39 pm
The triathalon video made me cry… and very much inspired me to get serious and set some goals for myself!!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey November 30, 2010, 9:41 pm
I actually did my first races this year – I surprised myself by being able to bust out two halves!!
Katy (The Singing Runner) November 30, 2010, 9:42 pm
I have only done 3 races this “season”. I started running back in July and ran my first race (since high school) in early October. I still have one more 10K on December 18 in Washington DC and then I start the 2011 racing season with a BANG with the Walt Disney World Half- Marathon! 🙂
Maureen November 30, 2010, 9:48 pm
What an AWESOME year of races you have had! It’s been truly inspiring to be reading each of these as they happened! You are something special and are doing great things with your blog(s) and books. BTW congrats on #2!

I haven’t done in races yet this year. But I did fall back in love with running and have lost nearly 40 pounds and am training for my first half marathon in the spring so it’s still been a great year for me.
- Caitlin December 1, 2010, 9:27 am
  Congrats on your healthy weight loss and upcoming half marathon!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss November 30, 2010, 9:58 pm
Very inspiring. I love races, but most of them around here are only 5Ks..there’s a half marathon in a few months that I’m hoping to be able to run, though!
Beth @ 990 Square November 30, 2010, 9:59 pm
I just started racing in 2010–I’ve done three so far, two 5ks and a 10k. I love the adrenaline of the race and the accomplishment I feel after! I’m training for the WDW Half in January–can’t wait!
Ashley November 30, 2010, 10:00 pm
The video is awesome, very inspiring. I love to read your race recaps they’re so detailed and inspiring. They motivate me to maybe do a race one day.
ashley @ ashley's adventures in alaska November 30, 2010, 10:03 pm
The only race I’ve run thus far in 2010 was my VERY first 5k, which was huge for me. It was amazing to do the thing I had wanted to do for a few years and didn’t think I could. I’m running another one this weekend- the forecast is calling for around 20 with snow! Gotta love Alaska. 🙂
Carolina John November 30, 2010, 10:06 pm
Wow that’s a fantastic 2010! I’m still so glad you got to do the Spinx RunFest. such a cool race.
Marie-Journey to Body Zen November 30, 2010, 10:07 pm
i totally cried at that video, and it felt good. so sweet and inspiring! 😉
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) November 30, 2010, 10:20 pm
Your second marathon gives me hope! If I ever do another I hope I can PR as much as you did.
Charlie November 30, 2010, 10:23 pm
Love the video :).
Jamie @ Food in Real Life November 30, 2010, 10:40 pm
11 races in 2010? You are so awesome!!

I just started running in May and I ran

2 5K’s
a 10K
and a half marathon!

I want to enter a few more before the year is over, (a jingle bell or 2) but I just don’t feel like coughing up the dough!
- Caitlin December 1, 2010, 9:28 am
  I know! I wish races weren’t so expensive.
- Rachel December 1, 2010, 10:36 am
  See if there are any local running clubs in your area. A nearby town to me has official races every single month and the entry fees are $1!!! It is a certified course and you get a bib and everything. (the courses are usually just a 5k, but it keeps the race spirit alive for me when I can’t afford a $50 entry fee)
  - Jamie @ Food in Real Life December 1, 2010, 10:56 am
    Thanks for the tip Rachel! I’m actually planning on joining a running club this winter because I need some motivation to run outside in the cold. i’ll see if they do anything like that.
Camille November 30, 2010, 10:54 pm
I love your recaps 🙂
My most memorable race this year was the Portland Marathon. I didn’t set a PR but it was so cool to run in a new city with my family cheering me on. Oh, and it was pouring through the entire race!
Maddie (Healthy Maddie) November 30, 2010, 11:04 pm
I love your race recaps and the video. You are so inspiring! Pb&J rocks 🙂
Stephanie November 30, 2010, 11:22 pm
Hi Caitlin!

I have a quote for you to add to your Operation Beautiful post it messages.

“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.”

Will this work?
- Caitlin December 1, 2010, 9:32 am
  I love that phrase 🙂 I will include it for next week’s phrases! I plan them out a week in advance.
Heidi - apples under my bed November 30, 2010, 11:27 pm
I have learnt from reading all your races during the year that I should do one myself!! 🙂
Heidi xo
Andrea November 30, 2010, 11:35 pm
Well, this year’s big highlight for me was the Blackwood Marathon Iron Woman, which was pretty much all I thought about for the whole year. (A few links to race details here: http://chasingtheblackwood.wordpress.com/blackwood-marathon-training-2010/ )
On my way to the Big Day, I did a 10km fun run, which was so much fun! According to my watch, I did a PR sub 60 run, which was excellent for me, but I was recorded much slower than that, which was a bit disapointing. But that’s alright, it was a great for my first race ever! (Recap here: http://chasingtheblackwood.wordpress.com/2010/08/01/wow-im-fast/ )
I also took my horse to our first ever Endurance Ride as a training exercise leading up to the Blackwood, and man that was an eye-opening experience! (Recap here: http://chasingtheblackwood.wordpress.com/2010/08/28/i-stand-corrected/ )
Now I am just planning ahead for 2011 as my 2010 race days are all over! I’m thinking half marathon in May!
Nicole November 30, 2010, 11:38 pm
Your race recap was awesome! Loved it!

Also, congrats on all your good news!! Another 2 books?? Girl, you are amazing! Can’t wait for the “how my books got published” post!!

I ran the Cherry Blossom 10 miler, a Race for a Cure 5K, my first half marathon and the Army 10 miler. I PRed at the 5K, and realized that as much as I hated running after my half marathon that all I needed to do was run another race … I was so unhappy about running the Army 10 miler but once I was there I remembered why I started running in the first place.
Amanda (Eating Up) November 30, 2010, 11:53 pm
It’s so fun to look back at all you accomplished this year! We should all stop and take a moment to celebrate hard work and goals met (or even not met).
Georgie @ Georgie Goes Healthy December 1, 2010, 12:07 am
I am so impressed with all of the races you have done – Congratulations!!
Laura (Starloz) December 1, 2010, 12:10 am
awesome recap, i still can’t believe you did a 100 mile bike race!
Nicole December 1, 2010, 12:11 am
I’ve been reading your blog for about a year now, and it’s been so fun and inspirational watching you train and run your races! I ran my first half marathon in May and hope to run a few more in the coming year.
- Caitlin December 1, 2010, 9:33 am
  Thanks for reading for so long!
Dorry December 1, 2010, 12:15 am
So impressive to see all of your recaps! I’m running my first ever race – a half marathon – this coming Sunday in Dallas and I’m SO excited!!
natalie @ http://healthybalancingact.blogspot.com/ December 1, 2010, 12:30 am
you inspire me 🙂
Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks December 1, 2010, 1:26 am
I ran my first ever 5K this year in early September, and I’ve run two since then. This year I learned that I can run….I never thought it’d be possible. I may not be fast, but that is okay. It’s all about finishing with your head held high. 🙂

I just read your recap of that century…now that is some amazing stuff right there, missy. What a great year for you!
Jennifer December 1, 2010, 1:31 am
I did! TEAR 😉
Wei-Wei December 1, 2010, 3:05 am
Love the race recaps! You’re so amazing 😀
Freya December 1, 2010, 4:54 am
I have to admite it – I actually DO tear up when the husband runs next to you! He obviously loves you soo much, and it’s really beautiful 🙂
Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) December 1, 2010, 7:25 am
That is SUCH a brilliant and inspiring video! And that is so sweet of the husband! 🙂
You’re so amazing!! Love all the recaps! 😀
Haleigh December 1, 2010, 7:27 am
I loved hearing about your races! I’ve never raced before, but I’ve always wanted to.. maybe 2011 will be the year I actually give it a try!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin December 1, 2010, 7:55 am
Wow you accomplished so much this year! Way to go!

This year I did my first pseudo-race for the Terry Fox run. But next year I want to do my first real race! 😀
Jen December 1, 2010, 8:28 am
Great idea for a recap! Wow, I had no idea about your racing history – impressive. For the bike race – over 9 hours!? Yikes! How did you train differently for that one to get you in better shape – more biking ? 😉
- Caitlin December 1, 2010, 9:34 am
  omg 9 hours on the bike was the worst… thing… ever. I just biked a TON. If you click on my training plan (on the left side of the blog) and flip through the sheets, you’ll see my training plan for the century.
Leanne December 1, 2010, 10:31 am
When you first started biking, how much/far did you go? I dabbled in a bit of biking this past summer and would really like to get into it more! Plus knowing it helped you get in better shape makes me think it’d be a great thing before my wedding!

Great post…. 11 races, wow!
Rachel December 1, 2010, 10:33 am
I started running this year and have now completed 8 races!! I’m hoping to squeeze two more in this month to complete my goal of 10 races in 2010!

You have been a HUGE inspiration to me and I’m so glad I have your blog to follow. Can’t wait to see what 2011 brings!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table December 1, 2010, 10:38 am
The breakfast looks ridiculous! My best combo so far was the marriage of my spicy-hispanic-food + hummus loves. Spicy jalapeno hummus with cilantro.

Awesome race recap. You just helped me make up my mind to go ahead and commit to doing a Tri for the first time. 🙂

And congrats on the book news!!!
Katie G. December 1, 2010, 10:53 am
Caitlin, this post was so inspiring!! I LOVED to tri video! I am actually toying with the idea of doing my first triatholon (sprint tri) in June of 2011…just need to start swimming…your video was truly awesome to watch! Here’s looking forward to more fun and challenging rides/races in 2011!
Carolyn @ EatWell. LiveWell. BeWell. December 1, 2010, 11:44 am
I love the IronGirl events. I’ve been running the IronGirl Clearwater since it started here, and I will continue to run it every year. The past two years I did the 10k, and this year I did the 5k (since they bumped it up to 15k and I wasn’t ready).

Are you coming back to Florida for the race this spring?
- Caitlin December 1, 2010, 11:49 am
  prob not. i do think i’ll come for the croom’s race in april though!
  - Carolyn @ EatWell. LiveWell. BeWell. December 1, 2010, 11:57 am
    So I just read your recap. Where in Florida are you from or did you used to live?
    
    The Croom’s race – I’ll have to check that out.
    - Caitlin December 1, 2010, 11:59 am
      Born in Miami, lived in Orlando from 2007 – 2010. Crooms is epic!
Amber K December 1, 2010, 12:15 pm
I have been inspired through all of your races. And yet, I still can’t seem to find any that are at decent times! One day maybe I won’t need my sleep so much. Wait… 😉
Heather December 1, 2010, 12:17 pm
I did 2-5Ks, 1-10K, the Ragnar Relay, and I have one more 5K coming up this Sunday. Half Marathon in January, and Ragnar Relay again in February. Maybe a Full after that?

Ragnar was my favorite because it was fun to be part of a relay, and the worst was the 10K because I was so sick. Shouldn’t have even run it.

What I’ve learned is that I need to train harder for races and not just wing it come race day.
Clare @ Fitting It All In December 1, 2010, 12:36 pm
I ran my first and second half marathons this year! They definitely taught me to trust my training and have confidence in what my body can do!!
Melissa December 1, 2010, 12:37 pm
I did a relay marathon, 3 5Ks, and the Ragnar Relay. My husband always wants to know why I sign up for races – can’t I run for free? Well, yes, but races are SO FUN and keep me motivated to keep running. I might have to start planning and scheming for 2011. 😉
Jen December 1, 2010, 1:13 pm
You’re just …kind of awesome.
- Caitlin December 1, 2010, 2:52 pm
  So are you!
Carin December 1, 2010, 2:29 pm
Well…. I did a tally up last night and this year I’ve run 2 x 10k, 1 x 16k and 2 x half marathons! The only race left this year is a 5k on Sunday which I’m doing so that I have a “baseline” time at all distances. The good thing about starting out slowly is that you’ll always have a PB next time around!

This is the first year I’ve run ‘as a runner’ and believed that I could do it – I did a couple of fun 10k runs about 5 years ago (pre-kids) but it was more as a participant than a challenge. I still don’t think I’m a ‘runner’ but I find it amazing that I’ve done two half marathons – I used to look at people in awe who said they’d run that far and am enjoying peoples’ surprised reactions when I tell them what I’ve achieved – isn’t it great to change their perception of you and in doing so, change your perception of yourself?!

Thanks so much for having this blog – I think you’re an inspiration. I wish I’d started out better and reached my own healthy tipping point a long time ago – but regrets aren’t productive, action is! I’ve booked up my race schedule for next year (at least 1 x 10k and a longer race each month) and aim to tackle 3 x marathons in NZ and Australia. You’re very welcome to come over and join in, if the schedule and finances allow!
- Caitlin December 1, 2010, 2:53 pm
  I want to come race with you in Aussie!!! My dream trip.
  - Carin December 1, 2010, 2:57 pm
    Yay! That would be so cool. I’m doing the Gold Coast marathon in July (winter here, but the Gold Coast is like Florida – with Aussie’s only theme parks!) as it’s flat and along the coastline, then the Sydney Marathon in September – how awesome will it be to run over the Harbour Bridge and then finish in front of the Opera House?
    
    Maybe you can get your publishers to sponsor book tours to promote the books over here in NZ and Aus – I’m sure you’d get good TV coverage and an amazing response!
    - Caitlin December 1, 2010, 2:59 pm
      First I must get it published in AZ! Write a letter to Penguin books there and tell them to get on it!! Hehe.
Ali December 1, 2010, 3:35 pm
I really love this post, Caitlin! It inspires me to sign up for more races next year 🙂 Also, I have been researching some sprint triathlon’s and loved re-reading your posts about your journey to the Olympic Triathlon. I commented a while ago saying you were what inspired me to train and run my first marathon in October, I may be commenting next year saying that I finally completed a triathlon too! 😉

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