Major turning point in my triathlon career:  I didn’t panic in the lake.  In fact, I actually ENJOYED the swim!

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And I didn’t do too bad, either!  Heh.  I finished right in the middle of the pack, placing 76 out of 142 females.  That’s a far cry from my last triathlon, in which I was literally last out of the lake and finished 5th to last.   And you know what? I was in SUCH better shape last year – proving once again that so much of racing is about your mental state.  Believe you can do it, and you will!

 

Today’s race started like the other 35 – with a peanut butter and banana sandwich. I’m trying to switch to a low-gluten diet due to an intolerance, but I didn’t have time to test out other breakfasts during training.  Rule #1 of racing: don’t change anything on race day!

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The Husband came with me.  I love it when he comes with me to races!  After so many races, I don’t expect him to come with me anymore, but it’s so fun when he does.   He brought Maggie and James, too.

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The first step of any race:  Packet pick-up!  At a triathlon, you get numbers for your bike and helmet, as well as the normal bib for the run.  You also get body marked with your numbers for the swim.  Last, but not least, you get a chip to wear around your ankle so they can time each leg of the race.

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After getting my numbers, I set up my transition areas.  I really loved how this race organized transition by number – not just generally identifying which numbers go on which racks, but where on the rack, too.  People tend to fight over the ‘best’ spots (on the edge) so it was nice not to stress over that.

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It can be very disorientating to enter transition after the swim or bike, and some people use balloons to mark their bikes!  Good idea, huh?

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After the process of setting up, it was time to head down to the beach for start.

 

As we waited, I took slow, deep breaths and distracted myself by hugging Maggie. I didn’t have a chance to warm-up in the lake so I did a bunch of arm circles right before we jumped in.  That seemed to loosen up my joints and warm up my muscles.

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The Novice Women (under 40) were the third group to swim out (the Novice Men and Master’s Men went first).  I think it really help to do the Open Water Challenge last week.  That race was at the same location, which helped calm my nerves.  I had already accomplished the distance once before; I knew I could do it again.  Instead of panicking, I focused on going as fast as I could.

 

I flipped to my back a few times to catch my breath, but NO PANIC ATTACKS! My heart rate never unnaturally accelerated; I never felt that crazy ringing in my ears.  My arms did get really sore at the end, though!  Guess I was working hard.

 

I blasted out of the water after 21:24 and ran up to transition.  Well, I tried to run!  My legs were so tired.

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Maggie and James were SO surprised when I suddenly ran by them and screamed, “Hi puppies!”  They ran with me up to transition.  It was cute.

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I’ll admit that I didn’t really kill myself in transitions.  In my last triathlon, I took off and then forgot my timing chip during T1, so I wanted to take my time and make sure I had everything I needed.

 

After 5:23, I was ready to go.

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The bike course was 17 miles long.  My legs felt like LEAD coming into the bike.  I guess I was kicking rather hard during the swim!  I instanteously regretted writing, “I won’t need to train too hard for a 17-mile bike” on the blog a few weeks back because OH MAN – I definitely should’ve ridden more during training.  Biking (fast) is no joke.  Especially up hills! 

 

There was one gnarly crash right behind me, but other than that – everything went smoothly on the bike.  I drank about 200 calories in Gatorade while riding, which I really, really needed; I could feel my energy waning towards the end.  I finished in 1:05:59.

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Back to transition to switch into running gear.  Again, I took my time, getting out in 4:43.

 

Ready, set, run!

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Normally, the run would be my strongest leg, but I was very nervous about my knee.  It began to ache terribly on the bike, and I was concerned about pushing too hard on the run and injuring myself.

 

I decided to walk regularly, especially down hills so I didn’t hyperextend my knees. 

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The run was through a wonderful forest on a gravel trail.  Most of the course was shady and cool!

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Towards the end of the run, I allowed myself to really pick up the pace, dropping down to a 8:30/mile.  I would choose a competitor right in front of me and try to ‘pick’ them off one by one.  This is a very effective race strategy!  It literally compels you forward.  I picked off three people before gunning across the 5K finish line in 31:33.

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My final race statistics:

 

  • Swim: 21:24
  • T1: 5:23
  • Bike: 1:05:59
  • T2: 4:43
  • Run: 31:33
  • Total: 2:09:01

 

A totally awesome race.  My friend Kim did well, too!  She killed it, finishing in 1:59:21.  This was her first triathlon experience.

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Came home and inhaled a whole wheat wrap with sweet potato, two fried eggs, and goat cheese.

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Plus a bowl of ice cream:

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I then proceeded to take a long, hot shower and a two hour nap.  More food was immediately required upon waking up.  I had a quinoa mess with spinach, asparagus, broccoli, baked tofu, and balsamic.   Yum.

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My muscles are so sore – it’s time to STRETCH.

 

And I think I’ll check out the upcoming triathlons… I feel so confident now – Maybe I can even beat my time instead of just trying to survive!

{ 149 comments }

 

  • DadHTP June 12, 2011, 3:59 pm

    Yayyy!

  • SarahC June 12, 2011, 4:00 pm

    Awesome job, Caitlin! Congrats on doing well AND having fun!! 🙂 PS I can’t wait to hear more about the house when you catch your breath (what a weekend, huh?!).

  • Sarah @ The Strength of Faith June 12, 2011, 4:02 pm

    So happy for you!

  • Dawn June 12, 2011, 4:06 pm

    Great great job, and so inspiring! I want to get over my panic
    during the swim this season! Thanks to you, I have more confidence that I can do it!!!!

    I am gluten intolerant too, and offer you a few ideas. I can’t remember if you have trader joe’s, but whole foods also has

    RICE Tortillas = great!!
    and gluten free macaroons are great
    and rice crackers by amy’s
    and vega shakes are gluten free (berry!!)
    there is a great gluten free bread but i can’t find it here yet. it is brown and thin and so so nutty tasting.

    i will send you more. also, read glutenfreegirl. great gf blog and links to others.

    brown rice pasta is good too! and all things buckwheat.

    you are great. congratulations on the house, too!
    Dawn

  • Nat June 12, 2011, 4:07 pm

    YAY! Way to go Caitlin!

  • Julie @ Shining From Within June 12, 2011, 4:10 pm

    Yahhooooo!!! Congratulations! Knew you would knock it out of the park 🙂

  • Emily June 12, 2011, 4:11 pm

    Congrats Caitlin! So great to hear about how confident you felt in the water.

    You have inspired me to begin training for my first sprint tri! I have the run down, but neither the biking nor the swimming, so it will be a long road. My stepdad lives in FL (I’m in SC) and we’re planning on completing one together (his first also) over the holidays this year, so at least I have plenty of time.

    Congrats again, and thanks for all the motivation you’ve provided!

    • CaitlinHTP June 12, 2011, 4:22 pm

      How awesome you are doing a tri with your stepdad! Awesome.

  • Nathalie June 12, 2011, 4:12 pm

    Awesome Caitlin!!! Yay!!! Congratulations!!!
    Love that DadHTP left the first comment…I bet he was a lurkin’ 😉

  • Christy June 12, 2011, 4:12 pm

    You did so well! You definitely are inspiring me to sign up for a tri. I just need to get the swimming part down.

  • Hannah Hawley June 12, 2011, 4:13 pm

    Way to rock the tri, especially the swim! Awesome job.
    Majorly motivating 🙂

  • Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet June 12, 2011, 4:15 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS!!! That sounds like an awesome time for a finish to me 🙂

    You should be so proud that you got through that swim with no panicking! Is your knee ok??

    • CaitlinHTP June 12, 2011, 4:24 pm

      I think it will be okay 🙂

  • Katherina @ Zephyr Runs June 12, 2011, 4:16 pm

    Congratulations on an awesome triathlon, especially in the water! I’m volunteering at the Moss Park tri next weekend, which will be my first race experience period (5K the next week that I’m actually running :P)
    How sweet to have the pups cheering you on!!

  • Laura (On the Threshold of Greatness) June 12, 2011, 4:17 pm

    Congrats Caitlin!!! 😀

    I’ve been following your blog for a few years now and I am so impressed by, and proud of, the races you’ve done! You are such an inspiration, and I love that you’ve never been afraid to share your struggles along the way. You killed it!

  • emily June 12, 2011, 4:18 pm

    Yay! FYI – this post made you sound super bad ass.

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) June 12, 2011, 4:18 pm

    Congratulations Caitlin!!! You did awesome! I’ll admit, I was thinking of you today and your race while I was on the spin bike this morning! 😀 So happy that the swim went well! 😀

    P.S- Love the Croom’s Fool mug. 😉

  • Katherine June 12, 2011, 4:19 pm

    Congrats Cailtlin! What an amazing race! You’ve inspired me to swim…I love swimming but have never raced! Not sure what I am afraid of, but it’s time to conquer the fear 🙂

  • Mary June 12, 2011, 4:19 pm

    Way to go, Caitlin!!!! How did you like your tri suit? Would you recommend one? I have my first sprint in one week.

    • CaitlinHTP June 12, 2011, 4:24 pm

      I did it like a lot. It was a good fit and carried well through the three legs. I would def recommend it.

  • Rachel Starr June 12, 2011, 4:22 pm

    Way to go, Caitlin! So proud of you for overcoming your mental obstacles!

  • Lisa Fine June 12, 2011, 4:22 pm

    Congratulations, Caitlin! I’m so glad this race went so much better than the last. It seems like your practice lake swimming was a huge help.

    Thanks for going through the triathlon part by part. I love to swim and run, and would consider a two-part race some time (I forgot what those are called – you mentioned them in another post), and loved learning about transitions.

    • CaitlinHTP June 12, 2011, 4:25 pm

      Duathlon or Aquathon! They are fun too 🙂

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen June 12, 2011, 4:24 pm

    Yay! So good to hear you killed the swim (and the rest too)! Hope your knee holds up ok after that 🙂

  • Kelly June 12, 2011, 4:25 pm

    YAY and congratulations!! I am so excited that you kicked the swim’s butt with NO panic attacks!!

  • Sophie @ threetimesf June 12, 2011, 4:29 pm

    Yay! Well done! Seems you did great, and an awesome time too!

    Hope the knee is okay and you’ll be feeling semi-human tomorrow!

    Everytime I read your race recaps I get really inspired – I hope I’ll be able to do a tri one day 😀

  • Chelsea June 12, 2011, 4:31 pm

    Wow you’ve been working so hard! Good job! =D You give me inspiration to go out and try it myself!
    The running trail looked gorgeous btw! So jealous of those tall trees!

  • Lara June 12, 2011, 4:32 pm

    Congratulations Caitlin! Isn’t it amazing how much of an influence your mental state can have on your performance? Not only did you kick butt, but it looks like you had a great time too 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP June 13, 2011, 10:47 am

      It’s all in the head!

  • Jessica @ LiveLaughLunch June 12, 2011, 4:33 pm

    Congratulations! What an awesome accomplishment! You’re such an inspiration!

  • Allie @ Healthy Balance, Healthy Life June 12, 2011, 4:38 pm

    I got you on the beating a PR instead of trying to survive thang. I think part of the reason people/I get addicted to races is because you learn more and more about yourself and racing every time you do one so the next time can be better/different. Even if it’s a “bad race”, there’s always a lesson in there!

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) June 12, 2011, 4:39 pm

    Congratulations, Caitlin! I think swimming, biking and running are hard activities independently, so combining all of them one right after the other sounds super hard! You rocked it!

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg June 12, 2011, 4:40 pm

    Congrats! You did so well! 🙂

  • Rae June 12, 2011, 4:43 pm

    awesomesauce! Now that you’re over the open water thing, I see some seriously smokin’ tri’s in your future 🙂 As you train, train with transitions….if you pracitce them, its the best way to earn “free” time! WAY TOO GO!

  • Jen G. June 12, 2011, 4:44 pm

    Yay! Congrats not only on such a great tri time, but showing some serious perseverance and grit. After the last couple of triathlons, no one could blame you for saying it just wasn’t your thing. Instead you came back and kicked that triathlon in the ass! Well done 🙂

  • Kelsey June 12, 2011, 4:45 pm

    Congrats! I’m glad you have conquered your fear of open water swimming!

    On another note, I recently read this blog post: http://lesserismore.blogspot.com/2011/06/lessons-learned-from-triathlon.html (linked from dcrainmaker.com – an interesting triathlete blog if you don’t know it)… he made some interesting points about transition areas under “general race conduct recommendations”… you might want to check it out! 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP June 13, 2011, 10:46 am

      oh this is awesome. thanks!

  • Kris @ tryingtotri June 12, 2011, 4:49 pm

    Way to go on a great race! I hope to do my first tri later this summer – the swim doesn’t scare me, the bike does!

    I love your race recaps; so detailed and so many great pictures!

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In June 12, 2011, 4:49 pm

    WAY TO ROCK IT!! So awesome – you must be so proud. I really want to get into Triathlons and this is inspiring!

  • Meg June 12, 2011, 4:55 pm

    way to go!!! love that maggie and james were there to cheer you on!!!

    What kind of running shoes were those? Brooks? super cute.

    • CaitlinHTP June 13, 2011, 10:38 am

      Saucony Triumphs – love!

  • emma June 12, 2011, 5:06 pm

    You are so inspiring! I’d love to do a tri but I’m kinda scared about the swimming section!! Oh….and I’ve started to spread OB love 🙂 Left a note on the bus just the other day 🙂

  • *Andrea* June 12, 2011, 5:13 pm

    congrats for conquering this race!!!

  • Lee June 12, 2011, 5:19 pm

    Great job Caitlin! One of my friends did that race too.

  • Holly June 12, 2011, 5:21 pm

    Congrats! I bet you are still glowing with pride!!
    You are such an inspiration, you know that?

  • Lacey @ Lake Life June 12, 2011, 5:21 pm

    Congrats on conquering your open water fear!

  • Victoria (District Chocoholic) June 12, 2011, 5:29 pm

    Yay! This means we’ll get to see more swimming on your blog. So glad this went well for you.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin June 12, 2011, 5:30 pm

    Congrats on killing this race, especially the swimming leg! I hope the rest of your evening involves the couch, a glass of wine, and a massage from the hubby. 😉

  • Katheryn June 12, 2011, 5:32 pm

    Congratulations on the great race! And most especially on not freaking out in the water. What a huge accomplishment!

  • Freya June 12, 2011, 5:34 pm

    This totally seems odd coming from me (bring younger than you etc etc) but I am SO proud o you!!!

  • Lindsay @ In Sweetness and In Health June 12, 2011, 5:35 pm

    Yay congratulations!! That is such an awesome accomplishment 🙂

  • Ash Bear June 12, 2011, 5:36 pm

    Great job! I also love this recap as it truly helps me understand what doing a triathlon means! 🙂

  • katie @ KatieDid June 12, 2011, 5:40 pm

    awesome job, thats such an accomplishment!!! I really respect triathletes, that takes a lot of hard work and dedication.

  • Heather June 12, 2011, 5:41 pm

    Congratulations…..amazing job! I hope I do as well next week at my sprint triathlon.

  • Kristen (inspiredbydooce) June 12, 2011, 5:41 pm

    So happy to hear you had a such a successful race!! Congratulations Caitlin!

  • Hayley @ Oat Couture June 12, 2011, 5:42 pm

    Well done!! For the whole thing but especially for tackling that (scary, scary) swim! Think you are massively awesome for getting past that fear! Great job! 🙂

  • Abby June 12, 2011, 5:43 pm

    Great job on your tri! That’s awesome!

  • Hillary June 12, 2011, 5:44 pm

    Way to go, Caitlin! You look so strong in those pictures; you must be thrilled with yourself. I’m not sure I have the mental capacity to handle a tri, but reading this recap makes me want to try!

  • Sana June 12, 2011, 5:45 pm

    Soooo proud! Epic injury comeback!!!

  • Amanda June 12, 2011, 5:48 pm

    You look so happy and strong in these pictures. Way to go!

  • Carol June 12, 2011, 5:53 pm

    WOHOO!!! So happy for you! Way to go!!!

  • Carolina John June 12, 2011, 5:58 pm

    Very cool! Setup events does a great job, don’t they? I’ve always heard tri latta is a good one. and I’ve never been to a bad Setup event.

    Great job on the swim. I’m also starting to feel more comfortable in the open water and mass or wave starts, so that’s pretty cool. It’s definitely something you get used to the more often you do it.

    You need to practice your transition times, they should be under 90 seconds. For a sprint tri the goal is to go all out for as long as possible. Got to include transitions in there.

    also the running pic looks like you’re still landing with a bit of a heel strike. land on a flat foot with a bended knee and I bet you won’t have to kill T time putting on knee braces.

    Great job!

    • CaitlinHTP June 13, 2011, 10:37 am

      90 second transitions!?!?! that would never happen. LOL. I am too lazy.

      • Stephanie June 13, 2011, 2:40 pm

        That is actually really good advice you should consider especially if you plan to do more and improve. It is much easier to shave a few minutes off transition than the other parts so why not work on that as your next goal?

        Regardless, great job on the tri!

  • Errign June 12, 2011, 5:58 pm

    Wahooo you rocked it!

  • Steph June 12, 2011, 6:13 pm

    great job! can you visit philly and bring your dogs?? they look so freaking adorable haha

    • CaitlinHTP June 13, 2011, 10:36 am

      heheh they love to travel 🙂

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans June 12, 2011, 6:17 pm

    Great job! I think I might try my hand at at duathlon but I still can’t quite wrap my head around an open water swim.

  • Jess@atasteofconfidence June 12, 2011, 6:24 pm

    You did a great job!!

  • Cate June 12, 2011, 6:33 pm

    Yay Caitlin – Congrats! You did it! So glad to hear you had a good time 🙂

  • Dori June 12, 2011, 6:39 pm

    Congrats!!!!! You did awesome. Interesting wrap combination. Sounds very good, I will have to try!

  • Carly (Swim, Run, Om) June 12, 2011, 6:43 pm

    Congratulations! I’ve been waiting for this update all day, and I’m so happy to read that you conquered your fear of open-water swimming! 😀

  • Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews June 12, 2011, 6:43 pm

    Great race! Glad that the pups could come watch. They are the best cheerers!

  • monicanelsonfitness June 12, 2011, 6:44 pm

    You are awesome! Congrats congrats! Victory! 🙂

    Happy you are not scarrred of the water as much now.

  • Amanda June 12, 2011, 6:56 pm

    Way to go, Caitlin. You had an epic performance this morning. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

  • Christine June 12, 2011, 7:10 pm

    Congratulations – what a huge accomplishment!

  • Amy June 12, 2011, 7:18 pm

    You liked Vermont— so come to the cool north and race with me! My husband and kids can’t come due to summer camp and work schedules! I have been unsuccessfully trying to recruit a friend to sign up! Come on! I’ll even pick you up at the airport!

  • Amy June 12, 2011, 7:19 pm
    • CaitlinHTP June 13, 2011, 10:35 am

      I want to comeeee! LOL

  • Mac June 12, 2011, 7:32 pm

    Love the tri pictures… congrats on the great finish!

  • Allison @ Happy Tales June 12, 2011, 7:37 pm

    Ah! Whaaaat a weekend you have had, Caitlin — you must be feeling SUPER accomplished (uh, as you should!). Congrats on such a wonderful race experience, I’m sure last weekend helped a lot. It was so fun to hear your recap, esp since I helped out a lot with the race last year! Glad everything went well again this year 🙂

  • Baking 'n' Books June 12, 2011, 7:45 pm

    I’m just having a hard day…but this just made me tear up. For good though. Just coming here and first seeing your big smile….and the positivity just radiates. Truly radiates.

    So so proud of you just for being true to yourself and finding happiness in life.

    Killer time and killer race.

    (and hint, hint – a lot of ice creams are gluten-free…;) ) If not, I don’t need to know.

  • Katie @ Healthy Heddleston June 12, 2011, 7:46 pm

    Great job!!! I loved reading this recap since tri’s are really intriguing me right now!!

  • Lauren @ LaDolcePita June 12, 2011, 8:01 pm

    So proud of you! I knew you could do it – you looked so happy and strong in your pictures. Congrats!

  • Cait @ Beyond Bananas June 12, 2011, 8:02 pm

    Wow, Caitlin. You did awesome. I loved the recap! It is amazing how our mental state can really alter how we perform! Glad you got over your anxieties!

  • SaraRM June 12, 2011, 8:24 pm

    Congrats!

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) June 12, 2011, 8:26 pm

    Whohoo! I had a feeling you would rock this one out! Nice job. 🙂

  • Marci June 12, 2011, 8:36 pm

    So awesome! Great recap. What a proud accomplishment! Love the trisuit.

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) June 12, 2011, 9:02 pm

    Great job! It’s great to accomplish something different! I did my first trail half-marathon today, and it went equally well!

  • Ben @ ShirtlessBen June 12, 2011, 9:05 pm

    Congratulations on your race! My first Olympic is next week in moss park so we shall see how well that will go. The balloon idea for the bike is awesome i might just do that.

  • Carey @ Positively Blonde June 12, 2011, 9:06 pm

    Sounds like you did phenomenally! Congrats 🙂

  • Sarra June 12, 2011, 9:09 pm

    2 words: BAD ASS!

    • CaitlinHTP June 13, 2011, 10:34 am

      2 words: thank you! 🙂

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing June 12, 2011, 9:09 pm

    That is AMAZING! Congratulations!

  • erica June 12, 2011, 9:23 pm

    congrats!!!!!!

  • Laura @ MyReasontoRun June 12, 2011, 9:25 pm

    you did awesome today….tough course wasn’t it???!!! the run just killed me!!!!

    • CaitlinHTP June 13, 2011, 10:32 am

      Aw I wish we had seen each other! The run course was tough!

      • CaitlinHTP June 13, 2011, 10:33 am

        I just read your race recap – I was the person that yelled, “Halfway, let’s do this bitttttches!” LOL

  • Chelsea @ Go Chelsea Go! June 12, 2011, 9:40 pm

    Whoo hoo!!! GO YOU!! I’ve read about your past triathlon experiences, so I’m so glad this one was a lot more enjoyable (and without swimming freakouts!!). You’ve now got me thinking that maybe I’ll do a triathlon one day 🙂

  • GrabAnApple June 12, 2011, 9:41 pm

    Congrats!
    I have to ask-what did you think of the tri suit? I’m doing my first “real” tri next weekend (DC Tri) and I’m debating getting one. I set to do another tri in August, so it wouldn’t be a complete impulse buy.
    Thanks!

  • Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table June 12, 2011, 9:51 pm

    I’m so excited for you! Looks like a fantastic race. Maybe one day I’ll suck it up and learn to swim… 🙂

  • Katie June 12, 2011, 9:52 pm

    Congratulations!! Sounds like a great race 🙂

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me June 12, 2011, 9:53 pm

    Yay congrats! That’s so awesome!

  • Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food June 12, 2011, 10:27 pm

    Congratulations! You did such an amazing job and the best part was you enjoyed it and were smiling the whole way! Yey! 🙂

  • Jacqueline June 12, 2011, 10:39 pm

    Well done!

  • Emily @ Comfortable Home Life June 12, 2011, 10:41 pm

    You go girl! SO inspiring!

  • Crystal @ Sandy Eggo Runner June 12, 2011, 10:48 pm

    Congrats! I must become a better runner before even thinking about a tri!

  • Heather @ Dietitian on the Run June 12, 2011, 10:49 pm

    Loved reading this!! Congrats on such a strong (mentally & physically) race, Caitlin!!

  • Layla @ fitnessfoodlaughter June 12, 2011, 10:51 pm

    Great Job! I’m participating in my 1st Tri in August. I participated in Duathlon last year and am nervous about the swimming portion of the race. It was good to read that you actually enjoyed the swimming. Now I think it would be great if I could find an open swim race before the tri to practice. Indoor pools are not the same.

  • Erin June 12, 2011, 10:51 pm

    Congrats! It’s so awesome to see you improve so much!

    Here’s a stupid question: How do you manage your Garmin between the bike and the run and the transitions? I’m doing a duathlon in two weeks and can’t figure out how to time them all.

    • Lisa June 12, 2011, 11:02 pm

      On my Garmin 305, there’s an option for multisport that allows you to time activities one after another, including transitions, just by hitting the lap key before after each thing. It’s a great option!

      And Caitlin – congrats on such a terrific race! Well done!

      • Erin June 12, 2011, 11:09 pm

        Unfortunately, the 405 (which I have) does not have a multisport function. Strange, huh?

      • CaitlinHTP June 13, 2011, 10:29 am

        Yup – I used the multisport option!

  • Jen June 12, 2011, 10:58 pm

    Congratulations! And sweet potato with eggs sounds amazing…why have I never done that before?!

  • skinnyrunner June 12, 2011, 11:35 pm

    congrats on killing it!

  • Fae June 13, 2011, 12:13 am

    Congrats!! You totally rocked it!

  • Kayla @ Fitter Than Choc June 13, 2011, 12:32 am

    Well done, Caitlin! That is plain awesome! I’d love to do a tri someday, but for now, I’m still too afraid to swim in open water. I think swimming will be my weakest leg if I ever do this. I am a little more inspired to do a tri after reading this post of yours:)

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul June 13, 2011, 12:34 am

    Omgshhh Caitlin! You are one crazy tough cookie! Great job, we’re so proud of ya! 😀 This looked soo intense.

  • sally kate June 13, 2011, 1:06 am

    i want to do a triathalon so bad! awesome work!

  • Khushboo June 13, 2011, 1:59 am

    Wow you finished amazingly, congrats! You’re the perfect example of what a positive attitude combined with a little hard work can achieve!
    This might be a silly question but one that I always wonder when bloggers put up race photos: do you think taking pictures during the race affects your overall race time?

    • CaitlinHTP June 13, 2011, 10:28 am

      Hmmm Interesting question. I didn’t take any of the pictures during the race, the Husband shot all the actions shots and the scenery shots were taken post-race (I walked bits of the course again). So in this case, I would say no!

  • Miranda June 13, 2011, 8:43 am

    Way to go, Caitlin!
    I LOVE race recaps.
    So awesome that the pups could be there.

  • LizAshlee June 13, 2011, 8:58 am

    Congratulations! Way to rock it…you are AWESOME!!

  • Brittany June 13, 2011, 9:04 am

    When you say you’ve previously had “panic attacks” in the water what caused that? Fear of drowning? I’m deathly afraid of fish which would totally freak me out but I think it would probably just inspire me to push harder to get out of the water faster.

    • CaitlinHTP June 13, 2011, 10:27 am

      Fear of alligators… I used to live in Florida and all of my other triathlons were in gator-infested lakes.

  • Erin @ Big Girl Feats June 13, 2011, 9:28 am

    Congrats Caitlin!! This makes me want to do a triathlon, for real. Maybe I’ll stick to my upcoming 10K first!

  • Marisa E June 13, 2011, 9:52 am

    You go girl!!!! Hope the knee is feeling okay this morning. Did you get some new kicks? I love the color!

    • CaitlinHTP June 13, 2011, 10:26 am

      Yup! They are Saucony Triumphs. I like them a lot!

  • Kierstan @ Life {and running} in Iowa June 13, 2011, 9:52 am

    Congratulations on a great race!

    My husband is such a great support for me on my race days. Pretty sure I couldn’t run my races without him, well I guess I could run, but I would for sure forget things like iPods, garmins, water bottles, etc. The day he decides to not come to races with me will be a sad day.

  • Kim June 13, 2011, 9:52 am

    congrats!!

  • Jennifer Cook June 13, 2011, 9:53 am

    Congratulations on your redemption! It sounds like you had a great race! I am doing my first tri in September, and I have to say I signed up partly because of you! You really inspired em to push outside of my limits. I am so glad to hear that this race went so well for you.

  • Marissa June 13, 2011, 10:55 am

    Great job! Triathlons look like so much fun; I really want to do one. They appeal to me a lot more than long-distance races, because they’re just as long and physically difficult, but not as boring because you keep changing activities!

  • Amber K June 13, 2011, 11:51 am

    Wow, congratulations! I am always amazed with how much you rock! Awesome, awesome job 🙂

  • Emily June 13, 2011, 12:03 pm

    congrats on the tri! especially on the swim! to go from dead last to middle of the pack is a HUGE accomplishment!

    I did a tri by this same race group last month in VA and loved it! I think they really know how to organize a good day of swim, bike, run fun!

  • Erin @ Naturally Addicted June 13, 2011, 2:40 pm

    Congrats on your race!! I have been looking forward to this post to hear how you did! You are inspiring me to finally get my butt in gear and aim to do a triathlon next year!!

  • Alaina June 13, 2011, 3:24 pm

    Congratulations on a great race!! Makes me think about doing a Sprint Tri. Hmm… 🙂

  • Sonia (the Mexigarian) June 13, 2011, 4:50 pm

    Congrats on the race! you make it sound like so much fun 🙂 a lot of work but fun.

  • kristen June 13, 2011, 5:02 pm

    awesome job! You must be so proud!!! You worked so hard and it really paid off!
    Love the recap nd I love when people come and cheer for me. THat way during the race, whenI dont want to keep going, I think just run to SO and SO. usually works

  • Mel June 13, 2011, 5:13 pm

    Your trisuit is so friggin cute! I think it’s the sort of more feminine straps and scoop neck. And that it’s all black. Most are just more square/sleeveless, have ugly flowers on them, and are just fug.

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) June 13, 2011, 5:36 pm

    Awesome job! Congrats!!!

  • JenATX June 13, 2011, 9:12 pm

    you go girl! Im so so glad you enjoyed the tri 🙂

  • MathTeachD June 13, 2011, 9:54 pm

    I read your blog constantly, but rarely comment.
    I am so glad that you had a good experience!
    I have my second sprint of the year next weekend and I am hoping it goes better than the first!
    Way to battle back and conquer your fears!

  • Bria June 15, 2011, 7:20 am

    Great job, Caitlin!!!!

  • Alex @ Working Housewife June 18, 2011, 10:16 pm

    Congrats! I just completed my very FIRST sprint triathlon and I did SO much better than I thought I would. Yay for successful races!

    • Caitlin June 19, 2011, 9:57 am

      I am so happy for you! WTG.

  • Melissa Vause April 11, 2012, 7:00 pm

    Hey! I’ve been looking around at triathlon blogs and ran across yours! Hope you’re still into the sport and competing in some this season 🙂 I was actually at Tri Latta the same day as you!! Bib 189- you finished 2 minutes before me lol

    • Caitlin April 11, 2012, 9:50 pm

      Hey! So cool 🙂 I’m hoping to do Tri for Abby in the fall – it’s a great one!

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