Packet Pick Up

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Welcome to Brooksville, Florida!

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I’m blogging from a small hotel near the Withlacoochee State Forest.  Tomorrow, I’m doing a 15-mile trail race, and I’m so excited!  This is my second year doing this amazing race.

 

Before leaving on the 2-hour road trip to Brooksville, I had these afternoon snacks:

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A Cherry Chocolate Bomb (2 cups spinach, 1 scoop Nesquik, 1 banana, 1 cup almond milk, and a bunch of frozen cherries) and a Glo Bar.

 

My road trip partner was Kelly (who has decided to start blogging again!).  We drove along country roads for a long, long time!

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And then I saw this AMAZING field of pink wildflowers and yelped, “We’re got to stop!”

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Any friend that will stop and roll around a field of wildflowers is a good friend!  🙂

 

We met up with Meghann and drove to packet pickup.  The race is limited to 250 people because of park regulations.  The race distances include 15 miles, 31 miles, and 50 miles!  Ultra-marathoners are quite the interesting breed – I cannot believe Ashley and Meghann are going to run 31 miles tomorrow!  We’ll do the first loop with them and they’ll go on and repeat it.

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Post packet pickup, it was time for a lovely picnic.  Last year, we had a bit of a disaster with dinner… the restaurant we planned on going to was closed, and as a result, we ended up eating greasy Southern BBQ (not the best idea before a race).  We brought our own dinner this year!

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My plate included fruit salad, corn and black bean dip, pasta salad, and massaged kale.  I had another serving of the pasta salad and kale, and I ate about 1.5 servings of blue corn chips with the dip.

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As well as half of this huge vegan chocolate chip cookie.

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More meals should be eaten under beautiful, wonderful trees! 

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Time for bed!  The race begins at 7 AM, so I’m facing a bright and early wake up call.

 

To read last year’s race recap, check out this post.

{ 77 comments }

 

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) April 2, 2010, 9:12 pm

    I remember that disastrous dinner–I can’t believe it’s already been a year. I’ve seen everything that’s gone in your mouth for a year now (whew!).

    The photos of you in the field look so professional…like a photo shoot for a magazine or something.

    HAVE A GREAT RACE!!!!

  • Andrea @ Run, Eat, Date, Sleep April 2, 2010, 9:13 pm

    Good luck tomorrow! That’s a really beautiful picture of you.

  • Nancy April 2, 2010, 9:17 pm

    Have fun tomorrow!!!!!!!!!

  • Wendy April 2, 2010, 9:21 pm

    I am super impressed that you can do a cartwheel! Have fun tomorrow, I can’t wait to read the recap. 🙂

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing April 2, 2010, 9:23 pm

    The picnic sounds nice!!! And a good idea to be prepared.
    I remember last year’s race too! I can’t believe I’ve been following you for over a year.. wow! And Meghann running 31 miles… INSANE! She is incredible!!!!!!
    Good luck Caitlin! I know you will rock it!
    P.S. The field of wildflowers reminds me of the meadow in Twilight! Minus all the trees and the mountain…

    • caitlin April 3, 2010, 3:47 pm

      thank you for reading my blog for so long!!!

  • Evan Thomas April 2, 2010, 9:31 pm

    Huge vegan cookies make everything good. Have a great race!

  • Karen April 2, 2010, 9:39 pm

    Good luck tomorrow; can’t wait to read the recap! I love the first picture in this post where you are in the field of wild flowers! Gorgeous!

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] April 2, 2010, 9:41 pm

    What beautiful pics of you gals! Good luckkk!!!

  • Jenna April 2, 2010, 9:42 pm

    Good luck tomorrow, you are going to kick some booty!

    And what a beautiful field of flowers, I’d probably want to play in it for hours!

  • cyberHag April 2, 2010, 9:42 pm

    Perfect start to what is going to be a perfect race for you! Good luck and have fun. Glad you took time to smell the wildflowers!

  • Lauren April 2, 2010, 9:43 pm

    Those pictures of you in the wildflowers are beautiful.

    Good luck with the race tomorrow!

  • Ellen April 2, 2010, 9:52 pm

    Ohh that picnic food makes me so excited for warm weather! Best of luck tomorrow!

    http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/

  • Allie April 2, 2010, 9:53 pm

    wow, that’s an absolutely fantastic picture of you in the flowers. have lots of fun with the race tomorrow!

  • Mara @ What's For Dinner? April 2, 2010, 9:58 pm

    Good luck tomorrow!! I think that first pic should go over on the side of your blog and be your twitter pic too…its fantastic!

  • Tonyne @ The Unlikely Success Story April 2, 2010, 9:58 pm

    Good racing!! What a fun day it seems like you have had! 🙂

  • Runeatrepeat April 2, 2010, 10:01 pm

    Okay, you guys look like models. For real.
    Good luck 🙂

  • Kim B April 2, 2010, 10:04 pm

    Good luck tomorrow! I’ve been lurking around your blog for about a week, and I’m going to be brave and comment. I’ve been trying to get myself healthy in the midst of juggling two small children, and you inspire me completely! Just tonight I dragged my husband out (with our 2 kids piled into our double jogging stroller) and went for a 7.5k run – which is really amazing for me. While we were out I was telling him about you and your run tomorrow. I think you’re incredible! Thank you for your blog. I’m on week 2 of getting myself together (eating right and exercising daily) and reading your blog has been a fantastic motivator!

    • caitlin April 3, 2010, 3:48 pm

      thank you so much! a 7.5K run is QUITE an accomplishment!! you are a wonderful mommy role model to your kids. thanks so much for such a sweet comment, i really appreciated it.

  • Matt April 2, 2010, 10:11 pm

    GOOD LUCK TOMORROW!

  • Carrie @ I See Monsters April 2, 2010, 10:13 pm

    That first picture of you is GORGEOUS! Frame it!!!

    Good luck tomorrow. 🙂

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) April 2, 2010, 10:18 pm

    so cute 🙂 you guys are beautiful…i can’t wait to hear about the race tomorrow!!!

  • Candice April 2, 2010, 10:21 pm

    That is an awesome picture!! And what a spontaneous, fun day! Good luck tomorrow. You guys are going to have such fun! I’m already anxious for the recap.

  • Christina (MINDFUL LIVING) April 2, 2010, 10:24 pm

    best of you luck to you guys tomorrow!!! you two look so pretty in those flower fields…so picturesque! haha

  • Heather April 2, 2010, 10:32 pm

    Good luck tomorrow! Have a ton of fun out there. Amazing field pics 🙂

  • Ariffa April 2, 2010, 10:34 pm

    I’m loving all the pictures so pretty! =) good luck tomorrow have fun you’re awesome!

  • Laura Georgina April 2, 2010, 10:37 pm

    It’s so beautiful down there in ridiculously-funny-named town (am I immature or what)? Have a great race–I know you’re going to have tons of fun with your supergirl posse 🙂

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) April 2, 2010, 10:52 pm

    Those pictures are so fun girl!!!!! Best of luck with your race!!!

  • Jenny April 2, 2010, 10:55 pm

    That is a pretty field! Have fun tomorrow:)

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is April 2, 2010, 11:08 pm

    Love the pictures in the field – it reminds me of Wizard of Oz!

  • caronae April 2, 2010, 11:29 pm

    Good luck! Trail running is so much fun. Can’t wait to hear about it. 🙂

  • Molly April 2, 2010, 11:45 pm

    Good Luck TOMORROW!! I know I could not do a 15 or 30 or 50 (crazy) mile run.. really 50 miles I did not know people did that.. wow! You will do great!

    That picnic idea sounded and looked like a great idea! Love corn/bean salads.. yum!

  • laurie April 2, 2010, 11:57 pm

    gorgeous photo–i thought for sure that first one was a professional picture you shot for the book! good luck with the race!

  • Emily Eats and Exercises April 3, 2010, 12:00 am

    Love the wildflower pics. Very smart to bring dinner – it looks like a good one! I’m looking forward to reading about the race.

  • Maria April 3, 2010, 12:17 am

    That tree is gorgeous!

    Good luck tomorrow!

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances April 3, 2010, 12:23 am

    Good luck tomorrow! 🙂 Gorgeous pictures of you and Kelly, too!

  • Lizz @ leadingthegoodlife April 3, 2010, 12:26 am

    Good luck tomorrow! Have fun!!

  • ida April 3, 2010, 12:31 am

    good luck tomorrow! that 1st picture of you is stellar.

  • Danielle in Australia! April 3, 2010, 12:54 am

    Good Luck for your race! Just had to say what a beautiful photo of you that first one is! Stunning!

  • shannon April 3, 2010, 1:11 am

    What a gorgeous photo of you! Good luck tomorrow!

  • Marina April 3, 2010, 2:01 am

    I love all those pictures in the nature, wonderful!
    Good luck on your race!

  • peony April 3, 2010, 2:39 am

    wow cant beeliveee ive been following yuor blog now since before u got married 🙂

    • caitlin April 3, 2010, 3:50 pm

      thank you for being such a wonderful reader!

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs April 3, 2010, 3:20 am

    GOOD LUCK!!! That place looks so beautiful, you’re going to have a great race 🙂
    I’m glad Kelly’s blogging again – I kept clicking on the link to her page everytime she was mentioned, but it was updated in 2009 – I thought my computer was being naughty!

  • kerry April 3, 2010, 4:24 am

    You two look sooo similar it’s quite scary!! I love that picture of you in the fields, beautiful! Have a great race 🙂 xxxxx

  • Thirtyandhealthy April 3, 2010, 4:56 am

    The picture at the top is sooo pretty! It definitely desrves a frame! Have fun at the race 🙂

  • Helen April 3, 2010, 5:56 am

    That is a great photo of you, you look beautiful. Good luck with the race. Your friends that are doing 31 miles are hardcore!

  • Whitney @ whitinspired.wordpress.com April 3, 2010, 7:12 am

    Good luck and have fun!!

  • Christie {Honoring Health} April 3, 2010, 7:41 am

    That first picture of you is stunning!

    Good luck during the race!

  • Diana April 3, 2010, 7:49 am

    Have fun Caitlin!

  • megan April 3, 2010, 7:55 am

    I have to chime in on those lovely pictures too! You should make the first pic your sidebar photo. Good luck in the race!

  • Anne P April 3, 2010, 7:58 am

    That is the most gorgeous photo of you! Love the nature scenery 🙂 Wish I were there! I miss my CorpseHTP sleeping buddy!! Plus, that race sounds awesome. Good luck and have fun! xoxo

  • Andrea (canyoustayfordinner.com) April 3, 2010, 8:00 am

    You look so so beautiful in the first picture with your hair blowing in the wind in the wild flowers!!
    Good luck today! I’m rootin for ya!

  • Kiersten April 3, 2010, 8:14 am

    Good luck!

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) April 3, 2010, 8:53 am

    Goodluck to you ladies tomorrow!!!
    PS- That is the most amazing picture of you at the top of your post. Total magazine shot. 😉

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers April 3, 2010, 8:57 am

    Good luck & have fun!!! I love the flowers!!!

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie April 3, 2010, 9:56 am

    Oh those flowers are gorgeous! That looks like the most amazing weather!

    Have an awesome race! I can’t wait to hear about it!

  • ~Jessica~ April 3, 2010, 10:08 am

    I can’t believe it’s been a year already since you ran the Crooms race…seems like yesterday!

    That first picture of you is absolutely stunning: I can’t decide which looks more beautiful out of you and the flowers. If I were you, I’d get that photo framed as a reminder of how gorgeous I am 😉

    Good luck with the race!

    <3

    ~Jess~

  • Kelly (Local Foodie Fight) April 3, 2010, 10:10 am

    I love the pictures of you. You look so happy. And the flowers and everything, how lovely.

    haha and loving that giant cookie 😉

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing.com April 3, 2010, 10:15 am

    Awesome pictures!! Can’t wait for the race recap! 🙂

  • carrie April 3, 2010, 10:30 am

    what gorgeous flower pictures! best of luck in your race today!!

  • Janelle April 3, 2010, 10:38 am

    I want to be hanging out in a field of pretty pink wildflowers right now…how fun!

    Good luck!

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople April 3, 2010, 11:07 am

    What a beautiful field of wildflowers. I probably would have been reading and totally missed something like that on road trip! I gotta look up and smell the wildflowers!

  • Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly April 3, 2010, 11:37 am

    Oh so fun…looks like you guys had a fun time! Can’t wait to hear the race recap!

  • Rachel April 3, 2010, 12:07 pm

    That first picture is gorgeous. you definitely need to print it and have it framed. It would also be an awesome photo for your book…
    Hope you had a fantastic race this morning. I can’t wait for the recap 😉

  • Courtney April 3, 2010, 12:12 pm

    Good luck, Caitlin! Have a great time! 😀

  • kalli@fitandfortysomething April 3, 2010, 12:58 pm

    love those pictures! what a fun weekend….you will do great 🙂

  • Lex @ sweettoothlex April 3, 2010, 1:07 pm

    Omg I’m not even kidding – those pics of you girls in the wildflowers are amazing! The first photo of you is SO beautiful!!

    HAve a wonderful race!!

  • Catherine April 3, 2010, 2:53 pm

    Good thinking taking your own dinner… I’ve had that same problem in a strange town before a race. Good luck tomorrow and most of all, enjoy yourself!

  • Katey April 3, 2010, 3:02 pm

    This will probably be the most random question! I was wondering how many calories you burn per mile when you bike? I have no clue if it is more or less than running/walking.. thanks!!

    • caitlin April 3, 2010, 3:54 pm

      i burn 40 cals per mile cycling and 80 calories per mile running.

  • jewels April 3, 2010, 3:23 pm

    good luck tomorrow!! and gorgeous picture 🙂

  • jessica April 3, 2010, 3:57 pm

    OK, you need to frame that first picture of you because it’s gorgeous!!

  • Jessica Lee April 4, 2010, 3:47 am

    That is an AMAZING picture of you. You look beautiful! I read your race recap post too. AWESOME JOB!

  • Leah @ L4L April 4, 2010, 8:15 pm

    That first picture is GORGEOUS! Print and give to the hubbie for a gift! PLEASE!

  • Brittany Chasteen September 19, 2012, 11:48 am

    Where were these wild flowers at? I have lived in brooksville for over 25 years and have never seen these lol?

    • Caitlin September 19, 2012, 12:01 pm

      Along the highway!

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