After writing about my triathlon DQ (that’s DISQUALIFICATION, not Dairy Queen!), I decided to face my fear of the dreaded tri — and try, try again at the gym tonight.
Before I left, I fueled up with a Kashi waffle and PB.
At the gym, I did the following:
- 2.75-mile run in 24:26 minutes
- 1.5-mile bike ride on stationary bike in 14:00 minutes
- 0.25-mile swim (16 lengths) in gym pool in 15 minutes
I transitioned between the run, bike, and swim very quickly — just like I would’ve in a normal race. My heart rate stayed up the whole time, and it ended up being a fun workout. Oh, I did do the swim with a noodle against my chest. 
Total duration of Gym Tri: 54:26 minutes. I probably burned about 450 calories.
It would be fun to do this again and see if I can get faster!
When I came home, I DISCOVERED THAT MY POLAR HEART RATE MONITOR had come back to me! It needed a part fixed, but luckily it was under warrantee.
Post-Workout Snack
My post-gym snack was a defective gingerbread star.
Yea, I’ve had a BIJILLION Christmas cookies in the last two days (or it feels like it!!). And you know what — I DON’T CARE!! They are so delicious and it’s the most wonderful time of the yearrrrrr!
Dinner
I decided to celebrate Hanukah tonight at dinner. I made sweet potato latkes.
My dinner included: Kashi Pilaf rice, Brussel sprouts, and sweet potato latkes with Greek yogurt for dipping.
The latkes were a mix of:
- Shredded sweet potato
- Stir-fried sweet onion
- Chili powder
- EVOO
- Pepper
- Milk
I would give you the recipe, but it wasn’t THAT good. The recipe needs tweaking.
But the side dishes were delightful! But I served myself too much food and only ate half of the latkes and half of the Brussel Sprouts.
And this chocolate-covered Oreo just snuck into my mouth.
Enjoy your night! And I hope you each have a wonderful, healthy, happy and SAFE holiday!
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Operation Beautiful
Cookies + sweet potato latkes = amazing festive eats!!
MERRY ALMOST-CHRISTMAS, CAITLIN!!
Congrats on the gym triathlon! Nice work
I think this is such a fun idea and a great way to mix up the usual workout!
I want to make sweet potato latkes! I’ve only had regular latkes (oh so good).
Yayy for cookies. My tummy is rumbling…I may need to go dig into my stash!
Way to go on the gym triathlon! Great mentality on the Christmas sweets too
Props on mixing it up at the gym today – I’ve been in kindof a rut and this sounds like a fun idea! Also, it’s awesome that you can do the swim at the END and simply go home and shower after.
Those cookies are calling my nameeee
I think it’s great that you did your won triathlon at the gym, even though your actual race didn’t go well. I think you have such a great, positive attitude!
Glad your HRM is okay!
Those sweet potato latkes look amazing! Great job with your gym triathlon.
your dinner looks SO delicious and healthy! I say go to town on Christmas treats, especially when you are working out and eating lovely dinners like that!
I'm Jewish. I've made sweet potato latkes TWICE in the past MONTH.
tweak down to your measurements, this made about 30 latkes
3lbs sweet potatoes, shredded
2 eggs & 1 egg white
1 onion, finely diced
handful of whole wheat flour
splash of baking powder
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
Heat canola/veggie oil in a nonstick electric skillet (so you can get the oil to frying temperature)
grab a handful of potato mixture and form into a ball – plop into the hot oil and press lightly with a slotted spatula – fry for 3-4 mins on each side
transfer to paper towels to drain.
there are many deviations – you could try different spices or you could do cinnamon & green onion which is a popular combination.
hope this helps! oh the egg is NECESSARY. I made vegan sweet potato latkes and they were such a pain b/c they kept falling apart – they need that binding agent.
also, don't be fooled by recipes for baked latkes – latkes must be fried. i tried baking them and they sucked.
-Sarah (http://kitchenveganvirgin.wordpress.com)
yummy yummy cookies!
i was thinking of making latkes for me and my dad for christmas eve since everything at the party we’re going to has meat…i think i might try your version sans the chili powder (dad has crohn’s, can’t take the spices).
Good work on your gym triathlon. And I love latkes!
just me – dont try mine! try sarah’s; it seems so much yummier!
sarah – THANKS for the recommendation!i will have to try your recipe!
I totally support the holiday cookie indulgence. ENJOY THEM while they last! I’ve been holiday treat eating for several days now. Every bite has been worth it!
Great job on the mock triathlon. And at least this one was guaranteed gator free!
Great job on your non-DQ tri! Glad you had a tasty (and defective) cookie to reward yourself on your great success! Haha.
I had several sweets sneak into my mouth as well tonight
Your dinner looked yummy – love brussel sprouts!
I’m just catching up on blog reading and I wanted to say I really liked your post about the triathalon – way to go for finishing anyway!!
Great dinner
girlfriend you rock! Way to take on your fears!!!!
hahah thanks guys – and you’re right – the pool is happily gator-free!
Caitlin, that is awesome! I wonder if there are any pool triathlons you could enter.
I am eating sooo many cookies, too! I hope I don’t get new clothes for christmas. They probably won’t fit!