Five Guys and Fries

on February 19, 2010

Thank you for all your sweet comments on The Real Deal with Fat Talk. So many interesting thoughts! It really helped me, too.

So, this afternoon I did a double swim â€“ run workout with Ryan and Megan.

(I wear a cap when I swim, but I was done swimming and put the googles on for a joke.) I look so ridiculous in swim gear. As Megan said, â€œI donâ€™t know whether to feel like Iâ€™m at middle school church camp or a hard core athlete.â€

I was SUPER determined to do my 1,500 meters without stopping again. I only have 9 swims left in my training, and Iâ€™m going to make them count!

It took me about 37 minutes to go the entire distance. Whew.

After our swim, we changed out of our awkward gearâ€¦

And into our running clothes. I did 1.5 miles (run/walk style) on the treadmill before calling it a day. Meghann and I have an intense trail run planned for the morning, and I didnâ€™t want to overdo it today.

Then, I did the Intro to Iron Pumping Challenge workout (shoulder, triceps, and biceps day):

Overhead press: 3 x 12 with two 10 pound weights
Dips: 12
Stability Ball Push Ups: Skipped
Planks: Skipped
Lateral Raise: 3 x 12 with two 5 pound weights
Cable Tricep Extension: 3 x 12 with 30 pounds
Stability Ball Leg lifts: Skipped

I skipped so much because I was already so sore from swimming. Maybe you all can give me some adviceâ€¦. So, I swim three days a week and thatâ€™s the ONLY time I go to the gym, thus it also has to be my weight lifting days. I have two days that are upper boy: shoulders, triceps, and biceps day and back and bicep day. Obviously, that means Iâ€™m doing arm strength moves on the same day Iâ€™m swimming. The trouble is Iâ€™m too tired to swim if I lift first, and too tired to lift if I swim first! What should I do? Eliminate one upper body strength day (like maybe back and biceps)?

Before the workout, I had a Glo Bar:

And afterwards, a spoonful of Barney Butter almond butter:

And a small bowl of organic fake Cheerios:

Soâ€¦ dinner was a little unusual for the Husband and I! :) Neither of us wanted to cook, but weâ€™re sick of all our regular restaurants (well, Iâ€™m not sick of Royal Thai, but Hus is!). We decided to try something NEW:

Yesâ€¦ two vegetarians at a burger place.

We got take-out. I ordered the veggie and cheese burger with a regular fry. With peanuts on the side!

The veggie burger had cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, grilled mushrooms, grilled peppers, grilled onions, mustard, and a slice of American cheese. It was pretty good â€“ real cheddar cheese wouldâ€™ve tasted better.

The friesâ€¦ ohmigodâ€¦ the FRIES! I dipped them in vinegar and ketchup.

This is probably the closest Iâ€™ve gotten to â€œfast foodâ€ since I went vegetarianâ€¦ And it was GOOD! :) I have a feeling youâ€™ll be seeing this meal again!

Time to watch TV with the Husband. Iâ€™m doing a LONG trail run with Meghann tomorrow. Weâ€™re going to my favorite trail!

CIMG8678

Canâ€™t wait!

See you tomorrow. 🙂

{ 78 comments }

Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg February 19, 2010, 8:51 pm
I’ve never eaten at a Five Guys, but man do people rave about it!

Good luck on your trail run– how fun!
Kristin February 19, 2010, 8:56 pm
Not sure if this would change the overall intended outcome of the workout much, but as for being too tired to lift and swim one after the other….maybe you could bust out around half of the strength training after swimming (the ones that require a gym) and save the planks/pushups/dips/leg lifts for home, either earlier or later in the day?

If I’m not mistaken, the Iron Man lifting workouts all have a couple that can be done w/o a machine. Good luck and congrats on the swimming going smoothly!
Megan @ Eat.Scrap.Run February 19, 2010, 8:56 pm
I have been wanting to try Five Guys, but haven’t made it there yet. It looks good!

Great job on your workouts today and the trail run tomorrow. How far will you go on the trail run?

Tomorrow is my 10 mile long run before the Gasparilla Half next week. Sucks that you aren’t going to be there, but your reasoning makes sense for not doing it.

Have a good night!
- caitlin February 19, 2010, 9:01 pm
  we’re just going to run for 1.5 hours or so 🙂 who know!?
  
  good luck at gasp!
Island Girl Eats February 19, 2010, 8:57 pm
Who would have thought that you get a good veggie burger at a burger place! I have yet to find a decent veggie burger!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing February 19, 2010, 8:58 pm
Um yum.. those fries look amazing!!!!
Whitney @ whitinspired.wordpress.com February 19, 2010, 9:02 pm
Ah. Five guys have the best fries, the hubs and I always have to share one! The cajun ones are the best. ever.
Allison February 19, 2010, 9:02 pm
I always think it’s better to lift before you swim. That way you can stretch out your arms so you won’t be sore. If you’re tired when you first get in the water, maybe do a longer warm up to loosen up your arms? If your workout is a straight 1500, try doing maybe an easier 300 or broken up 300 before going straight into the 1500. That way you can stop and stretch before you do the part of your workout where you don’t want to stop and stretch.
Evan Thomas February 19, 2010, 9:07 pm
I feel like this should be the set up to a joke: “So 2 vegetarians walk in to a Five Guys, and the first one says…”
Meghan@traveleatlove February 19, 2010, 9:08 pm
I generally eat a healthy diet, but good, real fries are a big weakness every once in awhile. Especially when we are in Ireland!
Cynthia (It All Changes) February 19, 2010, 9:12 pm
I’m terrified of that place because of the smell of grease. But your burger sounds great and might be a nice treat at sometime. I just will have to get past the smell. I worked in a college snack shop and smelled like that a lot. Not fun.
Amanda February 19, 2010, 9:17 pm
I’ve never been to Five Guys, was that on the menu or did you special order it. The girls at work ordered from there the other day but I didn’t order because I just assumed there was nothing vegetarian. It looks delicious and now I’m craaaaving it. LOL
- Caitlin February 19, 2010, 9:27 pm
  its on the menu! they also have a grilled cheese!
Deva (Voracious Vorilee) February 19, 2010, 9:19 pm
I love five guys – their fries are SO SO SO good!
Nicole, RD February 19, 2010, 9:20 pm
I’ve always been told to do first what you want to work on most. Since you’re stressing over the swim, I would continue with the swim first and then the lifting. In a few weeks, you can bump up the lifting. Plus, swimming is a killer arm workout!!
Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) February 19, 2010, 9:24 pm
mmm I’ve always heard about how great Five Guys’ is but I didn’t know they had veggie options. That’s awesome!
Carrie @ I See Monsters February 19, 2010, 9:29 pm
I love Five Guys, but I agree about the cheese. I always wish they had swiss or cheddar to choose instead.
Caitlin @ Right Foot Forward February 19, 2010, 9:33 pm
I agree with Nicole above to do first whatever you want to focus on the most. Maybe do your swim first until the triathlon. Assuming you’ll continue swimming after that, maybe switch it up and do weights first.

On that note, do you think you’ll continue swimming after the triathlon?
Laura T. February 19, 2010, 9:34 pm
hey caitlin! i am currently studying exercise science in college so i thought i would help you out with your lifting situation. since your main focus is on the triathalon, i would do the swimming before lifting so you can put all of your effort into that. then when you go to lift weights, try and work the large muscle groups (quads, back, chest) instead of the smaller muscle groups (biceps, triceps, calfs, etc.). the small muscle groups assist the large groups when doing exercises, so they will still be working, but you’ll get the biggest “bang for your buck,” if you will, by working the larger muscles. hope this helps, if you have any other questions please let me know!
Angela February 19, 2010, 9:51 pm
Hey caitlin. don’t know if you remember me but i am a silent stalker of your blog and operation. Your best friend meghann is my cousin. Just wanted to let you know that i gave you operation beautiful a huge shout out on WTKS’s the Bucket Head Show. Bucket Head decided it would be a good idea to mock the blogging community and i had to set him straight. I also discussed this and link to your blog which can be found here: http://gardenvarietygirl.com/2010/02/19/an-apology-well-kind-of/

Keep on doing what you are doing. you truely are an inspiration to young men and woman and are a hero of mine.

Angela
http://www.gardenvarietygirl.com
Matt February 19, 2010, 9:59 pm
Is there a way you can do two a days with weight lifting? Maybe do one workout at night and one in the morning?
kristinp February 19, 2010, 10:02 pm
When I had a trainer, they always said to do weights before cardio so you got the most out of lifting. If you are fatigued when you lift you are more likely to sacrifice form and injure yourself. Trainer also said that it made you push harder on the cardio and would result in more progress. Don’t know much of the science behind it, but it sure worked! Good luck, you’re going to kick butt on this tri!
Heather (Heather's Dish) February 19, 2010, 10:09 pm
hope you guys have fun with your trail run tomorrow…those are SO FUN and go by so much faster than any other kind 🙂 your burger sounds really good, but i agree…real cheddar would probably have had a lot better flavor! 🙂
Kristilyn (My 29th Year) February 19, 2010, 10:13 pm
Can I just say those fries look amazing?? Wow! I would have a hard time stopping at just a few with those. And I never thought to dip fries in VINEGAR and ketchup – I’ll have to try that sometime!

Good luck with your trail run – it sounds like you have some great workouts! I haven’t swam since I was little. I actually passed the test for the level of “survival” in swim lessons, but I’m sure I wouldn’t even be able to swim a lap now! LOL!

K
Megan @ Healthy Hoggin February 19, 2010, 10:20 pm
I’ve heard such great things about Five Guys! I don’t think we have one around here, but when I go on business trips I see them! Looks like I’m going to have to try it next time! Those fries looks amazing!!

Oh, and swimming intimidates me almost as much as biking! I’m so impressed by your triathlon training!!
Carolyn February 19, 2010, 10:45 pm
You’re the second person this week to go to Five Guys! I might make that a threesome! 😉
Ashley February 19, 2010, 10:45 pm
Hey they just put one in near me. Now I gotta try it!
Kelly February 19, 2010, 10:49 pm
In my experience, two days of strength training are more than enough. Maybe combine the back in with your other upper body days? Any training plan I have ever followed called for two days of strength training a week, and before your cardio. That way you are not sacrificing form during lifting, and getting more out of your cardio session.
Erica H. February 19, 2010, 11:13 pm
Do you have weights at home? They have some cheap at Sports Authority, etc (or since I think you said you found your bike on craigslist you can probably find some there). Or, you can even improvise and use laundry detergent jugs lol. To do them at home would mean you’d get to choose when you do them .. and you can do them in front of the TV.

I agree with whoever said earlier that you should swim then lift. I tend to mix things up: one day I cardio/lift, then another I lift/cardio. It helps my body not expect the same thing every time.

One last thought — depending on how long you want to spend at the gym, or if you want to spend that much time in the locker room, you could do half your routine before you swim, and half after. Changing might give your muscles just enough recoup time before you have to lift again.
- Caitlin February 20, 2010, 8:08 am
  half before and half after might be the ideal solution
Tonyne @ The Unlikely Success Story February 19, 2010, 11:14 pm
Mmmm 5 guys! I can only eat there when away from the husband because of the peanut (and peanut oil) factor. He’s allergic. Roni talked about 5 guys this week too!
Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) February 19, 2010, 11:18 pm
Do you really need to do all the arm strength training of your working those muscles swimming?
Maybe you can skimp more….

P.S. You’re a freaking rock star.
Melissa (Getting Fit If It Kills Me) February 19, 2010, 11:44 pm
Love 5 guys! Thanks for bringing them up now that I’ve gone no meat through at least Lent. Guess I’ll have to try their veggie burger now. 🙂
Annie February 19, 2010, 11:49 pm
The 5 Guys I used to live near didn’t have the veggie burger but they did have grilled cheese- yum!

Also, are you still Twilight obsessed?
http://www.pinkisthenewblog.com/2010/02/the-twilight-saga-eclipse-releases-steamy-photos-of-bella-edward/#more-50161

If so, this is just for you! I’m still team Jacob… no shame, no shame. 😉
- Caitlin February 20, 2010, 8:08 am
  um OBBBVIOUSLY LOL i saw those peaks yesterday and flipped out! dreamy.
Lisa February 19, 2010, 11:58 pm
Just to add to the comments above – I would think that you’re getting a killer workout on your shoulders from the swimming. It seems to me that you’re doing too much shoulder exercises after those long swims (overhead press & lateral raises). The delts are such tiny muscles – no wonder you’re tired! Imo, I’d swap out one of those shoulders and make sure you got the push ups in to add at least one chest exercise to the day (and while you build up endurance, maybe without the stability ball since that just makes your shoulders work that much harder still).

Also, I see that some of the exercises you’ve skipped involve the stability ball. You can probably get one cheap and keep it in the house to do those exercises at home at your own convenience (even the same day but a few hours later will give you time to recharge from your swim). I know having yet another thing to move would be a drag, but easily deflatable and portable! Since your swim is your focus right now, it should definitely be the first activity you do because you need your strength for that right now. And of course, the plank can be done anywhere, anytime (but again, more work for the shoulders keeping them in that isometric pose).
- Caitlin February 20, 2010, 8:09 am
  good advice, maybe i can do a lot of them at home. hmm.
emily February 20, 2010, 12:14 am
Gaaaah, I am beyond jealous that you got Five Guys!!! My husband and I had one on our street in Brooklyn and we got their fries way too often. I don’t eat red meat either but I would get grilled cheese from there were literally every single veggie, so fantastic!
emily February 20, 2010, 12:15 am
*were = with. Should I be concerned that I got so excited I couldn’t even type? 🙂
Mama Pea February 20, 2010, 1:22 am
We are getting a Five Guys in our town and Pea Daddy is counting down the days. He’ll be happy to know they have a veggie burger. I won’t be happy to buy him bigger pants.
- Jessica February 20, 2010, 8:35 pm
  Its not actually a veggie burger patty, but you can put whatever they have on the add ons on the burger…
  the mushrooms are to die for.
kellieatsforfun February 20, 2010, 3:17 am
As far as the workout goes: I’d definitely cut down the upper body one swimming day. Swimming is such a great back/arm/upper body in general workout that you don’t need to be doing as much anyway. Also, Five Guys is such a great joint–I never even thought to get a veggie burger there! Good to hear it’s pretty tasty 🙂
Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com February 20, 2010, 3:31 am
Haha everyone always looks so funny at the pool in the costumes and hats and goggles (even the word makes me chuckle :p) – I just embrace it when I go now!
Interesting reading what people suggest re your workout. Some people are so knowledgeble! All I can say is no wonder you’re tired, cos it’s a really tough workout!
Have fun on the run today:)
Leo @ cupcakes in Paris February 20, 2010, 3:42 am
Wow! That looks like a great workout!
And great looking burger and fries!
Danielle February 20, 2010, 5:18 am
Oh Five Guys is A-MAZING, aren’t they? I’ve had their veggie “burger” too and it is really good. I think it’s just something about their ingredients and that yummy melty cheese that makes it better than anything I’d make at home. Their fries are so good, too!
christie, honoring health February 20, 2010, 6:18 am
Drool. Five guys. I used to love it until I couldn’t eat gluten, beef or potatoes any more 😀 Hopefully, I’ll be able to resume normal eating and go back soon. DH and I love to go on Friday night and get those fries! So good.

Good luck with the long trail run!
Heather @ Side of Sneakers February 20, 2010, 7:22 am
I’m really exciting to hear Five Guys has veggie burgers- I keep hearing how good that place is but I hate burgers haha. Have fun on the trail run!!
Jessica February 20, 2010, 7:44 am
I had fries that looked like that 2 weeks ago and I feel like I’m still drooling they were so good!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) February 20, 2010, 8:03 am
Haha…I can relate to that bathing suit feeling. I like to think it makes for a hardcore athlete look (at least that’s what I tell myself!!)

Hope you have an awesome run! That trail looks absolutely breathtaking!
barbara(Blood, Sweat and Heels) February 20, 2010, 8:22 am
Hey Caitlin~

Make sure to pound down the fish oil for soreness. It SERIOUSLY helps a ton!
- Caitlin February 20, 2010, 8:24 am
  i can’t! 🙂 i’m a vegetarian.
  - barbara(Blood, Sweat and Heels) February 20, 2010, 8:26 am
    CRAP! How could I forget that? Arg:(
    - Caitlin February 20, 2010, 8:27 am
      hahah its ok. a lot of people forget about fish oil.
Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete February 20, 2010, 8:34 am
Have you tried eating something in between swimming and weight lifting? Maybe if you are going to run too, just eat some almonds w/some dried fruit right after you run. That might give you the energy you need to finish your workout! Try it one day, and see how you feel.
- Caitlin February 20, 2010, 8:35 am
  that is also a really good idea!!
Jessica @ Fit Chick Wannabe February 20, 2010, 8:47 am
1. FIVE GUYS IS SO AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS. <3 IT.

2. I don't think you should eliminate anything. The trick is just to decide which is more important to you. Your arm workout or your swimming. For you, it's obviously your swimming since you are training for a triatholon. Do your swimming first, and then do whatever you can of your upper body workout afterwards. It's not that you're upper body workouts are going to be less effective at all. The point of weight training is to work to the point of muscle exhaustion. They are clearly exhausted if you are swimming and then doing your strength training moves. So…I say keep it the same, and always do your swim first. Then do as much of your upper body workout as you can, but do NOT beat yourself up if you skip moves because you are tired.
Kelly February 20, 2010, 8:48 am
I’m not sure where your gym is, but could you run or bike to the gym? I know it’s annoying to go to the gym an extra day but it seems like running or biking days would be better days to lift.

I have been actually wanting to get back into the pool, but I am strength training 3 days a week right now and I was concerned about doing it on the same days as swimming too.
lauren @ Eater not a runner February 20, 2010, 9:07 am
They do have the BEST fries!
Tamara February 20, 2010, 9:26 am
Oh, man. I just remembered the first time I heard of “Five Guys.” It was from a Facebook status: “five guys: so good in my mouth, so bad in my tummy.” I was confused, worried, and a little grossed out.
- Caitlin February 20, 2010, 9:27 am
  oh man… that is awesome.
Krista February 20, 2010, 9:30 am
Hey Caitlin! My daughter actually has a question for ya. Each week in her swimming lessons she’s required to complete 16 laps. She’s wondering how many laps 1500 metres is. If you could shoot me an email, she’d love it!

kristaskravings@gmail.com

Thanks!!!
- Caitlin February 20, 2010, 9:44 am
  it depends on how long the pool is! my pool at my gym is 25 meters long but the standard olympic size is 50. so, i do 60 lengths of my pool (or 30 laps) to equal 1500 meters.
grace b February 20, 2010, 9:32 am
Gotta say…Checkers, a smallish burger chain kicks Five Guys ass! Their fries are more crunchy and seasoned. Plus they give you the perfect portions! No overwhelming burgers but they do give you huge drinks. I’ve driven 60 miles round trip to go to a Checkers. That’s how deliscious it is. And I dreamt about it last night! Woo. So good.

Hmm that’s tricky. Is there a way you can do a more intense weight lighting session first and then a lighter swim? I know that when my workouts get more intense like that I’d be lost without eating more protein. Good luck! And you just reminded me of how long it’s been since I got in a pool!
Heather February 20, 2010, 9:35 am
yum 5 guys fries are the best!!!
good luck on your run! I am heading out soon myself.
Julie @ Pickley Pear February 20, 2010, 9:39 am
Your burger and fries are making my mouth water. There are two Five Guys in the Detroit area, I’m going to have to try it SOON! Hope your run went well this morning. Is it warming up down there yet?
- Caitlin February 20, 2010, 9:44 am
  its hot as hell today!
Nicole February 20, 2010, 9:39 am
Ever since we moved to the DC area we’ve been seeing 5 Guys everywhere. I didn’t realize they had a veggie burger option. Now I just might have to give in next time Dennis asks if we can go (he drools when we drive by them)
MLT February 20, 2010, 10:27 am
I love 5 Guys! I saw them first in Delaware but I live in Dc now and they are all over the place. They even have one in Chicago and Seattle now.
If you’re a vegetarian you can also get a grilled cheese. All of their toppings come free so you can get grilled cheese with mushrooms, grilled onions, jalepenos, whatever you want!
And the fries are the most delicious thing ever. I’m so glad you liked them, Caitlin!
Lee February 20, 2010, 10:41 am
Could you do all upper body one day and then lower another? I know that’d only be lifting 2 days a week, but it might help at least while you’re training.
Tammy February 20, 2010, 11:17 am
I wish some restuarants would get more creative with their buns…I like getting veggie burgers too, but it’s disheartening when they come out with a plain white bread bun! I had the most amazing fries the other day at a local restaurant called The House…the chef sent them out with curry ketchup..It was AWESOME! I never would have thought of combining the 2 but it was surprisingly delicious! Great work on the swimming! Whenever I get in the pool (which is hardly ever), I can’t do it the same day as a tough upper body workout..my shoulders kill me!
Angela February 20, 2010, 11:32 am
hey caitlin.

i dont know if you remember me but i am meghanns cousin. i just wanted to let you know that yesterday i gave you and operation beautiful a shout out on the bucket head show. bucket head was making fun of blogging and i gave him you as an example of why he shouldnt do that. i also wrote about it and linked to you on my blog which can be read here.
http://gardenvarietygirl.com/2010/02/19/an-apology-well-kind-of/

keep doing what youre doing woman. its inspiring
- Caitlin February 20, 2010, 2:12 pm
  thank you sweetie!
eatingRD February 20, 2010, 11:46 am
I think I’m going to have the same predicament, it’s tough doing double workouts. I know you eat well, but look at your nutrition strategy for ways to add in some good energy during and in between to fuel up! I think I will feel super awkward in a suit & cap too =/ oh man, that burger joint looks awesome and the fries! mmm have a good trail run 🙂
Hedda February 20, 2010, 12:58 pm
Aiii, that looked good 😀
My favourite “fast food”- french fries must be the ones at Hard Rock. Ahhh, good.

And, related to your last post on Fat Talk- I think all three of you look fabolous in your swimsuits. What a group of strong and great women.
Jen February 20, 2010, 1:30 pm
I had no idea Five Guys had veggie burgers, or that you could put veggies on the grilled cheese! Like you, I gave up fast food when I became a vegetarian. But I do love French fries, and Five Guys has the best fries! I know where we’re eating out the next time we want some fast food 🙂 Can’t wait! Thanks for sharing!
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) February 20, 2010, 7:09 pm
Mmmmm I love fries!! That veggie burger sounds good too.
Charlotte February 21, 2010, 1:26 am
i used to be on the swim team in college and we definitely had to do back-to-back swimming/lifting days, sometimes even twice a day! i found that my body responded best to lifting first and then swimming; after a tough lift, i would use the first 300 yards or so to both cool down from my lift and warm up for my swim, going long and slow to stretch out my muscles. i was always able to manage a great swim workout afterward. on days when i swam first and then lifted, i could never lift as much as i wanted to, and i was always a little sore/tight the next day. plus, it feels great to jump in the cold water after a tough lift.

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