Meter Maid
Hello! 
I went to the gym this morning to get my swim on, and look who I found in the pool:
Ryan!
She’s such a sweet person.
I hopped into the lane next to Ryan’s and mentally prepared myself for my longest swim to date… 1,650 meters! My race distance is 1,500 meters, and the plan Ryan helped me prepare requires that I swim a little bit further (for endurance and confident reasons).
It took me about 500 meters to really warm up, and then I felt excellent until about 1,400 meters. I could feel myself losing form and started to chant one of my cycling mantras (“Lay the hammer down, lay the hammer down”) to help myself time my strokes and breathing.
Breathing is definitely the HARDEST part of swimming. My heart rate is naturally pretty high during aerobic activities (it can easily top 190 bpm when running), and as I result, I take LONG, DEEP breaths during cardio… but with swimming, you have to time your breathing. I tend to breathe every 3 or 4 strokes, which isn’t very efficient. But I’m a newbie and you do what you have to do!
You can check out Ryan’s swimming tips on this page!
My final statistics:
- Duration: 46 minutes
- Distance: 1,650 meters
Pre-swim breakfast:
I had Pumpkin Yogurt (with non-frozen pumpkin) and 3/4 cup granola.
And post-swim recovery Green Monster, which contained 1 banana, 2 cups spinach, 1 tablespoon flax, and 1 cup rice milk.
Off to get work done – I have a TON of stuff to do, and this evening, I’m going for a bike ride with Megan if the weather holds up. Two-a-days are growing on me!
Oh, by the way, Maggie has been sitting in her bed on top of our massage table:
She likes being up high (I think it’s a dachshund thing) and is perfectly content not to move off the table all day.
Posted by: Caitlin 89 comments
Posted in: All Posts
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 9:50 am
Do you take 2 showers when you workout twice? From one shower-hater to another
I worked out twice the other day and showering twice was haaaaard. Well, mostly on my hair.
[Reply]
Caitlin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:53 am
Yes… However, showering twice a day in Florida is not that unusual (or as bad for your skin). It’s so hot here!
[Reply]
Gracie (complicated day) Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:00 am
Is this gross? When I work out twice a day I only wash my hair once. The other time I just wash my bangs and the front. Otherwise my hair gets SO dry and unmanageable!
[Reply]
Caitlin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:03 am
naw sometimes i dont wash my hair after a bike ride because it doesnt get that sweaty
or so i like to believe
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 9:51 am
Awesome job on the swim! That’s so funny that you ran into Ryan!
Glad to hear you’re enjoying your “two a days”
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 9:51 am
Too cute! How does she get up there?
Two a days can be fun!
[Reply]
Caitlin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:53 am
I plop her up there in the morning and she stays!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 9:52 am
Maggie is so cute! I had a fantastic green monster this morning. I love those things.
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 9:52 am
Good job on the swim! I agree about breathing being the hardest part. I used to be on a swim team in FL, and sometimes I would choke on the water if I wasn’t careful.
PS- Please give me a massage when I visit lol
[Reply]
Caitlin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:54 am
Kristien can give you acupuncture while you’re here if you want!
I inhale chlorine water for breakfast.
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 9:54 am
What does your mug say? It looks like it’d be funny to read
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 9:54 am
Aww, I love Maggie! From being around our two cats, our dog THINKS he’s a cat and will climb up high on our cat tree!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 9:55 am
I think I’d totally forget to breathe while swimming! You are going to do great with the swim, girl!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 9:57 am
Massage table in your house.. Damnnn girl I am jealous!!! hehe.. Maggie is soo cute.. I want a doggie so bad.. When I move in Nov I am making sure I can have pets in my new home
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 9:57 am
i am really bad at breathing while swimming…i’m very inefficient. but I don’t plan on racing so I think it’s ok
your dogs are really growing on me. i didn’t used to be dachshund fans, but yours are so cute!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:01 am
Congrats on the swim! That must be a relief to go further than you need to
2 workouts in one day – impressive! You must be getting so excited about the triathlon now, I know I sure would be
Btw, what does it say on your Green Monster mug? It’s something British but I can’t work it out and it’s frustrating :p
[Reply]
Caitlin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:04 am
It says:
British Accent Guy: How Speaking the Queen’s English Can Colonize Your Girl.
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:03 am
today is national pancake day!! did you know?
[Reply]
Caitlin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:04 am
AHHH I need to have pancakes for lunch now.
[Reply]
Caitlin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:14 pm
yes you do
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:09 am
Maggie looks so cute!
You should read Michael Phelps’ or Dara Torres’ book or Gold in the Water or a swimming book. Or, Swimming to Antarctica. I think it will help pump you up for the swim!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:10 am
Great job on the swim, you are going to rock that race.
One of my kitties loves to be up high. He sits on top of the fridge all the time.
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:11 am
You have a massage table at home?
[Reply]
Caitlin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:12 am
yes
my husband is an acupuncturist.
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:13 am
The progress you have made on swimming is phenomenal! I have never even tried swimming like that before so perhaps that can be a challenge for me in the future when I’m looking for something new to do.
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:14 am
Good job on the swim! Seriously Caitlin, you’re inspiring me to try other ways of aerobic activity. Biking, swimming…I can’t wait for summer
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:16 am
Hey Caitlin! I’ve always wondered how many calories a person burns while swimming compared to running.. do you find there is a huge difference? Are your hunger levels around the same or do they vary with the different cardio work out?
Way to go with a great swim today!
[Reply]
Caitlin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:26 am
according to an online calorie burned calculator (which seems accurate based on what i know about cals burned for running), i burned 275 calories swimming this morning. if i ran for the same amount of time, I’d burn about 400 or so. It’s definitely not the same as running, but its still a really good workout.
I am always hungry!!! No matter what my cardio. But I do find that biking and swimming doesn’t jack up my hunger like running.
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:18 am
You rocked that swim – so awesome! I wish I had access to a pool – I swam a lot my senior year of high school, and really do miss it!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:19 am
Great job with the swim!!!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:20 am
Great way to start your morning! I gave swimming a try a few years ago, but I definitely struggled with getting the whole rhythmic breathing down…I always felt like I was gasping for air! Ugh!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:21 am
Excellent job on your swim. You defintely laid the hammah down
All that makes me think of is sexy MC Hammer.. Yum yum!!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:22 am
i had my first “brick” workout this morning, run 2.5 then i swam for a bit, I am just learning to swim and I can swim 5 continuous laps-i breath every 4 stroke
can you bilateral breath? i can’t, just out my right side, I hope there aren’t too many waves in my face…
[Reply]
Caitlin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:26 am
yes… left or right, doesn’t matter to me. i’m sure i’m going to inhale lake water regardless BAH.
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:23 am
gosh you are so intense . . . you’re going to ROCK that triathlon for SURE!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:24 am
Maggie is so darn cute! I am dying for some puppy company over here!!!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:25 am
Loooove starting the day with an early morning swim! Hard to do when it’s cold, but I always felt so great after
I didn’t even know how to swim with my head in the water when I signed up for my tri! I had to take adult swim lessons at the local YMCA. Agreed, it’s definitely the toughest part. Swimming is all about finding a rhythm, which can be hard to do when you’re struggling to catch your breath.
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:26 am
I still haven’t mastered the perfect form for swimming yet, but way to go!
Your breakfast looks so tasty, but I think that pumpkin will make me wish it was fall again (instead of crummy winter).
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:26 am
Because of my IT band issues, I’m thinking about trying swimming. I’ve never been very good at it though
[Reply]
Caitlin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:27 am
i wasn’t very good when i started either! just takes practice! it’s really fun.
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:27 am
You have a massage table?! That is AMAZING. I have a friend who gives his wife an hour massage every night and once bought her a table for her birthday. So cool!!!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:31 am
way to go on your swim! that’s so awesome…you’re going to rock that tri later this Spring! also, i was so excited…I finally found some canned pumpkin last night after 3 weeks of searching! woohoo pumpkin yogurt
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:32 am
Glad you had a good swim!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:35 am
If you’re really serious about triathlon training, you might want to do a little research into heart rate training. Getting your HR into the 190s during a run is anaerobic — meaning it wears your body down, leads to more injury and easier fatigue. Most triathlon and endurance athletic training is done at lower heart rates. It can seem boring at first, but it’s the best way to go long, perform optimally and stay healthy.
[Reply]
Caitlin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:55 pm
most of my runs are much less than 190 – usually around 140. i have a heart rate monitor (the Garmin 305). if i were always around 190 i think i would DIEEEEE! LOL
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:36 am
Great work on the swim! I swam all through high school and haven’t been back in a pool since, I am impressed with all your progress!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:38 am
love the sweet puppy!
good job on the swim!!! I stil ahven’t tried a green monster..but have the ingredients!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:43 am
do you swim continuously when you swim? (for the full 46 minutes, no breaks) or do you sometimes stop? I’m been using swimming for x-training and am not that great yet, and can’t go that long without dying! how did you build your endurance up so fast??
[Reply]
Caitlin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:47 am
i try really hard not to take legitimate breaks (i.e. hanging on the side of the pool) because i can’t do that during the triathlon. when i need to rest, i float on my back and kick my feet (because i can do that during a tri!). i’ve been swimming now for six weeks. i think learning proper form was key (check out those swim tips i linked to). also, i already had the cardio endurance because i came off the marathon. but i think form is key!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:46 am
What’s your yogurt to pumpkin ratio? I love pumpkin, but I’m having a hard time mastering the pumpkin yogurt. (I finally got the pumpkin oatmeal down pat.) I’m not sure if I’m using too much pumpkin or not enough, but the flavor just seems off.
You’re doing really great with the swimming! Keep it up!
[Reply]
Caitlin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:48 am
usually just half and half – i kind of eye ball it.
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:47 am
You make me want to be a better swimmer!! I wish my gym had a pool
I am terrible at doing laps, I can’t hold my form AT ALL. It’s definitely something you have me wanting to improve! Thanks for the motivation 
PS. I am LOVING all of the Green Monster action lately!
[Reply]
Caitlin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:48 am
your welcome
GM’s FOEVER!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:49 am
Awww Maggie looks so adorable! I am so jealous of how far you are coming with swimming! I am horrible and absolutely cannot swim but I as well, look forward to doing a triathlon in the future, which obviously requires swimming skills. One day, I too will learn to swim!! Congrats!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 10:53 am
Caitlin, my fiance improved his swimming from a blog post on Tim ferris’ blog. He’s obsessed with that blog, but thats a different story. Here’s the link if your interested, http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2008/08/13/total-immersion-how-i-learned-to-swim-effortlessly-in-10-days-and-you-can-too/
Feel free to delete if you don’t allow links, I didn’t see your comment policy anywhere.
[Reply]
Caitlin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:01 am
thanks for sharing this! i ordered a total immersion video but it never came. ;( i should email them.
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 11:05 am
Not sure if someone has already commented on this, but if you defrost (not nuke) your pumpkin cubes in the microwave when you need to use it, it doesn’t get all watery the way defrosting it in the fridge does. I tried pumkin oats for the first time the other day- YUMMY, then froze the rest and haven’t had any issues with texture (as long as I micro-defrost it, once I nuked it and it got all gross). I bet it would be good in your yogurt that way too.
[Reply]
Caitlin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:10 am
i will try the microwave method!! thank you!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 11:05 am
hmm… I really like the idea of two-a-days. Wow – I can’t wait until the weather gets a little nicer here (meaning no snow!), then this will be more of a possibility! And I’d love to see what my Shih Tzu does when I’m not home – pretty sure she doesn’t even move!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 11:08 am
For some reason “Lay down the Hammer” made me think of that episode of “The Office” when the CPR instructor tells Michael to do chest compressions to the tune of “Stayin’ Alive” and he starts singing “Respect.” Yes, that was a glimpse into my odd mind.
I miss two-a-days. I haven’t done many of those since playing Volleyball in college! I really should step it up. Your dedication inspires me daily. Of course, if I had a massage table and someone to give me a massage, that’d help, too…
[Reply]
Caitlin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:10 am
hahah this comment made me laugh.
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 11:11 am
I would kill to be able to do two-a-days. Of course, I guess all I really have to do is sign up for a race that requires it and then the training plan follows, right?
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 11:16 am
I kept meaning to ask you about the breathing! I found I had the same problems when I was taking swimming lessons. Long, slow, deep, belly breaths do not really work when swimming! My instructor was stymied, though. He didn’t have any good advice.
[Reply]
Caitlin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:19 am
i just blow out my nose under water and then do one big open-mouthed inhale every 3 or 4 strokes… hope that works!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 11:21 am
I can’t believe that you swam for 46 minutes – that is so impressive! I was a lifeguard in college, and we had to swim 500 meters in under 10 minutes to pass the test. I had to train for that, and I was really nervous about making the time limit. That’s only 10 minutes, you did 46! Awesome job
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 11:22 am
It’s funny that you mention breathing in swimming being a challenge–as a swimmer, when I started running, the breathing was the hardest part. I was always holding my breath or breathing too shallow. It is so true that the two ’styles’ of breathing are total opposites. Congrats on the big swim though, that’s awesome!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 11:23 am
two workouts a day? dang girl, you’re on fire!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 11:26 am
i just have to quote finding nemo on this one: “just keep swimming, just keep swimming!”
great job caitlin!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 11:28 am
Great job on your swim! I find swimming to be so hard. I tried practicing laps in my parents’ pool this summer and was surprised how lame my lung capacity was! Something to build up to, I guess!!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 11:29 am
That’s so interesting about the breathing- my husband doesn’t like to listen to music when he runs because he says he can’t hear himself breath and he needs to focus on his breathing. I don’t have that problem running- in fact, the music motivates me.
Quick question- I know you try to keep a somewhat normal routine when working from home. What time do you go to the gym in the mornings?
AWESOME job on your new personal swimming distance! I know it sounds soooooo silly, but have you visualized yourself conquering the swim at the tri? If you only focus on how you might freak out, your brain automatically thinks about freaking out. But if you focus on succeeding (even thought you might be nervous), your brain starts to focus on success and completing the swim.
[Reply]
Caitlin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:49 am
oh yes i have done lots of visualizations! they are so important.
i think i got there around 8? i did work before i went to the gym though.
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 11:32 am
Man, you are so lucky–What I wouldn’t give for a dog who doesn’t move all day!! My yellow lab would be on heavy anti- anxiety meds if he were human. He’s 85 pounds of love and excitement
I dated a guy with a daschund and that dog loved to burrow under everything! Such cute personalities!
[Reply]
Caitlin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:50 am
Maggie never moves, ever. She doesn’t even like to be walked. She’s basically a stuffed animal.
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 11:39 am
Good job on the swim! I wish my gym had a pool… they’re pretty rare here in gyms in Los Angeles! Go figure.
Maggie is so cute! My dog won’t stay in one place for more than 10 minutes! Especially if it’s a special bed I bought for her… she’s not a “bed” kind of dog! Ha ha.
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 11:40 am
Oh, and my heart rate can easily get up to 190 bpm on some of my runs! Glad I’m not the only one! (even though I know it’s still not a “good” thing…)
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 11:45 am
Great job with the swim! I looove Maggie pics, she is so adorable!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 11:47 am
I think its smart to over plan for the distance since the open water is different.
I know what you mean about dogs liking to be up high. Peanut will sleep on the arm of the chair all day long and only move for a sip of water.
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 12:20 pm
Breathing every 3/4 strokes is actual preferable! I was a competitive swimmer forever and Hated breathing on my right side so I would breath every other stroke. It totally slowed me down…. So Awesome job!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Swimming is supposed to be very beneficial to cystic fibrosis patients. I’ve always been scared to try it for fear I’d have a coughing spasm in the water and choke, but I might have to give it a try. It does sound like a great way to work on breathing!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Sounds like a great swim!! I always loose track of how many laps I swim once I get past like 4 haha
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 12:36 pm
You have a massage table?! Do you also have a live-in masseuse? lol If so I’m movin in!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 12:52 pm
When I did synchronized swimming in college, they had us doing hypoxic drills… where you start off breathing every 2 strokes, then every 4 strokes, then every 8 strokes, then back to 4 then 2, or something similar. Synchronized swimmers really need to work to get their lung capacity up! I hated it!
See if you can do a lap underwater without breathing
That is always fun. In high school, I got my gym teacher to agree to give me bonus points if I could do 3 laps underwater and I DID IT! My whole body was tingly at the end, but I did it! Mind over matter!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Two swimming questions:
I agree that at this point breathing whenever necessary is a good idea (I’m still SO much better on my right side) I was wondering how often is ideal to breathe for more experienced swimmers – what is a good future goal?
Also, do you have any tips to count laps when you’re swimming? I always lose track and get so frustrated.
Thanks! Great job with your workout.
[Reply]
Caitlin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:30 pm
the way i count laps is that i count each length so i always know one side is an even and the other side is an odd number which keeps me from getting confused. i have to count to 60 for 1,500 meters! ECK.
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Re; Mika’s comment about the HR at 190 being anaerobic…everyone has their own max HR which can only be determined through a max HR test. Easy to do and very accurate. (220 minus your age is not valid.) If someone has a true HR max of, say, 195 (like me), then 190 is quite anaerobic, but if you have a max HR of say, 220, then 190 when you’re working hard might not be a problem. You can’t use numbers generically (like saying “190 is anaerobic”) without having your own actual tested numbers. If you want to know how to find your true max, email me and I’ll tell you.As I said, it’s easy.
Also, when you become tired or winded, it’s fine to breathe more. Breathe on one side every stroke if you need to…sprinters do it all the time. Get your breath, take your time, and then go back to every 4th stroke.
You’ll do fine in the swim.
[Reply]
Caitlin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:58 pm
thanks for this info! it was really helpful. i’m glad to know its OK to breathe more… i always feel so confined by the rules of what i ’should’ be doing but (like heart rate) we’re all different!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 5:20 pm
Here’s a link to your next HIM
Some day this is one I’d like to try if I can get the time off.
http://www.beach2battleship.com/
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 7:17 pm
Wow – what a swim!! And a bike ride too!! You are unstoppable!
[Reply]
on Feb 23rd, 2010 at 9:17 pm
That’s a great swim!! No worries about breathing that often. In fact, it’s recommended to breath every 3 or 5 strokes so that you’re rotating your breaths from side to side and stay more balanced. I’ve always breathed every 3 strokes throughout all my swimming years, it’s no problem!
[Reply]