Shut Up and Swim

on June 28, 2011
in All Posts

It has been a real struggle to exercise lately.  Not only have I been struggling with motivation (remember the sloth v. honey badger post?), but I’ve also had trouble simply finding the TIME to workout.

 

I’ve been juggling working at the clinic, writing a book, writing two blogs, and closing on the house (which is seriously a full-time job in itself), and by the end of the day, I end up feeling like I’m behind on everything.  Not a good or relaxing feeling.  I can’t walk away from any of my commitments – but man, things will be so much calmer in September when I’m done with the book.

 

Okay, but really – I have the time.  I definitely waste time sleeping in, playing on Facebook, browsing blogs, or watching a little TV.  Part of my problem is that I’ve been looking at exercise like it’s a chore.  Exercise is NOT a chore.  Exercise is a release – a much better one than mindless Internet surfing.  And it’s a good reason to step away from work and relax.  Above all else, I only exercise in ways that I derive pleasure from (swimming, running, cycling). 

 

No one forced me to sign up for my upcoming sprint triathlon (2.5 weeks to go!) – I signed up because I think races are FUN.  And if this isn’t fun, then why the heck am I doing it?  

 

Not really sure where I’m going with this post, but the point is that I need to change my current perspective about workouts.   I need an attitude adjustment.  Plenty of people are busier than me and are training for much bigger races.  I haven’t taken on a race that I am too busy to train for; I just need to remind myself that I love to workout and that it makes me feel better.  And it will all be worth it on race day. 

 

If I want to do it, all I have to do is do it.  As Ben says!

 

On that note – I FINALLY made it to the pool!

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I love-love-love going to the swim center on Tuesdays and Thursdays because that’s when they set up the long course (50 meters as opposed to 25 yards).  However, they take down the long course at 1 PM sharp!

 

I was 800 meters in when they started to dismantle the ropes.  Awww, man.

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Post-swim lunch of millet (how to prepare millet) and navy beans, and a fresh summer salad of spinach, goat cheese, strawberries, and creamy balsamic.

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Get in my belly!

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Is a race helping you stay committed, too?  What are you training for?

{ 112 comments }

 

  • monicanelsonfitness June 28, 2011, 2:29 pm

    “SHUT AND SWIM”- I love it, it worked right!
    Hang in there as far as motivation goes… I think it is important to know we all have moments where we are too busy and maybe are tired and want to catch up on reading and cooking etc. You can only do soooo much and you do a lot chica. 🙂

    • Kaley [Y Mucho Más] June 28, 2011, 8:47 pm

      Agreed! Keep doing what you’re doing. Honestly, we’re all impressed by what you DO do. (Do do hahaha!)

      • Caitlin June 29, 2011, 11:12 am

        Thanks sweetie pies.

  • Caroline @ The G-Spot June 28, 2011, 2:37 pm

    Good for you, Caitlin, for sucking it up and hitting the pool. Sometimes it is so tough to find time/motivation for exercise, but like I always say about running — the toughest part is getting out the door! I can’t tell you how many times I have had to tell myself to just “shut up” and hit the pavement. Great post!

  • Katie @ Nourishing Flourishing June 28, 2011, 2:45 pm

    Such a good reminder that exercise is playtime, not a chore! Sometimes the stress of just fitting it in makes me perceive it that way, which is really nonsensical; I totally have the time — if I MAKE the time. And I always love working out once I’m there. Good thoughts — thanks for sharing! 🙂

  • Lauren June 28, 2011, 2:46 pm

    Oh goodness yes — I can pretty much only stay focused on training when I’m getting ready for a race. I am training for a half iron distance triathlon to raise money for Girls on the Run! 🙂

    No matter how challenging my workouts are, most days I think the most difficult part is getting dressed and getting out the door to do it. Isn’t it funny how we spend so much energy trying to convince ourselves we don’t have time to workout, but the workouts are SO rewarding when we finally do them?

  • Liz June 28, 2011, 2:53 pm

    I’m the exact same way — if I’m not training for a race, I find it really hard to motivate myself to work out. I’ll still go, but only when it’s really convenient and I’m not as motivated to MAKE time for a workout.

    I officially just started training for my first half marathon yesterday! The idea of having to run 13.1 miles at the end of August is enough to make sure I train really hard so I can make it through 🙂

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) June 28, 2011, 2:54 pm

    I don’t know if races in an of themselves are what motivate me to work out consistently. I think it’s the prospect of STARTING FROM SCRATCH that keeps me at some sort of baseline. I’m terrified that I will one day be asked by someone to do something like go for a race/bike/hike/run/etc and not be fit enough to partake!

    Of course, I also try to remind myself that I pretty much always feel good after working out.

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) June 28, 2011, 2:54 pm

    My upcoming marathon is the only reason I have been running! Running has become a chore, so after this race in October I am taking a break until it is fun again 🙂

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen June 28, 2011, 2:57 pm

    Your title reminds me of the Rihana song “shut up and drive” which I’m embarassed to say is on more playlists of mine than I’d like to admit. Great workout song!

  • giordin June 28, 2011, 2:59 pm

    I always sign up for races JUST to stay motivated. I actually hate racing and being at the races themselves (too much anxiety), but I love the structure and motivation that a training plan brings. It’s kinda like goal setting. I feel pleased when I accomplish my training for a day or week or month. If I’m not training for anything, I have a hard time setting workout goals for myself and I burn out and get bored. It helps me tremendously to have a routine set up so I know what I’m doing and when.

    Here’s a couple things I remind myself if I ever struggle to get out and workout:

    * I might regret it later if I don’t go; I’ll likely not regret it if I do go (if that isn’t true on any particular day, that probably means I need a rest day, either mentally or physically)

    * (I got this from a friend) You may not be able to do everything all the time, but you can do SOMETHING. If that means I leave and walk to the end of the street and change my mind and come home, at least it’s better than nothing. And I’ll likely not change my mind at the end of the street.

  • Ashley O. @ The Vegetable Life June 28, 2011, 3:02 pm

    I am currently training for my first half marathon!!!! I love the quote “shut up and swim” I might have to steal that and change it to “shut up and run” 🙂

  • jill June 28, 2011, 3:03 pm

    What kind of balsamic do you use? I’ve been looking for a good creamy one forever and yours always looks perfect.

    • Caitlin June 29, 2011, 11:13 am

      simply dressed! it’s near the salads (refrigerated)

  • Freya June 28, 2011, 3:05 pm

    Well done on the swim! I so often think ‘oh I’m too busy to do xyz’, but when I actually look at WHAT I’m doing, it;s like ‘errr…no you’re not!’. That Ben quote is spot on 🙂
    I’m pre-training for a marathon and a half marathon – official marathon training begins July1st pretty much, but I’ve been doing lots of 10milers to build up a good base 🙂

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife June 28, 2011, 3:05 pm

    I am SO all about doing exercise and fitness for MY sanity and love of that time. It is SO important to me, so I don’t let anything else get in the way. This makes me a much happier, saner, and lovelier person to be around 🙂

    your lunch looks super yumm!!

  • Emily G. June 28, 2011, 3:06 pm

    I have a crazy stupid question..how do they make the pool smaller (from 50 to 25)? Do they put a wall in so more people can use it? I don’t have a pool at my gym so it’s all new to me lol

    • krista June 28, 2011, 4:30 pm

      I was wondering the same!

      • Caitlin June 28, 2011, 4:33 pm

        Instead of having the ropes go the way they are in the pic (from one long end to the other), they switch them so they connect on the short sides of the pool. Tada! A few 50 meter lanes to a bunch of 25 yard lanes.

        • Emily G. June 28, 2011, 7:16 pm

          DOH! Didn’t even consider that! lol

  • Mary June 28, 2011, 3:06 pm

    I hear you!! I’ve been looking at workouts as a chore too. it’s so terrible I have to remind myself that I love to exercise and I feel so good when I’m done.

    I’m signing up for this sprint tri today I think *eek!!* it’ll be my first one and I’m super excited!

    http://www.setupevents.com/?fuseaction=event_detail&eventID=1778

    • Caitlin June 29, 2011, 11:23 am

      GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!

  • Laura @ MyReasontoRun June 28, 2011, 3:07 pm

    ahhhhh, i wish we had a 50m pool (heck even a meter pool vs a yard pool would be fine!!!!!) here in gaston county!!!!!!!!!

  • Wendy June 28, 2011, 3:08 pm

    I am training for my first full marathon in October! That’s definitely keeping me motivated to run. And since I’m using the FIRST program, I’m staying on top of cross training too. I do crossfit with a friend for cross training – having a buddy really helps, too!

    • Caitlin June 29, 2011, 11:23 am

      Good luck with marathon training!

  • Keri June 28, 2011, 3:08 pm

    I definitely think signing up for a race is motivating–that and buying new running shoes/fitness clothes. If I spend money on it, it better not go to waste! Spending $ on health and fitness is a great way to value yourself 🙂 We deserve to swim-bike-run-yoga!

  • Halley (Blunder Construction) June 28, 2011, 3:11 pm

    Whoa, someone’s out of the loop. What’s your other blog?

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) June 28, 2011, 3:13 pm

    Wish i could be training for a race, but I’m staying plenty busy ‘training’ for labor. The baby in my belly keeps me motivated! But once I’m back to my old self, I’m definitely going to sign up for a race for motivation.

    PS- can’t wait to hear the latest on the house

  • Cassie @ Back to Her Roots June 28, 2011, 3:13 pm

    I totally hear you. I’ve been struggling SO much with finding time for working out lately. But everytime I start complaining about time, I go back and read this quote and it totally puts everything in perspective. If those people have the time, so do I!

  • Laura June 28, 2011, 3:16 pm

    I HAVE to sign up for races to motivate myself! I do workouts that I enjoy as well, but it’s so easy to talk myself out of working out, unless I have a race on the horizon. Once I sign up for a race, I make my training calendar and then the possibility of crossing off each workout on the calendar keeps me motivated – well, that, and the idea of failing at the race 🙂

    I’m training right now for an Olympic triathlon and two sprint triathlons in July and August, and I’m doing a Warrior Dash race in August to throw something a little different in there too.

  • Angie June 28, 2011, 3:17 pm

    You are totally right Caitlin.
    I think it is easy to forget that we enjoy things espicially when they become routine, so a break every once in a while is good, its just the getting back into it that is hard.
    I’d been stuck in a rut for about a month as things got a bit crazy and I felt I had to drop something and that happened to be exercise. But then you replied to a message I wrote and that got me off the couch and back to thinking about the exercise I enjoying doing so I have made the time this week to go back to Body Pump and Swimming!
    Good for you and keep it fun!

  • Sana June 28, 2011, 3:17 pm

    I am committed to my health, and I will make that my priority to workout 🙂

  • Katie June 28, 2011, 3:18 pm

    Training for the 50 mile race at Palo Duro. I don’t actually need a race to work out though! I adore running distance so sometimes I throw down 20 just for fun. I always make time for it because otherwise I’m not fun to be with anyway.

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul June 28, 2011, 3:20 pm

    Good job listening to what your body needed~haha, I haven’t had anything to train for–yet 😉

  • Erin June 28, 2011, 3:21 pm

    Hi Caitlin, I completely understand how hard it is to find time and how you can feel guilty every night for the list of items you haven’t crossed off. Sometimes I become so obsessed with my “To Do List” that I find it very hard to relax at night. But I will say that ever since I decided to do a Sprint Triathlon this September I am more motivated than ever. I look at each workout as an opportunity to become stronger, faster, more confident. I love that I have something to work towards and it keeps me focused and excited. So, good luck and just keep swimming!! 🙂

  • faith June 28, 2011, 3:21 pm

    I put off my run this morning for over an hour. Even after I was laced up I tried to find distractions to keep me from hitting the sidewalk. As soon as I (finally) got going, I had the most fun I’ve had in days and ran nearly 6 miles instead of the 3.5 I’d planned on.
    Remembering runs like this help get me out the door the next time. I know it’s been said over and over but I never regret a workout but sometimes I regret skipping one.
    Have you ever worked out with videos? They are an awesome time saver and there are some great ones that have 10-20 minute workouts that fit into ANY schedule.

  • Jess June 28, 2011, 3:22 pm

    I want to run a half marathon! I’m looking doing one a few weeks before my wedding-to balance out my stress eating (j/k).

  • Cat June 28, 2011, 3:26 pm

    I would think that dealing with the gluten issue and not being able to eat as you did before and having to put more effort into that is also taking up some mental energy! Awesome that you went for a swim, I’ve definitely been where you are!

  • Marisa E June 28, 2011, 3:26 pm

    I signed myself up for the Rock n Roll Philadelphia Half Marathonon Sept 18 to stay committed throughout the summer. This will be my first half! Training began yesterday and so far, so good!

    • Caitlin June 29, 2011, 11:26 am

      Yay I’ve heard great things about that race!

  • Jill June 28, 2011, 3:26 pm

    I am currently still recovering from surgery and a stress fracture, but I plan on signing up for either a sprint triathlon or a 1/2 marathon once I am cleared by my doctor. Knowing that I have a race keeps the motivation up for sure! I also think when you find something you LOVE- the motivation is naturally built in! For me this is road biking!!!!!

  • Selena June 28, 2011, 3:34 pm

    I’m training for my first race EVER…a 5K in August. I’ve never really exercised at all much less gone running. So, that is keeping me motivated because I don’t want to finish last!

    • Caitlin June 29, 2011, 11:26 am

      Good luck! You are going to do great.

  • Kamaile June 28, 2011, 3:37 pm

    Races keep me motivated! I’m getting ready to start training for the Nike Woman’s half marathon in San Francisco.

  • Cait @ Beyond Bananas June 28, 2011, 3:48 pm

    I have kind of found the opposite from races.. in a way. I mean.. I am SUPER motivated to train. but Ihave tunnel vision.. ignoring all of my other fitness reads. I have only ever RAN races.. and then I run.. run.. run. I ignore weight lifting.. cross training. When I am not racing ,I still have motivation – but my workouts are more varied.

  • Kelly @foodiefresh June 28, 2011, 3:58 pm

    I have to give myself this same “talking to” periodically too. Juggling everything is hard sometimes.

  • briana June 28, 2011, 4:00 pm

    another way to interpret the patterns your noticing in your motivation lately is that, if you are constantly having to talk yourself into it and give yourself pep talks to remind yourself that you really love it, maybe “training” type exercise isn’t really working for you right now. at least, that’s what happened for me. i realized it was such a struggle to get myself to run, and then decided, maybe i’m not into running right now. so i’m approaching exercise differently now–doing things i want to do, like walking (often incorporated into errands, etc.) and yoga, as well as some weight routines at home. just a thought! i think we’re constantly comparing ourselves to different times in our lives and the fact is that circumstances, goals, tastes, etc. change over time!

    • Caitlin June 29, 2011, 11:27 am

      Thats true. Very good point!

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans June 28, 2011, 4:08 pm

    I am training for my first marathon so that race is definitely keeping me motivated. I know I can’t skimp, especially on the long runs because I will regret it come race day!

  • Marci June 28, 2011, 4:08 pm

    I have been loving swimming, but I hate the bathing suit and goggles and getting in part! I just keep reminding myself how much I enjoy it while I’m doing it, how it’s nice to stay cool in the summer, and how I’m happy when it’s over! And I go first thing and make my body on auto pilot so I just go! no checking facebook til it’s done!

    • Caitlin June 28, 2011, 4:11 pm

      When I put my feet in, I always think about how cold it is, and then I repeat to myself “This is so comfy this is so comfy this is so comfy” as I dive in. LOL

  • Stefanie June 28, 2011, 4:13 pm

    Good job going even when you weren’t feeling it! Funny how exercising seems like such a pain sometimes but you always feel so much better once you go… why is it so easy to forget that feeling?

    I came across this today and thought of you! I had to share, it’s a good read 🙂

    http://www.hanneblank.com/blog/2011/06/23/real-women/

  • Christine June 28, 2011, 4:19 pm

    Is this bad- what’s keeping me committed right now is a whole bunch of friends that have taken up running. I’ve been doing it for awhile- they’re not passing me up, dammit! Oh, and I think about your honey badger ALL the time!

  • Amanda @ Cucina Amanda June 28, 2011, 4:19 pm

    My half marathon in 5 weeks is definitely keeping me motivated through all this summer heat. Plus, I’m running my first marathon in the fall, so that’s a big motivator to get out there and run!

  • Katie G. June 28, 2011, 4:24 pm

    love the post name! That sums up my swim (tri) training perfectly! I don’t like it but I need to do it. I am training for my first triathlon, the Columbia Irongirl, in August.

  • Susan June 28, 2011, 4:32 pm

    I sign up for races because I feel a bit lost without something to train for. I’ve got my next 1/2 in Disney September 4, then a 6.66 on Halloween. After that – maybe a 5K at Thanksgiving. I’m already thinking ahead on what my goals will be for a non-racing winter!

  • Larissa June 28, 2011, 4:42 pm

    great post, when this happens to me i just roll with it. it tough to say at the beginning of the month, lets freeze the account and just pay the 5 dollars fro the month but in the end if you really are too busy it makes sense!

  • Hillary June 28, 2011, 4:42 pm

    I’ve been struggling a bit with the whole motivation thing as well. I’m just TIRED, and working out takes effort. I just remind myself that I’ll feel better after I work out, which I always do! Like you said, you just need to do it.

    I’m not training for anything right now, and I’m actually kind of glad. I have so much going on that just the thought of training for another race exhausts me!

  • Yolie @ Practising Wellness June 28, 2011, 4:48 pm

    Congratulations on getting to the pool today, Caitlin…nice job! You juggle so many balls in the air, and you really do do soooo well…and all you can do is do your best. I really enjoy reflective posts like these – they’re kind of stream of consciousness, thinking out loud. What you said about attitude reminded me of one of my favourite quotes: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.” Such a powerful idea!
    To answer your question: I don’t train for races, i just train for me, and for life, lol! 😛 xyx

  • Jenn's Adventures June 28, 2011, 4:49 pm

    I LOVE the title of this blog post — we have a saying here, ” Shut Up & Paddle ” …Love it! =)

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun June 28, 2011, 4:53 pm

    I have times like that too where I view exercise as something I have to do. Luckily it isn’t often because I do love fitness so much and it acts as therapy for me. I always focus on how good I feel and much more productive I am with workouts.

  • ally June 28, 2011, 4:58 pm

    Something that’s helped me is getting up early in the day. When that alarm goes off at 6AM I know if I don’t do it then, it’s not getting done. When get up early to work out, it gets done and I can go about the rest of my day. Plus, waiting until later in the day to work out just annoys me!

  • Camilla June 28, 2011, 4:59 pm

    I’m training for my FIRST EVER RACE!!! It’s a 5k and considering I ran 6 miles today, I think I’ll do okay! 🙂

    • Caitlin June 29, 2011, 11:28 am

      Yay! You are going to rock it out. Maybe you should do a 10K instead 🙂

  • Julia June 28, 2011, 5:02 pm

    I’m training for my first race ever, and up until I went on vacation (just got back a few days ago) I’ve been really good about running. Now I just need to get back into it.
    I’m training for a mud run that is a little over a 5k. I’m doing it for fun and just to complete it since I’m still pretty new at running. It is exciting though!

  • Ellen June 28, 2011, 5:20 pm

    hey, you know, exercise is another form of stress. one that CAN be positive, but can also definitely be negative. too much cardio can mess up your cortisol/adrenals just like other forms of stress. i think people have a limited capacity for stress, and it sounds like you might be at that point. don’t be so hard on yourself 🙂

    • Caitlin June 29, 2011, 11:28 am

      true that- my adrenals say thanks for reminding me!

  • Lauri (Redheadrecipes.com) June 28, 2011, 5:39 pm

    Your beans + millet look SO delish! It’s the simple things…

    I miss swimming. Our current gym doesn’t have a pool 🙁

  • Megan June 28, 2011, 5:42 pm

    I’m doing my first full in October. I’m on “vacation” this week and made a goal for a long run of 7 miles and a total mileage of 20 miles this week. That and a quote I saw yesterday are the only reasons I’m heading out to run soon. So not feeling it, but I know I’ll be thankful for it later. “If it is important to you, you’ll find a way. If it’s not, you’ll find an excuse.”

  • Joanne June 28, 2011, 6:11 pm

    I really need a race to keep me going. I’m signed up for quite a few runs this summer but the big one is in Nov. The Philadelphia Marathon. The third times a charm, right?!!! (I hope 🙂 )

  • Courtney June 28, 2011, 6:20 pm

    I am signed up (with a friend) for the Myrtle Beach half marathon in October… graduate school is in HIGH (crazy high) gear but I am thankful I can train for the race and lookin forward to a weekend away 🙂
    Good luck girl and thanks for the reminder that workout is a luxury we get to enjoy… all about perspective right? 😉

  • Molly @ RDexposed June 28, 2011, 6:35 pm

    I have been obsessed lately with strawberry, goat cheese, and walnuts salads. SO GOOD!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) June 28, 2011, 6:37 pm

    wow – that pool looks lovely!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) June 28, 2011, 6:37 pm

    wow – that pool looks lovely!

  • Nicole June 28, 2011, 6:37 pm

    you have NO idea how much I needed this post! I have been having the hardest time running lately and I have a half that I am dying to train well for in october. I much like you have found excuse after excuse. I am not too busy, I aswell find time for facebook/blogs before exercise and it has made me grumpy and lumpy. Okay runnign today FORSURE. thanks for the pep talk hunnay!
    xoxo

    • Caitlin June 29, 2011, 11:29 am

      You can do it!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss June 28, 2011, 7:37 pm

    Training for something definitely helps with motivation. Lately I’ve been starting to (kind of) train for a marathon!! It’s in December so it’s still a long way away, but I figure the earlier I get a jump on it the better.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin June 28, 2011, 7:43 pm

    You’re so right about this – I always use the excuse that I don’t have TIME to work out, but that’s all baloney. I do have the time, I just don’t make the time. 😛 Good job on making it to the pool today!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing June 28, 2011, 8:25 pm

    I find it hard to fit exercise in too but I always remember how good it makes me feel, and that’s usually enough to motivate me to work out!

  • Lauren June 28, 2011, 8:32 pm

    I wish I had motivation to add swimming to my workouts but I just can’t EVER get into it. I guess that is why I have no desire to ever to a Tri. The swimming is what turns me away.

  • Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out June 28, 2011, 9:35 pm

    Races definitely help me stay focused! I know what it feels like to be stretched too thin.

    Lunch looks great.

  • Emily June 28, 2011, 9:50 pm

    I am going to sign up for another obstacle course 5-k and after last weekend’s I am DEFINITELY needing to get my cardio up and keep committed with my strength training. Its a total body race for sure 🙂

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) June 28, 2011, 10:04 pm

    Have you heard of Tough Mudder. Sounds intense and something right up your alley. That will get you moving–maybe out of fear but moving nonetheless.

  • Katherine June 28, 2011, 10:06 pm

    Having a free horse to ride any time I want is keeping me motivated to exercise 😀

  • katie @ KatieDid June 28, 2011, 10:22 pm

    I’m finally not training for something and thoroughly enjoying every minute of the freedom! Training is great and keeps me motivated, but not training frees up my schedule more and I have become much more flexible with workouts which is just what I needed. I was too rigid with my training schedule before, always fearing I was sabotaging my race if I missed one day.

  • Katie June 28, 2011, 10:22 pm

    I’m currently training for a quarter marathon (I’m a slow starter on the running idea). And lately I’ve been putting off or cutting off my workouts. Today I had my workout in my calendar like I always do, but today I wrote (love yourself, just do it) as the “location” for the workout. By looking at that statement today I was able to get to my workout, and enjoy it! For the first time in a long time! Woohoo!!!!!!

  • allison @ thesundayflog June 28, 2011, 11:36 pm

    yup, totally! my upcoming sprint tri is completely motivating me to workout. i know i can successfully accomplish all of the distances, but it wouldnt kill me to get in better shape. im now working on bricks a lot, which i think is so important. and as much as it sucks to wake up at 7am on a saturday for time trials, i KNOW it will help me be a better triathlete

  • Jackie @ That Deep Breath June 28, 2011, 11:48 pm

    That salad looks great! I totally understand what you mean by feeling unsettled at the end of the day. I have a lot to do during the day too, and sometimes at the end of the day I still feel like there’s so much I should be doing. I always feel better scheduling everything out so I know I don’t forget anything. Sometimes it’s best to just take a step back and evaluate what you’ve accomplished rather than what’s left to do!

  • Khushboo June 29, 2011, 1:02 am

    Rather than a race I do have a wedding that is taking place next week (my cousin’s) which is definitely keeping me motivated! I am just kicking myself for not getting into strength training earlier! Even though only 3 weeks have passed, I can still see the changes in my body shape (and me likey!).

  • Lindsey @ Gluten-Free Lindsey June 29, 2011, 1:26 am

    Yes! I feel like that’s the only way I can stay motivated..because I know I HAVE to! I am going on vacation for the entire month of August and have signed up to do a 10K a week after I get back..that way I’ll force myself to run while on vacation (hopefully)! 🙂

  • Jeanelle @ Glocal Girl June 29, 2011, 1:49 am

    Props to you for swimming! I must admit your swimming posts bring me back to my high school/college days when I was a competitive swimmer. Eventually I got burned out and haven’t touched a pool (for a workout) for YEARS. It’s such an amazing whole-body workout, I think I’m just not mentally there yet. the chlorine and wet hair still give me the chills! Maybe a race will motivate me….

  • Angela @ MyPinkyToes June 29, 2011, 1:53 am

    Racing definitely helps me to stay motivated. I probably wouldn’t have kept up training/working out this year if I hadn’t signed up for a marathon!
    Kudos to you for swimming! I would really like to swim, but I’m totally intimidated and scared and afraid that I’ll be finished after just one lap!

  • Amanda June 29, 2011, 3:27 am

    Sometimes you just have to get in there and do it! You never regret a workout once its done. I’m adjusting to working overnights and my runs have gotten lost in the shuffle. I’ll find my balance, just gotta keep trying!

  • Aine @ Something to Chew Over June 29, 2011, 4:53 am

    For me variety is key, it helps me to stay motivated and keeps my body guessing. Sometimes I don’t feel like working out but once I begin I feel better almost instantly.

  • Luna June 29, 2011, 6:36 am

    You know, I think you have a lot going on and a full plate. I think we, as female, are prone to be hard on ourselves, see, life is complex and sometime life IS “sleeping in, playing on Facebook, browsing blogs, or watching a little TV”. But we think that we always have to be perfect, stay on top of it all and enjoy it too.Something’s gotta give, be it cooking, clinic, cleaning, in order for you to “enjoy” exercise. We’re human as our male companions, after all.

    • Caitlin June 29, 2011, 11:31 am

      thanks luna 🙂 i appreciate this.

  • Ali @ Ali Runs June 29, 2011, 8:04 am

    I’ve been having that same struggle! I usually try to mix it up to keep myself from being stuck in a rut.

  • Cara June 29, 2011, 8:11 am

    Since I got home from studying abroad exercise has been a bit of a struggle, but my upcoming 10k, 1/2 marathon, and marathon are keeping my going!

  • Morgan @ OperationHotMama June 29, 2011, 8:50 am

    Right now, I am training for my first race in September…so I am about to find out if it helps me stay motivated!

  • Orla June 29, 2011, 8:56 am

    When you least want to do it, is when you need it the most. You will never regret it! My half marathon this weekend is keeping me motivated to eat lots and lots of carbs….. I will never learn that I really don’t need 3 plates of pasta for dinner.

  • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good June 29, 2011, 9:09 am

    I haven’t signed up yet, but I’m pretty sure I’m doing a half-marathon in September. That keeps me motivated to include a long run in my weekend. The only thing I am registered for at this point is a 5k at the end of July, and that helps too.

  • Carolina John June 29, 2011, 10:50 am

    I am 18 weeks into my Ironman training plan. It is insane. Training has gone well beyond fun and right into stupid. 140.6 is scary as hell.

    • Caitlin June 29, 2011, 11:31 am

      You are going to do awesomesauce John!

  • Beth (Well I'll Be) June 29, 2011, 12:28 pm

    I’m signed up for my second half marathon in September but have had to adopt the “shut up and run” method to get my training runs in. It’s hard to stay motivated! But, it’s not supposed to be easy right?

  • Amber K June 29, 2011, 12:40 pm

    Reminding myself of how great I feel afterwards is usually enough to get me to the gym. So is not giving myself any other option. “nooo, I don’t wanna gooooo” my brain can whine, but my body still goes through the motions of getting my shoes on and grabbing my bag and keys! Then it’s out the door, in the car, and we’re off!

  • Marissa C June 29, 2011, 12:57 pm

    I need to find a maternity swimsuit that is meant for hard core swimming–think Speedo, not frilly. I’ve only found one and it is EXPENSIVE. Any ideas anyone??

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