A Realization and Delicious Pancakes!

on June 5, 2009

Another glorious bike ride! 🙂

I woke up around 6:45 and stumbled into the kitchen for some pre-ride fuel:

I had a slice of mini-toast with PB, a coffee, and a water.

Then… I got to stretching! Based on your advice (which I’ll summarize in a post soon!), I jogged in my living room and did other light cardio moves for about three minutes to warm up. Afterwards, I did about 5 minutes worth of light stretching.

I had laid out all my bike gear and prepped my bike last night, so I was able to put on my clothes and GO!

I did 18.0 miles. I was trying to focus on my speed, but its difficult for me to go faster than 12.0 mph for some reason! I have a hard time maintaining a faster pace for long periods of time — I guess I just need to do more speedwork!

I had a realization while riding my bike this morning. When I got dressed, I put on the race shirt from the Miracle Miles 15K, which I’ve run for the past two years (here’s last year’s recap). That shirt really got me thinking:

You can tell I felt super-serious because my brow is furrowed. :) But really, it was an important moment for me. And I owe a lot to the way I feel about my fitness journey to every single person reading this, all the bloggers that I follow, and every person who takes the time to send me an e-mail about their own experiences with being injured. THANK YOU for giving me a positive outlook.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Distance: 18.0 miles
Calories Burned: 720 (Just an FYI, I’m using 40 calories/mile as my base).

When I came home from my ride, I made some lovely PANCAKES! 🙂 Yum, yum, yum!

I made some Hodgson Mills InstaBake pancakes with some chopped almonds mixed in.

Plus a nectarine and watermelon.

Off to stretch out my muscles and then SEIZE THE DAY!

{ 55 comments }

Katherine June 5, 2009, 6:35 am
Your breakfasts always looks so delicious – I've got to get some of the pancake mix!!

So glad the stretching is helping and look like you had a killer (and motivating) ride. Yay!
Mica June 5, 2009, 6:40 am
This is the first time I've heard your voice, albeit with road noise in the background. It's different than I imagined. (How do I say that without sounding like a creepster?)

I'm glad you had an important realization on your ride this morning! Happy Friday!
Rachel June 5, 2009, 6:40 am
Those pancakes look amazing!!!

I'm so glad this topic came up because I have been feeling the same way lately. I have been running for a couple months now and it just doeesn't seem to get any easier. It's very discouraging when I see people that haven't ran in months take off and run 5 miles like nothing and I'm struggling with 3. Thank you for this post because it makes me feel better because you're right…at least I'm doing it!

Have a good day 🙂
Brandi June 5, 2009, 6:45 am
I'm glad you had a good bike ride and I LOVED your realization – I honestly had tears in my eyes at the end of the video.

You're right! Whatever we can do at that time that is healthy and the best for us, that's all we can ask. We won't be able to do the same exact things for our entire lives – it's a journey that is constantly changing and we need to morph with it.
Tami June 5, 2009, 6:55 am
i don't think you should think of yourself as a quitter-(i think that is what you said at the end) I really don't think you do think that but things happen, plans change, i think participating in the race, any way you can would help you stay positive-
Beth June 5, 2009, 6:57 am
Amen! It frustrates me when people insist on doing an activity that will hurt them instead of modifying it or finding alternatives. The goal is to make yourself happy and healthy, not torture yourself and cause pain to prove a point. Thanks for sharing.
Island Girl Eats June 5, 2009, 6:59 am
Last December I signed up for a half marathon the day before it was due to be held! I hadn't run in about six weeks because our cat had passed away in November and I wasn't in the right frame of mind. I knew that it wouldn't be a great half marathon, but I did it! To me, it's about getting out there and doing what I love. Sometimes I have to walk and take it easy. I am only accountable to myself.
I think that you should do the 15k – walk or run! Maybe a little bit of both!
Stacey June 5, 2009, 7:01 am
I can't believe it's been hot for a while now and I haven't eaten any peaches or nectarines yet!! Those are my fav fruits! Besides banana of course 🙂 yay for a good bike ride!
Can't watch the video till I get home 🙁
Allison June 5, 2009, 7:03 am
You have the cutest voice! And what an awesome realization 🙂

Those pancakes look delish!
tfh June 5, 2009, 7:03 am
That's an awesome morning ride– to knock out 18 miles in the a.m. is a GREAT start to the day. (So are pancakes. Mmm.)
jenngirl June 5, 2009, 7:12 am
Really great post Caitlin! Such a wonderful reminder that fitness is NOT about what everyone else is doing, or what we think we SHOULD do, it's about what we CAN do and what we are physically able to do. Thank you! Have a great day 🙂
adrianna June 5, 2009, 7:16 am
you are doing a great job! i think its awesome how you switched it up, and are continuing a great fitness routine despite some set backs. biking is an excellent work-out, and you're doing some looong distances. it was really nice to hear some encouraging words and positive attitude comin our way.

enjoy your weekend!
Meghann June 5, 2009, 7:20 am
blasted work computer that won't let me listen to your lovely realization.

Want to go for a bike ride with me on Sunday?

LOVE YOU!!!!
Christina June 5, 2009, 7:27 am
The almond pancakes look delicious! Glad you had a good bike ride 🙂
Jordan June 5, 2009, 7:34 am
I've heard your voice in person before and you still sound different to me on the video, ha.
Heather June 5, 2009, 7:38 am
Gah, that brought tears to my eyes! I've struggled lately yet know that I'm doing everything right. Thanks for that reassurance that all we can do is our best!

Our rewards may not come in the shape or fashion that we want them but they will come 🙂

Have a fantastic day!
april June 5, 2009, 7:42 am
Great bike ride! When you switched from running to biking was it easier or harder? You've got to have some serious leg muscle to go over big hills while biking! I don't know if I am strong enough lol
ellie June 5, 2009, 7:43 am
loved the video! have a great day 🙂
Matt June 5, 2009, 7:44 am
Awesome ride! Isn't your race coming up soon?
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point June 5, 2009, 7:46 am
april – biking is WAYYYY easier than running. way easier. its kind of nice.

matt – MY RACE IS NEXT WEEKEND!!
kristen June 5, 2009, 7:46 am
Just came across your blog. I love that your a foodie and workout.

Well said on the video. I tend to put too much pressure on myself which completely takes the fun out of my goals.

Good job on the bike.
Ashley and Bo June 5, 2009, 7:47 am
Great post! I hope you'll jump over and enter my giveaway! I'm so proud of you for staying true and listening to your body!
Carolina John June 5, 2009, 7:48 am
just like in running, speed comes after endurance. if you want to get faster now, find some hills. the steeper the better. for me, a 30 minute hill workout on the bike might only cover about 5 miles, but then the next flatter ride will be much faster.

also check your gearing. You're going to go faster in the big chainring than in the small one, and the smaller gears on the rear cassette same thing. they give you more feet of propulsion per pedal revolution then the small chainring/larger cassette gear. If it's flat where you are you can use the big chainring all the time. Your muscles will catch up.

and faster bike times also mean faster run times. and faster tri finish times. so stick with it!
HangryPants June 5, 2009, 7:53 am
Aw Caitlin, I just ant to give you a big giant hug! I mean you are so awesome and I seriously just love you so much, in a non creepy, I promise not to crawl through your window, kind of way!!!!! You are definitely not a quitter!!!!
teacherwoman June 5, 2009, 7:57 am
Love your realization video! Way to stay positive Caitlin!
run_myworld_myway June 5, 2009, 8:12 am
Why aren`t you using your HRM for the bike rides, and count calories on web? I ride bike for 20 km every day, and always wear my HR monitor, also when I run.
Dayna (HopefulRunner) June 5, 2009, 8:12 am
I completely agree with what you said on your video. I am also really inspired by your positive attitude. I get down about injuries and am pretty hard on myself about it, but what you said is completely true. If you do your best then that is all you can really ask for right?
Thanks for being such an inspiring voice in this blog community, and making me smile. I really appreciate you!
Dayna (HopefulRunner)
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point June 5, 2009, 8:14 am
runmyworld – my HRM is broken and im too lazy to get it fixed. also i dont really see the point. i only post calories burned on the blog b/c i know people are curious.

dayna – thank you!
runsarah June 5, 2009, 8:19 am
I loved your video post – very inspirational this AM and what an awesome ride!
Mom June 5, 2009, 8:24 am
Your realization brought tears to my eyes. You are inspiring to many people. People of all sizes and ages – people like me, a 64 year old, out of fitness gal who is trying to get into a healthier routine. Can a daughter teach a mom new tricks? – you bet she can. Hope you have a fun ride with dad.
Mellissa June 5, 2009, 8:37 am
I am a first time reader and another blog I read mentioned this video and I LOVE IT. Often times as women we are so hard on ourselves in everything we do when we need to accept that we are doing our best and making an effort and that is just fine.
healthy ashley June 5, 2009, 8:40 am
I really, really loved your message in your video. (And you did look so serious 🙂 Sometimes things will knock us down but we have to do the best we can. Good for you!

And 12mph?! You can totally maintain a higher speed that that! I dare you 😉
healthy ashley June 5, 2009, 8:40 am
ps- Your voice totally sounds like Pam from the office in this video. 100%!!
Michelle June 5, 2009, 8:47 am
Hi Caitlin! Great video!!
Tessy June 5, 2009, 8:53 am
So happy you posted that video. It put things in perspective for me. Hope to keep getting wise words from you. Have an awesome day.
K from ksgoodeats June 5, 2009, 9:00 am
A couple of things: 1. glad Caitlin Pancake has returned! 2. I love your accent 😉 3. You know, when life hands you lemons…I'm glad you've come to this realization.

I can't run because I have the same knee issue you have and to me it's not worth the pain. I get a little jealous of those who can just bust out 10 miles like it's no big deal BUT I have to think of myself and myself in 10, 20, 30 years. I applaud your realization 🙂
Amanda June 5, 2009, 9:07 am
Very inspirational! Keep at it, girl!

Also, just wanted to say that you absolutely GLOW in that first pic from last night's post – that skincare routine has been working wonders! You look gorgeous!
elise June 5, 2009, 9:19 am
you can do it! great positive message (as always)! being healthy is a mental AND physical thing, and i think you do a great job tackling all aspects of it.

btw, you have a cute little accent in your voice! i love hearing blgogers via video!!
Jenn Eats Nutritiously Now June 5, 2009, 9:45 am
That was a great realization. It's so great of you to never give up and keep giving it your all.
Sarah (Running To Slow Things Down) June 5, 2009, 10:07 am
Great, positive message! Thank you so much for sharing. 😀
Leslie June 5, 2009, 10:44 am
You are so right! We all have to do the best we can with the body/injuries/whatever that we have. I think this is an extension of ending fat talk. If we love our bodies and rejoice in being able to walk a race, or perform a perfect bicep curl, or run around the block once without stopping, we focus on achievement and not defeat.
Niki June 5, 2009, 10:46 am
Loved the video! You are so positive and inspiring! Keep up all the hard work girl! I am always cheering for you!!
Melissa @ For the Love of Health June 5, 2009, 11:03 am
amazing realization :0)
Jess June 5, 2009, 12:49 pm
Great video and great words of wisdom. I couldn't agree more and I can't wait to cheer you on from blogland when you cross that 15k finish line, no matter the time! Way to take care of yourself!
Steph Runs the City June 5, 2009, 1:43 pm
I'm sad I can't see watch the video at the moment, but i will take a look at it later! on a side note, I LOVE strongbow!!!!!! 🙂
Tay June 5, 2009, 2:20 pm
Wow Caitlin – thanks so much for that video. Really helps me out. And I think I'm going to have to check out that pancake mix since you seem to love it so much!
Rebeca @All Vegged Out June 5, 2009, 3:21 pm
"doing the best you can with the situation that you are given"

I can't even express how much I needed those words, so I'll just say… thank you!
Trojan June 5, 2009, 4:41 pm
You are such a fitness Rockstar..all the way!
Anna June 5, 2009, 5:20 pm
Wow, great post Caitlin. You're right, you can see your seriousness in your face! You really mean it!

And I totally agree, for that matter. I actually decided to reflect on your thoughts at the end of my post tonight, so check it out!
Holly June 5, 2009, 5:41 pm
I love this, Caitlin! Injuries can be SO challenging (mentally), but they always make me appreciate my health so much more. And you are exactly right…we can only do the best we can do. I love the blogging community for this reason – we can always lean on each other and get so many ideas when we're experiencing the same things.
Jessica June 6, 2009, 12:32 am
You have a great attitude and although it's always good to challenge ourselves what's really important is recognizing and feeling pride in our accomplishments, even if they aren't what we expected them to be. I struggle with this at times but putting things into perspective like you did always helps.

Also, I agree with Carolina John, you might want to play around with different gears on your bike. One thing I do is try to increase my pedalling cadence to the point where I'm too fast for the chain, then I move up a gear and do it again and again until I can no longer sustain the pace. Also, I think the thing that has improved my biking the most this past year is the Tabata drills I did on the bike at the gym in the winter. They're basically high intensity intervals but done in very short increments of time – 20s anaerobic intensity, 10s low intensity for 4min is a set. I haven't tried doing this on my actual bike yet but it might be worth a go. My endurance is way better as a result.

You might also want to invest in a cycle computer for your bike. They can be really cheap – I paid $30 CAN for my Sigma BC1106 – and they work really great for tracking your speed/distance/time/etc. I find I can always push myself to go faster if I know exactly what my speed is.

Anyway, sorry to babble. Good luck with your training!
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point June 6, 2009, 4:03 am
jessica – thanks for the info!!
Anonymous June 6, 2009, 5:34 am
We take our bodies for granted, from the small step of walking to climbing mtns. It can all change in a second, so instead of hating things to often about ourselves because of vanity, people should be thankful for the fact that they can walk, bike, run, dance, etc… some people lose these in a second.
Laura in Pgh June 6, 2009, 4:09 pm
Caitlyn, you are the woman! What an inspiration you are to us … your blog is #1 in my book. Keep writing and believing in yourself. I'm a runner (who's been injured in the past) so i can empathize with your current situation. I feel so proud of you for how you're dealing with it all! Thank you for sharing, because it makes it easier for others in the same boat.
Erin June 7, 2009, 1:32 am
Your video brought tears to my eyes. Everyday I beat myself up because I feel I haven't achieved "beauty and perfection" because im not as thin as I would like to be. But I'm not a quitter, and everyday I try so hard to be healthy. But what I forget, is I AM TRYING, which is all a person can do. Thank you, Caitlin, for reminding me to love who I am right now, not who I dream to be.

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