Something New

on February 3, 2010
in All Posts

Since I cut yesterday’s run short, I thought I’d try to make up the missed miles today – that was, until I read the swim workout Ryan had written for me:

IMG_5406

I read this and trembled in fear:

 

  • Distance:  1,500 meters
    Warm up: 400 meters at 50% effort
  • Interval Set 1: 50 meters at 90% effort for first 1/2 and 75% effort for second 1/2.  Repeat 8 times with 15 seconds rest in between.
  • Interval Set 2: Kicking drill for 50 meters at 75% effort for.  Repeat 6 times with 15 seconds rest in between.
  • Interval Set 3: Stroke drill for 25 meters at 50% effort for.  Repeat 8 times with 10 seconds rest in between.
  • Cool down: 200 meters at 50% effort

 

This was an INTENSE swim workout.  I had just finished the Backs and Biceps workout for the Intro to Iron Pumping Challenge, and the swim was all about sprinting and intervals and it was LONG.  Swimming ALONE was enough of a workout – those miles will just have to be missed. 🙂

 

When I was “learning” to run, I loved how BAD I was at it at first (and I still have tons of room for improvement!).  I think this is why I never really get bored running… because I like the challenge.  Does that make sense?  I think it’s really fun to learn something new. 

 

Anyway, swimming in my new running!  I feel pretty “eh” about swimming right now.  If you threw me in the middle of a lake and told me to swim 1,400 meters to shore, I might flounder.  :)  But I’m working on it… and that makes workouts a little more interesting!

 

If you’re looking to get into swimming, check out:

 

 

Pre-workout snack was one of Angela’s Glo bars:

IMG_6506

Dinner was a weird veggie platter.  This looks like a strange combo even when I prepared it.  :)  But it was good.

IMG_6507

Carrots, sprouts, green beans, crackers + hummus, and Chobani.

IMG_6509

IMG_6508

My mom and I are going to see Up in the Air tonight – it’s our tradition to split a popcorn.  Yum!

 

Have a good night!

{ 67 comments }

 

  • Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com February 3, 2010, 6:01 pm

    :O Up in the Air is so good!! I saw it the other week with my mum (we each had Ben and Jerry’s :P) and it’s really funny. Plus it’s been nominated for loads of Oscars (and George Clooney is so cute and so funny :p). I’m sure you’ll have a great time!
    I know what you mean about the challenge thing – that’s why I love riding; no matter how good you get, you can ALWAYS improve. And it’s so satisfying when you do! But yes heck, that does look like an intense workout :s
    (OH, and I think your dinner looks delicious – I love platter meals :))
    Have a great time with your mum!

  • Whitney @ whitinspired.wordpress.com February 3, 2010, 6:05 pm

    I want to see Up in the Air SO bad…hopefully you’ll give us a review!

  • Nicole February 3, 2010, 6:08 pm

    You and your mom are so cute Caitlin. I love my mom and we’re really close but I’m not much of a snuggler or anything like that with her. I think it’s cute that you’re like that with your mom though.
    I’m very EH about swimming too. I’m not a bad swimmer but I really don’t like it. I bought a suit but I just don’t ever have the motivation to swim. I think it’s because it’s such a pain in the ass to me–change, get wet, water in the ears, stinky skin and hair…we had a swim unit in Jr high and high school and I dreaded it…my skin was always tight and dry and I always stunk for the rest of the day like chlorine…anyway…enjoy the movie!!

  • Jessica @ Fit Chick Wannabe February 3, 2010, 6:20 pm

    wow that seems like quite a workout! Have fun at the movies with your mom! 🙂

  • lauren @ Eater not a runner February 3, 2010, 6:25 pm

    Enjoy the movie with mom! I really liked it.

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) February 3, 2010, 6:28 pm

    that sounds so fun! hope you guys have a good time…let us know how you like the movie 🙂

  • Merry Mary February 3, 2010, 6:30 pm

    I’m really enjoying watching your triathlon training. Eventually I want to do the same thing, so it’s pretty inspiring to watch.

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is February 3, 2010, 6:35 pm

    I feel the same way about running…just wish I’d keep at it. I’m so bad at it!

  • John February 3, 2010, 6:35 pm

    I’ve never been able to do the % workout thing. It’s either slow or fast.

  • Sam (Merit to the Carrot) February 3, 2010, 6:36 pm

    You are a forced to be reckoned with! Your workouts are killer (in a good way)
    Keep up the great work 🙂

  • Amber K February 3, 2010, 6:40 pm

    I so wish I could swim in a chlorinated pool! You’re making me jealous =)

    Oh and Chobani, pineapple is what I’m currently eating with some Kashi cereal…sooo good!

  • Cyclist Kate February 3, 2010, 6:40 pm

    I’m kind of in the same boat as you, but a little farther along. I was pretty “eh” about swimming for a long time and really wasn’t a confident swimmer AT ALL. The breathing was really hard for me to master and so I did my cycling, yoga, and pilates, and didn’t worry about the swimming. But last term I took a swim class on campus that’s twice a week and it got me totally jazzed about swimming! I’m taking it again (we basically just get workouts to do and sometimes play water polo), and I feel like a million bucks when I get out of the pool. I bet you you’ll learn to love it more and more once you get over that beginner’s hump (and that workout is INTENSE! I’m impressed!)

  • Samantha February 3, 2010, 6:41 pm

    I disagree with other posts. I saw that movie and it was not great. Others like The Blind Side are so much better.

    QUESTION – Since you are in a cold climate (temporarily), do you find it more difficult to get motivated to work out? Being dressed it sweats with no chance in heck that anyone is going to see my body until summertime deflates my motivation to work out. Also, is it true that fat is human insulation – does it keep you warmer in wintertime?

    • Caitlin February 3, 2010, 9:27 pm

      I remember in Pittsburgh that I had a lot of trouble getting motivated, but I do think its just a matter of habit more than anything else.

      And yes, fat is insulation 🙂

  • Megan @ Eat.Scrap.Run February 3, 2010, 6:42 pm

    Great job on fitting in your workouts while working and spending time with your mom. That’s so great you can spend time with her and still work during the week!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) February 3, 2010, 6:45 pm

    Good luck with the swimming! I had swim squad this morning too 🙂 Have you thought about joining a swim squad. I go once a week and they are fanastic for working on technique as they include heaps of technique drills!

  • Madeline - Greens and Jeans February 3, 2010, 6:46 pm

    I loved that movie! I’m sure you and your mom will have a great time!

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite February 3, 2010, 6:54 pm

    I’ve been dying to see that movie! Have fun!!

  • Kara (@ Kara's Marathon) February 3, 2010, 7:01 pm

    Enjoy the movie — I saw it last weekend and it was amazing!! Funny and heartwarming and painful all at the same time.

    Are you planning on doing any swim workouts in the open water in preparation for your tri?

    • Caitlin February 3, 2010, 9:28 pm

      Yes, at least once!

  • Run Sarah February 3, 2010, 7:18 pm

    I was the opposite – good at swimming then got bored of it. After running for a year I still have so much to improve on, its keeping it interesting!

  • Wendy February 3, 2010, 7:28 pm

    Parts of Up in the Air was filmed not far from me in St. Louis! I haven’t seen it, but I’ve heard it’s pretty good.

    I am so impressed that you’ve been able to do actual swim workouts so soon after learning how to swim. I took years of swim lessons as a kid, then an adult refresher course recently, and I still feel so awkward in the pool! Maybe I just need to work harder at it…

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) February 3, 2010, 7:30 pm

    I really liked that movie! My hubby and I split a popcorn when we went to it last week 🙂

  • Rachel February 3, 2010, 7:30 pm

    I still hasn’t seen Up in the Air! I love Chobani yogurt… I wish I could have some right now.

  • Matt February 3, 2010, 7:42 pm

    Haha I was pretty bad at running when I first started as well. It gets better with time!

  • Courtney February 3, 2010, 7:44 pm

    One tip I read when I was training for my tri was to ALWAYS do the swim portion of any workout you have planned for the day first…then do strength, running, biking or whatever else you have planned. That way you can give your all to the swim which is usually the hardest leg for most people. Just thought I’d pass along the wisdom!
    Courtney
    adventures in tri-ing

  • Allison February 3, 2010, 7:45 pm

    Yeah, I love that I’m not that good at running because I keep getting better!! I swam for 10 years, and it just doesn’t feel like a workout to me unless I swim 6000-7000 meters. But for running, a 4 mile run can wear me out!

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers February 3, 2010, 7:56 pm

    Wow that’s an involved workout! I usually just jump in a say “ok I’m swimming” haha

  • Joey February 3, 2010, 7:57 pm

    how about a “how to run” post for us beginners? 🙂

  • andrea February 3, 2010, 8:00 pm

    Please post your review I’m debating seeing it!

  • Diana (Mymarblerye) February 3, 2010, 8:05 pm

    Up in the air is sooo good. try not to get seduced by george (first name basis only)

  • Jenna February 3, 2010, 8:16 pm

    Have a fun movie night!

  • kate February 3, 2010, 8:18 pm

    sounds like an awesome workout! i am in the process of writing up some swimming posts for my blog 🙂 love me some swimming

  • Jenna February 3, 2010, 8:25 pm

    As a former swimmer, yes, that workout is hard, especially for being new. But nice job on rockin it!

    Up in the Air is a wonderful movie, enjoy!

  • Babycakes February 3, 2010, 8:27 pm

    I loved Up in the Air! Have fun! 🙂

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) February 3, 2010, 8:31 pm

    Up In The Air is sooooooo good!!!!!

  • Island Girl Eats February 3, 2010, 8:34 pm

    I love movie theatre popcorn, but I feel so sick after. I never learn though!! If my husband is with me, he won’t let me buy it!!

  • Meredith February 3, 2010, 8:38 pm

    Great movie!!

  • Jessica @ WHY DONTCHA RUN February 3, 2010, 8:42 pm

    You are always looking for a challenge, aren’t you? You’re amazing! I get intimidated real easily and find that I give up before I even start. (I’m workin’ on that though 😉 )

    I see you were snacking on another Adore Bar… YUM! I have got to try one of them. 🙂

  • Emily Eats and Exercises February 3, 2010, 8:51 pm

    Sounds like a killer workout. I love swimming but my gym doesn’t have a pool. I’m going to pay to join one closer to my tri. In the meantime I’m mostly focusing on improving my running.
    The adore bar sounds great – how soon pre-workout did you eat? I’m still struggling to figure out my pre-workout eating. Fueled but not too full, ya know?

    • Caitlin February 3, 2010, 9:29 pm

      I am the wrong person to ask! I can literally inhale food immediately prior to exercising. I ate a Clif bar at the marathon start line!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) February 3, 2010, 8:57 pm

    I totally agree. That’s why I love training for my longer race now (10K) since it is a new challenge.

  • Deva (Voracious Vorilee) February 3, 2010, 9:05 pm

    Mmmm. Your veggie platter looks like a good mix of flavors :-). I love a challenge, which I think is why I love weight lifting so much – there’s a new challenge every time I go to the gym, whether it’s improving form, increasing weight, or just seeing how much my one rep max is to beat it 🙂

  • Liz February 3, 2010, 9:07 pm

    what time is dinner and yoga? I have to stay after school tomorrow to supervise the dance team’s practice, but if it’s late enough I might could make it!

  • Julie February 3, 2010, 9:11 pm

    I love random snack plates for dinner. Have a fun date with your mom 🙂

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing February 3, 2010, 9:20 pm

    I think your meal sounds great! I actually love ones like that, lots of different flavors.

    As for the challenge, I totally get you too. I also love running for that very reason. It’s awesome to be able to see yourself improve and come up with new challenges and new things to overcome each day!

  • Heather February 3, 2010, 9:55 pm

    Oh I saw that movie, it was great! Let us know what you think of the very end!!

  • Danielle February 3, 2010, 10:17 pm

    I was looking at your awesome training plan and it seems like you’re not taking many full rest days. I was just wondering, are rest days less necessary during triathlon training (as compared to marathon training)? Thanks!

    • Caitlin February 4, 2010, 8:47 am

      ah, the rest day debate. i plan to take rest days on an “as needed” basis, but when you’re training for an oly tri (which is probably a step above what i am comfortable doing and is def pushing me to my limits), i really need to be doing SOMETHING 6 days a week. and yes, i do believe rest days are less necessary for a tri (i only ran 4 days a week for the marathon) because running is SOOO grueling on your body. Swimming and biking just don’t have the same negative impact. We’ll see what happens!

  • Jamie February 3, 2010, 10:28 pm

    woah, looks like my kind of dinner actually, but how did you eat the sprouts? i’ve only had them on sandwiches and never thought to eat them… plain? with hummus?

    • Caitlin February 4, 2010, 8:47 am

      i put them on the crackers with hummus!

  • La February 3, 2010, 10:29 pm

    I loved Up in the Air! Mmmmmm Clooney <3

    Thanks for the swimming tips! I would love to learn how to swim properly.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg February 3, 2010, 11:43 pm

    I loved Up in the Air! Can’t wait to hear what you thought about it!

  • Jenna @ EatingGreen, StayingLean February 4, 2010, 7:14 am

    I’ve definitely seen weirder dinners 🙂 Hummus and greek yogurt are two of my favorite things!

  • Haleigh February 4, 2010, 7:37 am

    I have been wanting to see up in the air! Let us know your thoughts about the film 🙂

  • Nicole, MS, RD, LD February 4, 2010, 8:31 am

    It helps to hear you don’t love swimming. I’ve tried pool workouts in the past and I am WHIPPED afterwards. There’s something about swimming that makes it so difficult for me (not being able to breath naturally?)! I want to work on it, though!

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) February 4, 2010, 8:49 am

    Nice job on the swim workout! Swimming is so tough – and pretty much the opposite of running, so I think you’re doing fabulously so far 😀
    Love hodge podge dinners sometime 🙂

  • Caitlin@TheTwentyFifthYEar February 4, 2010, 8:53 am

    I have never thought of looking at running as something I can get better at quite like this – I like it!

    I am interested to hear your review of “Up In The Air.” I saw it Christmas Eve at an movie theater in Texas where they serve food and drinks (awesome in itself, right?) and absolutely loved it.

  • Gracie @ Girl Meets Health February 4, 2010, 8:59 am

    Ohh, how was Up in the Air? I’m dying to see it. In fact, this is that time of year that I try to see all of the “best picture” nominees before the Oscars, which is TEN this year! I better get some popcorn ready…

  • Lauren February 4, 2010, 9:15 am

    Hope you’re having fun with your mommy! I’m going home to visit my parents, sister, and niece tomorrow, so excited! My mom and I are also very close, and I love taking every available opportunity to spend time with her.

    Your swim sounded intense! What you said about appreciating the built-in challenge of swimming makes a lot of sense. I have always been a good natural swimmer, but casually swimming laps and training for a tri are two very different things! When I trained for my tri (Olympic) two years ago, I definitely remember that swimming was the most labor-intensive aspect for me. I’d like to say that I’ve worked swimming into my weekly workout routine, but really haven’t =/ In the past three months, I’ve swum about twice. Oh well! Anyway, enjoy the challenge!

  • RhodeyGirl February 4, 2010, 9:15 am

    Caitlin PB and I had our first swim today.

    I can finally beat him at something. We just swam 30 minutes at a leisurely pace, and after the first 3 minutes I passed him time and time again.

    I am so excited that I will be able to follow your swim workouts and experience as I begin mine as well.

    • Caitlin February 4, 2010, 9:18 am

      YAY you rock!!! love triathlons. they are the new marathons.

  • chandra h February 4, 2010, 9:16 am

    you’re doing great with the swimming, girl! 🙂 very inspiring. i don’t like it when i bad at things. lol

    love the random veggie platter. my kind of meal ;p

    <3

  • chandra h February 4, 2010, 9:17 am

    when i am* LOL. that’s my second grammar mistake i corrected in commenting on blogs this morning. errr

  • Lexie February 5, 2010, 7:23 am

    I totally understand what you mean here. I’m so bad at running right now, but I can never wait to get back on the treadmill because I want to see if I’ve improved since last time! It’s the perfect motivator! And seeing as I have many many miles to improve, I don’t see myself getting bored or losing that motivation for a LONG time.

Previous post:

Next post:

Search The Blog

Read by Month:

Read by Topic:

Healthy Tipping Point