In Need of a New Helmet

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I am so sore from the Olympic Triathlon!  :)  But in a good way.  I spent all afternoon watching TV and preparing a triathlon recap video – I’ll post it tomorrow.  It includes fun footage of my bike crash!

 

Speaking of my bike crash, it’s time for me to buy a new helmet!  Helmets are only good for one crash, and I banged my head pretty badly when I wiped out today.  I hope I can find another pink one at the bike store. 

 

Here’s why you must replace helmets:

 

The foam part of a helmet is made for one-time use, and after crushing once it is no longer as protective as it was, even if it still looks intact. Bear in mind that if the helmet did its job most people would tell you that they did not even hit their head, or did not hit their head that hard. And the thin shells on most helmets now tend to hide any dents in the foam. But if you can see marks on the shell or measure any foam crush at all, replace the helmet.  You can also crack the helmet foam or damage it by dropping the helmet on a hard surface. The cracks may be small and hard to see, so you need to look carefully. Cracks in the foam always require replacement of the helmet.  You may be reluctant to replace a helmet that looks almost as good as new, but if you did hit, you don’t want to take chances on where you will hit next time. If the foam is cracked under the thin shell, it will be more likely to fly apart in your next crash.

 

This afternoon, I had a big plate of pasta with artichokes and sundried tomatoes.  And another beer.  It helps with the soreness, I swear.

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A little while later, I had a big plate of roasted veggies.  I had parsnips, carrots, broccoli, and sweet potato.  Mmm. 

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And dessert was Key Lime Pie – the last slice!  Who ate all my pie?!

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I’m off to bed.  See you in the AM!

{ 38 comments }

 

  • katherine March 14, 2010, 10:06 pm

    Have a great night and congratulations again on an AWESOME race and accomplishment!!

  • Katie @ Two Lives, One Lifestyle March 14, 2010, 10:07 pm

    Just catching up on the blogs after the weekend… congratulations on your tri!! Sounds like you enjoyed it and met your goals, plus some badass road rash 😉

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) March 14, 2010, 10:08 pm

    Rest up!!!!!!! Hope you are feeling better in the morning 🙂

  • Amanda March 14, 2010, 10:08 pm

    Thats great info about the helmet, I don’t think I would have ever thought about that. Enjoy the beer! I wish I had a cold one right about now.

  • Babycakes March 14, 2010, 10:08 pm

    super excited for your recap video! Get some good sleep!

  • Whitney @ whitinspired.wordpress.com March 14, 2010, 10:08 pm

    I’ll have to remember that the next time I’m sore, I need an extra glass of wine ;). Congrats again on finishing the tri!

  • Dynamics March 14, 2010, 10:10 pm

    You are absolutely right about the helmets. My dad hit a mountain head on and the helmet had a few light cracks in the paint. We tore it apart (we did not want anyone digging it out of the trash thinking it was a good helmet) and wow, the inside damage was amazing. A well made helmet can save you life for sure. Not one thing wrong with my dad’s head. Congrats again on an awesome race!

    • Caitlin March 15, 2010, 9:28 am

      yes! my dad said i should take a hammer to it so no one else can use it if they find it in the trash.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) March 14, 2010, 10:12 pm

    That dinner sounds like a perfect way to refuel!

  • Pinksass March 14, 2010, 10:17 pm

    Can you tell me how you roast your veggies? Like what you use and how you do it all. All the info please. 🙂

    Congrats on finishing the race.

    • Caitlin March 15, 2010, 9:28 am

      Wash and cut.
      Toss in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
      Cook at 400 degrees for 30 – 40 minutes, depending.
      Enjoy. 🙂

      Easy!

  • Madeline - Greens and Jeans March 14, 2010, 10:21 pm

    I’ve had several pink leopard print helmets from Giro! It’s so incredibly important to replace helmets after you smack your head or every 3 years no matter what! The foam starts to break down after that.

  • amanda @ fake ginger March 14, 2010, 10:22 pm

    I had no idea about the helmets. Obviously a major crash would need a new one but now I know that even minor ones require a replacement.

    All those veggies look delicious. Mmm!

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) March 14, 2010, 10:45 pm

    I hope you find a pink SPARKLY helmet! Good to know about the 1 crash rule. I wouldn’t have known that otherwise.

  • Ashley March 14, 2010, 10:47 pm

    I read this post before I read your tri recap and was all, “Crash? What crash?! Ack!” Glad you’re okay and that you rocked the triathlon! I totally understand your fear of open water–I get panicky in water if I can’t see or touch the bottom–and I’m glad you were able to push through the fear and get to the end. Awesome!

    Also, that pie looks tasty. I was bad and didn’t eat pie on Pi Day.

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing March 14, 2010, 10:56 pm

    That pie looks SO yummy! You definitely more than deserve it! 😀 Love your roasted veggies but I’ve never had parsnips before. What do they taste like?

    I never realized the importance of a helmet before Kelly’s accident last year. It really opened my eyes!!!

  • maria March 14, 2010, 11:32 pm

    Didn’t realize you should replace helmets so often. Thanks for that info!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) March 15, 2010, 12:01 am

    thanks for the info, i didn’t think it would need to be replaced that often, but i’m glad i know now! your roasted veggies look incredible. have a great night!

  • Jalita March 15, 2010, 12:07 am

    Congrats on finishing the Olympic Tri! I’m anxious to see the video racap of your experience!

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople March 15, 2010, 12:10 am

    Can’t wait to see the video! The veggies look awesome. =)

  • Jenny March 15, 2010, 12:17 am

    Congrats again on everything!!!

    That pasta dish looks to die for:)

  • lena March 15, 2010, 12:33 am

    wow! congrats on your achievement! someday i hope i can be as brave as you to swim the open seas! 🙂

  • Run Sarah March 15, 2010, 12:42 am

    Yum, key lime pie is amazing. Hope you sleep well tonight!

  • MareBare March 15, 2010, 1:48 am

    so happy and proud of you for the tri! you are an inspiration to all of us to face our fears!!!!!

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs March 15, 2010, 2:49 am

    I can’t wait for the video!
    You have to replace riding hats if you fall off once too – I think it must be all the same reasoning 🙂 That reminds me, I need a new riding hat…:s

  • Jen March 15, 2010, 5:59 am

    Caitlin – Congrats on your race! You should be very proud of yourself! Has the Tri-bug bitten you?

    • Caitlin March 15, 2010, 9:29 am

      hmmm. i wouldnt say i was bitten, no. 🙂

  • Marianne March 15, 2010, 6:17 am

    Congratulations on your triathlon – well done!

    I saw these helmets the other day – I think the watermelon one is awesome:

    http://www.swiss-miss.com/2010/03/nutcase-helmets-adult-sizes.html

  • Stacey March 15, 2010, 6:24 am

    Can’t wait to see the video!

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) March 15, 2010, 8:40 am

    AHHH…just saw your recap post and I’m sooo excited for you!! That’s so awesome…I knew you could do it! 😀

    CONGRATS!!!! :mrgreen:

  • emily March 15, 2010, 8:51 am

    I’m a post late but I wanted to say what a frigging rockstar you are. AWESOME job on the tri yesterday!

  • Kelly (Local Foodie Fight) March 15, 2010, 9:10 am

    I havent had key lime pie in ages. yum! makes me think of summer time which is awesome.

  • Andrea (canyoustayfordinner.com) March 15, 2010, 9:15 am

    I didn’t get a chance to comment on your last post about your triathlon, but I want you to know that I am so proud of you!! Yes, you really did an amazing job. Just knowing that you stood up to something that absolutely terrified you means so much. I hope to do something so brave and worthwhile. Great job, Caitlin!

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing March 15, 2010, 9:21 am

    Thanks for the info about the helmets. I didn’t know they were only good for one fall!

  • Christine @ Grub, Sweat and Cheers March 15, 2010, 9:24 am

    Congrats on the Tri! Well done!

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie March 15, 2010, 9:52 am

    Being sore means you pushed yourself! Way to go! Eat up and rest up:)

  • ari March 15, 2010, 10:33 am

    oh my gosh i never knew helmets were only good for one fall. good thing i’m not a big biker 😉

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) March 15, 2010, 2:29 pm

    That’s new info to me. I’ve not fallen with mine (yet) but I am glad to know this so if I do I can get a new one.

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