Total Immersion Giveaway

on March 1, 2010
in All Posts

It’s official Week 5 of Triathlon Training – only two weeks to go!  Here’s how the last 2 weeks have gone:

 

  • Tri Week 3: Swim 3,750 meters; Run 18.5 miles; Bike 43.0 miles
  • Tri Week 4: Swim 4,600 meters; Run 17.0 miles; Bike 48.0 miles

 

Much like I couldn’t imagine the dedication a marathon plan would require when I was running 10K and 15Ks, I cannot imagine the intensity of a Half Ironman training plan!

 

Confession:  I am already eyeing a Half Ironman in November called Beach to Battleship in North Carolina.  :)  There’s a Half Ironman in Florida in May, but I can’t get ready for that while preparing for my Century bike race.  What can I say – I’m addicted to racing! 

 

I’m LOVING triathlon training.  I trained for a sprint triathlon in 2008 and it was a disaster (I was disqualified from the swim because I had a panic attack and quit).  My training is so different this time around:  I really learned how to swim, I have better mental strength, and my endurance is higher.   One thing I really love about triathlon training is that my body feels SO good – I don’t feel beat up as I did when training for the marathon.  All this cross training is GOOD!

 

Onwards – breakfast:

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I had a bowl of smiley oatmeal.

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My oatmeal contained:

 

  • 3/4 cup oatmeal
  • 3/4 cup rice milk
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/2 banana
  • Toppings: flax, strawberries, blackberries, and two almond eyes 🙂

 

Everyone wish Maggie good luck today!  She’s going to the vet to get her teeth cleaned – I’m nervous because they have to put her under.   I bought her this big bed yesterday so she has something soft to lay on and recover later:

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Total Immersion Giveaway

 

On the triathlon note, here’s an awesome giveaway.

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So many triathletes recommended I check out the Total Immersion system for learning proper swimming form and techniques for the open water swim.

 

This DVD is great! So simple to understand, and it includes clear and non-corny visualizations for improving your form.  I’m definitely going to apply a lot of these lessons to my open water swim!

 

If you’d like to win a copy of Total Immersion:  Outside the Box – A Program for Success in Open Water, simply leave a comment describing your dream fitness achievement.   Want to run a fast 5K?  Finish a Half Marathon or Marathon?  Swim in the ocean?  Do a Half Ironman?  Finish 10 push-ups?  Whatever your goal, share it and you could win!  I’ll pick the winner Wednesday morning.

{ 189 comments }

 

  • Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete March 1, 2010, 8:18 am

    My goal, complete a half ironman before the end of this year, and hopefully my first ironman by the end of next year!

  • Meghan@traveleatlove March 1, 2010, 8:21 am

    I wish I loved racing like you! I get soooooo nervous! The Boston Marathon is 6 weeks away, and I am already a nervous wreck!

  • Kelly March 1, 2010, 8:23 am

    My current fitness dream is to be able to run without pain in my knee so that I could do another triathlon- I’m not even picky about the distance, just being able to run would be great 🙂 For now I’m sticking with Aquabikes so I could definitely use some swimming improvement!

  • whit @ whitinspired March 1, 2010, 8:26 am

    Woo Hoo! The Beach to Battleship is in my hometown and I’m planning on running the half marathon with my SIL!

    • whit @ whitinspired March 1, 2010, 8:28 am

      Oh and my dream goal is to run a half marathon. I just completed the couch to 5k program and ran a practice 5k on Saturday in 30:19. I’m so proud of that! Now on to the next goal…

      • Christine March 1, 2010, 10:08 am

        Good for you! I’ve been training for my first Half-Marathon this summer. I’m so excited!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine March 1, 2010, 8:30 am

    What a great giveaway! I’m currently training for a half marathon 🙂

    • Christine March 1, 2010, 10:10 am

      Me too – what plan are you following?

  • Sara @ ActiveGal March 1, 2010, 8:31 am

    My dream goal would be to complete an olympic triathalon and maybe one day a half ironman!

  • Mae @ OhhMay March 1, 2010, 8:32 am

    I would love to do a tri someday. I was going to states for the 2 mile in my junior year of high school when I tore a tendon in my ankle. I was doing 45 (fast) mp/w and all of a sudden I couldn’t do anything! Once I got out of the cast I taught myself to swim… by stalking little kids swim teams 😉 and now I’ve been doing that for almost a full year.
    I would love to swim a 10k this summer- and I would definitely make use of this video. This is such a great giveaway!

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs March 1, 2010, 8:35 am

    My dream fitness achievement – do my first marathon in sub 4hr30!! You never know…dream big, win big 😀
    LOVE your breakfast, that’s too cute 🙂

  • Marie March 1, 2010, 8:35 am

    My dream…a faster half iron!

  • Laura March 1, 2010, 8:36 am

    I want to and have signed up for a half marathon. And maybe later this summer I will try an olympic distance tri.

  • Megan March 1, 2010, 8:38 am

    My immediate goal is to complete a marathon (which will happen this Sunday!) and my longer term goal is to become a confident triathlete and eventually complete a half ironman. Time will tell! Wonderful giveaway!

  • Carolyn March 1, 2010, 8:39 am

    I’m working on getting past injuries to be able to finish my 8k on March 20th with a little pride. 😉

  • Nicole, RD March 1, 2010, 8:41 am

    My dream fitness achievement would have to be an ironman. I don’t know that I would/could ever achieve it, but what an honor!

    Good luck to Maggie! She’ll want to come home to that bed, that’s for sure. That’s a size “king” in doggie beds!

  • Dana March 1, 2010, 8:43 am

    I have run one marathon and did that just to complete it. Now, I would love to run a sub-4 hour marathon!

  • Elisa March 1, 2010, 8:44 am

    My dream goal would be to become a personal trainer!

  • Britt @ Runnerbelle March 1, 2010, 8:45 am

    My dream is to do an Iron Man! But first I have to at least do a shorter triathlon. I’m aiming to do a half iron in September with a shorter distance possibly before that!

  • Karen w March 1, 2010, 8:45 am

    Mine dream goal is actually a half iron… I heard beach to battleship is a good one, I also think there is one in Miami in October or November as well. Augusta is in September but might be sooner than you wanted to race. Good luck with the oly!

  • Lisa March 1, 2010, 8:47 am

    I’m embarrassed that I might be overreaching because my ultimate dream is to do the full Ironman but I have yet to do even one. However, I did sign up for a Sprint tri for the end of May and have taken swimming lessons to prepare. I’m keeping up my distance running (well, at least one long run of 20k/week) just to be ready for that dream day…!

    • caitlin March 1, 2010, 8:48 am

      you should be proud, not embarrassed! goals are awesome.

  • Sarah March 1, 2010, 8:48 am

    Good luck, Maggie!! I love it that you got her a new bed for her recovery. I know we have a similar view on animals and it is so nice to see you loving your pups the way that you do!! Lucky dogs!!

    • caitlin March 1, 2010, 8:49 am

      i want another pup!

  • beth March 1, 2010, 8:48 am

    My dream goal would be to do a half ironman. I like the natural cross training that triathlon prep provides. Maggie looks like a princess in her big bed =)

  • Anna March 1, 2010, 8:49 am

    My dad and I are trying to qualify for Boston together and although this has been a dream for a while I know we will make it a reality soon! It makes me tear up just thinking about how wonderful it will be to qualify and then run Boston side by side. Also, I dream of finishing an Ironman this morning in my spin class I was thinking I can’t believe I would be cycling for 7 hours but that’s what makes it worth it!

  • Julie March 1, 2010, 8:49 am

    My goal is just to move from sprints to Olympic distance…nothing as lofty as your 1/2 ironman! 🙂 But I can use all the help I can get on the swim!

    I can’t wait for your race report on the tri….get to an open water practice swim!

  • Jenny March 1, 2010, 8:49 am

    Long term fitness dream is completing a triathlon. But, right now I’m working on running a 5k…just getting back in to running after a long hiatus.

  • Amy March 1, 2010, 8:50 am

    Did you get her new bed at Costco? We have the same one for Jersey, and I’m curious if yours smells like pine chips? lol

    • caitlin March 1, 2010, 8:51 am

      haha YES and YES! i love the way it smells.

      Can you believe that bed was only $18?! such a steal.

  • Tammy March 1, 2010, 8:50 am

    I want to do a tri someday! But…right now, I would just settle for being able to do some sort of exercise without pain!

  • Amy H March 1, 2010, 8:53 am

    I want to complete a sprint triathlon. I have never been much of a swimmer, so it actually really scares me. And I want to run another marathon, just to prove to myself that the first was not a fluke:)

  • Megan (The Runner's Kitchen) March 1, 2010, 8:53 am

    I would really like to learn how to swim and complete an outdoor triathlon someday!

  • Denise March 1, 2010, 8:54 am

    My dream is to earn my 2nd degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. I am currently also working on an under 25 min 5k & TRYING to learn to swim above water ( Right now all I can do is to hold my breath and swim under the water! ) so as you can see, any swimming help would be GREATLY appreciated!
    Good Luck, Maggie!

  • Samantha March 1, 2010, 8:56 am

    I would love to complete a half ironman, but my more immediate goal is my first half marathon in April!

  • Tami March 1, 2010, 8:56 am

    i hope to complete my first triathlons this year, I have two planned, there are HUGE tri’s around here, you should come to NH to do them 🙂

  • Alison March 1, 2010, 8:57 am

    I’ve completed a half-IM before, my now my dream goal is to do my first triathlon post-baby this summer!

  • Lindsay @ cookingforaveganlover.wordpress.com March 1, 2010, 8:57 am

    I would love to run a 5K some day

  • Tami March 1, 2010, 8:58 am

    the video can be found on netflix, seems like there isn’t a release date yet but you can save it.

  • Anne @ the doctor takes a wife March 1, 2010, 8:58 am

    I’m running my first 5k in 2 weeks. I’ve never done anything like this, and I’m just excited to have finally (1) signed up and (2) actually do it. I’ve always wanted to learn how to swim–I can stay floating/doggy paddling, but have never learned the actual technique!!

  • Mari Larkin March 1, 2010, 8:59 am

    My dream goal would be to lose this extra weight so my knees will operate better and pain free. Doing good so far, but I really would love to get back to classes like Zumba and aerobics again. Lately I’ve just been swimming in the pool, but would love to learn these better swimming techniques to improve and maybe help me swim other places other than just they Y!

  • Caitlin @ Right Foot Forward March 1, 2010, 8:59 am

    Your oatmeal made me smile! 🙂 Good luck to Maggie today.

    I would LOVE to complete a full marathon…I think next year is my year!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing March 1, 2010, 9:00 am

    My dream goal is to do a marathon.. but first, I have a half-marathon goal. I can’t wait!! I can’t even believe that this is my life.. that I WANT to go run 26 miles for FUN. If someone would’ve told me this 1 year ago… I would’ve told them they were crazy and i’d run 26 miles without someone chasing me when pigs fly. Haha how life changes!

    Good luck to Maggie!!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) March 1, 2010, 9:00 am

    I would love to be able to run a 5k. I am not a runner at all right now, but as soon as the snow melts I am going to give it my all!

  • Heather ODonnell March 1, 2010, 9:02 am

    I have so many fitness goals. I have signed up for a half marathon in May–my longest race to date is a 5K, although I have a 5 miler this weekend. I am also eye-ing a marathon in September. It will all depend on my knees. I’m already experiencing a bit of pain with 6-7 mile runs. I’ve been stretching and icing like crazy.

  • Carrie C. in VA March 1, 2010, 9:03 am

    Luckily I achieved my dream fitness goals prior to getting pregnant (several triathlons, a half-marathon) and now I am just hoping to be able to achieve a regular fitness routine once this baby is born! I am a lap swimmer, and have always wanted to check out the Total Immersion DVD’s – I know I have a lot of room for improvement with my stroke efficiency!

  • Beth March 1, 2010, 9:07 am

    For 2010, I want to run a half marathon. Eventually I’d LOVE to do a sprint tri!

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers March 1, 2010, 9:09 am

    I want to do a full Ironman one day 🙂 I’ve never swam in open water though…

    I’m so impressed with how different you feel about the tri training this time- so encouraging!!

  • Shannon March 1, 2010, 9:09 am

    Ooh, that DVD looks great. It’s so tough to make sense of swimming advice without an in-person consult. I’d love to try a dvd! My fitness goal is to run a 1/2 marathon without taking frequent walk breaks.

  • Tonyne @ Unlikely Success Story March 1, 2010, 9:09 am

    The Beach to Battleship!! How awesome! I love that weekend, traffic in Wilmington shuts down, it’s all over the local news. If you do it, I’ll come out and cheer you on! 🙂

  • Gina March 1, 2010, 9:10 am

    My dream would be to complete a Half Ironman, but that is probably a year or two down the road. I want to conquer a marathon first.
    That bed is awesome, she looks so tiny in it 🙂

  • Sarah March 1, 2010, 9:12 am

    I am running my first 5K in April and would love to start swimming when the pool opens this summer.

  • Emily March 1, 2010, 9:18 am

    I’d love to run a half marathon in the next few years!

  • Erin March 1, 2010, 9:20 am

    This is a small goal for now…run a 5K and maybe bike a 5K or something.

  • Megan March 1, 2010, 9:21 am

    Just another comment on the Beach to Battleship Ironman – I live in Wilmington and one of my good friends has done it for the past two years. It is a huge deal down here and Wilmington does a great job promoting/supporting it.

  • MarathonVal March 1, 2010, 9:22 am

    I would LOVE to win this DVD because like you, I’ve always wanted to do a triathlon so badly but the water portion has been getting in my way!! I can barely swim to save my life, and this DVD sounds like it might be a great way to learn!

  • Courtney March 1, 2010, 9:23 am

    Did you get the bed at Costco? Looks similar to the one we just got there!
    My current fitness dream is to complete a half marathon. I’m training and will be doing the Green Bay Half Marathon in May. WHOOO!
    But…also planning to do some other tris this summer and would love some help with my swimming.
    Courtney
    adventures in tri-ing

    • caitlin March 1, 2010, 9:34 am

      yup, a costco bed 🙂

  • Maria Albo March 1, 2010, 9:25 am

    I have lots of fitness goals specifically I hope to fun a 15K by the end of the summer. But mostly I would love to learn how to swim. Its not really a “fitness related” goal but I have always been afraid of the water and it would be a dream come true to finally overcome that fear! By the way, I love your website. I have been following since before your wedding through my wedding and my first 5K. This blog continues to inspire me everyday. Thanks for always keeping it fresh!

  • Jenn @ Livewellfit March 1, 2010, 9:25 am

    There is something about triathlons…people become ADDICTED!!!!

    My fiance did a half ironman and he had the time of his life! Personally…my body doesn’t do long distance well anymore but I love short and fast races. I’m not very fast but I still enjoy it. 🙂

    I’m a kickboxing and spinning junkie so my dream is to be teaching classes at least 5 days of the week!

  • Anna March 1, 2010, 9:26 am

    I hope to do a sprint tri this May – and more after that! This video would be really helpful!

  • Krysta March 1, 2010, 9:27 am

    Hi Caitlin!
    My ultimate fitness goal is to be a swimmer! I have a long-lived fear of swimming. Reading your training day after day is pushing me to go take lessons. And, to push my running and cycling further and further. Thank you for all your positivity and committment, it’s rubbing off….!

  • Mary (Food Fit & Fun) March 1, 2010, 9:30 am

    My ultimate fitness goal is to become a swimmer. I’d love to compete in triathlons!

  • Beth March 1, 2010, 9:31 am

    I am doing the Iron Girl sprint tri this May. I’m really hoping it goes well and would like to do an Olympic length one if this one works out!

  • stacey March 1, 2010, 9:33 am

    I would love to do a triathlon, but I am very scared of the swimming portion!

  • julie March 1, 2010, 9:37 am

    My dreams that are tri related are to be more competetive with my times. I tend to trail behind once I get to the run.

  • Nicole March 1, 2010, 9:38 am

    I don’t really have a dream goal. I guess I could say to qualify for Boston, but that is a VERY far off goal. Right now I’m learning how to swim. Yes I am 30 years old and don’t know how to swim 🙂

  • chrissy March 1, 2010, 9:38 am

    I’d like to do a triathlon! I’m fake training for one right now – learning to swim properly and just now getting back into biking (winter + marathon training kept me off my wheels).

  • Super G March 1, 2010, 9:41 am

    My ultimate fitness goal: to become very active and an avid runner! I want to do a 5k by mid year then a half marathon before the end of the year.
    Good luck Maggie! Awww poor thing…
    You have such cute dogs!

  • Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope March 1, 2010, 9:42 am

    I want to a sprint triathlon. Also scared of the open water, so it would be an accomplishment

  • Emily March 1, 2010, 9:46 am

    Aw! Sweet Maggie! I bought my dog a bed to before I picked him up from the vet after his cleaning and all he wanted to do was cuddle with me!! lol He wanted NOTHING to do with that bed. Good luck Maggie!

  • Beth March 1, 2010, 9:49 am

    I have so many fitness goals! I’d love to qualify for the Boston Marathon, I want to be able to do 100 push ups in a row, I want to complete a triathlon (any distance, I’m sure I’d have more goals after the first one)…I suppose my ULTIMATE goal would be to complete a full Ironman, but that would take insane amounts of training!!

  • Sam March 1, 2010, 9:51 am

    I’d absolutely love to run the London Marathon and I’m determined that one day I will. At the moment I’d just be happy being able to run a 10k though!

  • ashley March 1, 2010, 9:53 am

    I’d love to run a half marathon!

  • Sophie @ yumventures March 1, 2010, 9:54 am

    Your training is so motivational! It is making me want to try so many new things, besides just running. I’ve already picked up more strength training =) Keep going girl!

  • denita March 1, 2010, 9:56 am

    I want to get back in the pool. I never learned to swim properly, so when I took up swimming I injured my shoulder. I want to get back in the pool, I miss it, but I have to learn proper form first.

  • Carolyn C. March 1, 2010, 9:57 am

    I would love to complete a marathon someday. I completed a half last Nov, and it was truly, the hardest thing I had ever done. I’m kinda scared to start training again! 🙂

  • caronae March 1, 2010, 10:03 am

    Love your oatmeal happy face 🙂

    My dream fitness achievement is a sub-four hour marathon!

  • Matt March 1, 2010, 10:03 am

    I’m sure all that cross training is great for your body. Running really beats me up, but I am addicted 😉

  • Brynn March 1, 2010, 10:03 am

    My current goal is to finish my first 10K next month without walking. Long-term, I want to run a half marathon sometime in the next year or so.

  • stephanie March 1, 2010, 10:03 am

    I’d love to compete in another Triathlon and NOT freak out in the open water ocean swim. Seriously the scariest and hardest thing I’ve ever done being that it was stormy conditions and 5-6 foot waves filled with sea kelp. All my swimming technique went flying out the window just trying to breath without drowning. But I loved the overall Tri experience 🙂

  • kelly March 1, 2010, 10:04 am

    Best of luck mags! As for goals, I would love to run near two hour 1/2, under 29min 5k, and under an hour for a 10k.

  • Jess March 1, 2010, 10:06 am

    Carolina John (http://trainingsmoker.blogspot.com/) did Beach To Battleship last year. I’m sure he’d able to offer you some great advice if you’re thinking about doing that race.

  • Laura March 1, 2010, 10:09 am

    Hwy Caitlin,
    I have a whole list of 2010 fitness goals (to do a perfect crow pose in yoga, and actually complete 10 unassisted pull-ups, etc) but one thing I REALLY want to learn is actually how to swim. I’m a runner and my boyfriend HATES running and races but just told me last night that he wants to train for a triathalon with me! This is huge, as I have begged him for years just to TRY a race with me. I’ve never done a tri, because I’m afraid of swimming, but I will learn and overcome my fear if it means training for something with him! 🙂

  • Heather March 1, 2010, 10:09 am

    those berries look great! My dream achievement is to complete a marathon. I ran my second half yesterday!

  • Jen March 1, 2010, 10:10 am

    I completely agree!!! I felt the best when I was training for my triathlon last summer! Since then, I ran a marathon and am now training for a half marathon and it is amazing how differently my body is responding. Like, it NEEDs cross training! So, I give it to it, and I think my running has improved as a result!

  • Christine March 1, 2010, 10:11 am

    I’m currently training for a Half this summer. I’ve only ever run 10ks before so I’m pretty excited about this. Who knows I may run a full marathon next year!

    I’d love to do a triathalon but am a completely crap swimmer.

  • Mary @ Fit this girl March 1, 2010, 10:18 am

    I don’t know if it’s my dream fitness achievement, but I am doing my first Tri in August and will have to take some swim lessons to do it! I can swim, but not well… I am excited to try something new and conquer my swimming issues! It’s been inspiring to see you go through this. Otherwise a true Fitness dream is to run a destination marathon and I may even be doing that sooner than I though!!

  • Kristin March 1, 2010, 10:19 am

    My fitness goal is to continue to workout during pregnancy #2. I know that swimming is one of the best things I can do over the next 6 months but I am a horrible swimmer and would love to learn better technique. I have completed 1 tri but just “made it through” the swim. I would love this DVD!

  • Angharad March 1, 2010, 10:20 am

    Awesome workout yesterday! You must be so excited for the tri!
    I wish I could say I wanted Man U to win the game…but I didn’t! Love that you watched it though — we did too (at 9am!)

  • Angie (Losing It and Loving It) March 1, 2010, 10:22 am

    Good luck to Maggie! Love that bed, looks comfy.

    My dream fitness achievement is to complete the 1/2 (run/walk) Reggae Marathon in Jamaica this Dec. I have never run before and up until I got sick 2 weeks ago I was doing pretty good. Now I have to wait until next Monday to start running again (due to a certain med I was taking) and I’m excited to get back to it. Very scared for the 1/2 though because at this point I’m not able to see myself doing it but I’ll get there!

    This open water dvd looks cool!

  • Kristine March 1, 2010, 10:26 am

    Good luck Maggie!!!
    My dream fitness achievement would be to run a marathon. I know I will do it some day. I’m just not physically or emotionally ready yet!

  • Liz March 1, 2010, 10:26 am

    I would love to do an ultramarathon…but first I need to finish my first marathon on 3/20!

  • RhodeyGirl March 1, 2010, 10:34 am

    PB and I are doing a sprint triathlon, and my goal is to FINISH and finish STRONG! I know that to some it may seem like nothing, but I am absolutely petrified of biking (besides relaxing biking) and it will be a great challenge!

  • Shellybean March 1, 2010, 10:36 am

    I have a lot of dream fitness goals- one would be to ski as well as my fiance who is an expert skier. Right now I can get down a red slope without embarrassing myself too much, but I’d love to be able to ski black slopes and to do more off piste stuff.

  • Marlene March 1, 2010, 10:38 am

    Ultimate goal: Ironman Triathalon (I love biking, running, and swimming – though swimming is definitely my weakest link… for now!)

    Immediate goal: full recovery from a PCL tear and a fissure in the cartilage under my kneecap. 🙁

  • kelsey @ kelseytoney March 1, 2010, 10:39 am

    I would love to complete a half… now if only my feet would cooperate.

    I’d also like to complete a short distance (maybe a sprint distance) tri… and I REALLY need help on my swimming technique!!

  • kirsten March 1, 2010, 10:40 am

    I would love to run a 1/2 marathon! My knees are so bad that I’m not sure if I will be able to.

  • Lauren March 1, 2010, 10:40 am

    My sisters-in-law, a few friends and I are doing a sprint triathlon in June, so I want to accomplish that goal, and do it well (especially the swim, yikes!).

  • Ellie March 1, 2010, 10:41 am

    I would LOVE to do a triathlon. I have to learn to run first though because despite being in great cardiovascular shape I CANNOT run. At all. I’m OK at biking and swimming (especially long distances) but running is the huge issue. . . .

  • mal March 1, 2010, 10:41 am

    my goal is to do a half marathon within the next year and a half and then to do a full sometime after that!

  • Lisa March 1, 2010, 10:44 am

    Your breakfast looks fantastic! Great to hear that your training is going so well! It’s really inspiring.

  • Mary March 1, 2010, 10:44 am

    My dream fitness achievement is to complete a full triathlon by the time I am 30. I have just begun training for my first triathlon race(a sprint in May)…My goal for the May race is to just complete it with a smile on my face!

  • Sara March 1, 2010, 10:46 am

    My dream fitness achievement is to run a half marathon! (I’m not as BA as you 😉 to run a marathon !)

    Sara

  • Meg @ Be Fit Be Full March 1, 2010, 10:48 am

    I have run two half marathons and would love to do a marathon. Can’t decide if I should wait until after I have babies though 🙂

  • katy March 1, 2010, 10:48 am

    I just saw your tweet about booking tickets to PA(I’m @katyfuoco but locked so you wouldn’t see if I replied since you don’t follow me) – look tomorrow morning! Tuesday AM usually is the best time for deals, and using websites like kayak.com or bing.com allows you to search multiple airlines at once. My BF was living in LA for a while so I got really good at finding deals 🙂 Good luck!!

  • Natalie March 1, 2010, 10:55 am

    My dream is to become a regular at olympic triathalons. I also had a major panic attack in my first sprint tri and have avoided them ever since opting for the duathlons. However, it is such great cross training and total fitness I would really love to get back to a tri, and do the olympic distance. I already love distance running and an olympic would improve my biking, if only I could get past that open water swim!!!

  • Tiffany March 1, 2010, 10:58 am

    i’m slowly making my way up, but my current dream fitness achievement is to run a half marathon! i’ve done 5k and 10k, and have a 10 miler in 2 months, but the half marathon will be next!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) March 1, 2010, 11:00 am

    your breakfast is so cute 🙂 i don’t have any racing goals, but I’d say that doing 50 push-ups on my toes would be an eventual goal i want to achieve by the end of June!!!

  • Joanne March 1, 2010, 11:03 am

    First, my thoughts and cares go out to Maggie. So nice she has a big, cozy bed to come home to.
    Second, Dream Fitness Achievemetn: Run a Marathon. I have you to thank for me making every attempt to do this. 🙂 YOu’re a great motivator, being as driven as you are. My only concern is proper eating the week of, day before, and morning of the event. I really have no clue what is going to work for me.

    • caitlin March 1, 2010, 11:05 am

      thank you 🙂

      practice what you eat before, during, and after when you do long runs and write it down so before the race you can look at your notes and see what you want to do.

  • Adrienne March 1, 2010, 11:07 am

    My dream is to complete a half Ironman. I love triathlons and how great it is, but I am super scared of having to do my shoddy swimming for a mile!

  • Suzanne March 1, 2010, 11:07 am

    I have a couple “dream fitness achievements”, and they’ve changed as I’ve progressed as an athlete. When I first started running, I dreamed of completing a marathon one day. After I ran my first half, and the idea of running a marathon became more attainable, I dreamed of qualifying for Boston. Now that I’ve started to love swimming, I want to do a full Ironman one day. This is definitely a life goal for me. I hope to do it, but I don’t think it will happen until after my future children are grown and I’ll have more time to devote to training.

    I’ve been really interested in total immersion for a while! My cousin is training for her first Ironman and swears by it!

  • Lizz March 1, 2010, 11:11 am

    I would love to learn how to ski! I’ve been once, and it was a lot of fun. I think watching the Olympics has had a little bit to do with this. 🙂

  • Trish March 1, 2010, 11:15 am

    Complete an ironman in August!

  • Nikki T March 1, 2010, 11:16 am

    This would be perfect as one of my Dream Fitness Achievements is to complete a Triathalon- not sure what distance yet, but growing up I always watched my Dad in his tri races and never had much interest in doing it myself, but recently I’ve gotten more into fitness and I’d love for my Dad to be able to come watch me complete one!!

  • kace@no guts no glory March 1, 2010, 11:23 am

    My DREAM goal would be to run a marathon-specifically, the one in Athens. Something about running that exact path really excites the history nerd teacher in me 🙂 Right now I’m starting with a half though, and I ultimately would LOVE to learn how to swim properly (in a pool, freestyle, backstroke, etc) and work that into my exercise; not to compete or do triathalons but just because its such a great workout. Will this dvd help with that?

    • caitlin March 1, 2010, 11:27 am

      this is more of a DVD for open water specifically, but total immersion does have “how to swim” videos on youtube that you might want to check out!

  • April March 1, 2010, 11:25 am

    I have so many goals. In the immediate future are to break 2:00 on the half marathon, then I’d like to break 4:00 on the full and someday qualify for Boston. I’d also like to participate in a triathlon at some point too! I’m slowly building up my swimming and this video would be super helpful!

  • Laura Georgina March 1, 2010, 11:30 am

    I have two back-of-the-mind fitness goals: running a half-marathon and doing a triathlon (the triathlon is more likely at this stage, but with good PT for my knees I could probably start training for a half mary)

  • Ellen March 1, 2010, 11:30 am

    I like to do the NYC marathon one day. I’ve been talking about it since I moved to the city over five years ago and I STILL haven’t done it. I like running and I’m disciplined–I know I could do it. Every year I watch on the sidelines, being moved to tears as I watch people in their 50s, 60s, 70s, do it–it’s time for less talk more action!

    http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/

  • Carolina John March 1, 2010, 11:33 am

    I already have a copy of that DVD, and I love total immersion swimming. It really is incredible. in fact, i’m off to the pool for a few minutes.

    And of course I did the Beach 2 Battleship half ironman last year and it was incredible. You can totally train up and do it. 70.3 miles is a long freaking way, but it’s certainly within your grasp. And b2b is a wonderful location for you, since you will be living in charlotte at the time. give my race report another read before you sign up if you want the low down on the course. esp the swim. it’s with the current, so you are swimming in a channel (not the ocean) and it is fast. really fast. so that should help with your mental swim approach.

    love it!

  • devon March 1, 2010, 11:35 am

    My friend’s husband did the Beach to Battleship full! He had a blast! It was pretty cold though.

  • Katie March 1, 2010, 11:37 am

    I would love to be able to finish my half marathon on March 21… my knees have been bothering me the last few days, and I don’t care about the time, I just want to complete it!

  • Anne March 1, 2010, 11:38 am

    2010 goals: half marathon 3.20.10; century ride 8.21; oly tri 9.12

    PHEW!

    in my wildest dreams? iron man.

  • Badgergirl March 1, 2010, 11:42 am

    I’d love to do a half ironman. Probably not this year, maybe 2011.

  • j.l. March 1, 2010, 11:47 am

    i really want to finish a marathon. i’m doing one in november. so here’s hoping!

  • Katheryn March 1, 2010, 11:49 am

    I would love to win this DVD for my husband. He’s into swimming and wants to train for a half ironman.

    As for me….I want to improve my marathon pace so that I can qualify for Boston.

  • Laura T. March 1, 2010, 11:50 am

    you’ve inspired me to train for a sprint tri this summer!

  • Dwayne March 1, 2010, 11:54 am

    Training for HMs right now with an eye toward bigger things later.

  • Therese Dansby March 1, 2010, 12:08 pm

    I’m training for my first marathon a year from yesterday! It’s the Cowtown marathon in my old hometown of Ft. Worth, TX. My friend Emily and I are running 26 miles for our 26th birthdays!

  • Lauren March 1, 2010, 12:10 pm

    I want to cultivate the dedication and mental fortitude to train for an Ironman.

  • StephanieR March 1, 2010, 12:20 pm

    a full marathon before I’m 30 (in a year- AAGH!)
    eventually, i’d love to do some sort of tri

  • Christina March 1, 2010, 12:37 pm

    I have been a swimmer since I was 10 but I’ve always dreamed of doing open water races!!

  • Carrie March 1, 2010, 12:41 pm

    I’ve run 8 marathons and have 10 more scheduled for this year. I love marathons, and would love to venture into triathlons, but I am a horrible swimmer. So much so that I’m convinced I’m part rock. I’d love to learn to swim well, be confident in the water and start doing triathlons!

  • Paige March 1, 2010, 12:42 pm

    My ultimate dream would be to complete an Ironman. I’ve done several sprint triathlons. People who complete an Ironman are amazing to me!

  • Sarah March 1, 2010, 12:43 pm

    I’m doing my second half-marathon in 3 weeks (so excited!). But I would really love to do a triathlon this summer/fall.

  • Amber from Girl with the Red Hair March 1, 2010, 12:45 pm

    My dream fitness achievement is definitely an Ultra marathon! I would love to do a 50 mile race one day. Maybe (MAYBE) even a 100-mile one!!

  • Susan March 1, 2010, 12:45 pm

    I would LOVE this!! I’m moving soon and would really like to join a gym with pool access and get back into swimming again. I’m a mediocre runner and cyclist, but I really felt swimming was something I could be GOOD at 😀 And yes, all the cross-training for triathlons is awesome 😉

    I have a few dream fitness achievements. I want to do a marathon (2011!), duathlon, metric century, etc. BUT I also reallyreally want to work up to squatting with my bodyweight up my back (ie a heavy-ass barbell), do a pull-up AND chin-up, as well as T-pushups.

  • Katie@ Two Lives, One Lifestyle March 1, 2010, 12:50 pm

    My dream would to be complete a half-oronman someday! I love biking and running but swimming is holding me back from doing longer tris. I have a current secret marathon time goal too 😉

  • Megan March 1, 2010, 1:07 pm

    I ran my first sprint triathlon last year and freaked during the swim…I finished, but doggie paddled my way around the course. I’d love to be able to do the tri again and actually swim the whole course. A small goal, for sure, but it would be a HUGE accomplishment for me. 🙂

  • Sarah March 1, 2010, 1:14 pm

    My goal would be a triathalon. I am scared of the swim!

  • Wendy March 1, 2010, 1:15 pm

    My two short-term (i.e. in the next year or two) goals are two run a sub-2 hour half marathon, and to finish a full marathon. Long term, I’d love to finish a triathlon! I need major help in the swimming department, and I also need to invest in a bike.

  • Michelle March 1, 2010, 1:20 pm

    My dream fitness goal is to finish a marathon (I’m training for one in April in St. Louis), and my fitness fantasy is to qualify for Boston & run in it!

  • Carly March 1, 2010, 1:54 pm

    Two dream goals: Marathon (seems much more likely as I am currently running long distances) and an Ironman Tri (seems much more challenging seeing as I can to swim, but freak out at times because I don’t really know proper technique!).

  • Shannon March 1, 2010, 1:56 pm

    someday, i’d love to do a half iron or iron 🙂 this year, i’m trying to get faster, with my eyes on an age-group finish in a smaller race!

  • Madison March 1, 2010, 2:08 pm

    Wow, that doggie bed is so luxurious! Maggie is so lucky! Hahaha.

  • Susan @ Journey for Health March 1, 2010, 2:10 pm

    My long time goal would be to compete a Half Ironman or an Ironman. But for the moment, my current fitness goal is to train to do a 5K Walk. I know it doesn’t sound like much, but with being my current weight, it feels like a large goal. I can walk maybe half that distance and my legs feel like rubber. But I have to start somewhere 🙂

  • Laura Smith March 1, 2010, 2:31 pm

    my closest dream is finishing first marathon (this may) then I am going to train for a sprint tri (june) I Hope 🙂 and would love to do more marathons and tri’s..if body allows!

  • LindsayRuns March 1, 2010, 2:37 pm

    My big dream righ now is finish my half marathon at the end of April.

    You are definately a puppy spoiler! That bed could hold a Lab! She’ll be fine, mine both did it last month and were playing like normal by the end of the day.

  • Jessica March 1, 2010, 2:39 pm

    I would have to say that my first dream goal would be to run a marathon. I would also love to run a half marathon, which I am hoping to do next October. I just ran my first 15K and I feel sooo intimidated by the thought of running a marathon. I hope I will run one in a few years though.

  • Megan March 1, 2010, 2:44 pm

    My goal right now isn’t a dream goal, its a real one: to complete my first triathlon in June. My dream goal would be to complete a half iron man.

  • Helena March 1, 2010, 2:46 pm

    I think this is sort of fitness related, I want to learn to scuba dive! Right now the first step is actually learning how to swim though. I can survive in deep water but somehow never learned any real strokes :S.

  • mallory March 1, 2010, 3:02 pm

    i know this is pretty wimpy compared to some of the comments, but my fitness goal right now is to run 2 miles without stopping.
    i’ve never been good at running (somehow it has just never “worked” for me!) but i’m motivated to work at it and reach this goal.

  • Czabrina March 1, 2010, 3:10 pm

    My goal is to do an olympic triathalon. I’ve gotten the running and biking thing covered, I just have to get stronger and faster, but I need to be able to swim, this is the only thing that is holding me back. But I will do it!

  • Rebecca Edgeworth March 1, 2010, 3:12 pm

    I have several fitness goals. I would like to do an olympic distance triathalon, then a half ironman. But also qualify for the boston marathon. Just ran a (PR) of 3:48 this week-end so I missed the BQ by 3 minutes. Overall I was proud of the race so I am not disappointed but it still remains on my “to do” list. Also, I’d like to be able to do 10 pull ups.

  • Jessica Lee March 1, 2010, 3:42 pm

    My short-term goal is to do the Chicago Marathon 2010.

    Long-term: IRONMAN. That will be in about 10 years or so though, I’m only 21.

    I want to get into triathlons. I love running but I want to challenge myself to do other things. You inspire me Caitlin!

  • Sana March 1, 2010, 3:42 pm

    My dream achievement is to complete a marathon!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) March 1, 2010, 3:54 pm

    oooh my ultimate goal is to do a half ironman – but as you said – it requires a lot of training which I am not sure I can commit to at the moment….
    That DVD looks great!

  • Cristin March 1, 2010, 3:58 pm

    I did my first sprint triathlon last year-I’d love to do a longer distance tri.

  • Tara March 1, 2010, 4:15 pm

    I’m currently getting over a knee injury, so I would love to do another triathlon, really of any distance, but secretly my “dream” would be a half ironman! Thanks for all the motivation!

  • Tara March 1, 2010, 4:25 pm

    My ultimate goal would be a half ironman. I have three sprints planned out for me this year…and I should navigate to an Olympic – but the half ironman would be an achievement that I (at this time) only dream of accomplishing!

  • Stacey March 1, 2010, 5:32 pm

    Somewhere in the back of my mind I think an being an Ironman would be amazing. More realistic dreams are completing the Chicago Marathon and a Half IM. This year my goals are to complete 4 tri’s. At least one is Olympic and one Sprint, the other two I’m not sure about yet and to do the MS 150. I’ll also likely do a couple 5/10k’s and maybe a half in October. I’ve got a busy year lined up!

    Maggie will do great! My dog had to get a Molar pulled a few weeks ago. We also had his teeth cleaned while he was knocked out. He did great, he was still a bit out of it when we picked him up, but a little relaxing that night did him wonders. The next day he was back to himself and was as good as new!

  • Sarah March 1, 2010, 5:44 pm

    I would love to finish a half ironman! I love triathlons and I am so glad you are enjoying your training! You’re gonna rock that Olympic!

  • Rachel March 1, 2010, 6:12 pm

    I have so many fitness goals! I hope this year to make my debut in the world of triathlons. I’ve recently begun swimming and I already run, so now I’ve just gotta learn to cycle! I have to admit, following along as you train for your upcoming tri has not only been inspiring to me but so informative too. Thanks! And of course improving my time for all running distances is always a goal for me : )

  • Amy March 1, 2010, 6:26 pm

    Ooooooooooooh! I want Total Immersion. My current goals are to rehab my glam (glute and hamstring) and then conquer Izena 88 (an 88km triahtlon here in Okinawa) this fall!

  • Amy March 1, 2010, 6:26 pm

    Ooooooooooooh! I want Total Immersion. My current goals are to rehab my glam (glute and hamstring) and then conquer Izena 88 (an 88km triahtlon here in Okinawa) this fall!

  • Jenny March 1, 2010, 6:34 pm

    I would like to run not just a fast 5k, but an any time 5k!

  • Coley March 1, 2010, 6:34 pm

    My dream would be to complete an Ironman Triathlon. I’ve done sprint and olympic, but I would love to someday to an Ironman. I don’t think its very realistic with me and my hip injuries though, so maybe one day I’ll be able to get a half Ironman under my belt!

  • Ilene March 1, 2010, 7:03 pm

    I’d LOVEEE to run a marathon!

  • Julia March 1, 2010, 7:20 pm

    My goal for the year is to run in 2 half marathons and ideally to beat my previous half marathon time.

  • Brittany March 1, 2010, 7:36 pm

    I haven’t done a triathlon yet, but I just have to say that I LOVE Wilmington, so if you decide to do the Beach2Battleship, I’m sure it’ll be awesome! 🙂

  • Keri March 1, 2010, 7:51 pm

    A short term goal of mine is to run a sprint tri. Long term: I would love to complete an ironman *some* day. Like you, its the swimming that gets me!

  • susan (stepping off the coaster) March 1, 2010, 8:03 pm

    maggie will do great!! my doxie had his teeth cleaned this year and he was a tad “drunk” when i picked him up, but that was ok b/c he just wanted to cuddle! then back to normal in a couple hours.

    also, you should start brushing maggie’s teeth… doxies are prone to teeth problems, and it helps with their breath!

  • Ellen March 1, 2010, 8:46 pm

    I can’t believe this is my FIRST COMMENT EVER on your blog! I’ve been a reader forever!

    I’m also a marathoner who is making the big transition into triathlons….. my FIRST ONE will be a HALF IRONMAN (Mooseman) in the beginning of June. (P.S. What am I thinking !?!? But you get it- it’s addictive!)

    Swimming still scares me- I’m trying to work on my technique… and am looking for ALL the help I can get! I’ve read a lot about total immersion, and I would LOVE to get a copy!

    It’s been such a pleasure to watch your journey as I embark on my own! GOOD LUCK IN YOUR RACE- YOU ARE GOING TO R-O-C-K IT!

  • Katie March 1, 2010, 9:10 pm

    I would love to do a triathlon – any distance. It’s definitely the swimming part that scares me!

  • christy from pittsburgh March 1, 2010, 9:50 pm

    my dream fitness achievement is to finish a 50miler with no serious injuries this Nov (JFK 50miler)!!

  • Martin March 1, 2010, 10:03 pm

    My goal is to run the RNR relay June 6th in San Diego this year with 3 friends in different states who I have to convince to go!

  • Lauren March 1, 2010, 10:41 pm

    My goal is to get back into shape this year. I want to be able to complete a sprint triathlon this August. I would love any tips or training advice you have. Thanks!

  • Teg March 1, 2010, 10:50 pm

    My dream fitness achievement?

    Wellll… I’ve done over 40 triathlons all over the world, and I’m entering my first season as a professional this year. I’m pretty stoked. My dream would be to go to the summer Olympics in 6 years. This year the goal is just to win a few races and collect a little prize moola!

  • John March 1, 2010, 11:22 pm

    I think I’d like to do a marathon or Ironman at least once.

    Were you eyeing the B2B before I mentioned it to you? Seems like a cool race. I’d like to do this one day if I could arrange the time off.

    • caitlin March 2, 2010, 9:00 am

      yes! i would love to do b2b. we’ll see.

  • Em March 1, 2010, 11:36 pm

    Love the smiley oatmeal! 🙂

  • Alison March 2, 2010, 12:04 am

    I have always been a runner. But 4 weeks after running my first marathon last fall, I got injured and haven’t been able to run since 🙁 I’m learning that it’s a blessing though, because I’m starting to swim and bike – and now once I can run again I really want to do a triathlon! Following your training has been an inspiration 🙂

  • Blair March 2, 2010, 1:04 am

    Right now I’m a little less than a month away from my first half marathon and am 100% in love with racing – for which I have you to thank! Watching you train for your marathon inspired me to make more of my daily 3-4 mile runs and sign up for a race. I’ve discovered such a new love for running and even get excited the day before my long runs! So even though I know it’s not in the cards for this year, my current fixation is on a marathon. I’m thinking marine corp 2011?!

  • Wendy March 2, 2010, 1:23 am

    My dream goal is to learn to swim really well. I recently started running and I would love to get better at swimming to have something to balance it out. I love reading about your triathlon training!

  • Ally March 2, 2010, 7:10 am

    After training for two half-marathons I hopefully will be able to complete one before getting injured!

  • Elaine March 2, 2010, 6:32 pm

    My dream fitness achievement is running an ultramarathon (preferably without injuring myself). I also want to be able to do an unassisted pull-up, and a triathlon. I’ve been really interested in Total Immersion, I would love to learn how to swim for fitness!

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