First Pass is Done!

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Fact:  I have not swam a single stroke since my very scary Olympic Triathlon on March 14.  I was reminded of this today when I prepared to put on my swim cap and it was covered in sand and dirt.  Whoops!

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I really love swimming laps in the pool (I do not love open water, at all!) and was  excited to get back in the pool.

 

I decided to do 1,500 meters – just under a mile.  This was my race distance, and I was curious to see how much of my swimming power I’d lost after a month off.  It was hard, but not impossible.  My arms got very tired towards the end, and I bet I’m going to be sore tomorrow!  I did take two breathers and ended up finishing in 35 minutes or so.  Good form is really the key to swimming!

 

Ironically, it took me 41 minutes to complete the distance during the triathlon.  Which means I basically wasted 6 minutes freaking the heck out in the open water.  :) 

 

After my swim, I had a bowl of shredded wheat, cinnamon, and almond milk.

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I ended up going back for another 1/2 because I was still hangry after a few minutes.

 

I spent the rest of the evening reviewing the rest of the book.  I’m all done now and have to send it back to the publisher so they can keep making revisions.  The next step in the process is that I’ll receive a bound “advance” copy of the book, which will be so surreal.  Having read through the book in two days, I must say I’m really happy with it… It includes about 140 stories from other women (including a lot of bloggers and readers!) and it’s so uplifting, which was my goal.  It’s bigger than it being “my book”; there’s 140 women in the book and it’s their book, too.  :)  It sounds corny, but that’s really how I feel! It’s awesome to be a part of it.

 

Pear cider helps the writing flow:

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Dinner was great:

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Roasted parsnip and carrot fries:

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1 serving of naan (it’s a store-bought brand) with hummus:

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And 1 cup of Wolfgang Puck minestrone soup:

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Time to snuggle with the Husband in front of the TV!

 

But first, here’s three songs that I cannot stop listening to while working (I have a very eclectic taste in music):

 

  • Pearl Jam “Just Breathe”
  • Miley Cyrus “When I Look At You”
  • Sia “Breathe Me”

 

What songs are you jamming to lately?

{ 88 comments }

 

  • Sam (My Sugar Obsession) April 7, 2010, 8:41 pm

    three songs i can stop listening to right now:
    billionaire by travi mccoy
    head full of doubt/road full of promise by the avett brothers
    american girl by tom petty

    LOVE these songs so much right now. oh and i love pear cider too! have you ever tried ace pear cider? so delicious!

    • caitlin April 7, 2010, 9:26 pm

      yes ace is sooo good!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing April 7, 2010, 8:42 pm

    I cannot wait to read the book!!!! I wish it wasn’t so far away! But congrats on being done with this step!

    I love swimming.. never thought I would say that. Ever. And I can’t wait to get back into it. But I’m HARDLY at the level you are. I had a hard enough time in the pool, much less open water. Girl, I admire you SO much for the open water swimming!!! Even though you freaked out, you still did it.. and that is incredible to me! I had a minor freak out in the POOL the first time I swam so yeah… you rock.

    I’m so glad i’m not the only one who likes that Miley song.. I usually can’t stand her but that song is really good!!! I am currently obsessed with OneRepublic’s All the Right Moves, I can’t get enough!

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin April 7, 2010, 8:48 pm

    Way to go getting back in the pool! I love swimming laps but would be SO scared of open water, especially if there are alligators!! I don’t blame ya! 😛

    I’m so excited for you about the book! Can’t wait til you have the advance bound copy in hand!

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) April 7, 2010, 8:49 pm

    I had the same roasted veggies as you tonight. Yum, yum, yum. 😀 I can’t get over My Life Would Suck Without You — such a nerd!

  • Sarah @ THE FOODIE DIARIES April 7, 2010, 8:50 pm

    congrats! i’m so excited for your book to come out. i feel like i know someone famous haha

  • Evan Thomas April 7, 2010, 8:50 pm

    My new “grounding” song is Pink’s Glitter In The Air

  • lauren @ Eater not a runner April 7, 2010, 8:52 pm

    Honestly so exciting about the book 🙂 Can’t wait to read it!

  • Cyclist Kate April 7, 2010, 8:53 pm

    It just struck me to suggest that you check the ingredients on your shredded wheat–I know a bunch of brands contain gelatin. Don’t know if you care about gelatin or not…no judgment, just a heads up!

    I loooove swimming laps, too. I never thought I would, but in the past year I’ve started swimming and it’s fabulous–I always feel like a million bucks afterwards!

    • caitlin April 7, 2010, 9:26 pm

      naw that’s kashi so no gelatin. although i dont get worked up over it 🙂

    • Corinne April 8, 2010, 12:18 pm

      what is the deal with gelatin?

      • Caitlin April 8, 2010, 12:25 pm

        its made from cow hooves or something disgusting so its technically not vegetarian.

        • Corinne April 8, 2010, 12:26 pm

          ohhhh ok, i see! thanks!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is April 7, 2010, 8:56 pm

    That pear cider sounds delicious!

  • Lacey @ Lake Life April 7, 2010, 8:58 pm

    I LOVE “Breathe Me” by Sia. I first heard this song on the season finale of Six Feet Under. It gives me chills every time I hear it, especially after reading the story behind why she wrote it, and when she sang it.

  • Kelly April 7, 2010, 8:59 pm

    I went swimming tonight too! Although I have absolutely no idea how big my pool is haha. The workout I “did” was supposed to be 1600 m, but it could have been more or less.

  • John April 7, 2010, 8:59 pm

    I’ve been going to sleep with the “Big Band” channel on and with my Iphone the two that I’m loving are “In The Mood” by the Glenn Miller Orchestra and “Flying” by blue Rodeo.

    I’ve been thinking of signing up for a Half Ironman July 11. Still on the fence as it seems a bit scary right now 🙂

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite April 7, 2010, 9:09 pm

    I love Sia! She’s such a great artist!

    Have a great night 🙂

  • Alyssa April 7, 2010, 9:11 pm

    I cannot wait for the book!

    I can’t stop listening to Christina Aguilera’s new single “Not Myself Tonight”. I CANNOT wait for her new album! 🙂

  • Cindi April 7, 2010, 9:12 pm

    Lately I’ve been loving:

    “Islands” by The XX
    “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show
    and of course, “telephone” by GAGA!

    • Britt @ Runnerbelle April 7, 2010, 9:25 pm

      OMG have to laugh my hubby is addicted to that dang Wagon Wheel song. I know all the words now.

  • Babycakes April 7, 2010, 9:19 pm

    LOVE Sia’s “Breathe Me”! 🙂

  • Dori April 7, 2010, 9:20 pm

    Congrats on finishing the review of the book. Can’t wait to read it! I didn’t preorder because I don’t know if I will be in the same office in August and I can’t get packages at my apartment, but I will be picking it up at the store when it comes out (and making use of my Barnes & Noble membership)!

  • Jenny April 7, 2010, 9:21 pm

    Pear cider and beer helps writing flow:)

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) April 7, 2010, 9:22 pm

    Congrats on next step.

    I’m loving 80’s stuff right now. Jenny is my favorite in the mix.

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) April 7, 2010, 9:28 pm

    It is really hard getting back at something…like the pool, but it sounds like you did a great job! Can’t wait to see the book. It is exciting! As for music, I have a wide range that I listen to, but lately I have really been into the soundtrack from the movie, The Fountain. It is so good!

  • Rachel April 7, 2010, 9:39 pm

    Do you ever get bored just swimming laps? I used to be a competitive swimmer and loved the sport, but I can’t get into swimming solo. I get so bored without the team aspect and competition! I wish I could though, because swimming is such a great workout.
    Have a great night! And congratulations on finishing this next step in your book process!

    • Caitlin April 7, 2010, 9:59 pm

      Not really. I am so used to running or cycling for hours on end that 35 minutes in the pool is fine. I do think you can train yourself to get kind of used to it.

  • Rebecca @ How the Cookie's Crumble April 7, 2010, 9:42 pm

    I need to get back into the pool and start swimming! Just as soon as I get these stinkin stitches out!!!

  • Courtney April 7, 2010, 9:43 pm

    The last 3 I downloaded (SO RANDOM!!!)
    Happy-Leona Lewis
    Armada Latina-Cypress Hill feat Marc Anthony and Pitbull
    Spaceship-Puddle of Mudd

    Congrats on getting through the next step of the publishing process!!
    Courtney
    adventures in tri-ing

  • Carly @ The Road To Health April 7, 2010, 9:45 pm

    This post makes me want to swim. I have never done it as a form of exercise and I am definitely inspired to try it now! You have great taste in music! I am OBSESSED with Sia right now. 🙂

  • BroccoliHut April 7, 2010, 9:48 pm

    Mmm you’ve got me craving naan! Is there a particular brand you recommend?
    I’ve been kind of obsessed with Sean Kingston’s “Fire Burning” lately.

    • Caitlin April 7, 2010, 10:01 pm

      I can’t remember the name of it now! Bah!

  • Gabriela April 7, 2010, 9:51 pm

    Congrats on the amazing workout, Caitlin!
    Amazing dinner 🙂
    Have a great night!
    Brazilian XOXO´s,
    Gabriela

  • jenna April 7, 2010, 9:55 pm

    OMG! check out this song from THE ALLEN JOKERS called MIDDKID and lemme know what you think! it is great 🙂

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie April 7, 2010, 9:55 pm

    Mmm! Pear Cider! That sounds lovely.

    Swimming is my strongest sport and just looking at that pool makes me tingle with anticipation.

  • Britt @ Runnerbelle April 7, 2010, 9:58 pm

    Cannot wait for the book! Congrats on another milestone reached in the process.

    Currently I’m digging the Black Eyed Peas Pandora station. Good mix of tunes.

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) April 7, 2010, 9:59 pm

    i’m the same way with the that miley cyrus song…i can’t stop listening to it and then i can’t get it out of my head!!! i really can’t wait to read the book – it’s going to be so amazing 🙂

  • Dee April 7, 2010, 10:00 pm

    Congrats on the amazing swim!

    Reading your updates about your book makes me excited to get my copy! 😉

    I love that new Miley song and LOVE Sia’s Breathe Me. I’m currently jamming to these songs:

    Usher f/ Will.I.Am – O.M.G.
    Taio Cruz f/ Ludacris – Break Your Heart
    *NSYNC – Sailing

    LOL! 🙂

    ps. those roasted parsnip and carrot fries look SO good!

  • Sonia @ Master of Her Romaine April 7, 2010, 10:06 pm

    Ohh that pear cider looks great! I’ve been on a big cider kick lately…gotta break out the summery ales soon though 🙂
    I’ve been re-discovering Missy Elliott lately! Great beats that get me moving!
    I have also been listening to a lot of Manu Chao.

  • Matt April 7, 2010, 10:08 pm

    Swimming should actually be faster and easier in the pool because you are pushing off of the edge every lap. Glad you felt good though!

  • Cindy April 7, 2010, 10:10 pm

    Rain on the Scarecrow by John Melencamp. LOL
    Also, anything 30 Seconds to Mars 🙂

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) April 7, 2010, 10:18 pm

    I am so happy to hear that the book is progressing well 🙂

  • Ellen April 7, 2010, 10:21 pm

    i’m currently obsessed with “dog days are over” by florence and the machine. it is perfect for running:

    “run fast for your mother, run fast for your father/run for your children, for your sisters and brothers/leave all your love and your longing behind/you cant carry it with you if you want to survive”

    it gets my butt in gear every time!

  • Candice April 7, 2010, 10:27 pm

    I can’t wait for your book to come out! Maybe it’ll be my birthday present since my bday’s in August:)

    I am loving listening to Train during workouts lately. I think you mentioned on twitter that you hate “Hey, soul sister” (wasn’t that you?), but I can’t help myself, I love it!

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers April 7, 2010, 10:35 pm

    The way I see it- 6 minutes to account for freaking out (and recovering!) and being in open water- not bad at all!!!

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople April 7, 2010, 10:38 pm

    I can’t think of specific songs off the top of my head, but I have been listening to Casting Crowns (christian), the Black Eyed Peas (pop), and Randy Travis (country) lately.

  • Liz April 7, 2010, 10:50 pm

    I have a question about garmins/heart rate monitors. My brother is a big swimmer and I really want to get him a garmin type thing for swimming that he could wear easily in the pool, won’t get in the way much, and will keep track of his distance, pace and HR. Does anyone have any good reccomendations? Thanks!

  • Michelle April 7, 2010, 11:00 pm

    I can’t seem to stop listening to that Miley Cyrus song either! I blame that on seeing “The Last Song”, though. Great song! I’ve been going back and forth between that and Carrie Underwood’s “Play On”.

  • Caitlin@TheTwentyFifthYear April 7, 2010, 11:03 pm

    I love Sia – you should check out “Little Black Sandals” by her. Also “Breathe” by Telepopmusik is AMAZING. It’s the only song that gets me through my runs, even though it’s pretty mellow the beat is good. I think I should have been born in the UK. I can’t get enough of the electronic-ish stuff.

  • Tonyne @ The Unlikely Success Story April 7, 2010, 11:30 pm

    Sia is amazing, as is the new Pearl Jam album. Right now I’m hooked on Band of Horses “No One’s Gonna Love You” and Mutemath “Noticed” they are my right now songs.

  • Sarah-Mae @ Eat, Run, Knit April 7, 2010, 11:32 pm

    I could listen to “Hard” by Rihanna over and over and over and over and over again while running lately. I am so hard and it makes me proud of being out on a run instead of sitting on my booty ^_^

  • Laura April 7, 2010, 11:47 pm

    Oh woah, I’d like some naan bread. yummers!

  • Sarah April 8, 2010, 12:27 am

    1) Pear cider (“peary”) is the best!! I had it in the UK last summer, and was so happy to discover they sell it here in Australia too!

    2) Sia is also awesome 🙂

    3) Congratulations about the book!

  • Ashley April 8, 2010, 2:05 am

    I have realllly been enjoying swimming lately. My biggest problem is with my breathing. I read the posts that Ryan wrote and even looked at more on her blog. I think my form is right for the most part..I just feel like I can’t get enough air! Anyway..I’m still loving it. Swimming goes so much faster to me than riding a bike or hopping on a treadmill. Super exciting about your book and the 140 others! 🙂

  • Diana April 8, 2010, 2:19 am

    Sia 😀 Awesome, I love her.
    Right now I’m loving Muse… and Lady Gaga. Yes. I’m one of those 😛 I have a pretty eclectic taste too. 🙂

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs April 8, 2010, 3:03 am

    You like your songs about breathing!
    I’m still listening to all my old stuff..I have’t bought anything new in ages! BUT I do love the new 30 Seconds to Mars song – they’re really good 🙂
    You’ve given me a major major hummus craving….!!

  • Rachel (Suburban Yogini) April 8, 2010, 5:41 am

    I love that Pearl Jam song

    Right now I’m loving Them Crooked Vultures “Mind Eraser No Chaser”, Florence and the Machine “Drumming” and as always The Foos “Everlong” 🙂

  • Renee April 8, 2010, 6:25 am

    John Mayer’s Heatbreak Warfare.
    I am going to be in the Orlando area on Saturday night, can you suggest a restarant for dinner? I would like to find one that has some vegetarian options. Most of the group are meat eaters but the vegetarian’s should have some options too. Any suggestions? Thanks.

    • caitlin April 8, 2010, 9:34 am

      Seasons 52
      Royal Thai
      Chi
      Hue
      Dexter’s

      Hope that helps!

  • Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun) April 8, 2010, 6:52 am

    I love swimming, too, and haven’t been able to do much of it while living in NYC. I can’t wait to move back to California this summer and take advantage of my mom’s pool…not to mention Lake Tahoe!

    That Sia “Breathe Me” song was in the last 5 minutes of my favorite TV show, “Six Feet Under.” It was the most emotional five minutes of television I’ve ever experienced, so whenever I hear that song I get a little weepy. Haha, what a dork.

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) April 8, 2010, 7:01 am

    I have the song “Sweet Caroline” stuck in my head ever since they played it on the opening Red Sox game. :mrgreen:

    Great job on the swim!! It’s always a nice feeling to see that your fitness stayed pretty close to the same even after a few weeks. 😀

  • Amanda (The Beautiful Army) April 8, 2010, 7:37 am

    I like swimming, I just don’t like swim team. I swim more for fun on my own or with friends.

    The songs I have on repeat are (I usually use these to get pumped about TBA)
    So Beautiful- Superchick
    Flawz- Caitlin Crosby
    Who We Are- Jessica Simpson

    I’ll check out the songs you mentioned. Great job on the swim, by the way!

  • Julia April 8, 2010, 7:54 am

    Hey Caitlin

    Well done on the swimming and congrats on your book. I wrote to you today to say how much your website inspires me, and have decided to join the blogging community too. Go check out my (fledgling) blog – I posted a link to your site today.

    Love and light,

    Julia

  • Julia April 8, 2010, 7:55 am

    Oops – I forgot to leave my blog url. Its http://www.britishbride.wordpress.com. Hope you like it!

  • Deva (Voracious Vorilee) April 8, 2010, 7:59 am

    I have loved that Sia song since it was first released – it’s so lovely! My playlist currently is really eclectic. I’ve gone from Lady Gaga to Chevelle to Breaking Benjamin and 30 Seconds to Mars.

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday April 8, 2010, 8:13 am

    Oooh I’d love to try pear cider!

  • Joanne April 8, 2010, 8:23 am

    Gosh it’s been a while since I’ve listened to music. I always listen to news while driving and then I enjoy total quiet when I’m home. Don’t do the headphones when I run or workout. Geesh – I need to listen to some music!

  • Diana April 8, 2010, 8:25 am

    I’m a huge Pearl Jam fan and love when they come up in any situation…so of course I had to comment! 😉

    In the past couple of weeks I’ve been addicted to The Black Keys – The Lengths. Feeling melancholy I guess, I can’t get enough of it. Aside from that, Hawksley Workman – Striptease is getting a lot of play lately when I need a boost.

  • Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly April 8, 2010, 8:39 am

    Black Eyed Peas, Jay Z, Lady Gaga…all of those artists pretty much pump me up!!

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat April 8, 2010, 8:39 am

    I am so excited about your book! And yum, pear cider sounds great 🙂

  • ubigb April 8, 2010, 8:48 am

    i guess it must be like running on the treadmill vs. outside… (the swimming pool vs lake or open water) i mean it’s nice to be with nature, but if you’re more comfortable being inside that’s ok too! as long as you are running, cycling or swimming it doesn’t matter WHERE you do it, it’s wether you do it or not!

  • Mary April 8, 2010, 9:10 am

    I’m excited about your book!! what do you think it is about open water that makes you freak out so much?

  • Heather (runningwithsass.com) April 8, 2010, 9:15 am

    how exicting about your book! congrats!

  • Carrie C. in VA April 8, 2010, 9:22 am

    You may not have wasted 6 minutes freaking out – go easy on yourself. You could have lost those 6 minutes because in the pool you swim in a straight line, saving time, and in open water that is nearly impossible to swim in as straight of a line, which adds time to your normal pool split.

  • Nicole, RD April 8, 2010, 9:27 am

    6 minutes freaking the heck out…love it! Great swim, and those parsnip fries always look so delicious!

    I’ve been into Bush lately when I workout. Random!

  • Maura April 8, 2010, 9:37 am

    I hate to admit this but I’ve totally been rockin’ out to R. Kelly’s The World’s Greatest lately. Haha yes, you read that correctly.

  • Krista April 8, 2010, 9:46 am

    I love Sia’s “Breathe Me”. I listened to it on repeat for a long time, sadly. I’ve been swimming a lot lately too thanks to an injury, but I really enjoy it. Don’t forget that open swims are probably harder than the pool (dealing with the “elements” is tough!) so don’t be too hard on yourself about the 6 minutes.

  • Laura Georgina April 8, 2010, 9:59 am

    Yay for such a great swim! I’m sure the longer time in the triathlon was mostly due to open water currents and splashing/chaos from all the other swimmers, and not so much your dislike of open water 🙂

    I’ve been livin’ it up on Grooveshark (wish I could download stuff here, but all the piracy means iTunes and all other legit dowload sites are blocked) and can’t stop listening to NASA’s “Gifted,” MURS “Everything” and Mos Def “Life in Marvelous Times.”

  • Christina April 8, 2010, 11:00 am

    I just read your triathlon recap. It’s such an amazing and inspiring story!

    I took out my Ipod for the first time since the fall and somehow only have 20 songs on it now and most of them are Coheed & Cambria. Totally not good running songs!

  • Beth April 8, 2010, 11:16 am

    I’m wondering if your English husband introduced you to pear cider, because the English Boyf loves the stff and I had never had it!!?! Sooo good!

  • Lisa April 8, 2010, 11:51 am

    I absolutely LOVE swimming. It’s the best! As for open water swimming, I grew up swimming in lakes and rivers so that’s no biggie for me. I haven’t swam in the ocean though….scares the bejesus out of me!

  • Fae April 8, 2010, 12:20 pm

    Mmmm, pear cider…..

    Great song choices!!! Breathe Me is currently on my ipod’s top 25.

  • JT (The Faux Foodie Girl) April 8, 2010, 12:22 pm

    I love Pearl Jam and Miley Cyrus…they are on the constant repeat on my ipod. I will have to check out the Sia…

    “Just Breath” is my mantra for all occassions…..

  • Corinne April 8, 2010, 12:22 pm

    WOW I need to check out Sia! Everyone is speaking so highly! yay for new music 🙂 Most recently I have been loving anything by Phoenix (loving, run run run) and/or the Temper Trap (ESPECIALLY sweet disposition!) Cannnnnnot WAIT for your book Caitlin!

  • Susan April 8, 2010, 4:40 pm

    Fact: I have not swum since my triathlon in JULY!! Ahhh! Albeit, I no longer have access to a pool, but still!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) April 9, 2010, 5:41 pm

    I love Sia “Breathe Me” too. Great song!

  • Jalita April 12, 2010, 12:41 am

    I love the “breathe me” song by sia. I like how it’s about self-harming. I like the pearl jam song, too. I don’t think I’ve heard the miley cyrus song. Lately, I have been listening to anything by charlotte martin.

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