Olympic Meltdowns

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Is everyone enjoying the Olympics?  I’m obsessed.  So far, I’ve watched a ton of swimming and gymnastics, as well as some table tennis and weightlifting.  But I’m most excited for the triathlon, which will take place on August 4 and 7.  Go Team USA!

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Source

 

Equally exciting: a full fridge.  Aren’t meals so much more fun to prepare when you’ve got a stocked fridge?

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Kinnikinnick English muffin with Earth Balance and herb spread

Eggs

Cherries

Salad

 

This herb spread is so tasty on bread.  And eggs, too.

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Strange But True

 

Interesting fact: During the 1908 London Olympics, “Dorando Pietri was first [runner] into the Olympic Stadium, but so sapped by the [marathon] distance (this was the first-ever marathon of 26 miles, 385 yards; previously races had been roughly 25 miles) and warm weather that he wobbled the wrong way on the track, then collapsed. Rising, he staggered a few steps, then collapsed again and again while spectators looked on with a mix of horror and fascination. Trackside officials came to Pietri’s aid, and eventually half-carried his limp body across the finish line. American Johnny Hayes finished a short time thereafter, but the Italian flag had already been raised up the victory pole. After an official American complaint, Pietri was rightfully disqualified.”

 

This article describes nine outrageous, intriguing, and fascinating moments in modern Olympic running history.  Do you remember when Paula Radcliffe had a meltdown during the 2004 Athens Olympic marathon and ended up taking a break on the curb? 

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I’ll never forget it – I wanted to cry for her!

{ 28 comments }

 

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat July 31, 2012, 1:46 pm

    I wanted to cry for Paula too! That photo still makes me sad. 🙁 I like watching triathlon, but I also love the track and distance events, as well as swimming! As for the full fridge – AMEN to that! Such a great feeling! 🙂

  • Claire @ Live and Love to Eat July 31, 2012, 1:47 pm

    I didn’t know the running events were so high drama – I thought that was saved for gymnastics! I’m just not as interested this year as I’ve been in the past.

  • Amy July 31, 2012, 2:11 pm

    I feel bad for her just reading it!

  • Sam @ Better With Sprinkles July 31, 2012, 2:13 pm

    Gymnastics, swimming and beach volleyball are my favourites to watch. I can see why the running events are so emotional – running 26.2 miles is hard enough without all that added pressure of, y’know, the WORLD IS WATCHING YOU.

  • Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries July 31, 2012, 2:26 pm

    YES! I’ve been loving the Olympics! Gymnastics, swimming, diving, and volleyball are my favorites.

  • Moni Meals July 31, 2012, 2:32 pm

    I am with you, LOVING THE OLYMPICS!! Swim And gymnastics. Great recaps, I forgot about that.

    Your meal looks soo good too! Have a great day with Henry!

  • Michelle @ Eat Move Balance July 31, 2012, 2:35 pm

    The herb spread looks tasty–is it like a pesto??

    • Caitlin July 31, 2012, 11:02 pm

      It’s saltier!

  • Courtney @ Brussel Sprouts and Beer July 31, 2012, 2:36 pm

    I am also SO addicted to watching the Olympics…especially gymnastics. I love seeing the look on the athlete’s faces when they know that have won a gold…I can’t even imagine how good that would feel. I also loved your someeecard because it is so true that we come together as a nation when watching the Olympics.

  • Katie @ Peace Love & Oats July 31, 2012, 3:11 pm

    I’m so jealous! I don’t have a TV and I’ve been trying to watch on live streaming online when I get a chance, but keep losing connection so it’s really frustrating! Hopefully I’ll be able to watch some replays of my favorite sports

  • Angela @ Happy Fit Mama July 31, 2012, 3:22 pm

    For some reason I am really, really loving the Olympics this year. I’ve enjoyed certain sports in years past but I want to watch everything now. I’m staying up wayyyyy past my bedtime but it’s worth it. I think everyone is much more into the Olympics just because we want to hear good news rather than shootings and political fights.

  • Rachel July 31, 2012, 3:22 pm

    More interesting information on what was going on with Dorando Pietri in the 1908 olympics:
    http://deadspin.com/5927530/doping-cheating-and-insta+celebrity-the-story-behind-the-first-great-sports-action-photograph-taken-in-1908

  • Heidi July 31, 2012, 3:26 pm

    Where do you buy that herb spread? It looks DELISH! 🙂

    • Caitlin July 31, 2012, 11:02 pm

      In the produce section!

  • Ida July 31, 2012, 3:50 pm

    Poor Paula! I really hope she medals this sunday, but I am team Shalane for the gold.

    • Amy D July 31, 2012, 4:21 pm

      I heard Paula is out with an injury. 🙁 and possible America’s Davilla too.

  • Ellen @ Wannabe Health Nut July 31, 2012, 4:57 pm

    Holy cow I have major lunch envy. Good thing I’m just now seeing the post, or else eating my veggie 6″ from Subway would have been that much more depressing! I didn’t know about those Olympic stories—you always share the most interesting tidbits!

  • Stacie July 31, 2012, 5:17 pm

    Yeah! The blog is working again (still wasn’t for me last night). Looks like you got it to work a few posts ago based on older entries. We readers thank you for fixing it and thinking of us since you have more important things to do! (i.e. giving kisses to Henry!)…oh….K, M and J too 🙂

    • Caitlin July 31, 2012, 11:02 pm

      Thank you for reading!!!

  • Annette@FitnessPerks July 31, 2012, 5:40 pm

    I LOVE the Olympics. Been ‘watching’ them while I work 😉 I love the swimming, gymnastics, horse jumping, track, diving, and triathlon.

  • Quinn July 31, 2012, 6:18 pm

    Very hard to read your blog with this font now. Too narrow and light for my old eyes.

  • Haley July 31, 2012, 7:50 pm

    Hahahaha LOVED the ecard. Thank you for that. So sad, but so true.

  • Lexi @ You, Me, & A World to See August 1, 2012, 12:20 am

    Ahh you’re totally right–meals are definitely more fun with a full stocked pantry/fridge. The converse, of course, is also true :/

  • Elisabeth August 1, 2012, 12:38 am

    I’m addicted to the Olympics – I always get like these during the winter & summer Games! I’ve been enjoying gymnastics (sad for Men’s USA team…), swimming, diving, equestrian, beach volleyball…everything. I’m looking forward to track & field next week 🙂

  • Orla August 1, 2012, 1:50 am

    Paula Radcliffe didn’t take a break in the 2004 games. She was forced to pull out & her tears were of utter devestation as her Olympic dream was over. Unfortunately she’s had to pull out of this years marathon too due to a foot injury .

  • Helen August 1, 2012, 5:45 am

    Paula is, and will always be a massive hero and inspiration.

    She is getting a hammering in the press yet again, and people are being so mean. Breaks my heart.

    Paula for ever!

  • Amber K August 1, 2012, 2:56 pm

    I have definitely been watching the Olympics. Although I’m just really interested in anything other than gymnastics. I love the winter Olympics so much more because there’s figure skating, bobsled, luge, skeleton, high jumps, so many fun things!

  • Julia H. @ Going Gulia August 1, 2012, 3:09 pm

    Whenever I watch the Olympics, I always think how incredible it would feel to be an athlete so talented that you’re able to compete in the Olympics at all. And then I remember the enormous amount of pressure/stress they must feel to do their best. Eesh!

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