Tri Focus

on April 15, 2011
in All Posts

Dealing with this troublesome knee injury (one month and counting) is no fun.  That’s why I’ve decided to focus on what I can do instead of what I cannot do.

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Racing is a big, big part of my life.  Training for races has occupied most weekends for the last four years or so of my life, and I was super disappointed as I watched the last three races I was signed up for (i.e. paid a lot of money for!) get scratched off the calendar.

 

I’m not just a runner, though. I’ve also done triathlons (a sprint and an Olympic tri) and bike races (a Metric, another Metric, and a Century).  So, instead of moping around about how I cannot run, I’ve decided to put my energy into one thing I know I can safely do: SWIM!

 

Ever since I made the decision to train for a sprint triathlon, I have felt so much better about my injury.  I think I was allowing myself to sink into the injury blues too much.  I needed to get proactive about recovery, mentally and physically.

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Just one problem, though!  A triathlon involves RUNNING.  :)  Well, the race isn’t until June, so I’m crossing my fingers I’ll be up to a 5K by then.  But if not, I just plan to do the swim and bike legs and call it a day.  Or if the biking gives me problems, I’ll just do the swim and be satisfied.   Now, I would’ve just signed up for an Aquabike but there are none in my area.

 

I’m probably just going to focus on swimming and then try to add in biking when I think it’s safe.  I haven’t tested out my knee yet but I don’t think it would be a good combo yet.

 

My goal is to do practice swims in a lake so this (freaking out, having a panic attack, and coming last out of the lake during my Olympic tri) doesn’t happen again!  That’s a pretty good race goal, don’t you think? 🙂

 

You should really watch that video, just for the epic music, dramatic swim finish, and huge bike crash that I replay in slow motion over and over again.

 

Breakfast featured some greens:

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Steamed kale with two pieces of Dakota bread and eggs.  Mmm.

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Looking for other triathlon-related posts?

 

 

Are you attempting a triathlon this summer?  What distance?  What leg of the race scares you the most? Which are you looking forward to the most?

{ 112 comments }

 

  • Katie April 15, 2011, 9:12 am

    Ashley and I have been cycling as we train for different events. We haven’t gone together yet since our schedules are kinda crazy right now, but it would be fun if we all went together at one point! Let me know!

  • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good April 15, 2011, 9:16 am

    I think that’s a great idea to put your focus on swimming for now. As your knee heals, you can add in the cycling and running. I love the idea of a tri, but I am not a strong swimmer. I’ll have to work on that before I try a tri. I’m not ready to part with the money right now for access to a pool and/or lessons (which I could really use), whereas I run for free. Good luck with training, and I hope your knee issue clears up soon!

  • Claire April 15, 2011, 9:16 am

    Every time I watch that video of your tri I get a little teary-eyed. What is wrong with me? I think it’s the encouraging comments at the end. Or how amazingly supportive your husband is.

    • Caitlin April 15, 2011, 9:37 am

      I think it’s the swelling music 🙂 Thanks sweetie.

  • Michelle April 15, 2011, 9:24 am

    I want to do a tri so badly! The swimming freaks me out because I hear people get kicked in the face all the time. There’s a one mile swim race close to my house this summer that i’m considering signing up for. I thought it would give me a good idea of what the start of a tri would be like (without having to bike and swim after!)

    • Caitlin April 15, 2011, 9:38 am

      Its true – you do get kicked!

  • Kelly April 15, 2011, 9:25 am

    Yay! You have me very excited for tri season! I’m really looking forward to begin training for my HIM soon! After this marathon I’m going to need a good break from all running and am looking forward to more biking and swimming. I think the bike portion of the HIM actually scares me the most! Only because it is 56 freakin miles! That’s a loooong ride.

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday April 15, 2011, 9:31 am

    I think every triathlete has a strong leg of the race. I hope that with all the training yours is swimming this time around!

    What is an aquabike?

    • Caitlin April 15, 2011, 9:38 am

      Swim, bike, swim

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers April 15, 2011, 9:32 am

    I got into triathlons because of injury that kept me from running, and it was exactly what I needed mentally- to still be able to race and train without getting hurt.

    Now I have a knee injury I’ve been trying to bounce back from for 11 months, and tri’s are still what’s keeping me going.

  • Freya April 15, 2011, 9:32 am

    I admire your attitude! My injury has come back, which means it’s been 4months..and I have no swimming pool available, or gym to cross train. I’m not really sure where to go from here! Any suggestions!? Running is suuuch a big part of my life, and I have a marathon entered for (and a half, for charity) in October 🙁

    • Caitlin April 15, 2011, 9:39 am

      You’ve seen a physical therapist, right?

      • Freya April 15, 2011, 9:41 am

        Yep I’ve been seeing him for 2months. He says it’s not a stress fracture, which I can believe cos the pain keeps changing place and it’s more muscular atm – but it’s not healing either :/ Do you think acupuncture would help?

        • Caitlin April 15, 2011, 9:42 am

          Have you tried massage therapy? That might work faster if its muscular.

        • Freya April 15, 2011, 9:46 am

          That’s what the physio has been doing – deep massages + ultrasound to stimulate healing. It’s infuriating!! I soo sympathise with your situation :/

  • Flo (Coconut Chronicles) April 15, 2011, 9:32 am

    I think its great that you’re not letting injury get you down to much! Focussing on the swimming – the part you know you can definitely do safely – is a great idea. It will keep up/improve your fitness so you can then add in the bike/run when you know its safe!
    I’m thinking of signing up for a tri, too. I’m a pretty strong runner/biker but have never been the best swimmer so I think i’d struggle with that part the most.

  • Corey April 15, 2011, 9:33 am

    I just want to tell you that your positive attitude is so, so awesome, Caitlin! It would be easy to get discouraged about your situation, but instead of sitting around being depressed you are focusing on something else you can do! Thank you for encouraging me and all your other readers every day with your amazing attitude:). You are inspirational!

    • Caitlin April 15, 2011, 9:41 am

      Thanks Corey 🙂 I had my crying moments but I’m determined to move onwards and upwards!!!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) April 15, 2011, 9:34 am

    Good for you turning it into a positive. That is what I always try to do when I’m told I can’t do something. We do it with food too. We know there are things we can’t have, so we splurge on some other things to kind of make up for it. Good luck with the training.

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg April 15, 2011, 9:34 am

    I am not interested in doing a tri ever — swimming (especially in a lake) scares me. I just don’t feel safe in water. So I’d have to overcome a huge mental obstacle if I were to try a tri 🙂

  • Cait @ Beyond Bananas April 15, 2011, 9:36 am

    Good luck in your tri! I really want to do one someday. .but I am afraid of the swimming part. I am a horrible swimmer. Guess that just means I need to get in the water and practice! 🙂 Happy Friday girl!

  • Cait @ Beyond Bananas April 15, 2011, 9:37 am

    I am totally interested in someday doing a tri.. but the swimming is not my thing. I am horrible at it! Okay – I don’t really swim often.. it is just imbedded in my mind. Good luck training! Happy Friday 🙂

  • Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food April 15, 2011, 9:52 am

    good for you for focusing on the positive!

    you know walking the running portion of a tri is also totally fine/kosher. When I did the Chicago Triathlon which included athletes doing both the sprint distance and the olympic distance there were tons of walkers! 🙂

    Great idea to practice open water swimming, most triathletes don’t! I get most nervous about the biking portion bec I think I’m going to crash into someone or just forget to unclip my pedals. So far it hasn’t happened in a race.

    My half marathon is on the same day as your race! I’m looking forward to hearing all about your training and race experience! 🙂

    • Caitlin April 15, 2011, 2:12 pm

      That’s good to know – I can always walk the run part!!!

      Good luck on your upcoming half 🙂

  • Sarah @ The Pajama Chef April 15, 2011, 9:54 am

    i’m not really interested in doing a tri… i love running and hate swimming. i’ll stick with marathons 🙂 but i really admire triathletes! awesome 🙂

  • Carolyn @Eat Well. Live Well. Be Well. April 15, 2011, 9:57 am

    I am a swimmer, so I love that leg. I am doing an AquaTerra – swim/run in June which I’m excited for. I used to be scared of the bike leg, but after an injury, I’m scared of the run leg. I like sprint distance Tris to keep the run leg low. 😉

  • Khushboo April 15, 2011, 9:59 am

    Doing a triathlon would be such a great achievement but first I need to learn how to bike. True story, I’m 22 and cannot ride a cycle!

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me April 15, 2011, 10:00 am

    I think this would be fun to try at some point. But I have a long way to go before I get there. I’m starting to run and bike so it should be interesting! Plus I need to learn how to swim! Like I said, a loooong way to go! lol

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat April 15, 2011, 10:00 am

    That’s a great idea!! I am not planning to do any tris this summer, but I think the swim would scare me the most because I’m not a very confident open-water swimmer. Right now, I feel strong when I run and I teach spin (I know that’s not real biking, but I imagine I’d probably pick it up quickly), but swimming is something I don’t do a whole lot of. I think that’s where I’d need to focus the majority of my training! Can’t wait to hear about your swimming endeavors!

  • Casey April 15, 2011, 10:03 am

    I love that video. I’ve watched it before, and it always gives me goosebumps! You look so happy crossing the finish line! Good luck with the swimming!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) April 15, 2011, 10:03 am

    Triathlons scare the heck out of me. I’m not the greatest swimmer and whenever people recap them it’s mentioned “Be prepared to get kicked in the face.” Eeeee! Scary. For now I’d love to do a duathon.

  • Elizabeth@The Sweet Life April 15, 2011, 10:04 am

    It is so important to not let the injury blues get to you–good job!

  • jenATX April 15, 2011, 10:05 am

    keep up the positive attitude… i know its hard & i struggle to do it myself! if it makes you feel better, whenever i’m getting negative i like to read your blog

    • Caitlin April 15, 2011, 2:13 pm

      <3 thanks Jen. What a sweet thing to say!

  • Michelle April 15, 2011, 10:06 am

    I’ve wanted to do a tri for awhile but of course there’s things I fear. I am a really good swimmer and am lucky enough to have a pool to swim in at work all through the winter, but the whole possibility of getting kicked/pushed underwater freaks me out. I got kicked HARD in the stomach on a snorkeling trip once and it killed. My worst leg would probably be the bike and even though I can ride ok I’m still worried about spectacularly crashing. Seen too many of those in videos where people come up all bloody.

  • Kristen April 15, 2011, 10:06 am

    Ha! As soon as I saw the still shot of the video I started laughing. I remember watching that a few times when you first posted it 🙂

  • Zoe LaPier April 15, 2011, 10:18 am

    I’m so glad that you’re focusing on the positive. I too had a running injury that has taken me out of the game for the last two (!!!!) months. I had to cancel a marathon, and I’ve been unable to sign up with races with my friends. What I decided to do was do a triathlon with two friends and we each picked our best leg…so I’m doing the biking leg. If you can find a few friends to do the triathlon with you the three of you might be able to split up the legs. I think it will be a fun way to get to race, without the pressure of doing an activity that might injure you.

    • Caitlin April 15, 2011, 2:14 pm

      I did a tri relay once, it was really fun! You guys should make fun shirts 🙂

  • Ashley @ Feeding Ashley April 15, 2011, 10:27 am

    I love that video. 🙂 I think a tri would be really fun, but I’m so not ready for that. I love to swim though, it’s one of my favorite things to do.

  • Ali G. April 15, 2011, 10:28 am

    I’m doing 2, 1/2 ironman tri’s this summer which are prepping for my first full iron distance tri in October! My friend and I joined a master’s swim program at our gym and both of us have improved so much! It’s such a good workout and with drills/sprints it’s a great way to get your heart rate up without all of the impact that you get with running.

  • Michelle from The Cooking Life April 15, 2011, 10:34 am

    Your breakfast looks so goood! I will have to try that 🙂 Unfortunately, I am not a swimmer and not a very good cyclist so I stick to running. I am doing a 10k in a few weeks and I’m really hoping to PR, under 1 hour, but there’s a part of me that’s afraid. Afraid to really push myself, if that makes sense, b/c I don’t want the race to suck! I know I can comfortably finish the 10k in 1 hour but to do it less than that, I don’t know. Anyways, good luck with your training and I hope your injury goes away and you’re good as new!

    • Jenny April 15, 2011, 3:58 pm

      Good luck! I’m always nervous at races too but I just blast my favorite songs and remember I trained hard to earn that PR. I’m sure you’ll crush it!

  • Elise April 15, 2011, 10:38 am

    Crossing my finger’s you’ll be good to go by June!

    I am doing a triathalon in August in northern California, and I am TERRIFIED of the swim in the Pacific Ocean for two reasons (1) thats a long time to be in the ocean and (2) its cold as hell in the Pacific Ocean in northern Cali. Time to start mentally preparing 😉

  • Kelly April 15, 2011, 10:42 am

    You have a really great attitude and it is so admirable! 🙂 I watched the tri video again…loved it just as much this time as I did the first time you posted it! 🙂

  • Courtney Leigh April 15, 2011, 10:47 am

    I’m doing my first triathlon in two weeks and two days! I am totally sending you a recap. I am excited, nervous, and just ready for it to be over so I can relax for awhile!

  • Liz April 15, 2011, 10:48 am

    I’m doing a sprinlympic distance tri in July. (Sprinlympic = longer than traditional sprint, but shorter than olympic, I made up that term :)). I’m a little nervous about the long open swim (my other tris have been in pools), but I’m most nervous about the run! (I know, shocking). Everyone thinks the run is the easiest but it’s def my struggle. I had to walk my first tri because my knee was KILLING me. Then last year, I had to walk the second half of my half marathon (again, knee).

    I love the tris because the training is full of variety. When I did my half last year I got COMPLETELY burnt out of running. The tri works for me. Always keeps my body guessing, I love it.

    • Caitlin April 15, 2011, 2:15 pm

      I think tri training results in smoking hot bodies, too. I was never as fit as I was when I did my Olympic.

      I hope your knee holds out! Good luck!

  • allison @ thesundayflog April 15, 2011, 10:49 am

    woooooo!!! im signed up for a sprint tri for august 7th! i am comfortable in my running and biking. i can swim the distance but im TERRIFIED of the water. this is not new – ive told you this so many times!! haha. im also contemplating signing up for the philly half in november, but i dont have the money to spend right now. if i get this job ive been applying for i’m treating myself 🙂 happy training, girlfriend!

    • Caitlin April 15, 2011, 2:16 pm

      Can you find a place you can practice open water swims? It will help you a lot!

  • Susan @ All Things In Moderation April 15, 2011, 10:52 am

    I am really tempted to sign up for a sprint tri in my area in Sept. I am scared though! We’ll see how I feel as the summer progresses!

  • Britne @ Shabbott's Habits April 15, 2011, 10:53 am

    I also have the injury blues, so I can totally relate. I sprained my ankle on Sunday. I’ve been training for a half-marathon and now I’m really bummed. After seeing some of your swimming posts, I’ve decided to use a trial-membership to a gym nearby that has a pool. I’m not a great swimmer, but I guess I can use this time to improve. My PT says 6 weeks off from high-intensity running. 🙁 booo

  • Kim April 15, 2011, 11:00 am

    Tri Latta is my very first tri! I’m finally taking the plunge for my first (my husband works for a local tri shop so it was inevitable!). I just recently found your blog and I’m happy to see a fellow Charlottean being all healthy, positive, and inspiration! Thanks lady! Happy swimming! Good luck at latta!

    • Caitlin April 15, 2011, 2:16 pm

      AWESOME!!! Are you going to do Sunday, too?

      • Kim April 18, 2011, 9:18 am

        Yeah girl- novice all the way this time around 🙂

  • Anj April 15, 2011, 11:01 am

    I think I would be freaked out swimming in a lake as well. I don’t do well with open bodies of water (even though lakes probably aren’t classified as ‘opne’). Some of my fear may have to do with the fact that I can’t swim though. 😮 I know…I can’t swim, yikes! That’s definitely on my to do list.

  • Theodora April 15, 2011, 11:02 am

    I’m buying a bike soon and think I’m going to try for my first sprint tri this summer. I’m terrified for every part that isn’t running.

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) April 15, 2011, 11:03 am

    I am terrified of open bodies of water, so I could never do a triathlon unless I was in a pool 🙂 There’s actually a tri near me where they swim in a pool instead of the ocean!

  • Lindsey @ SoundEats April 15, 2011, 11:19 am

    Funny – I just watched your YouTube video called “HTP Realization – Doing the Best I Can” (it popped up right after I watched the tri video) and even though that was from June 2009, it’s like you could’ve spoken those same words today. You’ve always been one heck of a determined and positive woman!

  • Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope April 15, 2011, 11:31 am

    Such a great attitude! Health always needs to come first, and this is the perfect way to keep you active and motivated!

  • Kate April 15, 2011, 11:32 am

    I have been thinking about you and your injury the last couple days and I now – literally feel your pain. Sunday’s 5 miler as part of half marathon training (my first – rock and roll 6/25 Seattle) left me limping for the last few days. My GP says ITBS and is refering me to a PT clinic but now running for 2 weeks to start. The emotional side of this is tough and even though the race is a couple months away I keep freaking about my training plan. It doesn’t help that I am a crazy planner lady and have a spreadsheet for just about everything(If you fail to plan, you plan to fail).

    It was only about 6 months ago I rediscovered my love of running and a St Pats Day Dash was my first race in almost 10 years (and I had a blast and met my goal). I love how positive you are staying through this, I’m trying to do the same and think about the things I can do. I’m sticking so far to yoga, stationary bike, and weight training (upper body mostly). 100 Push-ups ups baby!

    • Caitlin April 15, 2011, 2:18 pm

      I hope you heal fast! Rest, ice, foam roll!

  • Morgan April 15, 2011, 11:39 am

    I think you’re approaching it with such a good attitude!
    I used to swim in college, and bike and run but have no interest in doing a tri. Believe it or not, open water swimming terrifies me. I freak out when I can’t see the bottom! If it were in a clear ocean maybe I would do it, but lakes and the ocean up north is too scary!

  • Rachel @ The Perseverance Diaries April 15, 2011, 11:43 am

    I think it’s great that you are focusing on what you can do instead of what you can’t. I’ve been getting stuck in that rut lately and it’s frustrating and not the healthiest attitude! So go for it, you will kick some butt! I’d be scared to swim in a lake too but think how much of a badass you will feel once you do it 🙂

    I’d love to do a triathalon one day. Because of health issues I can’t this summer but there’s always next summer! Which means I have plenty of time to practice.

  • Eliza April 15, 2011, 12:09 pm

    I love that you had kale for breakfast. I love cereal way too much and can’t get past it.. I would have it every meal if I could.

    The good thing with swimming is as you practice, you can really see the results in your technique and endurance

  • Caitlin @ The Caitie Experiment April 15, 2011, 12:10 pm

    Caitlin, I honestly can’t thank you enough for posting through all of your frustration with this injury (well, all of them, really). I had JUST worked my way back up to a 5k distance (I’ve maxed at 5 miles my entire life before quitting), and had grand aspirations for a 10k and then a half and was FINALLY running 3.1 at my goal pace when shin splints struck. I was (am) devastated, and pushed through them once, right around the time you started posting about your injury. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been tempted to try to run through them, only to have one of your positive, look-at-the-bright-side-and-find-the-positive posts appear in my Reader. I’m sorry you can’t run at the moment, but I’m so glad you’re going to swim!! Thanks again 🙂

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss April 15, 2011, 12:16 pm

    I think it’d be so fun to do a tri- definitely a challenge I’d love to take someday!! But first, a marathon. 😛

  • Clarissa April 15, 2011, 12:18 pm

    My co-worker just came back from doing the triathalon in Florida and he is SO sun-burned! Remember to put on that SPF!

  • Camille April 15, 2011, 12:21 pm

    I have never done a triathlon, mostly due to fear. I am pro on my feet, but I look like a beached whale in water 🙂

  • Tami April 15, 2011, 12:40 pm

    after only doing 2 sprints last year I was crazy enough to sign up for a Half Ironman. It’s early in the season (I live in New Hampshire where we still have a tiny bit of snow and the ice on the lake is slowly melting) I was training with my friends last year who were doing halfs so I figured what the heck and for the price of the sprints, I might as well go all out and just do the half.

    I also signed up for a crazy hill climb….21 miles up hill. should be interesting.

    i love tri training, running is still my favorite but having somethign different to do seems to be better for some injuries i had been dealing with.

    Several of my friends are training for the Lake Placid Ironman (many of done it before) and I can’t wait to go up there and cheer them on.

    And I see so many people are saying that they don’t know how to swim…neither did I. last winter I couldn’t make it from one of the pool to the other….never mind back. And today I swam 2000 yards!!

    • Caitlin April 15, 2011, 2:22 pm

      Awesome Tami!! 2000 yards is epic.

  • Kristen April 15, 2011, 12:45 pm

    I am completing in two triathlons this summer. One in june and another in august. The first is a sprint, the second is an olympic- Im so nervous abou it!

  • Amber K April 15, 2011, 12:52 pm

    I’m not down with the craziness of triathalons. Possibly getting kicked in the head while swimming? Not my idea of a fun time 😉

  • Chase @ The Chase Project April 15, 2011, 12:55 pm

    I’ve done one sprint triathlon in my life and I swore never again. But now, I kinda want to. I would seriously need a swim coach though. I hope this helps your injury on the road to recovery!

  • Tessa @ Amazing Asset April 15, 2011, 12:58 pm

    Caitlin, good for you for focusing on the things you still are able to do! It’s so easy to dwell on the negatives sometimes!
    I have completed about 6 sprint triathlons and am planning to do two more this summer and one olympic distance!
    I was on a swim team until I was 18 so that part isn’t too bad, I actually don’t enjoy the bike portion. The run is my favorite 🙂

  • Sarah April 15, 2011, 1:00 pm

    I do love that video! I have never done triathlon before but i recently bought a bike and have been thinking about signing up for one! I just got to get the swim part under control, thats a little scary to me!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey April 15, 2011, 1:01 pm

    I have always wanted to tri a tri! 🙂

  • Jamie aka "Sometimes Healthy" Girl April 15, 2011, 1:03 pm

    No tris but hopefully a couple of marathons. I’m so scare of the swimming…and biking. Ugh it’s too much! haha

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In April 15, 2011, 1:07 pm

    I’ve accomplished my running goals (half and full marathon) and would LOVE to do a tri next, but I’m terrified of the swimming! I think one of my goals this summer will be to learn to swim properly

  • kyndra April 15, 2011, 1:21 pm

    i love that you got right back up after that crash and kept moving! i also think your goal of not freaking out during OWS is a great one. conquering any kind of fear is monumental and does huge things for one’s self-esteem. i can totally relate to your swimming fear: last year, i got over my fear of swimming after not having swam for about 15 years. i managed to get to the point where i really enjoy swimming and, moreover, i’m actually decent at it. realizing that my fears are only as powerful as i allow them to be was a major turning point for me. i made a decision to no longer be held back by fear in any area of my life and i can’t believe how my perspective on what i’m capable of has since changed. i’m now training for my first ironman (less than 5 months away now . . . oh, lordy!), which is something i never thought i’d even attempt. bottom line . . . face that fears head on and show them who’s boss!

    • Caitlin April 15, 2011, 2:23 pm

      AMEN: “realizing that my fears are only as powerful as i allow them to be was a major turning point for me”

  • Laughter-Loving Stacy April 15, 2011, 1:21 pm

    I would love to do a tri, but the *transitions* make me nervous! What do I need? How can I do it as quickly as possible? Can I have my ipod for the bike/run portion? Also, I REALLY don’t want to get kicked in the face while swimming! haha 🙂

  • Laughter-Loving Stacy April 15, 2011, 1:22 pm

    AND i just have a mountain bike! I cant afford a street bike 🙁

  • Evan Thomas April 15, 2011, 1:33 pm

    You could never get me in the water so I’m definitely not doing a tri. But I am going to learn to ride a bike this Summer now that I (hopefully) will get a job near my house.

  • Larissa April 15, 2011, 1:52 pm

    i personally think its great you are doing a tri! it seems youve gotten hurt running ( granted you do a lot of it) a few times this year! Do races usually close out quickly? Instead of having to pay and then not do a race could you just wait until closer to the date to sign up? that way it saves money if you dont do it? I dont really know how much races are or if that is even possible, just an idea !

    • Caitlin April 15, 2011, 2:24 pm

      A lot of races do close out which is why I usually register ahead – it’s so frustrating! I’ve had a bad year for sure. Gotta eat more greens and sleep more I guess 🙂

      • Larissa April 15, 2011, 2:58 pm

        aw, it will all straighten itself out! heres to feeling better!

  • Lauren C. @ FocusedToBeFit April 15, 2011, 2:07 pm

    Way to stay positive. I’m sure by June, things will be up and ‘running’ 😉 perfectly!

  • Lili April 15, 2011, 2:30 pm

    I have watched your Tri movie before and I love it so much. We’re in the same boat – Im planning a Sprint tri this summer as well! Except that I havent really started swimming. (just biking so far). Swim is the toughest part 😀

    Love it that you got a great deal for a swim center AND it has a gym! Cant go wrong w/ that!

  • julia April 15, 2011, 2:48 pm

    i have my first olympic distance tri tomorrow (4th triathlon so far) and a half ironman in july. good luck with your tri training! Once i transitioned to tri training from marathon training all my leg injuries went away so… chances are good for you too!

    • Caitlin April 15, 2011, 2:57 pm

      Good luck!!!!!!

  • Kristina April 15, 2011, 2:50 pm

    This is so timely for me. I signed up in December for the “Wildflower Tri” in California which is a crazy experience. At that point, I was running really well and assumed that the run would be my strong leg. Well, I ended up being totally side-lined for about 2 months from running and am still not sure if I will be able to do the run or bow out after the swim.
    I’ve had so many moments of frustration and tears, but I also have focused on the swim and bike portions and have become a MUCH stronger swimmer and cyclist. So, as much as I will feel disappointed if I can’t do the run, I also believe that these are skills and sports that will be with me long-term and that are not as hard on my body (MAJOR knee issues). Also, it pushed me to focus on the hard skills rather than pretending that I could just get through them and then push myself on the run. That would have been a major mistake!
    I am still scared about both the swim and the bike portion – it’s a really tough course and I did a practice swim and had a bit of a freak out. No matter what, it will be an “experience”, as they say.
    Finally, I’ve enjoyed the experience of training for a tri – the different skills. Hope that you have fun splashing around!

    • Caitlin April 15, 2011, 2:57 pm

      I hope you feel better soon – you’ll do great. Just try to have fun with it and you can always skip the run if you’re not feeling up to it!

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife April 15, 2011, 3:37 pm

    I am doing another triathlon too, soon. We shall see when…..but I hate biking-so I have to get over that, and soon!!! ha.

  • Lauren April 15, 2011, 3:38 pm

    Hi Caitlin,
    Long time listener, first time caller! I’m thinking about breaking into the Tri world and competing in a sprint tri-atholon in July. With money being a little bit of an issue, I can’t see myself buying a a new or even used bike. Do you have any recommendations about renting a bike? Is it worth it? Should I just save money for a bike and do a tri later down the road?

  • Megan @ On the Road Again April 15, 2011, 3:50 pm

    I’ve done one sprint tri (last summer) and loved it! Well, except for the swim.

    Swimming terrifies me.

    But I still want to do an Olympic and, one day, a Half-Iron. We’ll see. I might start with the Olympic this year.

  • Chelsey April 15, 2011, 4:35 pm

    I don’t know if this is something you have been told or have tried, but when my dad was having knee problems his doctor told him to bike. He started riding to and from work (9 miles one way) and hasn’t had any problems. When i was having knee pain I started biking everywhere and lifting weights and I don’t have pain anymore.

  • amber April 15, 2011, 4:41 pm

    I’m not sure how or why, but I totally teared up during that video… 😛

  • Carrie April 15, 2011, 6:08 pm

    I’m right there with you on coming out of the “blues”. It’s hard when you want to race and injuries prevent you from doing so. Had to cancel my 1st marathon due to injury and I spent a month moping around. The last 2 weeks I’m trying to be more positive and have decided to aim for a 1/2 mary that is in May—to redeem myself and to make myself realize I’m still a runner 🙂 Keep at it!!

  • Lacey @ Lake Life April 15, 2011, 6:37 pm

    It’s definitely a great idea to focus on what you CAN do 🙂

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin April 15, 2011, 6:46 pm

    Way to have an awesome attitude! I love that you’re using this not-so-great situation with the injury as an opportunity to try some new things. I’m excited to read about your swimming progress. 🙂

  • Jenn April 15, 2011, 9:01 pm

    I love that you took the time to be down about your injury and the feeling of it holding you back. Then after accepting it, you dove into a pool (literally) of positivity and began to swim in all the other possibilities! So cool and brave of you. Exciting to see how the same event can be viewed differently by acceptance.

  • Christy April 15, 2011, 9:47 pm

    Good for you! I really want to do a triathlon myself.

  • Kris @ tryingtotri April 15, 2011, 10:03 pm

    Good choice!! Stay positive and keep focussed. My hubby and I were training for both our first full marathon and our first tri’s this year, and he’s currently sidelined with a foot injury – the biking and swimming are keeping him sane… which helps keep ME sane!

    I’m so excited/scared/nervous about my first one, but I’ve read your posts, which have really helped – and you’ll do great with your attitude!

  • Amber April 15, 2011, 11:04 pm

    Good luck with the injury and keep a smile on. It will get better plus concentrating on something other than your injury will be great. I just did a sprint tri, have a half Ironman, and a full Ironman this summer. Swimming outside scares the s*it out of me. So, I have to get over those type of things.

  • Allison @ Happy Tales April 16, 2011, 12:18 am

    Ahhhh congrats on signing up for your next tri!!! I actually helped throw Trilatta last year with my old financial develpment position at the Y (the Y used to help put it on.. crazy!) It is SUUUUCH a fun, two-day event!!!

  • Priyanka April 16, 2011, 1:36 am

    You have the most inspiring attitude! You really are one person, who does not let an injury stop her from moving. You rock girl! Good luck with the training.

  • natalie @ http://healthybalancingact.blogspot.com/ April 16, 2011, 5:33 am

    im currently injured too and unable to run at my best, it really gets me down. what a refreshing attitude to focus on the positives and what you get to do, instead of what you cant. i know how challenging that can be when you have to down scale doing something you love
    good luck

    • Caitlin April 16, 2011, 9:03 am

      I really hope you feel better soon:(

  • Alex @ Working Housewife April 16, 2011, 9:14 am

    I am planning on participated in my first sprint-tri this June. I’m super nervous, but it is a woman’s-only race so that eases my nerves just a tad. I’ll be looking forward to your workout updates to keep me motivated! Good luck!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) April 17, 2011, 6:30 pm

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE triathlon! Although, sadly, our season has just finished! If you ever have any questions – dont hesitate to ask!

  • Katie G. April 18, 2011, 10:50 am

    I am doing my first triathlon in August- the Iron Girl, with Team in Training. I am SUPER nervous about the swim and have already starting training. Training with a team makes it a lot less stressful! I am looking forward to my family/friends being there to cheer me on (it’s a local tri!), doing it for a good cause, and finishing!!!

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