Rest Day Monday

on February 22, 2010
in All Posts

MANY thanks to everyone who entered or tweeted/blogged about the Garmin 305 Raffle for the Livestrong Foundation.  I really appreciate it!  You have until Thursday to enter the raffle.

 

I had a VERY busy work day, which worked out well because it’s also a rest day.  I had an absolutely insane training schedule last week.  In fact, it was probably the hardest workout week of my life:

 

  • Ran 18.5 miles
  • Swam 3,750 meters
  • Biked 43.0 miles
  • Lifted twice

 

The Olympic triathlon is in 19 days, and to be honest – I do NOT feel ready at all for the swim.  I’ve got the bike and run in the bag, though.  That makes me feel better!  To help prepare for the swim, I am going to do an open water swim as soon as I get my wetsuit.  I also need to continue to put time in the pool.  I’m back in the water tomorrow!  Basically.. it’s do-or-die CRUNCH time.

 

But, as mentioned, today was just a rest day, and it was nice.  :)  I got a lot of work done and took James and Maggie on two long walks.

 

Lunch was extra-special:

IMG_7241

I tried my hand at coconut-encrusted tofu.  To make the tofu, I drained Nasoya’s pre-cubed extra firm tofu and coated it in ground flax, cinnamon, and unsweetened coconut.  Then, I baked it at 400 for 20 minutes.

IMG_7244

It was pretty good, but I think sweetened coconut would’ve tasted better, and the tofu needed to be marinated in SOMETHING – but I’m not sure what.  I dipped the tofu in some teriyaki ginger sauce and had whole wheat cous cous and sugar snap peas on the side.

 

Afternoon snacks included an orange and fake organic Cheerios:

IMG_7248

IMG_7250

And dinner was pretty much the dinner of champions… Yes, I had a PB&J sandwich with a glass of wine.

IMG_7254

Sometimes you just don’t want to cook!

 

I feel like I should’ve eaten vegetables with dinner, so I’m going to blend some rice milk, raw spinach, and ice for a mini Green Monster and have it for “dessert.”

 

Time to drag the Husband away from his studies (he is cramming for his second of four board exams) to watch Season 1 of Grey’s Anatomy.  :) 

{ 73 comments }

 

  • Evan Thomas February 22, 2010, 7:20 pm

    Glad to hear that tofu came out good! Now I want to try it. My dinner on the other hand… needed to go in the trash(But I ate it anyway)

  • Stacey February 22, 2010, 7:22 pm

    Haha. I ALMOST ended up having a pb and j. I settled on an omelet instead! Whatever is quick and easy when ya got stuff to do 😀 Enjoy Greys Anatomy with the hubby!

  • Meghan@traveleatlove February 22, 2010, 7:23 pm

    Wow, that tofu sounds AMAZING!

  • Kelly February 22, 2010, 7:24 pm

    You’ll pull out the swim, I’m sure! I was definitely most scared about the swim during my sprint tri, but it turned out okay. I really don’t think you are going to walk away from it again, so I think no matter what you are going to pull it out even if you are exhausted at the end!

  • Heather February 22, 2010, 7:31 pm

    I’d recommend marinating the tofu in some coconut milk (light or full fat) mixed with some curry paste (red/green/yellow – whatever heat level you like) and then dipped in the fixins. I do a variation with tempeh often and that’s how I do it, though tempeh isn’t as bland as tofu can sometimes be.

    You’ll rock the swim! It’s just the part that is completely foreign to you, thus you feel unprepared. You’re kind of a rockstar and I have no doubt you’ll pull it off amazingly well.

    • Caitlin February 22, 2010, 7:34 pm

      that recipe sounds amazing!

      and thanks for the vote of confidence!! i appreciate it.

    • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday February 22, 2010, 8:47 pm

      I like the sound of your tofu recipe, Heather!

    • Melissa (It's a Veggieful Life) February 23, 2010, 11:05 am

      Wow, that coconut tofu recipe does sound yummy! I was thinking marinating it in coconut milk would be great, too. Not sure about curry paste though, I’m a weak one when it comes to spicy foods. 🙂

  • Heather February 22, 2010, 7:31 pm

    great job on the workouts!
    Don’t feel bad, there are a lot of time I don’t feel like cooking!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is February 22, 2010, 7:44 pm

    That tofu looks so delish and I don’t even really like tofu. Ok – I’m lying – I’ve never even tried it. But it looks good!

  • Matt February 22, 2010, 7:46 pm

    PB&J = meal of champions.

  • Jessica @ Fit Chick Wannabe February 22, 2010, 7:49 pm

    yummmm pb &j

  • Annabananabomb February 22, 2010, 7:51 pm

    Hi Caitlin, I know this might sound a little weird but I had a dream last night that I was you and I was doing the olympic triathalon – no joke. Just so you know, you/we totally rocked the swim, you/we came about 6th!! But then you/we bombed the run because you/we were having TOO MUCH FUN chatting to all the volunteers and other participants. It is evident that I have racing/running permanently on the brain at the moment 🙂

    • Caitlin February 22, 2010, 7:57 pm

      hahahahah that is an awesome dream! i wish we could do it together (but not blow the run)!

  • Gabriela February 22, 2010, 7:52 pm

    I´m glad to hear you took a little break from training!
    There´s nothing wrong on spending a day without having to workout. Enjoy life as much as you can 😉
    By the way, amazing eats!
    Never tried PB+J, but I´m guessing it´s a winning combo, haha.
    Have a great week!
    Brazilian XOXO´s,
    Gabriela

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) February 22, 2010, 7:54 pm

    Hi Caitlin. As you know – the swim was also my most feared leg in the recent tri I completed. My tips are just to keep swimming the distance (in training)- which will give you confidence that you can physically complete the distance during the race. As for tackling the ‘psychological’ nerves of swimming, knowing that physically you can complete the distance goes a long way. Then, it is simply a matter of placing yourself to the edge of the pack (so you don’t get caught up in the congestion) and finding your rhythm. I try not to worry about what the other swimmers are doing – and just keep to my own pace. It may be slow – but hey – you can always catch them in the cycle and the run.
    (Whoa sorry for the mammoth comment. I have no doubt that you will do brilliantly in the upcoming race!!!)

    • Caitlin February 22, 2010, 7:58 pm

      thank you! i am definitely going to take your advice and position myself on the edge.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg February 22, 2010, 7:54 pm

    You seem like the type of person who works really well under pressure, so I’m sure crunch time will just propel you to really kick this tri in the butt!

    Enjoy the first season of Grey’s– it was the best!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) February 22, 2010, 7:55 pm

    Coconut crusted tofu sounds great – I love the addition of coconut into anything!

  • barbara(Blood, Sweat and Heels) February 22, 2010, 8:03 pm

    Awesome dinner combo:) I think you will crush the swim, it’s in your head now. I totally believe in your abilities!

    B

  • Marissa February 22, 2010, 8:03 pm

    Love the dinner combo! Sometimes easy peasy is the best way to go 🙂

  • stacey February 22, 2010, 8:04 pm

    I’m a tri newbie and most nervous about the bike. I am not a super fast swimmer by any means. A friend of mine is an Iron(wo)man reminded me that no one wins a tri during the swim portion. You’ll do great!

    • Caitlin February 22, 2010, 8:07 pm

      good point – i just need to survive the swim!

      you’ll do great on the bike. 🙂

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers February 22, 2010, 8:04 pm

    What about trying the tofu in coconut milk? I think that’s what they use for coconut shrimp. Or teriyaki sauce! Coconut is my favorite flavor of the month:)
    Don’t worry, you’ll do great on the swim- you’ve been practicing! I think getting in the open water will definitely help calm your nerves. And yikes that’s a lot of board exams to take…

    • Caitlin February 22, 2010, 8:07 pm

      i think coconut milk is the answer!

  • Jessica @ WHY DONTCHA RUN February 22, 2010, 8:12 pm

    Hahaha I totally ditched the kitchen this evening as well. I actually popped some popcorn and topped it with nutritional yeast. *blushes* I just didn’t feel like cooking ANYTHING! It’s good to hear I’m not alone. tehe

  • John February 22, 2010, 8:22 pm

    You know how to swim and tread water. You know you have swam the distance although in a pool. You now just have to take this knowledge and start thinking positively to yourself leading up to the race. You will get through it with little problem and the next race you will have one under the belt to improve upon. Yeah that’s right this is just the first one. Didn’t you know that? 🙂

  • amanda @ fake ginger February 22, 2010, 8:25 pm

    Mmm, coconut tofu was a great idea! It looks awesome.

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing February 22, 2010, 8:43 pm

    LOVE season 1 of Grey’s! For sure the best 😀
    PB & J with wine… LOVE it!

  • Sarah (Shep) February 22, 2010, 8:45 pm

    don’t be scared for the swim! so much of these athletic events we compete in are mental, and if you psych yourself INTO it rather than OUT of it, you WILL be able to do it! you got this 🙂

  • Jenn @ Livewellfit February 22, 2010, 8:47 pm

    You were a rockstar today!!! Awesome accomplishments in the workout arena for sure.

    In my book, PB & J is the best thing in the world. Add a glass of wine? The world is perfect.

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) February 22, 2010, 9:02 pm

    YOu have trained well and I think an open water swim will make you feel better about the swim portion.

  • lauren @ Eater not a runner February 22, 2010, 9:03 pm

    That is a serious week of workouts! You are going to rock the triathalon 🙂

  • Samantha February 22, 2010, 9:05 pm

    At first I thought that workout was all from one day and I almost died!! Even for the whole week that is great!!! You’re a beast!

  • Caitlin @ Right Foot Forward February 22, 2010, 9:07 pm

    Sometimes it is nice to just have an easy meal like PBJ. Plus, it is soooo good. I can only get away with that when my hungry fiance isn’t around!

  • Danielle (Coffee Run) February 22, 2010, 9:08 pm

    PB and J + Wine? Keeping it classy 😉
    You’ll do FINE with the swim! You’ve been training and you will have adrenaline to get you through it

  • Sagan February 22, 2010, 9:26 pm

    Best dinner ever!

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] February 22, 2010, 9:47 pm

    I had a rest day (from exercise) today as well – my muscles needed it.

    Your lunch looks very similar to my dinner…and delicious! I like the sweet tofu idea – nice going =]

  • Laura @ Food For La February 22, 2010, 9:50 pm

    Nice on the Grey’s Anatomy! I got my husband hooked when we were overseas and sick and couldn’t get off of the couch. I think Season 2 is the best. Hope you guys enjoy 🙂

  • Eliza February 22, 2010, 9:52 pm

    I have a peanut allergy so have NEVER had a pb&j sandwich. This wasn’t so weird at home in Australia, but while I am in The US it is very weird.

    With the swim, it really is a mind thing, just be confident and focus on your breathing and you’ll be fine! I have done open water swims at Australian beaches, and when I was worrying about being eaten by a Great White shark, I would freak out and mess up. Believe you can do it and you will!

  • Julie February 22, 2010, 10:03 pm

    I’ve rubbed some pure maple syrup on a block of tofu and dredged it in sweetened coconut a couple times – it’s delish and my vegetarian co-worker thinks so too! It’s pretty sweet, but sometimes you need that! 🙂

  • emily February 22, 2010, 10:07 pm

    For my coconut tofu I marinate the tofu overnight(or a couple hours) in lite coconut milk and rice vinegar. I think that helps a lot. Here’s a recipe link if you decided to try it – http://eatventures.wordpress.com/

  • Tracey @ TropicalHappiness February 22, 2010, 10:16 pm

    Hi Caitlin! As a little background I keep my facebook and my blog separately, meaning that I don’t post about my blog on Facebook at all. I just logged onto Facebook, and one of my non-blog friends (real life friend who lives far away) posted this: Operation Beautiful: From the Inside out. (Causes-Rally). It’s dated for this week, and it is at the UTEP campus. I copied the description below. This sounds exactly like what you are doing… is this related to your OB campaign?

    DESCRIPTION ON FB:
    Learn to celebrate the things about yourself that have nothing to do with how you look.

    Don’t weigh your self-esteem! It’s what’s inside that counts!

    Schedule of Events:

    Monday February 22, 2010 – ALL DAY-
    Location: Your Facebook!
    “Don’t Let Friends Talk Fat” – Viral Campaign!
    Post this on your Facebook status and tell all your friends how beautiful they really are!

    Wednesday February 23 – Thursday 24, 2010
    Location: WRC Union West 112
    Documentaries and films about body image and the cultural message we receive about it today.
    12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Q & A with Abby Cooperman (University Counseling Center) and Marilyn Rotwein (Nutrition Educator)
    For more information, please call 747-8896.

    • Tracey @ TropicalHappiness February 22, 2010, 10:17 pm

      And it says: Operation Beautiful: From the Inside Out is sponsored by the UTEP-Women’s Resource Center, University Counseling Center and the UTEP-Student Health Center.

      • Caitlin February 23, 2010, 9:57 am

        i did not know this was going on but stuff happens ALL the time with OB without my knowledge! thanks for letting me know, i’ll add it to the press page. how cool!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) February 22, 2010, 10:24 pm

    ok, soooooo…i think your lunch of champions was actually way better than mine! i would’ve loved for something meaty to go with all those fruits and veggies! i actually got the idea for microwaving the potato from you, so thanks for contributing to my healthy day 🙂

  • caronae February 22, 2010, 10:26 pm

    Girl, you have done a lot of swimming and you sound majorly prepared, especially with your open water practice run. Sometimes all it takes to get through something that seems really scary or difficult is having someone say they believe in you. And I believe in you all the way. You’ve got this!

    • Caitlin February 23, 2010, 10:01 am

      thank you! i need a vote of confidence!

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie February 22, 2010, 10:27 pm

    Wow, that’s impressive! Way to go on the work outs!!!

  • Bridget February 22, 2010, 10:33 pm

    You are a rockstar in my book for training for a triathlon and knowing when sometimes a girl just needs PB&J and wine for dinner!

  • Megan @ Healthy Hoggin February 22, 2010, 10:37 pm

    Sometimes you just need a PB&J for dinner… love that you had it with a glass of wine! The “grown up” way to eat it! 😀

  • Alyson @ Nourished Fitness February 22, 2010, 10:41 pm

    That tofu looks awesome, and the recipe sounds pretty easy. I’ve been looking for fun things to spice up tofu. Thanks!

  • Lily @ Lily's Health Pad February 22, 2010, 11:05 pm

    spinach, milk, and ice? Nothing else? No banana? You’re a champ!

  • Melissa February 22, 2010, 11:18 pm

    I just got my boyfriend hooked on Grey’s Anatomy. We’re halfway through Season 3, and he just gets so into the episodes he can’t stop watching. Next thing we know we’ve watched three in a row. Not that he’ll admit it to his guy friends of course 🙂

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) February 23, 2010, 12:28 am

    My diet is seriously lacking in greens on the road — I have veggies with lunch and dinner but not nearly enough. 🙁

  • Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com February 23, 2010, 3:02 am

    :O Have you seen the other seasons of Grey’s Anatomy or wil that be your first? Ohmygosh it’s suchhhh a good show!! My mum and I are totally addicted 😛
    Hehe love your dinner 🙂 and tecnhically your lunch could pass for dinner, and your dinner for lunch, so it’s still a win 😀

    • Caitlin February 23, 2010, 10:02 am

      yup i’ve seen all the episodes, but we thought it would be fun to rewatch it!

  • christie, honoring health February 23, 2010, 5:41 am

    You are going to do awesome on that swim!! I have faith in you and you CAN do it!

    Season 1? Are you watching them again or will this be your first time?

  • Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun) February 23, 2010, 6:56 am

    That coconut encrusted tofu looks delicious! Perhaps agave nectar and coconut oil would make for a nice marinade?

    I hear ya on the PB&J sandwich dinner. Sometimes you just have to throw your hands up and go with a simple staple.

  • whitney February 23, 2010, 7:22 am

    love your dinner !

  • Rosey Rebecca February 23, 2010, 7:28 am

    I LOVE your dinner!! PB&J and wine!! That’s the life! The tofu looks awesome too!

  • Nicole, RD February 23, 2010, 8:24 am

    Wine and PB&J – love it!

    That tofu sounds wonderful! Maybe a marinade of honey and balsamic with some olive oil? It sounds WONDERFUL!

    Don’t stress about the swim — you can always float, right? 🙂

  • Carolina John February 23, 2010, 8:56 am

    the swim is the toughest part of an oly. 1500 meters is .92 miles, compared to 1.2 miles in a half ironman. compare that to the bike leg (24 miles vs 56 miles) and run legs (6.2 miles vs 13.1 miles) and the ratio is quite lopsided to a difficult swim. still, when you look at time swimming is still the shortest leg of the race too. so i’m sure you’ll do fine.

    • Caitlin February 23, 2010, 10:02 am

      thank you!!!

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) February 23, 2010, 9:14 am

    ooh…coconut encrusted tofu sounds great! I might linkback a variation of this recipe tonight or tomorrow 😀

    Good luck on the open water practice swims you have coming up! At least you know where you need to practice so you can really hone in on that and nail it!

  • Diana (Mymarblerye) February 23, 2010, 10:00 am

    my nights consist of my face in front of my pc when my bf is studing for his boards too..i won’t judge.

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat February 23, 2010, 10:02 am

    I heart your dinner! Looks good to me 😉

  • Susan February 23, 2010, 10:19 am

    Best dinner ever 😉 So true, some days I am SO lazy when it comes to cooking. I’m impressed you even went for a green smoothie after.

    Happy to hear you got a wetsuit! I don’t think you’ll regret it, but I only say that because I totally regretted not getting one for myself. You’ll feel MUCH better after the open water swim – promise 🙂

  • Theresa February 23, 2010, 1:10 pm

    Hey Caitlin – are you renting a wetsuit for the Tri? Did you decide on short or long sleeves? I have totally slacked about getting one – hoping it’s not too late!

    (Apologize if you already answered this – I didn’t have time to read all of the comments!)

    • Caitlin February 23, 2010, 1:26 pm

      it’s not too late to get one! do it! i got short sleeved.

Previous post:

Next post:

Search The Blog

Read by Month:

Read by Topic:

Healthy Tipping Point