Very Professional

on February 25, 2010

Wetsuits are AWESOME.

Imagine swimming with a flotation device all around your body â€“ yup, thatâ€™s a wetsuit! And it kept me warm, of course. :) It was SO buoyant in the water, which made swimming so, so much easier. Plus, I felt super professional.

I got my wetsuit courtesy of WetsuitRental.com, who shipped it over for me to test out on the blog. Itâ€™s about $40 to rent the wetsuit, and you can order a few weeks before your event, if you want. Itâ€™s due back the week after your event â€“ so EASY! I might invest in my own wetsuit if I get really into triathlons, but right now, renting from a site like WetsuitRental seems like the best option for a newbie like myself.

The skin-tight suit was HARD to get on, but easy to zip up because of a handy string in the back.

The wetsuit made swimming 1,500 meters a BREEZE. In fact, I shaved 5 minutes off my normal time and finished in 30 minutes. It did feel a little awkward at first, but I got use to it. I definitely need to practice in open water still!

I wonâ€™t use the suit in the pool for the rest of the time, but I wanted to get a feel for it today.

Before my swim, I had PB and jam toast:

And after my swim, I ate a Glo Bar in the locker room:

I hung out for about 5 minutes to let my stomach settle (I have a stomach of steel and can run with food in my stomach without issues.

I left the gym and did 5.0 miles outside. Hereâ€™s my stats:

Duration: 50 minutes EXACTLY
Distance: 5.0 miles
Mile 1: 10:01
Mile 2: 10:10
Mile 3: 10:27
Mile 4: 9:48
Mile 5: 9:33 (wahoo!)

And then I went BACK into the gym and did a little bit of the Intro to Iron Pumping Challenge workout. I did three moves from the back and biceps day. To be honest, Iâ€™m really not feeling strength training at all, and Iâ€™m struggling to stick to the program.

The Husband and I drove home, and I made us some grilled veggie sandwiches with a side of potato chips.

The sandwiches contained:

Grilled zucchini
Grilled mushrooms
Spinach
Cheddar Cheese
Mustard

And they were delicious!

Back to work I go!

{ 104 comments }

Evan Thomas February 25, 2010, 4:30 pm
Those subs and chips look great; remind me of days at my grandparents and getting D’Angelos across the street
My aunt and uncle both own wet suits, but I just do NOT get it. I feel like I’m squeezing into a fish skin
Robyn February 25, 2010, 4:30 pm
All your meals look so tasty!
Jessica @ How Sweet February 25, 2010, 4:31 pm
You look great in your wetsuit! I can’t believe you can rent them somewhere. Are they super expensive to buy??
- Caitlin February 25, 2010, 4:33 pm
  Yes! I’ve seen them at $200!
Kara (@ Kara's Marathon) February 25, 2010, 4:33 pm
Awesome wetsuit! Any reason you went with a sleeveless one? I feel like most of the ones I’ve seen in stores have long sleeves…

Enjoy the rest of your day! I wish it was outdoor running weather here, but it is snowing like crazy in NYC!
- Caitlin February 25, 2010, 4:42 pm
  its only going to be 65 degrees or so and i wanted arm freedom. i think if it was colder, long sleeves would be necessary!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg February 25, 2010, 4:34 pm
That wetsuit is HAWT

Will you be modeling it at Fit Bloggin’ ?
Britt @ Runnerbelle February 25, 2010, 4:34 pm
That is AWESOME to hear how easy the wetsuit rental is. I know I need one for tri’s up here in lovely New England, but not sure if I’m up for the financial commitment of buying one yet. I’ll have to look into a rental.
Chelsie February 25, 2010, 4:35 pm
Caitlin- have you thought about putting the weight training goal off until after the triatholon? Triatholon training in and of itself is a lot (and you’re doing a great job!). Maybe you would be more into it if you didn’t have your other goal in mind. I find my lifting routines go to the wayside when I am training for something as well.

Either way, keep up the great work. I will be attempting my first triatholon at the end of the summer so I love reading about your workouts.
- Caitlin February 25, 2010, 4:43 pm
  yes i think i just tried to do too much! no surprise there! thanks for the positive thoughts!
Beth February 25, 2010, 4:36 pm
That is so cool to know you can rent wetsuits! I never thought about doing that but I really want to do a triathalon after I do a half this year so that is great to know, especially since you shaved so much time off! Grilled veggie sandwiches sound delicious too
megan February 25, 2010, 4:37 pm
you look so hardcore! hopefully this makes you feel better about your swim!
Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com February 25, 2010, 4:37 pm
Wow I didn’t realise wet suits could have such an effect!! I thought they were just there to keep you warm – you can tell I’ve never worn one…
LOVE that sandwich, ohmygosh that looks good! I bet it went down a treat after such a big workout
Kalli@fitandfortysomething February 25, 2010, 4:40 pm
Jeez woman I do NOT think you need to strength train right now……You are working out enough!
How did the husband do on the test?
- Caitlin February 25, 2010, 4:43 pm
  it’s tomorrow! he is still studying diligently.
Meghan@traveleatlove February 25, 2010, 4:42 pm
Awesome job on the swim! That is one thing I need to get into after this marathon!
Katie@ Two Lives, One Lifestyle February 25, 2010, 4:45 pm
Dang, I could never run with that in my stomach, I’m impressed. And the wetsuit is very serious business! Good luck to your husband tomorrow!!
Erin February 25, 2010, 4:50 pm
DO NOT PEE IN YOUR WETSUIT. hahahaha. the only negative? tmi? whatever
- Caitlin February 25, 2010, 4:51 pm
  i really wanted to pee in my wetsuit for some reason!!! LOL but i didnt. i swear.
  - Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete February 25, 2010, 4:56 pm
    It will keep you warm! The water was freezing in KOLN. I knew everyone else was doing it. I peed. That’s right. I did. I’m not ashamed. It kept me warm while I was waiting for the race to start in freezing water. You gotta do, what you gotta do!
    - Caitlin February 25, 2010, 4:56 pm
      that comment literally had me in stitches at my desk.
    - Erin February 25, 2010, 4:57 pm
      i dig it
    - Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers February 25, 2010, 4:58 pm
      i did it too. pee away!!!!!!! seriously when you’re scuba diving in freezing cold water you’ll do ANYTHING for a lil’ warmth!
      - Valerio January 26, 2015, 4:40 am
        me too
  - jessicaamc February 25, 2010, 5:06 pm
    I’ve done it too! There’s no shame! When it’s October in Canada and you’re white water canoeing with your grade 10 outdoor ed class and you’ve been peeing in the bush the while week…. you GO!
  - rebecca February 25, 2010, 6:06 pm
    I took surfing lessons once…they TOLD us to pee in our wetsuits for warmth…
  - Jen February 25, 2010, 8:46 pm
    There are two types of people – those who pee in their wetsuits and those who lie about it! I pee in mine! And btw, you look phenomenal in your wetsuit. Super sleek!
- Amanda (modernation) February 25, 2010, 5:18 pm
  I peed in mine, too. At the race you get your wetsuit n so early, have pre race jitters, then get in the cold water and there is just no way you can hold it. It will be fun to see what happens at the race. The time leading up to the start, plus the swim portion is just too long to hold it. And yes, it warms you right up!
  - molly February 25, 2010, 5:32 pm
    I scuba dive and often am sooooo cold that peeing is a huge relief. Gross but necessary!
- Ryan @ Greens for Good February 25, 2010, 6:53 pm
  When we would complain of being cold in swim practice, our coaches ALWAYS told us to pee and warm each other up. SO GROSS, haha! And people totally listened, by the way.
- Alison @ finnyfinds February 25, 2010, 7:12 pm
  I totally pee.
Erin February 25, 2010, 4:54 pm
bahhaah unless you get really cold…
Heather (Heather's Dish) February 25, 2010, 4:54 pm
that’s so funny you say that about strength training…that’s actually my favorite over cardio! there are definitely days where i can run/bike/hike for hours on end, but when it comes to doing something consistently i always turn to strength workouts.

i love the wetsuit! you totally look professional
Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers February 25, 2010, 4:57 pm
HUBBA, HUBBA! Hot wet suit lady! You make me wanna go scuba diving!
Tracey February 25, 2010, 4:58 pm
Way to go!!! You are a machine! What an inspiration you give to get my but out of this chair and go workout!
Amy February 25, 2010, 5:00 pm
If you put plastic grocery bags over your feet while pulling on the suit, it’s a lot easier to get on. Also, I’d recommend Body Glide (or Vaseline) at the back of your neck to prevent chafing from the suit while you’re swimming.
- Caitlin February 25, 2010, 5:02 pm
  amazing tips!! THANK YOU!
katie February 25, 2010, 5:01 pm
ow owww hottie in the wetsuit!!! youre a BEAST girl!
Gracie @ Girl Meets Health February 25, 2010, 5:01 pm
I was literally just about to write “girl, you are a MACHINE” when I saw the commenter above wrote the exact same thing, haha. Must mean it’s true!
Kendel February 25, 2010, 5:03 pm
Wow! What a day! You are awesome!
Lisa (bakebikeblog) February 25, 2010, 5:03 pm
Great work! A wetsuit is a must for those longer races Oh and I gree – go the body glide!
Diana (Mymarblerye) February 25, 2010, 5:05 pm
your wet suit looks like something JLO would wear. Great training day. BTW your hubby makes yummy food!
Amy February 25, 2010, 5:06 pm
Make sure you wash the wetsuit really well with regular water — the pool’s chlorine can damage it! Especially over time.
Allison K February 25, 2010, 5:06 pm
loving the wetsuit! You look Hawt!
Carrie @ I See Monsters February 25, 2010, 5:07 pm
Definitely train without the wetsuit! Having the “drag” from your regular suit and skin will help your training. In high school we used to swim in leggings/tights/shirts/shorts when it got close to district meet time! We looked like acquatic homeless people.
Amber K @ sparkpeople February 25, 2010, 5:09 pm
So do you still wear a swim top or some sort of bra with it?

It seems a bit personal to ask, but I am really curious because I have never worn a wetsuit and there’s no way I could go completely without!
- Caitlin February 25, 2010, 5:09 pm
  yes i had a bathing suit on underneath it… esp because its a rental!
Shellybean February 25, 2010, 5:15 pm
On the subject of swimming- do you have any tips for buying a swimsuit to work out in? I told my running buddy (who is going to start training for a sprint tri after her marathon this weekend- the girl is a machine!) that I’d swim with her at the gym. I haven’t worn a one piece in years, but my little bikinis aren’t going to stay on for serious swimming. I saw some suits online but I’m kind of scared to order one without trying it on. Also, what brands are good?
- Caitlin February 25, 2010, 5:23 pm
  i really wouldnt buy a bathing suit online because the sizes vary so much from brand to brand. all of the big brans – TYR, Speedo, etc. are good. Buy a size smaller than you think you really need – it will feel super tight in the store but will loosen up when you get in the water. And get one with thin straps – the thicker ones chafe!
  
  have fun!
  - Shellybean February 25, 2010, 5:26 pm
    But what if it’s super cheap online?
    That’s good advice about the sizing and the straps. I tend to err on the size too large side when buying things (I’m always worried that tight stuff is unflattering) but I will definitely keep the stretch factor in mind!
    - Caitlin February 25, 2010, 5:27 pm
      maybe try on that brand at the store to see what size you are and THEN order online.
  - Stina @ Girl Can February 25, 2010, 5:28 pm
    TYR has always been my brand of choice. While Caitlin’s right about thicker straps chaffing, I much prefer thicker straps to thin ones. The thin straps always feel uncomfortable to me like they’re digging into my shoulders. I would say try on both and figure out what you’re comfortable in.
- Megan @ Eat.Scrap.Run February 25, 2010, 6:12 pm
  I am tall so it’s hard for me to find a one-piece suit in stores that fits right. I ended up ordering multiple suits from Zappos.com and then just returned the ones I didn’t like. It’s free shipping both ways! The only bad thing is that your order is expensive, but I still do it since I know I will get most of the money back.
Astrid February 25, 2010, 5:22 pm
Just so you know, because of YOU, I am doing the intro to pumpking iron, and I love love love it! So thank you for giving me motivation. I am seeing and feeling results. aiat’s exactly what I needed to add to my fitness routine. So don’t feel bad for slacking, because the fact that you started it gave me the inspiration to do it, too!
- Caitlin February 25, 2010, 5:24 pm
  oh yay! i’m so glad you like it
Stina @ Girl Can February 25, 2010, 5:25 pm
Very hardcore. I hadn’t even thought about a wetsuit for my tri in June. I wonder if I’ll need/ want one at that point. I guess it’s time to go digging through my family’s pile o wetsuits and try to find one that fits…
Hallie February 25, 2010, 5:33 pm
Dude, I need to click through my Google reader and read your comments more often. I think your blog wins for best commenters and side-conversations. You should start a forum section or something so people can talk about peeing in wetsuits all day long
Tonyne @ The Unlikely Success Story February 25, 2010, 5:36 pm
I love grilled veggie sandwiches!! That is one of my regular quick fixes.

You look like a super Tri-Athelte in your suit!
Mary (Food Fit & Fun) February 25, 2010, 5:38 pm
I didn’t even know that wetsuits made you faster! I am stupid! haha
Andrea @ Run, Eat, Date, Sleep February 25, 2010, 5:38 pm
Lookin’ snazzy in your wetsuit! I’m laughing about all of the peeing comments. I bet you won’t want to put that wetsuit back on thinking someone else probably pee-diddled in it.
Caitlin @ Right Foot Forward February 25, 2010, 5:42 pm
Good luck to your hubby tomorrow!
Jenn @ Livewellfit February 25, 2010, 5:43 pm
My fiance did his half ironman in a wet suit and was beyond psyched at how much faster and smooth he felt.

I wish your hubby the best of luck tomorrow and you two get some rest!
Caitlin@TheTwentyFifthYear February 25, 2010, 5:47 pm
Wow, I can’t believe how much time the wetsuit shaved off! I was never on swim team but I had lots of friends who were and wouldn’t shave for the whole season just to get that extra drag. I’m glad your tri isn’t quite to that, um, level?

The running commentary on the peeing is hilarious. I would have no shame in it. Just don’t swallow any water during your swim!! I just grossed my
- Caitlin@TheTwentyFifthYear February 25, 2010, 5:48 pm
  Sorry grossed myself out typing that
Theresa February 25, 2010, 5:52 pm
I just ordered my wetsuit yesterday – hoping it gets here in time for a trial swim!
Katie @ Health for the Whole Self February 25, 2010, 6:03 pm
Just wanted to say good luck to your husband!!!!!
Jessica @ WHY DONTCHA RUN February 25, 2010, 6:03 pm
Wow! I had no idea a wetsuit could make such a difference – that’s great!

I’ve learned so much from this one post… you can rent a wetsuit? How cool is that?!
Shannon February 25, 2010, 6:15 pm
ooh, nice suit! did you buy it or just go with one of the companies that rents them? did you try many styles going in? i’ve been thinking about it, but haven’t bit the bullet yet…
- Caitlin February 25, 2010, 6:19 pm
  you just tell wetsuitrental.com your weight and height and they send you a suit to keep for a few weeks.
Megan @ Eat.Scrap.Run February 25, 2010, 6:17 pm
Great job on the swim, run, and lifting! I am going to order myself a wetsuit today. I went to my first triathlon club meeting last night and got their advice on what wetsuit to buy. I also found out that the local bike store does free clinics on bike maintenance and how to change a flat tire
Monica (Musings of the Granola Girl) February 25, 2010, 6:17 pm
I’ve always secretly wanted to wear a wetsuit.. maybe I should train for a triathalon in the future sometime?!

I love poppyseed buns, they make me smile
Matt February 25, 2010, 6:27 pm
Wet suits are really cool
Allison @ Food For Healing February 25, 2010, 6:34 pm
You are rockin that wet suit! Yow!
The Brunette February 25, 2010, 6:39 pm
You mention that the wetsuit makes swimming easier. Are thir any regulations on what you can and can’t wear in a triathlon? Wouldn’t certain outfits give you an unfair advantage?
- Caitlin February 25, 2010, 7:08 pm
  The USAT has certain rules about when you can and cannot wear wetsuits: http://www.setupevents.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=page&filename=wetsuitrules.html
Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) February 25, 2010, 6:43 pm
Wow, you look so hardcore in that! Loving it!

Lots of surfers here in Australia wear wetsuits because even though it’s hot, spending so much time in the water can really cause temperature issues.
Kelly February 25, 2010, 7:00 pm
Wow I didn’t use a wetsuit in my tri, but if I do one in colder weather I am DEFINITELY going to use that site, what a great resource, thanks!
Lindsay February 25, 2010, 7:02 pm
I wouldn’t worry too much about skipping the weight training given all the triathlon training you’re doing. Just do what you can! I too am doing the Intro to Weight Lifting program and have experienced some really great results so far. I love feeling stronger in my upper body, but I’m a cardio-lover at heart and am now starting to train for a half-marathon in April. It’s been hard for me to find a happy medium between my training schedule and my weight schedule, so I’ve decided to do the weight training just twice a week instead of three times (skipping the legs because….I tend to use them a lot when running…lol), and I think that’s a pretty good compromise. You don’t want to kill yourself from feeling like you have to do everything.
Hangry Pants February 25, 2010, 7:08 pm
You look like a Sea World worker. Love it. Also, are you naked under there?
- Caitlin February 25, 2010, 7:09 pm
  dont let shamu eat me!!!
  
  naw i have on a bathing suit it’s a rental!
Alison @ finnyfinds February 25, 2010, 7:15 pm
I am so impressed that you can eat something and work out 5 minutes later! I have to wait about 2 hours, especially if I am going running. Good luck to hubby tomorrow!
Julie February 25, 2010, 7:25 pm
Wetsuits are amazing aren’t they. I rented one for a tri and it was great, but then I found one online for only like $99…you can’t beat the price. It’s not top of the line, but hey I’m not a top of the line triathlete either! For that price it has already paid for it self after 2 more tri’s.
Laura February 25, 2010, 7:28 pm
so what kind of work out does the husband do while you’re all “triathlon-in” it up?!
- Caitlin February 25, 2010, 7:33 pm
  he lifted for 1.75 hours (i have no idea how he does that) and did 25 minutes of cardio on the elliptical.
  - Caitlin February 25, 2010, 7:33 pm
    he says he also walked around and looked at hot chicks for 2 hours LOL
Megan February 25, 2010, 7:30 pm
If you decide to do more tris after this, look around for wetsuit deals, especially as the fall/winter approach. Last year I got an Xterra wetsuit https://www.xterrawetsuits.com exactly like the one you are wearing for $99. They ran that special a few times last year, they were originally $300 I think.

I second the plastic bags and body glide- it also helps to body glide your legs where the wetsuit stops, it makes it easier to get off if there aren’t wetsuit strippers(with it not being a big race I’m guessing there won’t be).
- Caitlin February 25, 2010, 7:33 pm
  oooo thank you!!! i will check it out! i think i’m going to get into tris…. half ironman, anyone?
lauren @ Eater not a runner February 25, 2010, 7:30 pm
LOVE the wetsuit, I’ve never worn one before!
Heather February 25, 2010, 7:36 pm
super cool wetsuit!
what a good workout!
Lauren February 25, 2010, 7:37 pm
OMG I remember having to put on a wet suit when I went surfing. I think I burned more calories just putting that thing on than I did actually surfing. LoL

You are totally rocking the suit girl!
Julia February 25, 2010, 7:42 pm
Thanks for the wetsuit info! I def will try renting before i fork over 200 big ones!
Cynthia (It All Changes) February 25, 2010, 7:49 pm
For me I need to have several different workouts for strength training to stick to it. I found a bunch on some blogs and wrote them in a little journal. That way I’m not doing the same predictable thing.
Amy February 25, 2010, 8:02 pm
I know you just posted those hilarious pictures of James and Maggie, but what happened to the puppy photo oage? Those 2 little dogs always make me giggle.
Maybe the wetsuit will provide you that last little bit of confidence you need to get you through the swim. Now you know if you get tired, you can just float for a second.I didn’t read all the comments so maybe someone already mentioned that you should practice getting your suit off. I heard that can eat away at your transition time. Good luck! You’re going to do awesome.
Amy February 25, 2010, 8:03 pm
I know you just posted those hilarious pictures of James and Maggie, but what happened to the puppy photo oage? Those 2 little dogs always make me giggle.
Maybe the wetsuit will provide you that last little bit of confidence you need to get you through the swim. Now you know if you get tired, you can just float for a second.I didn’t read all the comments so maybe someone already mentioned that you should practice getting your suit off. I heard that can eat away at your transition time. Good luck! You’re going to do awesome.
- Caitlin February 25, 2010, 8:06 pm
  the puppy page is still here! it’s under my ‘about’ tab now (i had to move it for EGF)
Michelle @ Find Your Balance February 25, 2010, 8:15 pm
Nice! I think I had to wear a wetsuit once for canyoning in the Alps. Not as professional as yours though!
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday February 25, 2010, 8:22 pm
wow. everyone pees in their wetsuit eh?
i’ve done it. not gonna lie.

I’ve never worn one for swimming. only for white water rating.
Paige @ Running Around Normal February 25, 2010, 8:53 pm
You DO look like a pro! Own it
LOL @ the peeing to warm up comments. I think I’ll be in the latter category of people
Have a great night!
Lily @ Lily's Health Pad February 25, 2010, 9:13 pm
I hear ya on the stomach of steel! I can eat ANYTHING before a run and not have tummy troubles.
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) February 25, 2010, 9:44 pm
I love my wet suit – I got it at Costco for like $40 … and according to my hubby who is a triathlete, he says it is a good one!!
Emily Eats and Exercises February 25, 2010, 10:11 pm
I rented a wetsuit for my first tri. It was super fun to swim in (though yes, it took some getting used to.) I second the suggestion for body glide especially around the neck and ankles. Mine was long sleeved but probably for that one you want glide around the armpits as well.
Luckily you have lots of time to put it on, but you want to practice getting it off fast! I got the very good suggestion to take it off right at the shoreline – don’t run in it all the way to the transition area. You’ll run much faster that way. You can start unzipping and take the sleeves off while you’re in the shallow water.
I can’t decide if I’m going to rent again this summer or take the plunge and buy..
- Caitlin February 25, 2010, 10:14 pm
  yes yes yes! thanks for those tips – they are great.
Susan February 26, 2010, 8:17 am
I didn’t know you can rent wetsuits!!!!!! Ahh!!! I wonder if there’s something like that in Canada? Knowing that makes an open-water triathlon seem a whole lot better in my head…
Amanda February 26, 2010, 11:29 am
I did not realize wetsuits were buoyant; I thought they were just designed to keep people warm.

That sandwich looks good! I love grilled mushrooms.

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