Straight Through Swim

on May 3, 2011
in All Posts

Final verdict: I love the Speedo Flite goggles.  They are inexpensive, fog-resistant, and moderately comfy.   They leave wicked goggle marks, but mine are probably just too tight.

photo (31)

My goal for today’s swim was to bust out 750 meters (the distance I’ll swim during my June triathlon) without pausing to rest on the wall.  It was hard, but I powered through for 19 minutes with no wall breaks – although I did float on my back twice.  I’m cool with floating because I can do that during the triathlon.  I let out a little WHOOP when I finished 750 meters and then went on to do a total of 1,000 before calling it quits.

 

I love how swimming makes me feel.  I’m not sure if I can describe this accurately, but I always feel wiped out after a hard run – sweaty, shaking, and exhausted (but happy).  But after a hard swim, I feel loose, cool, and energized.  It’s a nice feeling!  I still miss running through.

 

Today will be a two-a-day of sort as I’m going to try running with the girls at Girls on the Run.  Hopefully, there will be zero knee pain!

 

Post-swim lunch:

IMG_3705

Have you not subbed out cream sauce with hummus yet?  You really must! 

 

In the pasta bowl:

 

  • Soba noodles
  • White kidney beans <—new favorite
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Cashews
  • 1/4 cup or so of white bean basil hummus
  • Lots of salt and peppa

IMG_3708

And… we’re off!

{ 66 comments }

 

  • Amanda May 3, 2011, 1:10 pm

    Does the hummus add a totally different flavor or could you “hide” the fact that it is hummus?

    • CaitlinHTP May 3, 2011, 8:42 pm

      Hmm I would recommend getting a flavored one. I think it makes that better! Red pepper hummus is good!

  • Kristy @ KristyRuns May 3, 2011, 1:10 pm

    Great job on the swim! And no, I have not tried hummus in pasta…YET! Genius, I tell you!

  • F. Plvan May 3, 2011, 1:16 pm

    Re: the swimming–you’re not only giving your knee a rest from running, but you’re also strengthening it as you swim because the water offers stress-free resistance. Swimming is highly recommended for back pain issues for the same reason–it’s the ideal core strengthener!

    F. Plvan

    • CaitlinHTP May 3, 2011, 8:43 pm

      Yes! Swimming rulez.

  • khushboo May 3, 2011, 1:17 pm

    I’m so glad u mentioned white kidney beans! I just bought a bag of the dry stuff yesterday and am excited to try- I’m thinking veg chili!

  • Leanne (Bride to Mrs.) May 3, 2011, 1:25 pm

    Good luck with your run tonight! & CONGRATS on the rookie award 😀 😀

  • Freya May 3, 2011, 1:34 pm

    Well done for the swim! I find it tough sometimes to keep going swimming and not stopping, but it is a great feeling if you can 😀

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat May 3, 2011, 1:37 pm

    I’m so anxious to get back in a pool and do some swimming this summer! I don’t normally use creamy sauces on noodles anyway (I’m more of a tomato-based sauce kinda girl) but now that you mention it, hummus really would be a tasty alternative! Thanks for the idea!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) May 3, 2011, 1:39 pm

    Hummus is perfect for a cream sauce. I love it in potato salads too instead of mayo (mayo gags me). I’m so glad you found a groove with the swimming! I hope the rest of your day goes well!

  • Jen May 3, 2011, 1:41 pm

    I miss swimming! I do love how it feels after, so refreshing 🙂

  • Miranda @ Living One Bite at a Time May 3, 2011, 1:42 pm

    Wow that sounds like a really cool idea. This might sound really weird, but my favorite thing with pasta is to mix half-and-half tomato sauce and alfredo. I bet using hummus would make it much healthier! Ha ha.

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) May 3, 2011, 1:44 pm

    I really need to try swimming! I’m just scared that people are going to make fun of my awful stroke! 😉

  • Ashley (The Vegetable Life) May 3, 2011, 1:44 pm

    Hm I will have to try hummus instead of cream sauce!!!! Look delicious!

    I wish I could swim…. but I’m a sinker and not a floater haha 🙂

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me May 3, 2011, 1:44 pm

    Good luck with the run. Just be careful! Pasta w/ hummus? Definitely intrigued!

  • Jessica @ Dishin' About Nutrition May 3, 2011, 1:55 pm

    I am supposed to be signing up for a triathlon this summer but I am petrified of the swim portion. I just can’t imagine swimming in freezing cold water with a million other people splashing and kicking and pushing you…. :/ Goggles are a must

  • Victoria (District Chocoholic) May 3, 2011, 2:02 pm

    Way to go on the 750, and I’m so happy to hear that you’re loving my beloved sport. There is nothing – nothing – that feels better than a great swim. I find that if I go more than 2-3 days without swimming, my shoulders feel totally tense. And I want to punch everybody I see. So…I swim.

    Goggle marks are sexy. So are cap marks. And going out in public with wet hair is totally acceptable.

    • Jamie May 3, 2011, 8:04 pm

      And hairy legs, reeking of chlorine, green hair, and not feeling awkward with styrofoam between your legs? No shame, runners have their own quirks 🙂

      After a good swim, I like to do water gymnastics. I’ll walk the length of the pool on my hands, or do bridges with my feet in the gutter and hands on the bottom, or handstand push-ups. Of course, lots of forward and backwards somersaults too! I feel so much more flexible than on land.

      • CaitlinHTP May 3, 2011, 8:47 pm

        I love the way when I stink of chlorine <– becoming a weird swimmer

  • Emily May 3, 2011, 2:05 pm

    congrats on the swim! if you’re already doing the actual distance of the tri, you are going to KILL IT on race day! I mean, how often do you run a marathon before racing a marathon?

    I’m with you on the post-swim feeling. It’s incredible, yet, swimming leaves me hungrier than any other form of exercise. And it lasts allll day.

  • Sara @ OurDogBuffy May 3, 2011, 2:13 pm

    Looks great! Yum. Puts my pb sandwich w/ carrots on the side to shame.

  • Kelly May 3, 2011, 2:14 pm

    I really want to try swimming at the Aquatic Center. Although I’m a good swimmer, I’ve never really swam laps in a real lap pool before. I even have the Nike one piece and everything, I just need the courage to try something completely different.

  • Sonia (the Mexigarian) May 3, 2011, 2:16 pm

    I love the way swimming makes me feel but I am always starving after an hour in the pool! I seriously could gnaw my arm off. I miss it so much. Your updates really make me want to hit the pool. 🙂

  • Molly @ RDexposed May 3, 2011, 2:20 pm

    Hummus IN pasta? I need to ponder on this.

  • Allison @ Happy Tales May 3, 2011, 2:21 pm

    Using hummus as a “sauce” is definitely a key way to my heart. I could eat that stuff by the spoon. So glad I make my own, now… as the HarrisTeeter and TJ’s stuff gets to be expensive!

  • Joyce May 3, 2011, 2:34 pm

    I swim laps for 40 minutes straight. I encourage you to continue since you feel so great afterwards. Years ago I jogged but prefer swimming. I was afraid of water until, at the age of 28, I conquered my fear and learned to swim. Like you, I aspired to just reach the end of the lane and then 2, then 10, etc. until I could swim a mile a day. I am now 61 and still love it.

  • Lucy @ The Sweet Touch May 3, 2011, 2:45 pm

    I’ve got to try the hummus trick!

    Caitlin, have you ever had butter beans? They are really tasty!

  • jen @ taste life May 3, 2011, 2:53 pm

    The soba noodles at my grocery store are wicked expensive, like four bucks a box. Where do you get yours?

    • Caitlin May 3, 2011, 9:02 pm

      I think that box was pricey but it lasted me like, two months! And it was still fresh.

  • Lisa @ Lisalettinggo May 3, 2011, 2:54 pm

    Great job on the swim! I used to be a competitive swimmer and I know just what you mean about it leaving you feeling refreshed. I really miss it sometimes.

    Also, that pasta looks amazing. I’ve never thought about trying hummus on my pasta, but I might have to do that tonight!

  • Jess@atasteofconfidence May 3, 2011, 3:11 pm

    Great job!

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) May 3, 2011, 3:32 pm

    Great swim! You are rocking that pool. I find that swimming makes me feel so wiped out afterwards, while running energizes me (unless I go over 6 miles). After swimming I have this empty, must sit on the couch all night feeling. I dont think I was meant to be a swimmer! Im so excited for your next tri.

  • Natalia - a side of simple May 3, 2011, 3:39 pm

    I know exactly what you mean about swimming! I always love how my entire body feels after and the effects last for so long afterwards. Just yesterday one of my friends and I were talking and the topic of swimming came up. As a previously certified lifeguard, I couldn’t get over it when she said she couldn’t swim. She just never learned. I couldn’t imagine!

    • Caitlin May 3, 2011, 9:03 pm

      You should teach her if she wants!

  • Michelle (The Runner's Plate) May 3, 2011, 3:40 pm

    I love that feeling of complete exhaustion after a swim! It is awesome! Although running will always be my first love!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey May 3, 2011, 3:41 pm

    I do love swimming too. After swimming competitively for years, I know just how you feel after a good swim!

  • Janessa May 3, 2011, 3:46 pm

    your lunch looks so good!

  • Diann May 3, 2011, 3:58 pm

    No Meat Athlete has an article made just for you today on how hard it is to accomplish the swim portion of the triathalon!

    • Caitlin May 3, 2011, 9:04 pm

      I saw it – thanks! So well written, wasn’t it?

  • Allie May 3, 2011, 4:28 pm

    Swimming makes me feel pretty awesome as well, but I do agree.. their is nothing like a good run. I hope your knee gets better soon!

  • Michele May 3, 2011, 4:30 pm

    Swimming leaves me with the best feeling too! That pasta/bean bowl with hummus looks soo good and satisfying after a long swim! 🙂

  • Parita @ myinnershakti May 3, 2011, 4:34 pm

    Your pasta bowl looks amazing! Love the addition of white beans and hummus! YUM!

  • Gabby @ Gabby's Gluten Free May 3, 2011, 4:34 pm

    All of your posts about swimming are making me want to hit the pool again! I too am nursing a bad knee back to normal – well, to whatever normal is for my poor knee. I experimented with swimming during the summer when I had a bad injury and may just return to it again. Love it!

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife May 3, 2011, 4:44 pm

    I LOVE how swimming makes me feel as well 🙂 SO great. Love the hummus on noodles idea-thanks!

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) May 3, 2011, 5:12 pm

    I really want to start swimming again. I was on swim team when I was a kid and I loved it, but I’m so weird about swimming in public- I don’t know the rules about shared pools, you know? Is it okay to share lanes with someone without asking them? I would be fine with it, but the last time I tried to swim in a lap pool, all the lanes were taken with multiple people so I innocently started swimming in a lane with one other person and she bitched me out!

    • Caitlin May 3, 2011, 9:06 pm

      That’s lamesauce. The rule is that if all the lanes are filled, you pick a land and both swim on the sides. I usually say, “Hi! I hope you don’t mind sharing” and smile, but I would never refuse someone who wanted to share with ME! That would be inappropriate gym behavior. 🙂

  • The Teenage Taste May 3, 2011, 5:48 pm

    Your lunch looks fabulous, Caitlin! I never thought to swap cream sauce for hummus, but I bet it’s delicious. I’ll have to remember that for the next time I eat pasta. 🙂

  • Holley @ Lunges and Lashes May 3, 2011, 6:12 pm

    I always get horrible goggle marks too! I don’t know what the deal is… do I need new goggles you think? Soba noodles and broccoli look divine!

    • Caitlin May 3, 2011, 9:06 pm

      I think you need to loosen them a bit!

  • Emma (Namaste Everyday) May 3, 2011, 6:40 pm

    That lunch sounds awesome! How do you get motivated to swim quickly? My parents have a pool so whenever I visit them in the summer, I try and swim laps but I just end of splashing around and such. Any tips?

    • Caitlin May 3, 2011, 9:07 pm

      Well it’s my only form of exercise right now besides yoga so I’m pretty motivated when I get in there! Signing up for the tri helps, too.

  • Running Mama May 3, 2011, 6:47 pm

    I’ve never heard of the subbing white sauce w/ hummus…I’ll have to look into it. Way to go on the swimming!!

    runningtobeskinny.com

  • Running Mama May 3, 2011, 6:47 pm

    I’ve never heard of the subbing white sauce w/ hummus…I’ll have to look into it. Way to go on the swimming!!

    runningtobeskinny.com

  • Lauren @ The Golden Ring May 3, 2011, 7:02 pm

    How is the underwater ipod going? I am debating…

    • Caitlin May 3, 2011, 9:08 pm

      I didn’t wear it today. I think it’s fun but it’s something extra to fuss with in the weather so I only have been wearing it on days I am totally demotivated. Plus, I don’t want to become too reliant on it!

      THAT being said.. It’s really cool and fun. I love it and would definitely recommend it if you’re thinking of springing for it. Plus, you can wear it for other sports, too!

  • Ashley @ Thefitacademic May 3, 2011, 7:20 pm

    white bean basil hummus?! That sounds amazing!!!

  • Cara May 3, 2011, 7:43 pm

    Love hummus in pasta!
    I love all your swimming updates! I swam a lot on teams and such while growing up, but haven’t been in a pool since I came to college! I miss it!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin May 3, 2011, 9:02 pm

    Congrats on your swim! Sounds like you’re all ready for the tri now. 😀

  • Paige @Running Around Normal May 3, 2011, 9:30 pm

    I love mixing hummus with a bit of nutritional yeast and water for a sauce! so good 🙂

  • Jumanah (Healthy Living in the Middle East) May 4, 2011, 4:30 am

    Still never tried hummus in pasta. Need to try it next time!

  • Lauren May 4, 2011, 10:31 am

    I, too, am a runner at heart, but have started to love the way I feel after swimming. You put into words the feelings I hadn’t been able to articulate yet. It makes me feel cool, loose, and ready to go. After a good swim, I feel so relaxed that I think I could take on the world OR take a nap.

    I think that relaxed feeling is why I struggle with speed in the pool. I dive in and then immediately think, “Ahhh. This is so relaxing!” 🙂

    Happy swimming!

  • Amber K May 4, 2011, 12:28 pm

    I’m so jealous! I used to love swimming, until I realized I’m allergic to chlorine. My gym used to have a saltwater pool, but switched to chlorine like everywhere else. And swimming in something other than a pool creeps me out.

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