A Good Hour

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Sometimes, all I need is a good hour on the mat.

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The Husband and I hit up a power mixed yoga class during lunch.  I was hoping for a very easy and very slow class because I’m running a 10K race tomorrow.  But class was challenging!  I spent a good 10 minutes in child’s pose while everyone around me flowed and sweated. 

 

One of the nicest things about yoga is that it’s taught me not to compare myself to others.  Just because the chick next to me can do a one-armed pushup with one leg in the air doesn’t mean I have to… or feel bad if I simply don’t want to.  I like to think if I’m on the mat and I’m breathing, I’m doing yoga.  The poses are just extra.

 

Came home and rushed to put together lunch before we leave for a little road trip.

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Here’s why I’ve been eating so many damn rice cakes:  Brown rice cakes are gluten-free and cheap.  Since I’m trying to cut down on my gluten intake, per doc’s orders, rice cakes are a more affordable alternative to gluten-free bread like Udi’s (which I love).  A loaf of Udi’s is $5; a packet of rice cakes is $2.  Also – they actually aren’t that different, calorically, from the gluten-free bread I buy. 

 

Plus, rice cakes are tasty! Especially when smeared with refried beans and goat cheese.

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On the side:  steamed mixed greens and a sweet potato.

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While eating his lunch, the Husband randomly shouted out, “I LOVE KALE, SPINACH, AND COLLARD GREENS SO MUCH.”  Seriously.

 

Where are we going, you be wondering?  Well, we’re heading out to see Ashley.  Earlier the week, I talked about her very scary bike accident – she broke her pelvis in three places – and Katy and I are going to visit her in the hospital.

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We’re bringing her a gift.  Any guess what it is?

{ 71 comments }

 

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife September 16, 2011, 2:44 pm

    Whoa, that is so sweet of you guys to go visit her! Is the gift a new book to read, or a journal?

    Oh how I love yoga!You’re right–it is a GREAT place to not compare. I love that thought, if I am on a mat, I am doing yoga. That is super 🙂

  • Katie of Cabbage Ranch September 16, 2011, 2:46 pm

    Bubble Wrap, caution tape, and a Danger Zone sign. 😉

    • Caitlin September 17, 2011, 10:17 am

      bawhahah!

  • Casey @ Pocket Full of Sunshine September 16, 2011, 2:48 pm

    Haha I wish my BF would shout that out! He would be more likely to run away screaming if I served him steamed kale.

  • Devon @ Answering Oliver September 16, 2011, 2:51 pm

    I was dripping sweat in a power flow class last night and had to break a pose just to grab a towel to wipe off! I was the only one who did that… thanks for the reminder that it’s OK to do your own thing in yoga.

    Send all our good wishes and healing vibes to Ashley!

  • Ashley September 16, 2011, 2:56 pm

    I wish my husband would shout things like that. Usually it’s more like ‘What is this green stuff?’. 🙂

  • katie @ KatieDid September 16, 2011, 2:57 pm

    I dig rice cakes too. I use them more as a snack than part of a meal just because they aren’t as filling as a slice of bread might be. But as long as you load em up with something filling and tasty they are awesome.
    And that’s hilarious about your husband! I Agree!!!

  • vks September 16, 2011, 2:58 pm

    Road ID?

    • Mary September 16, 2011, 3:10 pm

      That was my guess!

      • Lauren @ Sweet and Twisted September 16, 2011, 5:16 pm

        I was thinking that but I don’t think they could have gotten one so fast!

        • Caitlin September 17, 2011, 10:18 am

          That would be a great gift when she starts running again!

  • Teagan September 16, 2011, 3:00 pm

    Did you get Ashley a RoadID? That’s my guess.

  • Sarah September 16, 2011, 3:01 pm

    My guess is a new helmet!

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels September 16, 2011, 3:02 pm

    is it food?!?!? actually she seems to be getting some good eats at the hospital!

  • Jessica @ Jess Go Bananas September 16, 2011, 3:05 pm

    Yoga is fantastic! It has really brought me inner and peace and a focus and being non-judgemental about myself and others 🙂

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat September 16, 2011, 3:06 pm

    I’m sure she will be so happy to see you guys! I have no idea what the gift is 🙂

  • Dominique September 16, 2011, 3:07 pm

    I’ve been trying go go gluten-free for weeks. Today is going to be my official first day. I’ve stocked up on quinoa and have been having rice cakes for breakfast (topped with AB and mashed banana). I hav a can of decried beans and goat cheese in the fridge. I know what I’m having for dinner tonight, thanks!

  • Trish September 16, 2011, 3:09 pm

    I learned to stop caring and comparing when I am at the gym. Or just in general. As long as I am doing me, and doing the best me possible, then I’m good. 🙂

    And so nice that you’re visiting Ashley. So sweet of you.

    • Caitlin September 17, 2011, 10:18 am

      Amen to that, Trish!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday September 16, 2011, 3:12 pm

    I love that about yoga. It’s such an individual practice. You really have to focus on yourself. If you want to modify a pose to make it easier or harder you really have to question why.
    I usually ask myself questions like:
    Do I want to go deeper because the chick beside me in the lululemon get-up can? Do I want to go deeper because I’m cheating myself if I don’t?

    But, even though it’s independent, you really do get a lot of energy from yogis practicing beside you.

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me September 16, 2011, 3:13 pm

    I did power yoga last night too and it was tough! My arms and legs were vibrating uncontrollably. It was awesome though. 🙂

  • Shaya (Eye Girl Eats) September 16, 2011, 3:13 pm

    Yoga is delightful, and I agree- if you’re there and focusing on your breathing, you’re practicing yoga.

    Rice cakes don’t make me feel as satisfied as regular bread though– probably the airiness in the texture?– though the brown rice ones are a little better. I probably couldn’t make mine into a meal but as a snack they work great 🙂

  • Shannon @ My Life As I Live It September 16, 2011, 3:13 pm

    Enjoy our quick trip to Asheville, if you’re here long enough be sure to check out downtown after 5!

  • Jen @ Light Enough to Travel September 16, 2011, 3:16 pm

    FYI Caitlin, your link to Ashley actually goes to Katy’s blog.

    I’ll look forward to a future post where you tell us what you got her… I’m bad with guessing!

    • Caitlin September 17, 2011, 10:19 am

      whoops! will correct. thanks!

  • Laine September 16, 2011, 3:25 pm

    Is it a box of acupuncture needles for the husband to do acupuncture on her?

  • Erin September 16, 2011, 3:25 pm

    Hi Caitlin, I love what you said about focusing on yourself when you’re on the mat in yoga class. I used to compare myself ALL the time but I have started repeating the following mantra and it helps me focus on myself and my own needs and limitations: “my mat is an oasis of peace and strength”. It reminds me to just look to my own mat, no one else’s.

    Good luck on your 10K!!! You’re such a rock star!!

    • Caitlin September 17, 2011, 10:19 am

      I love your mantra 🙂

  • Erika September 16, 2011, 3:27 pm

    Is it her wedding invitation in a frame?

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen September 16, 2011, 3:29 pm

    The day my husband says that out loud I might roll over and die. haha! good luck on the race this weekend. I’m sure Ashley is psyched to see you guys 🙂

  • Shannon @ My Life As I Live It September 16, 2011, 3:34 pm

    *your

  • Cindy September 16, 2011, 3:34 pm

    Mmmmm sauce as a gift?

    Udi’s bread here in MA is almost $7. :(. I will check rice cakes as an alternative next time I’m at the store.

  • Deva @ Deva by Definition September 16, 2011, 3:34 pm

    A road ID, a new helmet, and a stuffed animal 🙂

  • Tatyana September 16, 2011, 3:36 pm

    I love that about yoga too!!!
    I really like online yoga classes at yogatoday, which reminds me that I have been slacking, gotta get back to that map
    happy weekend!

  • Sarah September 16, 2011, 3:38 pm

    I completely know what you mean about yoga! I actually started going to this calss that I call geriatric yoga. I am the youngest in there by 40 years, but I love it b/c it is easy and slow, but what I need after a long run on the weekend. Good luck tomorrow!

  • Coco September 16, 2011, 3:49 pm

    I’ve been doing the gluten free thing for a bit more than a month now and I have to say I’m loving it.. I don’t really do too many rice cakes at the moment- but have been eating tons of rice. I did treat myself to brown rice tortillas the other night and they are pretty affordable- less than $3 for a pack of 6. They don’t really hold together if you try to roll them like a burrito though- but are great for grilling

  • Kelly September 16, 2011, 4:00 pm

    I hope you are giving her a gift certificate for a Road ID. I’m going to give the rice cake instead of bread thing a try. It might help me with my chip habit too since they are crunchy.

  • kathleen @ the daily crumb September 16, 2011, 4:03 pm

    aww, you’re so sweet to visit ashley. sending prayers her way.

    the day my husband exclaims he loves collard greens i will send YOU $1 million, caitlin!

  • Jen September 16, 2011, 4:05 pm

    lol – love your hubby’s random shout-out to greens! …is it a book?

  • LauraJayne September 16, 2011, 4:06 pm

    I totally agree with you about yoga – if I need a “workout,” I run or visit the gym – I do yoga for the mental, emotional, and yes, physical, rehab. It does mean that I sometimes do two workouts in a day, but I always feel better all-around on the days I do yoga! Good luck on your 10k tomorrow!

  • Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga September 16, 2011, 4:09 pm

    “If I’m on the mat and I’m breathing, I’m doing yoga. The poses are just extra.” = SO TRUE!!

    I always say yoga just isn’t on the mat, it’s off the mat, too. That life off the mat, and going through it, is just one big extension of our on-the-mat yoga practice.

    Not comparing, breathing, just being….great message and reminder 🙂

  • Tessa @ Amazing Asset September 16, 2011, 4:10 pm

    I seriously need to get into yoga, I have only heard of all the amazing things it does for you!
    Have a great weekend lady!

  • Ally September 16, 2011, 4:15 pm

    That is EXACTLY what I’ve been doing re: the rice cakes! I’m gluten sensitive (it just makes me super duper bloated haha) so I’ve been smearing stuff all over them and enjoying them alongside greens. Such a good lunch or dinner idea. 🙂

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg September 16, 2011, 4:47 pm

    I agree with others — did you get her a Road ID?

    I totally agree about ‘just being on the mat and breathing’ is yoga — it is to me too!

  • Caitlin @ Cake with Love September 16, 2011, 4:54 pm

    I really like your approach on yoga, because when I started I was feeling intimidated by the others! And I got the tip for baked sweet potato with beans from you last year, since then it became a staple lunch when I rush!

  • Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews September 16, 2011, 5:03 pm

    What a great idea to put refried beans and goat cheese!

  • Marissa C September 16, 2011, 5:15 pm

    That wrapping paper is so pretty!

  • Jen September 16, 2011, 5:18 pm

    Bandaids? 😉

  • Hillary September 16, 2011, 5:38 pm

    The day my boyfriend shouts out that he loves greens will be a good day ; )

  • Molly @ RDexposed September 16, 2011, 5:43 pm

    Trainer wheels?

  • Rachel September 16, 2011, 5:48 pm

    I’m guessing the gift has to be the You Are Beautiful license plate.

  • Kris September 16, 2011, 6:40 pm

    I would have been shouting right along with Kristien. I especially love raw kale — just about everything I eat goes on a bed of it.

    So sweet you guys are visiting Ashley. My best healing wishes to her!!

  • Army Amy* September 16, 2011, 7:01 pm

    Good luck at your race!*

  • Kim September 16, 2011, 7:01 pm

    I’m guessing a new helmet:) Get well soon, Ashley!

  • Katie @ Peace Love and Oats September 16, 2011, 7:41 pm

    It looks like a book of some sort? lol but you didn’t give us a good angle! And that lunch looks amazing – simple but delicious!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey September 16, 2011, 7:49 pm

    What a good friend you are! I bet she will be so excited to see you.

  • Debbie @ Live from La Quinta September 16, 2011, 9:08 pm

    I agree with the Road ID guessers, maybe a gift certificate because of the time factor and you really need to order it yourself.

  • mi-an d. September 16, 2011, 9:12 pm

    i feel the same about them greens!! i love them!! :)) gift for ashley…hmm… a new book? dvd? tell her i say hi! she’s the very first healthy blogger i’ve ever followed!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin September 16, 2011, 9:58 pm

    Haha was your hubby being sarcastic? 😛

    • Caitlin September 17, 2011, 10:20 am

      No! he really does love greens. 🙂

  • Emily September 16, 2011, 10:25 pm

    Good call on the rice cakes vs Udi’s…I seem to be buying both which really is a waste! Best of luck in your 10k tomorrow!! I’ll hopefully be running 4-5 from here 🙂

  • Christine @ BookishlyB September 16, 2011, 10:55 pm

    Maybe one of those hemorrhoid/childbirth/neck pillow donuts? I think that’s the technical term…

  • kristen September 17, 2011, 12:28 am

    thats why I love yoga too. And I am always on the go, so it actually makes me stop and think about ME.

  • Khushboo September 17, 2011, 2:09 am

    My sister has been all over goat cheese with refried beans recently- must get on it!

  • Sophie @ threetimesf September 17, 2011, 2:47 am

    That is a good theory about yoga! Lovely idea – I really hope Ashley is on the mend!

  • melissa September 17, 2011, 6:23 am

    Would you do an update on how you are feeling since going gluten free and cutting out/ back on coffee? Any noticable changes? Thank you!

    • Caitlin September 17, 2011, 10:21 am

      I feel less bloated… I didn’t really realize how bloated I was normally until I cut back. It’s amazing!

  • Brittney @ Brittney Breathing September 17, 2011, 9:46 am

    I feel the same way about yoga!!! I just started my first class and it was so nice to not feel pressured and just doing what my body is able to do on that day. Love it!

  • Jill September 17, 2011, 11:03 am

    I pour a tablespoon of coconut oil over my salted rice cakes. Very tasty. If you use olive oil, its great too.

  • Ari @ Ari's Menu September 17, 2011, 11:30 am

    I love what you said about not comparing yours to others. I still catch myself looking around to see if I’m doing well enough by comparison and the best thing about yoga for me is probably that it challenges me to fight that urge in a way no other work out or activity really does.

  • Amber K September 17, 2011, 11:44 am

    So sweet of you to go visit Ashley and to bring her a present! I have never actually stayed in the hospital for a long time, but I have been a visitor many a time and it was always appreciated.

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