Last Week’s Workouts

on June 10, 2013
in All Posts

It was a good week!

photo (32)

I’m finally public on Instagram – CaitlinHTP.  Won’t you be my friend?

 

Here’s all my workouts from last week.  My next tri is just around the corner!

 

Monday – Rest.

 

Tuesday – Morning: 2 mile run at the gym + strength training (legs).  Afternoon: 1000 yard swim.

 

Wednesday – 1 hour ride on the indoor trainer.

 

Thursday – 1000 yard swim.

 

Friday – 45 minute bike ride on the indoor trainer.

 

Saturday – 5 mile run without the jogging stroller – such a nice break for the arms!

 

Sunday – 1 hour ride on the indoor trainer.

 

Totals: 7 miles of running, 2000 yards of swimming, 2 hours and 45 minutes of bike riding, one strength training session

 

Thoughts:  I’m pretty pleased with last week’s workouts. My goals were to: increase saddle time, do at least one strength workout, and go for an open water swim. Unfortunately, the open water swim (ran by our local YMCA) wasn’t offered this past Saturday, so that was a no go.  But I did make my two other goals, so I’m proud of myself.

 

The trouble with increasing my bike time is that my run distance suffered.  I ran twice as far last week as I did this week.  My ultimate goal is to increase intensity and duration for all three triathlon sports, but I feel like I’m currently in a bit of a fitness plateau and struggling to ‘break through’ the barrier to more intensive workouts overall.  Currently, if I increase one sport, another has to give.  I’m not too bothered by the shorter run distance because biking is my priority, and during races, I lose the most time on the ride, not the run.  But I have a sneaking suspicion that my fitness turning point is right around the corner – maybe next week?

 

And yesterday, after I finished my ride, I took my bike to a local shop to get it tuned-up. They offer a $20 race-day package that checks gears, shifters, the tires, etc.  I know one of my gear shifters is screwy, and I’d really love to have everything in picture-perfect condition before Sunday’s race.

IMG_5619

When we were at the bike shop, I have to admit – a few shiny new bikes caught my attention.  My bike is definitely showing its age and use – plus a few triathlon battle scars, including a ripped-up seat from a crash a few years ago.  Man, oh man – the news bikes are so beautiful! I did look into payment options – the store offered free financing for 18 months! – and was oh-so-tempted.  The Husband even said, “Want a bike? Let’s buy a new bike!”  But I always imagine DadHTP saying, “It’s not the bike that makes you fast, it’s your legs.” So true.  I’d rather use the money on more race registrations!  I managed to walk away from the bikes… but it was hard.

 

Side note: THIS WEEK ONLY!

Save $10 off individual registration and $25 off relay team registration for all remaining Ramblin Rose sprint triathlon events. 

 

It’s not too late to become a TRIATHLETE this summer!  Our final races include:  Rock Hill, SC (July 14), Winston-Salem, NC (August 18), Charlotte (September 22), and Chapel Hill (October 6). I will be at each and every event and would LOVE to see you there.  Use promo code SUMMER to save.  Deal ends June 16 at midnight.

 

How was your workout week? Ever hit a fitness plateau like me?

{ 25 comments }

 

  • Shauna@Pleasure, not Punishment June 10, 2013, 10:50 am

    Welcome to Instagram. Your life will look more vivid than you ever imagined. LOL.

    I want to thank you for the incredible wealth of information on your blog. I successfully became a TRIATHLETE yesterday! You were a great resource and support for me, without even knowing it!

    Happy Monday!

  • MissPinkKate June 10, 2013, 11:14 am

    DadHTP sounds like a wise man! It is never a good idea to finance a hobby item (because you might still be paying it off after you’re sick of using it); wait until you can pay cash!

    • Rebecca June 10, 2013, 8:53 pm

      …not if the thing you’re using is falling apart and could cause a problem while you’re using it for said hobby…
      My dad bought a Tri bike last year and though I’m not sure how he paid for it I’m pretty sure he’s not going to get sick of it. The bike he was using for all his runs was an old mountain bike he’d had custom built 30-40 years ago that was not going to work for tris–was too heavy. If you’re serious about your hobby, and what you’re using for it isn’t all that great anymore, a new investment might be worth it. But yes, cash is the better option if you can wait that long.

  • Kacie June 10, 2013, 11:19 am

    I just wanted to tell you, as you prepare for your triathlon, that a picture of you was used for a buzzfeed article about running! It made me laugh and I was hoping it would lead people to your site because I love reading your blog! Below is the hyperlink, you’re picture #22

    http://www.buzzfeed.com/erinlarosa/signs-you-ran-cross-country-in-high-school

  • Mary Ann June 10, 2013, 11:54 am

    Do you mind sharing what you do with Henry man while you do each workout? I’m looking at your week thinking, this is awesome, but then thinking (while staring at my 8 month old) how DOES she pull this off?

    • Caitlin June 10, 2013, 12:31 pm

      All rides are done while he is napping or sleeping. Very often, I put him down at 730 PM and ride until 830.

      All swims are done while he is at gym childcare.

      And of course – joggin stroller!

      • Mary Ann June 10, 2013, 12:50 pm

        Thanks! I know you’ve probably said that before, so I appreciate the recap! Can I ask one more question? How did you “vet” the gym’s childcare to make sure it was a good fit for Henry? Do you have any tips on making that decision?

        • Caitlin June 10, 2013, 1:30 pm

          I really do not. I work out at a very large, respected community center so besides meeting everyone and making sure they weren’t secret baby snatchers, I didn’t feel the need to really ‘vet’ them.

          • Mary Ann June 10, 2013, 2:11 pm

            Ok, thanks! I guess I was asking whether they had policies or procedures or a specific set up that helped you feel comfortable, ie. some gyms separate by age, some offer remote monitoring on TV sets, some have lower thresholds for retrieving the parent if the child is upset (5 min vs 10 min. vs 15). We’re trying to decide whether this might be a good option for us so hearing how others thought it through is helpful.

          • Mary Ann June 10, 2013, 2:25 pm

            PS. I was really trying to ask a legit question about your thought process, and I’m pretty sure you thought more about it than making sure they weren’t “secret baby snatchers.” You’re a thoughtful mom and wife and athlete, and that came across as a pretty snarky response to an honest question from an avid reader.

          • Caitlin June 10, 2013, 3:45 pm

            It wasn’t snarky, that was just my honest answer. It’s a large gym, the childcare is nice, and I didn’t feel the need the ‘vet’ at all because the facility is huge, well known and literally has hundreds of employees. If it was out of someone’s house, I would’ve been thorough but since I didn’t have to,
            I didn’t do any research. I’m just not able to give you any advice because I have no advice to offer!

          • Mary Ann June 11, 2013, 9:11 am

            Thanks Caitlin, I know you didn’t *mean* for it to be snarky. It just came across as, “duh, just make sure they aren’t baby kidnappers, jeez.” And I don’t think a parent needs those kinds of trappings at a gym for it to be the right decision for them, either, so I wasn’t trying to say you didn’t do your job as a mom. Clearly Henry is healthy and happy!

          • Mela June 11, 2013, 10:24 am

            Other than meeting the staff and find out the policies, I’m not sure what else there is to do, Mary Ann. That’s pretty much what I’d do if I were to leave my son at a gym daycare.

  • Wendi June 10, 2013, 11:55 am

    Your dad is a wise man, but that doesn’t make it easier to turn down a new bike!! At least you know when you kill it at your next tri that it was because of your legs, not a new bike :).

  • Sarah @ Yogi in Action June 10, 2013, 12:02 pm

    That’s a great workout week- truly impressive.

    I’m definitely stepping up my yoga as I leave for yoga teacher training in 2 weeks and feel like I might not be in good enough shape to survive it!

  • Ashley June 10, 2013, 12:10 pm

    I was just at a fitness plateau- I felt like I wasn’t improving and I was getting bored and burnt out. It was no fun. I’ve switched up my approach to running, I’m playing around with heart rate zone training, and while I feel like I’m basically starting from scratch (slowing down my times was a real ego crusher) I also saw improvement in other ways instantly and I am feeling really optimistic. I’ve also added a lot more variety into my week and it’s been helping me progress in all my activities.

    And I too am drooling over a new bike! So close to caving in…

  • Miranda @ Miranda Runs June 10, 2013, 1:05 pm

    That medal is ADORABLE! Congrats on all your exercise, Katie! 🙂

  • Katie June 10, 2013, 2:03 pm

    I’m glad to hear you went public on instagram! Can’t wait to see your pictures!!!

  • Bitch on a Diet June 10, 2013, 3:35 pm

    I’ve been consistently working out 4x a week so I’m pretty pleased with myself. I avoid fitness plateaus by changing up my routine. Last year, I did two half-marathons and barre classes. This year, I’m doing hot yoga and 5ks. Maybe next year I’ll do 10ks?

  • Crystal @ TriFoodieMD June 10, 2013, 8:24 pm

    I hope you’re getting excited for Tri Latta on Saturday! I’ll be there too, so we’ll have to actually meet in person after the race.

  • Rebecca June 10, 2013, 8:57 pm

    Yay progress for you!
    I walk the dog probably close to a mile some days, and tonight my mom and I walked the track at the Y–probably made it close to a mile, if not a mile or more. (A mile is 11 laps, but I didn’t count laps. We walked for about 15 minutes.) I started a summer job today that today required a good amount of standing and bending over to clean things, so we’ll see how that goes. I know my legs are sore, but that could be due to shoes that need to be replaced as much as all the standing and walking.

  • Karen @ Runner Girl Eats June 11, 2013, 8:32 am

    Good job with the training! Whenever I add a new activity to my routine, I find that another activity does suffer at first. It usually takes me a little while to balance out and focus on all areas. I’ve recently added strength training so my running took a hit but I finally feel like I have a good balance and am improving in all areas 🙂

  • Mela June 11, 2013, 10:22 am

    A friend of mine posted a picture on FB of herself in a Ramblin Rose t-shirt the other day and it made me think of you. 🙂

  • Marysa June 11, 2013, 6:54 pm

    Check out this story about runners who run for a cause.
    http://southsoundmag.com/print-articles/running-to-remember-in-dupont/

  • Tara@PNWRunner June 11, 2013, 11:46 pm

    I’ll have to add you on Instagram! Mine is PNWRunner! Anywho, I am also training for a triathlon in August! I haven’t done one in many years so I am excited to get back into it! I need to start swimming though. I wish the lakes around here were much warmer! But I’ll give it another month to warm up…till then the pool it is!

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