Training: Swim / Run
Today saw the return of a swim / run training combination. My day started with an hour in the pool before work where I swam 2km broken up as follows:
- 500m warm up / freestyle
- 500m - quad breathing
- 500m - tri breathing
- 500m - pull buoy (various breathing)
I am really noticing the different in my 'breathing' since working on quad / tri breathing over the last few months. While I used to struggle to last more than 25 metres when using alternative breathing, I can now swim quite comfortably over longer distances.
I am actually hoping to use it as a strategy to keep 'occupied' during the half ironman swim to avoid tiredness / panic setting in. I figure that that concentrating on something other than the distance itself will hopefully make the swim pass more quickly? Besides, I would assume that it is far more energy efficient to breath every third or fourth stroke. Can any swimmers out there confirm / deny this?
Mr second workout of the day was a 7km run - that I completed after work. I was 'supposed' to run 9km according to my schedule, however I have a special event planned for Sunday and I didn't want to overdo the run mileage this week. You will just have to stay tuned ....
Side note: On my double training days, I leave the house early wearing my swimming clothes, but taking work clothes and running clothes with me. Despite having two big bags full of gear, I always seem to forgot something. Today it was…….running socks!!! PS – running 7km without socks = YUCK!!!!
Dinner
While Mr BBB was mountain biking this evening, I had extra time to prepare dinner.
I had chicken breasts in the fridge, plus a variety of other ingredients which needed to be used up, so a stuffed chicken dish it was.
I 'stuffed' the chickens with a mixture of wilted spinach, parsley, semi-dried tomatoes and parmesan.
Pan-fried for a few minutes each side and then baked in the oven for 15 minutes.
Served atop a bed of polenta...
And alongside steamed asparagus...
And drizzled with a classic jus I won a while ago from the lovely Lorraine....
Despite being quite a gourmet-looking dinner, it was super easy (and quick) to prepare. I think it went from idea to dinner table in around 40 minutes.
What about you? What is your favourite meal that looks gourmet but is super easy / quick to make?
Happy Baking :)
Posts
OOh that does look rather fancy. :)
ReplyDeleteI think thats the hardest part about swimming, learning to breathe right!
ReplyDeleteLove this quick and gourmet meal. :)
I'm a tri breather in training, but when it comes to racing I breathe every two - I find it easier to navigate that way. I find every three makes me a touch dizzy and disoriented.
ReplyDeleteThe key is to draft and remain positive. Think about gliding, not how long you've been in the water!
I do that all the time - concentrate on my breathing to distract me through my workout. Makes the time go by so much faster for some reason!
ReplyDeleteA block of blue cheese that I tell people I made from cows I milked myself ;)
ReplyDeleteYeah, like that would ever work...
Love the polenta here! Actually, I love polenta in all forms :)
I love polenta. I should really make it more often. I really like to make anything with tofu. I think there's this misconception that tofu takes a long time to work with but it really doesn't.
ReplyDeleteThat looks delicious! I love spinach!
ReplyDeleteMmm that looks awesome! I love stuffed everything. :P
ReplyDeleteSeriously your chicken looks amazing. It made my tummy growl and I just ate breakfast an hour ago! Can't wait to start following your blog! I love it!! I like making cupcakes... they look gourmet when you do fancy frosting but they are so so easy!
ReplyDeleteMeals that come together quickly and look beautiful are the very best! Because fish cooks so quickly, that is usually my go to when I am looking for something fast and pretty :).
ReplyDeleteYUM!!
ReplyDeletePS, when I workout in the morning before work I always forget something too. Like, my bra. Not my sports bra, my ACTUAL bra. This has happened to me three times this year. Thank God I work so close to a Victoria's Secret. :)
Ooh I'm so glad that you like the jus Lisa! :D you're more than welcome! I think pithiviers are good as they seem like they're fancy but they're so easy!
ReplyDeleteSome of my salads look pretty fancy pants but are easy to prepare. I hate getting to work and finding I have left my apron at home. I'm lost without my pinny!
ReplyDelete