Runners, Runners Everywhere!

on August 9, 2010
in Girls on the Run and Operation Beautiful

Hello there!  Are you having a productive Monday?  I am!  It’s a nice feeling.

 

Stopped by the Girls on the Run International headquarters (which happened to be right here in Charlotte) to meet everyone and say hello to the famous Molly Barker.

IMG_9925

Molly said something that resonated me with me today… A four-time Kona Ironman, Molly launched GOTR in 1996 with 14 girls and grew it to an international organization with over 80,000 girls a year.  She said, “For a long time I felt like I spent my training running away from something.  And then I came up with the Girls on the Run idea and felt like I was running towards something.”

IMG_9926

Today was side braid day.  🙂

 

The GOTR office is awesome! So colorful and full of positive energy.

IMG_9928

IMG_9930

A group of the GOTR ladies took me out to lunch to a local place called Providence Cafe.  I have been eyeing up this restaurant for weeks and was super excited to finally try it out!

 

I ordered the asparagus salad, which was goat cheese, pecans, balsamic glaze, arugula, and tomatoes.  With a fluffy piece of bread on the side.  It was a lot bigger than it looks!

IMG_9933

It was SO great and really filling.

 

Metaphorically speaking, what are you running towards?

{ 111 comments }

 

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs August 9, 2010, 3:19 pm

    Ooh your hair looks good plaited!
    Hmm..I’m running towards true happiness! I know that sounds corny, but I desperately want to be truly, 100% happy in life. I’m not there yet, cos there’s loads I haven’t done or experienced, but it’s my goal 🙂

  • eatmovelove August 9, 2010, 3:21 pm

    Oh my God ! I thought the asparagus would be chopped up LOL!

    What a great thing to be involved in. I’m “running” towards…life? and the end of the day right now…and a carrot cake…cheers 🙂

  • crunchy granola gal August 9, 2010, 3:22 pm

    I’m running towards success in my personal and professional life. When I figure out what it means to be successful, I’ll let you all know. 🙂

  • Michelle August 9, 2010, 3:22 pm

    That organization looks amazing! I can’t wait to look into the MA chapter and work with them!

  • Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers August 9, 2010, 3:23 pm

    i was contacted by GOTR 2 wks ago & will be meeting w/ them soon! i can’t wait!!! 🙂 i’m happy to hear you’re loving working with them. it really seems like such a great group of people w/ an amazing mission. i’m excited to get involved!

  • Elizabeth @ Eat Clean Fun August 9, 2010, 3:24 pm

    I am running toward better health and positive energy. While reading about all the running adventures on blogs and twitter, I have been greatly motivated and today I signed up for my first 10k becuase I CAN do it!

  • Nikki T August 9, 2010, 3:24 pm

    I looked for a chapter of GOTR in Edmonton, Alberta…but sadly, it doesn’t exist…

    I’m running towards my Police Physical Exam on Aug 17th…!
    And towards Chapters to pick up the OB book tomorrow 🙂

  • Meghann @ Meghann on the Move August 9, 2010, 3:24 pm

    I hope I’m running towards the END of Alzheimer’s Disease by raising money and awareness for my local chapter while training for the NYC Marathon!

  • Alison August 9, 2010, 3:24 pm

    I’m running towards contentment. Being at peace with and feeling satisfied by whatever life brings me.
    I LOVE Girls on the Run. My daughter will be participating during the spring 2011 season and I cannot wait.

  • Angela (ohsheglows) August 9, 2010, 3:25 pm

    I’m running towards inner peace. I’d like to think I get there a bit more with each run.

    I also run towards raising money for cancer research. It’s nice to be able to give back while having personal victories at the same time. I just may have to sign up for GOTR!

  • Heather August 9, 2010, 3:25 pm

    how fun to meet her! wow she sounds like a beast with all her accomplishments!

  • Adrienne August 9, 2010, 3:29 pm

    I am running towards a healthy baby- 17 weeks and we are still trudging along!

  • Evan Thomas August 9, 2010, 3:29 pm

    This reminds me of the Lady Antebellum song

    I run from hate. I run from prejudice, I run from pessimists, but I run too late.
    I run my life, or is running me? Run from my past, I run too fast or too slow it seems.
    When lies become the truth, that’s when I run to you.

    Thank God no ones home so I can play that as loud as possible on iTunes 🙂

  • Madeline - Greens and Jeans August 9, 2010, 3:30 pm

    So amazing! Right now I’m running towards a career change and job happiness! Not too much to ask for, right?

  • Teri [a foodie stays fit] August 9, 2010, 3:30 pm

    that’s so cool you met her! GOTR is such a cool organization. LOVE that quote too!

    I’m running towards a reduced-stress life. 🙂

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) August 9, 2010, 3:31 pm

    i’m running towards having a baby and working from home with a photography business 🙂 can’t wait!

  • McKella August 9, 2010, 3:32 pm

    I’m running toward my goal to be stronger, both physically and mentally. More assertive, more fearless, and a healthier body!

  • Carly (Swim, Run, Om) August 9, 2010, 3:33 pm

    Your hair looks cute like that!

    I’m running towards finding myself again. And being happy. It’s been a long time since I’ve been comfortable in my own skin.

  • Christie {Honoring Health} August 9, 2010, 3:34 pm

    I have had a productive day. I cleaned our entire house from top to bottom, excluding my office which we painted a wall in yesterday with chalkboard paint and we are still airing it out. I also did all the laundry.

    Go me.

    I am running towards making my wildest dreams come true.

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite August 9, 2010, 3:35 pm

    What a great question! I’m running towards a lifetime of healthy and happiness 🙂

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday August 9, 2010, 3:36 pm

    I’m running toward a change in my life. But I’m not sure how to get there, so I guess I’m running aimlessly

  • Jes August 9, 2010, 3:37 pm

    “Mr. Ipkuss, we all wear masks, metaphorically speaking” Sorry, that was my first thought when I read the question!
    I am running towards being a happier person. Looking more positive on the various things life throws at me that I would normally look at in a negative light…

    • Rachel August 9, 2010, 3:39 pm

      Hahahaha!

  • Rachel August 9, 2010, 3:38 pm

    I’m running towards confidence and feeling proud of myself every second of every day.

  • Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf August 9, 2010, 3:39 pm

    I’m running toward my future. My parents. My husband. The kids I don’t have yet. I have a long family history of deadly, preventable diseases (heart disease, cancer, hypertension, diabetes, etc) and I want to be there for my family and to instill healthy habits in them.

  • Katy @MonsterProof August 9, 2010, 3:40 pm

    I’m running towards control over my anxiety. What a stress reliever!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine August 9, 2010, 3:41 pm

    I’m running towards health- a health where I don’t need to restrict or overexercise to be happy with myself, but where I can appreciate my body for all the wonderful things it can do 🙂

  • Cat August 9, 2010, 3:41 pm

    I’m running towards a ‘better’ self. Running is just one way of continually challenging myself and becoming the person I want to be living the life I want to live. Running gives me clarity and a way of focusing myself that spills over into other areas of my life.

  • Kat August 9, 2010, 3:43 pm

    What an awesome thing to think about! I’ll probably be thinking about it all day, but right now I’d say I’m running towards figuring out what I want to be when I grow up.

  • Marilou @ Mostly Healthy August 9, 2010, 3:44 pm

    I’m running toward that next street lamp! 🙂

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans August 9, 2010, 3:48 pm

    I am runnign towards a sense of sccomplishment and a more positive outlook. I am running towards the proof that I am capable of more then i ever gave myself credit for.

  • Dorry August 9, 2010, 3:54 pm

    I’m running towards fulfillment in everyday! Each day is such a blessing…there might be bad/sad/stressful moments, but it’s important to see some positivity everyday. 🙂

  • Lindsay @ The Ketchup Diaries August 9, 2010, 3:56 pm

    A career in blogging 🙂

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete August 9, 2010, 3:58 pm

    What a great organization!

    I am running towards a better life. For me and my husband. I am running towards health, fitness, healthy (future) babies, a strong mind and a strong will.

  • Stacey August 9, 2010, 4:00 pm

    I’ve got to try that place out! I’m always looking for new places to eat in Charlotte, your meal looks yummy 🙂 I’m running towards my future of course, actually graduating and starting R.D. school (just to be exact 😉 )

  • Amber K August 9, 2010, 4:02 pm

    I think I am running towards fulfillment and a sense of peace. I have just started journaling again and I really think it helps!

  • Candice August 9, 2010, 4:02 pm

    I’m running toward confidence and contentment!

  • Keri @ Iron Mountain Movement August 9, 2010, 4:05 pm

    I am running towards being able to run another day!

  • Gavi @ GaviGetsGoing! August 9, 2010, 4:07 pm

    Great post about GOTR! I am running towards happiness, satisfaction, health, confidence, and pride!

  • Rachel @ Suburban Yogini August 9, 2010, 4:08 pm

    I’m running towards something rather scary, scary in a good, amazing, life changing way but still scary. Can’t tell you what yet but stay tuned.

    Hurray for productive Mondays!

  • Julia @ www.britbride.com August 9, 2010, 4:14 pm

    Hi Caitlin!

    I feel like I am running towards my wedding and a happy future with my future hubby – I want to be the best me I can be, the healthiest, strongest, sunniest and happiest and give him the best of myself. I am feeling upbeat as I just posted some before and after progress pictures over on my blog and am astounded by how far I have come since April. If I hadn’t found your blog back in April I know I would not have achieved these results. You are super inspirational to me, and I wish I was coming to meet you (and the rest of the health bloggers) next weekend.

    Julia
    http://www.britbride.com

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman August 9, 2010, 4:18 pm

    Love the hair! I’m running toward physical healing. So I guess I’m kind of running toward running.

  • Kelly August 9, 2010, 4:20 pm

    I’m running towards peace of mind and self happiness.

  • Lindsay August 9, 2010, 4:27 pm

    Girls on the Run, sounds like such an amazing program! I wish there was one in my area! I am definitely running towards responsible balance. Being a vegan and a runner requires me to be very proactive in my diet choices and training and it can be a challenge. But it’s living with intention each and every day that keeps me on the right track, and becoming more at peace with who I was made to be. If you am at nothing you will hit it!

  • Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa August 9, 2010, 4:27 pm

    I don’t know what I am running to but I know that I am running through stress, fear, and worry. Running gives me serenity.

  • Keva August 9, 2010, 4:29 pm

    Honestly, I’m running towards not being jealous of runners anymore. I have a rather large labral tear in my right hip that was caused by a malformation of my ball and socket joint, and angered by half marathon training. It can be fixed with surgery, but because of the joint weirdness it will most likely come back. So I’ve been told to stick to infrequent short distances. I tap dance also, so I’m just glad I have that! So you could say I’m running towards accepting that I won’t ever be a long distance runner, and trying to find another sport that gives me the same kind of rush but won’t leave my gimpy!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) August 9, 2010, 4:30 pm

    I feel like I am always running towards stability!

  • Ellen @FirednFabulous August 9, 2010, 4:40 pm

    Ohh that salads sounds yummy! I recently discovered that I actually LIKE asparagus. Never thought I’d see the day!

    Rock that side braid girl 🙂

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) August 9, 2010, 4:42 pm

    I’m running towards just being me. For so long I was running away from being the fat girl, the sick girl, the stressed girl, the mental illness girl. I feel so powerful when I run it is helping me define who I am. I enjoy the time I spend by myself running with passion and a goal and listening to uplifting music and pod casts that feed my soul instead of the way I used to tear myself down.

  • Megan (Running Foodie) August 9, 2010, 4:43 pm

    Like Kelly, I think I am running towards peace of mind. After a long day in the classroom with students making me want to tear my hair out, it’s relaxing to get out on the trail all by myself and just let it all go.

  • Christy August 9, 2010, 4:55 pm

    I have been thinking about this great organization since the first time you posted about it. There are no councils here in Oklahoma, which is a shame since we are the 6th fatest state. I would love, love to get one started. As a fellow runner as well as a mother of a pre-teen that already is struggling with body image we need this!!! So thanks for being involved! I’m trying to research to see what it takes to bring it here!!!
    Christy

    • Lauren August 10, 2010, 8:21 am

      I heard there may be one opening in Oklahoma City this coming Spring!

  • Nicole, RD August 9, 2010, 4:57 pm

    I love side braids 🙂 What a fun concept – I love it! I am “running” towards balance…in a lot of ways, but just balance 🙂

  • Stacey @ Tipping the (Kitchen!) Scales August 9, 2010, 5:00 pm

    I’m running towards more confidence (both body and otherwise!) and a more satisfying, fulfilling life. I have always let things hold me back and not felt that I could do very much but I’m trying to change that mindset and embrace new challenges!

  • tanyasdaily August 9, 2010, 5:08 pm

    enjoying every day!

  • Marci August 9, 2010, 5:08 pm

    I have contacted them about their Houston chapter and helping out! I love working with young girls. Think I would have wanted someone like this when I was a pre-teen.

  • Angela (The Lady Loves to Eat) August 9, 2010, 5:28 pm

    I’m running towards less stress and more happiness! and of course better health!

  • Cara August 9, 2010, 5:30 pm

    Wow that salad looks amazing. And I love that quote. It reminds me a lot about what you are doing!

  • Heather August 9, 2010, 5:34 pm

    I’m running towards acceptance of myself as I am and confidence. The most confident and happy I ever was, was during a period in my life when I was the most healthy and active.

  • Liza @ Health Nutting August 9, 2010, 5:36 pm

    Today, I am running towards learning about myself and discovering what I’m passionate about and want to do in life. Well, I suppose that’s sort of the theme of my life at this point, but I feel it particularly today.

  • amanda August 9, 2010, 5:40 pm

    happiness.

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) August 9, 2010, 5:51 pm

    Such a great organisation!
    And I just read your dad’s tips for getting faster on the bike – what a great post!!! Thanks HTP dad!

  • Annie (Delicious Wellness) August 9, 2010, 5:53 pm

    I love your side braid! 🙂

    I am running TOWARDS confidence and peace with where I am at any given moment. Good question!

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape August 9, 2010, 5:58 pm

    I’m running (or really walking) toward happiness. I am a lot more content when I am active.

  • Wendy August 9, 2010, 5:59 pm

    Your pic w/Molly popped up on my Facebook today! I’m an assistant GOTR coach, I think it is incredibly awesome that you are getting involved with the organization. You should come speak in St. Louis so I can meet you in person!

  • Wendy August 9, 2010, 6:04 pm

    Oops, I got too excited about GOTR, and forgot to answer your question. I’m running toward a stronger, healthier, more confident me!

  • Rachael August 9, 2010, 6:08 pm

    Girls on the Run is truly an amazing organization – many of my students were involved when I taught, and I loved the athletic confidence it gave them. Would love to get involved as a volunteer when I get back to Asheville. What am I running towards? Making myself as whole and healthy as possible, so that I can be effective and create ripples to change our culture and planet for the better.

  • Nancy @ The Wife of a Dairyman August 9, 2010, 6:16 pm

    I’m running towards keeping myself physically fit for myself and for my kids…..I want them to have a strong mama in their lives for many years to come:)

  • Camille August 9, 2010, 7:05 pm

    I’m running toward total self acceptance. Running is the only thing I have ever done that makes me feel 100% comfortable in my own skin. As long as I can keep running, I know that I can live in a healthy and happy way!

  • Maria @ Oh Healthy Day August 9, 2010, 7:07 pm

    I’m running towards finding out who I am and what I want to do with my life. I’m not there yet, but my long runs give me time to think about what I truly want and desire out of life.

  • Sarah August 9, 2010, 7:08 pm

    Ha. That’s a loaded question.

    I decided during my freshman year of college that I wanted to study theology, enter seminary and work towards ordination in my denomination. 7 years later (4 years of college, 3 years of seminary), I am one month away from my final ordination interview. Every time I run I think about the church that I will one day serve. So I guess you can say that currently I am running towards the moment when I will experience the laying on of hands that happens during an ordination service.

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels August 9, 2010, 7:18 pm

    YES side braid for life 🙂

    I have decided to give myself a goal of January to be out of my FT job and to start pursuing my blogging / writing as an income while I go back to school . . . that’s what I’m running towards!

  • Erica August 9, 2010, 7:29 pm

    I am running toward the long life that is ahead of me. With every step, I feel like I am telling cancer to “BACK OFF!”

  • Whitney @ Whitinspired August 9, 2010, 7:42 pm

    That salad looks amazing! I’m running towards finding a career that’s rewarding and that I don’t dread going to everyday of the week.

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write August 9, 2010, 7:42 pm

    That’s a really good question. I’m running towards a truly healthy and happy self image that I can pass on to my (future) children. My mom has always suffered with body distortion and poor self-esteem. I want to be the best me I can be, so that I can pass on that self-love to my kids! 🙂

  • Hannah J August 9, 2010, 7:58 pm

    This is amazing!!! As a youngin’ in early 2000 I was a member of my local GOTR chapter and being apart of such a great organization definitely jump-started my love of running! I would love to learn more about running for them because I have my first half marathon in October!

  • emily August 9, 2010, 8:11 pm

    My favorite Ms. 60 jeans that I can’t quite get to button any more!

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter August 9, 2010, 8:19 pm

    That is a beautiful quote. I can completely relate. When I get stressed from school work/family life/significant people in my life (aka boyfriends) I tend to run. Something about have 30 minutes to myself brings my body back to peace.

  • Ashley Solomon @ Nourishing the Soul August 9, 2010, 8:25 pm

    I’m running toward my doctorate in clinical psychology – t-minus 25 days! – which will ultimately let me to continue running towards helping countless girls and women learn to love themselves.

  • Laurie August 9, 2010, 8:30 pm

    I LOVE Girls on the Run. I brought it to my daughter’s school last fall and was the assistant coach. Now I am doing the admin., but not the coaching. My daughter LOVES it. Our December 5k was in the SNOW! It was amazing, and then our May one was in the rain. It has become comical. What is your connection with it? Have you posted that and I missed it?
    And, someone saw my blog from yours, thank you. She said she enjoyed meeting someone old like her (45) that is still struggling with this mess.
    Oh, one more thing (am I driving you nuts?) I was away this weekend and a friend went to take a picture with my daughter and me and I said “hide the fat”, then I said “scratch that, I am not doing fat talk anymore” 🙂

  • Laurie August 9, 2010, 8:39 pm

    I just read your GOTR stuff, no need to update me.

  • michelle August 9, 2010, 8:42 pm

    I’m SO jealous you got to meet Molly! I know I’ve said it before but I LOVE GOTR. I’m a coach at my school and I’ve already gotten questions about when the next season starts! It is so amazing! I really hope you can be a buddy runner or a coach at some point. You would do great with the lessons with your positivity and passion for healthy living. It’s so organized and GOTR makes it SO easy. I’d say I learned more than the girls did over the course of the season. Especially with negative self talk and the GOTR promises. GOTR really changed caused a “Tipping Point” for me. I am so glad you are really spreading the word.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat August 9, 2010, 8:44 pm

    Good question!! And one that I feel like I could think about for a very long time – perhaps on my next run!? 🙂 I think my answer is along the lines of self-contentment, and to keep proving to myself how far I’ve come since a couple of years ago. Running is what got me through some difficult times in the past, and I know that if I’m ever feeling not quite right, it’s what I need to help push through.

  • Michelle August 9, 2010, 9:19 pm

    I think for a while, I was running away from something too. Now, I’m running for me. It’s like coffee in the morning. If I don’t have it, I get cranky and there’s something missing.

  • kirsten August 9, 2010, 9:29 pm

    I had a side braid too today!

  • emptynutjar August 9, 2010, 9:40 pm

    I am in a difficult physical situation personally. I don’t do any cardio other than walking.
    So basically, I am crawling/walking each day just to be a better person in any way or form that I can.

    I admire your participation in such wonderful organizations. And you look beautiful (as usual).

    Just a curious question – did you get your book deal after you started HTP (post-SBR) or while you were on see bride run?

    • caitlin August 9, 2010, 9:44 pm

      oh, about nine months after i started HTP.

      thank you so much!

    • caitlin August 9, 2010, 9:44 pm

      oh, about nine months after i started HTP.

      thank you so much!

  • Jac August 9, 2010, 9:49 pm

    Running towards getting an actual 9 to 5 job. It doesn’t exist nowadays.

  • Stacey@http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ August 9, 2010, 10:01 pm

    The asparagus salad sounds really good and interesting.

  • Chelsey August 9, 2010, 10:05 pm

    I’ve never thought about the “running towards” concept before.

    I’m running towards peace with myself. It has taken me a long time to be content with myself, my body, my mind, my lifestyle… you name it, i’ve had doubts about it.

    I’m so glad I’m part of this community – everyone makes it so much easier to run towards my goal.

  • Jackie (Peaces of Earth) August 9, 2010, 10:20 pm

    I love that quote by Molly! So awesome. I’m running towards creating a life filled with love and passion and like Christie said, making my wildest dreams come true!!

  • Wei-Wei August 9, 2010, 10:46 pm

    I’m running towards fitness. And a better mile time, hopefully 😛

    Wei-Wei

  • Shelley August 10, 2010, 1:02 am

    I am running towards a better me 🙂

  • Michell McMahon August 10, 2010, 6:32 am

    Hi Caitlyn, I am 35 years old and have about 60 pounds to lose and I do not no where to begin. I literaly have all of the knowledge but just can’t find balance. I have tried running in the past but I have problems with my knees. I follow Kath, Emily, Jenn’s and your blogs but it is hard for me to try new things any suggestions or words of wisdom to get me started on a healthier path?

    • Caitlin August 10, 2010, 1:33 pm

      Hi there!

      Check out the last section of my FAQs http://www.healthytippingpoint.com/faqs I think its important you find something you like to do – like swimming! That’s good for knee issues.

      • Chelsea August 10, 2010, 11:30 pm

        I want to chime in and say that swimming is so good for the knees! When I ran cross-country and was out with knee injuries, I’d spend the two hour practices in the pool… it’s such good exercise and so non-painful.

  • Diana (Mymarblerye) August 10, 2010, 8:19 am

    I’m running towards a healthier mindset. I’ve battled such negative body hate for so long that I’ve “abused” myself with food and emotions. It’s time to kick that lifestyle and thinking AWAY and start LIVING.

  • Bethany (One Girl's Taste On Life) August 10, 2010, 9:39 am

    I am running towards a healthy, happy life. I spent a lot of my life being lazy and unmotivated. Your blog, along with several others, has shown me how exercise, diet, and the right “Operation Beautiful” mindset can change your outlook on life. Thanks for that. 🙂

  • Erika August 10, 2010, 12:53 pm

    Maybe I need to find something to run towards. PS – love side braid day!

  • Chelsea August 10, 2010, 11:29 pm

    I am running towards a doctorate in neuroscience!!

  • Natalie August 12, 2010, 3:14 pm

    Thanks to you, I have FINALLY found an organization that could use my services. I have wanted to find a volunteer opportunity that I could be passionate and active for while not feeling overwhelmed with everything else in my busy life. I have agreed to be a running buddy for my chapter’s 5k in December. I’m so excited. I also volunteered to help the race committee plan another race for the spring. You’re the best!!!!

    • caitlin August 13, 2010, 11:55 pm

      No you are the best! Thanks for volunteering!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) August 16, 2010, 12:56 am

    I am running towards optimum health!

  • Suze February 14, 2011, 4:41 pm

    At the moment I am running towards the goal of finishing the London Marathon and fundraising along the way, but I really had to think about this one since often you run towards the unknown hoping to find out something along the way.

Previous post:

Next post:

Search The Blog

Read by Month:

Read by Topic:

Healthy Tipping Point