Next Race and a Big Book

on January 11, 2011

For the third night in a row, I ate a hummus sandwich and vegetables for dinner. My snacks were equally thrilling â€“ fruit and nut butter. Yawn. Instead of boring you with thatâ€¦.

I spontaneously signed up for this awesome Half Marathon, which takes place in BOSTON at the end of May!

This means I am also going for a long weekend to visit Tina, Mal, and Murphy! Sheâ€™s doing it, too!

Annnnd based on your feedback, I decided to order THE CHINA STUDY. BORN TO RUN was the leader in the popular vote, but the premise of TCS is too good to skip! Anyone wanna do a book club with me??

Iâ€™ve heard that there are some arguments the research in TCS is flawed, and Iâ€™m not surprised there is a debate about such a revolutionary book. Everyone has an agenda, from the writer of the book to the critics. Still, Iâ€™m excited to learn more about the scientific support for a plant-based diet.

If you want to learn more about the research against TCS, check out this link that Hilary forwarded!

Goodnight! 🙂

{ 85 comments }

Anne T. January 11, 2011, 9:23 pm
Wow, I actually signed up for that race today too!
- Caitlin January 11, 2011, 9:23 pm
  we’re twinsies!
Winnie January 11, 2011, 9:23 pm
This might seem kind of weird and random, but have you ever had coconut butter and orange marmalade on bread for a snack? I like to cut up my toast into little pieces and try different combinations of spreads sometimes to make things interesting.. and I swear, coconut butter and orange jam is FREAKING AMAZING. I really recommend it.. havarti with raspberry jam is one of my favourites too 🙂
- Caitlin January 11, 2011, 9:25 pm
  I have not but that sounds awesome.
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) January 11, 2011, 9:25 pm
Good for you signing up! That should be fun! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the book. Have a great night!
Anya January 11, 2011, 9:30 pm
I don’t usually comment but I just have to say… The China Study has some SERIOUS flaws. As a mostly vegetarian (I eat meat rarely, what do they call us.. flexetarians or something??) I jumped all over this book and ate it right up (no pun intended). But as someone who works in nutritional research myself with a mother who is a cancer epidemiologist I started to have doubts and after looking into much of its data I realized that this book should NOT be taken at face value EVER, AT ALL. Statistics can be bent very easily to play up your thesis and this is exactly what the author does. Bad science ethics. So it’s kind of a pet peeve of mine when people throw around this book like the bible of healthy eating or good nutritional research. Look into the research and judge for yourself of course.
- elaine! January 12, 2011, 2:52 pm
  Agreed. If you want specifics on exactly how the author twists the data to meet his agenda, check out any Amazon review under three stars. A lot of scientists jumped all over it… especially in the one-star reviews.
Michele @ Healthy Cultivations January 11, 2011, 9:31 pm
I always love your race recaps. Looking forward to this one… and of course your photos of Murphy.
E (from One Twenty Five) January 11, 2011, 9:31 pm
That looks like a great run! Sadly (yet also awesomely) I’ll be in Boston the month before for their marathon (watching/volunteering. obviously). Too bad we’ll miss each other, BUT Miss Caitlin, in-a-totally-non-creepy-way I have added “take a photo with Caitlin” to my life to-do list. Consider yourself warned. Happy Tuesday night!! xo E
ashleigh January 11, 2011, 9:33 pm
Oh fun! I wish I could do that half mary too, but I’ll be away that weekend!
Sarah (Sarah Learns) January 11, 2011, 9:35 pm
yay for choosing a new book! i’m intrigued by the china study, too. i’m always wary of books/movies/articles/etc. that clearly support one point of view because in real life, the science is VERY RARELY so one-sided and decisive. that being said, i am all for educating oneself and reading both sides of the story is an important part of that! 🙂 can’t wait to hear your thoughts on tcs.
Baking 'n' Books January 11, 2011, 9:38 pm
Congrats on signing up. I’ve heard mixed things about that book and sometimes I hate reading them because there are so many different viewpoints and studies – and honestly we are constantly EVOLVING! But I think any type of knowledge is good!

A Yoga teacher once told me: “Listen to everyone/thing. Follow No-One.”

Wise indeed.
Heather January 11, 2011, 9:38 pm
Awesome race, I’ve run it twice! You’ll have such a great time!
Kristina @ life as kristina January 11, 2011, 9:40 pm
I’ve heard a lot of mixed reviews on that book-can’t wait to hear yours! I’ve been debating on purchasing it!
Kudos to you on that race-can’t wait to hear the amazing recap of you rockin’ it!
gabriella @ embracement January 11, 2011, 9:41 pm
think i’m going to sign up for that race too! it was going to be my first half, but i’m doing one in april now and i’m gonna see how that goes before i sign up for this one too
Kristy January 11, 2011, 9:42 pm
Oh, you must come do a race in NYC some time! I’m jealous you will be staying with Murphy. ha! Cute pup 🙂 Sounds like a fun race. And a good read…I’m adding that book to my list.
Amanda (Eating Up) January 11, 2011, 9:46 pm
You really can’t go wrong with either book. That’s so exciting about the race! Boston will be great in May 🙂
Ellen @ Undercover Runner Eats January 11, 2011, 9:46 pm
I would totally do a book club with you!
It might actually motivate me to begin reading that baby.
Katie @ Healthy Heddleston January 11, 2011, 9:48 pm
You’d probably like the moving that is coming out called Forks over Knives.. talks about the China Study.
Maryann January 11, 2011, 9:49 pm
Sounds like you have a fun trip set up for Boston! And im excited to hear your thoughts on TCS.
SR January 11, 2011, 9:50 pm
oh i love boston’s run to remember! it was actually where i first PR’d in the half – i’m sure you will really love it too! looking forward to hearing your race recap in may 🙂
Erika @ FoodFitnessFun January 11, 2011, 9:51 pm
CONGRATS!!! 😀
I can’t wait to hear more about it!
Ella January 11, 2011, 9:52 pm
I might be running that with my little brother (but the five mile version). Yaay Boston!
I’ve been hearing a lot about that book recently – I’m curious to find out more about it…
Lizzy January 11, 2011, 9:55 pm
I’ve run that race a few times… you’ll like it- its right on the Charles river and its flat! Only problem is it can be really hot, depending. One year I ran it and it was 85 degrees, but you are probably used to that! Its a fun race- maybe we can organize a Boston meetup : )
Dorry January 11, 2011, 9:59 pm
I just got that book! Can we please do a virtual book club?
- Sarah @ See Sarah Eat January 12, 2011, 8:49 am
  I second that! I got it for Christmas and having others reading it too would help keep me motivated to actually read it 🙂
  - Caitlin January 12, 2011, 9:32 am
    Yes we can!
Jenn @ LiveWellFitNow January 11, 2011, 10:00 pm
Alright we have GOT to do a Boston meet up then! I did that exact race a few years ago and love it!
Jenna @Eating Green, Staying Lean January 11, 2011, 10:07 pm
That’s exciting! After reading so many great posts about the Disney Half and Full Marathons from you and Meghann (Meals and Miles) I think I’m going to sign up for the Half this year! Err…next January! It will definitely give me a running goal while I find one closer in the DC area for later this summer!
Alayna @ Thyme Bombe January 11, 2011, 10:08 pm
It’s still a great read, and even if only some of it is true or if it’s less true than it sounds, it still makes a case for healthy eating as preventative medicine.
anonymous! January 11, 2011, 10:10 pm
Yay great book choice!

I have a question that maybe you/other commenters could help me out on. I’m usually pretty good at evaluating my own problems and giving awesome advice to myself (hehe) but I was curious if you or anyone else had ever been in this situation:

I work as a grad assistant doing research at a university (cause they’re paying my tuition, holllaaaa) and love it. I feel pretty confident about it because I interned there during undergrad (I didn’t go to that school for undergrad, so it was really cool that I got the position), so they were the ones that offered for me to stay on and enroll in the MA program. So I feel great about how hard I’ve worked to achieve this position. But, it’s a science research institute, and everyone else is a few years older (i just turned 21 a couple months ago) so I already feel disadvantaged that way, AND…everyone is kind of like that cool nerd in school who is super witty and intelligent laughs at girls like me! I’m the one that brings a latte every morning, wears makeup and ridiculously high shoes, skips the office food in favor of larabars and tofu salads, listens to rap music in her office, etc. I feel SO OUT OF PLACE!

I’m pretty confident with who I am, and I know that you can be smart and hard working and still like to be girly and light-hearted, but I feel pretty self-conscious for the first time ever. Everyone else is kind of serious and I worry that they won’t take me seriously. I know the obvious answer is just to make sure I do good work and prove myself as a serious research assistant (I EARNED this position by working my ass off and being selected from a pool of thousands), but it’s hard when you feel like everyone’s noticing your feather earrings (true story) and asking if your shoes hurt (they don’t), rather than thinking that you’re crazy smart (which I obviously am :))

Have you or anyone else ever felt like this?!?! 🙁
- Kara January 12, 2011, 8:32 am
  I was always told “Dress for the job you WANT to have, not necessarily the one you have now” If you feel like your clothing/shoe choices are subject for discussion in the office, and you want them to take you seriously, maybe invest in some more subdued wardrobe choices.
  
  I worked in a large organization that valued its dress code and I can tell you that eating Larabars and tofu won’t hurt your career, but not dressing the part will.
  
  True story: we had an intern (who may have been crazy smart) but she wore white pants to work with a hot pink thong underneath. She probably didn’t know it showed through. After that, I don’t think anyone ever even knew her name. Harsh? Yes. True? Yes.
  
  Now, I’m not implying that you’re dressing provocatively, but maybe leave the feather earrings at home for while, at least until you establish yourself as a serious research assistant.
  - anonymous! January 12, 2011, 9:29 am
    Hmm, tough advice but I appreciate it!
    
    But the thing is, there is NO dress code at the office! If everyone was dressing really fancy then I’d obviously follow suit (the first day I worked there I really dressed up in “work clothes” and wore minimal makeup, no jewelry, etc. because I had no idea what it would be like – and I looked even more ridiculous doing that) But there is no dress code at all, so it’s pretty much jeans, hoodies, sweatpants, tennis shoes, etc. It’s not a huge company or anything, and the majority are grad/phd students or whatever, so it’s definitely a casual environment. I just figure that if it’s “anything goes” then wearing heels or whatever shouldn’t be an issue! I guess the issue I’m having is that I’ve never really doubted myself before.
    - Caitlin January 12, 2011, 9:34 am
      Kara gives pretty good advice! Unfortunately, sometimes we have to change who we are a bit to fit it at work. That’s just the way business goes. I don’t suggest hoodies though 🙂
Katie (Sweet Tater) January 11, 2011, 10:14 pm
ooh! AND “forks over knives,” the movie based on the book, will be in previewed in charlotte on february 5. wanna go??
Casey January 11, 2011, 10:14 pm
I’m doing that race too!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss January 11, 2011, 10:24 pm
How cool! I just read Tina’s blog right before this and was like “Oh, they’ll be in it together!” 🙂
B. January 11, 2011, 10:34 pm
How awesome! I ran that last year and had a great time! Are you going to be in Boston for a while? The book looks amazing…can’t wait to see your posts!!
- Caitlin January 12, 2011, 9:35 am
  I think for at least a weekend!
Katy (The Singing Runner) January 11, 2011, 10:51 pm
Please start a book club! That would be fun! 😀
Courtney Leigh January 11, 2011, 11:02 pm
I’m a huge advocate of reading and book clubs. I was part of a successful online book club for awhile even!

I was looking into buy The China Study for my library just a couple of months ago and looked at quite of few of the controversy sites as well. The following blog (Yay, social media!) is actually a really impressive starting point for some of the criticism:
http://rawfoodsos.com/the-china-study/
Stephanie January 11, 2011, 11:14 pm
Just bought TCS today and would LOVE to do a book club on it!
Anne @butter and bear January 11, 2011, 11:18 pm
I have been thinking about reading the China Study too, but just had to comment that Born to Run was a great book! You should definitely read it next.
Sana January 11, 2011, 11:20 pm
Have fun in boston!
Emily January 11, 2011, 11:31 pm
I would love to do a book club! TCS is currently on hold for me at the library 🙂
Ann @ Day by Day January 11, 2011, 11:37 pm
I’ll get the book and be part of the book club. It sounds very interesting to me! And a Boston half marathon in May sounds awesome! I look forward to hearing about your weekend. I just signed up for a half marathon like thirty minutes ago too! It’ll be my first one!
katie January 11, 2011, 11:53 pm
That was my first half marathon last year, and it was amazing! tons of runners, flat course, beautiful city, and so much energy. I’ll be running my first marathon in burlington, vt that weekend so sadly I won’t be there but you’ll have a blast!
Lauren @ Fun, Fit and Fabulous! January 11, 2011, 11:57 pm
That book looks so interesting. I might just have to join the book club! 🙂
Gracie (complicated day) January 12, 2011, 12:29 am
Any book with a superlative in its title leaves me skeptical.
- Caitlin January 12, 2011, 9:35 am
  What’s the superlative?
  - Joanna January 12, 2011, 10:52 am
    I think she means the subtitle, as in “the most:” The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-term Health. true, sounds dubious when phrased that way.
    - Caitlin January 12, 2011, 10:53 am
      hahaha i am such a good writer.
      
      i stared at “The China Study” for like 30 seconds. The isn’t a superlative is it? Oh i forgot the subtitle.
Mary January 12, 2011, 12:33 am
Good luck on your next race. I love the 1/2 marathon distance…training doesn’t take over your life quite as much!
Amber from Girl with the Red Hair January 12, 2011, 1:06 am
Book club would be SOO fun. I’ve been meaning to read that anyways so if there were other bloggers reading it and writing about it I’d be even more motivated and inclined too 🙂

(And here I thought this title meant you were going to talk about YOUR next book 😉 )
gill (snaxandthecity) January 12, 2011, 4:03 am
I’d love to be involved in a book club, I’ve been wanting to read that for a while! Amazon here I come 🙂
Robin January 12, 2011, 4:35 am
I’m up for the book club. The China Study is next on my list, too!
RJ January 12, 2011, 5:13 am
I just ordered The China Study so I totally up for book club! But you MUST MUST MUST read Born to Run as well. It is such an interesting, gripping read. Me and the hubs have embraced mininal footwear and running with positive results since. He will be running his first marathon in May and it will be in Vivo barefoot Evos.
Julia @ Brides Up North January 12, 2011, 7:37 am
Just catching up on old posts and really enjoying a good read, I have been so busy lately with my new blog on top of work AND planning my best bud’s batchelor party.

I love love love the photo of James being carried in the snow. It deserves a frame.

Have you ever lived anywhere snowy before?

Julia xx
Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun January 12, 2011, 7:44 am
I bet running a race with a friend makes it so much more enjoyable. And I wanted to be sure to say thanks for the cheers and congrats yesterday. Hugs!
Maura January 12, 2011, 8:16 am
I signed up for the Run To Remember too! Love this race!! Even better that it’s in my hometown!
Eats Veggies January 12, 2011, 8:26 am
I’m running that one too! It’ll be my first half marathon and I’m super nervous, but I think 5-ish months will be plenty of time to get ready.
Jennifer (Happiness Here) January 12, 2011, 8:58 am
I’ve read The China Study, but I’d lurve to get your take on it if you do a book club.
Susan January 12, 2011, 9:00 am
Oooh, now you’ve tempted me. I live right next to Boston (work in Cambridge). Maybe…
Haleigh January 12, 2011, 9:15 am
I haven’t read The China Study, it sounds interesting though. I can’t wait to see your thoughts on the book. So exciting that you signed up for a Half Marathon in Boston! Sounds like fun!
Elizabeth January 12, 2011, 9:16 am
Wahooo! You’re coming to Boston! I am planning to run that half, as well. 🙂 I’m definitely intrigued by The China Study…
Ashley (The Vegetable Life) January 12, 2011, 9:40 am
I am going to start reading that book too this week! I have been wanting to read it forever now!
Robin January 12, 2011, 10:01 am
My brother in law is a recent COMPLETE convert after reading this book. It has literally changed his life. So now I’m reading it, but with hesistation! So far the main thing I’ve gotten out of it (so far) is: eat well = you will be healthy. umm duh.

can’t wait to see what you think. For me it’s a little technical, so I’m only gotten 1/3 through and sometimes I have to ask RN husband what words mean. I have to skim parts b/c I feel like I’m being told something and I can’t understand the details. Maybe I’m just dumb but I don’t like books like that! I’m open to all reading though, good luck!
Sarah January 12, 2011, 10:10 am
I’m running that race too! I signed up a few weeks ago- so excited. A friend talked me into it- she’s run it before and really liked it. I think a course through Boston will be amazing and my training plan is totally kicking my butt! I’ve only run two 5ks before, but I think with some motivation and proper training I can do it!
Lacey @ Lake Life January 12, 2011, 10:15 am
It sounds like you made a good choice with the book. I would totally do a book club with you if I didn’t already have 20 books at home that I haven’t read yet lol.
Jennifer R. January 12, 2011, 10:36 am
I have that book too. This was recently posted on mercola’s website (http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/01/08/chris-masterjohn-criticism-of-the-china-study.aspx) and the Weston A Price Foundation has its opinion too.
Ali@ Food, FItness, Fashion January 12, 2011, 10:40 am
This new MADE MY WEEK!!!!!!!!!!! I ran that half last year and am running it again this year! I am so excited to see you. This news made my week. Loves it!!!!!!!
Debbie January 12, 2011, 10:50 am
Great race! I have run it twice, it used to be in March, which was nice, the weather was perfect. Good luck! I am still debating running it myself I need some motivation to get back into running…the winter is tough!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) January 12, 2011, 10:51 am
I hope you love The China Study! I thought it was awesome.
Beth @ Will Run for Books January 12, 2011, 11:08 am
Oh my gosh! A blogger book club might be the BEST. IDEA. EVER. Let’s do it.
Julie @SavvyEats January 12, 2011, 11:09 am
I’d be in for a virtual book club!!!
Rae January 12, 2011, 11:23 am
Oh man. TCS sounds good…but you NEED NEED to read Born to Run after youre done…I just finished it, and it was amazing-especially applicable to you with your new vibrams!!
Krystle January 12, 2011, 11:23 am
I signed up for that half back in December! I have to start training soon since I completely fell off the running bandwagon in the last month. I’m having trouble getting out to run while it’s so cold in Boston and i hate the treadmill!
Sean January 12, 2011, 12:09 pm
I know I’m treading rough waters since I really liked Gary Taubes’ Good Calories and Bad Calories and follow a more ‘paleo’ approach But here is a pretty good take on the numbers from the China Study by Denise Minger – http://rawfoodsos.com/2010/07/07/the-china-study-fact-or-fallac/
Lauren January 12, 2011, 12:43 pm
This race is AWESOME. It was the first half I’ve done and it’s such a great way to see Boston! I know it’s probably getting close to full so I have to decide soon if I’m doing it this year or not!
Jenifer January 12, 2011, 1:03 pm
As someone who is trying to make some nutritional choices for health and benefit, I’m trying to learn as much as I can! So, I’m totally game for a virtual book club!! : )
megabrooke January 12, 2011, 2:10 pm
im from boston and running that race too. done it a few times now! you’re going to love it! such a great way to see the city. we’ll have to do a meetup since it seems like there’s a handful of us running it!
Lauren @ Lauren Runs January 12, 2011, 5:31 pm
I’d love to be part of a virtual book club. Looks like an interesting read!
AllieNic @Frisky Lemon January 13, 2011, 12:09 pm
I would totally do a book club! My sister got me The China Study for Christmas! I think I need a little motivation to read it… Count me in!!
EmGrover February 28, 2011, 2:33 pm
I ran this half marathon last year….and just registered to race it again this year!!!!

I am a long time reader of HTP, I would love to meet you when you come to Boston!
- Caitlin February 28, 2011, 2:39 pm
  Thank you for reading! 😉 I hope we can meet up too!

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