Beautiful Scars

on June 21, 2010
in All Posts

Catching up on the weekend?

 

You  know what I noticed this morning?  The little scar from my triathlon bike crash never went away.  I think I’m stuck with it… but I kind of like it!

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Side note: it’s REALLY hard to take a picture of your own right elbow with a DSLR camera.

 

If you missed it, I wiped out during the turn-around during the Olympic Triathlon (recap) I completed in March.  We actually caught the accident on video! It occurs around the 1:00 mark and hey – I even replay it for you in slow-mo! 🙂

 

Lesson learned:  if you have road rash, spending hours in the sun on your bike will pretty much permanently burn the scar into your skin.  However, in a dorky way, I’m kind of proud of my elbow now!  Beauty in imperfections, right?

 

Breakfast:

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Blueberry whole wheat pancakes (a Hodgon’s Mills mix with fresh blueberries added in) plus stir-fried banana. 

 

It was DIVINE.  Melted banana is far superior to regular banana as a pancake topping.

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Look who ate breakfast with me (we sold our table yesterday):

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In other news…

 

  • I’ll be announcing my Speedy 5K/NMTZ training plan at lunch!
  • And won’t you buy my book?  :)  It’s available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Indie Bound.  Pre-orders make me very happy!  Thank you!

 

Do you have any scars that make you proud, not ashamed?

{ 128 comments }

 

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs June 21, 2010, 9:14 am

    Oh melted banana wins hands down every time!
    I have the odd scar, but I have no idea where they’re from – but I like them, it shows I’ve lived a little! They’re probs from falling off various horses 😛
    Have a lovely day!

  • Katie @ peacbeme June 21, 2010, 9:23 am

    I have a Harry Potter-like scar on my forehead from a car accident I was in when I was 16. It was pretty serious at the time but now it looks cool!

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin June 21, 2010, 9:28 am

    I had blueberry pancakes for breakfast too! I actually took the rest of the cup of blueberries and microwaved them to make syrup… so delicious!

    I have lots of scars but none of them from an incredible athletic event so I’m not really proud of them.. 🙂

  • Gavi @ GaviGetsGoing! June 21, 2010, 9:31 am

    I had two big surgeries on my left leg five years ago that left me with two big scars running down either side of my calf. By now, they’ve faded a lot, but I went through h-e-l-l to get those scars and I’m proud of them! Your breakfast looks amazing!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing June 21, 2010, 9:33 am

    Battle scars, woo!! That makes you hardcore! I have a bunch of scars, mostly from animals. My cat once ran over my face, a dog attacked my face, one of my cats clawed my arm because he panicked, and my mom accidentally ran into me with a casserole dish when I was younger, leaving a scar on my forehead. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! I’m SO accident prone!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet June 21, 2010, 9:35 am

    No scars for me! Just chicken-pox ones. 🙂

    • HTP Dad June 21, 2010, 10:51 am

      just curious, Jessica – where do you live? Caitlin and I have a pro – con dialogue on vaccination.

      Thanks

      • Jessica @ How Sweet June 21, 2010, 10:53 am

        I live in Pittsburgh!

        • HTP Dad June 21, 2010, 10:57 am

          sigh – a national rise in chicken pox and mumps because of the phony controversy over vaccination – glad you’re ok except for the scarring!

    • RhodeyGirl June 21, 2010, 11:26 am

      I have chicken pox scars all over my face. I got them when I was two and a half years old. I didn’t know any better and my mom couldn’t watch me every second of every day. The biggest one is right on my nose, and I considered getting treatments to remove it for years.

      Now I finally don’t mind it (and all my chicken pox scars), but still hate when people ask me what it is!

      Another thing we have in common, ay Jessica?

      • Jessica @ How Sweet June 21, 2010, 11:27 am

        I had them when I was about 5 or 6, and I even have scars in my MOUTH! Crazy stuff.

  • Marina June 21, 2010, 9:36 am

    I have so much scars, because I really don’t heal well. i have this one scar on my knee, I cut myself while playing hide and seek as a child 🙂 I’m pretty proud of that scar actually, reminds me of my childhood

  • Evan Thomas June 21, 2010, 9:39 am

    I have a scar on my right bicep. I like that it looks kind of badass. I got it from a hot frying pan after cooking eggs. Nobody has to know that part 🙂

  • Emily June 21, 2010, 9:40 am

    Have you ever heard of Girls on the Run. It started in Charlotte, its for young girls to work on self-esteem and self-image. They train for a 5K and talk about self-respect. I think the mission of Operation Beautiful would fit perfect and maybe even your book being kind of a text book type for the girls. Just a thought. PS. I think all Battle Scars are amazing!

    • Caitlin June 21, 2010, 9:47 am

      I have heard of GOTR! I might try to work with them. And that’s a wonderful idea of paring OB with GOTR. I’ve heard from a lot of women who volunteer with GOTR and they use OB notes as one of the projects for the girls.. so fun!

  • Rachel June 21, 2010, 9:40 am

    I had breast reduction surgery three years ago and my scars are pretty gnarly, but I wouldn’t trade them for the world. Having scars and small boobs is way better than huge knockers and no scars!

    • Caitlin June 21, 2010, 9:48 am

      My chest used to be a lot larger (2 cup sizes!) before I lost weight, and I think people really underestimate how troublesome and uncomfortable larger boobs can be. I totally understand what you mean when you say you’d rather have the scars from the surgery. I’m glad you’re comfortable with your chest now!

  • Jen June 21, 2010, 9:42 am

    That is a cool scar!

    My stomach is a mess. Scar from appendectomy when I was 10. Another one from learning how to iron and backing up the iron into my stomach when I was a kid. And I just had surgery a few days ago and got 2 new abdominal scars. I’m ok with them though because they make me, me 😉

  • Becca June 21, 2010, 9:44 am

    After one of my wisdom teeth was removed last summer, I ended up with a severe infection that made my throat swell shut. I was rushed into surgery to have surgical drains fitted to drain the infection, and had an emergency tracheotomy when they couldn’t intubate.

    I was supposed to be in the ICU for up to a week, but was moved to the wards after a day, and home five days later.

    My scars – one below the adam’s apple, and two kind of where the neck bolts would be, were I Frankenstein’s monster – remind me that there’s more to my body than the extra weight it carries, and that it’s pretty darn remarkable how resilient it is.

    Also, there’s nothing like having a nurse come and vacuum the hole in your throat each morning to give you a glimpse of what your future as a smoker would be like, so I haven’t touched a cigarette since. The scars remind me of the longer, healthier life I will have as a result.

    • Caitlin June 21, 2010, 9:48 am

      ohmigod how scary!!! your scars are definitely something to be proud of.

  • Marilou @ Mostly Healthy June 21, 2010, 9:46 am

    Scars make you look like a badass warrior! Mehehe!

    I have A LOT of them since I’m the worst goofball around. They’re all pretty boring though, nothing to be proud of 🙁

  • Lauren (Clean Eats in the Dirty South) June 21, 2010, 9:47 am

    well, it’s not so much a scar as anything else but i have stretch marks on my stomach and my back, from where i held a lot of weight before. now my tattoo is over my stretch marks, to remind myself of how far i’ve come and also where i never want to go again – in terms of weight loss.

  • Stephanie June 21, 2010, 9:50 am

    Thank you so much for this post, it could not have come at a better time for me! I went for a long bike ride yesterday and fell and split my lip open on a empty can some person carelessly left on the side of the road. I went to the doctor and he decided against giving me stitches since it was a straight cut and was healing well on its own. However, the doctor said there will be a small scar. I freaked since my smile is something I have always liked about myself and my wedding is only a few months away! Reading this post helped me realize that I will still look beautiful on my wedding day scars and all.

    • Caitlin June 21, 2010, 9:52 am

      dude, how the HECK did you fall off your bike and onto a can?! that is really crazy (and unlucky). i’m glad you can embrace the scar a little bit 🙂 it’s an interesting story for sure. if you do want to try to minimize the appearance, i suggest mederma (http://www.mederma.com/). i used it for a surgery i had and it really helped reduce the appearance/purpleness of it.

      HAPPY WEDDDDDDDDDDDDING!

    • HTP Dad June 21, 2010, 10:55 am

      Stephanie – go straight to a plastic surgeon instead of a doctor – their perspectives are completely different, and you may well end up with no scar – do it right now!

      • Stephanie June 21, 2010, 11:15 am

        Thank you for the recommendation HTP’s Dad! My fiance actually just called to tell me to see a plastic surgeon. Hopefully, they will be able to minimize the scarring.

  • Mellissa June 21, 2010, 9:50 am

    I have a 7 inch ACL scar on my left knee from a sports injury, now thats a battle wound 😉

  • Lindsay @ Summit Sandwiches June 21, 2010, 9:55 am

    I have a scar on my left index finger from a kitchen battle wound this past fall. I was doing battle royale with a sugar pumpkin while trying to carve it for a pumpkin risotto I was attempting to make. I got careless for a second, the knife slipped, and a hunk of my skin went flying. Owwww….the risotto was delicious though. I thought the scar would go away, but it didn’t. Just a reminder of my passion for cooking!

    • Caitlin June 21, 2010, 9:57 am

      OUCH!!

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg June 21, 2010, 9:56 am

    I’m majorly impressed that James is calmly eating his own breakfast while you enjoy yours– my dogs would be ALL over me, ignoring their own food.

    Congrats to the husband for his big graduation!!!!

    • Jaya June 21, 2010, 10:13 am

      Hahah! I was thinking the same thing: what a focused little dog!

      • Caitlin June 21, 2010, 10:15 am

        James is truly the best dog in the world. He is very well-behaved.

        Maggie is a different story.

  • Anne June 21, 2010, 9:58 am

    Way to be proud! My scar that I’m proud of is a bit teeny tiny. It’s on the inside of my right ring finger and it’s from playing handbells! I love to show it off to other handbell ringers to say “This is what happens when you play too much!”

  • Amanda June 21, 2010, 10:01 am

    My daughter fell off her scooter 2 summers ago and broke her elbow. She had to have surgery and she has a huge scar on her elbow. For awhile she was self concious of it but she embraces it now! She says its part of whos he is 🙂

  • Nicole, RD June 21, 2010, 10:05 am

    No proud scars, but plenty that I’m ashamed of, that’s for sure!!

  • Lauren June 21, 2010, 10:06 am

    I have a small scar on my lip from an assault four years ago that I used to be ashamed of, but in the past year I’ve really embraced who I am as a survivor and since I’ve started following your blog, Operation Beautiful has really inspired me to write a book about my experience. I started a few months ago, but I’d really love to hear any advice you may have for me.

    • Caitlin June 21, 2010, 10:14 am

      i’m sorry about the assault but i am SO glad you are turning the experience into something more positive for yourself.

      if its a memoir-style book you have to write the whole thing before you can sell it. i recommend the book ‘the writer’s market’ for help in finding an agent once you finish! it’s my bible!

      • Lauren June 21, 2010, 10:18 am

        Thank you so much, I’ll pick it up when I pre-order your book!

        • Caitlin June 21, 2010, 10:18 am

          nice 😉 thank you! let me know if you have any other questions.

  • Allie June 21, 2010, 10:12 am

    mmmm, good looking pancakes!!! i have a 2″ scar on the outside of my hip from surgery last summer. at first i hated it, but it has faded considerably and now it’s a reminder to treat myself right. and that i’m pretty tough.

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople June 21, 2010, 10:13 am

    I actually only have on scar that I know where it came from. I guess there was this glass jar that I loved playing with as a baby and it was one of those “unbreakable” ones. Surprise, surprise, it broke. I hit it in just the right spot and it shattered all over me and I have a little scar on my wrist from it. Thanks mom, lol.

    Melted banana is definitely the BEST! In fact, I never even thought to do it until you posted your grilled banana sandwich one day and I’ve never looked back!

  • Wei-Wei June 21, 2010, 10:15 am

    Stir-fried banana?!?!?! O_______O that sounds like a ridiculously easy alternative to caramelised banana. Amazing breakfast! Looking forward to your lunch post about your training plan 🙂

    Scars – I don’t think I have any that I would necessarily be “proud” of, but I have one on my shoulder from when I was little… well, a few years ago anyway. (I fell down. I’m proud of myself for having the ability to even hurt my shoulder, of all places.)

    I hope you’re having a great start to your week! 🙂

    Wei-Wei

  • Jaya June 21, 2010, 10:15 am

    I have an awesome scar right across the bridge of my nose. I was playing field hockey a few years ago and my goaltender cleared a shot right into my nose. So, after a crunch, a faint and some stitches, I was left with a thankfully undisturbed septum, and a giftwrapped (in blue stitches) broken nose. I love my scar. I’m just so glad they didn’t score!

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) June 21, 2010, 10:17 am

    I have a lot of scars (mostly from skin biopsies… thank you family history of melanoma…), but I have one on my forehead from when I was 4. My brother threw a giant rock at a squirrel in a tree… but got my instead. OWW! But it always reminds me of playing with my brother when we were little 🙂

    • Caitlin June 21, 2010, 10:19 am

      lol oh man. why was your brother trying to kill a squirrel with a rock!?

      • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) June 21, 2010, 10:25 am

        HA! I’ve never even asked myself that before… guess boys will be boys? I hope that squirrel realizes that I took one for the team! 😉

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) June 21, 2010, 10:19 am

    battle scar!!! i actually really like scars and think they’re kinda sexy (even on me!) i have a couple on my feet, knees, and hips from volleyball…and i love them 🙂

  • jassy June 21, 2010, 10:24 am

    it’s just like a battle scar 🙂

  • ActiveEggplant June 21, 2010, 10:24 am

    You should definitely ROCK that scar! I have one on my shin from when I had to get stitches from a mountain biking accident and I couldn’t be more proud of it!

  • Colleen June 21, 2010, 10:26 am

    Wow – lots of inspiring scars, and it makes me happy that so many are embracing them! I’m accident prone, but thankfully I’ve always embraced my scars. I think scars are beautiful and I love to hear how people got theirs. Life is too short without a few bumps along the way! The biggest one I have covers my chin, I’ve busted it open twice and they took the stitches out too soon the second time so I’ve had my chin stitched up three times. It makes my chin a little lop-sided, but I love it anyway. It reminds me that I am strong (jaw surgery at 13 is no joke) and to be careful. 🙂

  • Jes June 21, 2010, 10:30 am

    I have a few scars. One i got while running track in high school, i biffed hard because my hip decided to pop out of place while running. The scar looked like a heart for a long time, but has faded since then… I have another scar from surgery that i am proud of. I am the only one who sees the scar(s), but still proud none the less!

  • claire June 21, 2010, 10:35 am

    Wow, the responses on here of the scars is intense but mine aren’t as much…mostly cooking scars! Yours is definitely more interesting and exciting lady!

  • Sara June 21, 2010, 10:40 am

    I have two really deep white scars, one on each side of my chest. They’re from the tubes that were sewn into my chest when I was a baby. My lungs collapsed when I was born (six and a half weeks prematurely), and everyone was pretty sure I would die, especially since the respirator had to be put on 100% oxygen more than once. But here I am, more than 31 years later, proud of my scars. 🙂

    • Caitlin June 21, 2010, 10:57 am

      ohmigod! you were a fighter even as a little babe!

      • Sara June 21, 2010, 11:02 am

        That’s right! There’s no getting rid of me!

  • Orla June 21, 2010, 10:40 am

    Funny as it may sound, I am proud of the scars I have from when I was diagnosed with Endometriosis. I had suffered for years terrible menstrual cycles and was fobbed off by doctors until I met my consultant. I asked her to perfom laparoscopic surgery (the only way to 100% diagnose endo) and I was left with three 2cm scars on my tummy. I am proud of them as I refused to be told to “deal with the pain” any more and eventually got my diagnosis which now means that I can take action to help myself when I am symptomatic.
    I also have a load of other little scars that I am not 100% proud of. Like the burn on my leg from a hot water bottle on my 30th birthday. I was way drunk and didn’t feel it. shame!
    Have you noticed that the older you get the less scars fade – or is that just me any my weird body?

    • Caitlin June 21, 2010, 10:58 am

      no i agree, scars seem to stick around longer now.

      i would be proud of those endometriosis scars, too!

  • Ashlyn June 21, 2010, 10:41 am

    I have a scar from where a pet rabbit attacked my hand (think ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ type rabbit) and another one from going up against my brother in airsoft. He shot me at point blank range, haha.

    Your scar is intense, Caitlyn!

  • Anna June 21, 2010, 10:45 am

    Oh man, I am so covered with scars. I have lingering evidence of bike accidents, cooking mishaps (knives and hot pans), cinderblock incidents, the list goes on. I love them all though- they’re evidence of a adventurous and active life!

    The only exception is when I flipped over the handlebars of my bike last spring and gashed my upper lip. I’m ok with scars on my arms, legs, hands, etc but not on my face in such a prominent place… eh, call me vain. So I actually got laser treatment on that scar to fade it away. It’s almost gone now.

  • Cara June 21, 2010, 10:47 am

    I LOVEEEE scars. Especially fun ones with an interesting story. Can’t wait to hear about your new plan. I tried the No Trouble Zones on Friday because of you, and started with 5 lbs. Big mistake. hahah. Will be getting the 3lbs today for it. haha.

  • maxinthegym June 21, 2010, 10:47 am

    No scars to be proud of 🙁 I have scars on my knees from falling multiple times while learning to ride a bike hahaha

    Your scar is like a commemorative thing for your triathlon! Be proud 😀

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) June 21, 2010, 10:51 am

    Scars tell stories and I love them too! 😀 I have a few scars that I’m happy about. I used to be embarrassed by them, until after highschool and I realized how cool they were. 😉

    Your breakfast looks delicious! 😀

  • Amy June 21, 2010, 10:55 am

    I have several scars. One on the back of my head from falling off a couch at a kindergarten birthday party when I was little. The parents had a big steel drum as their coffee table. Yep, my head hit it. It totally didn’t upset me as bad as one would imagine but I do remember being mad that I couldn’t go swimming on the hottest day of the year because of the stitches! Scar #2 is under my chin. Again, I was just a little kiddo. I was climbing on the toilet to get to my toothbrush on the sink. I fell and bashed my chin on the sink. It wasn’t so pleasant at the time but I enjoy my scar stories. lol Scar #3 I got during cross country season in high school. We did a giant capture the flag game in the woods with another team. I was being “cool” and went to hurdle a fallen tree trunk. Yeah, there was a branch sticking up that I didn’t see. Now my shin has an excellent battle wound. lol

  • Quisha June 21, 2010, 10:56 am

    I have scars from when I had two very large cysts removed (the size of grapefruits) in 2006. I have endometriosis and this is just a reminder to take care of myself to the fullest. They’re down by my bikini line so you can’t see them 🙂

    • Caitlin June 21, 2010, 10:58 am

      Hey! Orla (above) has scars from the same surgery!

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing June 21, 2010, 11:00 am

    I have a big scar on my left knee that I got from falling off my bike when I was a little girl. I kind of like it! It’s not pretty but it’s just something I’ve learned to embrace as part of my leg 🙂

  • SaraRM June 21, 2010, 11:02 am

    Your video makes me laugh, cheer, cry and want to go run a marathon all at the same time! 🙂 I absolutely love your blog. You are so inspirational!

    • Caitlin June 21, 2010, 11:03 am

      thank you so much 🙂

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman June 21, 2010, 11:03 am

    Ah…pre-order! This is very exciting!

  • Ashley June 21, 2010, 11:05 am

    I have A LOT of scars! My stomach looks like swiss cheese =) but they really don’t bother me at all! I had my appendix taken out a few years ago, which left me with 3 small but visible incision scars…along with those I had 5 beauty marks removed on my stomach/neck area that left 3/4″ scars. I have 1 small scar on my forehead from hitting my brother’s nightstand when I was 2yrs old. And I also have about a 7″ scar on my outer thigh from having a birthmark removed. I really just ignore them…if I do, everyone else will too! =)

  • LindsayH June 21, 2010, 11:06 am

    I’m impressed that you can keep the dogs away from your food with it on the floor! My dog would be all over that.

  • Cyclist Kate June 21, 2010, 11:07 am

    I love my scars! I have kind of a lot–rough and tumble life, I guess. But they help me remember specific instances in my life, and the memories of when I got the wound that scarred are so clear…wishing I didn’t have them would be like wishing I hadn’t had those moments. Imperfection and character really are beautiful.

  • Camille June 21, 2010, 11:07 am

    I love scars, they remind me of all the speed bumps along the way! I have one big one on my left calf that was from a dropping a dresser drawer on myself (oops!). But the coolest one I have is one that is still developing… get this…
    A lightning bolt shaped scar on my stomach from my safety pin rubbing during my marathon. I’m like Harry Potter!

    • Caitlin June 21, 2010, 11:08 am

      alright, that’s a pretty epic scar!

  • Amber June 21, 2010, 11:17 am

    I have that same exact scar on my elbow from a fall on my bike during a triathlon too!! Too funny!!!!

  • Emily June 21, 2010, 11:17 am

    love the video, expecially the quotes at the end! your fall was actually pretty graceful!

  • Mrs. Muffins June 21, 2010, 11:18 am

    My little girl is just over a year old now and she’s only had one case of the sniffles in her life – no other illness. Plus, I had a perfect pregnancy… but towards the end of my pregnancy I got a lot of stretch marks, on my stomach, hips, and legs. Sometimes I really hate them but if having a few stretch marks is the worst thing, I’m really lucky.

  • Rebecca June 21, 2010, 11:18 am

    Loved watching the video! I have a scar on my right foot from where the corner of a friend’s door took off a piece of skin when I was 14. I had to get stitches and it was the day before my family’s beach vacation. I actually hated my feet before it happened but thought the scar looked pretty cool afterward.

    I made a blueberry pancake this morning, too!

    BTW- I’m pre-ordering your book! Can’t wait!

    • Caitlin June 21, 2010, 11:34 am

      thank you!!

  • Carly @ Happy Healthy Foodie June 21, 2010, 11:22 am

    WOW Caitlin, what an incredibly inspiring video!

  • Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life June 21, 2010, 11:33 am

    Your pancakes look absolutely incredible. I think I might have to pick up some of that mix!

    I don’t have any scars I’m proud of, but I do have a doozy on the back of my leg from when I was riding my bike (I was about 10) and my foot slipped off the peddle, resulting in the bolt from my water bottle holder going right into it! It was disgusting – and it was all to try to catch a police officer in my neighborhood to show him I was wearing my helmet, go figure! 🙂

  • Lisa June 21, 2010, 11:52 am

    I have a scar on the inside of my lower leg. I pinched my calf in the chain during the Reach the Beach bike ride and still have a scar!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) June 21, 2010, 12:00 pm

    Scars are for tough girls! Definitely! I have a scar on my stomach from a tumor I had removed 8 years ago. I wear it with pride that I caught the tumor in enough time and it has not returned! They had to reopen me there to fix a hernia that came from the surgery a few years later. My husband says I should get a zipper tattooed over it. I thought that was pretty appropriate! Your pancakes look tasty! YUM!

  • Carrie H June 21, 2010, 12:11 pm

    I have a lot of scars … none from anything too epic, but I kind of like them all cause they remind me of stuff I may not otherwise think of.

    I have one on my shin from when I cut myself when I very first started shaving my legs at 12 on vacation in Hawaii, I have one on my forehead (a line) that is from ninth grade when I had a cyst removed (mortifying at the time, not so bad now), and one from college on my left ring finger (just below my wedding ring now!) where a friend drunkenly put out a cigarette on my hand! LOL, I wouldn’t recommend trying that last activity, but it reminds me of how far I’ve come in my life and reminds me of the fun, silly and, well, not so responsible person I used to be, ha ha!

  • Carrie H June 21, 2010, 12:13 pm

    I should clairify: A friend *accidentally (but still drunkenly, LOL) put a cigarette out on my hand … 🙂

  • JessicaR June 21, 2010, 12:14 pm

    Yep, I have a MASSIVE scar — nearly the entire length of my back — from a spinal fusion (ten vertebrae) I had for scoliosis when I was 14. It helps remind me that if I can get through surgery like that, I can get through anything. 🙂

  • Kelly June 21, 2010, 12:15 pm

    That scar is pretty serious! It shows you are tough, right? Can’t wait to see your new training plan!

  • Michelle June 21, 2010, 12:20 pm

    I LOVE your race video! Perfect song, great quote, etc 🙂
    I have a scar on my right shoulder from when I totaled my car and the airbag deployed. It was just an abrasion and my only injury from the accident. I like it because it reminds me of how lucky I was to walk out of that car!

  • Mary @ What's Cookin' with Mary June 21, 2010, 12:47 pm

    I’m very proud of the five scars I have from my spinal fusion… it reminds me of all that I went through to have my ‘new back’ 😉 It was a long road, but I’m FINALLY back to the old Mary! ..or closest I can be ;P

  • Aubrey S June 21, 2010, 12:53 pm

    I’ll be pre-ordering your book through Amazon. Will you then sign it for me? =)

    • Caitlin June 21, 2010, 2:42 pm

      yes i most definitely will!!! THANK YOU!!

  • Erika June 21, 2010, 12:53 pm

    Aside from being a klutz and having scars from falling, tripping, running into things, etc. I also have three scars on my lower abdonimals from having my appendix out when I was 8. My appedix ruptured and to get all the infection out I had to have two surgeries which left me with three scars that are thick and long and have little scars along the sides from the staples. They are a part of me and I flaunt them in my two-piece proudly.

  • mel June 21, 2010, 12:56 pm

    I just saw your post from last night about recipies without dairy. I’m vegetarian and only like fresh monzarella sometimes, but my husband and I make vegan meals all the time. Our favorites are warm and cold quinoa salads, couscous/beans/veggies, potatoes (sweet and white) stuffed with beans, hummus, guac, etc. bean and veggie burritos, veggie calzones with advocado and marinara instead of cheese, salads with veg. burgers, tempth or tofu sloppy joes, hard tacos with beans/guac/veggies, blue chip and bean nachos, etc. Hope this helps!

    • Caitlin June 21, 2010, 2:43 pm

      that does help!! thanks for the ideas!

  • Mary June 21, 2010, 1:00 pm

    I have one on my shin from when I went camping on the first date with my boyfriend, I fell down a hill and sliced it open on a rock. It’ll be a good story to tell my kids someday 🙂

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans June 21, 2010, 1:11 pm

    I am proud of the scars on my feet from running blisters. I call ’em battle wounds and tehy remind me that I run now. Sure my feet aren’t all that pretty but they sure are functional!

  • sarah June 21, 2010, 1:13 pm

    I tore my ACL when I was a junior in high school during a non-conference basketball game. I was pretty devastated at the time and hated looking at the scar on my knee from surgery but now when I look at it, it reminds how how strong I am and that I can do anything I put my mind to! I’m now a senior in college and ran my first 5K this past weekend on that same knee. 🙂

  • Kaz June 21, 2010, 1:19 pm

    Yum, blueberry + melted banana combo FTW! That’s what I’m having for breakfast today, actually.

    Hmm, I have tons of scars, but my most interesting on this this huge one running up the length of my forearm. My pony decided to walk under a barbed wire fence while I was riding him, and I fell off and the length of barbed wire scratched my arm. It was a superficial wound, but the scar has stuck around for about fifteen years now and looks much more intense than it really was! 😀

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin June 21, 2010, 1:30 pm

    I have tons of scars that are a result of my klutziness. But I think my most impressive scar is the one on my scalp (under my hair) from when a tree got struck by lightening and fell on me!! 😛

  • 100 Days In Bed June 21, 2010, 1:41 pm

    I have a huge scar from donating my kidney to my Dad. He is alive and kickin’ and as I told him yesterday, “Now I don’t need to ever buy you anything for Father’s Day AGAIN!” LOL

    I wish women would embrace their stretch marks as scars. I wrote a blog on this that had deep meaning for me. Maybe someday. Love ur blog!

    • Caitlin June 21, 2010, 2:43 pm

      hahah yea… now i vote that YOU win for best scar story!

      • 100 Days In Bed June 21, 2010, 2:51 pm

        🙂
        Thank you, I would be happy to wear a sash that shows off my scar and be “Miss Healthy Tipping Point” for a day. LOL, thanks for the sweet reply! 🙂

  • Emilie June 21, 2010, 1:43 pm

    I noticed a shout out to Operation Beautiful in SELF magazine when I was reading yesterday! Amazing!

    • Caitlin June 21, 2010, 2:43 pm

      yes it was sooo exciting!

  • jayme (cars & carbs) June 21, 2010, 1:44 pm

    i’ve been creepin’ your fabulous blog for awhile now, and i’ve decided to come out of the creeper closet.

    firstly, i love grilled banana! on oats and/or french toast, they’re a thing of beauty. i may or may not have tried it because i saw it on your blog.

    i find that scars are awesome conversation starters! i have a weird one on my arm from when i got a monstrous cyst removed. it was way more fun when the cyst was actually there, i would draw it fangs and angry eyes and called it Cysty.
    that’s my boring scar, but my boyfriend jordan has a really cool burn scar. He touched his forearm right on the oven rack, and it looks like he got a dragonfly branded into his arm. not the manliest, but it still looks neat.

    • Caitlin June 21, 2010, 2:44 pm

      yay im glad you delurked 🙂 welcome to HTP!

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter June 21, 2010, 1:52 pm

    I am so proud of the scars on my legs. They are from my spikes in pole vaulting. Long story short I pushed myself in pole vaulting, but ended up digging my shoes with spikes on the bottom into my legs a few times.

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) June 21, 2010, 1:54 pm

    Your scar kind of looks like a shoe! Pretty symbolic, eh?
    I have a bike scar too! I flipped over my bike, and slashed my hand open. At the time I got dirt and gravel in it too, but now I just have a scar:)

  • Kiersten June 21, 2010, 2:29 pm

    I have a huge purple scar on my knee. A few months ago I fell on the stairs at school and banged my knee up really bad. I am not proud of my scar, but I don’t hate it or cover it either. I have learned to accept it and live with it (which is a big deal for me).

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances June 21, 2010, 2:44 pm

    I have a little scar on my knee that I got probably five years ago… from a glass coffee table. Lame!

  • Ellen June 21, 2010, 2:45 pm

    I’m drooling over those pancake pics!! And unfortunately, the scar I have on my left shin is NOT something to be proud of. The story isn’t even worth telling, but if you’re guessing alcohol was involved, you’re right! 😉

    http://www.firednfabulous.com/

  • Elizabeth June 21, 2010, 3:00 pm

    I actually have a condition called keloid scarring, which means that EVERYTHING scars. But, I secretly kind of like it; I think all the marks give my body character.

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) June 21, 2010, 3:15 pm

    I used to hate the scar on my stomach from my back surgery and try to hide it when I went swimming. But now I love it. I shows that I overcame the worst year of my life and came out even better than before.

    And I’m proud of the scars I have on my arms. I used to make up a lie and tell people they were from an accident but now I tell the truth. I used to hurt myself when I was severely depressed and through lots of hard work I’ve overcome that deep darkness and can move forward.

  • Raya June 21, 2010, 3:18 pm

    I have a scar on my eyebrow from chicken pox when I was little, one on my hand from my cat when I was a teenager, and one on my knee from a nail on superbowl sunday one year. Don’t ask. Haha.

  • Katie June 21, 2010, 6:04 pm

    I ran the blue points 5k last year…it had long gradual hills that I was surprised by! Good luck..you can do definitely do it! Also, if your book is available on the Nook ereader I am definitely going to pre-purchase it!

  • Ashley June 21, 2010, 7:17 pm

    Just watched your video of the recap from your tri. I’ve been reading awhile and I think this is my first time commenting… your video brought me to tears. A part of me was SO sad that you fell on your bike and so proud that you got up so quickly and finished with a smile on your face. The quote at the end of the video hit me HARD. Really hard. So hard that tears burst from my eyes.

    “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage”. “If you want to conquer fear, do not sit at home and think about it. Go out and get busy.”

    Are these yours? I would love to print them out in a cool font/color and frame them.

    I have spent 95% of my adult life sitting at home and thinking about all the things that I could do to make myself healthier and make me like myself more. I am always thinking about how I could go to the gym right now and do _____. Instead of just getting up and doing it, I think about it until I can’t (time won’t allow).

    Today is the day I will start making changes. Thank you Caitlin for being an inspiration.

    • Caitlin June 21, 2010, 7:23 pm

      I am so glad you found that video inspirational! I was really consumed by fear before the tri and I didn’t want to sit in inaction forever. That’s a Dale Carnegie quote, he has some really good ones.

      Thanks so much for reading… I really appreciate it!

  • Stacey@http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ June 21, 2010, 8:52 pm

    Yummy pancakes, I love the idea of sauteed banana’s, so much better.

  • linds June 21, 2010, 9:04 pm

    i have 2 scars on my face, im not necessarily proud of them but theyve become a part of me and Im OK with that 🙂

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) June 21, 2010, 10:56 pm

    I have a couple of scars, but I forget how I got most of them. I like them though 🙂

  • Jaclyn June 21, 2010, 11:58 pm

    I made french toast with great slices from a loaf of cinnamon raisin pecan bread I picked up at whole foods yesterday morning for breakfast and tried your technique of grilling pineapple and banana slices for a topping, it was SO good I had it AGAIN today! I’ve always loved grilled pineapple but haven’t tried banana on a grill…but sauteed stovetop, they were great!

  • Jackie (Peaces of Earth) June 22, 2010, 4:15 am

    I absolutely LOVED that video!!!!! Aside from you falling of course! But, it’s so inspirational and motivating.

    I also really needed to hear this today. I had some serious chafing on my back from my sports bra training for a marathon and it looks like it might scar. I was feeling a little down about it, but you know what, I should be proud!! 🙂 It took some serious miles for that scar. Thank you!!

  • BroccoliHut June 22, 2010, 6:12 pm

    I have multiple scars on the same knee–one is from a rollerblading accident and the other from a major spill while running. I’m proud of them because it traces my recovery from ED by becoming active, healthy, and strong:)

  • Katie June 25, 2010, 10:05 pm

    I have a scar on my left leg, right above my knee from melanoma (I was 19). At first, I was embarrassed of it, so I only wore long shorts or pants. But now it’s a reminder not to take advantage of my health (especially by skimping on sunscreen or visiting a tanning bed).

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