Flats In My Purse

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My feet are killing me! I never, ever wear high heels anymore, and after trudging around in 3 – 4 inchers for three days, my feet are incredibly swollen.  I’ve been trying to keep flats in my bag so I can switch into something more comfortable for long hauls, but still… Ouch.

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How very NYC of me.

 

Although I chose not to bring any workout gear on the trip (which worked out well because I haven’t really had a minute to spare), I’ve been getting in a lot of cardio just by moving around the city.  On Wednesday, I walked about 4.0 miles and today, I did another 2.25!  The subway system intimidates me, and walking is free!  🙂

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Do you walk to work or class regularly?  Isn’t it nice?

 

My commute took me to the Shape magazine headquarters on Park Avenue.  I met with Jenna and Meghan to discuss all things social media and blogging. 

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And then I walked back.  🙂

 

Realized on the way that I passed right by the Empire State building and didn’t notice!  How could I possibly miss it?

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I stopped into a Pret to grab lunch to go.  I was OBSESSED with Prets when we were in London because they offered so many (inexpensive) vegetarian sandwich options.  The selection in NYC wasn’t as great, but I still found something delicious.

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I got a tomato, arugula, and brie (?) sandwich.

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Plus grapes.

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And sparkling water (chilled, of course):

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Time to pack up and get to the airport.  So excited to see the Husband and dogs.  And maybe go for a run!

 

The winners of the Very Operation Beautiful-ish Post-It Giveaway Contest are:

 

  • Laura wrote, "My compliment is for my best friend Blaire. When I was going through some really tough times with self-esteem and body image, she was always there to help bring me out of funks. And, thanks to her encouragement, I have started developing a healthier and more positive outlook on fitness, outlook, and life!! Thanks, Blaire!”
  • Saima wrote, “My dad is my inspiration…he inspires me immensely that with determination one can achieve their dreams no matter how difficult the journey may seem!!”
  • Samantha wrote, “Definitely my parents are a huge inspiration to me. They support my decisions and also support me financially by paying for my college. They seriously deserve some recognition because I know money doesn’t grow on trees!”
  • Danielle wrote, “Truthfully, if we’re talking the blog world, I couldn’t pick just one blogger to compliment. All of the healthy living blogs I read truly do add something special to my life. Those busy weeks where my Google reader’s unread items approaches 300 I really feel like I’m missing out, and I relish the time I spend catching up, getting new food and fitness ideas, and relating to the topics that affect us all. So thanks to all of you!”
  • Julie wrote, “My compliment is for my very best friends from the ‘burgh. Even though we are now scattered, these girls are all intelligent, beautiful, witty, and amazing!”

 

Congrats!

{ 73 comments }

 

  • April @ Crazy Fabulous Life August 6, 2010, 12:34 pm

    I’m glad you’re having so much fun!

  • Kaci August 6, 2010, 12:38 pm

    Sounds so fun! And yum on the sandwich!

    Congrats to the winners!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss August 6, 2010, 12:39 pm

    I love walking cities! You don’t even realize how far you’ve walked until you look back and the end of the day. It’s kind of the same way around campus- it’s completely pedestrian and I probably log in a couple miles just getting to class.
    Have fun on the rest of your trip!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss August 6, 2010, 12:39 pm

    I love walking cities! You don’t even realize how far you’ve walked until you look back and the end of the day. It’s kind of the same way around campus- it’s completely pedestrian and I probably log in a couple miles just getting to class.
    Have fun on the rest of your trip!

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs August 6, 2010, 12:41 pm

    I love walking places! I actually like jsut walking about where I live, with a good book, while the sun’s out. Bliss!

  • Aundra (Fit for Life) August 6, 2010, 12:42 pm

    I walk to work everyday – I love it! I have a three minute commute in a small town. It would actually take me longer to drive than it would to walk 🙂

  • Rachel (Two Healthy Plates) August 6, 2010, 12:42 pm

    Anytime I wear heals I like to keep some flats in hand!! Such a great trick =D Walking in cities is the best because you stay so distracted with so many things to look at, you don’t even realize how far you’ve walked until the end!!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) August 6, 2010, 12:42 pm

    i always dreamed of being able to walk around a big city to get places, but i think i definitely like the suburbs a lot too! now i save the big-city walking for vacations 🙂

  • Kelly August 6, 2010, 12:43 pm

    Very resourceful of you, haha. Anytime the bf and I are going out, I always make sure to ask how far away the place we are going is and if we have to walk or are taking a cab. Then I decide on shoes. I made the mistake of wearing super uncomfortable boots once and my feet almost fell off.

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) August 6, 2010, 12:44 pm

    We walked the city yesterday after watching you because the subway was hotter than walking outside.

    You are smart to bring flats. When I have work in the city I only wear my heals for the work and flats for the traveling.

  • Scargosun August 6, 2010, 12:44 pm

    You need SpareSoles. They are ballet flats you can roll up in your purse. You should SO contact them for a blog review. I have not bought a pair yet for me but have bought them for appreciative friends. 🙂

    • caitlin August 6, 2010, 4:44 pm

      Those sound fun!!! Every NYCer needs those.

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances August 6, 2010, 12:45 pm

    Shape magazine! How cool! 🙂 I’ve never been to NYC but I think I’d prefer to walk, too, as subways freak me out…

  • Nicole (Yuppieyogini.com) August 6, 2010, 12:46 pm

    I fell in love with Pret while in London too! I drank their lattes daily.

  • Heather August 6, 2010, 12:48 pm

    I wish I could walk more where I live, but everything is kind of spread out. I love walking in New York when I’m there, the subway intimidates me! I found it easier to navigate the tube when I was in London.

  • sweetersalt August 6, 2010, 12:49 pm

    The Empire State Building is easy to miss. The front is nothing special, the impressive part is all vertical! When I lived in NY I always commuted in flats then changed to heels at work. A pair of good ballet flats are indispensable!

  • Wei-Wei August 6, 2010, 12:50 pm

    I loooove walking! I walked to the subway and back everyday for camp, and I definitely just love walking places. It’s so much fun to just chat with whoever I’m with or listen to music along the way. I hope you have a safe trip!

    Wei-Wei

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete August 6, 2010, 1:01 pm

    I love to walk as much as possible. Work is too far away, but in college I loved to walk to class. Now I walk to the grocery store (if I am getting only a few things) or to the library or mall.

    I cannot wear heels for long at all! I do what you do: bring spare shoes!

    Have a safe trip!

  • crunchy granola gal August 6, 2010, 1:03 pm

    i am impressed with NYC women who manage to get around on heels – most tend to do the flip-flops outside of the office/ bar/ restaurant/ wherever. it works the best, there’s too much walking around here!

    i like that prets are popping up everywhere in NYC. quick, convenient and healthy. i’d be happy if there were more of these than subway sandwich shops… a girl can dream, right? 🙂

  • Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete August 6, 2010, 1:06 pm

    It was so crazy when I moved to Europe. I went from the girl that had never been on the subway to navigating London, Rome, and Paris metros. I felt so grown up! Walking is so much better though if you have the time, and you want to see the sights!

    Get some rest. 🙂 Maybe your hubs will give you a foot massage when you get home…

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! August 6, 2010, 1:09 pm

    Oh I know about the “sore feet” feeling as I wear High Heels (3+ inches) to work every day and even though my feet are used to them, whenever I get NEW shoes they take a bit to get broken in and man do they kill my feet.

    No, I can’t walk to work but I walk downtown a lot between different buildings for my job and love it. =)

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) August 6, 2010, 1:10 pm

    When my husband and I were in NY for the first time in April, we totally missed the Empire State Building too!! We walked right past it, and then said “where is it??? It is supposed to be around here!!!” I think it is because it is no longer the most “amazing” building in NY – not by a long shot. It is just a skyscraper – no biggie 🙂 Hehe.

  • yourbestadvice August 6, 2010, 1:10 pm

    walking is the way to see more of the city…so much for fun!

  • Marilou @ Mostly Healthy August 6, 2010, 1:10 pm

    I walk everywhere! My friend and I love to have dinner in the city and then walk back to my place which is 10 km away. Way too digest that food 😀

  • Angela (ohsheglows) August 6, 2010, 1:11 pm

    You are making me want to go to NYC so badly!! 🙂
    I just watched your interview from last night and it went really well! Way to go 🙂

  • Heather August 6, 2010, 1:17 pm

    I love to walk. I live in Queens, but work and go to school in Manhattan. Once I’m in Manhattan, If it’s walkable and I have time, I’ll walk. However, I have an unlimited metrocard, so taking the subway is always an option.

    But in the summer, you have to decide between the heat outside and the suana created on the subway platform.

    In my old apartment, I’ve walked to work (60 blocks and some avenues) and home from Bryant Park (40 blocks and some avenues).

  • Shay August 6, 2010, 1:25 pm

    Hey Caitlin, I’ve been reading your blog since May/2009 but this is the first time I have commented. You’re message is an inspirational message/movement and I wish I had something like this when I was a teenager, it would’ve changed so much. I will be buying this book for both of my neices.

    P.S. I woke up early (I’m not a morning person) to watch your interview and you rocked!!

    • caitlin August 6, 2010, 4:45 pm

      <3 thank you so much and i hope your nieces enjoy it!

  • Lea @ Healthy Coconut August 6, 2010, 1:28 pm

    I live in L.A. and we don’t really walk too much here unless it’s a tour or something, lol!

    I would love to live in place that is walker friendly like NYC and Boston.

    I went to school in San Diego and I walked from the dorms to my classes, the schools had hills and also rose gardens. It nice to walk around campus and also a workout because my backpack seemed like it weighed 20lbs.

  • Camille August 6, 2010, 1:37 pm

    I am moving to Oregon at the end of the month and I am going to ditch the car and start doing the 2 miles to school. It is more of a workout than you would think!

  • Jenn August 6, 2010, 1:39 pm

    Way to go on your Today Show appearance! You did a great job to get your message to other women. I wish you much success with your mission and your book!

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter August 6, 2010, 1:44 pm

    You had such a crazy couple of days. I bet it’s nice to just chill 🙂

  • Sarah for Real August 6, 2010, 1:44 pm

    I feel your pain. I drive to work, but have to park several blocks from my actual office building so I’m always carrying shoes in my purse. At least you picked cute sandals to wear! While I do love those ladies in their skirts and white tennis shoes… it’s not for me 😉

  • Deirdre August 6, 2010, 1:52 pm

    Small world but Amelia and I went to college with Jenna from Shape. We weren’t acquaintances but I recognize her face.

  • The Wife of a Dairyman August 6, 2010, 1:54 pm

    Such a busy few days for you! Sounds like many, great opportunities:) Have a safe trip home!

  • Liz August 6, 2010, 2:07 pm

    I live in NYC and walked passed the Empire State Building every Tuesday for two months before I realized what it was…and that was only because I looked on the side of the building where the name was displayed. It’s hard to tell how tall some of the buildings are when you are right next to them!

    • caitlin August 6, 2010, 4:46 pm

      hahah thats so funny!!

  • Holly @ Self-love and Running August 6, 2010, 2:22 pm

    That’s awesome that you got to go to Shape! Have a safe trip home!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat August 6, 2010, 2:23 pm

    Hehe I would have TOTALLY done the same thing with the flats!! I’m so jealous you got to go to the Shape headquarters, that’s amazing!! Looks like you had a fabulous trip!:)

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) August 6, 2010, 2:37 pm

    I work from home, so no driving or walking here. I love that about NY! I love walking everywhere! I am so glad you had a great trip and you get to see your family. Have a safe trip home!

  • Robyn @ Wannabe Writer Runner August 6, 2010, 2:40 pm

    Living in NYC I have about 8 pairs of shoes with me at work and usually 1 in my purse haha.

  • Julie August 6, 2010, 2:41 pm

    Oh yay, I won! haha. Its been really cool reading about the your recaps of the last few days. I love the message of Operation Beautiful!

  • Megan @ Healthy Hoggin August 6, 2010, 2:41 pm

    Sorry about your poor feet! NYC will do that to ya!

    I work from home, which makes my commute easy. 🙂 But my husband and I did choose to live in a very “walkable” neighborhood– so I walk to the grocery store, the mall, and my gym! It’s SO NICE walking instead of driving! In fact, I kinda want to get rid of my car! (But living in LA, you kind of NEED a car for somethings…)

    Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip!

  • Heather August 6, 2010, 2:51 pm

    I love shape mag, very cool! I would never survive in heels all day everyday!

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman August 6, 2010, 2:55 pm

    I can’t do heels when I’ll be doing lots of walking. A spare pair of flip flops comes in handy.

  • Mac August 6, 2010, 2:58 pm

    I try to walk 3 out of the 5 days a week to work, so I get 2 miles in just from my commute… this week I did all 5 🙂

  • Erin August 6, 2010, 3:12 pm

    London seriously knows how to package sandwiches better than the US. I got premade sandwiches all the time when I lived there but over here, they are always too soggy. 🙁

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write August 6, 2010, 3:13 pm

    Flats in the purse are a very good idea. Heels and I don’t mix now that I’m used to working out of my house. I pretty much live in Old Navy flip flops.

  • Emily August 6, 2010, 3:23 pm

    I walk almost everywhere. I always carry about 3 pairs of shoes with me – i’m a crazy bag lady.

    in fact, I just got a new job…and one of the best parts is that I can walk in about 15 minutes :0)

  • Kimberly August 6, 2010, 3:42 pm

    Great picture of the shoes in the bag! I always wear flats until right before I walk through the door… Regardless of the pain, there’s something so wonderful about heels. 🙂

    Congrats on everything!!!

  • Michelle... August 6, 2010, 4:15 pm

    Love all the posts from your NY trip!

    I live in Cambridge just over the river from Boston and work in Boston, so I walk and take the subway everywhere. I absolutely ADORE not being car dependent. My car usually only gets taken out on long weekend trips. But yeah, I rarely, if ever, walk all over the place in nice shoes. My heels get kicked right off at the end of the work day in favor of flip flops/sneakers/boots.

  • Morgan @ Healthy Happy Place August 6, 2010, 4:31 pm

    I tuned in to see you on the today show! i’m in the tv industry, so I always love seeing how people react as guests. you did great! I didn’t hear one “um” or “like” out of your mouth, impressive! …people tend to say those words a lot when they are nervous and it comes off as unprofessional. You did great!!!!!!

    • caitlin August 6, 2010, 4:46 pm

      I tried to keep the umssss to a minimum! 🙂

  • Stacey @ Tipping the (Kitchen!) Scales August 6, 2010, 4:56 pm

    Ooh, I love Pret but haven’t been to one in ages. I didn’t realise they were in the US as well!

  • Rachel (@Smile Out Loud) August 6, 2010, 4:59 pm

    Flats in my purse = STORY OF MY LIFE. haha yup, i’m a new yorker– there might even be 3 pairs of flats in my purse right now…

    welcome to nyc! if i see you on the streets, i am going to be so excited b/c i love your blog and you’re a huge inspiration to me 🙂

    • caitlin August 6, 2010, 5:02 pm

      awww i wish we had run into each other!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin August 6, 2010, 5:17 pm

    Haha good call on the flats! Heels are so killer!

    I get so much exercise from walking around campus! Sometimes I like to consider that my workout for the day. 😀

  • Joey August 6, 2010, 5:21 pm

    Caitlin!!! I finally got a chance to watch the clip from yesterday… You did an awesome job!! Couldn’t be happier for you & the movement you’ve started!! 🙂

  • Alice August 6, 2010, 5:30 pm

    Wow huge congrats on the Operation Beautiful book! I have been an avid reader of your blog for a while now and am so excited and proud of you!!! I think this is such a great thing to do for all females world wide.
    I am from Australia and was in Lululemon in Melbourne a few weeks back and there was an operation beautiful sticky note on the mirror in my change room!!!
    Is the book going to be released in Aus?
    xx

    • caitlin August 6, 2010, 5:31 pm

      Google “Penguin Australia Contact” and tell them to bring the book to your country!

      So fun that you found a note!

  • Ellen@FirednFabulous August 6, 2010, 7:22 pm

    Oh girl, that is VERY NYC of you! I always have flops or flats in my bag. The other day I had an informational interview with a news reporter, and I guess she noticed me wobbling as I stood up to leave because she asked, “Do you have a change of shoes in your purse?” Umm…EMBARRASSING!!!

  • eatmovelove August 6, 2010, 8:04 pm

    Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Caitlin…you are killing me!!! It was/has/IS my dream to write for SHAPE…honestly, I would be their “gopher” just to work there in NYC…uh, can you hook me up with a job or something?….washing windows, floors…;) Not joking 🙂

    • Caitlin August 6, 2010, 8:09 pm

      Do you live in NYC?

      • eatmovelove August 6, 2010, 8:29 pm

        Oh God Caitlin – I live just over the border in Canada – but would be there in A HEARTBEAT!!! NO JOKE!!!

        P.S I am in love with your spaghetti from the previous post…but I’d need a bigger portion 😉

        • Caitlin August 6, 2010, 8:32 pm

          hehe you should apply for a job!

  • Sara Stainbrook August 6, 2010, 8:33 pm

    oh my goodness Pret rocked my face off when I was in England a few years ago!!! I’m still trying to figure out why the states can’t get on the bandwagon of offering, fast, cheap, amazing, good for you food!!! And you were GREAT on the Today Show 🙂 Can’t wait to get the book!

  • momsgottheruns August 6, 2010, 10:07 pm

    hi!!! i’ve been reading your blog for a while now and just wanted to tell you that your blog is one that has inspired me to start my own! I love reading about your training! It really encourages me to press on with my training! (I am currently going to be doing my first half marathon in Dec.)
    Also, congrats on your book! What an awesome concept! I will be looking for it next time I’m at Barnes and Noble!

    • Caitlin August 6, 2010, 10:28 pm

      a warm welcome to the community 🙂 🙂

  • Jac August 6, 2010, 11:08 pm

    BRIE!!! So good! Congrats on all your accomplishments!

  • kelsey@snackingsquirrel.com August 7, 2010, 12:11 pm

    other than the suprise beginning of Away We Go haha, I LOVED THAT MOVIE! i saw it online a couple months ago while i was at home healing from getting my wisdom teeth out. it was a great movie!

    xoxo

  • Megan August 7, 2010, 2:02 pm

    Pret a Manger is great– they are coming to Chicago and I’m so excited. I miss them from my days in London too 🙂

  • megan August 9, 2010, 8:43 am

    I’m way late on this, but I had to post – I was obsessed with Pret in London as well! We ate there for lunch like 3 times – so cheap and so good and fresh. I had no idea in the U.S….we were joking about opening a franchise here because we thought it would do so well!

  • Cassie August 11, 2010, 10:52 am

    I’ve been wearing flats to work for WEEKS and just now wore heels again today. My feet are already killing me 🙁

    Your lunch looks fantastic!

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