This is the view from my hotel room:
Beautiful, I know. 
Well, I’ve arrived and I’m alive. I actually had a nice flight. I read Runner’s World (the November issue was awesome). And I read this book about the Michael Vick dogs, which was overwhelmingly sad and depressing. But interesting!
Airport food:
A strawberry, banana, and soy milk smoothie:
And this bar, which tasted like candy.
And when I got settled in my room, I ordered room service. I know there’s a million things to do in NYC for dinner, but I’m busy prepping for my Operation Beautiful presentation and this seemed appetizing:
Mushroom Pizza+ Salad!
I’m well on my way to eating this entire pizza:
But veggies are important, too.
A Disclaimer
The drama from earlier in the week, and Heather’s recent post on responsibility really got my gears turning about why and how I blog. Personally, I read blogs because 1) I like to see what other people are doing in their lives and what they think about their experiences and 2) I specifically read other food and fitness blogs to gather new information about topics. I think information sharing and talking about personal experiences is a GOOD thing.
But please remember – at the end of the day, this blog is about my perspective on food and exercise, which may not be right for you because we are all wonderfully unique. And, of course, my perspective is a non-professional opinion because I am simply a writer who has a blog and likes to cook and run. When I write posts like, “How to not hate your long runs” or “Running in hot weather,” please note that these topics are based on my own (non-professional) experiences. After logging thousands of miles and running nearly 30 races, I have information I want to share with other people because I wish I had someone to talk to about certain things when I was starting out. And I absolutely continue to turn to other bloggers to learn from their experiences as my needs and goals change. Do I think I know everything? I certainly KNOW that I do NOT! I try to be responsible at all times and remind readers that my blog is about my life and non-professional experiences, but I wanted to make it more official by adding a link to my disclaimer at the top of the blog.
At the end of the day, I hoping reading Healthy Tipping Point helps you, but more than anything, I want you to do what works for YOU.
All in all, it’s been quite the interesting week, but I’m glad for the open discussion in blog world. It’s allowed me to consider new perspectives. I really do try to consider what others say regarding these important issues. I want to say thanks to everyone who provided thoughtful feedback over the week. I’m not just saying that, either – I really mean it.
Enough serious talk – I’m going to go jump on my hotel bed and watching TV.
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{ 65 comments… read them below or add one }
I blog for a lot of the same reasons, but like you said at the end of the day they’re MY opinions and should be taken as such.
I also blog for the same reasons and try to share thoughts and things I’ve learned that I adore/work for me…etc.
Thanks for the great words Caitlin! Enjoy NYC for your short trip!
Pizza an TV is one of my favorite recipes for a perfect evening – enjoy!!
That pizza looks delicious. I’m glad there’s open discussion going on in blog world, but I do think it’s sad people have to outright say their blog is their perspective- I feel like it should be implied. But then again, if that was the case, there probably wouldn’t have been such a controversy this week
I agree – it should be implied. That’s the trouble with the world though – no one is willing to just take responsibility for themselves or find meaning within themselves…
I can’t say much. I’m working on it myself.
I also feel like it’s implied in blogging but apparently some readers do not think so, and I want to answer and respond to their concerns as much as I can.
Totally agree that it is implied. The blogs that I read where the person is a professional (rd or something) tells you- and even then there is personal responsibility involved, especially when it comes to nutrition and exercise, which are very subjective anyway. Like you said, we are all unique and what works for one person might not work for another. That being said I still love your blog and you inspire me every day to do what’s right for ME.
This might sound a little bit…unsympathetic? but…I kind of think people who have issues should not blame you for making their issues worse… there is a lot more than blogs out there pushing along issues (such as airbrushing in magazines to name one!).
I, for one, appreciate your sharing of experiences. Especially being a new runner. I think that your always honest and always make it clear where your coming from. Your a very impressive woman and I get a ton a valuable insight from reading your blog, but I am also smart enough to know what does and does not work for me. As with all blogs I read, I take away from them what I can use, and eave the rest!
Good luck tomorrow! Have fun in NYC!
I think adding a disclaimer is unnecessary but if it helps you sleep at night it certainly won’t do any harm. This is the internet after all and anyone with two brain cells knows to take things with a grain of salt, especially in the blog realm.
I love your blog and think your experience running does make you an authority on the subject. I’ll keep taking your advice because it’s been working so far!
Good luck with your presentation tomorrow!
I agree with Heather, that everyone should realize blog = opinion, and personal experiences. Anyway, keep doing what you’re doing and we will all keep reading! Good luck tomorrow.
oh – LOVE NYC, great view from your hotel room!
ps – please don’t be swayed by what was said in that article. If helps at all, that’s how I found your blog…
hahah THANKS. I’m glad you stuck around long enough to figure out the truth.
It’s too bad that disclaimers are even necessary but it is what it is I guess.
Mmmm, mushroom pizza. So good.
I agree–it is a sad day when disclaimers are needed for blogs about our personal lives.
Have fun in NYC! I think your rebuttal to Marie Claire was perfect, and I think that everyone reading your blog knows that you are simply telling things from your point of view and do not try to do so as some professional nutritionist or the like.
I think that blogging is a new form of published media that has a lot of people confused. Usually writers don’t get such direct feedback, or such quick and immediate publishing; the ability to write something and have people read it and comment on it so quickly can lead to some misinformation or misinterpretation. I for one enjoy reading about your life because I feel that you as a person really shine through on your blog; it may be a personal opinion, but I really hate it when ANYTHING gets too big and too commercial. This goes for magazines, blogs, TV shows, local organisations, anything.
I usually think that the “media literacy” taught at school is a waste of time (“Look at this video. Is it propaganda? Or is it advertising? Or is it the TRUTH?” dun dun duuun) but in this case I can really see how it relates to my life, and this kind of situation. People have to be taught to be educated with what they read, and to take what they see and hear with a grain of salt. Several grains of salt. Enough to season fries with. (I digress.)
So I guess my point is, we can all learn from the situation and I think we can agree that this article, and everyone’s reaction to it, has opened a lot of eyes. But we can’t deny that it has closed a lot of eyes, too. Meanwhile, I’ll just keep reading your blog and enjoying your writing. You’re amazing
Oh, crap. I didn’t realise how long this was. Sorry :S
That was a great comment.
Your blog is awesome, Caitlin. End of story. Thank you for sharing so much with the world.
I appreciate the response to feedback. We love your blog because we read about you and your perspective. Someone first stopping in or for only one visit may not know that. The discussion that has come of out the article is more important than the article will ever be.
Have a blast with your pizza in NYC. I hope you’ve had Ray’s at some point
Have fun in NY, and as everyone has already said, you are awesome
I think now that the dust has started to settle the real conversation can take place and bloggers and readers elicit can begin to elicit positive change. I commend you for looking at your own blogging practices and seeing if there are ways you can address some of the concerns people have of healthy living blogging (actually, blogging in general). Enjoy your trip!
i love this blog, and i check it everyday, specifically FOR your perspective. you seem like such a sweetheart! so, thanks for blogging and keeping your chin up.
what is the book about?
good luck on your presentation! i wish you would come west to do a presentation!
You know how Michael Vick was arrested a few years ago for dog fighting? Its about what happened to the 66 dogs that were rescued. Its really good!
Thank you
I hope you have a relaxing evening, and know you’ll do great tomorrow. Thanks for inspiring all of us!
Looks like a productive and relaxing evening! Good luck with your presentation tomorrow! Also just wanted to say I love your blog and hearing all about your running and races. You are part of what/who inspired me to run and I will be running my 2nd half marathon next Sunday!
PS next time you come to NYC for a little longer there will have to be a blogger meet up!
Let me know how it goesssss!!! perhaps a guest post???
i am actually here cause of marie claire too. and i looove your blog. i came here to find some emaciated women with eating disorders and was shocked to find the opposite. it is obvious you lead a healthy lifestyle. keep blogging cause i need tips
I am also glad you found something else! I will keep blogging about my life and I really hope my experiences help you live your best life, too. Let’s go on this journey together!
oh my – that pizza looks great!!
Your words, thoughts, and general processing of life’s challenges have been inspirational to me!
Good luck in NYC! Your mushroom pizza looks so good! Glad to see you remembered your greens too! : )
After reading about the whole debacle in regards to possible negative consequences of the blogsphere, I was appalled. Personally, reading your blog at the end of the day (especially a rough day) helps to remind myself not to waste my energy being hard on myself when I have a lot to be thankful and proud of. I am encouraged as a runner to embark on training with conscious regard for my body in relation to properly fueling it, and in the continual importance of rest days. Your overall positive regard is something that we need more of in this world.
I don’t know if I could read about the Michael Vick dogs — those situations make me so sad
What I like about blogs are getting different experiences and opinions — I think the disclaimers should be implied, but I understand the need to make sure that people know that this is YOUR opinion and YOUR experience.
Enjoy your time in NYC!
Mm I love mushroom pizza! Once in awhile, pizza is the perfect dinner
Jealous that you’re in NYC right now!
Thanks for sharing that. I love your blog because you are so knowledgeable but you’re REAL. I can actually relate to you.
That pizza looks delicious! I think you did a great job defending what your blog is all about. I also blog to share my perspective and life experiences. It’s my hope that by showing people I have overcome an eating disorder, others who are struggling will feel the inspiration to overcome their obstacles. Keep being you and doing what you are doing – I absolutely love your blog and find you to be such an inspiration!
Personally your blog is more of an inspiration. Will I ever enjoy running? No. Will I ever even attempt a marathon? UMM nope. Do I enjoy reading about your running and marathon experiences? Absolutely. Will I ever become a vegetarian? Probably not, but i could try it for a week. (Sorry, love meat & chicken a little too much). If anything reading your blog gives me a different perspective on food choices that I make and what other people’s food looks like! No you’re not a doctor or a nutritionist, but you do have some very aspiring messages and good influences. I like the fact that you do not preach, but just share your life. Keep on doing what you’re doing, there will always be those who hate. Plus your dogs & hubs are cute!
LOL
I love reading you blog. You truly inspire me as well. I think you have helped so many women of all ages and I love your outlook on lief and health! I think all of ours is a little different but that makes us the way we are!
Your pizza looks good and I hope you have a relaxing night!
Good lunch tomorrow!
I love your blog Caitlin you can never please everyone so don’t even try – Keep doing what your doing you inspire me in so many ways!
I just started my blog 63 posts ago and after all that Marie Claire stuff, I thought, WOW this can get really nasty, when all we are doing is speaking our opinions from the heart. I think it’s important for us to realize in the big scheme of things….that yes, us girls get sensitive and worry about what other people think…but we cannot let that EVER stop us or shut us down. I know how it feels to be put down by people….in the public eye…but just find that fire inside your heart, and know that YOU are all that matters. All the world is just a stage and we are merely actors. This is YOUR play, YOU are the star….AND you are totally amazing.
Good luck with your presentation Caitlin!
That pizza looks great- yum! I just wanted to say that I love your blog and I find your tips/experiences very helpful
I hope to hell that Vick isn’t profiting from that book. PLease tell me he’s not. I’m a social worker and have the biggest heart for people of all kinds and I root for even the worst of people. But Vick (and other dog abusers) gets no pity. I give you credit for being able to read that book because I would be a hot mess.
Ah NY, how I love thee! We were supposed to be there this weekend, but decided to stay home and do renovations on our home studio. Enjoy it while you are there and good luck with your talk. On the subject of blogging, I think you hit the nail on the head! It is so important for us to share ideas, but understand that we are all talking about our personal experiences. The things is, we are all different so not all things work for us. I am not a runner, but I love your drive and your story, so I love to read. You are inspiring and so for me, your info is more personal than the physical. Anyway, thank you for sharing your experiences! Have a great Sunday Caitlin!
Thanks for the disclaimer- I feel the same way. I’m not a blogger, but I do read a few blogs. I race triathlons regularly and I enjoy seeing how others fuel and work out and what works for them. I learn a lot from blogs and appreciate seeing so much of the “day to day” from both the eating and the activity standpoints. Thanks for all that you do.
The disclaimer is a good idea, though I think you’ve always given good advice and have never overstepped your boundaries on the subjects you discuss. I hope you have a wonderful time in New York- today is supposed to be gorgeous!!
The article and your response have been on my mind a lot this week. While I can see a person trying to follow someone else’s strategy exactly, that has never been my reason for reading blogs. The healthy living/fitness/weight-loss blogs have replaced magazines for me. I get ideas, share inspiration, get pictures of real women and have a good laugh sometimes. I am the editor, I don’t read blogs I don’t like. I am able to pick and choose what I try in my life and what I don’t. I have always been fully aware that the blogs I read are written by people who are not doctors, nutritionists, trainers, or physical therapists. They are real people sharing mostly real experiences. I say mostly because I am sure details are left out, there is only so much minutia I care to read. I am wholly aware that the writers often have very different lives than I lead. My chosen blog roll is much more tailored to me than any fitness or beauty magazine and much more responsible as well. I often find the tips, workouts and recipes in most magazines frustrating and the claims demoralizing. Reading the day to day of people trying to find what works for them is tremendously helpful. Thank you especially for inspiring great additions to my life, running (have always wanted to), Green Monsters, baked beans on sweet potatoes, baked tofu and pumpkin in my yogurt.
First, that NYC pizza looks great! Isn’t east coast pizza simply the best? I realize Chicagoans may disagree.
Anyway, I loved your comments about sharing information and experiences. I agree 100%, and those are the very reasons I decided to finally start a blog. I’ve learned so much about food and my own preferences as a blog reader and commenter over the past 18 months that I’m ready to toss myself into the blogging mix. What could be better than combining my loves of food, photography, writing, and learning to lead a healthy life!!!
Your blog in particular has been so meaningful to me, and I thank you for your writing, your honesty, your consistency, and your authenticity.
Hope you are enjoying NYC!! Make sure to fit in a bagel or 5.
Haha I think those kinds of disclaimers are so funny (but, unfortunately necessary for the naive of the world) because most of them just seem like “hello, captain obvious!” They are popping up on even the most innocent of blogs.
Finding your blog was a complete treasure and I enjoy reading it (and being inspired) almost every day. Thank you
I am another one that came to your blog because of Marie Claire. I spent a lot of yesterday reading backwards through here, and have felt like it really motivated me. Keep up the awesomeness, and don’t let the ridiculousness get you down.
thank you so much!
I understand why you included the disclaimer – but I don’t think it SHOULD be necessary, although it clearly is. I assumed that everyone realized that blogs, while informative and interesting, are (typically) written by individuals that are simply sharing opinions and ideas. I do often trust what you say because you’ve “been there, done that” but I always consider my own needs/wants/limitations/whatever. Anyway – your blog is AWESOME and I appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences with us! Have an awesome time in NYC and good luck with your presentation!
Sometimes I think blogging is a little weird…like I know more about the day-to-day life of some bloggers than some of my IRL friends. But then it’s also really inspiring and without blogs like yours I never would have run a half-marathon this morning, or known what an awesome pre-race breakfast banana and peanut butter on toast is!
- CJ
I just want to add another perspective to the whole MC issue… I was anorexic for many years in my late teens and early twenties, and I still struggle quite a bit with body image and disordered eating. I don’t read magazines like Self or Shape anymore precisely because their focus on exercise and healthy eating reminds me too much of how strict I was on myself and how miserable it made me to feel like I couldn’t live up to those expectations. Funnily enough, fashions magazines do the complete opposite- perhaps because I have no illusions that I’m going to look like a model when I’m 5′ 3″. However, I always have the potential to be ‘healthier,’ i.e. thinner, than I am now. I suppose that’s kind of the direction the MC article was going, though they did an extremely poor and fairly negative way of doing so. I read blogs like yours not for the exercise or food slant- in fact, I usually speed through those posts- but because I find the lives of others interesting. I do like that the article has encouraged this community to take responsibility for their words- the bottom line, in my opinion, is that when you make money and earn book deals off of your opinion, then you are obligated to take responsibility for the impact it makes. I don’t see a lot of women in the comments who say things like, “oh, I wish I was as thin as you,” or “why can’t I run x amount of miles like you can” in an aspirational way. I’m not sure what prompted MC to take the slant they did. But- that being said- I do see a lot of people who take inspiration from your life, many who do so in a positive way, and it’s to those people that I think you hold the most responsibility.
I can think of many reasons MC took the slant they did, but they all sound like paranoid conspiracy theories.
also- I would really love to find out in a month or so, just how much more blog activity you think you got from the MC article. It may have been bad press, but I’m interested to see if it did widen your audience. Sometimes good things do happen out of bad things!
Seems like the MC article is drawing a lot of traffic to your site! I honestly think that women are smart enough to read your blog and find the truth! Of course the article painted you in a negative way, but it is so completely untrue that everyone can see it. It has obviously increased your readership already! Clearly, your blog and your book have impacted so many people in a positive manner. If your blog was really leading people to engage in unhealthy exercise and eating habits, I think it would show up in the comments and emails that you get. But it doesn’t seem like your readers are pushing themselves to get to a certain weight or maintain a certain calorie intake each day. More often what I see is that your readers are looking for balance and fun in their lives, which you provide awesome inspiration for! I hope that you can put the article behind you and welcome all of your new readers!!!
And as an aside, I wanted to let you know that when you are traveling, Burger King has veggie burgers. They are not terrific, but even the BK’s in airports have them (I check all the time). I will get them without mayo sometimes when I’m in a pinch. I know how hard it can be to find veggie foods when you’re on the go.
I can completely understand why you feel the need for the disclaimer! Your experience with the tweens today gave me a warm fuzzy feeling – honestly, what a positive thing… it has true meaning and impact, unlike magazines that might already be in a recycling bin
You’re going to have so much fun in NYC!! I’m definitely a tad bit jealous
Anyone that reads your blog and they don’t realize that it’s YOUR opinions and YOUR experiences …..well maybe they shouldn’t be on the internet! HA! I personally love the way you blog and what you blog about. I love hearing about what type of exercise you do and love looking at your delicious food. I love hearing about the husband, and your kids (James & Maggie).
I sure hope you don’t stop blogging the way you have for years…..keep on being you Caitlin =)
I promise I’m not changing anything!! Just more “in my opinions”…
I just went back and read everyone’s comments…..we LOVE ya Caitlin!!!
While I think having to use a disclaimer on something that is so obvious is a bummer, I can definitely see one is needed! People seem to get confused very easily.
I really enjoy your blogs and I’m glad that the insanity hasn’t stopped you from loving what you do!