Oh Hi, Ohio!

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Operation Beautiful has taken me to some pretty unique places that I might not have had the chance to visit otherwise:

 

 

(If anyone in the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Greece, or Singapore wants me to do an Operation Beautiful presentation, I am open to traveling to those locations, too. :))

 

And now I’m in Cincinnati.  Hi, Ohio!  You are… cold.  And snowy.

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It’s been a long day (and it’s only 2 PM).  My flight took off with the sunrise.

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And for some reason, I was super afraid of flying today.  Very nervous.  I had to do lots of no-anxiety-allowed, positive thinking to get myself calmed down.  I hate flying alone for that very reason!

 

I did have work to distract me.  T-minus 18 days until the book is due!

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Upon arriving in Ohio, I rented a car and drove about 50 miles south of the Dayton airport for a lunch meeting.  I had some time to kill so I stopped at Starbucks, grabbed a coffee and a treat, and got MORE work done.    By the way, Gingerbread Biscotti are amazing!

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Three cheers for productivity.

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My lunch meeting was at the local Girls on the Run office.  I met the ladies at GOTR Cincinnati (Mary and Erin) during the Summit last week, and they had invited me to lunch. 

 

Actually, I think they just wanted an excuse to go to their favorite Thai restaurant. 😉

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Upon Mary’s recommendation, I got the tofu basil with brown rice.  It was delicious, and I ate nearly every bite (except those green peppers… I try to convince myself I like green peppers but I really do not).

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Back at the Girls on the Run office, I noticed an Operation Beautiful note on the front door! So cute. 

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Are you in Cincinnati and interested in getting involved with your local chapter?

 

  • They always need Solemates!  You can be a Solemate even if you have a traditional work schedule.
  • You can be a running buddy during the Spring 5K.
  • Coaching for the spring season is currently closed, but you can apply to be a coach in the fall.

 

Mary also said the GOTR Cincinnati office does group runs every other Sunday (this Sunday is a run).  If you want to meet new friends, this is the way to do it.  They leave from the office, do 3 – 4 miles at a moderate pace, and then get waffles at a local breakfast joint.  If you’re interested, check out the Cincinnati website or e-mail Mary at Mary@gotrcincinnati.org (she’s really friendly!) for more details.

 

If you’re not in Cincinnati but want to learn more about GOTR, check out this post.

 

So… I’m exhausted.  I need a nap before my presentation tonight.

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And since I actually packed my workout clothes, I better find time to get to the hotel gym, too, or lugging around all that extra stuff in my suitcase was a waste!

{ 89 comments }

 

  • Madeleine @ Stepping to the Bright Side January 28, 2011, 2:33 pm

    Wow, I commend your dedication to working while traveling. I always get the feeling when I’m in an airport that it’s vacation time but you go girl! Good luck with your presentation- next time, you should come to LA… it’s 71 degrees and sunny here!

    • Kelly January 28, 2011, 2:39 pm

      Me, too! I cannot work while traveling. Once I put the lid down on the computer, I am foot loose and fancy free…in my mind. Wish I could concentrate as well as you do, Caitlin.

      • Caitlin January 28, 2011, 4:06 pm

        Huge deadlines do that to a girl

  • Katie @ Healthy Heddleston January 28, 2011, 2:33 pm

    Have fun Caitlin!

  • VeggieGirl January 28, 2011, 2:36 pm

    CAITLIN!!! You’re so close yet still a bit far from me 🙁

  • Kailey (SnackFace) January 28, 2011, 2:36 pm

    Caitlin, what the hell! I AM IN CINCI!!! Cincinnati is my city! How long will you be here?! MEET UP!!!

    • Caitlin January 28, 2011, 4:07 pm

      Hollla Kailey! I’m leaving tomorrow 🙁 Sad face.

  • Jessica January 28, 2011, 2:36 pm

    This is so funny. I was just thinking the other day that attending any sort of a blogger/reader meet-up would be impossible because bloggers (or at least the ones with blogs I read) never come to Ohio and here you are!! I live in Dayton and my office is right off of 75 so you practically went past my office window! Enjoy your time here even though it is snowy and cold!!

    • Caitlin January 28, 2011, 4:08 pm

      Hahah so funny!!! 😉 I will wave hi on my way back to the airport tomorrow!

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin January 28, 2011, 2:37 pm

    Good luck on your presentation Caitlin!!

  • Eliz@The Sweet Life January 28, 2011, 2:37 pm

    Have a great trip–the gingerbread biscotti looks amazing!!

  • Heather January 28, 2011, 2:37 pm

    Fellow green pepper hater here!

  • Leanne {The Bugs' Mama} January 28, 2011, 2:37 pm

    I’m half way between Dayton and Cincy. Welcome to Ohio 🙂

  • Kelly January 28, 2011, 2:39 pm

    have fun in Ohio!

  • Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete January 28, 2011, 2:39 pm

    I love that pic of you drinking coffee/typing!

    Gingerbread biscotti sounds so good – I might have to trek to a Starbucks soon to try one out.

    Good luck on your presentation!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine January 28, 2011, 2:41 pm

    Haha I LOVE green peps but they do so not love me back. I always have to make a gametime decision between their delicious taste and the monster stomach pains that come afterwards.

  • Kacy January 28, 2011, 2:41 pm

    That tofu dish looks great. I would have eaten your green peppers 😉

    Have a good trip. Ohio sounds fun (but very cold)!

  • Lisa January 28, 2011, 2:41 pm

    Biscotti is a surprisingly yummy (And low calorie) treat! I always forget how great it is.

  • Lizz January 28, 2011, 2:43 pm

    OMG! You were in my town! I live in Dayton. If you need a killer place to eat (definitely veg friendly and super cute- Sitwells Coffee Shop near the University of Cincinnati is AWESOME. Check it out: http://sitwellscoffeehouse.com/ I used to drive there on Friday night with my friends nearly every week.

    I’m sure your schedule is packed but just thought I’d send it your way. Bummer that it’s so snowy and icky here right now. There are some awesome places on the Ohio River to go when it’s warm out. If you end up driving back up to Dayton there is a great outlet mall on I-75 near Monroe, OH as well.

    • Caitlin January 28, 2011, 4:08 pm

      I wish I had free time ;(

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing January 28, 2011, 2:44 pm

    Our STL GOTR does “social runs” too…it’s a neat practice for coaches!

  • Maryea @ Happy Healthy Mama January 28, 2011, 2:45 pm

    Welcome to Ohio! 🙂 good luck on your presentation.

  • Leanne (For Health's Sake) January 28, 2011, 2:48 pm

    I love headboards that are mounted onto the wall in hotels 🙂 so fancy shmancy

  • Kara January 28, 2011, 2:49 pm

    I hate flying without my husband, I’m always so much calmer when he’s there. I guess I tell myself that if the pilot of the plane has a heart attack and dies, I know my husband (who is also a pilot) can save the day. Although he prefers to mess with me while we’re flying, for example saying things like “What was that?? That doesn’t sound good.” and then looking worried. Wait, did I say I was less nervous when I fly with him? That doesn’t make sense 🙂

  • Alicia at Poise in Parma January 28, 2011, 2:51 pm

    Glad to see our great state is treating you well! You should check out the Ohio Blogging Association: http://www.ohblogging.com/ Tons of great bloggers in the Cincy area, as well as from up North!

  • Natalie @ Will Jog For Food January 28, 2011, 2:53 pm

    I LOOOVEEE Thai Food! I had it twice this week so far. One day I got Red Curry, next day got Pad Thai.

  • Jaclyn January 28, 2011, 2:54 pm

    Yum that thai lunch looks amazing! I hate green peppers too though – and they always give me indigestion!! 😛

    GOod luck tongiht!

  • Sarah @ The Strength of Faith January 28, 2011, 2:56 pm

    I think you should find a reason to do an Operation Beautiful presentation at the Drummond Ranch. And then … you know … I’ll go along as your personal assistant.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat January 28, 2011, 2:58 pm

    That looks like one very comfy bed!! I try to convince myself that I like avocado (sort of like your green pepper thing) but really, I just can’t bring myself to like them as much as I want to!

  • Lu January 28, 2011, 2:59 pm

    I’m from Costa Rica. And yes, you should go there. I’ll brainstorm.

  • Alex @ Healing Beauty January 28, 2011, 3:02 pm

    Good luck with all of your work!

  • Elin @andserenitytoo January 28, 2011, 3:04 pm

    That bed looks really inviting…
    Good luck tonight!

  • Allison @ Food For Healing January 28, 2011, 3:05 pm

    sounds so fun and exciting! have a good time.

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey January 28, 2011, 3:09 pm

    That hotel room looks super cozy! I don’t know what it is, bu sometimes I get really bad anxiety when flying too! It’s usually on my way home though.

  • Sara January 28, 2011, 3:14 pm

    I’m considering volunteering for GOTR in the spring! I just need my schedule to free up a little. Not to mention I am working right now to try to do a fitness program at a homeless shelter by me…fingers crossed! It’s SO important to make time to volunteer, you’re fabulous 🙂
    Sara

  • Baking 'n' Books January 28, 2011, 3:15 pm

    I love green peppers but red and yellow are the BEST! 🙂

    Who takes the shots of you in the cafe if your alone?!

    • Caitlin January 28, 2011, 4:11 pm

      Self tiiiimer!

  • C. January 28, 2011, 3:15 pm

    You’re truly an inspirtation (obvi!).. I just emailed my volunteer application for GOTR Los Angeles!!
    thank you 🙂

    • Caitlin January 28, 2011, 4:11 pm

      Awesome-thank you!

  • Natalia - a side of simple January 28, 2011, 3:22 pm

    I’m pretty jealous of that lunch. I’ve never ordered tofu “out” and your pictures always make me want some… so I guess that means take-out tonight? Yes, please!

    • Caitlin January 28, 2011, 4:12 pm

      You’ll like it, I promise!

  • Stephanie January 28, 2011, 3:26 pm

    Coming to Iowa anytime soon! 🙂

    Eh. It’s not nice here either! Have a great weekend!

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) January 28, 2011, 3:38 pm

    Have fun!!! 😀 😀 😀

  • Amanda (Eating Up) January 28, 2011, 3:39 pm

    That Thai food looks delicious! Come to Chicago again! 🙂

  • eliza January 28, 2011, 3:39 pm

    why dont you come to Maine 😉 i can entice with our freezing below zero temps cant i?!

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat January 28, 2011, 3:40 pm

    I love Cincy! It’s only about 90 minutes away from me 🙂 Hope you have a nice visit and a less-anxious trip back home! I hate flying too.

  • Runeatrepeat January 28, 2011, 3:42 pm

    I want to go to Costa Rica too! I wish I could write a travel blog and just hop from place to place…

  • Stacey - The Habit of Healthy January 28, 2011, 3:45 pm

    You are doing such great work with both Operation Beautiful and Girls on the Run. I hope the presentation goes well.:)

  • Marie-JourneytoBodyZen January 28, 2011, 3:45 pm

    One day I hope to have the courage to fly alone. It is my biggest fear!

  • Stacey (The Home-Cooked Vegan) January 28, 2011, 3:46 pm

    Oh man, I always get really nervous flying. I hate the fact that there is nothing under my feet except for the plane and then air!
    I hope you are able to fit in a nap and trip to the gym! And that your presentation goes well too 🙂 I can’t wait to start coaching for GOTR this spring! I really missed it in the fall 😀

  • Catherine January 28, 2011, 3:48 pm

    Best of luck with your presentation this evening! Also, I’m so glad to find another non-fan of green peppers! They are gross! 😉

  • Liza January 28, 2011, 3:51 pm

    First of all…that is MY Starbucks that I studied in when I was in college! I lived like half a minute from there. And my husband and I went on our first date to Bangkok Bistro! So funny to see it on a blog a read everyday! Hope you enjoy the ‘Nati. (I live in NYC now and miss Cinci terribly!).

    • Caitlin January 28, 2011, 4:13 pm

      Hahah very cool!!! 🙂

  • Megan January 28, 2011, 3:52 pm

    I like that picture you took of yourself in Starbucks! Very artsy 🙂

    TGIF post on my blog! Happy Friday to everyone!

  • Allie January 28, 2011, 3:53 pm

    Hope all goes well and that you have a good day 🙂

  • Ashley January 28, 2011, 4:01 pm

    I’ve tried to convince myself I like bananas, but it’s never gonna happen. That bed looks comfy, hope you’re flight back is less nerve racking!

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit January 28, 2011, 4:05 pm

    You are so inspiring!

  • Mary January 28, 2011, 4:19 pm

    I agree about green peppers – I don’t like them either. Red, orange, yellow – they’re fine, but green – YUCK!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss January 28, 2011, 4:29 pm

    You’re so lucky to be able to travel like this while doing what you love. 🙂 And yeah, the Bahamas wouldn’t be too shabby! 😉

  • Camille January 28, 2011, 4:41 pm

    I know you probably don’t want to be reminded, but your deadline is so soon! I think it’s super exciting!

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) January 28, 2011, 4:44 pm

    I wouldn’t mind going to the Bahamas either- especially if I got paid!

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) January 28, 2011, 4:59 pm

    Yep, if I pack the workout gear, I’d better use it!!

  • Camille January 28, 2011, 5:10 pm

    You need to come to Oklahoma!! I go to the University of Oklahoma and we would love to hear you speak!! I’m from Tulsa though and that is great running community and has a lot of out reach for girls with eating!

    ps- I read your blog with kaity’s guest post and she and i have a lot in common and very similar stories (both of us are even journalism majors). Now we’re tweeting each other! Crazy how the online world work, especially to find someone who can relate to you!

    Just thought I would let you know what you’re doing is great and it’s working!!

    • Caitlin January 28, 2011, 5:33 pm

      <3 glad you found an e-friend 🙂

  • Katie January 28, 2011, 5:15 pm

    good luck tonight! I have been to cincinnati once, it was cool!

    Cant believe the deadline is so soon! U will rock it out and get it done! : )

  • Stephanie January 28, 2011, 5:46 pm

    My hometown is Cincinnati! Just a foodie recommendation, but you have to try Graeter’s ice cream. Graeter’s ice cream is AMAZING!!! Every time I go back home to visit my family the husband and I always go. Good luck tonight!

  • Cassidy @ takingmyplace January 28, 2011, 5:54 pm

    I love that pic of you at the computer drinking coffee. It is awesome.

    • Caitlin January 28, 2011, 10:38 pm

      Thank you 🙂

  • Shari January 28, 2011, 6:17 pm

    That biscotti looks SO good. I must try it the next time I’m at Starbucks.

    Good luck with your presentation tonight!

  • Parita@myinnershakti January 28, 2011, 6:32 pm

    I think you should really try to find a way to bring Operation Beautiful to Tucson, AZ! Scottsdale is fun (and I know you really enjoyed yourself), but you haven’t truly experience the state until you visit Tucson. It’s so quaint, and it honestly has some of the BEST restaurants! And this coming from a city girl. 🙂

    • Caitlin January 28, 2011, 10:43 pm

      I want to go back to Arizona!!!

  • Aimee Shugarman January 28, 2011, 6:55 pm

    Welcome to Cincinnati! My daughter ran the GOTR this past November here in Cincy. I had never heard of the program until a teacher called us back in September and invited her to be a part of it! What a wonderful program; I hope it continues to blossom and grow. My daughter now LOVES running and is eager to enter some races this Spring!

    • Caitlin January 28, 2011, 10:43 pm

      YAY!! GOTR rules.

  • Allison @ Happy Tales January 28, 2011, 7:34 pm

    Ugh, I totally understand flying anxiety. I actually had an emergency landing on my way home to Cincinnati during a college break, once. Scariest moment of my ENTIRE life. A few years later I sucked it up and went skydiving during my year abroad in New Zealand to try and conquer my fear. It didn’t work. I am still deathly afraid of planes. But… I would totally go skydiving again if the opportunity presented itself. It’s such a thrill! I guess that means I’ll fly in a plane as long as I know I can jump out and float to safety…

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin January 28, 2011, 7:38 pm

    I always get nervous before flying. I don’t think I’d ever be able to do it alone. I need someone with me to calm me down whenever we hit turbulence!

    Good luck on your presentation!

  • Shayla January 28, 2011, 8:00 pm

    Any plans to come out to California – specifically the Bay Area (San Francisco)?! Would love to go to an Operation Beautiful presentation and meet you! 🙂

    • Caitlin January 28, 2011, 10:44 pm

      I would love to!!!! One day hopefully but not plans right now.

  • Southern Sober Girl Runs January 28, 2011, 8:06 pm

    Girrrl if I had known you were in Cincy I would have totally come! I have a total blog crush on HTP Caitlin!

    • Caitlin January 28, 2011, 10:45 pm

      <3 heheh

  • Deva (Voracious Vorilee) January 28, 2011, 8:15 pm

    I may have to check out GOTR Cinci 🙂 It sounds like an awesome program to be involved in.

  • Amber K January 28, 2011, 8:28 pm

    That bed looks sooo inviting! Your work with Girls on the Run is really inspiring. 🙂

  • Lauren January 28, 2011, 8:43 pm

    Hope you’re having fun in Cincy! I actually live 2 minutes away from Bangkok Bistro! Literally 2 minutes, I just Google mapped it to double check 🙂 Did you get some Graeter’s? It is a must!!

    • Caitlin January 28, 2011, 10:52 pm

      Hahah aww! You should try Bangkok, it was pretty good!

      I WISH i had time for graeters, everyone is talking about it!

      • Mary January 28, 2011, 11:56 pm

        Caitlin, sorry we didn’t take you there! Obviously our priorities were out of whack. Thanks for a fun lunch today!

  • Laura January 28, 2011, 9:13 pm

    what about sunny Los Angeles!!! It’s currently 75 degrees (no snow here!)

  • beth January 29, 2011, 9:35 am

    live in Columbus…welcome to Ohio! Yes cold and snowy. Your doing great things!

  • Elizabeth Kunz January 31, 2011, 3:12 pm

    So glad you saw Mary and Erin while you were in Ohio!!

  • erika January 31, 2011, 10:16 pm

    ha-glad you liked bangkok bistro. its one of my favorites and less than a block away from me. it may as well be my backyard! fun to see you represent in the nati!

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