First Day

on February 8, 2011
in Girls on the Run and Operation Beautiful

Today was the first day of Spring Season of Girls on the Run!  This season is very different than the Fall because I’m now a HEAD COACH (the Husband is my assistant coach), and I’m at a new school with new girls.

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The Husband and I were nervous and excited.  We spent last night prepping our materials and planning out minute-by-minute how we wanted the first day to go.  Of course, we got a little off schedule and unexpected things popped up, but it went very smoothly and everyone had fun – which is the ultimate goal, of course!

 

The Husband is a hit… Thank goodness for cute English accents.

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We arrived a little bit early so we could walk the track with my Garmin 305 on and see how long it is. 

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After introductions and rules, we played a name game and a getting-to-know-you game.  At one point, all the girls were lined up to start a game, and I quickly went down the row and snapped a First Day picture of each of them (with nametags on).  I’m going to use the photos as ‘flash cards’ to help me learn their names quickly (I am really bad with names!).

 

Then – we ran!  The first day is pretty low-key, so I urged the girls to just run 4 or 5 laps.  Some coaches choose to focus less on the running and lap counting than I do, but I’m a stickler for laps.  GOTR is about more than running (or walking or skipping), but I also want the girls to feel trained for the 5K so they don’t feel out-of-shape and miserable.   Most of the girls ran 4 or 5 laps today distance but one girl ran 6 laps, which we determined was about a mile (a little over).  I was so proud of her!

 

Pre-GOTR lunch was a veggie burger (Morningstar brand) with pickles and cheese and an apple:

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Yay, pickles!

 

And post-GOTR, I had some yogurt.

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I better get back to work…  I have a book to finish!

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I was planning to do a long run today, but the end is so-so-so-so close with the book and I’d rather finish it up NOW than drag it out a few more days.  :)  A rest day is needed, mentally and physically. 

{ 82 comments }

 

  • Melanie @ Jon and Melie February 8, 2011, 3:58 pm

    Girls on the Run seems like an awesome volunteer/coach job! I’m seriously considering doing this – maybe in the fall?!

  • Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete February 8, 2011, 4:00 pm

    Good luck with the writing/editing!

    I was wondering how the girls would react to your husband — I imagined them getting all red and shy being around a man — how cute!

    • Baking 'n' Books February 8, 2011, 4:51 pm

      LOL – *girls* 🙂

      Good luck with the writing! Do you have a stomach of “steel” and can work out shortly after eating?

  • Lizzy @ runbakerace February 8, 2011, 4:02 pm

    GOTR seems so fun and I would love to coach..job gets in the way! Can’t wait to hear about all the fun you are going have coaching this spring with your hubby.

  • Meghan@travelwinedine February 8, 2011, 4:06 pm

    Spring season. . . ahhh that makes me hopeful spring will come to Boston someday too 🙂 Sounds like a successful practice!

    • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good February 8, 2011, 5:21 pm

      Sounds about like what I was thinking. It is 2 degrees where I am, so spring feels far away.

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) February 8, 2011, 4:07 pm

    oooh I am so glad to hear that the first session went so well!

  • Rebecca @ How the Cookie's Crumble February 8, 2011, 4:08 pm

    Sometimes you gotta take a rest day so you can be productive instead. I’m a firm believer that when skip a run to finish a project, that my next run is even more rewarding. GOTR seems like a great group to coach!

  • Jennifer (keepitsimplefoods) February 8, 2011, 4:12 pm

    I love that your are head coach and your hubby is your assitant! That’s the right order of things! ha ha. Good luck finishing up the book- the end is in sight!

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) February 8, 2011, 4:15 pm

    Pickles ARE great! They perk up everything.

    Great first day… it’s great that you two get to volunteer together.

  • Katie @ cooklaughmove February 8, 2011, 4:15 pm

    Tomorrow is my GOTR coaches training! Still too early to start in MI, I think the girls would be scared of all the ice, snow and below zero temps!

  • laura February 8, 2011, 4:24 pm

    Do you ever just stop yourself and think SERIOUSLY!?! You’ve written 2 (almost 3, right?) books, run 2 incredibly popular blogs, kept yourself healthy, and done amazing service to your community the whole way – it’s incredible, and I hope you’re not too stressed to be super, super proud, at least every now and then. You’re such an inspiration! 🙂

    • Leanne (For Health's Sake) February 8, 2011, 4:28 pm

      I completely agree with you Laura! Congrats Caitlin! Treat yourself to a glass of vino tonight 😉

      • Caitlin February 8, 2011, 5:12 pm

        Thank you both so much. You are so sweet.

        I am a lucky person!

  • Anne @ butter and bear February 8, 2011, 4:24 pm

    Good luck finishing your book!
    So nice that you and your hubby get to volunteer together. It sounds like it was a great first day.

  • Leanne (For Health's Sake) February 8, 2011, 4:27 pm

    I’m so happy for you that GOTR is back in your life! I could tell you’ve been missing it & thinking about it lots (via twitter!)

    Enjoy your rest day 🙂

  • kate February 8, 2011, 4:29 pm

    I love GOTR. I ran their 5k fundraiser last winter and it was such a great event.

  • Lindsey February 8, 2011, 4:30 pm

    GOTR looks like so much fun! I looked it up in my area and am going to try and apply to be a coach in the fall. I can’t wait!

  • Eliz@The Sweet Life February 8, 2011, 4:43 pm

    I love that he’s your assistant coach! So cute. You guys are so great to help these girls.

  • Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews February 8, 2011, 4:44 pm

    Those pickles look so good! That’s really neat too that your hubby gets to be an assistant coach!

  • Marie-JourneytoBodyZen February 8, 2011, 4:44 pm

    Glad to hear the first day was a success! And that burger looks delish!

  • Kristen @ That Hoosier Girl February 8, 2011, 4:45 pm

    I LOVE first days! The butterflies and anticipation are so much fun. These girls are so lucky to have you guys running this program for them! 🙂

  • hippierunner February 8, 2011, 4:48 pm

    Whoo-hoo for almost being done with the book! You can do it Caitlin, so close to the finish line!:)

  • Sana February 8, 2011, 4:49 pm

    You are almost doneee! Great job today 🙂

  • Sarah @ The Strength of Faith February 8, 2011, 4:50 pm

    You are going to feel so good when that book is finished. Like 100 pounds of weight off of your shoulders good …

  • Lisa Diederichs Stookey February 8, 2011, 4:51 pm

    wait … your husband has an accent?

    video please!

    • Caitlin February 8, 2011, 5:08 pm

      Yup! Born and raised in England!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) February 8, 2011, 4:53 pm

    Yay pickles is right! YUM! I am glad you had a first day with the girls and the husband! Good luck finishing the book up!

  • Howdy from NYC February 8, 2011, 4:57 pm

    I love this organization! I hadn’t heard about it until you started blogging about it – and would love to get involved. Way to be an inspiration (as usual). 🙂

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef February 8, 2011, 4:58 pm

    good luck with the book! i’ll be writing alongside you… a paper though…not too exciting. good luck!

  • Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table February 8, 2011, 4:58 pm

    Now that I’m going to have some free time on my hands, I just signed up to volunteer with GOTR in Atlanta. Thanks for introducing me to the program!

    Good luck in the book home-stretch!

  • Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary) February 8, 2011, 4:59 pm

    Loved your pickle money shot ! (TWSS ?)

    Sorry, sometimes I like acting like a 12 y.o boy ;P LOL

    • Caitlin February 8, 2011, 5:12 pm

      Pickles mmm!

  • Parita@myinnershakti February 8, 2011, 5:01 pm

    Good luck with finishing your book! You can do it. 🙂

    And I love the concept of GOTR! You’ve probably covered this before, but how old are the girls?

    • Caitlin February 8, 2011, 5:13 pm

      3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, so 8 – 10!

  • Kaitlin February 8, 2011, 5:01 pm

    Awesome! Sounds like a super fun day. also, I can’t believe your Hus is wearing shorts!! It’s 17degrees in Michigan.

    • AJ @ Flowing to Fifty February 8, 2011, 8:34 pm

      So envious too! -30 degrees in Ontario. The pictures look spring-like!!

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) February 8, 2011, 5:02 pm

    How fun! I am hoping to start my coaching with GOTR on Saturday! 🙂

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg February 8, 2011, 5:04 pm

    Haha…I bet those girls are all crushing on your hub 🙂

  • ashley February 8, 2011, 5:12 pm

    It sounds so fun! I can’t wait to be an asst. coach next season!

  • Christina February 8, 2011, 5:23 pm

    Wow the girls all rocked it!! How great! I think it’s a great idea to take “before” pics and use them as flash cards, I’m also terrible at names! I hope they didn’t think it was weird that you were taking pics of them hahaha

  • Jessica @ The Virtual Scrapbook February 8, 2011, 5:23 pm

    WOOHOO!! I LOVE that you are the head coach. I saw your stat on twitter about what volunteering does to a person, I think volunteering is essential! I think I’m going to see if I can start a club at my school (I’m a teacher)…maybe next season. I love GOTR!

  • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good February 8, 2011, 5:23 pm

    You’ll probably enjoy your long run more anyway, after you’ve gotten more done on the book and feel comfortable taking the time away from it. I can’t believe how quickly you’re cranking out a book!

  • Camels & Chocolate February 8, 2011, 5:24 pm

    I know what you mean! I turned my second book manuscript of the year into my publisher on Friday and celebrated by doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING on Monday aside from reading a book, playing on the Internet, taking the pup to Golden Gate Park and watching a lot of stupid TV. It was lovely! Good luck to you.

  • Kara February 8, 2011, 5:26 pm

    I love your picture method for remembering names! I find it so hard, especially if they have odd names (like Hunter or Tucker or Brylee…seriously, I don’t get why people give their kids Labrador names, but no offense to anyone out there with those names 🙂

    I’d love to volunteer with GOTR in the future, maybe when my daughter is that age!

  • Natalia - a side of simple February 8, 2011, 5:38 pm

    I think it’s so great that both you and your husband are volunteering with GOTR. I honestly believe that having a young married couple as their coaches will inspire the girls even more!

  • Rachel February 8, 2011, 5:45 pm

    Yay glad you had a great first day! That is so smart about the flash cards. I remember you talking about that before. I am also HORRIBLE with names.

  • Amanda (Eating Up) February 8, 2011, 5:59 pm

    Glad you had a successful first day! Hope the book writing is going well.

  • Lauren February 8, 2011, 6:01 pm

    At the summer camp I work at, we hire a lot of international counselor & lifeguards from England, Australia, New Zealand, and other places. The kids LOVE their accents, and one girl asked the Australian girl if she was from outer space cause she sounded weird, hah!

  • Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles February 8, 2011, 6:03 pm

    So glad to hear that today went well! I’m sure those young girls love that accent! 🙂

    Good luck wrapping up the book!!

  • Kiran February 8, 2011, 6:14 pm

    Good luck with the book! Can’t wait to read it 🙂

  • maria @ Chasing the Now February 8, 2011, 6:28 pm

    Of course the husband was a hit–all girls are suckers for British accents, doesn’t matter how young! 😉

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) February 8, 2011, 6:31 pm

    I think it’s so cool that you and your husband are coaches!

  • Amber K February 8, 2011, 6:34 pm

    So glad that the first session went well! I bet the girls are having so much fun with you both. Although the hubs might be getting the lead on crushes 😉

  • Alex @ Healing Beauty February 8, 2011, 6:42 pm

    Good luck with the book prep! The sandwich for lunch looks delicious. If you haven’t tried a cheese sandwich with a fruit chutney on it (and if you like chutney), I highly recommend it!! There’s a similar sandwich at the Pret A Manger chain in England that is just delicious.

  • annette February 8, 2011, 6:56 pm

    YAH, sounds like it was a complete success today 🙂 And good luck with the book- it’ll turn out fabulously!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat February 8, 2011, 7:05 pm

    I’m convinced you’ve got one of the best volunteer jobs ever!! Looks like a great afternoon, and I’m sure the girls absolutely love you Caitlin!

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun February 8, 2011, 7:22 pm

    I love that you do this!

  • Jen February 8, 2011, 7:28 pm

    Not a fan of pickles (one of my friends and I joke that I’m a terrible Polish person because I don’t like pickles or kielbasa haha), but yay veggie burgers!

    Good luck with finishing the book! 🙂

  • Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} February 8, 2011, 7:36 pm

    GOTR sounds so fun! I hope to be able to do something like that someday, when I don’t have a toddler to chase around. 🙂

  • Lauren February 8, 2011, 7:38 pm

    I spent the afternoon getting to know a group of 12 year olds for a club I am heading at one of the schools I present at. It’s always so refreshing to spend the day with these kids after a week of cynical adults.

    GOTR is SUCH A GREAT organization. So proud of you for doing this.

  • Allison @ OneWhiteTulip February 8, 2011, 7:39 pm

    Good luck with the book! You can do it!

    I was really sad when I realized all GOTR training times in my area were when I was at work! I’m going to try and partner with one of the girls for a 5k though. I really wish I’d done something like GOTR when I was that age!

  • Maddie (Healthy Maddie) February 8, 2011, 7:40 pm

    GOTR sounds great! That’s so nice that you and your husband are volunteering.

  • Paige @Running Around Normal February 8, 2011, 7:59 pm

    You and the husband are so awesome to coach GOTR together! I bet the girls had so much fun:)

  • MightyMite Runner February 8, 2011, 8:17 pm

    I’m excited for the “Plug into GOTR” lesson we’re having tomorrow! I see sparkly glittery happy swirls plugging into my girls already!

  • D February 8, 2011, 8:19 pm

    I have a question for you, since you are involved with body image/tweens/etc and the effect of the media…

    How do you feel about young girls having ‘healthy living’ blogs (or blogs in general, for that matter)? I have been trying to find some new HLBs to read, since I’ve replaced some that I’m not really feeling anymore, and I stumbled across some from girls who are 14, 15, 16 years old. They often claim to be really “into” healthy living and nutrition and so on, and while I think healthy living is awesome at any age, I sort of question where the motivation for these blogs come from. A lot of blogs (like yours!) discuss the negative impact of the media on young girls (as far as eating disorders and bad body image are concerned) but have you ever thought about healthy living blogs written by women can affect younger girls? Do you think it’s particularly healthy for a young teen to be so concerned with nutrition? I was looking at one girl’s blog and she was embarking on a “sugar free week” at the age of 15! I was a little shocked. I think choosing to be a vegetarian is fine at that age, and choosing to do healthy exercise, but it seems that it’s ‘trendy’ to be part of the healthy living blog world. Have you encountered any of these blogs? How do you feel about the idea? I’d love to hear your opinion!

    • Caitlin February 8, 2011, 8:34 pm

      Interesting question but I don’t really have a response! I’ve never seen this type of blog and I think it’s wonderful if kids are interested in health and nutrition. Obviously, everything can be taken to an extreme, but I don’t think kids caring about health is wrong.

      • Tanya March 10, 2011, 10:52 am

        My daughter is 10 and some friends and family think that it’s strange when she talks about school lunches being unhealthy and prefers to drink water and eat fruit. I personally feel great that she wants to learn and is comfortable talking about these things. As with anything on the web, you CAN find examples that are extreme. No one taught me those things growing up, or even discussed them with me. Also, no one taught me to love any type of exercise growing up. I am so thankful for GOTR Charlotte, and glad you are enjoying being involved too Caitlin! We’ll see you in May at the 5K!

        • Caitlin March 10, 2011, 12:13 pm

          Yay Tanya 🙂 I can’t wait to see you at the 5k either.

  • Ali @ Ali Runs February 8, 2011, 8:26 pm

    That’s so great you are now a head coach. I have been so inspired by hearing about Girls on the Run from your blog that I have looked it up and found one near me! I’d love to try to get involved.

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) February 8, 2011, 8:28 pm

    Love the pickles in your sammie!

    And way to go with the coaching endeavors! 🙂

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss February 8, 2011, 8:33 pm

    How cool that you’re a head coach!!! I’m sure the girls LOVE you! Both you and your husband! 🙂

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss February 8, 2011, 8:33 pm

    How cool that you’re a head coach!!! I’m sure the girls LOVE you! Both you and your husband! 🙂

  • Coralie February 8, 2011, 9:02 pm

    i love the whole idea behind girls on the run. my daughter and i want to be our own girls on the run, soon! she is 13 and wants to start running, i want to with her but feel to out of shape to start. been working out consistently since new years and am hoping to get the confidence soon!

  • Christin February 8, 2011, 9:13 pm

    Caitlin, I really admire how you listen to your body and find balance between fitness and the rest of your life. It’s such a healthy mindset that I’m trying to emulate. Your fitness related goal right now is your next half – mine is weight loss (about 20 lbs). I try to remind myself that it’s ok to take a mental health day or listen to my body when I’m not feeling 100%. Today I only did 2 sets of weights at the gym instead of 3. Then I came home and had wine and cheesecake while watching Glee. And it was awesome. I felt guilty at first, but I refuse to live that way. Deprivation sucks. So I just wanted to say thanks for your example. I think you help more people than you know. xoxo

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday February 8, 2011, 9:17 pm

    Man, the husband should totally do the accent vlog.

    • Lili February 8, 2011, 11:32 pm

      I totally agree! Family Vlog, Caitlin? 🙂

  • Lacey @ Lake Life February 8, 2011, 9:47 pm

    I can’t wait to read about how far the girls come from beginning to end 🙂

  • Lili February 8, 2011, 11:30 pm

    Let me tell you that you ROCK, lady!! You are so versatile – And congrats on the book writing!
    Xo

  • Claire February 8, 2011, 11:41 pm

    Please e-mail me if you need any help! I’d love to get involved 🙂

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) February 8, 2011, 11:50 pm

    I can’t believe how fast the book writing process has gone! You are speedy!

  • Alison @ Around the VeggieTable February 9, 2011, 9:16 am

    mmmmmmmmPICKLES!!! I love them! Whenever I order a veggie burger I always ask for extra pickles in case it is bland. Perks everything right up! Yesterday was my rest day too! I have been doing a decent amount of running and feeling more and more tired during the day. Yesterday I just felt that it was important to listen to my body and take the night off. I feel about a thousand times better today!

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