Doin’ Life

on June 23, 2011
in All Posts

Back in September, I posted a link to Ben Does Life and his epic YouTube video that chronicled his journey from 360 pounds to 240 pounds in 21 months.

Get your freakin’ tissues ready.

 

Inspiring, right?  Well, Ben inspired so many people with his YouTube video that he decided to create an entire Do Life Movement with his dad and brother, Jeb.  Together, they are caravanning around America, making pit stops at big cities and hosting unofficial 5K meet-ups.  

tumblr_ln7h36Njmg1qzu0sxo1_1280

(Source)

 

Tonight, the Do Life tour came to Charlotte!  I was so excited to meet the Do Life crew but got caught up at the clinic.  We ended up working until 8 PM, so I missed the 5K group run, but I made the after party. 

IMG_6040

Those boys really like the finger point.

 

The coolest thing about Do Life is that it’s about ALL ABILITIES.  It’s not limited to ‘fast’ or experienced runners – the whole point is for everyone to just get together, share similar interests (like running!), and have a blast.   Do life!

IMG_6034

IMG_6039

IMG_6035

So – I’ve really been struggling to fit in my workouts because work is so, so busy.  I was disappointed that I missed the 5K, but I didn’t want to blow off my workout entirely.  Instead of getting a lift back, I opted to run home.  I did about 3.5 miles in the dark (on safe major roads).  The Do Lifers really motivated me!  Sometimes fitness is about simply fitting it in. 

IMG_6041

Check out if Do Life is coming to your city soon!

 

My eats were kind of sporadic tonight, with working late and whatnot.  I had a granola bar, a bowl of soup at dinner, a PB sandwich, and some chocolate mints.  Random but it worked.

IMG_6032 IMG_6036

IMG_6045

Good night!  Sweet dreams.

{ 56 comments }

 

  • kalli@fitandfortysomething June 23, 2011, 10:19 pm

    oh caitlin what a great post! i love this DO LIFE idea…..how cool! and good for you for running home. i am so proud of you 🙂

  • Lauri (Redheadrecipes.com) June 23, 2011, 10:33 pm

    I couldn’t agree more, ‘Fitting it all in’ and finding ‘balance’ is what its all about! I’m learning that I HAVE to wake up in the mornings and go for a little run if I want to get any running in at all! I hate running on a treadmill and its just too darn hot in the afternoons.

    Even if its ‘just a couple miles’, its still better than nothing and I feel good about it 🙂

    So good job ‘fitting it all in’!

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) June 23, 2011, 10:33 pm

    Good for you for getting in a workout! I’m too scared to run at night 🙂

  • Sana June 23, 2011, 10:34 pm

    That is so inspiring! I need to remember to just do life and not feel sad that I can’t pass a bio exam!

  • Carolyn June 23, 2011, 10:35 pm

    That video is very inspiring!

  • Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles June 23, 2011, 10:35 pm

    Such a cool thing! Motivating and inspiring for sure.

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) June 23, 2011, 10:41 pm

    How’d you get your PB to look that awesome?

    I saw Ben is coming to LA… I will look into it…

  • Steph @ A Life without Ice Cream June 23, 2011, 10:43 pm

    That video is one of the most amazing things I’ve seen! Thank you so much for sharing it!

  • Caitlin June 23, 2011, 10:50 pm

    Ben and the whole crew are honestly the best!! I can’t wait to meet them in buffalo!

  • Jen June 23, 2011, 10:52 pm

    I love when something new motivates me to exercise! The Do Life Movement sounds awesome. And by the way, you’ve perfected the art of smearing nut butter. Only you can make such picture-worthy toast. Haha!

  • Shannon June 23, 2011, 10:53 pm

    Good job for still getting your run in! I love inspiring people like them 🙂

  • Bee Goes Bananas June 23, 2011, 10:59 pm

    So inspiring!!!

  • Molly @ RDexposed June 23, 2011, 11:15 pm

    Night runs are so calming. And I like how it looks when my Nike chip downloards.

  • Cait @ Beyond Bananas June 23, 2011, 11:20 pm

    I get scared running at night. I wouldn’t want to go alone. Even super early in the morning.. scares me. I went at 5am once..and no one was out. I felt like someone could have taken me. And no one would have known.

    • Caitlin June 24, 2011, 10:11 am

      Gurl, you need some peppa spray!

  • lynne @lgsmash June 23, 2011, 11:23 pm

    such a cool picture of you running! i love the ‘do life’ story – i’ll have to see if they’re coming out west!

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen June 23, 2011, 11:29 pm

    That’s pretty cool. I loved that video when you posted it awhile back. I’ll have to see if they’re coming near me!

  • Rosi June 23, 2011, 11:48 pm

    I think those guys are all sorts of awesome. Many kudos to them. I’m glad you had a good time. I can’t wait until the LA date. I’m bringing my mom and as many of my friends as I can get to go!

  • Diana June 24, 2011, 12:13 am

    Haha! That shimmy photo is so funny! 🙂

  • @HilaryFleming @healthgirltv June 24, 2011, 12:25 am

    Caitlin,
    Thank you so much for sharing this. I am totally inspired and want to run in the LA “race,” I’ll have to round up all my peeps to do it as well.
    xo

  • Shelley June 24, 2011, 12:31 am

    This is so inspiring, it just goes to show that anyone can take up running! and glad that u got ur run in, that time when i”m running is honestly my most peaceful time of the day, a time were i can really clear my head and rejuvenate! Also i really love your pinky coloured shirt is that a lulu shirt?

    • Caitlin June 24, 2011, 10:09 am

      It’s a Lulu, yes! So comfy.

  • Khushboo June 24, 2011, 12:34 am

    I love random dinners like that- the actuality is always way tastier than the thought! DO LIFE is a super campaign, I love the message they promote! It’s not about speed at all, it’s a matter of having fun and ‘doing’ life!

  • Ben June 24, 2011, 12:41 am

    Thanks, again, for the nice words Caitlin. And guys, it’d mean the world if you all came out. We’ve had the time of our lives already and it’s been an inspiring summer. Hope to see you out there!

    • Alli C June 24, 2011, 8:39 am

      My two favorite blogs are colliding! I LOVE IT! (Seriously, BenDoesLife and HTP are the two I bookmarked and check EVERY morning and night!)
      I am trying to plan to travel to New Orleans from Mobile, AL for the Do Life meetup. Keep collaborating, guys!

  • Chelsea June 24, 2011, 1:07 am

    Ben is so inspiring! I follow his tumblr 🙂 I can’t wait for the do Lifers to arrive in Houston! I’ll probably be the youngest there..But it’s okay! I’m psyched =D They all look like such a great group of people.

  • Judy June 24, 2011, 1:30 am

    Wonderful! After watching this I giddily thought, “Oh I’ll go run around the block.” Then I looked at the clock and realized it’s 1:30 AM, so maybe in the morning. – He did say slow, right?

    • Caitlin June 24, 2011, 10:09 am

      Did you run Judy!?

  • Jen @ Light Enough to Travel June 24, 2011, 2:31 am

    Such an amazing and inspirational story.

    I really love the photo of running home. The composition is good and the COLOUR of the blue night sky is just amazing. That’s art, right there. 🙂

    • Caitlin June 24, 2011, 10:09 am

      Why thank you!

  • Amanda June 24, 2011, 2:45 am

    I love, love, loveee this. So amazing and so incredible. I have come through a similar journey and I always say: If I can do it, so can you. I am going to try to see if I can meet up somewhere along his journey! Great job on getting the miles in by the way 🙂

  • Jumanah @ Healthy Living in the Middle East June 24, 2011, 5:10 am

    Do LIFE is so inspiring! Definately inspired me to go work out after almost deciding not to. Thanks for sharing!

  • Britney June 24, 2011, 5:17 am

    I went to the Do Life tour kick off on Saturday! We had pretty good turnout considering that the location had to be changed the day before. 🙂

  • Lauren June 24, 2011, 8:16 am

    That is such an inspiring story and a fantastic idea! I hope they come to PA soon!

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me June 24, 2011, 8:17 am

    I went running at night through town and it was pretty awesome. A little nerve-wracking though!

  • Kristine June 24, 2011, 8:29 am

    I love Ben! No like really, we are pretty much BFF! Haha! So proud of him and this tour! I’ll be going to his run in AZ! 🙂

  • Ginger June 24, 2011, 8:38 am

    Thanks for posting this ….see he is coming to Toronto July 2 already confirmed attendance and excited 🙂

  • Alli C June 24, 2011, 8:41 am

    My two most favorite blogs are colliding!!!! This makes my heart happy and gives a big boost to my motivation! Keep collaborating! 🙂

  • Marisa E June 24, 2011, 8:47 am

    DARN- I just missed the tour here in Philly…it was on Monday. Great post- I’ve been a mega sloth all week. This post was just what I needed. Have a great weekend!!

    • Caitlin June 24, 2011, 10:08 am

      Be the honey badger 🙂

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing June 24, 2011, 8:52 am

    Perhaps one of the more random comments EVER but the way you spread peanut butter on your bread these past couple of days makes it look SO yummy! Insta-craving :).

  • Sara @ OurDogBuffy June 24, 2011, 9:00 am

    I felt a huge urge to go for a run last night. I’m not sure why. I wasn’t content just peddling away on the stationary bike. I knew I wouldn’t be happy until I hit the pavement … so I did. At 10:15 p.m. I took one dog–and then the other. We didn’t do much–a little less than a mile–but I felt better after listening to myself and doing what makes me happy! (No matter how late!)

  • Joanna June 24, 2011, 9:41 am

    sweet jesus… i just spent that whole video audibly sobbing into my plate of pancakes. i dont know what it is about inspirational running stories, they get me every time!! now ill finish eating my tear soaked pancakes with visions of ironmen in my head…

    • Caitlin June 24, 2011, 10:08 am

      bawhahah 🙂

  • Kendall (On An Inhale) June 24, 2011, 9:49 am

    Cute pic of you running! I love the purple lulu tee too!

  • Ashley @ the fit academic June 24, 2011, 10:28 am

    How cool! I’ve heard of the Do Life story, but I didn’t know they traveled around doing meet-up 5Ks! I’m definitely going to check out if they’re coming to my city! Thanks for the link!!

  • Jessica @ Bake a Little June 24, 2011, 10:37 am

    This post is SO inspiring! I have been training for a 10K and have been really scared that I cant do it! Now I know I can and more than that- I WILL. WOOT!

  • Amber K June 24, 2011, 12:32 pm

    Such an inspirational story and good for you for fitting that workout in!

  • Sonia (the Mexigarian) June 24, 2011, 1:25 pm

    I should have read this before I went to bed last night. I meant to go running this morning, but felt so tired from cycle and a run yesterday, I slept in. :\ I did manage to get in 20mins of yoga with Dave before my ipod died though. Yay!

  • Devonshire June 24, 2011, 2:09 pm

    I’m so glad you shared Ben’s story! I saw the youtube video on the c25k.com website! He’s so inspiring! Your sandwich looked amazing!! How’s the low gluten thing coming? I’m kinda starting to get more into a low gluten lifestyle and any tips you could give me would be wicked helpful! Hope you have a great day!

  • Leanne @ The Skinny Architect June 24, 2011, 2:12 pm

    I have been following Ben for a while now! I am glad you published this (and also immensely jealous as he is not stopping in Pittsburgh).

  • Carolina June 24, 2011, 2:41 pm

    I’m heading out to the Do Life 5K here in Orlando tomorrow, excited!

  • kristen June 24, 2011, 3:22 pm

    what a great group! I wish I had more time to be apart of a group (someday…) and I cant wait to watch the video. It wont work here at work. darn work haha

  • RebekahK June 27, 2011, 9:23 am

    Thanks so much for posting about Ben and his Do Life movement. I found out just in time to go to the run yesterday. What an awesome idea, I am thankful that I got to be a little part of it! All of you who share your experiences and suggestions make it a little easier every day for the rest of us who are trying to get healthy.

Previous post:

Next post:

Search The Blog

Read by Month:

Read by Topic:

Healthy Tipping Point