Date Night(ish)

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Tonight was a very exciting Date Night.  The Husband and I kicked off our Coaches Training for the next season of Girls on the Run!

GOTR is an AWESOME organization that helps little girls build their self-esteem through reflective activities and fun with running.  At the end of the semester, the girls (who are 8 – 10 years old) run a 5K race with the community and girls from other GOTR chapters!

 

I started coaching for GOTR last fall.   Jen was the head coach and I was the assistant coach to an awesome herd of sixteen elementary school girls.  On my first day, I was so nervous! 

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I learned many important lessons, such as:  If you’re going to bring cupcakes for 16 girls, make sure all of the cupcakes look exactly alike or they will fight over the “special one.”  Or: The game Octopus can keep kids entertained for hours.

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In all seriousness, the GOTR experience and running the 5K reindeer romp with the girls was honestly one of the best experiences of my life!  We had a blast.  

I quickly realized that GOTR’s ideals and goals aligned perfectly with my Operation Beautiful vision for the future.  I entered an online contest and won $10,000 from Amway.  I took the money and started an Operation Beautiful Scholarship fund for GOTR!   The money will help lower income girls afford the after-school program, and I get to present the big check to GOTR next week at their annual Summit.  AND it was all thanks to YOUR votes.  So thank you!

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And yes – that’s John Tesh (squueeeeel).

 

Although Jen and I had a blast being coaches together, she can’t coach this season.  :(  So I’m going to move to a school that’s closer to my house and… the Husband will be MY assistant coach (heh!). 

 

So… this afternoon we worked at the clinic and I snacked on a Kashi bar that tasted like cardboard.  Then, we had GOTR CPR training.  Later this week, we have an 8-hour coach’s training session.  We’re both really excited for the season to start in mid-February! 

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The Husband was the only male coach in training.  :)  He was a very diligent student – as was I!  Heaven forbid we have to provide CPR on a little girl.  I wanted to learn everything I could!  I felt like I was learning something so serious and important. 

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The lesson was taught by a local firm called Innovative Solutions, and they did an excellent job!

 

Following two hours of CPR lessons, we were dying for food and stopped by a Thai place.

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I got panaag curry tofu, brown rice, and a spring roll.

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Not having to do dishes after a long night… priceless.  And the perfect end to an unconventional Date Night! 

 

Psst – Want to get involved with Girls on the Run?  Locate your Council here.  You can be a coach or you can be a fundraising Solemate!  I really love this organization.

{ 95 comments }

 

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin January 12, 2011, 10:22 pm

    That is so cute that you and your hubby are coaching a team together for GOTR! It is also so amazing that you donated the whole $10,000 you won to them. I knew that before but it still amazes me!

    • Caitlin January 12, 2011, 10:35 pm

      They need it more than we do!!!

    • Caitlin January 12, 2011, 10:35 pm

      They need it more than we do!!!

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) January 12, 2011, 10:27 pm

    I am definitely looking into getting involved somehow. Thank you so much for spreading the word about this organization!

  • JenATX January 12, 2011, 10:30 pm

    yay!! I think it is very cool that the hus is supportive & involved.. way to be a team guys!

  • Grace January 12, 2011, 10:35 pm

    Yummm…Panang curry is one of my favorite!

  • Allison @ Happy Tales January 12, 2011, 10:35 pm

    Ah– I really want to learn more about GOTR and get involved. I can at least be a sole-mate, I’m sure! Thank you so much for always spreading the word about it–it’s such a great organization and the sentiments of Operation Beautiful seem to blend with it perfectly! I hope you’re able to use some of their experiences for your new book.

  • Ella January 12, 2011, 10:36 pm

    Whoa those CPR babies look legit. I took an EMT class and we just had little baby dolls..those look almost like robots haha.
    Thats so great that you guys are coaching, what a unique way to spend time together!

    • Caitlin January 12, 2011, 10:38 pm

      I think its good for the marriage 🙂

    • Emma@cuddlenread.blogspot.com January 13, 2011, 6:26 am

      How do those babies work?! I think every adult should have a CPR class! I certainly want to take one now!

  • Gabby (Quest for Delicious) January 12, 2011, 10:37 pm

    Mmm Thai food is my favorite! That panang looks so good!

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write January 12, 2011, 10:40 pm

    Volunteering together is incredible for a relationship. Hubby and I are wanting to do some volunteer work together. Good for you guys! 🙂

  • Melissa @ Running with Needles January 12, 2011, 10:45 pm

    I so wish there was a local GOTR chapter near me. It seems so awesome and you get so excited about it when you post! Also – your dinner looks so delish. I’m a bit jealous.

  • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) January 12, 2011, 10:45 pm

    What an awesome date! You two are great! 🙂

    You introduced me to panang, so delicious. My favorite thing to order at Thai.

    • Caitlin January 13, 2011, 8:18 am

      Oooo it’s my favorite too!

  • Bethany @ More Fruit Please January 12, 2011, 10:46 pm

    I think it’s amazing that you and the husband are volunteering together! You guys seem to have such a strong relationship! I’d love to see you do a post on your advice for couples. I’m sure it must be stressful each running your own business but you seem to handle it well and support each other. You guys are awesome!

  • Cate January 12, 2011, 10:51 pm

    How awesome for you and your husband to be able to work with GOTR together! 😉
    I have been following your blog for awhile and reading about your experiences with GOTR got me interested so I am looking into hopefully being an assistant coach this season. I actually went to a little information session this evening and got to meet with the council director! I think we just have to figure out a few details, but I am really excited by the possibility of working with GOTR. I hope it all works out!

    • Cate January 12, 2011, 10:52 pm

      ok must have accidently hit the semicolon instead of the colon… uh sorry I meant “:) like that is great)

      • Caitlin January 13, 2011, 8:18 am

        Yay! I hope it works out too.

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing January 12, 2011, 10:52 pm

    I saw an ad for the GOTR at the doctor a while back and I would LOVE to help out one day when I can run again!!

  • Wendy January 12, 2011, 10:57 pm

    Did you see Molly Barker’s blog post a while back about the dad who coached a team?
    http://mollyontherun.blogspot.com/2010/05/childs-hand-in-yourswhat-tenderness-it.html
    Also, on our team last fall, we had a high school boy who was a regular running buddy. It was interesting to watch how the girls responded to him vs. us women. He was able to motivate them in different ways than we could. I think it’s awesome that you and your hubby are coaching a team together!

    • Caitlin January 13, 2011, 8:19 am

      Oh that’s great, thanks for sharing the link!

  • Erica January 12, 2011, 11:00 pm

    That’s so cool that you & your husband can work for GOTR together! Very neat.

    I second the fact that (most if not all) Kashi bars taste slightly like cardboard. :\ Real fruit seems to be my go-to snack these days!

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) January 12, 2011, 11:07 pm

    I am still waiting to hear back from my local council of GOTR! I hope I get it! 😀

  • Sana January 12, 2011, 11:09 pm

    I need to try some Thai food asappp! i love couples that volunteer together!

  • Lee January 12, 2011, 11:10 pm

    Is GOTR always right after school? I’d like to be a coach but am not sure if it meshes with my work schedule.

    • Caitlin January 13, 2011, 8:19 am

      Yes it is but you can be a Solemate – check it out!!!

  • Brittaney @ thegirlthatcantcook January 12, 2011, 11:13 pm

    That is so awesome y’all are doing GOTR together!Props to your hubby for being the only guy! I’d love to volunteer for something like that.

  • Stephanie January 12, 2011, 11:15 pm

    I could definitely see Ryan and I doing this together! I’ll have to look into the council in my area!

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) January 12, 2011, 11:28 pm

    Caitlin this is awesome!! My daughter is almost 4 and it’s sooo important to have outlets like this for little girls…thank you for doing what you’re doing. it DOES matter and help and thank you as a mom of a young girl for caring! 🙂

  • maria @ Chasing the Now January 13, 2011, 1:01 am

    I took a CPR class in December (it’s required to take the ACE personal trainer exam). It was interesting and made me feel good to know I could help someone in need!

  • DadHTP January 13, 2011, 4:52 am

    CPR? How about digging the wad of TP out of your mouth while you were blue and racing to the hospital???? (4)

    • Caitlin January 13, 2011, 8:20 am

      REALLY???

      • DadHTP January 13, 2011, 9:00 am

        Did the CPR class follow the new guidelines of not breathing, only doing compressions?

        • Caitlin January 13, 2011, 11:47 am

          No it taught both ways.

        • DadHTP January 13, 2011, 11:53 am

          my bad – guidelines are if you see some one collapse (e.g., heart attack)with no airway obstruction compression only – otherwise check for clear airway and use trad method.

          Sorry.

  • Amanda January 13, 2011, 5:07 am

    Those CPR dummy dolls look so creepy! I recall the last time I was certified, totally could not make the thing breathe (I guess we had one with a moving chest when its “lungs” were filled?)! Woo for having such terrible lung capacity from asthma lol!

    I really admire you for all you do with OB and GOTR, every little bit helps toward helping fight the prevalence of self esteem issues, eating disorders, and other such things that the media and society in general help cause.

  • Laura (Starloz) January 13, 2011, 5:17 am

    i love the idea of helping young kids

  • Emma January 13, 2011, 5:42 am

    Thanks so much for introducing me to the GOTR program through your blog. I am now signed up to be an assistant coach with my local GOTR for the upcoming season and couldn’t be more excited!

    • Caitlin January 13, 2011, 8:20 am

      YAY! I cannot wait to hear about it!

  • Amy January 13, 2011, 5:51 am

    Hey! Thanks to your post months ago I was a Solemate when I ran the Naha Marathon in December. I work at the Youth Sports facility at an Air Force base in Okinawa, Japan. We cannot afford to establish a GOTR chapter, but I have started a girls only running club. We have 12 girls so far and they, and their parents, are loving the program. Im having successful women who run come in and talk, a triathlete nutritionist is going to talk about healthy eating, Im going to introduce them to Operation Beautiful, introduce them to my love – trail running, and we will cap it off with a 5k. Thanks for the inspiration! Amy

    • Caitlin January 13, 2011, 8:24 am

      This is SOOOO awesome. Thank you Amy!

  • Kristyn January 13, 2011, 6:26 am

    What a great team activity for the two of you! I LOVE it! My boyfriend is one of the sponsors for my upcoming GOTR team. My program will start March 7 and our training is a little more than a month away. I can’t wait! That is AWESOME you are going to be a head coach. GO YOU! My first graders already know about Operation Beautiful…so I’m looking forward to bringing your concept again into our school, but at the higher grade level. Which is one reason I’m pumped about your next book. I’m hoping to be able to share that with the students in the upper grades seeing as how I was so touched and moved by your first book.
    Keep being that light of life and hope in the world, Caitlin!

    • Caitlin January 13, 2011, 8:25 am

      Thank you Kristyn!!! If you have any students that are interested in being in the next book, you should let me know and we can get their notes in!

  • Susan - Nurse on the Run January 13, 2011, 6:56 am

    I’m terrified about the day I have to use CPR on someone…and I’m a nurse!

    • Aimee January 13, 2011, 9:52 am

      Me too Susan! I dreaded codes when I worked on the medical floors. I know some nurses get almost an adrenaline rush when they are in a code situation and they are great at what they do. I’m a psych nurse now! Caitlin that is the most interesting CPR baby dummy I’ve ever seen – creepy and oddly cute at the same time. I really admire all that you do.

  • Ali @ Ali on the Run January 13, 2011, 7:17 am

    That is so wonderful that you two are coaching together. Great husband and wife team! I look forward to reading all about your season with the girls!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin January 13, 2011, 7:51 am

    I wonder if we have GOTR in Canada… I would love to volunteer someday!

    • Baking 'n' Books January 13, 2011, 7:53 am

      Hah! I just seen you asked the same as I! Are you from “up North” as well? 🙂

      • Caitlin January 13, 2011, 8:25 am

        There’s some, check out the locations link!

  • Baking 'n' Books January 13, 2011, 7:53 am

    Is that just an organization in the States? Haven’t heard of it here.

    “Date Night” always reminds me of that movie…with Steve Carrell and Tina Fey…

  • Becky at Flybynyght January 13, 2011, 8:00 am

    So glad that you’re doing GOTR again – I think you have so much knowledge and spirit to offer others. Oh, and don’t be surprised if the whole lot of those girls end up with a little-girl-crush on your husband and his English accent 😉

    • Caitlin January 13, 2011, 8:26 am

      Heheh I know, he’s going to be the favorite.

  • Haleigh January 13, 2011, 8:08 am

    Girls on the Run sounds like such a great organization! I can almost hear your face light up as soon as you start to talk about GOTR.

    The Thai food looks yummy 🙂 I always look over Thai food for some reason. I need to stop doing that!

  • Julia @ Brides Up North January 13, 2011, 8:19 am

    Caitlin, I thought you rocked before – but you literally just keep on rocking!

    Julia x

  • Liz January 13, 2011, 8:21 am

    My husband and I ran with the girls from his school in at the Reindeer Romp. We were with Pleasant Knoll, which is also a Fort Mill School. I thought that was the PERFECT race for GOTR, because it isn’t timed– it’s just for fun. I really think it would be awesome to have a chapter at my school in York.

    • Caitlin January 13, 2011, 8:27 am

      Yay, it was a fun race, right?! Loved that there was no timing chip;.

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing January 13, 2011, 8:30 am

    My coaches training was only 4 hours! haha wow, 8 hours is a fullllll day! My team is super close to my house, which is nice. I can’t wait to start!!

  • Maya January 13, 2011, 8:53 am

    Already involved with Girls on the Run, thanks to YOU! The end of the season 5K in DC at American University was a blast. Thanks, Caitlin!

  • Kara January 13, 2011, 8:59 am

    That baby CPR doll reminded me of the infant CPR class I took when I was pregnant. I remember walking out of that class terrified because all the scenarios made it seem like babies just randomly stop breathing sometimes. So glad I’ve never had to use what I learned!

    That would be so fun to coach with my husband! I have big plans of signing my husband up for coaching t-ball when our daughter is old enough, just for my amusement 🙂 He takes baseball so seriously and he’s used to obedience (military officer). I think it would be so, so funny.

    Are you prepared for the little girls having a crush on your husband because of his dreamy accent?

  • Leanne (For Health's Sake) January 13, 2011, 9:02 am

    Sometimes the funnest date nights are when you’re learning/doing something together, not just sitting across from eachother eating dinner!

    My fiance & I joined a workout class together and although it may sound silly to people, we have so much fun working out and motivating eachother through the hour. Plus it’s something healthy!

  • Kristen January 13, 2011, 9:26 am

    I had my training for GOTR in St. Louis this weekend! I am so excited to be the head coach at my school, and like you, it aligns perfectly with my ideals of keeping kids motivated, physically active, and build self esteem! I can’t WAIT to get started!

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans January 13, 2011, 9:28 am

    This is such a great organization. Encouraging children to be active is one of the best gifts!

  • Mo January 13, 2011, 9:30 am

    Thanks for the link you provided yesterday. I signed up to be a running buddy for GOTR in Scottsdale! I’m really looking forward to it.

    • Caitlin January 13, 2011, 11:45 am

      yay! running buddies are so important 🙂 you will have lots of fun!

  • Kayla January 13, 2011, 9:31 am

    I’m going to be a coach this season. I just got an e-mail from our chapter coordinator about coaches training and my school. I’m SO excited! 😀 I hope my experience is as wonderful as yours!

    • Caitlin January 13, 2011, 11:44 am

      Yay! Thanks for being a coach.

  • Lindsay January 13, 2011, 9:37 am

    You inspired me to volunteer with GOTR! My training is in 2 weeks, and I am so excited 🙂

  • Gill (snaxandthecity) January 13, 2011, 9:38 am

    I love date nights 🙂

    I’d love to do something like GOTR, but I’m not sure what type of things there are in London like that. You’ve inspired me to look it up, though!

  • Ashley (The Vegetable Life) January 13, 2011, 9:38 am

    I love not having to do dishes after a long day! It is the best feeling ever…. last night I made dinner but still decided to just leave the dishes simply because I was sooo tired after a long day of shoveling 18″+ of snow!

  • Kacy January 13, 2011, 9:43 am

    What a fun thing to do together as a couple! You guys are awesome!

  • bobb January 13, 2011, 9:55 am

    Girls on the run sounds like an awesome program. Those girls are lucky to have you and your husband as coaches!

  • Kelly January 13, 2011, 10:02 am

    I love how much time you guys can spend together without killing each other haha. I like to think I’ll want to spend that much time with my husband once I marry. Someone.

  • Emily January 13, 2011, 10:04 am

    I’ve coached for GOTR before, volunteered at the 5k when I moved to DC and my fulltime job didn’t let me coach and done the sole mates thing. I L.O.V.E. this organization. It’s so great you’ve found it and made such a difference in such a short amount of time! And, the girls are going to adore your husband. That age girl definitely digs fun, young, male role models in their lives.

  • Andrea January 13, 2011, 10:18 am

    I was an assistant coach this past season for GOTR. I remember when we were setting up running buddy volunteers my husband and my friend’s fiance were willing to run with the girls for their big 5k. Our head honcho over here mentioned they would prefer that men not be a part of GOTR because it’s more geared towards females. Maybe that was the incorrect information for her to give me because your husband is going to help you coach? I personally think it doesn’t matter the gender as long as you are in for the right reason.

    • Caitlin January 13, 2011, 11:48 am

      Never heard this at all. Men cannot be head coaches but they can be assistants and I know they love running buddies. I think that’s such a weird thing to say. If anything, girls have too many female role models and not enough male role models.

      • Andrea January 13, 2011, 12:38 pm

        Agreed. Looking forward to your GOTR posts with hubs as your assistant coach. 🙂

  • Salah (My Healthiest LIfestyle) January 13, 2011, 10:18 am

    Thats such a great bonding thing for ya’ll to do together!!!

  • Amber K January 13, 2011, 10:25 am

    What a great way to bond with your husband and help young girls all at the same time. 🙂

  • Ashley @ Thefitacademic January 13, 2011, 10:31 am

    I’ve never had panaag but it looks YUM! I love thai food, too – I’ll have to give it a try!

  • Kierstan @ Life {and running} in Iowa January 13, 2011, 10:32 am

    I am volunteering as an assitant coach this year and have coach’s training next weekend! Very excited to get involved.

  • Camille January 13, 2011, 10:56 am

    Good for you for being certified! Most people don’t understand how important it is!

  • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good January 13, 2011, 11:00 am

    It’s nice the way you and your husband support each other (i.e. your work in the clinic, his assistant coaching…)

    I think my daughter will be doing a track club this summer. She did a one-week track and field camp last summer, and she also ran her first 5K with me (age 7). It is so fun getting kids on the path to an active lifestyle, and it is great that you are making it possible for girls who might not be able to participate without the scholarship. Well done, Caitlin! 🙂

  • Jenna @ Eating Green, Staying Lean January 13, 2011, 11:05 am

    That’s awesome, what a great program! And congrats on getting that $10,000 for GOTR (and meeting John Tesh!!). I’m definitely going to look into helping out with GOTR in DC!

  • Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion January 13, 2011, 11:11 am

    I am hoping to be an assistant coach next fall, I am way to slammed this spring with working full-time, part-time, 2 graduate classes, freelance writing gigs and renovating a house from the bottom up. Anyhow- I think it is awesome that you and the hubs are doing it.

    Your curry made me drool. I think it is time for me to have a little Thai food soon, maybe this weekend?! 🙂

  • Kiran January 13, 2011, 11:13 am

    I love to volunteer with GOTR, but it’s so so far from where I’m staying and as a ONE car family, it’s tough 🙁 But I would try to see what else can I do to participate! BTW, the Thai food looks scrumptious 😀

  • Joanna@ Drizzle of Sunshine January 13, 2011, 11:15 am

    What an awesome organization. I really wish I had something like this growing up because I could’ve used a mentor helping me build my self-confidence. Kudos for what you gals do!!

  • chandana January 13, 2011, 11:17 am

    i’d love to volunteer for GOTR sometime. we don’t have one where we live.

    it’s really nice your husband is being a part of GOTR. well, we all need examples like that.

  • Lacey @ Lake Life January 13, 2011, 1:43 pm

    Lol @ “dying” for food after CPR class. Ironic!

  • Leigh January 13, 2011, 5:05 pm

    Caitlin – thank you for volunteering and being such a great role model. Blogger bake sales are great and all, but to see a blogger dedicate their time and give back in such a huge way really is inspirational. We could all use a reminder to give more of our time.

  • Josephine @ Creating a Positive Life January 13, 2011, 7:36 pm

    Ahhhh John Tesh – gotta love him!
    Unfortunately the nearest chapter to me is only accessible by boat or plane 😛 (Juneau, Alaska)
    I will have to look into soul sponsoring!

  • Rachel @ Grateful Girl Goes Gluten Free January 13, 2011, 8:20 pm

    I just sent in my application for assistant coach TODAY! I applied in the summer for the fall session, but I was too late. I want to be a part of this so bad!

  • Molly January 14, 2011, 1:00 pm

    Hi! I have been reading your blog for a long time. I don’t live anywhere nearby, but I have a sister who lives in Charlotte, and works for GOTR! Her name is Katy Brown. My name is Molly. I saw her picture on your blog once – pretty funny, actually. So, have fun in Arizona and please say hi to Katy for me! And I love your blog!

    • Caitlin January 14, 2011, 2:04 pm

      Aw I love Katy! She is so nice. I will be sure to say hello to her the next time I see her!

  • kate January 14, 2011, 10:23 pm

    It makes me really happy that you guys get certified in CPR. I teach for the Red Cross and I would of laughed if you were talking photos during the course!

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