An Anything-But-SMART Goal
Usually I'm all about getting specific, but right now — that just doesn't feel right.
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Heads up: Season 6 of the show comes to an end today (how the time flies)! We’ll be taking a week break before coming in hot with season 7 on Monday, September 13 — including a very special guest! Thank you all for being a part of this community.
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Last week a follower DM’d me and asked: What’s your goal in London?
She’s referencing my hopes re: timing for the London Marathon. My answer? I haven’t really articulated that just yet.
Have I been thinking of it? Yeah. For sure. The same way I thought about the concept of a goal going into the virtual New York Marathon I ran last year. In October 2020, I showed up to the start — decided by me and attended only by me at 5:45 a.m. on the outskirts of Central Park at 90th Street — unsure of what was about to go down. I knew that I wanted to feel good. I knew that I wanted to enjoy myself. I also had an understanding that the last eight-or-so months had been filled with so much hardship that I couldn’t get down on myself for whatever happened that day. I had to be proud. I had to put forth my best effort based on the circumstances.
And so, I went out there. I did just that. In the process, I set a personal best time despite so many unforeseen hurdles, including a complete breakdown in my fueling strategy. (Missed hand-offs! Bad GPS!)
So. back to the question: What’s your goal in London?
Part of me feels like lightning doesn’t strike twice. That last October’s performance was so splendid that I’m not all that sure I can (or even want to!) replicate it! I’m scared, for sure. I’m excited, definitely. Hopping to another country during a global pandemic alone to run a marathon comes with so many challenges. I would be jaw-on-the-floor dumbfounded if somehow I managed to land another personal best.
I think this is the exact reason why I run, though. To be reminded that I am capable of navigating through the unknown. There’s a lot of it right about now, especially with lingering potential for borders to be shut down at any moment. Alas, I will do whatever is in my power to show up that day (if they let me) and give it all I’ve got. I’m looking forward to being immersed in the moment. Pushing and navigating each stride the best way I know how. Rolling with the punches.
What’s your goal in London?
Right now, to just be in London. All of me. Fully present. All in.
… We’ll see what happens from there.
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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
DONATE: World Central Kitchen
It was wild, watching the impact of what was Hurricane Ida here in New York the other night. After seeing the destruction it left as a category 4 storm in New Orleans, I knew I wanted to contribute in some way to the relief efforts. I discovered World Central Kitchen through a friend’s feed on Instagram, and they’re currently on the ground in the area providing fresh meals for local shelters. If you have the means, consider checking out how you can help, too.
READ: Own Your Morning: Reset Your A.m. Routine to Unlock Your Potential by Liz Plosser
Had Liz on the show this week (see below) to chat all about this! The book is available for pre-order now and comes out ~officially~ on Tuesday, September 7. So excited for you, friend!
LISTEN: Kim Kardashian on We Are Supported By with Kristen Bell and Monica Padman
I listened to part of this on my long run last week and found it really interesting to get some insight into Kim in a less-polished way. Whether or not you're a Kardashian fan, it was encouraging to hear talk about her setting new goals for herself as she gets older (plus some insight into why she’s taking the “baby Bar” — otherwise known as the California First-Year Law Students’ Examination) and what she’s learned from a dozen years of entrepreneurship.
GEAR UP: New Balance Fuel Cell Rebel v2
Snagged my first pair of these this week, and I’m really, really loving them (especially in this light mango colorway). The Rebel is a lightweight sneaker that I would use for some quicker workouts (think tempo or track) as well as base mileage.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: #HURDLEMOMENT: How to Own Your Morning Routine To Unlock Your Big Potential
Like I said, I was so excited to welcome Liz Plosser back to the show this week. Liz is a dear friend of mine, the editor-in-chief of Women's Health, and a new author. In honor of her book, she filled me in on a slew of expert-backed tips and tricks she learned reporting the title.
So often, I'm getting messages asking me about my morning routine. And although there are science-backed benefits of getting a sweat in first thing in the day, Liz reiterates that what's most important is that your first waking hours revolve around what's important to you — and more specifically, your values. We also chat about the importance of a stellar nighttime routine for a better a.m., and dissect how light, nutrition, and mindfulness can make a big impact on the day.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: 174. Devon Still, Former NFL Player & Advocate for Childhood Cancer Awareness
Wow. I probably say that word at least 15 times in today's episode with Devon Still, former NFL player, author, speaker, and advocate for childhood cancer awareness. In 2014, Devon's world was turned upside down when his then 4-year-old daughter Leah was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma in 2014 and given a 50-50 chance to survive. In today's episode, he talks me through all of it — from feeling powerless at her bedside to how he learned to embrace vulnerability. A huge thank you to United Therapeutics for setting up this conversation, as Devon recently partnered with them on a new "Braving NeuroBLASToma" campaign.
PLEASE LEAVE ME A VOICE MESSAGE! Whether you just want to say hi or have a question you want to ask, I’d love to hear from you! Bonus: Your listener question could be answered in an upcoming episode of the show! No topics are off limits.