I Closed My Rings For 365 Days. Here's What I Learned.

A year full of movement, conquered.

Mar 28, 2025

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Presented by Brooks Running:

365 days of closing my rings, conquered.

I’ve been wearing an Apple Watch pretty consistently since the first model was released in April of 2015. But this week, I celebrated a major milestone for the first time since adopting my left wrist hardware: 365 continuous days of closing my Apple rings.

For those that aren’t familiar with how this works, the watch is known for its three digital rings that represent exercise, standing, and movement. You can set your own targets for each. Mine are 10 hours standing, 500 calories burned, and 30 minutes of exercise. I started getting more serious about closing my rings because of a good friend of mine. OK, my best friend. Apple has a function where you can share your fitness activities with others who also wear the device. I was getting constant alerts of his accomplishments, and so I decided to challenge him to a competition. Of note, he’s over 6 feet tall and burns 200 calories like, taking a deep breath or walking six total steps. Needless to say, I didn’t win. However, that was the beginning of what became a full year of putting in a conscious effort to move (even) more.

Three-hundred and sixty-five days later, I couldn’t be more proud of myself for sticking with this goal I set for myself. Here are four lessons I learned along the way:

1. Accomplishing my standing hours was the most challenging part.

Even as someone who doesn’t have a conventional desk job, I can say that without-a-doubt there are many days when I’m working on something or simply just not moving around a ton between 12 and 5 p.m. Although admittedly there were a few moments where I waved my wrist frantically to accomplish the same stimulus as doing a few brisk laps around my office, for the most part this was a helpful reminder that getting up is good for my body. I also noticed perks for my mental health. For me, 2024 was the year of the lap around the block.

Travel was also a constant of 2024. I found myself choosing aisle seats over windows, largely because of my standing ring, getting up multiple times on flights when I never did that before. It really helped me feel better upon arrival in Paris, Singapore, Tokyo, [insert name of destination here] — and I can confidently say I’m now an aisle seat convert.

2. Your goals may rub people the wrong way. Those aren’t your people.

I quickly realized that my priority of moving more triggered something within other people. Some folks would give me guilt or grief if I didn’t want to spend an entire day doing absolutely nothing. Or, poke fun at me for moving regularly.

To be clear: I’m not saying that I didn’t have movie marathons over the last 365, or binge spend an entire Saturday binge-watching Netflix. That happened, but with some balance. In practice: A Saturday long run followed by a full six-hour TV session is totally in my regular repertoire.

I digress. I know now that folks that gave me a hard time about making time for movement, well, that’s indicative of how they feel about their healthy habits — not mine. People who love me want what’s best for me, and they also want to support me in the things that I find important. To be clear: The goal of closing my rings never involved me overdoing my movement practice to a level of concern. I certainly can understand how compulsive exercise habits can be alarming.

Let me provide an example: Last weekend I was visiting my college roommate in Virginia. I knew that I needed to take a walk in the afternoon to hit my movement goal for the day. I asked if she wanted to join, and she said “I’m all set - but I totally support you in getting outside. It’s beautiful out.”

So, I went outside for a 40-minute walk. I was better for keeping my promise to myself. Considering we had multiple days together, it wasn’t as though I was skipping out on essential quality time. She was happy. I was happy (and supported!). We were good.

3. Motivation follows action

Although I do incorporate rest days into my routine, I typically use them for my errands and/or a long walk. Checking off that regular movement helps me feel better in my body. I started off this challenge on the comeback from plantar fasciitis, and I do think that staying active on my rest days — mostly with walking and stretching — was extremely helpful for my healing process.

Still, I don’t always feel like moving. On the days where motivation feels like it’s at an all-time low? Starting is truly the most important part. Now, have I started a run or a lift (even a yoga class) and walked out/ditched? Sure. But transparently, rarely. About 99 percent of the time, starting is the true hurdle. That’s where the whole motivation follows action thing comes into play.

I think there’s a massive misconception that people who typically workout in the morning are crazy motivated all the time. I argue that’s not it at all. It’s just how they (myself, included) identify. I am a morning workout person. So, I execute on that.

Plain and simple: Health is one of my most important values, and I prioritize it as a part of my routine.

4. You’re worthy of your own investment

I say this often. Setting goals and going after them, investing in yourself — it is a true opportunity and a gift. Maybe it has to do with movement, or perhaps not. Whatever it is that excites you and motivates you to show up as your best self … that is worth your energy. Focus on the habits that fill your cup and make you look at life as a glass half-full scenario, and you’re on the right path.

Now the question is: What’s my next goal? More on that, next week.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK

I’m Listening To: She’s So Lucky with Les Alfred
A huge huge congrats to my friend Les on the rebrand of her show, Balanced Black Girl! If you’re local to New York or Washington D.C., she’s doing live shows next week to celebrate. Trust me: It’s the perfect girl’s night out! Get New York tickets here, and D.C. tickets here.

I’m Watching: Gossip Girl
Fun fact: I skipped this binge in high school. Now I’m deep in the throws of it. No regrets, xoxo

I’m Wearing: Athleta Forever Fleece Crop Full Zip in “punch” (Punch is the color!)
You know me: I mostly wear black to work out. But this fun, bright pink is the perfect punch (pun intended) for spring, and I admittedly did feel super happy wearing it to my morning workout on Thursday.

“If you’re going to shy away from it all and if you don’t want that pressure, then just don’t come to UConn.”

— Paige Bueckers, on understanding the expectations playing at UConn*
* as a reminder, I’m a proud UConn grad. Let’s go, HUSKIES!

Other thoughts and links: Earlier this week, an essay I wrote about overcoming a devastating injury in 2021 went live on Wondermind. I’m having my friend Lydia Keating come into the studio to talk about that challenges that go hand-in-hand with navigating injury next week, and it’ll be live in the feed April 7. (I also love this interview Lydia did with my Lee Glandorf of The Sweat Lookbook.) The New York Liberty are getting a game-changing, 75,000 square-foot practice facility — set to open in 2027. It looks stunning. The Speed Project — an unsanctioned race from Los Angeles to Las Vegas — is currently in full swing, and among the stellar athletes running is my friend Tommie Runz (he’s crushing the 340-mile journey as a solo athlete). He’s raising funds for Release Recovery, and you can donate here. Next weekend I’ll be in D.C. to run the Cherry Blossom 10-miler, and stopping by a gallery sponsored by ASICS showcasing female photographers on Saturday, April 5. It will be open from 2 to 8 p.m. Join me there!

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MY SOMETHING NEW

One of my goals for 2025 is to do something new every single week. I wrote about this a few weeks back. Dig it? Let me know in the comments below ⬇️

A huge thank you to Brooks Running for sponsoring Hurdle in March.

Need to take one last opportunity to thank Brooks for the love over the past four weeks.

I’ve been putting their newest shoe, the Glycerin 22, through the paces. Last weekend, I did my longest run of my Cherry Blossom training cycle, and then I wore them for a jog to Housework and some dance cardio on Thursday. They’re truly such a comfortable option for everything from running miles to running errands. I really, really love a sneaker that you don’t think twice about being on your feet.

Plus, the double jacquard knit upper is like a second skin, offering a flexible accommodating fit that moves with me regardless of pace. I’ve also got to mention the foam on this shoe: It’s DNA tuned and nitrogen-infused. I know, that sounds fancy. Essentially, it’s made up of larger cells in the heel, that help to provide plush landings, and smaller cells in the forefoot, which make for a super responsive toe-off.

The Glycerin is definitely a staple in my regular shoe rotation, and a great pick to add to your collection. Get yourself a pair of the Brooks Glycerin 22 today by heading on over to brooksrunning.com. Also! Don’t forget to sign up to become a Brooks Run Club member. It’s free and easy — plus you’ll unlock perks like free express shipping, early access to special gear, and other exclusive offers!

Also, have to give some love to LMNT! — an electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don't.

Gotta give some love to LMNT, zero-sugar hydration to support your active lifestyle. These salty, delicious electrolytes are my go-to to perform better. Gotta love, also, that LMNT is without artificial ingredients, sugar, and coloring. With LMNT, you can:

☀️ Kickstart your mornings

💪 Fuel workouts and improve recovery

Whether you’re in the mood for watermelon, citrus, orange, or grapefruit (those are just a handful of my go-to picks) — they’ve got a slew of different flavors to satisfy every taste. Head to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle to get a FREE LMNT sample pack with any purchase. To claim this deal you must go to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle — no code necessary. While you’re there, check out LMNT sparkling.

🎧 NEW EPISODE: 248. How Dare I Not: Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts On How Yoga Changed Her Life & Letting Go Of ‘Should’

I could listen to Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts talk all day. I welcomed the Peloton instructor — who's celebrating five years teaching on the platform — to the show this week! We're chatting about everything from processing grief through movement and how to show up for yourself when negative self-talk has got you down to better-sleep tips and her biggest lessons from sharing herself and her teaching with such a large audience.

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