The Weekly Wind Down: Run, Reflect, Radiate
Sharing the narratives that have stopped me in my tracks, the inspiration that keeps me going, and the nuggets of wisdom gleaned along the way.
It’s Friday at five. Do you know where your favorite weekly newsletter is?
What I’m Writing About:
Last week, I presented prose to a classroom of strangers for the first time in a long time. It went ok. Not a shocker, but it was about Jazz. And Avalanche. And a little bit about me, too. I think I’ll make a few edits and then reshare at some point but man, this one really hit me in the feels. It probably wasn’t fair that I asked a friend in class who knew Jazz to read it. She said she almost cried, too.
Chills. Chills. Chills.
What I’m Talking About:
Coaching. And mental health. And coaching with a lens on mental health!
Chatting with my friend Kelly on her podcast this week was a great full-circle moment for me. Mid-sentence, I realized, “OF COURSE I’M A COACH!” We were talking about the incredible coaches I’ve had throughout my career, how I got into running, and why I stayed.
What I’m Sharing on IG:
Integrated Stride Coaching is now on Instagram! I’ll be sharing myths, facts, reels, inspiration, sport psychology nuggets, motivation, athlete achievements, and tidbits I find in my grad school program that can be immediately applied to life and running!
What I Saw IRL This Week:
The CYBER TRUCK. Say what you will about Elon, but I cannot say I wasn’t impressed. The future is going to be…well, cyber.
What I’m Revisiting:
Atomic Habits by James Clear.
“Every action you take is a vote for the person you want to become.”
Consistent. Compassionate. Fierce.
What I’m Listening To:
I’m a big fan of storytelling. Anyone who knows me knows I love The Moth story slams. They’re wild. They’re raw. And there’s nothing quite like dropping your name in a hat (or a bucket or a bowl or a brown paper bag) when you walk in the door and not knowing if you’ll be picked to get up on stage and tell your story in front of a live audience with 5 minutes and at least three separate panels of judges. Oh, and sometimes they’re recorded, too.
This one aired on April 10 and stopped me in my tracks. It’s about a mountaineering guide and inexperienced hikers. 14/10 would recommend following that link and giving it your undivided attention for 5 minutes today.
What I’m Not Sure is Real or Not…
We’ve heard of emotional support dogs or animals (ESA) … but are we ready for emotional support gators? Wally, the ESG (emotional support gator), is missing.
What My Bird-Friends Need to Know About:
A super-rare Blue Rock Thrush was spotted on my favorite beach in the world this week. Hug Point Beach on the Oregon Coast is where Jazz and I said goodbye to the waves and see you in the stars before she passed away. It’s where we spent weekends romping and weekends around bonfires with friends.
Call me crazy, but this feels too strange and too strong to be a coincidence.
What We’re Celebrating!
Marriage! I cannot, for the life of me, believe it’s been three years since we spontaneously drove to our hometown to meet the mayor on the hill that overlooks the River at sunset while our parents watched us nod a lot and say yes a few times and then sign a document that binds us to one another FOREVER. I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat but man, life moves fast!
Whatever and whomever you’re loving on and leaning into this week, I’m wishing you more of it.
-Kristen