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.
Yesterday, I did a podcast interview with a friend about my new run coaching business, Integrated Stride Coaching. It ended up becoming a backstory on why I started running and how I’ve been able to do it consistently for so long.
Fact: There have been A LOT of variables at play. But 24 years after I started, I still remember some moments and details so clearly. I remember conversations, encouragement, and what it felt like to have someone you admired believe in you. And honestly, it’s made all the difference.
I’ve been really lucky throughout my running career. From my seventh-grade homeroom teacher, who was also the middle school track coach, to my high school cross country coach, who instilled a love for the sport, not just the outcomes, to a university transfer that took me across the country and under the guidance of one of the greatest distance coaches of our generation, to right now. It feels wild not to have seen it coming. Because when I zoom WAAAAY out, it’s so obvious.
Of course I’m a coach.
The podcast airs on Wednesday, and I guarantee listening to it is going to make me cry.
So, before I forget or can’t stop sobbing long enough to say this next week. Vanessa Munger, Gary Winter, Tom Heinonen—thank you. And hey, Jazz, thank you, too.
What I’m Listening To:
What I’m Testing in the Kitchen:
Homemade grapefruit white vinegar cleaning solution. Our backyard grapefruit tree reminds me a lot of The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. We pulled off some ripe fruit this week and put them through the juicer for homemade kombucha and lemonade flavoring.
Then, we tossed the peels into a giant Mason jar and filled it with white vinegar. In two weeks, we’ll pour the concoction into spray bottles with a 1:1 ratio of water, and our bathrooms and countertops will SPARKLE.
They’re also going to smell really, really good.
Until then, I’ll be reading textbooks in the hammock attached to its branches.
What I’m Watching this Weekend:
Canyons 100k! When friends get off the waitlist and into some seriously big and seriously competitive events, you drop everything, queue up the live stream, and hit refresh on the results page until your fingers blister.
Here’s a guide for what, who, and how to watch!
What I’m Signing Up For:
When the intro describes their patron saint as Ms. Frizzle…you’re obviously going to sign up, right? Two of the most amazing humans are running this show, and I’m shouting it from the rooftops. I’m also signing up.
What I am SO Freaking Proud of:
Starting my own run coaching business!
Integrated Stride Coaching is finally LAUNCHED!
From the big picture strategy to the finite details and all the logistics in between…oh, and that logo :) this is something I am so damn proud of and excited about.
The support, love, and stoke I’ve received from my athletes, friends, and family has been overwhelming and incredible. I’ve wanted to blend mental health and performance coaching with running for a really long time. Starting my grad school program was just a step in the process, and there are many more to go, but this is a great start.
The merchandise will be landing on the site soon. But in the meantime, you can follow along on Instagram.
I wrote a children’s book!
As my friend Caro and I navigate the next steps and pair her incredible illustrations with the words I wrote, I get full-body goosebumps every time I think about how much this story would’ve helped me throughout my life.
The best part is that it’s not just a children’s book—it’s an everyone at any age book, too.
I can’t wait to share more details, pictures, and the full story with you all soon.
What I’m Learning About in Grad School:
Cognitive restructuring and the benefits of self-talk.
Cognitive restructuring is a psychological technique that involves identifying and challenging negative or irrational thoughts. It's crucial for everyone (athletes or not) because it helps us adjust our mindsets to overcome setbacks.
Self-talk is a key component of cognitive restructuring. It allows us to motivate ourselves, manage stress, and maintain focus during competition, high-pressure environments, and stressful situations.
If you’re interested, check out this TED Talk with the most negative-positive psychologist in all the land.
Whatever and whomever you’re loving on and leaning into this week, I’m wishing you more of it.
-Kristen