It’s gonna be an emotional week, at least for those of us living in the US. While it feels like many are “hoping” for it not to be that way, I find that I handle things best when I don’t sit and “hope” for the best, but instead process through all the emotions I am feeling as they come. As someone who feels emotions very intensely, I have been trying to be gentle with myself when they do come, often at times when I least expect them.

That said, I am coming from a big weekend in New York, filled with every kind of emotion possible; so many highs, but as always, accompanied by some thoughts and feelings of sadness, disappointment, frustration, fear, and pain.

And yet, I’m not gonna spend this newsletter processing through that. What I am gonna share is a huge personal celebratory moment in my weekend.

I never thought I would look like this….at the end of a 5k, especially one that is 5 minutes off my best time.

So grateful to MarathonFoto for capturing this moment for me.

I ran the entire 5k, 3.1 miles without a walk break, an accomplishment that a lot of perspective-shifting over the past year has allowed me to celebrate.

The best part? I got to run it with Michael, my precious best friend who took care of me in the days post surgery. He went from me screaming out in pain the night after surgery, to seeing me take this big step. Seeing my other best friend, Ryan, and very close friend, J, at the finish line, all with huge smiles, as they knew how much that moment meant to me.

Whatever this week holds, I know my running journey can center me, be a source of comfort and grounding to simply take another step forward.

I hope you can do the same. Regardless of whether you run or not, what is that simple thing you can do to ground yourself? Whatever you feel this week is valid and okay; finding something that brings you peace is critical.

This week on the Running For Real podcast...

Here's the official description:

In a 1980s TV commercial, Sy Sperling declared, “I’m not only the Hair Club president; I’m also a client.” That, Rob Simmelkjaer says, describes his role as CEO of New York Road Runners.

He hosts NYRR’s podcast, Set the Pace, runs with their clubs, takes part in their races, and even participates in their plogging events, all while advancing their mission to build healthier lives and stronger communities through initiatives like their recently launched Team for Climate.

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Here's the real deal:

TCS NYC Marathon weekend has now passed, but this is well worth a listen; in fact, NBC New York meteorologist Matt Brickman, who interviewed me on the climate panel this weekend, told me he listened and enjoyed as prep for interviewing me. Rob is being a really amazing ally for those of us working hard for sustainability through his support and belief in the initiatives NYRR is putting through.

Rob is also a good friend, and you will hear the casual nature of that in this episode. Come join us for a listen.

Can’t believe we are now looking ahead to 2025. I have one more event in 2024, a keynote speech at the Running Industry Alliance that I can thankfully combine with a trip home, but other than that, we are looking ahead to 2025 events.

There is the World Athletics Road Running Championships next September that I am the Sustainability Director for. Now is the lowest price for the races. You can enter the 1 mile, 5k, or half….or any combination of the three! And YES! It is for you; this race is open to everyone. If you do sign up, make sure you click the “Green Runner” box.

I will be speaking at the Boston Run Show next year with my friend Alex Hermanson (well worth a follow on IG) and others about sustainability, and I really loved the energy at this event last year. Use my code below to sign up for free!

The rest of the schedule is coming together; here at Running For Real, we are working hard behind the scenes on building something special, stay tuned.

We had a huge turnout for our TCS NYC Marathon plogging event this year; it was amazing to see that many people turn up to pick up trash. The momentum is building; I can feel it, and I’m excited!

Thanks to our partner, Tracksmith

I have fully shifted into Tracksmith Brighton Base long sleeve season. Not only do I wear it for runs and bike rides, I also wear it day-to-day with my jeans. It really is the most versatile, warm-yet-keeps-you-from-sweating-as-you-warm-up, perfect long sleeve. I have worn my beige one hundreds of times and it is still the same as when I first got it.

It is better for us to get one quality item that lasts and can go from lifestyle to run and back again, over something cheap that fits badly and breaks down easily. That is the case with all that Tracksmith makes; they are meticulous and obsessive with the quality of everything, and it shows.

As a friend of mine, you can get $15 off your order of $75 or more using code TINANEW.

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Be kind to one another, yourself, and this beautiful planet of ours.

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