As we head into 2026, it is coming up on a decade since some of the most pivotal moments of my life. As they were unfolding, I thought those defining moments meant one thing ahead (more success, more PB's, more representing GB&NI), when in fact, less than a year later, I took a sharp 180 degree turn and quit.

Since running my first 100k, the first time I fully committed to something since the moment I quit, I have been reflecting on the various chapters of this decade. I let my mind explore the real and honest reason I made those choices...beyond the altruistic version I told myself.

I shared my reflections on social media, and that post struck a chord.

Its important. So today, for a change of pace, I am going to share those images.

When I look at it that way, yeah, it's quite the adventure!

Now, let's see what is ahead.

I also did a second post yesterday about the unmentioned part of this journey, my history with disordered eating and RED-S. if you are not aware of this, the post is here to take a read.​

With that....

If you or someone you care about is working through RED-S, or has symptoms like insomnia, always being cold, extreme irritability, or just generally perfectionism that leads to extreme controlling behaviors (I have been there!), I made these videos a few years ago. They (for free) sum up the tens of thousands of outreach emails/social media messages/contact questions I have had over the years.

I knew how alone I felt, I didn't want others to feel the same. And yes, RED-S affects every gender, size, shape, and volume of training

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We are currently working on Racing For Sustainability tanks for our community (that's you!) to race in. We can't say which brand (yet!), but let's just say, they are high quality, long lasting, and you will be able to race in them for years. They are super cute. We are currently figuring what sizes to order. If you see yourself running with us in 2026 or beyond, and could fill out this one question survey (literally, its one), fill it out here.​

And if you haven't filled out the survey yet of which races (including yes, share your local races you intend to run with us for, it doesn't have to be big fundraising goals), you can simply run with us as a member of our team

NYRR included my article about the TCS New York City Marathon as a sustainability advocate as one of their "best of 2025" articles. All of these articles are worth a read:

I just finished Brene Brown's latest book, Strong Ground, and ill be honest, the first third of the book was hard to stay engaged. I nearly abandoned the book, but the final third was so worth it. Find it here.

And speaking of books, while I haven't read the book (and want to), this On Being podcast episode with the author of Wintering, Katherine May, has stuck in my brain for many years. If you struggle to switch off this time of year, or feel you are not being productive enough, the podcast episode is here and the book, Wintering has a lot of amazing reviews.​

See, life is a journey and every chapter is very interesting.

-Zeenat Aman

Thanks to our partner, Precision Fuel & Hydration

In the post I shared about RED-S, there was an important slide I want to share with you. I now know I left time on the table by being underfueled. In my life, but also on race day.

So I could have run a lot faster. I won't be making that mistake again, and you don't wanna live with that "should have" like I have to.

Precision will take care of you if you don't know where to start, they can give you a free 20 minute consultation

After what I used?

I put flow gel into my reusable bottles, had caffeine gels before the tough climbs, and PH 1000 in every water I had that day.

Your biggest gift to yourself this year, should be a promising year of running ahead. You can only do that well fueled (trust me, I tried!).

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

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