1102026
DAY 50
The Run
Ran a 5K this morning at as fast of an average pace that I could maintain, but I didn’t time it. I wanted to run mentally unfettered this morning in an effort to release any kind of pressure I might have unconsciously put on myself signing up for a half marathon yesterday. It’s easy for me to accumulate unwanted pressure once I make plans to do something new and more often than not, that new stress spoils the fun for me. Running is fun and I don’t want to make it a chore by timing myself, recording my distance or even measuring my heart rate every time. The less I can do that the better, honestly.
I believe that our ability to quantify our successes can pervert them, especially considering we live in a time of great scarcity. When you don’t believe you’re enough, it becomes too easy to use numbers to justify your existence. All of a sudden you’re only as good as you’re next pb. You’re only as valuable as the amount of money in your bank account. Your worth can only be defined by the amount of followers you have, so naturally, next comes the desire to gain more of them, which requires more effort, time and ultimately, unnecessary stress. Ease is the goal.
So I try to avoid putting too much value on the distance I run or how fast I can run, however good it may feel to push myself harder than the day before. Sometimes I feel like even recording my run series here is counterintuitive to that ethos, but I believe I’m maintaining a good balance. Plus, I love journaling. How cool is it that I’ve run (50) days in a row and that I’m still pumped about it? Head Empty has been integral to that feeling.
11012026
DAY 49
The Run
This was the best conditioning run I’ve had in a while. I felt like I was in flow the whole time. I ran (5) miles and the distance zipped by on what felt like very little energy. Pregame snack was a gala apple with peanut butter and old graham crackers I had sitting around. Think I could have done with just the apple and peanut butter. I’m trying to stay away from processed foods, always.
The 2026 NYC Marathon
Today, I did something new and spectated the NYC Marathon. In the five years I’ve lived here, I had yet to cheer on my neighbors like this, and it was awesome. I felt inspired. As soon as I got back home, I signed up for a half marathon next April. Six months after that I will be running the 2027 NYC Marathon with the intention of finishing under four hours. I feel the momentum of my run series pushing me towards something great.
10312026
DAY 48
The Run
Happy Halloween! Pictured here: me and my inner monologue.
I ran (5) miles today breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth. Felt great - a lot better than yesterday.
For the past few weeks I’ve had the pleasure of running alongside folks training for what I’m sure is the NYC Marathon. It’s very motivating and cool to see other people driven to reach their own potential.
My hoodie is drenched in sweat. Running in cotton is not the move. I need some wool.
10302026
DAY 47
The Run
(5) mile conditioning run.
Today was hard. Legs were stiff - obviously sore from my bike rides yesterday. I probably didn’t fuel or recover correctly. And I wanted to quit, but I pushed through. I didn’t care how I felt.
I will continue the series and run to a quality I can be proud of, even if I won’t be proud of my pace every time. It’s about enjoying the process and sitting with the discomfort of days where you don’t want to go out - just so you can walk home feeling good about yourself after you do. The pain is worthwhile and the effort is never wasted. Just keep going.
10292026
DAY 46
The Run
Good morning! Ran (2) quick miles at the track. Then biked (15) to Brooklyn for a spa day and another (15) back home. Going for Szechuan later. Pretty fantastic birthday ♥️
10282026
DAY 45
The Run
(5) mile conditioning run. Note to self: don’t eat chickpeas before a run or ever again. Dumb cramps.
Tomorrow is my birthday.
10272026
DAY 44
The Run
Okay, confirmed that I can run a 5K at a 8:18/mile pace. Insane. Never in my life did I think I’d be able to run a mile that fast. In high school I ran a mile in twelve minutes. I’m so stoked, I put it in the family group chat. I wonder how fast I’ll be able to run out in the wild.
Anyway, I’m kind of looking forward to doing more conditioning now. It’s paying off. This run series doesn’t seem to be hurting my progress so far.
When I got home I made a smoothie instead of grabbing bagels as I’ve done the last (3) days. I love bread, but too much of it, even if it’s “vegan,” is bad for my body. The smoothie was tasty and I think I should make more. There’s something about blending ingredients together that I really like. I bet it’ll teach me more about produce and nutrition as smoothies are an efficient way to get your good macros in after a workout (as if I’m keeping track). I write all this like it’s not common knowledge. Whatever, I’m excited.
The Smoothie
PB&J Smoothie
Recipe (I made some edits to thin the smoothie out to a consistency I liked) (This did not taste like a PB&J)
1 Cup Coconut & Cashew Yogurt
1 Cup Almond Milk
1 Cup Frozen Mixed Berries
2 Spoons Peanut Butter
BLEND
Blue Hex is #2867FF
10262026
DAY 43
The Run
So I can run a 5K at a 8:34/mile pace. I almost can’t believe it. I don’t like timing my runs because it puts extra pressure on me to perform, but now I want to run another 5K just to be 100% certain. I’ve never run a mile in under (9) minutes. This is huge.
With The Great Gobble 5K coming up in less than a month, the plan is to train to run it at a similar pace of 8 - 9 minutes per mile. Maybe the conditioning I’m doing is working. I’m proud of myself, but will run it again this week just to be sure.
I wonder what it will be like to run in a crowd. When I signed up for the GG5K, I registered at a nine minute mile pace. I’ve never run an organized 5K before, so I have no idea what to expect. I hope it wasn’t a foolish decision.
10252026
DAY 42
The Run
Fire run today. Ran a quick 5k and stopped for bagels after.
I think I’ve come up with a different approach to this run streak. Instead of running a pre-set distance each day, I’m going to run however much I feel like. I’ll try this for a while and see if the quality of my sessions and attitude improves.
Also, I’ve come to hate the word “streak,” so from now on I am going to refer to it as a “series.”
10242026
DAY 41
The Run
Ran (1) mile in the middle of a very busy and active day. I wanted to run more, but I was famished, so I stopped for a spinch patty and then chilled outside for while. That was that.
I think I’m approaching running all wrong, but I’m not going to quit. I know I’m on the right path, even though I’m not sure where it’s leading. I’d like to believe it’s leading to a sub four hour marathon, but I know I’m conditioning for that incorrectly. We’ll see.
10232026
DAY 40
The Run
I have to switch it up. I’m getting bored running (5) miles everyday. I want to run faster more often. Condition less. Plus, I feel as if my legs are bored too. They’re really stiff.
I picked up a vegan peanut butter cookie at a coffee shop, post-run. It was not very good. Peanut butter cookies rarely are!
10222026
DAY 39
The Run
Just got back from yoga. I’m beat. At least three days a week I’m working out twice a day. I’ve been getting a run in everyday, obviously, and then I’ll take a hot yoga class two or three times a week, along with bike rides whenever I can. It doesn’t feel* sustainable, but at the same time I feel possessed to keep moving. I like it and I’m afraid I’ll become depressed if I spend too much time on my couch. Especially because I just got into Law & Order: SVU, and especially especially because winter is coming. I am determined to keep the streak alive, El Niño or not.
Plus, I’m really proud of myself. I’ve run everyday for (39) days. I feel fucking strong.
(5) miles today, btw.
—
I need to eat more veggies! I think I’d have greater energy if I ate more balanced meals instead of consuming some variation of oats, chia seeds or granola and fruit every couple of hours. As yummy as all that is.
10212026
DAY 38
The Run
Today was so much more fun, and easier than yesterday. (5) miles and I want to say that I was less sore today than on Day 37 because I did hot yoga on Day 37. Could it be that hot yoga helps me recover from consecutive days of running somehow? I hope so? Because I love both and don’t want to stop. I sprinted the last lap and got that flying feeling I haven’t had in a minute.
Speaking of flying, I bought a gravel bike Monday (pictured below) and am feeling very impatient waiting for it to be delivered. So until then, I’m tampering with my old bike, dreaming of the day when I have a gravel bike I can take upstate to ride or camp, and a frankensteined, road bike I can zip through the city with. Stay tuned for updates.
10202026
DAY 37
The Run
Man, today was HARD. I was just not feeling it. (5) miles.
Plant Based Lifestyle (PBL) update: This shit is also hard. It’s going to require more cooking from me and learning how to make green vegetables yummy. I know how to make meals out of chia seed pudding, fruit and coconut & cashew yogurt, but if I’m going to do my nutrition right, I need to incorporate more veg into my diet. Also, I can’t be eating cold meals all day as it puts unnecessary strain on my stomach… So say my acupuncturists.
10192026
DAY 36
The Run
Here’s a selfie from the health food store. I was in dire need of groceries after my trip.
—
Today I learned something new. Did you know that each lane at the track represents a different lap distance? Because I run in lane 6 most of the time, I’ve actually been running more than I thought. Today I set out to run (5) miles, but actually ran 5.5 instead. This is because lane 6 isn’t a .25 mile loop - it’s .27 miles. I discovered this after realizing my pace was slower than yesterday’s and googling “how to calculate distance on a track.” It had never occurred to me that each lane could be longer or shorter than the other.
Anyway, lane 1’s and lane 2’s length is closer to .25 miles, so if I want to track my distances with more precision, I need to run there.
Also, I’ll be running (5) miles most everyday this week like I did last week, instead of adding .25 miles like I usually do. Just feels like the right thing to do for my conditioning.
10182026
DAY 35
The Run
Last run here in Colorado at Crown Mountain Park. I’m pointing to Mt. Sopris in the back, which is just one of the snow covered peaks I got to gawk at during my session. I have been spoiled by the Roaring Fork Valley’s natural splendor and am curious to know how my mood will do once I’m back in the concrete jungle. It’s easy to take life like this for granted. I pass locals on my runs, say hi, and wonder what they long for. Are they content here with all this majesty? Could I be? If I moved to a place like this, how soon would I become dissatisfied or bored? Is it the nature I enjoy, or is it the change of pace and scenery? Or do I just need a vacation from time to time? Who is to say.
My body was not having it this morning, by the way. When I woke up, my calves were torqued - super sore from my hike yesterday and felt heavy. I also had limited range of movement from my hips. I felt TIGHT. On top of that, it was 32ºF when I began my run so my hands were tingly and cold for almost three miles until my blood warmed up. I was annoyed and scared I’d damage my legs or hands unnecessarily due to the freezing temps or lack of rest between runs, but I pushed through and felt grateful once I finished. (5) miles. I’m feeling more connected to my body than ever and I’m learning how to read its signals - which have gotten louder over the last month.
10172026
DAY 34
The Run
I drove to El Jebel (Arabic for “Mountain”) to run at Crown Mountain Park. When I was researching places to run in Basalt, I came across this park with a paved, one mile loop located at the bottom of its towering namesake. I want more scenic runs in my life.
Today, I surprised myself by running (5) ten minute miles at a conversational pace. I was shocked and happy as my average pace to this point had been twelve* minute miles. However, I believe my newfound speed was due to my mouth breathing. All week I’ve found it extra challenging to focus my breath in and out of my nose because of the altitude, so this afternoon I said fuck it and used my mouth the whole time. I’m annoyed because, honestly, I had more fun. I’m going to keep training myself to breath through my nose though. I know it’ll be worth it.
The Hike - Arbaney Kittle
A stranger recommended I hike the Arbaney Kittle trail to get a panoramic view of the Roaring Fork Valley. Even though a majority of the trail to the top was STEEP, the vistas were breathtaking. The word I repeated the most in my head was, “vast.” It is mind boggling how much space there is here. Where are all the skyscrapers? Why is it so quiet?
I had fun scrambling up to the peak; minding where I placed my feet on the rocks so I could keep climbing without breaking my rhythm or hurting myself. It was a joy. Also, on the way down, I tried running after getting lapped by a trail runner and almost ate shit. You have to be SO strong to run a trail like this. One day.
When I get back to NYC, I want to utilize the Metro North to hit trails in the Hudson Valley. I love being outside.
10162026
DAY 33
The Run
Ran some of the Rio Grande Trail along the Roaring Fork River today for (5) miles. Gorgeous. I couldn’t have asked for better weather in Aspen and Basalt this week. I am grateful to be here.
The Hike - Crater Lake at Maroon Bells
I don’t think I mentioned that I’m now on a solo trip/retreat in Basalt until Sunday. I booked a cabin for a few days, post work, with the intention of hiking, running and relaxing up in the Rocky Mountains. So far, I am getting exactly what I want. Today I hiked in Maroon Bells, a mountain range known for its rusty rock faces and breathtaking, snow capped peaks. There were a few moments on the trail when I said, “Oh my god,” as red rock formations and green blue, gem like ponds came into view. If you plan on going (you should), plan on spending about 4hrs there and book your parking spot or shuttle pass ahead of time in order to get to the trail head. There were a good amount of folks. We hiked on an incline for the majority of the way to Crater Lake on medium sized, loose rock and dirt. It was challenging. I had to remind myself to take it easy and that it wasn’t a race.
Also, did you know that you can use the powder you find on Aspen Trees for decent sunblock? Got that tip from the shuttle driver. Apparently, you sunburn easier at higher altitudes. On the path I gathered some resin from a tree and proceeded to put it on my face. I can’t tell if it worked.
10152026
DAY 32
The Run
Took a brisk run to the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, or ACES, and realized that I love running through nature. Now I want to try trail running.
At ACES, they’ve been rehabilitating a few birds of prey. They had a Great Horned Owl, a Red Tailed Hawk and a Golden Eagle. Even though they’re on the mend, the center won’t ever release them into the wild as they have a small likelihood of surviving because of their injuries. I wonder how true that is - I can only speculate. If I were this Golden Eagle I’d probably want a chance to prove myself out there, but being taken care of is nice too.
I do wish I had more time to run today.
10142026
DAY 31
The Run
For the last two days I’ve been waiting for this moment: a post run cuzzi sesh.
Today’s run was markedly harder than yesterday. I wasn’t in pain, but I felt heavy and out of breath. And bored. I just wasn’t there mentally. I had a long day of scouts, talking to strangers and eating. See, we had to do tastings of the restaurants we might be sending our guests to in January, so for every meal my team sat down for, we ordered more food than we could finish and a huge variety of it. For breakfast I had oatmeal with honey, peanut butter, golden raisins, almond slices, and a green juice with sourdough toast. For lunch I had french fries fried in beef tallow, chicken meatballs, chips with queso and guac, and a kale, chicken caesar salad. And then for dinner I had beet salad, more kale salad, eggplant parm, cannolis, cookies and powdered donuts filled with nutella.
Yesterday, I began reading How Not To Die by Dr. Michael Greger and Gene Stone: a book that advocates for its readers to adopt a plant based diet if they want to live happier, healthier and longer lives. I am considering going plant based for plenty of reasons beyond my own longevity, but mostly to feel more embodied. I’ve noticed an improvement in my energy, mood and quality of movement when I abstain from dairy and meat, so I’m curious to experiment with whole foods even more.
10132026
DAY 30
The Run
I’m in Aspen for work. Went from 23ft above sea level in NYC to 7,908ft above sea level here. When I got off the plane I could feel that difference immediately. My breaths were shallower and I was moving a bit slower. I freaked a little because my chest got tight and I wondered how my run would go later. I knew it’d have to be late, right before bed, because as soon as I landed I’d have to head to scouts and dinner with my team. I hoped that I’d be able to run (5) miles despite the elevation and a long day of travel.
And I did!
I’m writing this from my hotel room totally beat, with a headache and a sense of accomplishment. All that matters to me is that I keep this promise to myself: to run with integrity, quality and joy everyday.
10122026
The Run
DAY 29
(5) miles today! I’m stoked. Though, on my run, I started to have more doubts about this streak. All of last week, I had thoughts of ending it just to rest my legs. I get scared I’m gonna hurt myself and worried that I’m not going to get any faster, which would be problematic. I want to run the 2027 NYC Marathon in under four hours. That means I need to run at at least a nine minute mile pace the WHOLE time. All 26.2 miles. I’m not there yet, so I want to keep conditioning, but how much is this streak getting in the way of my progress?
Deep down, I feel that all this running is working. It’s doing wonders not only for my pace, physical health but for my mental health as well. I know enough about strength training and conditioning to know that rest days are essential to performance growth and that too much will spoil it, but I don’t really care. I’m having fun and I do believe that I will run that marathon in under four hours. I’ve committed to this streak. I want to push myself and I love being active and I love being outside. It was a gorgeous day today and even when it’s not so pretty, I don’t regret getting out there and moving. I just want to move. I want to honor my body in that way.
10112026
DAY 28
The Run
I watched it rain all day from my apartment, dreading the inevitable moment when I’d have to lace up my shoes and head out in it. I was being a baby though. I had a lot of fun and wasn’t alone at the track. It was a beautiful night for a drizzly soccer game. I hit 4.75 miles and was soaked by the end of it, but was proud of myself for sticking it out. Rain, schmain. Just wait until it snows. El Niño is going to make it a WET winter, so I probably want to look into some rainproof, running gear.
The Carne Asada
Yesterday I grilled for the homies and looked fly as hell. And the steak was FUEGO.
10102026
The Run
DAY 27
Today, I’m grilling for friends. Yesterday, I marinated some skirt steak in a pretty delicious, but acidic sauce and set it in the fridge overnight. Then this morning, I remembered one time in college marinating steak the same way, for too long, and turning the meat into mush. So I freaked out, pulled out the meat, removed as much marinade as possible and proceeded to google shit like, “How long is too long to marinate skirt steak?” and “Did I fuck my skirt steak up?" I even sent a picture of the steak to my dad, looking for some sort of like, “You’re fine. Relax,” but I was super on edge imagining cooking the steak for my friends only for it to be mealy and inedible and then for them to all look at me in disgust and storm out of my patio, never to talk to me again.
And all this before my run.
I really didn’t want to go. I felt paralyzed by my anxiety, but I knew I had to, so I did and decided to run at an eight minute mile pace in order to, maybe, release some of the stress?
To my surprise it worked and now I feel relaxed. Que sera, sera, you know. Here’s me looking super chill after running a 5k.
10092026
DAY 26
The Run
Today was tough. I don’t know why. 4.75 miles at a slower clip. Probably more than twelve minutes a mile. It’s frustrating, but wygd? Maybe it’s the fact that I haven’t taken a day off in four weeks or maybe mentally I just wasn’t in it. Looking back, I probably wasn’t. It’s beautiful out though and I’m glad I went.
I think tomorrow will feel better.
10082026
DAY 25a
DAY 25b
I’ve decided that my next freelance project for Skydance Paramount Warner Bros. will also be my last. That next project being an Aspen ski trip for (60) executives. I can’t abide that kind of spend on folks who “make decisions” at a company I’ve lost all respect for. From now until the end of the project in January, I’ll give the work 100%, but after that I’m out.
No plans for new income. Some ideas, but nothing solid. I just know I likely won’t be designing full time anymore and I’ll be making way less money. I don’t care. I won’t look for more design work at another corporation or agency who produces events for clients and influencers just so they can spend the whole time on their phone. I refuse to do that for a check, especially when experiential design is so wasteful and stressful. Money comes and goes and I’ve been feeling like a sell out lately so I’m gonna quit, bet on myself and find work that I truly love.
Anyway, more updates to follow I’m sure. Today I ran 4.75 miles. I am feeling grateful for my body, my discernment and for this sausage and egg on an everything bagel.
10072026
The Run
DAY 24
Guess where I am. THE TRACK. 4.75 miles.
Really didn’t want to go out for my run this morning. The weather changed so quickly from Summer into Autumn that I think my body was protesting the cold. “No, I don’t want to move today,” my body whines as I forward fold and drag my running shorts on. Sure, my legs are tired after running 24 days in a row, but this thing is also a mental battle. It’s saying, “No, we’re going to go out because we like it, it feels good and we said we would.”
That type of mentality pays off. By Lap 10, I was feeling unstoppable and I actually giggled a little bit at how big of a baby I tend to be. Got home and made egg tacos with escabeche and homemade salsa verde. Life is good. Keep going.
To Do
10.08 - Buy Ingredients for Chimichurri
10.08 - Make Chimichurri
10.08 - Buy Ingredients for Kabobs
10.08 - Buy Ingredients for Kabob Glaze
10.08 - Buy Tortillas, Chips and Pico De Gallo Ingredients
10.08 Make Pico
10.08 - Clean Patio
10.09 - Buy Ingredients for Steak Marinade
10.09 - Pick Up Steak
10.09 - Marinate
10.10 - Make Kabob Glaze
10.10 - Make Kabobs
10062026
The Run
DAY 23
Ran (5) miles to the Unisphere in about an hour at a conversational pace. Felt AMAZING. Took the train back to my place afterwards which made my heart full. God I love the MTA sometimes. When it’s convenient, it’s CONVENIENT.
I’ll tell you why I avoid running on streets: unpredictability. Construction, nasty fumes, traffic lights and all manner of noises fill me with dread. You don’t get that at the track, so I feel like it’s easier to focus. However, my run today and my run in LA last week might have softened me a bit to the idea of road running. I’ll likely integrate it into my routine from now on. The NYC Marathon next year is going to be all road running so I might as well stop being so obstinate.
By the way, the Unisphere was unveiled at the 1964 New York World’s Fair when its theme was “Peace Through Understanding.” The sphere was meant to represent the world’s growing interdependence as we entered the space age - which I love.
The Unisphere is also Queens as fuck ♥️.
Grocery List
Steak Marinade - Fajitas Verdes (Per 8lbs of Steak)
Reference (I love Arnie)
Ingredients in Order of Incorporation:
2 Lemon
2 Lime (Look for Smooth Skin)
1 Cup Orange Juice
1/2 Cup Pineapple Juice
2 Tbsp Salt, Pepper & Garlic
4 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
4 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
2 Tsp Cumin
2 Tsp Mexican Oregano
2 Tsp of Chile De Arbol
6 Tomatillos
1 White Onion
4 Jalapeños
4 Garlic Cloves
1 Cup Cilantro
1 Cup Parsley
1 Cup Olive Oil
BLEND
Red hex is #DC4242
Blue Hex is #2867FF
10052026
The Run
DAY 22
Alright, I’m getting bored of these selfies. I’m running out of patience for finding different backgrounds at the track. Might be time to run anywhere else but this park.
4.75 miles today at a conversational pace. I am very happy with that.
Recovery meal was chia seed pudding with almond butter, granola, an apple and a splash of almond milk.
Grocery List
Veggie Kabobs - Glaze
Ingredients:
1.5 Cups Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Powder
1 Tbsp Thyme
2 Cloves Garlic
Juice from Half of a Lemon
1 Tbsp of Honey (Or Agave?)
Veggie Kabobs
Ingredients:
5 Zucchinis
5 Red Peppers
5 Yellow Peppers
5 Yellow Squash
2 - 3 Baskets of Cremini Mushrooms
2 Red Onions
Chimichurri
Ingredients:
2 Bunches (2 Cups) of Parsley
Olive Oil (1 Cup)
Garlic (2:1 Parsley to Garlic)
Dried Oregano (1:1 Garlic to Dried Oregano)
Chili Flakes (1:1/2 Garlic to Chili Flakes)
Red Vinegar (3:1 Olive Oil to Vinegar)
Salt
Pepper
2 Bay Leaves
Maybe Red Chilis Instead of Chili Flakes??
Red hex is #DC4242
Blue Hex is #2867FF
10042026
DAY 21
I could have run harder for longer today, but decided that (3) miles was enough. I’m gonna guess that I ran at a nine minute mile pace? Which I’m happy with. The Great Gobble 5k is coming up and I’d like to finish it under (30) minutes, so I think I’ll be training once or twice a week for that. For my first official 5k, is that too ambitious? Who cares.
I’m just wondering if I should have been more gassed by the end. On days where I decide to run harder, just how far should I push myself? I want to avoid getting hurt, but I’m also curious to know at what point does a run stop being fun.
———
I should have kept going. Next Sunday, I’ll go until I gas out.
10032026
DAY 20
I wonder if other people think I look as douchey as I feel wearing these glasses. I found them in a rental car last year and break them out when I’m feeling bold. 4.5 miles today. Tongue on the roof of my mouth the whole time. When I got home I ate chia seed pudding with cubes of apple and some almond butter. So fire.
Who am I becoming?
10022026
DAY 19
Day 19. Ran 98% of 4.5 miles with my tongue pressed to the roof of my mouth to stimulate more natural breathing through my nose. Got that tip from YouTube this morning.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that this method required less effort than the other method of just reminding myself to breathe through my nose on a run. In the past when I’ve tried to change my breathing (I’m a mouth breather), I would get annoyed and give up pretty quickly since that type of focus made my run twice as hard.
I do believe that breathing in and out through my nose will help me enjoy running more in the long-term, so it’s a habit I want to get in the practice of. And if I had to pick a more challenging aspect of it, it would be the amount of focus required to keep my tongue in place.
10012026
The Run
DAY 18
4.5 miles. First time experiencing stomach cramping on a run. Lately, I’ve been running first thing in the morning on coffee and maybe a pastry, or a couple hours after I finish eating in the evening. Today I had some cereal, an apple and I think a banana before I went out, so maybe that’s where the cramping came from?
I get very emotional on runs. Just feels raw and vulnerable. If I had to guess why, I’d say it’s probably because I used to be so sedentary, fat and sick. Maybe a decade ago, even though I started to lose a lot of weight at the time, I never imagined I’d be running this much or be this fit. And in a million years, I never would have thought I’d enjoy so much movement. For as long as I can remember my body’s been my enemy, but in the last few years that idea’s been turned on its head as I’ve prioritized fun workouts and eating more nutritious meals. Right now I love stretching, running, hot yoga and biking so so much and I feel my whole body thanking me for it. I used to diet and work out for vanity, and maybe I still do to some extent, but now, more than anything, I just want to feel as embodied and centered as possible. I believe the potential there is limitless.
Grocery List
Pumpkin Seed Salsa or Ha’ sikil pa’k (Mayan)
From the Yucatan. Found in Tu Casa Mi Casa, by Enrique Olvera
Ingredients:
½ cup of pepitas
3 plum tomatoes
1 tomatillo
¼ small white onion
6 garlic cloves (nice, I love garlic)
1 fresh chile de arbol or Thai chile
4 guajillo chiles, seeded
1 tbsp of salt
Salsa Con Cacahuate
Variation of salsa macha (oil based salsa used as a condiment). Found in Tu Casa Mi Casa.
Ingredients:
1.25 cups grapeseed oil
4 pasilla chiles
15 chiles de arbol
1 ancho chile
6 puya or guajillo chiles, seeded
2 morita chiles
2 garlic cloves
1 cup roasted peanuts
1 tbsp of salt
juice of 2 key limes
½ cup cilantro or coriander
Chia con coco y nueces (Chia Pudding)
Found in Tu Casa Mi Casa.
Ingredients:
½ cup black or white chia seeds
1 cup of water
1 cup of coconut milk
1 tsp of mexican cinnamon (canela)
1 tbsp of maple syrup
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
1 cup assorted dried nuts and berries
Red hex is #DC4242
09302026
DAY 17
4.5 miles. Back in my natural habitat. Gorgeous day. Happy to be back in NYC, happy to be back on the track, but feeling exhausted from this project. Still have to reconcile expenses and find a way to pay for the overages. Way more went right than wrong, but the wrongs are expensive. All of it is out of my control now that the event is over.
Walked into my apartment last night and my chest tightened. This morning, I feel the leftover stress vibrating from my furniture and tchotchkes and the walls seem like they’ve moved in a little. I think a deep clean is in order. And maybe a limpia…
09292026
DAY 16
Ran upwards of (5) miles this morning to the 6th St. Viaduct and back. This was my first time at the viaduct since it opened. It’s beautiful. It’s like if they made an East Los Angeles themed Mario Kart track.
In the middle of my run I passed through a portion of Skid Row. It was a strange feeling to run through that area with my expensive running shoes and airpods knowing I had a nice shower and hot meal to return to - especially as I watched my fellow man tying themselves off while I actively avoided stepping in their shit.
I felt extra vulnerable, avoiding eye contact with folks while also being super aware of my privilege. Taking my selfie felt almost felt crass. And when I got back to the hotel, I hit the breakfast buffet. My life is so abundant. What do I do with it? How do I help others suffer less and is there a point to all this suffering? I know without suffering there can be no joy, but how can you say that with a clear conscious after taking a leisurely run through Skid Row?
09282026
Day 15, 4.5 miles at a conversational pace. Took TWO piss breaks during my run which was a first for me. I don’t know where all that piss came from.
I don’t like running inside anymore, so maybe I’ll jog around DTLA tomorrow. Suddenly, I’ve found the will to deal with the stop lights.
My project is officially over. (3) months of pressure held in my body that I really want to release. I’m getting acupuncture Friday in an attempt to drain some of that stress from my nervous system. That, topped with more running and hot yoga back at my home studio in NYC, I feel a mental and physical reset coming on.
I’m beat. I hope when I get home I can enjoy all the “job well dones” I got on-site, but right now I feel too tired. And somehow, a little defeated.
DAY 15
09272026
Day 14! Ran everyday for two weeks straight. I am stoked on that. Very grateful for the will and the strength to keep this going. Ran hard, but not too hard. I felt that I could have run more, but I heard somewhere that it’s good to end your runs with some gas left in the tank. You anticipate your next run, or next pb that much more. I did run (1) mile at a pb pace today so that’s cool too. Generally, I’m stoked.
DAY 14
09262026
Day 13, 4.3 miles. Tomorrow is show day and our notoriously difficult client is unusually happy and grateful for the work our team has put in. She emailed us to tell us so. That puts a little pep in my step.
I wonder how healthy this streak is for my feet and legs. I know rest days are essential to making progress athletically, but what if I don’t want to take them? What if I just want to run? Running makes me happy.
I like seeing my forehead veins pop out. Makes me feel alive.
This is one of my favorite shirts.
DAY 13
09252026
I am grateful for a body that allows me to enjoy a run. Couldn’t have imagined running (12) days in a row a decade ago or even a year ago. Lately, I find myself giving thanks to my legs and shoulders, arms and stomach for giving me the strength to run consistently without too much strain or anguish. And I thank my mind for the support. I don’t want to take my body for granted. I am grateful for its capacity to enjoy life.
4.30 miles today.
DAY 12
09242026
Ran 4.25 miles at a 12 minute/mile pace. Jogged really. What’s the difference between jogging and running? Fear of judgement.
I know I can run a nine minute mile. Hell, I could clock one at eight minutes I reckon, but I’m aiming for consistency, not speed. I’ll get faster over time. For now I’m focused on enjoying myself, building stamina and keeping the streak alive. Even if I have to run on a fuck-ass treadmill to do it.
I’d love to run the NYC marathon next year without stopping to walk once. As much as I want to run as fast as possible all the time, I know slowing down is key.
DAY 11
09232026
6am: Woke up at 3am, jet-lagged, fell asleep for another hour and got myself up way earlier than I planned. Walked into the gym thinking I’d be able to run another 4.25 miles, but ran 2.5 instead. I got totally in my head about my speed. For the last year, I’ve run without tracking my time, pace or distance on any kind of app. Running is more fun this way. The less screens on a run, the better. But this morning the data on the treadmill display got the better of me and I spiraled. Jumped off and back up to my room.
I’m thinking of going on another run tonight to make up for the lost distance. I’ll check in then.
9pm: Didn’t run - too beat from work, but the run streak stands so that’s all that matters.
DAY 10
09222026
In LA for work. Did 4.25 miles on a treadmill in the hotel gym instead of running around DTLA and dealing with stop lights. Felt great.
DAY 9
09212026
Ran 4.25 miles today. I think. I lost count somewhere around mile 2 and had to guess. When that happens, I typically overcompensate by running more laps than I initially planned, so, actually, I likely ran more than 4.25 miles this morning. Maybe 4.5.
I got a limpia Saturday and the curandero told me to wear as much white as possible for the next three days to ward off stress and evil spirits. Feeling kind of anxious about it because while I have plenty of white shirts, I have ZERO pairs of white pants.
DAY 8
09202026
Decided to run a little harder today to see how it’d feel. All this week I’ve run at a conversational pace, so the idea was to push myself at the track to see how out of breath I’d get and how fast. And I surprised myself. I never ran out of breath. My lungs were in more strain as were my feet and lower legs, but the pain wasn’t significant enough to make me stop and double over like I thought I might. That was nice.
This funny thing happened too. After my first mile, I walked (1) lap and as I started to run again, I found that my glutes had completely opened up. I hadn’t realized they were so tight. All of a sudden it felt as if I had no ass and lower back. The last half of my run felt that much lighter.
DAY 7
09192026
Can you tell that I had an excellent time on my run today? I forgot to roll the soles of my feet out before-hand. They hurt for the first mile and then the pain went away, but I’m no fool. I know I have to stretch and roll em out when I get home or chance having a more painful run tomorrow: Day 7.
I did run (4) miles again. The idea is to add a quarter mile every week for the foreseeable future.
And* I sprinted the last lap. For a few seconds I felt like I was flying.
DAY 6
09182026
Ran another (4) at the track. Feeling good. Trying to run at a consistent pace the whole time. Focusing on going slower to go faster. I do wonder how fast I can run a mile though.
On my 16th lap I like to sprint and see just how much I can stretch out my legs in front of me and behind me. It feels awkward - like I don’t know how to run at all. I do enjoy the feeling of lightness from sprinting. I like the bounce off the ground.
DAY 5
09172026
Days two, three and four of my current run streak. Ran (4) miles each day at the track. Running around the track is my favorite. I do not like running on pavement or running through the neighborhood. Too many distractions. Too many stop lights. When I get to a cross walk and have to wait for the light I pace around like a wild man. I won’t jog in place.
DAY 4
DAY 3
