Adventure enthusiast and recovering runner who loves a good rest day. Consider this your weekly scoop of fun, feel-good fodder from miles to couch mode.

The Sweat Report

It’s ok if you need help: With a heightened focus on postpartum depression in the news right now, hats off to new mom Emily Infeld. The professional runner recently posted about her own mental health journey and why asking for professional help and taking care of her needs allows her to show up for her new baby.

The last shall be first: Jeff Spencer, a high school math teacher, was the Leadville Dream Chaser at this year’s Leadville 100 mountain bike race. What does that mean? Jeff starts dead last at the back of the pack so that he can earn money for each person he passes. This year, he finished 44th, meaning he fought his way past 1,390 competitors over 100 grueling miles, and raised roughly $140,000 in the process.

I’ve got the perfect playlist: Psst, Spotify brought back their Beats Per Minute playlists for Premium users. Here’s how to find one for your next walk, spin, or run. Hopefully they take a note from brand-new running enthusiast Whiz Khalifa and include some of his songs to the mix.

The Cooldown

Adventure awaits (for free): With the new school year upon us, it’s a good time to remind you about the Every Kid Outdoors pass for fourth graders. This also got me thinking about major metropolitan programs like Philadelphia’s STAMP Pass for high schoolers, Colorado’s and Utah’s free ski schools for kids, Bank of America’s Museums on Us, and your local library’s Museum Pass Program. Let this inspire you to do some digging where you live. You might unearth a gold mine of opportunities.

When junk drawers become art: I don’t know the best way to describe Grace Baldwin other than she’s an artist who builds random items at a large scale. My favorite project to watch is her junk drawer. She adds to it occasionally and it’s an absolute hoot every time.

Summer on ice: Here in Colorado it’s the best time of the year. We’re awash in Palisade peaches, and I currently have 20 pounds of them on my kitchen counter. While reading this cobbler recipe, I discovered a freezer tip tucked at the bottom of the instructions that describes how to pre-make cobblers today so future me can enjoy a taste of summer when the leaves are falling.

Adventure enthusiast and recovering runner who loves a good rest day. Consider this your weekly scoop of fun, feel-good fodder from miles to couch mode.

The Sweat Report

If they can, you can: Need some inspo to get off your butt this week and hit the gym? Watch a few Fitness By Bobby videos. He calls himself a “disability-focused personal trainer.” I call him the best of humanity. You will be wiping your eyes as you plan your next workout.

When geniuses talk, I listen: This week I tuned in to hear modern sages Brené Brown and John Green chat about belonging through the lens of sports. Sharing a project, like cheering for a sports team, can act as the glue in our relationships, binding us together in the best ways. Totally worth your time.

Misery is temporary but ice cream is forever: If kids need a reward for Type 2 fun, chances are you do, too. I was tickled by one dad’s attempt to teach his kids how to “love” misery in the moment by bookending it with a happy ending like ice cream. I’m basically still a kid on the inside, so it was a nice reminder that a little treat after a hard adventure is a wonderful idea.

The Cooldown

Peak sandwich achieved: I’ve been influenced by the evidence that eating fermented foods supercharges your gut biome. In an attempt to branch out from my plain Greek yogurt, I bought my first jar of kimchi and added it to a gooey, melty, buttery sourdough grilled-cheese sandwich. My husband asked me how it tasted, and I held my hand up to his face so I could process the way my tastebuds were singing the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Yes, it’s that good. (Note: To keep the benefits of fermentation, add the kimchi after you’ve grilled the sandwich.)

Better than small talk: I bookmarked this page for deep and meaningful conversation starters that are more intentional than “how was your day” (my kids) and “how are you feeling” (my mom). Just in time for back-to-school car rides with your kids.

Dark mode activated: I always feel like an idiot when I come across a hack that is so obvious I’m sure everyone but me already knows about it. But just in case you need this tip, it’s stickers. LED light blocking stickers, to be exact. Put a sticker on the pesky little lights that accompany your digital accessories and devices in your bedroom so when you close your eyes it’s actually dark.

Adventure enthusiast and recovering runner who loves a good rest day. Consider this your weekly scoop of fun, feel-good fodder from miles to couch mode.

I was blissfully out of town and off the grid over the past week, so I’m still playing catch-up on all the noteworthy stories I missed. However, be sure to take a minute to read about Sophie Grant, who recently completed the FKT across the Alps, and the women who snagged all three podium spots at the Aspen Backcountry Marathon. (Cue Shania Twain.)

Camping Made Easy Bearable

While I am very outdoorsy and a total sucker for anything on a map marked “trailhead” I’m not your resident expert on camping. There are other people and websites more knowledgeable (and interesting) than anything I could tell you. But after camping in Grand Teton National Park and having to be dragged away by my husband because I didn’t want to leave, here are the things that helped make my experience a delight.

1. There are a variety of camp stoves on the market and, depending on how much food you’re cooking, you can’t go wrong with whatever you choose. For us, a single-burner stove is all we need to heat water or a quick meal. We especially love it for it’s small packing profile.

2. I don’t know what Nescafé puts in their instant coffee but it’s so good you almost forget you’re camping. Pair it with a chilly morning and the views and I don’t need anything else for the rest of the day.

3. Imagine my surprise last year when I shopped for bear spray for the first time and saw the price tag. I actually paused and questioned how much my life was worth if bear spray was going to set me back fifty bucks. Fast forward one year and not only did we have a bear near our tent but also lots of moose, and moose are mean. Those fifty bucks suddenly felt like a bargain for the peace of mind I felt.

4. Thanks to my body not producing estrogen anymore, I don’t get cold when I sleep. But my joints and lower back are understandably crabby about sleeping on the ground. The Big Agnes sleeping pads are an excellent option for comfort. They’re not cheap, so we like to scour secondhand websites and Marketplace for a deep discount.

5. The National Parks are known for their detailed maps, friendly rangers who can answer questions, and trail markers, but I still used AllTrails to plan our hikes and download routes just in case. Extra prep for knowing where you’re hiking and avoiding getting lost is invaluable.

6. You will never, ever regret investing in a good hydration pack. I bought my Nathan Pack ten years ago and it’s still going strong. I can fit everything and the kitchen sink in that sucker with room to spare, and my time at the Tetons was no different. My vest is amazing and, knowing it still has at least another ten years of life left in her, it’s probably the single most important piece of gear I’ve ever owned.

7. According to the teenage girls who took over the campground bathroom every night, it’s a great idea to bring your fifteen-step skin-care routine with you to the woods. I admit I was inwardly rolling my eyes, but at the end of the day they were still camping. So if you need your battery-operated heating pad or a cooler full of expensive kombucha, don’t let that stop you from a glorious camping trip. You only live once!

I’m off to camp and hike and play in the mountains. Can’t wait to take 6,754 photos and share them all with you next week.

The Sweat Report

50 ways to make it fun: Every outdoor workout right now feels like a personal invitation to the surface of the sun. I stumbled on this article about 50 whimsical ways to make running fun, originally written in the cold, dark days of January but somehow just as useful for surviving July. The tips get better (and more creative) the deeper into the list you go.

I’ll do it myself: How expensive is a medical evacuation? Expensive enough that after impaling himself with a hiking pole, David Cifaldi decided to just walk down the mountain himself. Lucky for him, he’s a nurse and could assess his own injuries and he felt confident enough to try. Still, you have to hand it to the guy. He’s pretty badass. (Warning: The photos are intense.)

Arm day, leg day, ankle day: I didn’t impale myself on a hike this week, but I did step on a tiny pebble, rolled my ankle, and then felt my entire body follow suit. Clearly I’ve been taking my ankles for granted, so I’m sharing this as much for accountability as anything else. Time to add a little strength to the joints that help keep me upright.

The Cooldown

Bird by bird: This week I was gifted with a blessing times two when one of my favorite authors appeared on one of my favorite podcasts. If you missed Anne Lamott on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang, you’re in for a real treat. (Y’all, I love them SO MUCH!) Part pep talk and part warm hug, I’ll be coming back to this episode again and again.

Keep that oven off: Okay, the ingredient list for this Chickpea Salad is a tad long, but when it’s too hot outside to cook I will allow it. The salad is satisfying and full of nutrients, and it will carry you through scorching evenings that threaten to melt your face if you turn on the oven. My other favorite option? This Chickpea Salad Sandwich, which I’ve served to friends and family many, many times, never disappoints.

Just add wipes: As I hinted above, I’m off to a glorious location for a camping trip, armed with a backpack and a healthy respect for how quickly “embracing nature” turns into “smelling like nature.” Enter these wipes that are affordable, small enough to pack in a side pocket, and mighty enough to buy me a few more hours of feeling human.

How is it already the last week of July? Yes, it’s hot. Yes, the season’s starting to wilt. But let’s not throw in the towel on summer just yet. Here’s a gentle nudge to plan a few more summertime experiences before the remining weeks fly by.

The Sweat Report

Sneakers and Sephora: Honestly, the idea of doing a whole lipstick-and-eyeliner routine before running 26.2 miles (or any workout) just to sweat it off cracks me up a little. If getting ready takes more effort than reading my training plan, I’ll happily show up in yesterday’s ponytail and call that a win. But for the glam gals out there, this article is for you!

14 and just getting started: I had to think real hard about my accomplishments at age 14. (Did I even have any?) Boy crazy? Check. Insecure? Check. A national champion mountain biker? Absolutely not. I have so much admiration for Cleo Brown and am amazed at the way she’s racking up wins at an age when most of her peers are just trying to figure out their math homework.

Keeping the streak alive: I don’t usually like a sports dynasty; I’m much happier when an underdog comes out of nowhere or when the champion at the top is finally dethroned. But there’s something about Nikki Hiltz that has me buzzing. Congrats to Nikki on a track dynasty that isn’t going anywhere: At the USATF Outdoor Championships finals yesterday, Nikki nabbed their 10th national title and 8th consecutive 1500m win!

The Cooldown

Campfire tradition with a twist: Could I just make this a newsletter dedicated to types of S’mores? Because after I saw this lemon meringue pie recipe, I hustled straight to the store for the ingredients, and now I want to try every variation ever invented.

You’ve got mail: I’m currently obsessed with Christine Tyler Hill, crossing guard by day and artist always. She posts her prints on Instagram, sends out a digital newsletter, but—lucky us—also puts together a quarterly snail-mail newsletter. Her work to “create a little space for analog connection” is the stuff of dreams in our current AI wasteland.

On repeat: When you’ve finished your 100th listen of Noah Kahan’s latest album, I hope you’ll put Daughter From Hell on repeat for a while. Gracie Abrams always surprises me, and I enjoy the way her songs unfold over time from “that was nice” to “stunning” after several listens.

If you’re reading this, I’m somewhere with sketchy cell service, letting 147 unread emails wait and a group chat already dreaming up next year’s trip. I’m in the mountains with friends who became family, people I met through an adoption group almost 20 years ago and have never let go of since. Some bonds you don’t plan for, and I know how lucky I am to have them.

The Sweat Report

Too old? They didn’t get the memo: If you've not read Grandma Gatewood's Walk, this is your sign. It's the story of 67-year-old Emma Gatewood who told her kids she was "going for a walk" and then quietly conquered all 2,000+ miles of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. In that same "never too old to conquer a goal" spirit, Dale Sanders, 91, is out on the trail right now attempting to be the oldest person ever to finish. Not gonna lie: I’m teary-eyed just typing that.

Sign me up: Officially adding this to my bucket list: The 30-day South Carolina 7 expedition that has you rafting rivers, catching the sunset from the state’s highest point, and walking 300+ miles from the mountains to the marsh. It’s a highlight reel of the entire state, and I love that it’s not just a personal challenge; it’s ecotourism and conservation wrapped into one, so every mile you walk is also a mile you’re falling in love with the place worth protecting.

The whole dang coast: In yet another week of women doing incredible things in the water, Catherine Breed is currently swimming the entire 900-mile California coastline. Apparently a marathon swim just wasn’t enough for her. Hear about her adventure and follow along as she takes on open water, cold currents, and whatever else the Pacific throws at her.

The Cooldown

DIY lettuce: Just in case you were considering growing your own lettuce—you know, for no particular reason—follow these tips for plentiful greens free of terrible side effects. If the safest lettuce is the one you harvest yourself, a little dirt under your nails beats a stomachache any day.

Playlists done right: Staying on top of music releases feels impossible, so in order to discover new artists I rely on Zara’s Mixtapes to help me along. She always has fun picks, and she curates playlists that are easy to download and ready to go. Highly recommend giving her a follow.

This is what July was made for: This feels like a good time to remind you making homemade ice cream is easy. A few simple ingredients, no fancy equipment, no problem. This July is awash with peak heat, wildfire smoke, and sketchy fruits and vegetables. Translation: You deserve this; make the ice cream.

Adventure enthusiast and recovering runner who loves a good rest day. Consider this your weekly scoop of fun, feel-good fodder from miles to couch mode.

The Sweat Report

No red carpet this time: Princess Kate pulled off the legendary National Three Peaks Challenge, becoming the first-ever royal to do it. In under 24 hours, she summited Scotland’s Ben Nevis (Britain’s tallest at 4,413 ft), England’s Scafell Pike (3,209 ft), and Wales’ Snowdon (3,560 ft), for a total of 23 miles on foot and a wild 462 miles of driving in between peaks. She did it all to raise awareness and funds for the Royal Marsden, the hospital that treated her own cancer.

Fastest woman on the water: One thing I checked on over the 4th of July holiday week was Kelsey Pfendler, a Grand Canyon rafting guide, and her final row to land after 43 days. She covered 2,400 miles from California to Hawaii and became the fastest and youngest to complete the solo row. I think she even surprised herself at how fast she was!

Been there, won that: After having my heart ripped out from the U.S. Men’s disastrous World Cup exit, I can at least set my sights on 2027. It’s just 12 months until the women take the field, and with four World Cup titles already in the books, the U.S. Women are the standard everyone else is chasing.

The Cooldown

Today’s the day: Misery really does love company, especially when you’ve put off your least favorite tasks. If you’ve been staring at the same to-do list for weeks (cough, months) try this peer-pressure productivity hack: Surround yourself with other procrastinators and get it done together. Whether you’re bonding over the shared drudgery of adult paperwork or finally making that dentist appointment, the results speak for themselves.

Page-turner alert: I was only halfway through Homeschooled: A Memoir and already recommending it to friends. This bittersweet book recalls the author’s relationship with his mother, the years she kept him at home and attempted to homeschool him, and his disastrous return to traditional high school. It’s equal parts hilarious and devastating, like most of life, and I was captivated by every page.

Tiny supplies, big joy: I get easily overwhelmed with clutter and paraphernalia on my desk, but even this minimalist recognizes touches of whimsy can make a mundane stack of bills feel lighter. Conclusion: These enamel paper clips are probably going to find their way to my office soon.

Adventure enthusiast and recovering runner who loves a good rest day. Consider this your weekly scoop of fun, feel-good fodder from miles to couch mode.

The Sweat Report

Sports, illustrated: One of my favorite social media accounts is Sportsball, where hand-drawn illustrations and infographics are used to give context to trending sports stories. Curious about the World Cup teams headed to the knockout round and what happens next? This video wraps it up in a colorful, well-drawn bow.

Right up my alley: I didn’t know there was a bowling-shaped hole in my heart until I read the story of a retirement home in Oklahoma becoming league champions. I can’t decide what I’m fan-girling over the most: their use of technology, their adorable team outfits, or their complete dominance in the sport.

Take it outside: I love outdoor workout ideas like these that inspire you to add some tricep dips and single-leg strength no matter where you are. Think summer road trips to your in-laws where there’s no home gym, hanging around T-ball practice for your kiddo, or leveling up your morning walk. And quit worrying whether or not anyone is looking at you. Nobody cares.

The Cooldown

Small but mighty: I’ve long shopped at bookshop.org so I just assume everyone else does, too. But if Amazon Prime days made you wonder what options are available for helping indie booksellers, here’s the scoop: Your purchase supports the independent bookstore of your choice, or—if you don’t select one—contributes to a shared fund that benefits more than 2,000 indie sellers. Genius!

What a riot: I caved and tried Fruit Riot!, and dang it if they aren’t really, really good. But shelling out 8 bucks every time I get a craving for frozen fruit sprinkled with candy flavors is not conducive to my budget. Other people seem to agree, because there are endless copycat recipes, like this one, that will satisfy your sweet tooth without the sticker shock.

Take an art break: What if I told you there was a place you could go to be inspired, observe beauty, sit in stillness, tap into your creative side, and learn history? It’s an art museum, and thankfully they’re everywhere. You don’t need to be an expert or even understand what you’re looking at to have a positive experience; slowing down and being an observer is enough. There are tips on how to enjoy the pieces, but one of my favorite things about visiting art museums is you never know what will speak to you. Every visit is a treasure hunt.

Adventure enthusiast and recovering runner who loves a good rest day. Consider this your weekly scoop of fun, feel-good fodder from miles to couch mode.

The Sweat Report

Put it in my veins: I have been eating, breathing, and sleeping everything World Cup. The games, thankfully, have been excellent, despite a lot of chirping from other countries that the U.S. wouldn’t provide a good experience. But it’s the human-interest stories that have captured my heart, and I hope in months to come I am still discovering videos of World Cup visitors trying barbeque for the first time.

City streets, ultra feats: My new favorite ultramarathon is the $1 a lap in New York City. I’m amazed that a backyard ultra works in one of the busiest cities in the world, especially when it coincides with the chaos of a New York Knicks championship game. No matter the terrain or the distance, one thing remains consistent about runners: they’ll do anything for a good run.

Audacity: a case study: Think you’ve embellished your resume a bit? At least you’re not the guy who faked an entire medical background and was hired to be the emergency response team at a marathon. By the time race organizers discovered the truth, it was already too late. They had no choice but to cancel the race!

The Cooldown

Small space rescue: I’m helping one of my kiddos move into a studio apartment next week. They’re thrilled to leave behind the multiple-roommates-crammed-into-a-small-space situation to a no-roommates-small-space situation. I’m thrilled with all the storage solutions I’m discovering, like magnetic shelves that stick to your fridge. It’s entirely possible that I’ll “forget” to pack them in my suitcase.

Must-watch tv: As someone who hates horror movies (life is scary enough, thank you very much!) I’m as surprised as anyone at how much I’m loving Widow’s Bay. Think Parks and Rec meets Stephen King on an island where eerie superstitions come to life. For scaredy cats like me, there’s plenty of warning before the jump scares so I can cover my eyes. For entertainment purposes, it delivers keen writing and unforgettable small-town characters.

The joy of a park bench: Earlier this week I found myself at a park after a long hike. I sat on a shaded bench and zoned out. I admired the flowers without worrying about watering them because they weren’t my responsibility. I eavesdropped without needing to problem-solve or have a difficult conversation because it wasn’t my job. Maya Angelou wrote, “Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.” Hint: This is a nudge for you to seek out some withdrawal time this week.

Adventure enthusiast and recovering runner who loves a good rest day. Consider this your weekly scoop of fun, feel-good fodder from miles to couch mode.

The Sweat Report

After the Whistle: It’s time for the World Cup, which means it’s also time for the return of my favorite sport podcast. I can’t make you love soccer, but I can point you in the direction of people who do love soccer and are really, really good at entertaining conversation around the most popular and widely-viewed sporting event in the world.

Just add water: Bless the internet, where gems like a free swim workout generator exist, taking the guesswork out of how to create a perfect-for-you swim session. One more reason to hit the pool when blistering summer temps tempt you to skip a workout.

Made better by sports: I used to feel embarrassed that, as a woman, I love sports so much. Shouldn’t I have a more intellectual hobby than nervously jumping up and down in front of my television, hoping my team will kick, throw, or score their way to a win? (And, yes, I recognize our problematic value system when you compare salaries for athletes versus educators.) But what I know and have come to embrace is the ready-made community that exists within sport fandoms, and celebrating wins and commiserating through losses reminds me that the experience of being a human unfolds in these spaces in visceral, beautiful ways. Case in point: NYC gathering for viewing parties to ride the emotional roller coaster of high-stakes basketball with other people, in fellowship, and forget about the outside world for two hours, even at Rikers Island.

The Cooldown

PB&Yum: I love Instagram for recipes, and my algorithm knows exactly what to feed me (pun intended). This Banana Peanut Butter Toast recipe is not rocket science, but caramelizing the bananas turns an everyday snack into a decadent dessert. I’ve eaten it every. single. night. this week.

You had me at bagels: If you’re not already using the Too Good To Go app, here’s my elevator pitch for why you should: Every day, grocery stores, restaurants, and bakeries post their unsold food on the app to keep perfectly good meals out of landfills and (score!) give you a deep discount. Where I live, I can get delicious bagels at the end of the day for a third of the price. Check it out!

Notes to self: Best life hack I discovered this week: ten uses for a pocket notebook. More ways to replace mindless screens and scrolling? Yes, please.

Adventure enthusiast and recovering runner who loves a good rest day. Consider this your weekly scoop of fun, feel-good fodder from miles to couch mode.

The Sweat Report

Guts of steel: I can’t believe I’m about to write this but I think I discovered a race more disgusting than the Taco Bell 50K. Meet Jonas, the ultra runner taking on 100 hot dogs over 100 miles. The gastrointestinal distress I feel just thinking about this is tremendous.

A world of miles: Garmin celebrated Global Running Day by dropping their running data from around the globe, and it highlighted some interesting trends. Lucky Ireland takes home the prize for fastest average pace, just edging out Portugal and Italy. The average distance for all runners was 4.8 miles, but runners ages 50-59 ran a touch more at 5.1 miles, proof that running helps you age like fine wine.

Guess the word, run faster: I’m not as passionate about my Wordle streak as I used to be, but I could revive my daily habit now that a study suggests it might improve my workouts. Scientists put runners through their regular warmups then added a quick, decision-making cognitive task before sending them around the track. Looks like waking up your brain and your hip flexors could be the key to a new PR.

“Plunging into a swimming pool is another one of my greatest pleasures, and we all deserve to feel the unselfconscious glory of being a body in water on a hot day.” —Mari Andrew

The Cooldown

Put your well-lived life on display: This is your gentle reminder that summer was meant to be enjoyed and not wasted away via criticizing how you look in a mirror. Save this link and add it to your beach bag of sunscreen and sunglasses so you can embrace your summer body as evidence of a life lived, not a life of restriction.

More than just mail: While digging through every corner of the internet in search of a Father’s Day gift for my husband, I stumbled upon these letters to a grandchild and, well, my heart immediately melted. The airmail-themed stationary gives the paper a hint of importance, and each envelope has a prompt to ensure a memorable letter. Perfect for grandpa.

For this traveler, knowledge is power: I used to have a crippling fear of flying that, for the most part, I’ve worked through. But right before boarding I still check Turbli, my emotional support site, for the turbulence forecast. If it’s going to be bumpy, I prefer to know ahead of time. If a surprise in the air is more your thing, I really admire your free spirit.

Adventure enthusiast and recovering runner who loves a good rest day. Consider this your weekly scoop of fun, feel-good fodder from miles to couch mode.

The Sweat Report

Do it for the bling: If you’re looking for a unique way to get your family moving this summer, The Conqueror challenges are worth a look. Walk, bike, swim, or run a little each day through virtual routes in places like Paris, New York, and Amsterdam while tracking your progress along the way. More into fandoms? Complete The Lord of the Rings or Star Wars challenges with your family. Fitness gamified is a genius idea.

You don’t have to be fast to make a difference: The Boston Marathon, known for its elite and difficult qualifying times, draws speedy snobs out of the woodwork to look down on those who run with a charity bib. The speed purists can take a back seat, though, because this year’s runners with the Official Charity Program raised a record-setting 57.3 million for 193 nonprofit organizations. Well done, runners!

My own coach: If I’m training for a specific race, I always follow a coaching plan. But if I’m just dinking around on the trails, doing my own thing, I find myself defaulting to the same pace—slow and steady. I recently read about Workout Writer, which lets you write out in plain language what you want to accomplish during a workout, and it delivers a detailed training session to your Apple Watch or Garmin. Being my own coach and getting out of a training rut just got so much easier.

“Athletes not only completed the 26.2-mile journey… but have created a ripple effect with their fundraising efforts to support various causes near and dear to their hearts.” —Nicole Juri, Director of Development for the B.A.A.

The Cooldown

Feeling salty: I’m in love with this bucket of mineral bath salt for soaking my tired feet because when it comes to self care I hate tiny portions. After a long hike I don’t want to be stingy, and I can dump a handful of this into the water without batting an eye. Hint: Add your own essential oils for some extra pampering. Buy once, use all year!

Peas and thank you: I’d forgotten about this viral peas and cheese recipe, so I was thrilled when the creator posted it again. Peas are full of protein and fiber, and the sauce is so rich you won’t believe all you had to do was dump the ingredients in a blender.

Waiting is the hardest part: I’ve had a few friends eager to chat with me about Yesteryear, but as I’m currently about 800th in line on Libby, that’s not happening any time soon. While I wait, I’ve entertained myself with The Girlfriends podcast. If you need a great on-the-edge-of-your-seat story for a summer road trip or a weekend by the pool, this is it.

Adventure enthusiast and recovering runner who loves a good rest day. Consider this your weekly scoop of fun, feel-good fodder from miles to couch mode.

The Sweat Report

Change is not the enemy: I’ve been humble bragging on being consistent with strength training for several months now—a first for me. I stick to the same arm and leg routines Monday through Friday because I lean hard into “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But doing the same thing over and over leads to diminishing returns, and this article was an excellent reminder that change is good, especially for muscles.

Running the Windy City: I’m celebrating with Joebe Barbosa, the Brazilian grad student attempting to run every street in Chicago. A recent visa extension will allow him to stay in the United States and ensure he meets his June goal. There are so many beautiful parts of his journey, including how he met his new friend Jerome and why every neighborhood has a story to tell.

Fur babies with a need for speed: It’s my second live-cam recommendation in a month but it’s a good one. I just learned Denali is the only National Park with sled-dog kennels. You can book a spot for their demonstrations to learn about traditional Alaskan travel and sled-dog racing. If Denali isn’t on your itinerary right now, no worries. You can catch the newest litter on their puppy cam. Beware cuteness overload: Sequoia, Mammoth, Rainier, Teton, and Mesa are adorable.

“I didn’t count, but I probably have someone from every one of the Chicago neighborhoods that I could probably stay with for a year for free.” —Joebe Barbosa

The Cooldown

Sleep like a baby: Turns out I sleep great as long as the room is the perfect temperature, I have the right blankets, I’m not fixated on something I said five years ago, and I have white noise blocking out every distraction. You know… easy peasy. This portable sound machine, made for babies but loved by me, does the lion’s share of work to take the edge off unfamiliar sounds whether I’m home or on the road.

A PSA on mean people: I just had a long chat with a friend about what to do when someone is mean. My first response is always shock, because apparently I hold people to a standard of basic decency toward one another. I’m not a therapist and don’t have great advice, especially since my knee-jerk reaction of retaliation is frowned upon, but I think this essay invites clarity and empowerment back into focus. Mean people will always exist, but you don’t have to be a doormat.

Outsourcing my food prep: I lean heavily on Cailee Fischer to cook up inspo for at least one of my weeknight meals. Her Sunday Prep Club recipes keep me motivated to spend a little extra time in the kitchen getting ready for the week, and I have at least a dozen of her recipes saved in a “Must Try Soon” digital folder.

Adventure enthusiast and recovering runner who loves a good rest day. Consider this your weekly scoop of fun, feel-good fodder from miles to couch mode.

My Anti-Anxiety First-Aid Kit

Remember when I gave you a roundup of my favorite travel hacks? This week I was on the road again, but this time I was accompanying my husband to Texas for a surgery he needed. I’m grateful for specialists and I’m happy to report he’s fine, but medical stuff is stressful. Medical stuff in another city jumps to upper levels of stressful. Here are the things that made this week better:

1. These Old Navy pants. They take up almost zero space in my bag, don’t wrinkle, and are as comfy as a pair of pjs. I’ve had mine for over a year, and they look nicer than sweats while offering the same level of comfort. I wore mine for 48 hours straight and have zero regrets.

2. My Friends by Fredrik Backman. I know it’s not a flashy new title and most of you have probably already read it, but it landed in my Libby app a week ago and it felt like perfect timing. It’s a sweet narrative with problematic main characters you can’t help but cheer for, and it delivers the perfect balance of humor and drama that was wonderful for the plane.

3. Chris Breier’s color theory tutorials. When my nerves are frayed, a social media distraction is nice but I don’t want to scroll through the news of the day. I head to Chris’s account and watch videos of how he mixes paint to exact shades of the subject matter in front of him. It feels like a little artistic magic show.

4. Instant coffee packets. Some people have comfort food, I have comfort coffee. Knowing I’d be tied to waiting rooms for many, many hours, I tossed a few of these in my bag. This takes the edge off my need to sip something warm, and I’m also not forced to pay $8 at the hospital cafeteria any time I’m craving a cup.

5. Google maps. I know I survived before GPS, but how? Also, Austin natives…how do you do it? The roads here are bananas.

6. Costco rental car reservations. We got off the plane and were greeted with an enormous line for our rental car and just one overwhelmed employee behind the counter. With a long drive still ahead of us, every minute felt precious. We noticed another rental brand had no line, so we opened our Costco account, canceled our original reservation, and booked a new one in less than two minutes, then we walked right up to the other counter to get our car. Anxiety averted.

7. Eating for health and eating for joy. Travel and hospitals are draining, so making healthy food choices (protein, fiber, blah, blah, blah) give me energy for the day. But navigating travel and hospitals also deserves a gigantic milkshake. And a donut. It’s all about balance, right?

8. A good travel backpack. I hate checking a bag when I fly and I’ve learned how to pack light. Also, a well-designed backpack is perfect for toting charging cords, a sweatshirt, and other necessities for the waiting room.

9. Hank and John Green* produce a weekly podcast where they answer meaning-of-life and science-adjacent questions. They joke and bicker like only brothers can, and by the end you feel like you’ve had an intriguing conversation with friends. I saved this week’s episode for when I was getting my steps in walking the hospital hallways.

10. Nurses. These unsung heroes made all the difference this week. The multiple nurses who cared for my husband are beautiful souls who deserve 10x their current salary. I’m so grateful for them.

*If John Green ever starts a cult, I’ll be first in line with my lifetime membership card.

Adventure enthusiast and recovering runner who loves a good rest day. Consider this your weekly scoop of fun, feel-good fodder from miles to couch mode.

The Sweat Report

Eat her dust: One of the greatest achievements in the history of sports occurred this week when Rachel Entrekin won the Cocodona 250, a 253-mile ultramarathon through Arizona that boasts 38,000 feet of elevation gain. Entrekin finished in a new course record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 48 seconds. She is the first woman in the race’s history to win overall, beating Kilian Korth, who set a men’s course record of 57:28:36. Her win was so dominant and inspiring, I guarantee this will be talked about for years to come.

I joined a band: I gave myself bicep tendonitis from lifting dumbbells—because of course I did—so I’m working to strengthen my shoulders and range of motion to prevent my biceps from accidentally taking all the load during my reps. Turns out these PT moves with a band are deliciously hard and I’m keeping them in my strength rotation even when my bicep is better.

Knee-glected no more: Reason 6,439 why it’s hard to be a woman: We stand a greater chance of tearing our ACLs thanks to wider hips and thinner ACL tissue. Medical research on women in sports is so far behind it feels almost criminal, so I was happy to see the NWSL joined Project ACL. This means dedicated science, research, and data to help us move through sports, and life, with stronger legs.

“Somewhere around mile 200, I slept for five minutes at an aid station.” —Rachel Entrekin

The Cooldown

Two tickets, please: My husband and I have a pact that we must see live music a couple times a year, and my favorite venues are 1) outside and 2) in the summer. This music-festival finder is an impressive resource to help us kickstart the season and guarantee our spot among an audience of happy, boisterous fans.

Joy in a cup: Just in time for warmer weather, I suggest you have the ingredients on hand for my current favorite mocktail. Refreshing and floral, it’s like gifting yourself a bouquet of flowers every time you take a sip.

A century of David: All I wanted for Mother’s Day was for David Attenborough to make it to his 100th birthday. In honor of his achievement, and because he’s a worldwide treasure and friend to our planet, here’s a roundup of some of his best work you should definitely revisit. Pair your viewings with a slice of birthday cake, obviously.

Adventure enthusiast and recovering runner who loves a good rest day. Consider this your weekly scoop of fun, feel-good fodder from miles to couch mode.

The Sweat Report

The courage of Cain: I’ve been waiting eagerly for Mary Cain’s memoir, and now it’s finally here. Cain, a teenage running prodigy, had nothing but opportunity before her when she was scooped up by Alberto Salazar, coach for Nike’s Oregon Project. What Cain should have received was support and success. What she got was humiliation and abuse. Her whistleblowing launched investigations that shut down the Oregon Project and banned Salazar. Now she’s ready to tell her whole story and, with her voice, build more protection for young women moving forward.

Comeback kids: What do Ted Lasso and Allyson Felix have in common? They announced this week that they’re both coming back for more. Lasso returns to London to coach a women’s football team, with the new season dropping on August 5. Felix, the most decorated women’s athlete in Olympic track and field history, is coming out of retirement for the LA28 Olympics. I’m just happy they’re both giving me something exciting to look forward to.

Classic middle-child energy: My heart goes out to Yomif Kejelcha, who broke the once-unthinkable 2 hours in the London marathon—his debut marathon, mind you—but still came in second place. He’s been an incredible sport about it all, doubling-down that he’s thrilled with his finish. But when you have the best race of your life on the same day someone else has the best race of their life, I can’t help but wonder if he’s also a middle child.

“So many of us have been told not to do the big, bold thing…at this age, I should probably be staying home and taking care of my kids, doing all that. And just, why not? Let’s flip it on its head.” —Allyson Felix

The Cooldown

Your name from space: The Landsat program is NASA’s gold standard for land images, and now they have a website with a sweet interactive tool. Enter a word or your name into the tool bar and you’ll receive a version spelled out in land images. You can also explore the locations of all the “letters” available on the site. Absolutely stunning.

Trend overload: It’s not just me, right? Does anyone else feel like the fashion industry is trolling us with an endless carousel of pant styles? Barrel leg. High waist. Low waist. Baggy. Culottes (heaven help us). You’re not imagining it; the trend report for women right now is literally all of the above. I suppose the silver lining is that whatever pants you reach for today, congratulations—they’re in style.

A slice of birthday magic: I love when the simplest ideas create a massive impact, like For Goodness Cakes and Cake4Kids. The volunteer organizations match people who love to bake with underserved youth (think foster care, homelessness, etc.) who otherwise wouldn’t have a birthday cake. Time commitment: minimal. You choose the bakes and dates that work best for you. Return on investment? Priceless.

Adventure enthusiast and recovering runner who loves a good rest day. Consider this your weekly scoop of fun, feel-good fodder from miles to couch mode.

The Sweat Report

An unexpected teammate: The women’s Boston Marathon champion, Sharon Lokedi, was locked in for her race except for one thing: she forgot her watch. While she scrambled for a backup, Stephen Pifer, who was there to watch his wife run, didn’t hesitate. Sharon borrowed his watch, then went on to win with the fourth-fastest time ever. Now his Strava results show her record-setting stats under the caption, “Stephen’s fastest marathon!”

Interview chops: Thinking outside the box is always a good strategy, and that’s why I’m digging the new Athlete, Actually podcast. Rather than focusing on low-hanging fruit like a highlight reel, every episode starts with a simple question:⁠ What’s the story no one’s ever asked you about?⁠ From there the conversation can go anywhere, and that’s exactly where I want to be.

Building from scratch: Elizabeth Smart (yes, that Elizabeth Smart) revealed her new passion when she posted a recent win in a bodybuilder competition. You can reclaim agency over your body in a lot of different ways, and I’m loving the path she chose for herself. Get it, Elizabeth!

“I am so proud of my body, and I want to celebrate it. My body has risen to every single challenge life has presented it with and carried me through so I refuse to be ashamed of it.” —Elizabeth Smart

The Cooldown

It’s epic for a reason: I know I read East of Eden in high school, but I wanted to revisit the novel before the new Netflix adaptation drops. I’m 6 hours into the 25+ hour audiobook, making this a part-time job in addition to a sumptuous reread. And yet…once I finish, I’m going to select something from this list that I can conquer in a weekend. Life’s all about balance, right?

Currently soothing my nervous system: When I needed a quick smile this week, my top go-to choices were wrong responses on Jeopardy videos and the new baby elephant cam at the National zoo. Part silly, part adorable, both completely worthwhile.

Cool beans: With the price of groceries rising to absurd levels, my quest to eat more beans is now driven as much by my fiber goals as it is my budget goals. It’s a good thing my friend Deirdre introduced me to pizza beans. Think cheesy goodness with beans as the base; add your favorite pizza toppings for some extra panache. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s still satisfying.

Adventure enthusiast and recovering runner who loves a good rest day. Consider this your weekly scoop of fun, feel-good fodder from miles to couch mode.

The Sweat Report

Influencers and their alternative facts: It is a truth universally acknowledged that social media is highly filtered and often unrealistic, but lying about your race time? Boo! A pair of sleuths set out to pull back the curtain on fitness influencers who aren’t running as fast as they claim, and while I’m not a fan of public shaming, I like the idea of keeping runners honest. Give me authentic finish-line celebrations every day of the week.

Just do it, but don’t do that: You probably heard about the tone-deaf Nike ad campaign in Boston ahead of tomorrow’s marathon. The TLDR is they really stepped in it and managed to insult everyone. The backlash was swift and I’m happy Nike nixed the exclusionary ad, but high-five to brands like Altra for replying with a message that everybody belongs.

The headline-maker list: I’m always curious about the Time100 influential list and the folks making waves in the world, so I was delighted this week to see three female athletes featured! Chloe Kim, Hilary Knight, and Alyssa Liu are women dedicated to their sport but also doing it their own way, and I’m thrilled to see them continuing to get the kudos they deserve.

“A critical voice in the U.S. Women’s National Team’s fight for fair pay, Hilary advocated for better wages, investment in girls’ programs, and greater visibility for women’s teams.” —Time Magazine on Hilary Knight

The Cooldown

No, your pet isn’t a genius: My camera roll is 25% hiking, 2% family, and 73% our dog. Humans are quick to believe their pets are extra special, which is why this article in defense of dumb pets made me laugh at the way we fall prey to the better-than-average trap about our fur babies. Fear not, having a pet of questionable intelligence is actually a good thing.

Purpose over busywork: Four Thousand Weeks flips productivity books on their heads. Rather than focusing on hacks to plow through your to-do list, author Oliver Burkeman encourages you to embrace the time you have left on this planet and let that guide your decision-making process. I highly recommend this book, and it’s one I revisit every few years.

Down to the wire: Artist Grant Haffner knows how to calm my nervous system. I’m mesmerized by his landscapes of roads and utility poles, where he takes unromantic subject matter and turns it into minimalistic pastel masterpieces of patterns and lines. Just gorgeous.

Adventure enthusiast and recovering runner who loves a good rest day. Consider this your weekly scoop of fun, feel-good fodder from miles to couch mode.

A few days ago I wasn’t sure I could even write this newsletter. Given the state of the world, sharing a few news stories and my favorite type of pasta felt silly at best and downright tone deaf at worst. But then Artemis II posted their moon photos and returned safely to Earth, and an odd sensation tickled my brain. It was joy. Joy at experts excelling in their fields and humanity getting a shared experience that put our world in perspective—literally.

So I wrote the Rest Day newsletter. Yes, it’s frivolous, but here’s to more shared joy and frivolity in the weeks and months to come.

The Sweat Report

Music from the stars: Want to feel like an astronaut during your next workout? Here’s the official NASA playlist used to wake up the Artemis II astronauts during their mission. Hit play and pretend you’re among the stars instead of the gym.

Sun’s out, shirts off: Warmer temps are definitely on the way, and if you’re feeling shy about a run in just a sports bra, let me introduce you to the TrailblazHers. They’re a multicultural run club who host regular events, including the Bra Run, which encourages women to run sans shirts. Their stories will help you feel confident and empowered no matter what you wear.

Des versus dunes: Every day this week (after getting an astronaut update) I checked in with superwoman Des Linden in the Marathon de Sables, a 6 stage, 250 km race across the Sahara Desert. From carrying her own supplies, conquering sand dunes in extreme heat and wind, to running her longest-ever distances, it’s easy to see why she’s one of the greatest runners of our generation! I hope she’s also legendary at recovery, because she’s lacing right back up and running the Boston Marathon next week.

The Cooldown

The moon might just save us: I know NASA didn’t plan the Artemis II moon shot to occur at the same time as the cusp of World War 3, but I found the moon pics so stunning and the astronaut reflections so heartwarming that I’m thankful for the timing. How ironic that four humans experiencing zero gravity was the thing that kept me grounded this week.

Fix it, don’t ditch it: I know I mentioned these no-sew patches a few years ago, but I’m bringing them back because they’re so dang useful. As your coats, backpacks, and lunchboxes show signs of wear and tear at the end of winter, these patches are the best for extending the life of the gear you love. Hot tip: They’re fantastic for puffer coats!

Fueled by noodles: I’ve tried a lot of protein pasta brands over the years, but none compare to Brami. My husband came home from Costco with six boxes and I was dubious, imagining my family having to choke down cardboard noodles for the next year. The verdict: They taste amazing, and the 21 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber make pasta night undeniably nutritious. Five out of five stars.

Adventure enthusiast and recovering runner who loves a good rest day. Consider this your weekly scoop of fun, feel-good fodder from miles to couch mode.

The Sweat Report

Support legend calls it quits: Because I’d rather spend my money on fun things like flat whites and books, I am notorious for putting off replacing my sports bra well past the expiration date. If you’re the same, here’s some good guidance on when to retire a sports bra from its support role, plus a handful of recs to get the most life out of the garment after each wear.

Protect the nips: I first saw this story on April 1, and my initial thought was, “What a funny April Fool joke!” But then I dug a little deeper and learned it’s a legit announcement. So it is with much delight I report to you that Vaseline is the “official sponsor of nipple protection” for the London Marathon. No notes. Perfect content. Carry on.

Title IX’s long game pays off: When I think about previous generations of women who loved to run and swim and play but didn’t have an infrastructure that allowed them competition, I feel overjoyed at the reach and popularity of women’s sports today. The latest headline-grabber: The NWSL broke its single-game attendance record for the second time in under a year when the Denver Summit drew 63,004 fans to their inaugural home match.

The Cooldown

For the ones who still believe in pen and paper: We can’t bid farewell to red-carpet season without mentioning the Japanese Stationery Awards. Think Academy Awards but for pens, erasers, and sticky notes. They’re the cream of the crop of office supplies, and you can shop the winners here.

A digital time machine for your inbox: Random website I think you should know about: FutureMe. Write an email to your future self and pick a date for it to be delivered. How fun to randomly wake up and receive a message from yourself two years earlier. You can set goals, describe your life, or capture a moment of gratitude to preserve for a future date. Sure, you can schedule your own gmail message, but this feels more intentional and lovely.

Clean eating, but make it saucy: This Ground Turkey Stir Fry recipe comes from reader Kerry, whose entire family gave it five stars. It gave me the idea to search for easy-to-make stir fry sauces to store in the fridge for quick weeknight meals with whatever protein and veggies I have on hand.