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He's On a Mission to Prove Running Is for Everybody
“When I’m not motivated [to run], I am kind to myself and take the day off. Rest, as I have learned the hard way, is a HUGE part of the process.” - Lionel Brodie
Hey ,
This week, we’re switching up our routine. In partnership with our friends at HOKA, we’re sharing stories and inspiration from members of the Strides running and fitness community.
To kickoff our series, we’re introducing you to our friend and longtime Strides supporter, Lionel Brodie.
Lionel, or Brodie, as he’s known in the local running community was born and raised in West Philadelphia (cue the theme song from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air). Like many of us in this community, Brodie wasn’t always a runner but now, he leads one of Philly’s most popular running clubs, O.P.A.C. Run Club.
, if you are looking for a little inspiration to start (or restart) your running journey, check out our Q&A with him below.
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Takia: How did you get into running?
Brodie: I was at a happy hour while on a business trip in Arlington, VA. I told a co-worker (who happened to be a marathoner) that I would join her on her run the next morning. I assumed she would forget. Wrong. The next morning, January 22, 2011, she knocked on my door and forced me to face my apprehensions. We hit the streets of Georgetown and after 1.5 miles of continuous running, I became addicted to the
sport.
Kiera: What is the hardest part of maintaining a running routine? How do you overcome those challenges?
Brodie: I have trained myself to have a schedule because if/when I don’t, chaos ensues. And that chaos leads to anxiety…more anxiety than my normal daily dose of “oh, you need to start this, finish that, etc.”
When I’m not motivated [to run], I am kind to myself and take the day off. Rest, as I have learned the hard way, is a HUGE part of the process. Physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual rest.
Takia: What do you talk about when you’re not talking about running?
Brodie: Fashion first, history second. If you know me, fashion is my favorite sport, pastime, AND hobby. It starts with sneakers and then it's all about fashion fashion fashion.
Kiera: What advice do you have for people who want to get into running but think they can’t do it or “it’s not for them”?
Brodie: Running is for EVERYBODY. It is one of the sports with easy entry/access points.
I recently heard someone ask a seasoned runner how to start running. When I say seasoned I mean Boston Marathon Qualifier, top 100 in the NYC Marathon and, top finishes in the USATF Cross Country Championships. They responded:
“Run for 1 minute, walk for 1 minute…or for 10 minutes. Every other day. Do what feels comfortable and then build on that.” If a seasoned runner can give that type of advice, that’s the same advice I’d give to anyone looking to get started.
Fun Facts:
- My favorite podcast at the moment is Drink Champs. It’s Noreaga’s podcast.
- I’m watching a remake of the soccer movie “The Firm”, primarily for the fashion. Secondarily for the soccer.
- My favorite website is oddly Wikipedia. I love history!
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We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Brodie. You can connect with him on Instagram at @LionelBrodie.To send this conversation to a friend, share this blog post or forward this email.
You can look forward to more Strides content and events with our friends at HOKA this upcoming spring season!
Kiera & Takia,
Co-Founders of Strides
A reader's response to last week's intro:
"Thank you for the time and effort y'all put into these emails every week! I do read them start to finish :) I know it takes time and effort, so I wanted to recognize that and thank you. I hope you have a good start to the week (and teaching Takia)!
- Jenna R.
What We're Eating This Week
In the mood for some Thai... If you're gearing up for the week, but not sure what to add to your menu, here are a few ideas:
All Things Running, Fitness, and Mental Health
🏋️♀️: Strength Club: Welcome to week four! It's the final week of the cycle so it's deload time. Today’s upper body workout is a ladder circuit. You're welcome. , not a member yet? Start your free trial today.
P.S. The links here to join strength club are updated! Sorry if you were sent to old links!
This week, we are thinking about how our mindset impacts everything we do (and want to do). Learn, critique, share and/or just sit with it. Here's what we're reading and listening to this week:
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What we're up to this week:
🎵: Brodie - I’m finishing a chronological playlist of 80s hip hop artists from Philly. I am also going to start reading my favorite author, Hunter S. Thompson. I’ve been chasing his writing style for years.
🧘🏿♀️ : Kiera - I'm gearing up for a hectic week but will put all of my self-sustaining practices to great use! Current read: The Laws of Human Nature.
🙈: Takia - I meet my students IRL this week. I am both nervous and excited! Looking forward to exploring the topic of mindset with them too.
Thanks for reading the Strides Newsletter #319. If you enjoyed this week's newsletter, do us a favor and forward it to a friend.
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