Do Your Best

Published: Mon, 06/06/22

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Do Your Best

Hey ,

Last week, I was drafting a newsletter intro that acknowledged the mass shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde but I couldn't finish it. This weekend, as I was in the middle of a run on Sunday, a friend from another state checked on me after learning about the mass shooting in Philadelphia. I'm exhausted.

The pain in this world is disheartening and sometimes paralyzing and I understand if you are having a hard time trying to focus at work, schedule time for play, or just make sense of it all.

I ended up dedicating my run to victims of gun violence. It's a small gesture but one that allows these shootings to be more than just a moment in time for me.

There are no amount of words or resource links that would do justice to the lives lost and the work ahead but I do want to remind you to take care of yourself as you process news like this.

I want to share a quote that I saw online recently that read: "Laugh, rest, be still, hold space, and hug on your people. Do whatever you have to do to recenter, rebalance, and realign.

This week was heavy, but even in darkness light will always find its way to us." - @sageandjaide

, we hope you make time to experience joy and ease this week (and month).

Kiera

Co-Founder of Strides

Join Our Mayor's Cup Team

We are going to keep this here for a few more weeks! The Philly Mayor's Cup is returning on Saturday, August 13th and we will be participating again (open to all regardless of gender)!

The Philly Mayor's Cup is a celebration of the culture of community amongst Philadelphia runners, held on historic Belmont Plateau. This one is only about the team: there are no individual winners. One day, five races: 5K, 5 Mile, 10K, 10 Mile, and a Half Marathon.

Register and join our club. Our team password is Rage 🤷🏾‍♀️ Get ready for a lot of fun, food, and running! Send us any questions you may have!

What We're Eating This Week

, if you're gearing up for the week, but not sure what to add to your menu, here are a few ideas:

🤤 : Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken

🍕: Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

🥗 : Fruity Balsamic Tofu Salad

All Things Running, Fitness, and Mental Health

🏋️‍♀️: Strength Club: It's a new month with means there's a new cycle of workouts! We're switching things up a bit with our routine - Monday and Saturdays are for circuits and Tuesdays and Thursdays are strength building! , not a member yet? Start your free trial today.

🏃🏿 : Featured in Runner's World! Meet Kiera Smalls, the Running Industry Diversity Coalition's First Executive Director

🏞️ : Tips and Tricks for Visiting a National Park Without a Reservation

💪 : A Beginner Arms Workout With Just 4 Moves

START YOUR FREE TRIAL

What Else Is Happening?

Here's what we're reading and listening to this week:

🧠 : Reckoning With Our Social Media Brain Drain

🏳️‍⚧️: The Euphoria of Elliot Page - "In his own words, the actor and advocate talks about his childhood, his career, his transition, and his life, though not necessarily in that order."

✈️ : Go Here, Not There: Vacation Alternatives for the Budget-Conscious

♊ : Your Horoscope For The Week

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What we're up to this week:

🏛️: Kiera - I did make it to the beach! This week, I'll be spending time in Washington, DC.

✈️ : Takia - Looking for cheap flights to book a last-minute summer break vacation. Send your tips!

Thanks for reading the Strides Newsletter #336. If you enjoyed this week's newsletter, do us a favor and forward it to a friend.