The Curious Break

This photo was taken 9 years ago at Fenway’s Spartan Sprint. I did the Spartan Race two years and then decided that was it for me. I had nothing to prove to anyone but myself, and I GD did it.

I’ve been physically fit for most of my adult life, focusing on exercise as a means of stress relief. During the pandemic, it became more than that—it was a form of control during a time when everything felt chaotic. That period was marked by motherhood, identity crisis, returning to work in a virtual environment, and switching my industry focus. Everything seemed so out of control, so I clung to exercise, sometimes working out for over two hours a day just to feel like I had a hold on anything.

Fast forward to today: I’ve made some significant life changes, including stepping away from my 16-year career at a big 4 firm. This past year, I went through the demanding process of pursuing partnership, which required my full attention and shifted my focus away from fitness and brought on the landslide of bad habits. Now, with my decision to make changes in my life, I’m also ready to focus on my health in a new way. This time, it’s about consistency and enjoyment, not an obsession with chasing an impossible standard.

I’m getting back into running, which is something I’ve generally despised. And let me tell you, it’s been a struggle. During the dark days COVID, I went from barely being able to run a mile to running 10 miles—albeit on my treadmill, but still, it felt like a huge accomplishment. I pushed myself in ways I never thought possible, and I saw just how strong my body could be. Now, getting back into running is a completely different story. It’s hard, it’s frustrating, and some days it feels like I’m starting from scratch. But the thing is, I know what my body is capable of. I’ve done it before, and I’m cheering myself on to do it again.

To keep things interesting, I’ve added personal training sessions into the mix. My trainer, Brandi, is statuesque and unbelievably motivating. In a recent session, we talked about setting simple goals like doing a pistol squat or a single unassisted pull-up. These are small but powerful milestones that remind me it’s about building functional strength—not just about aesthetics or endurance. I’m not chasing perfection; I’m showing up for myself, one step at a time, knowing that the process itself is the real win. That alone feels incredibly liberating.

I’ve even considered signing up for some martial arts, just to shake things up and have a little fun. If I’m taking this time off, I might as well learn how to incapacitate someone, right? But seriously, martial arts will help me build discipline, resilience, and strength—all qualities that I value in every part of my life. There’s something exciting about challenging myself in a completely new way. I always espouse getting comfortable with the uncomfortable, and now it’s time to put my money where my mouth is.

To anyone who’s felt like they need a reset—know that I’m right here with you, and we’ve got this.