The bliss of being pain free
I’ve been in New York City for the marathon this week. Usually when I’m here, I’m laser-focused on what NYC-centric food I’m going to eat, but this year, my full focus has been on running.
This time last year, I was injured, you see. My dastardly calf/achilles thwarted my running through the city and over its bridges. I love doing that, and not being able to was a painful moment in more ways than one.
This time? I ran the streets pain free, and it was a glorious privilege. The weather was glorious. The drivers were dubious. The vibes were immaculate.
When I was confirmed to be here as part of the rabbit Clubhouse programming, I set myself a little challenge to be half marathon ready. I didn’t quite get there due to weather and travel hampering my running a little bit over the summer, but I got to see so much of NYC on foot. I love exploring and sightseeing.
I ran…
To the West Side Highway with some journalists and creators
To the marathon finish line with Tour de Coffee and QK
Around Lower Manhattan to pay for samosas and swing by the Rec Room
With Bengalis of NY for their inaugural 5K run through Queens
Down from Central Park to Tribeca to see the city’s sights
Unsuccessfully this morning because my calves were too tired from yesterday’s walking
I mean it when I say that running is a glorious privilege. In my opinion, there’s no better way to see a city than on foot and at speed. Having a body that allows you to do that isn’t a given, so if you’re able to do that, appreciate it, savor it, and protect it.
NYC Debrief
I’ve been staying with rabbit this week. I hosted a series of creative workshops where I helped attendees explore the links between running and creativity. I use my running practice very deeply in my creative life, and I’ve loved relating that to the science that’s been emerging on the topic.
If you have a corporate wellness program at your workplace, I’d love to come and share my perspectives on how to achieve your creative goals via the medium of movement. Do let me know if you can make the connection.
rabbit’s hospitality allowed me to have other conversations and experiences. I led the inaugural Bengalis of NY 5K, hosted some brilliant NYC creatives at the Rec Room, I discussed marathoning (or not) with Nike x Substack, and brought together a roomful of South Asian runners to talk about our shared perspectives in the world of running.
I was able to create those 3-D bookmarks — designed by Katie from Running Wylder — because of August’s paid subscriptions. That’s how it works. And there’s more like this to come.
If you’ve been a paid subscriber at any point, you’ll be getting an email from me later this week. I’m going to send you a bookmark and some stickers to say thanks. If you haven’t supported my work yet, now is a great moment.
Plenty more photos and updates via Instagram. I tried my hardest to document things, but it all gets a bit overwhelming!
Last week on Running Sucks…
It’s nigh on impossible to google ‘running’ because of politicians running for office, so this was a fun one. If you’re able to vote, remember that is a privilege as well. I encourage you to exercise your rights.
Last week’s article is with Matt Tuerk, the punk rock running mayor of Allentown, PA. It’s a great conversation from a politician who’s been trying to do things the right way. Take a read, please, and don’t forget to click the loveheart at the bottom.
Would you spend a paycheck on a pair of running shoes?
Yesterday, Nov 1st, Nike launched a shoe especially for the Indian market. The Vegam Run was produced in 55 days and costs ₹3,795 in India (approximately $40 USD).
In a region where spending power means that it might cost two weeks’ wages to afford a basic running shoe, this is a great move from the leading running brand to promote health and exercise there. It’s also an acknowledgement that the South Asian running market has reached maturity.
I wrote about this exact issue here 30 months ago, back in May 2024. I even use the Nike Pegasus as the example shoe. An updated version of the article is in my book. This is the latest prediction from This is Running to come to fruition. Go get yourself a copy and read the rest.
Get your copy of This is Running (my book)
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What’s wrong with the NYC Marathon?
I’ve been monitoring the situation with the NYC Marathon and New York Road Runners for some time now. There have been many complaints from locals and NYRR has taken the blame more often than not.