Organizing this guest post has been such a joy. I only recently discovered Catrina’s blog, but I was hooked from the first visit. Though I haven’t jogged more than a few casual kilometers this year, her writing — full of warmth and contagious enthusiasm for movement — makes me want to lace up my shoes and hit the road.
Catrina is a passionate (and impressively humble) ultrarunner who splits her time between Cape Town, South Africa, and Zurich, Switzerland. She ran her first marathon at 35 and, now 57, is still going strong — a testament to her love for the sport.
She recently completed the iconic Comrades Ultramarathon in South Africa, a gruelling 90 km test of endurance often dubbed The Ultimate Human Race. She crossed the finish line in just over eight hours, placing 11th in her age group and 142nd out of over 3,500 women. And then, in true Catrina fashion, she launched into an 8-day hiking adventure the very next day.
I was thrilled when she kindly agreed to reflect on the intersection of gratitude and physical activity.
Let’s dive in. Welcome, Catrina!
Q. Would you consider yourself an optimist, a pessimist, or a realist?
A realist. Though I secretly wish I were outrageously optimistic – it does sound like more fun. [Doesn’t it, though?]
Q. If you could send a thank-you note to one person from your past, who would it be…and what would you say?
To our elderly neighbours in Zurich, Frank and Liane. They enabled us to buy their small apartment next to ours after they passed. Moving in and renting out our larger place gave us the freedom to travel more. Their kindness changed our lives, and I’m still grateful every day. [What a beautiful legacy. I’m so glad their generosity opened the door for you to live and travel more freely!]
Q. If gratitude had a colour, what would it be? What does that colour represent for you?
Dark green. It’s the colour of moss, forests, and freedom. It’s refreshing and soothing. [I think you’re the first guest to choose a darker shade, but it makes perfect sense for someone so connected to nature. I actually lean this way too — there’s something peaceful and a little melancholic about being alone in the woods, surrounded by deep greens.]
Q. What’s something you’ve learned to appreciate more with age — something you once overlooked or took for granted?
That my parents are still here, sharp and curious in their mid-80s. Every day with them feels like a bonus round. [What a gift. I try hard to savour every moment with my parents, too. It’s something I never want to take for granted — especially knowing how many others have lost that opportunity far too soon, or never had it to begin with.]
Q. What’s one object in your home you’re especially grateful for?
My kettle! It comes with me everywhere I go. I drink gallons of tea (black tea with milk). If I ever end up hospital, that kettle is coming with me. There’s nothing as comforting as a proper cuppa. [And all the tea-and-coffee lovers said: Amen. There’s nothing quite like the comfort of your own perfect preparation!]
Q. How do you think gratitude has changed your outlook not just on running, but on life in general?
Gratitude makes me happier. Just this morning, I ran past an overflowing rubbish bin with people’s leftovers neatly stacked around it. My first reaction was irritation – then I thought, “Well, at least they tried.” That tiny shift in perspective lifted my mood. Gratitude won’t fix everything, but it helps me see the little things differently. Over time, it’s made me noticeably more relaxed – and less grumpy.
Q. Beyond movement and exercise, what hobbies or experiences consistently bring you joy (and a sense of gratitude)?
I love blogging – but even more, I love the exchange with other bloggers. The comment section is where everything comes alive. It’s like the afterparty of every post! [Yes! “The afterparty” — I love that. I might just need to rename my comment section accordingly…]
Q. In what ways do you express gratitude to your support system — family, friends, crew — before or after a race?
I make sure to thank everyone who cheers me on – in person, online, by text or email. Kai [her husband] is my MVP: he’s a logistics guru and a pre-race psychologist. He gets me to the start line with both shoes on and my sanity mostly intact. I try to repay the favour by tagging along to things he enjoys more than I do – vineyards, car shows, music events – though I’m still working on faking enthusiasm, ha!
Q. Running in both South Africa and Switzerland means experiencing stunning landscapes. How has this shaped your sense of gratitude?
It’s shaped it completely. Switzerland’s mountains and lakes feel like home – familiar but never boring. South Africa was a revelation: oceans, wild coastline, vineyards, and fynbos trails that still stop me in my tracks. I never take either place for granted. I feel like I won the landscape lottery twice. [Gorgeous! I had to look up fynbos — for anyone else that might be unfamiliar, it’s a “unique and diverse type of shrubland or heathland vegetation found in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa.” Thank you, Google.]
Q. How do you balance striving for performance with simply being thankful for movement itself?
I’m not perfect – gratitude pretty much flies out the window during a race. I’m too wrapped up in pain, pacing, and “just get to the finish.” But afterward, I’m genuinely thankful my body held up and that I gave it my best. That’s when gratitude really sets in.
Q. How do you think gratitude could change the way we talk about fitness and body image more broadly?
Gratitude shifts the focus from how we look to what our bodies allow us to do.
In South Africa’s races, I’ve seen people of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels show up – far more than I usually see in Switzerland. No one seems to wait until they “look the part.” They just move, as they are – and that takes real courage. It’s a mindset rooted in appreciation rather than appearance, and I’d love to see more of that everywhere. [I remember walking along a beach in Copenhagen with my brother and being shocked by how confidently people of every body type were sunbathing nude on a public swimming platform. They seemed so at ease in their own skin. As a North American, I’ve grown up with the idea that every perceived “flaw” needs to be hidden, so seeing that level of confidence was surprising…and inspiring.]
Q. Do you see any parallels between the endurance required in running — especially during the tough stretches — and the discipline of sustaining a gratitude practice?
Absolutely. Motivation is famously unreliable. Running or gratitude, the trick is just showing up. (Des Linden famously said: “Keep showing up.”) Some days gratitude flows easily. Other days it’s more like “Fine, three things and move on.” Like running, the more you do it, the less drama and the more routine it becomes – part of who you are.
Q. What’s one racing experience that surprised you with how grateful it made you feel?
During the Jungfrau Marathon, around kilometre 35, we ran past men playing Alphorns on a lush alpine meadow. The haunting sound against the breathtaking backdrop caught me completely off guard and nearly brought me to tears. Unexpected moments like that make racing unforgettable. [I had to look up the Jungfrau Marathon; it’s in the Swiss Alps — logical based on the Alphorn encouragement! — and claims to be the most beautiful marathon on earth! It also involves almost 2 km of elevation gain, so that beautiful view requires a lot of effort!]
Q. Are there certain physical sensations — like feeling your heartbeat, breathing deeply, or breaking a sweat — that remind you to be grateful?
During long races, when I feel that my legs are about to cramp, I catch myself quietly thanking them for sticking with me. It’s like a little pep talk: “Thanks, dear leggies, for hanging in there today.” [When I used to run regularly — admittedly never very long distances! — and would occasionally get leg cramps, I just felt sorry for myself and thought life would be easier if I could just collapse and die right there on the trail. Your approach seems far kinder and much less melodramatic!]
Q. If you could plan a day based entirely on things you’re grateful for, what would that day look like from start to finish?
Easy: a long run or hike with friends, followed by a good meal. In my journal, I rate days from –2 to +2, and the +2 days always mix movement, connection, and good food – a winning combo. [Love the rating system! I used to give days an up, down, or sideways arrow. One year, I put stickers on bad days because one of my goals was to use more stickers. I figured if I had an unpleasant day, at least one bright moment could be getting to choose a pretty sticker to put in my planner.]
Q. If 20-year-old Catrina could see your life now, what would surprise her the most?
That the plan actually worked: marry a like-minded outdoor nut, quit banking at 50, and live differently. Kai still consults part-time, I support him, and life feels freer. You see, I should’ve been more optimistic – ha!
Q. What’s been your best under-$100 purchase this year?
A small massage ball. A free foot massage every time I sit down at my desk!
Q. What’s one compliment someone has given you that you’ve never forgotten?
When I was 8 years old, we moved from Scotland to Switzerland. I had to take German lessons, and my teacher called me “her little steam engine” – not for brains, but for stubborn energy. That nickname still fits.
Q. If you had to wear only one colour for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Black. It matches everything and lets me get dressed in 10 seconds.
Q. What’s the most useless piece of trivia or skill you’re secretly proud to know?
I’ve been tracking our expenses in every detail since 2011. If you want to know how much I spent on coffee in May 2014, I’ve got the spreadsheet! [I feel like Kyria will especially love this! I track our spending in broad strokes, but definitely not at this level of detail. I get the sense you genuinely enjoy it, and there’s something pretty amazing about being able to look up a moment in your life that precisely. Also…probably a bit sobering to see how much cheaper coffee was back in 2014?!]
Q. If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
Caution: will try to convert you to exercise. (People will be so relieved at my funeral – finally free from unsolicited fitness advice!)
Q. What are two things you’re objectively terrible at — one you wish you were better at, and one you’re perfectly fine being bad at?
Wish I was better at: sense of direction. We run the same route every Thursday with a group of runners, and after 20 runs, I’d still get lost alone.
Fine being bad at: singing and dancing. I admire rhythm and confidence – however, it’s not my forte.
Q. If you could add (or subtract) one daily habit from your life, what would you choose?
Subtract: Netflix rabbit holes.
Add: more time with books. I’ve started Gone with the Wind (thanks, Birchie and Jenny!) – and it deserves more focus!
Q. If you had to eat one meal on repeat for a week, what would it be?
Fruit, hummus, and cottage cheese. I could happily eat this combo for weeks! [Cottage cheese for the win; it eat it almost every day.]
Q. What’s one international destination you’ve never visited but hope to someday?
Canada! We love hiking, and from everything I’ve seen (including your photos, Elisabeth), it looks like a dream. Mountains, lakes, forests – one day, we’ll make it there! [Consider me your unofficial tour guide…at least for Nova Scotia. You’re mostly on your own for the rest of the country.]
Q. Quickfire round: Introvert or extrovert? Savoury or sweet? Morning lark or night owl?
Introvert (I suspect most bloggers are? Let’s ask!) [So true; most bloggers I’ve interacted with are introverts, which seems odd at first — but when you think about how this kind of longform exchange occurs online, it actually makes perfect sense.]
Savoury (Salt and vinegar crispies!)
Morning lark (that sunrise!)
Q. Toilet paper: over or under?
Over – I even fix it in public toilets if it’s under! [We’re shameless about fixing it too. They should be teaching this in primary school — it’s a foundational life skill!]
Thanks so much for stopping by and answering my questions, Catrina! Don’t forget to check out her inspiring blog, Keep on Running!
Your reflections are a great reminder that gratitude doesn’t always show up in grand, Instagrammable moments. Sometimes it’s in the afterglow of effort, a quiet cup of tea (prepared in your own beloved kettle), or a pep talk to tired legs.
Your turn. I’d love to hear from you…Let’s get this afterparty started 🙂
- Any questions for Catrina?
- What role does gratitude play in your relationship with movement or exercise?
- Do you track anything unusual (like Catrina’s coffee spending)?
- What do you aim to convince other people to try/do?
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Hi Catrina!
What is the longest race you have done? Have you had any interesting animal encounters on your runs?
I try to convince my students to do their homework. I try to draw parallels between math and sport s- practice improves performance, muscle memory, etc. Some people have to learn the hard way, no matter how inspiring I try to be. (Or maybe I’m just boring!)
This was such a great post, Catrina and Elisabeth! I love the connection between movement and gratitude. Add to that all the spectacular landscapes Catrina gets to enjoy while running and I can understand why she loves the sport so much. Giving gratitude the color green resonates so much with me as well.
That detail about the coffee is intriguing! I would love to know the most specific category of spending Catrina tracks.
Hi MBMOM11! 👋🏻😃
The longest race I’ve done was a 100km ultramarathon in Switzerland. It started at 10 pm, and we ran right through the night – definitely an experience I won’t forget!
As for animals: I’ve had curious baboons and the odd snake in South Africa, plus some very stubborn cows blocking trails in the Alps. But what really makes me nervous are unleashed dogs… I’m just not relaxed enough around them.
I love that you tie maths to sport for your students – it’s such a clever way to explain how consistent effort pays off. And I bet you’re more inspiring than you give yourself credit for! Sometimes people just need to feel the lesson before it sticks.
Wowzers. That is a LONG race!
People I love have had some really tense moments with off-leash dogs and running. Even for dog lovers, it’s VERY unnerving and can be downright dangerous. Yikes.
Thank you so much, Suzsanne! 💚 I love that the colour green resonates with you too – it really does capture that grounded, grateful feeling.
And yes, the landscapes definitely help keep me motivated. It’s hard to grumble too much when you’re running through vineyards or along mountain trails!
As for spending: the most specific category I track is alcohol. I used to lump it under “food,” but a while back I decided to break it out into sub-categories: alcohol for us, for guests, and for gifts. Since then, our personal consumption has mysteriously dropped – the spreadsheet doesn’t lie! 😄
Fascinating!
I don’t even break apart household supplies (like the toilet paper I am going to put on the roll CORRECTLY), so I have a lot of catching up to do.
The little steam engine! I love it! I also get lost constantly and have no sense of direction, and to me, hummus is a perfect food.
I am also new to Catrina’s blog – I think the first post I read was the Comrades, and I think you linked to her, Elisabeth – and I love her already. What a great attitude in life she has.
Catrina, you would LOVE Western Canada. I give Elisabeth up for the Eastern portion, but I’m your Western Canadian girl! I think you would adore the Rockies, and you would also love BC, where I live now. So much incredible natural beauty.
In terms of your (Elisabeth’s) questions…
In 2019 I injured myself badly – I hurt my hip running and it was months before I could walk without a limp. I feel like I took my movement for granted before that day and I really never have since then. I am so grateful I can move without pain every day, and that I can bend and walk and do all the things.
I don’t think I track anything unusual – just books, I guess.
My one goal on this earth is to get people to return their shopping carts to the carrel. THAT IS ALL. I will die on this hill.
Every time I see a cart loitering in the parking lot, I think of you Nicole. And most of the time I’m able to return it to the corral and I do it in your honour 😉
Nicole, I laughed out loud at your shopping cart mission – I’ll gladly join you on that hill! 😂 In Switzerland, we have coins in the shopping cart that you can only retrieve when you bring it back. Magically, all shopping carts are back where they should be.
I’m so glad you found my blog through Elisabeth (she’s a generous connector!) – and wow, thank you for the kind words. The Comrades post is a wild one to start with, but probably an accurate intro to the chaos I tend to bring.
Western Canada sounds absolutely magical! The Rockies have been on my dream list for years, and now you’ve made me want to add BC as well. If I ever make it over, I’ll know exactly who to contact for all the tips!
That hip injury sounds awful. It’s incredible how quickly we start to see movement differently after something like that – the shift from taking it for granted to appreciating every pain-free step really is profound.
And isn’t hummus perfect? We clearly agree on all the essentials. 🙌😃
All of my dreams came true with this post! The thing that you and Catrina have in common the most is your ability to see something gorgeous, take a picture of it, and share it with the world.
Team Little Steam Engine for life!!!
I remember that when I “met” Catrina that it started with running, and then I learned she was a reader, and then I learned that she was FIRE. It’s been so fun to watch the layers of the onion peel back.
I feel like there is always a “thing” that I obsessively track, but the thing changes over time. Currently it’s tracking the value of my credit card travel redemptions. Because it’s in the travel hacking world it’s not enough to get something for free, you have to quantify how free it was. My plane tickets to CA and BC were “average” free, but my ticket to NS was “whoa!” free.
I need to have Catrina come back and talk about FIRE! I am fascinated by the concept and John and I are working toward this and she has such a balanced, joyful approach to this way of living.
I haven’t run in several years, but now I’m wanting to!
Sorry if I’ve missed this…but what has been your all-time favorite race? How did you start running? Did you do track and field in school?
Thanks SO MUCH for being here, today, Catrina. I cannot overstate how much I enjoyed pulling this post together with you.
I actually have a few more questions (believe it or not ;)…
I’m curious if you “prefer” South Africa or Switzerland? I assume since you go back and forth, you like both places. And what has led you to each location? Since I’m a newbie reader, I’m sure I’ve missed all this back-story and more.
And, perhaps a related question to the first, I’m interested to know how and when you and Kai met!
Birchie, your comment made my day! Team Little Steam Engine forever 💪🚂. And of course, we would track the steam engines’ fuel efficiency with spreadsheets…
I love how you described our online friendship: from running to reading to FIRE, a bit like an archaeological dig with surprises in every layer. I feel the same about you (I still remember being floored by your book spreadsheet… and then the FIRE plans!)
Whenever I read about your travel point hacks I really regret that we don’t have that in Europe. I had to laugh about your “average free” vs “whoa! free”- it’s exactly the sort of distinction that fellow nerds can appreciate! I fully support this level of tracking commitment. 😅
So glad we’re internet friends. Enjoy your travels – so cool that you get to visit Elisabeth in person!
Heidi, that makes me so happy to hear! 😃🙌 There’s no better compliment than someone saying they feel like running again.
I only did the usual PE at school – I had a bit of talent for running, but nothing structured. I picked it up again, completely unstructured, at 35. My first marathon in 2003 was a total disaster… but somehow I stuck with it. Over time, it grew into something bigger – and here we are!
My all-time favourite might be the Comrades – the atmosphere is just electric. Boston was fantastic too. I’m hoping to get into London next year – I’ve heard that one is something special.
Elisabeth, thank you again – it was such a joy to do this together.
Great questions! I do love both Switzerland and South Africa, but Switzerland feels more like “home” – I grew up there, and my family still lives there. (I was born in Scotland, but we all moved to Switzerland in the 1970s.)
Kai got to know South Africa through his work at a bank – he travelled there regularly for over 20 years and really came to love it.
We met way back in 1990 (feels like another lifetime!) in Germany. A German friend of mine had invited a few friends to a weekend get-together near Frankfurt, I went along, and there was Kai. From the moment we met, I had this strange certainty: I had to marry him. We got married three years later! 😃
CATRINA! I’ve been reading Catrina’s blog for years. No one has better race and hiking recaps, and the photos are insanely beautiful. Maybe I missed it- were you born in Switzerland, Catrina? I’m guessing yes, since you say it feels like home. Where did you grow up? German is your first language? Do you speak anything in addition to German and English?
I love Catrina’s parallels between running and gratitude. Motivation IS unreliable! You just have to show up over and over again. The more you do it, the easier it gets.
Thanks for the fun afterparty!
Isn’t “afterparty” the BEST description for the comments section?!
Thanks for introducing me to Catrina! I am also curious how she ended up splitting her time between South Africa and Switzerland. It sounds like she was born in Scotland and moved to Switzerland as a child, but I’m curious how South Africa became a place she also calls home!
I’ve had a lot of health challenges through the years, mostly related to having Rheumatoid Arthritis. There have been long stretches of time when I was not able to exercise/run so when I am able to, I try to be grateful even when the conditions are horrid (like this morning when it was 80F and 90% humidity…).
I am not a person that tries to convince people of anything to be honest… I get extremely nervous when someone reads a book that I mentioned on my blog because I don’t want them to regret reading it. The exception is my children of course. I’m trying to model living an active, healthy lifestyle, as does my husband. And I’m forcing them to take piano lessons whether they want to or not. Ha.
What a fun and uplifting interview 🙂
JENNY! 😃🙌 You’re making me blush! 😊
I was born in Scotland but moved to Switzerland when I was 8, so it’s truly home now. German isn’t my first language either – I picked it up as a kid, and luckily it came fairly naturally. Besides English and German, we had to learn French at school, and I’m actually trying to revive it now. I just started Duolingo again and ordered a few French books to read – starting with the classic (and easy!) “Le Petit Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
As a runner, I knew that the running and gratitude connection would resonate with you – motivation really is a tricky beast, but showing up is everything!
And yes, the afterparty is definitely where the real fun happens. Here’s to many more good ones! 🥳
Hi Lisa, thanks so much for your thoughtful comment and for introducing yourself!
You’ve got it right – I was born in Scotland and moved to Switzerland as a child, so that’s where “home” really settled in. Kai and I got married, and we lived and worked in Switzerland. Kai travelled so South Africa for work for many years, and at 50, we decided to make it our second base. I love how different the landscapes and cultures are – it’s a real gift to have two such amazing places to call home.
I’m sorry to hear about your struggles with Rheumatoid Arthritis. That kind of challenge takes serious resilience. I really admire your attitude of being grateful for any movement you get, even when conditions are less than ideal. That kind of mindset makes a huge difference and get can you moving around in 80°F with 90% humidity!
Do you know Wendy from “Taking the long way home” blog? She’s a runner with RA, too.
I totally get your nervousness about trying to convince people. It’s not always a good idea and I know I can get too pushy (or bossy?) at times. But yes, modelling healthy habits for kids is huge! Piano lessons, whether they want them or not, haha!
Thanks again for sharing a bit of your story. I saw in your blog that you’re into French – I’m intrigued. I think I’ll need to dive further! 😃
I love reading about Catrina, she’s such a beautiful person and modest beast! I love when she said she’s working on faking the enthusiasm for Kai’s hobbies, same here, hahaha….
I’d ask her: what was her favorite race to date and why. she said she rates her day from -2 to 2, I did that for some time too but keep forgetting when it’s 0 or 1 to record. does she do other type of tracking?
love to read your story with Kai, sometimes when you know you know! Yet, it would be great to hear if you also have conflicts/arguments and how you learn to deal with them, unless you are the perfect couple?!
My blog sadly kind of no longer reflects my love of all things French since having kids as I haven’t been there in over 10 years! But I am a Francophile at heart and someday I will get back to traveling there!
I see you worked in finance and retired early – that is my plan/goal as well (I work in asset management as does my husband).
And I do know Wendy! It’s nice to know another runner w/ RA!!
Wait, why don’t I know Catrina?! I loved this post! On my next break I’m going to check out her blog…. this was super fun to read and Catrina seems super cool and interesting!!! 🙂 The pic with her parents made me pause… so sweet. Feeling all those feels as my parents keep getting older (thankfully!- 75 this fall) but it’s just… getting too real and that idea of “bonus round” is starting to hit home…
Thanks for being such a great connector, Elisabeth! 💗
Kae, you will LOVE Catrina’s blog. Her personality is just…lovely. I was talking with Lisa (who also hadn’t come across Catrina’s blog yet) and told her after reading a few of Catrina’s posts I was like: “I want this person to be one of my best friends.” Is that creepy? She just seems so authentic and sweet and I love how she writes and engages. Also, I am living vicariously through all her fitness accomplishments 😉
Coco, your comment made me laugh – “modest beast” might be my new favourite term! And yes, glad to hear I’m not the only one faking enthusiasm for a partner’s hobbies – I really couldn’t care less about cars, and Kai’s obsession is next-level… 😄
Right now, my favourite race is the Comrades – the atmosphere is unbeatable. Boston was amazing too. I’m hoping for a spot in London next year. I’ve heard it’s something special, but the entry process is brutal.
Ah yes, you’re right, the “meh” days are the hardest to remember to log. Most of mine are solid +1s. Every Monday I also jot down a snapshot of weight, HRV, RHR, stress, and sleep score in my journal. It’s been surprisingly useful for spotting patterns and pulling back when I start slipping into bad habits.
Oh yes, we do argue! 😅 I get grumpy under stress and that doesn’t bring out my best side. Luckily, Kai has a great sense of humour and often manages to lighten the mood. If that fails, we’ve learned to take a 10-minute break – either some quiet time or a quick walk outside (fresh air fixes a lot!). One rule we always stick to: never go to bed angry. So far, it’s worked well. I always wonder how other couples do it – that might be an interesting blog topic and comments-afterparty!
Thanks for the great questions, Coco! They got me thinking!
Lisa, France will still be there when you’re ready to return – and it’ll feel even more special after the long break. For now, you can always dive into French books and of course, the famous cuisine! (and I sometimes switch Netflix to French, that’s quite fun, too!)
Ooooh, a FIRE candidate! That’s exciting! How great that both you and your husband are in asset management – you have all the know-how on the investment side. I really hope your plan works out just the way you want it to!
And how lovely that you know Wendy! It’s encouraging to see more runners navigating RA – it definitely helps to feel less alone in the struggle!
Kae, what a lovely comment – thank you! I just saw you did a gratitude guest post back in February – so nice to get to know you a bit through that! 🤗
And yes, I completely understand what you’re feeling about ageing parents. It hits hard when you start to realise that someday you’ll have had your last chat or hug with them. Just this afternoon I took mine out for a walk – something we do regularly – but now we have to stop more often for breaks. I’m trying to soak it all in and make the most of the time we still have.
Here’s to holding on to the good moments while we can. ❤
I went on some walks with my parents and they can’t walk very far or fast these days. I took some pictures on that walk because things like that I used to take for granted, I now realize are precious moments that won’t last forever.
Hi Catrina – nice to meet you. The two places that you split your time between sound amazing. The pictures are beautiful. I cannot believe how far you run. I run 4.5 miles 3 or 4 times a week, and that’s all I can manage. How wonderful that your neighbors assisted you in getting that apartment.
I used to track the workouts I did online during covid. I kept on tracking them. A trainer from my health club posted her workouts on FB during the pandemic. It was so handy for me to look back at my favorite workouts. I would choose which one worked for me based on the amount of time I had or what I felt like doing (cardio, strength, etc). I have pages and pages of notes and dates of when I did which workout. She recently took all of her workouts down, but I’ve pivoted and found a new workout option online.
I don’t do a gratitude journal or anything, but I would say my back is a mess right now and it has reminded me how fortunate I am that I am still able to have mobility. 😉
My question is how do you look SO young? You look decades younger than 57 in that photo. I also wonder what brand or shoes you use for running? Do you rotate between several different pairs?
Hi Ernie! So lovely to meet you too! I admire how you manage to keep up with running and workouts while raising six not-so-little kids – that’s seriously impressive and must keep you very busy!
Oh, I had the same thought when I saw that photo again…I should update it with a more current one! I think I was around 48 there, so that 9 years ago. And age catches up with you quickly after 50! Definitely time for an update, ha!
As for the shoes: yes, I rotate between a few pairs. For road running, I alternate between the Asics Magic Speed and the New Balance Propel.
Your workout tracking system sounds excellent, Ernie! It’s such a smart way to stay consistent and know what works for you. I also love that your gratitude came out of a difficult situation. Mobility really is something we don’t appreciate until it’s challenged. I hope your back improves soon! ❤
This was such a lovely read. I love Catrina’s blog, badass-ness and contagious enthusiasm!
Catrina – I had no idea you’re Scottish! What an interesting surprise. From where?
“Afterparty” is a fantastic way to describe the comment section. So true!
I love your pep talk to your legs. I do something similar when I struggle during a lifting set and remind myself of the times when I couldn’t do this, and then keep pushing through to celebrate what I’m now able to do.