Running, jumping, laughing, and drinking-I’m in a Berlin daze!

I had the incredible opportunity to host a run at Soho House Berlin and attend a kick ass NTC workout by Nike Master Trainer Nina Otto. Nina led us through 30 minutes of a no-joke-workout filled with squats, high knees, partner planks, and cardio drills.

Thankfully, the ladies, many of whom are training for the Nike Women’s 10K next month, still had massive energy afterwards for a 6K run around Berlin and a chat about running tips. Shout out to Nike for providing a cycling boom box guy for the journey! The tunes and the ladies turned heads (duh). 

As runners, we push the pulse of our cities. Berlin’s running scene is a special part of this visually intense and historically storied city. The Berlin Braves, a crew founded by Joey Elgersma of Bread and Butter, kicked off the trip with a run from Nike Berlin Stadium in honor of Boston.

The theme of the weekend: unity. The conversations I had with the chicas at Soho House and all my Berlin friends (who hail from all over Europe) confirm what we already know-a pair of running shoes unites us. Nina taught her class in German, I hosted the run in English, but let me tell you that laughter and frenetic, sweat-filled energy need no translation. 

Thank you, Universe, Nike, Soho House, Kathi, Joey, Annika, Steph, Isa, Mayra, and the list goes ON. 

I have a major crush on Berlin, you guys! This was the perfect jump off for the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in DC this weekend. #letsturnitup

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Check out my buddy Luis Tolentino’s recent trip to the Dominican Republic as part of the Harold Hunter Foundation 2013 Tour. He’s doing big things coming from a place of positivity and light. 

My not-so-secret pangs of being a cool skater chick have resurfaced. When is my lesson, Luis?? 

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Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it. 4 sojourns through Europe in 1 year, running miles, making friends, cultivating a global community of renegades. You encouraged me to brave the unthinkable. Friends. London, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, NYC, I thank you. You’ve given me an education that money will never buy. There’s no price on our inexplicable, energetic frequencies that keep our cities buzzing-mile by mile. Some of us brave where unicorns roam. I’ll meet you there. #bridgethegap Photo by @paris_rc

Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.

4 sojourns through Europe in 1 year, running miles, making friends, cultivating a global community of renegades. You encouraged me to brave the unthinkable.

Friends. London, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, NYC, I thank you. You’ve given me an education that money will never buy. There’s no price on our inexplicable, energetic frequencies that keep our cities buzzing-mile by mile.

Some of us brave where unicorns roam. I’ll meet you there. #bridgethegap Photo by @paris_rc

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Before dozing off on the plane from London to NY last night I wrote this*: I sit here stunned by the kindness of strangers - namely, the flight attendant, Adina, who gave me a bottle of water after being rebuffed by her grouchy colleague despite my pleas of being a dehydrated runner. Stunned by the exquisite curly-haired African girl with her mother and sister who tucked each other “in” after the meal service with a sweet, maternal triple embrace. Stunned by the fact that I ran by the courthouse this morning where I had my first court appearance as a lawyer on the same day I embark on this new career as a journalist. Feeling bittersweet: grateful for the mentors who believed in me and electrified by possibility. Shocked by the opportunities and support that have arisen in just a few short weeks since leaving law. Maybe it’s the red wine or watching The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (at my mother’s recommendation**), but the tears of gratitude falling right now are overwhelming in the best of all possible ways. Everyone should have the chance to pursue dreams they didn’t know they had. * Given to me by my supportive friend, Keith Morrison, before we embarked on our first European Adventure in the Spring. ** Watch this movie! It’s wonderful seeing older female actresses with engaging roles. This movie will make you want to seize it … whatever IT is, and travel to India something fierce. Thanks, Mom!

Before dozing off on the plane from London to NY last night I wrote this*:

I sit here stunned by the kindness of strangers -

namely, the flight attendant, Adina, who gave me a bottle of water after being rebuffed by her grouchy colleague despite my pleas of being a dehydrated runner.

Stunned by the exquisite curly-haired African girl with her mother and sister who tucked each other “in” after the meal service with a sweet, maternal triple embrace.

Stunned by the fact that I ran by the courthouse this morning where I had my first court appearance as a lawyer on the same day I embark on this new career as a journalist. Feeling bittersweet: grateful for the mentors who believed in me and electrified by possibility.

Shocked by the opportunities and support that have arisen in just a few short weeks since leaving law.

Maybe it’s the red wine or watching The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (at my mother’s recommendation**), but the tears of gratitude falling right now are overwhelming

in the best of all possible ways.

Everyone should have the chance to pursue dreams they didn’t know they had.

* Given to me by my supportive friend, Keith Morrison, before we embarked on our first European Adventure in the Spring.

** Watch this movie! It’s wonderful seeing older female actresses with engaging roles. This movie will make you want to seize it … whatever IT is, and travel to India something fierce. Thanks, Mom!

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