I bit it on the trail (and it wasn't the fall that worried me)
Published 11 days ago • 3 min read
In The Long Run
Thoughts and BELIEFS:
(BELIEF is my chosen word for 2026 - what is yours?)
Hello Reader,
Ouch.
Actually, that's not what I said. Believe it or not, I didn't swear either.
"I'm OK!!!
I said it immediately and like a little kid, because I startled the two women in front of me as I bit it on the trail.
I startled myself too. There was no great story behind this; which concerned me more than the pain of my upcoming shower.
This photo is figurative and literal for how running has felt for me in the past two years.
I'm sharing this because it's a super interesting example of neurophysiology; I just wish I wasn't the "model".
I've been running for over twenty five years, and my body has developed spatial and kinesthetic awareness (brain-body). Since I've lost power in my legs, I don't have as much "spring in my step" or what's known as vertical oscillation.
There was a rock on the ground that I would have typically cleared. I tend to shuffle now, and that's why I clipped a rock that was just a "bump in the road".
Strength and agility work along with jumps to increase power have not been part of my routine lately. This was a painful example that midlife running requires more than just running.
Here's a video I made two years ago on agility training. It's a reminder to me how quickly our bodies can lose strength, power, and control.
I'm grateful I didn't have anything besides scrapes, because who's got time for a fracture or concussion?
Looks like I found a reason to MAKE time for ancillary training, and I hope you will too.
Walking, falling, or running beside you,
Coach Nikki
Goosebumps Within Five Minutes:
I just finished watching this and have four pages of notes, and two new quotes on post-its. Mel Robbins had goosebumps within the first five minutes.
"Everything changes downstream when everything upstream is done right." - Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
This is the first interview I've seen where Mel didn't interrupt. It was because her jaw was on the floor and her head was exploding. Mine too.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is a 3x gold medalist, and 10x world champion sprinter. Whether you are a runner, an entrepreneur, or a human being, you won't want to miss this.
PLEASE hit reply and let me know what you think after watching or listening. What is the quote YOU put on a post-it??
Nikki News:
Do you consider yourself to be the type of friend who "shows up"?
Would you show up to help your friend move if it were 97° and there were 6 flights of stairs with no elevator??
My "2 Men & A Truck" with a 4-legged supervisor
That was the scenario when my long-time running buddies came to help me move from Boulder to Louisville, CO.
It's the next town over, only about 10 miles difference. After the past two years in Boulder, it was time for change. I'll expand on that in future newsletters but ironically, it's to expand ME.
Boulder Behind, Opportunity In Front
Everyday I look at my beautifully hung artwork and realize how lucky I am to have "those" kind of friends (my last apartment had many holes in the wall because I do NOT have patience or accuracy).
I could never "repay" what they did for me, but that's not what they expect. A true friend doesn't "expect" anything, but will keep showing up whether it's 97° or in the pouring rain.
By the way - when we stopped by their hotel for the dogs, "Friends" was playing on the TV.
Thanks guys - "I'll be there for you" too❤️
'Tis The Season:
I was finishing a call with one of my clients, letting her know I expect a text after she completes her long run.
She seemed a bit hesitant, but I told her despite much of the country in record heat, this is the time runners need extra guidance and accountability as they work through fall marathon training.
Does your training feel like this??
Accountability is an asset in our work together, but more importantly, navigating training with an unplanned "niggle".
She was the second client this week that said "it's not that bad" in reference to an ache or pain that has emerged with increased mileage.
My emails have increased as well; right before fall "'tis the season" for injuries.
I'm certain these women will overcome their issues and successfully complete their marathons. They are doing their prescribed work and now getting results.
Don't wait till it's too late. Hit reply or set up a call with the link below.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about JSR Coaching/Injury or Performance Consult - hit reply, and we'll have a chat!
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In The Long Run Thoughts and BELIEFS: (BELIEF is my chosen word for 2026 - what is yours?) Hello Reader, My apologies for another email. The link didn't work for the best part of the email! Enjoy 🎶 If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about JSR Coaching/Injury or Performance Consult - hit reply, and we'll have a chat! CLICK HERE TO WORK WITH COACH NIKKI Thank you so much for reading, and please forward this to your friends! Have a question or a topic request? CONTACT...