In The Long Run

Thoughts and BELIEFS:

(BELIEF is my chosen word for 2026 - what is yours?)

Hello Reader,

Even though it is not "officially" fall until September 22, there are several indications it has arrived:

• Pumpkin spice EVERYTHING
• Costco is decked out for Christmas
• Sandals swapped for knee-high boots
• Runners have more smile and less sweat

One of MY favorite indications for fall is the increase in weekend text messages I receive from runners:

It's a delicate time for athletes who are deep into training for fall races. A successful long run on the weekend can make or break the spirit more than the body.

This is why I ask them to send me a message once they complete their long run, and they know I'm eager to hear from them.

I love messages like that; I'm not only entertained, but thrilled for the athlete.

From there, we make any necessary revisions to their program, and it's up to them if they reward themselves with pumpkin spice everything.

Happy (almost) Fall, Y'all!

Walking or running beside you,

Coach Nikki

Running Removed, Life Resumed:

Jenny Simpson was a retired middle distance runner and Olympic medalist.

On June 16th, the Chief Running Officer for Fleet Feet had just paced young girls for a mile around the track and smiled as she crossed the finish.

Within minutes, her heart stopped, and she collapsed.

She didn't remember any of it, nor did she recall her next five days on life support with advanced heart failure.

Incredibly, she survived this harrowing experience.

Unfortunately, she will never run again.

​

This interview she did with Rich Roll was intense and difficult to summarize.

You don't have to be a runner to appreciate the humanity in this interview - well worth watching.

Her cardiologist told her, "You thought you trained your whole life for the Olympics, but you were really training your whole life for June 16."

By sharing her story, her new chapter has begun.

She will live with a damaged heart, but her soul is more alive than ever. What a gift for all of us.

Reading Material:​
This past Saturday evening, I met a new girl:

She's 128 pages, and she's solid.

This was the fourth edition of this publication, but a first for me. I'm working with a physician who was interviewed for one of the thirteen stories in this issue, prompting me to order it.

I was not only impressed, but felt a sense of pride. These women knocked it out of the park.

Chock full of beautiful photos and diverse topics — and one of my favorite parts was the letter from the editor, Ashley Mateo.

She was recently asked: How do you earn trust in a world drowning in content?

Her response? Intention.

As a business owner, I know this is one of the best ways to serve your community. As a consumer, I could feel the authenticity through the pages.

I have no connections or ties to this brand, but wanted to shine a light on them. Keep up the great work RUNHER!

Nikki News:

Next week we officially start "Tuesdays With Nikki". I'll explain more, along with a few other changes you won't want to miss!

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 COACH NIKKI