The past month has been a whirlwind of Bank of America Chicago Marathon (BOACM)-related events as well as preparation for
many speaking engagements and CLE-driven presentations happening across the country in November.
The week leading up to the marathon is always exciting and filled with anxieties – some deserved; mostly not. Runners, whether first-timers or well-traveled veterans of the 26.2-mile distance have a plethora of fears, good hopes, doubts, certainties and more of taper madness (that weird affliction that crops up during the 3-week taper period before a marathon).
The three days leading up to race day brought opportunities to calm nerves and share experiences with marathoners and soon-to-be marathoners who ranged in experience from first time distance runners to veterans with medals from
across the globe. In person talks were made to members of GOLIN's Ronald McDonald House Charities Team, a pre-marathon event for Imerman Angels' and at the Team ALS Fundraising Dinner at the Chicago Sports Museum (pictured above). Video presentations made to Team Imerman Angels and Team RMHC. Dinner appearances at several charity partners – what a busy few days culminated by the race itself. Sunday brought great weather and a new American record for Emily Sisson and a near world record for
Ruth Chepng'etich.
I was grateful
to have the opportunity to motivate so many runners, share last-minute training tips including how to mentally tackle the toughest moments of this or any other distance running event. Up next, more opportunities with the runners I’m training for the upcoming TCS New York City Marathon on November 6.
November brings more opportunities to share my mindfulness practice, employ new tactics for stress management and offer strategies for avoiding burnout, even in the
world's most demanding professions. Scroll down to learn about where I am speaking in November (plus one more Mindful Monday in October!) and how you can join both virtually and in-person, depending upon the event. While these all feature lawyers, my messages work for all professions and those who feel the stress of everyday life gaining the upper hand.
I hope as we head into the colder, shorter days of fall and winter that you can find a moment in each day to breathe, find your center and take a moment to be
mindful and self-aware. Have a wonderful day!
