The Marathon I Won’t Skip 🏃‍♀️

Because showing up is the win

Oct 17, 2025

Last week I wrote about being confused. Being upset. My knee’s been giving me trouble, and I honestly didn’t know if I could run the marathon. I sat with it — really sat with it — and eventually came to terms with the idea that maybe I wouldn’t.

But once I accepted that, something shifted. I realized…I can do this. It might not go as planned. It might be slow. It might be a walk-run. I might need to talk myself through every single mile. But I can do it. If childbirth taught me anything, it’s that plans change. You can fight it and be angry (which is fair), or you can accept it and keep moving.

So, I’m running the marathon!

For weeks, I wasn’t sure. My training has looked nothing like those perfect online outlines. I’ve been strength training twice a week and spending most days on an old-school stationary bike for 30, 45, sometimes 90 minutes at a time. Training my mind to focus on my breath instead of the clock.

And here’s what I’ve realized: commitment is the point. I signed up to show up. Not to be perfect. Not to be fast. To finish what I started. So I’m doing it.

For the version of me who almost gave up.
For the nonprofit I’m running with, Right To Play.
For every long ride, sore knee, and early morning that I chose to keep going.

Because the marathon isn’t just 26.2 miles. It’s the months before it. It’s the mental miles. It’s watching your PR grow from 4 miles to 11 and wondering how that even happened. It’s showing up when no one’s watching.

It’s also the quiet marathon my husband’s been running alongside me — taking extra Mars time, handling early mornings and late nights so I can train and rest. Garry, thank you.

I’m running, however it looks. And I’m proud of that.

To all my fellow runners: WE FUCKING GOT THIS. No stride or speed fits all. Cheer each other on. Help someone up if they need it. Tears are fair game — I’m not usually a crier, but I already know I’ll be crying at least three times. AND LOTS OF HUGS. Please come hi to me. Hugging and cheering each other pre-race or during is the greatest gift!

T minus 15 days. Let’s go 🏃‍♀️💪

Meal In:

I’ve been on a full-blown chicken kick this week. Normally, I’m a one- or two-times-a-week chicken girl, but lately it’s been more like three to five. My favorite of the bunch? A NYT Cooking recipe from Susan Spungen — Roast Chicken with Apricots and Olives. It’s festive, simple, a little sweet, a little briny, and completely perfect.

Meal Out: The Modern

Simply, wow. From caviar-topped hot dogs to Aussie lamb stuffed inside blistered Jimmy Nardello peppers. It was a parade of flavor and precision. Every plate felt playful but deeply thought out, the kind of meal that reminds you why fine dining really is magic. Chef Thomas Allan is not only wildly talented but also so freaking kind, which somehow makes the food taste even better. One of the best meals I’ve had in a long time.

My order: caviar hot dogs, chickpea panisse, gem lettuce, chicories, parmesan, wagyu steak tartare, crispy potatoes, rabbi tagliatelle, lemon, arugula, aussie lamb, stuffed jimmy nardello peppers, toasted meringue and amarena cherry sundae and hazelnut gianduja mille-feuille with brown butter!

SOUND BITE OCTOBER PLAYLIST

Side Plate: 48 Hours in Texas

In and out of Dallas in 48 hours, my ideal tempo. I flew in for my best friend’s engagement, snuck into her house, and helped turn it into a surprise celebration before she and her fiancé walked in. Tex Mex, bubbles, happy tears, a perfect kickoff.

I stayed in Bishop Arts, which felt more Austin than Dallas — charming, artsy, everyone blessing your heart by the end of a conversation. During the day, I stumbled int club, the ’ club called Le Sol, the kind with chic art and mocktails, and pretended it was my next business venture, just relocated to Upstate New York.

That night we drove to Fort Worth for the rodeo. If you’ve never been, go. It’s chaos and culture in one arena, loud, dusty, and entirely its own world. As a city girl, it feels like country Disneyland.

On the way, we passed Six Flags. Small confession: I love roller coasters, top three favorite things in life. My friend hates them, but I bribed her with free tickets and snacks. She might hate me now, but she rode…with her eyes closed <3

It wasn’t a food trip this time, just snacks and good company. Popcorn at the rodeo, pretzels at Six Flags, diner breakfasts, and 10 straight hours of sleep. Mama left Dallas rested and happy.

Happy Friday, everyone! Wishing you all a beautiful weekend ahead. I hope you get a chance to slow down, soak up this perfect Fall weather, and do something that makes you feel good. Talk to you soon!

Gina