Beyond the Run with Storm Reid
“Anything that is a cultivator of joy, that’s where I want to be at, and running could very much be one of those things.” - Storm
In this latest edition of the ongoing Beyond the Run series, we document actress, producer, and future filmmaker Storm Reid’s new journey into running. She shares her goals, her thoughts on mental health, and her perspective on how running can activate your body and mind in ways that might change your life.
Why we run.
It’s a given that running can be good for you, but there’s more to it than physical fitness. We reached out to runners to gain perspective on the less tangible benefits. How does running help you improve your mental well-being, overcome challenges, and become the best version of yourself?
I always say running is a form of meditation, where I leave everything on the road.
Harkiran Kalsi – Artist, Stolen Starts Ambassador
Q & A
How does running help you be the best version of yourself?
It centers me. I always say it is a form of meditation, where I leave everything on the road. It is my time to just be me and one with who I am. It has helped me become so confident, so loving and accepting of my body, and in tune with my mind and emotions. It helps me not dwell on the past or worry about the future. Overall, I feel like a strong badass woman and nothing can stop me.
Has running helped you overcome challenges in life?
Running has helped me with so many challenges from heartbreak to moving to a new city and not knowing anyone. It has helped me overcome these and become an explorer not just of the world we live in, but of the mind and heart. It has been my therapy and allows me to spend time with the scary part of me. When I am running for hours, I am in constant chatter with myself, solving problems etc. It has taught me there is no room for ego and to always be humble, to be gentle to myself.
What advice do you have for new runners?
Run because you love it. Don’t let the pressure of being fast or doing lots of racing put you off. Go out there and fall in love with how it makes you feel and how it changes you. Have fun and know there will be moments you hate it or it seems so hard, but be patient, keep going, and eventually you will know how to manage the uncomfortable feeling. Don’t be afraid of what others may say or think, do it for yourself always. I started off where you were and have now clocked thousands of miles of running. I wouldn’t ever go back to the person I was before this. Come join us. I promise it will be life changing.
When I’m running I feel grateful, strong, proud and happy.
Brenda Martinez – Track & Field Athlete
Q & A
What are your key ingredients for a great run?
The preparation before I am out the door. I like to have breakfast before my runs and allow myself to digest and have that energy for the training load. It also gives me time to do a proper prehab routine. I do a routine that consists of dynamic stretches to wake up the neuromuscular system. Then I do hip mobility and band work to get those muscles activated.
On days you don’t feel up to facing the next challenge, what motivates you to keep moving forward?
There are days that seem difficult to get up and going, so I try to figure out what’s going on and I communicate with my husband who is also one of my coaches. I find it beneficial to be honest and ask for help. Sometimes maybe sleeping in, pushing the workout until the evening, or spending the day with family to reset. Rest or even a reset is a great way to take a step back and then proceed when you feel it’s right.
What advice would you give to a fellow runner who is struggling to either get started, or to keep going?
My advice would be to start slowly and don’t force it. It’s always a good decision to take your time building up day by day. I tend to feel my best when I have an immense amount of gratitude in my life. I try to say, ‘thank you’ and ‘I love you’ to myself every morning. Being kind to yourself when you are not feeling your best is key. It makes a world of a difference when you put you first.
My love of running and drive to get back to the sport has pulled me through some of the most difficult experiences of my life.
Katie Grossman – Ultra Trail Runner
Q & A
How does running help you be the best version of yourself?
I think at our core humans crave progress. Running is such a pure manifestation of that, whether it’s working towards a racing goal or the simple act of just getting out the door on a hard day. It’s something concrete - a daily accomplishment and affirmation - and a reminder that I’m never truly stuck. I have a very real power and fire within myself to always take a step towards what I want.
Has running helped you overcome challenges in life?
Most recently, my love of running and drive to get back to the sport has pulled me through some of the most difficult experiences of my life. From becoming a mother and suffering major pelvic injury through childbearing, to a simultaneous battle with an abdominal tumor and a series of major surgeries - the goal of running long, gnarly routes through the mountains again is what keeps me doing the daily work.
What advice do you have for new runners?
Always check in and make sure running remains a positive in your life. We go through seasons as athletes, and if we want to be the best runners and people we can, it’s imperative we accept and adjust how the sport fits at different junctures. Keep things fluid and you’ll be a runner for life, no doubt.
