One Rising Star

"Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer." My winter journey through Turkey was lovely, even though I was battling a nasty cold the entire time. But, when you’re exploring a country as rich in history, culture, and cuisine as Turkey, a little sickness can’t get in the way of the adventure. I arrived in Istanbul on a chilly evening, my first view of the Bosphorus River and its famous bridge lit up against the dark skies. The sight was beautiful, and I wasted no time indulging in a local favorite, recommended by my taxi driver— kumpir , a huge baked potato loaded with toppings.  The next morning, I set out to explore the surrounding area - Ortakoy - before heading to a friend’s wedding. The city quickly spiked my curiosity, with its old streets and numerous food and shopping stalls. For the next few days, I stayed in Istanbul’s historic district - Sultanahmet - soaking up the sights. I wandered through the cobblestone streets, visiting the iconic  Blue Mosque ...

“Mind over miles.” A few years back, I was all in. I was that person signing up for every race that came across my radar—10K’s, half-marathons, marathons—you name it. The thrill of crossing the finish line, the camaraderie at the starting line, the way the crowds cheered you on, it was all so energizing. I didn’t even need music to get through a run, even a whole 42km marathon, which, I know, sounds crazy to most people. But there I was, in my zone, taking it all in and doing something I enjoyed. I collected lots of medals and racked up plenty of podium finishes, but most importantly I had some memorable international races, and met tons of amazing people along the way. I discovered that running was a really accessible sport; all you needed was a pair of shoes and the will to go. I could literally show up to a race, put one foot in front of the other, and—boom—be part of a community of people all working toward the same goal. So, what happened? Why did I stop running? For me, it came d...