Good morning and Happy Monday! Today’s guest post is sponsored by my friends at Brooks and will inspire you to get out and log a workout, regardless your schedule as today’s post is seriously inspirational! Last month, Brooks allowed us the opportunity to gift a runner in our life a head-to-toe outfit as thanks for their constant inspiration. As soon as I read the email request, I knew that I wanted to thank one of my biggest running inspirations for all her support this year. Meggie Smith is the Chief OB-GYN Resident at NYU as well as an avid runner and huge supporter and advocate in the NYC health and wellness scene. Since Bo and I started our journey to parenthood, Meggie has been a text, email or phone call away to answer questions and offer her support. When she isn’t working crazy hours at the hospital, she can be found running through the streets of New York.

Now, I’ll turn it over to Meggie to share her story!

My name is Meggie and I’m an OB/GYN resident (for a few more weeks, at least!) with a fairly serious exercise habit.

While I like to spin, go to Flex Pilates, lift, and box (at Shadowbox – shout out!), but my heart really belongs to running!

Running and I didn’t always have a love affair. As a collegiate tennis player, I loathed even the short jog we did as a warm up. However, as a first year medical student, I decided to have a go at this “running thing.” And, after one cold February five miler later with my former teammate… I was hooked!

Like most new runners, I went through the “honeymoon” phase of continual improvement. Running longer distances and faster paces fueled me to aim for more. I tend to get slightly over zealous with hobbies, and running was no exception. I hired a coach, bought a Garmin, and “got serious,” at least for an amateur, everyday runner.

Thereafter, running and I went through some ups and downs – the attached to my Garmin phase, the “every race that isn’t a PR is a disaster” phase, the marathon phase, the #5Krevolution phase, and everything in between.

It wasn’t until I became a busy OB/GYN resident and dropped any training plans and race expectations that I truly learned to run happy. The fatigue and emotional strain from working 80 hours a week in a high pressure job left me little to no emotional energy to worry about running (other than where to fit it in during the day!).  Running, I found, became the gift I gave to myself. Through the rain and shine of residency, running has been that constant sunny day in an otherwise fairly overwhelming time in my life.

A lot of people ask my how I run with the demands of my job. The answer is really simple – running is the best part of my day, hands down. I like to say there’s not problem or bad mood that I can’t fix on a five mile run (and it is always better with a friend)!

I love how “run happy” is at the core of Brooks’ mission. And, I was thrilled when Ashley asked if I wanted to try some Brooks’ gear!

I am truly obsessed with the Launch 4 shoes! I’ve never run in any of Brooks’ shoes, so I had no idea what to expect. This shoe is light and responsive, but feels sturdy enough for the long haul.  I also love the Fremont running tank as its light, airy, and will be great for summer running!

As I prepare for a big move across the country (hello, California!), I know that running will continue to be my trusty sidekick through thick and thin. It is through running – and, moreover, running happy – that I’m able to face all the challenges life my day may bring. Running isn’t just something I do; it is now a part of who I am. May there be many more happy miles!

A huge thank you to Ashley and Brooks for letting my try some new gear. Just like that first 5 miler, I’m hooked!

If you want to hear more of Meggie’s story, check out her appearance on the Ali on the Run Podcast last week!