Hi Reader!

I hope you're doing amazing and loving the warmer weather. I took a little break here because last week was my birthday 🎂, but I'm glad to be back!

I had a relaxing time celebrating with delicious food (including a new Malaysian restaurant that was a 10/10) and wonderful people. There were several birthdays in my circle last week, so it was super fun celebrating and indulging in cake with everyone.

The standout dish - mushroom curry in a hot clay pot with crispy rice and fresh herbs.

Now that the festivities are over, it's back to business, training for my half marathon, and getting rock solid in routine again.

Adventures

As I write this, I’m soaking up my first real day off after working nearly two straight weeks (my birthday was the one exception 🎂). I didn’t realize just how drained I was until I stopped moving! Major respect to those of you working 6–7 days a week or juggling multiple jobs — that hustle is no joke.

I (quietly 🫢) picked up a part-time gig last month that temporarily turned into more of a full-time situation. A mix of Coachella chaos and a few folks leaving the company meant I was pulling extra shifts. But moving forward, it’s looking like I’ll be down to a more manageable four days a week.

With so much of my time tied up in work lately, I’ve had to get creative about getting outside. I've been leaning hard into the microadventures I mentioned in my last newsletter — short and sweet outdoor moments that fit into busy days.

Neighborhood walks and training runs have been my go-to escapes. Even though I’m not deep in the wilderness, I try to notice the little seasonal shifts — the flowers blooming, the bugs buzzing, the trees waking up. Spring is such a show-off, and I love it. 🌸🐞🪻🦋🌱🌼

Speaking of running — my half marathon is just over six weeks away, and I’m officially halfway through my training plan. I don’t exactly feel halfway ready 🥴

After a birthday break, I jumped back in with a 7.5-mile run and a fresh training schedule that includes a variety of runs (made with the help of AI -- let me know if you'd be interested in seeing it!). It’s definitely a challenge, and if I'm being completely honest, I’m a little intimidated — but at least I’m getting my fill of sunshine and fresh air ☀️

If you’ve ever trained for a race (or just committed to something that felt big), how did you stay motivated when it got tough? I’m all ears 👟💬

& S'more

🌎 Earth Day was this past Tuesday and it got me thinking how I can have more positive impact on the planet this year. I wanted to share some of my favorite tips that don't require a huge overhaul of your lifestyle yet make a big difference when done collectively. We don’t have to be perfect environmentalists to make an impact—we just have to care enough to try.

🛒 Everyday Swaps That Actually Stick

Pick one item to stop buying single-use. Reusable tea infuser? Wool balls instead of dryer sheets? A shampoo bar that replaces 3 plastic bottles? Start with one.
Buy less, fix more. Got a hole in your puffy or a strap coming loose on your pack? Learning to repair gear (or even clothes!) instead of replacing it can save money and the planet. Plus, everything looks cooler with patches and contrast stitching.
Use what you have. The most sustainable gear, outfit, or storage solution is usually the one you already own.

Sticking to established trails is one of the easiest ways we can love our planet 💚

🚶‍♀️In the Outdoors: Low-Impact is the New Luxury

Stick to established trails. Cutting switchbacks or blazing your own path can lead to long-term erosion and harm to native plant life.
Pack it in, pack it out—yes, even food scraps. Apple cores and banana peels aren’t harmless in the wild; they can disrupt local ecosystems and attract animals to human areas.
Leave what you find. That cool rock, feather, or wildflower is better off staying put. Snap a photo instead and leave the magic behind for the next adventurer.
Choose campsites that already exist. Trampling new areas, even once, can scar the ground for years in sensitive ecosystems like alpine meadows and deserts.

💡 Eco-Friendly Upgrades to Consider

Offset your travel emissions for big trips. There are lots of options now, even for flights and road trips, such as Sustainable Travel International and Atmosfair.
Go for secondhand or gear-sharing. Sites like GearTrade, REI Re/Supply, and even local Buy Nothing groups are great for giving gear a longer life.
Support brands doing it right. Look for B Corps, Climate Neutral certifications, or companies that offer take-back/recycling programs for old gear.

This Earth Month, instead of trying to overhaul everything, maybe just commit to one new habit or mindset shift. Treat it like you would any other adventure: start with curiosity, be prepared to learn as you go, and bring a little reverence for the wonderful places we get to roam.

Got a favorite eco-tip or Earth-friendly trail hack? Hit reply and share it—I’d love to share a few favorites in an upcoming edition. 🌿

Thank you for reading and I'll catch you in the next one ✌🏻

Happy adventuring,

💚A