A (Tough) Love Note
The comeback *with no setback* season
I’m making a comeback to the newsletter life. Social media is a wonderful tool and it is frankly a dumpster fire of misinformed and overly filtered content from self-proclaimed experts and your Uncle Sal. So while I will continue to use it as a tool to connect and educate on my terms, it’s not going to be a necessity in communication.
If this is your first time receiving any emails from me, hello. If you like it, share with a pal.
Welcome to a (tough) love note, a newsletter by Amanda Katz (me), a fitness professional and fellow human. It’s about fitness and it’s not about fitness. If you like this newsletter, let me know. If you don’t, bye! For realsies, tag or DM me @amanda_katzz on the ‘gram and tell me what you loved reading this week.
Bringing you up to speed with some lessons…
About a month ago, I finished the Wineglass marathon feeling really proud of my choices over the course of the year. I push my athletes — runner or not — to be really selfish with their training by prioritizing themselves and I put it into practice for myself.
When I say selfish, I mean:
You don’t have to want what everyone else wants out of a race or training. For me, I’ve never had a time-based goal. I don’t look at my pace. I’ve never cared to run Boston. Your goals are your goals. Mine are about me and mine!
You must take time for the things that will make you feel confident and capable throughout your training. Choosing sleep and putting your feet up when you’ve had an intense day. Ordering more than the iceberg wedge your friend insists on eating. Celebrate your excellence not just on race day but every day you show up for yourself.
Lastly, invest in the things that will keep you moving for as long as your body allows. Spending your time and money on an educated and credentialed support squad: strength/run coach, sports RD, physical therapist, etc.
Again, you don’t have to be a runner to understand this. Stay being good to you. You’re all you got, friends.
Some things I’ve been into recently…
Reminding folks of one of my favorite Danielle Friedman NYT articles this year on fitness accounts. It cites a study that found two thirds of the top 100 fitness influencers on social media were spreading false claims, mis- and malinformation, sharing really altered photos and posting disordered methods to fitness and eating under the guise of health. Check it! https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/10/well/move/fitness-influencers.html
The Unexpected Cheddar Chicken Sausage with Caramelized Onions from Trader Joe’s. I’m on two packs a week now.
Britney’s memoir: The Woman in Me. And do I need Michelle Williams to narrate all audiobooks moving forward? Not no. Thanks Spotify premium!
Brags and business…
The Running Explained Podcast: Toxic Fitness Culture in Endurance Running with Coach Amanda Katz received a lot of solid feedback. Not a runner? Also, had a great chat with fitness professional and sports dietitian on Strengthen: Toxic Fitness Culture, Why You Should LIFT and Body Neutral Fitness.
I have a couple of kinda new training offerings! Virtual coaching consults, launched earlier this year gives you the opportunity to take the guesswork out of your fitness routine. It’s also a great “pick-my-brain” session before and/or after a race. Piloted and now officially launched, I’m offering virtual and customized strength training for runners plan. To learn more, visit amandaskatz.com or email me.
See you later!
Coach