Movement doesn’t have to be so damn hard.

I had never thought of myself as a runner—sure, I’d run a few 5Ks and done some running in my military days, but the idea of calling myself a runner? That felt far off. But as someone who loves milestone years, meaningful goals, and a challenge, I figured, “Why not?” With the thought of starting a family on the horizon, it seemed like the perfect time to take on something big.

So, I did what any determined person would: I dove headlong into the world of running. I bought all the gear, read every training book I could get my hands on, subscribed to Runner’s World, and even signed up for my first half marathon, diligently following Hal Higdon’s training plan.

Fast forward, I crossed the finish line of Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, MN, and it was one of the proudest moments of my life. But let me tell you—getting there was hard. Really hard. There were chafing thighs, a few tears, and those mornings when it took everything in me to lace up my shoes and get out the door. I pushed myself through it all, and while the achievement was monumental, there’s a piece of that journey that stayed with me: movement doesn’t have to be so damn hard.

Movement Can Be Enjoyable

Years later, after becoming a mom and navigating life’s changes, I found myself drawn to something much simpler: walking. Walking became my way of resetting, recharging, and—here’s the kicker—coming up with some of my best ideas.

As a female entrepreneur (and someone with more than a few passions), I realized that walking wasn’t just a way to stay fit, it was part of my creative process. When I walk, my mind starts to wander in all the best ways. Ideas flow, solutions to problems pop up, and I come back from my walks feeling clearer and more energized for my work.

Lessons from the Road (and the Sidewalk)

Here’s what I’ve learned about movement—and life—over the years, especially as a business owner with many interests:

1. Movement Creates Mental Space
   
   Whether it’s walking, running, or anything in between, getting your body moving helps clear your head. When I walk, I’m not focused on my pace or mileage—I’m just out there, soaking in the sounds of nature, and letting my mind roam free. It’s often during these moments that I come up with my next business idea or solve a tricky problem that’s been lingering in the back of my mind.
   
   
2. You Don’t Have to Stick to One Thing
   
   As someone with a scanner personality, I’ve learned that life doesn’t have to be about rigid routines. Some days, I walk. Other days, I might feel like running for a few minutes. And on other days, movement looks like playing with my kids. The point is—there’s no right way to move. It’s about finding what feels good in the moment and knowing that consistency doesn’t mean doing the same thing over and over—it means showing up for yourself, in whatever way makes sense.
   
   
3. Movement Isn’t About Punishment
   
   For a long time, I used to think that if I wasn’t running or pushing myself to the extreme, it didn’t count. I’d feel guilty if I chose to walk instead of run, or if I wasn’t “working hard enough.” But guess what? Movement is movement. It’s not about punishment, it’s about enjoyment. When I stopped making exercise something I had to do and let it become something I wanted to do, it became easier to stay consistent.
   
   
4. Walking Saves My Life (and My Sanity)
   
   Okay, maybe that sounds a bit dramatic, but hear me out: When life feels overwhelming (and let’s face it, as entrepreneurs, there are plenty of those moments), walking has been my saving grace. It’s my time to unwind, let go, and sometimes even work through the toughest challenges—whether it’s in business or in life.
   

Embrace Movement—and Life—on Your Terms

So here’s my unsolicited advice to you, my fellow multi-passionate entrepreneur:

• If you feel like running, run. If you feel like walking, walk. Some days, you might want to mix it up, and that’s okay.
  
• If you start something with the best intentions but need to pivot, do it. Whether it’s a run that turns into a walk or a business idea that shifts directions, give yourself the freedom to adjust. Just keep going—progress is progress.
  
• And most importantly, remember that movement, like life, should feel good. There’s no one way to achieve success—whether in fitness or business. What matters is that you keep showing up for yourself in a way that feels right for you.

Here’s to finding joy in the journey and loving the process, wherever it takes you.