The Reach Out: Alice Stewart
The CNN political commentator and co-host of the 'Hot Mics from Left to Right' podcast says running is her "passion." She may have run a marathon or two (hint: it's definitely more than two).
Alice Stewart is a CNN political commentator and a board member and alumni fellow at the Kennedy Institute of Politics at Harvard University.
She is co-host of the Hot Mics from Left to Right podcast, which showcases civil, respectful, bi-partisan discussions on the news of the day. She is also a frequent guest host on Sirius XM POTUS radio.
Stewart’s political career includes serving as a senior communications advisor on several presidential campaigns, and working on communications strategy for Concerned Women for America, the Republican National Senatorial Committee, and the Republican National Congressional Committee.
Stewart previously worked as an anchor, reporter, and associate producer in Arkansas and Georgia, and hosted “The Alice Stewart Show,” a political talk radio show that featured interviews with national and local political leaders.
I spoke with Alice Stewart a few days before she was set to leave for her second hiking trip at the Grand Canyon.
How is being active a part of your life?
My passion is running and I consider it my outlet. I usually run five days a week, either on my own or with the Potomac Runners Group. I’ve done 25 marathons, including five Boston Marathons.
Running is my main source of exercise and fitness, but over the last few years, I’ve started to incorporate some non-running workouts into my routine as well. So now I also go to the gym and do hot yoga classes. I’ve also done a couple of triathlons. The variety helps me to stay engaged.
Did the pandemic change your exercise routine?
My running didn't change, but when the gym closed, I started doing home workouts. I discovered the FITON app, which has a great mix of workouts (legs, arms, core, high intensity training). My friends and I would check in with each other -- “Did you do this workout?” -- which was a great way for us to stay connected. I also did weights and some online yoga classes.
When my church closed, I started going for bike rides and listening to my Sunday church service online. I'd put my headphones on, grab my backpack, and ride to Mount Vernon or into D.C. It was a nice change of scenery.
What motivates you to work out so intensely?
I think the benefits of exercise and fitness go far beyond the physical. It helps with my mental and emotional health and has been a huge part of my social life.
I was overweight as a kid, but when I started running in high school, I lost the weight. In college, I ran cross-country and, after that, I signed up for 5k and 10k races. Then I began to run g marathons across the country with friends. So running has not only allowed me to keep fitting into my clothes, it has also been a really important social outlet in my life.
I have a feeling that you exercise while on vacation.
I’m actually leaving in a few days to hike the Grand Canyon with a few running friends. We hiked there last July, but it was really hot, so this year we're hiking down, staying overnight, and then rafting the Colorado River. A vacation with this group always includes some form of physical activity, whether it’s a marathon or hiking trip. We work hard and play hard. It's always a fun get-away.
You work out a lot, so do you wear a fitness monitor?
I have an Apple watch that keeps track of mileage, calories, and heart rate when I run, cycle, or go to the gym. But I already know that it’s good to get up from the office chair and walk around, so I don’t rely on my watch for that.
I think these devices are awesome for making people aware of the importance of getting up and exercising, or even just walking down the hall or taking a flight of stairs. I also think it’s great to hear people get so excited when they talk about how many steps they did one day or how active they’ve been. There is a real sense of accomplishment in knowing that.
What do you listen to while exercising?
It depends on the day. If I'm going to be on the radio or CNN, I will listen to CNN when I'm working out to keep up with the news. I like multitasking while I'm at the gym. I've also got a playlist of music I’ll listen to, as well as books on tape. When I'm doing work in the yard or running, I will sometimes listen to a podcast -- or CNN.
How do you think we can encourage kids and teens to be more active?
I think it’s important to invite them to be active with you. When they'd rather sit in the house and play video games, it won't work to just say, "go exercise."
I'm involved in a wonderful program called Girls on the Run of Central Arkansas, which uses running and physical activity to build confidence and encourage healthy habits. We have races, but it’s not about the time on the clock, it’s about time with others and learning valuable emotional and social skills.
When classes at Harvard went virtual, students were spending a lot of the day sitting in their dorm rooms. So my group of students and I started to have “walk and talk” meetings. I would walk around my neighborhood and they could walk around campus. It was an opportunity for us to converse and connect while also getting some exercise.
Thank you, @alicetweet
I know that I would enjoy hiking at the Grand Canyon — the physicality, the scenery — much more today than I did when I was last there, as a teenager. I agree with Alice about active vacations — they are much better than the beach.😄
Please subscribe (it’s free!) to read about how familiar faces keep active and fit.
If you enjoyed this interview, please share it on social media.😄
Please follow me on Twitter @The_Reach_Out