The Reach Out: Juliette Kayyem
The Reach Out: Juliette Kayyem
The CNN national security analyst and Harvard professor is training for half marathons, but also loves to surf.
When I spoke with Juliette Kayyem, she was on the move. She had just finished teaching a three hour class at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, where she is a Professor in International Security and faculty chair of the Homeland Security and Security and Global Health Projects.
Kayyem is the author of the new book, The Devil Never Sleeps, “an urgent, transformative guide to dealing with disasters from one of today’s foremost thinkers in crisis management.”
She is a national security analyst for CNN, a weekly guest on Boston’s local NPR, 89. 7 WGBH, and a frequent contributor to The Atlantic.
Kayyem is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Pacific Council on International Policy. Her other books include Security Mom: An Unclassified Guide to Protecting Our Homeland and Your Home, and Beyond 9/11: Homeland Security for the Twenty-First Century.
I spoke with Juliette Kayyem about running, surfing, and how she has kept active during the pandemic.
I read that you are a marathon runner. Have you kept up your marathon training throughout the pandemic?
I was a regular marathon runner. I try to do a few half marathons a year now. I try to keep my mileage consistent, from four to five on weekdays, maybe six or eight miles on weekends. But I also get cold easily so New England can be a drag sometimes.
Is your preference to exercise on your own or in a group setting?
I’m definitely into solo physical activities — like running and surfing. I think I don’t do a team activity, like a running club, because with the demands of work, and my kids, it’s important to have something for myself — some quiet time!
Has COVID changed any of your workout habits?
I love to surf, so I was happy to get out three to four times a week during the warmer months, as my schedule allowed. One of the luxuries of essentially being my own boss is that I can control my calendar, so when I have time, I love to get out on the water.
When you read for pleasure, do you get away from security and other serious issues?
Right now, I’m only reading fiction, which I’m loving. I’ve also started listening to audio books — if I can listen to 15 minutes to an hour, I’m really happy.
Are you aware of how much movement you get during the day?
I remember reading a post on Twitter in early 2021 that said, “Do yourself a favor and for every potential Zoom meeting, figure out if it can be switched to a phone call,” so that's what I do now and it’s been great. I walk while on phone calls instead of sitting on Zoom. And we try to put all of the Zoom meetings on one day — which makes for a very long day — but it was a helpful tip.
When you exercise indoors, is your television tuned to CNN?
No, but don't tell them. Wouldn't even cross my mind to watch news while I exercise. I like to drift, and the news is work.
Is there someone or something that motivates you to keep active?
The Peloton is pretty motivational. Those instructors are pretty motivational, they say the craziest things that sort of crack me up like "don't be a loser" or "I don't have to, I get to." None of it makes sense but it’s fun. When I run, it’s mostly just music. Nothing deep at all.
It’s not surprising that Juliette Kayyem was walking and talking when I caught up with her. As busy as she is, she is perpetually active. Odds are, not even a snowstorm would halt her half-marathon training. She’d probably view it as a challenge!
Thank you, @juliettekayyem
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