The Reach Out: Kathy Freston
When the health and wellness author began running during the lockdown, "I didn’t know how far I was going until I ordered a FitBit and realized I’d been doing 5-6 miles every day!"
Kathy Freston is a New York Times bestselling author of multiple health and wellness books, including 72 Reasons to be Vegan, The Lean, Quantum Wellness, and Clean Protein.
Freston’s work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, Self, W, Fitness, and The Huffington Post, and she has appeared on Good Morning America, The Talk, Ellen, Extra, and Oprah.
Freston’s concern for both human health and animal and environmental welfare inspires her to advocate for a more healthy and sustainable food system.
She described herself to me as “the kind of vegan advocate who enjoys a good cup of coffee or a martini, and I’m not judgmental.” She believes that “the kinder we are as activists, the better our message comes across.”
I reached out to Kathy Freston to find out how she makes exercise and fitness part of her vegan lifestyle.
Is exercise and fitness an important part of your daily life?
I have to look forward to something, otherwise I won’t do it. I e-bike some gorgeous hills around my house, which connects me to nature and makes me super happy.
Or I’ll do a 5 mile run which gives me time to talk with friends on Marco Polo or listen to an audio book. If I do the stationary bike at home, I catch up on Stephen Colbert, so all of these things compel me to get my arse going in the morning!
Do you have a specific routine or do you fit in exercise whenever you can find time?
I’m all about routine; I never leave my workout up to chance because the day could get away from me and I’d run the risk of getting out of the habit! I usually wake up before sunrise, drink tea and meditate.
I have a hearty breakfast because the anticipation of a banana oat muffin or yogurt parfait (always vegan) is what lifts my heart and gets me excited for the day. (I will never, ever be a gal who fasts for any length of time. I love food too much!).
I dive into Instagram and emails for about an hour (which gives me a chance to digest), and then I’m off. I’m home and showered before 11am, feeling so energized and connected. And clean.
Have your exercise habits changed since COVID began?
Nothing really changed, except for a few months that I spent in Miami at the beginning of lockdown. My only option was to run because I was away from home without my bike and I wasn’t about to go to a gym. That’s how I started running. I ran for 20 minutes at first. Every day I added on a minute or two, and soon I was running for an hour. I didn’t know how far I was going until I finally ordered a Fit Bit and realized I’d been doing 5-6 miles every day — I was so proud!
I was just about to ask if you wear a fitness tracker.
My Fit Bit just died (after only eight months of owning it) in the middle of a run, so I ordered an Apple watch.
Is there something that motivates you to keep active?
I just feel so good after intense activity, so I want to keep feeling that way.
Do you watch television, or listen to podcasts or music, while you exercise?
I never listen to music because I’m always hungry for information (books and news), connection (Marco Polo), or personal growth (podcasts). There’s sadly no room for music during my workout. I love music, but it's just not part of my morning routine.
How do you think we can encourage young people to be more active?
I would just say take a look around and see who gives off the best sense of vitality and joy, and it’s probably people who love their physical activity. I’m guessing that would inspire someone to say, “yeah, I want that!”
Is there a sport or fitness trend that you would like to try one day?
I really love biking, and I’d love to take that out on the road more… see more of the world from atop my bike! Also, I LOVE to dance and wish there were places to go and dance to great music (during the day… not at a nightclub!!).
Now that Kathy Freston enjoys biking and running, I wouldn’t be surprised if she gave the triathlon a try (next up: swimming?).
Thank you, @kathyfreston
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