CAPTAIN’S CORNER

We’re noticing a resurgence of running across GOALszn teams, and this appears to be in line with larger cultural running trends.

For example, 40% of the 87K ultramarathon participants last year were first-timers. That’s almost HALF of all participants! (Are ultras going mainstream?!)

We’ve also noticed a plethora of new running clubs (singles run club, anyone?) and fitness races with significant running components.

Earlier this summer, we decided to learn how to put our best foot forward, for real. GOALszn hosted a running clinic, led by teammate Coach Merk, and we walked (well, some of us limped…) away with these key takeaways:

• Leaning forward is beneficial while you run. Let gravity do the work!

• Posture is critical. Relax those shoulders, while you’re at it!

• Avoid overextending or underextending your legs. If you’re striking too far ahead of your body, you’re having to work extra hard to pull yourself forward, which isn’t good.

Check out the TikTok below for more highlights:

@playsportswithev

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️GOALszn’s first-ever Running Clinic. Might as well try to improve if I’m going to keep doing these run clubs … and a good opp to b... See more

Running is pretty damn cool. Haruki Marakami even wrote his memoir about it!

It can help foster connections (szn member Karen loves the Founders Common running group), give you tangible goals to work toward (Nikki just hit 2.5 miles, which she’d never done before!), and offer much-needed accountability (Ev joined two run clubs for networking, including Pitch & Run, and she loves the extra push to get out of bed early on those days).

Whether you see yourself as a runner or not, we encourage you to give it a try this season!

BTW, all this running talk reminds us of one of our most successful challenges: Listen to Born to Run and run at your top speed for the length of the song. Harder (and more fun) than it sounds, we assure you.

THE CHAT IS LIT 🔥

After a tough 1.75-hour tennis match, teammate Yin shared her struggle with cramping, despite staying hydrated with water and electrolytes. This sparked a convo in the GOALszn community about effective remedies.

One popular suggestion was pickle juice, with several members swearing by it for quick relief. "A lot of my patients love it!" noted one of our resident MDs.

A new brand, Burdock Brewery, has even introduced Pickle Dilluxe Sparkling Water, which is sold out! … perhaps further proof that many find this concoction helpful (and refreshing?)!

Another member mentioned his mom’s unique remedy. She experiences calf cramps and swears by sleeping with a bar of Dial soap under her sheets! While we couldn’t find much scientific evidence for this method — even after consulting ChatGPT — it does highlight the creative solutions folks come up with on their own.

Keep bringing your q’s to the chat! Together, we can get out of any pickle we find ourselves in 😉

THE ROUNDUP

🏃‍♀️When was the last time you thought of Umbro Shorts? Make that right now because it’s on this list of shorts for men. 

✨ More people seeking alternatives to alcohol-centric gatherings without sacrificing fun or connection are looking to wellness spaces to redefine “happy hour” 

🤒 As sniffle szn is upon us, this is your reminder that exercising could set back your recovery time — but in some cases that’s okay. Listen to your body!

CHALLENGE

Listen up, GOALszn! If you're in an active season, this challenge is mandatory—let's goooooal!

Kevin from team "2 Legit 2 HIIT" is known for his smizing selfies against club-like backgrounds. We challenge you to capture your best shot inspired by neon signs and mischievous smiles, and share it with the group (use separate comment with hashtag #challenge).

A prize awaits the winner, as voted on by Kevin! P.S. No workout is required for the selfie. You have until October 19th end of day to submit!

REAL WORKOUT SELFIE OF THE WEEK

GOALszn: WHAT IS IT?

GOALszn is a game to track the number of workouts completed with friends. Follow Team Captain Ev on TikTok to find tips on starting your own group, wellness challenges, and more!