Slowing Down

Hi Fam!

Big apologies for the skipped CK Edit last week. I had planned to write about slowing down and embracing a new kind of post-race stillness but, as has been the case for me a lot lately, life had other plans.

Some unexpected family health issues came up, and it’s definitely been one of those weeks that leaves you both emotionally and physically drained. It also put a lot into perspective for me, mainly how easy it is to get caught up in plans, timelines, and what’s next, rather than being fully present with the people who matter most.

Now that my second race is behind me, and the dust is settling over a beautifully chaotic 2025 racing season, I’ve had more free time than I’m used to. For the first time, I’m trying to embrace the in-between and not to fill every moment with activity. Instead of structured training I have been going to yoga, enjoying quiet mornings with my mom, slow walks under changing leaves, and soaking in the rare gift of unhurried time. 

I would be lying if I said I did not miss the structure of a 9-5 right now. But, the past two weeks have made me think a lot about what I want the next year to look like and who I want to become in this open space I’ve built for myself. It reminded me how lucky I am to be healthy, to be able to move, and to continue showing up for myself on the course and beyond.

Alongside launching a space for women in endurance sports (more to come soon!), I’ve been exploring new paths I had not previously considered - many that I once dismissed because they didn’t fit the version of what I thought I should be doing after grad school. I’ve started looking into personal training and other health-centered certifications that would not only support what I’m building now, but also bring back some of the structure I’ve been missing in my day to day life.

There’s still a lot I don’t have figured out. Some days I feel really grounded and clear in my plans and other days, absolutely and completely lost. But that’s the reality of trying something new, building something on your own, and stepping outside what’s comfortable to keep growing.

If the past few weeks have taught me anything, it’s that time is precious and life is too short not to do what you love with the people you love. I have this time now to figure out what exactly that means for me, and I’m forever grateful that I get to.

In other news - our first Train Payne Live Q&A will be on Tuesday, November 4th at 7 PM. It’s members-only, but for this first one, I’d love to open it up to anyone who wants to join. I’ll share the Zoom link soon so you can ask any training or racing questions you have!

Here’s to slowing down, appreciating the pause, and holding on tight to the people who are home, no matter where we are.

Until next week ❤️‍🔥

Caleigh