Practice Ways with Stephanie Howe
Practice Ways is a monthly feature on Balance Practice that shares notes from writers, makers, coaches, and creatives, offering perspectives on what balance looks like as real life is happening.
I have always felt a certain awe and fascination for people who run 100 miles for fun. I’ve had the honour of teaching yoga to some of them and witnessed the realities of what that distance, with all its anguish and empowerment, does to a body; its magic way of stretching one’s capacity.
Stephanie Howe is one of these unique athletes. When this longtime professional trail and ultra runner isn’t adventuring and racing all over the world or chasing her 3-year-old son Julien around, Steph is busy engaging in environmental advocacy, and offering nutrition and run coaching as a PhD in Nutrition & Exercise Physiology. I’ve marvelled at her capacity for years, her seemingly effortless ability to balance it all.
I first connected with Steph back in 2015. I had just moved to London and she reached out (from Australia, or maybe it was New Zealand?) to tell me that my work with athletes resonated with her, “... maybe we can collaborate?” I pinched myself, having admired the Bend, Oregon based runner for some time, and we quickly bonded over our shared love of legs up the wall and Ottolenghi.
Since then we’ve lived in somewhat closer proximity, in Marin County, California, during the pandemic, where we made the most of somewhat socially distanced donuts in waterfront parks while my kids went nuts and admired her newborn. Did I mention she’s run a marathon pushing a stroller? Since then this brave mama moved to France, a place that has long been close to her heart, having raced the iconic UTMB Mont-Blanc for years, and has set up her home base in Chamonix.
There’s a great deal of intention and effort that goes into balance, which is something that Steph knows and practices well. I see this in her as she pauses to pick meadow bouquets, holds Julien close, bakes the perfect homemade pizza, and honors her need to be out on the trails doing what she loves. It’s inspiring.
Over the years Steph has sought my perspective on injuries and recommendations for yoga remedies, and we’ve made yoga for runners videos together — she has her own collection on Athletes for Yoga Video. I should mention her favorite stretch is now the deep squat, a posture that strikes fear in the hearts of most runners, and one that felt out of reach to her some years back. We share a passion for yoga for real and often chat about the practicalities of practice (here’s a recent Instagram live on this very topic). Sometimes we text each other photos of ourselves resting, usually with our legs up the wall — these restful love letters are my favourite.
Steph’s perspective on the themes of balance and practice is something we can all learn from…
What’s feeling really good to you in this season?
Taking a few minutes to just relax without any distraction. I have a red couch that overlooks a stunning view of the Mt. Blanc mastiff, and I've made a point to lay on that couch for a couple minutes most days and look out at the mountains. In the past I've struggled to take that down time for myself since it's rarely more than a few minutes. Instead of not pausing because I don’t have time to rest for 20-30 minutes, I take what I DO have and savor it. It's been eye-opening how much better I feel just after a few minutes of deep breaths spent looking at the mountains.
What does balance look like for you right now?
Balance looks like not forcing more when I'm pressed for time or overextended. It means saying no more often, and being really present with that I'm doing. I've tried to just focus on one day at a time because otherwise I tend to get overwhelmed with my to-do list. I think of it as meeting myself in the middle. Sometimes my head wants more, but my body needs less. So I meet them in the middle and try to strike a place that feels good. In doing that, I sometimes over- or under-shoot, but it's all part of being imperfect and loving it.
What practices support your sense of balance?
Deep breathing, couch sitting, little pauses throughout the day, telling myself I'm right where I need to be. Having a little person around really helps me to see what matters, and what I can let go of. He's been a great teacher to help me develop more patience and to really live and indulge in the present.
What’s one gesture toward center you’d invite everyone reading to partake with you today?
Take a pause somewhere you feel grounded. Take a couple deep breaths, close your eyes, and tell yourself that you are doing great!
Stephanie Howe is a professional trail and ultra runner, PhD in Nutrition & Exercise Physiology, and longtime Athletes for Yoga Pro. Connect with Steph and learn more about her nutrition and run coaching at stephaniemariehowe.com, and be inspired by her adventures on Instagram.