This post is a part of the ReadOnTheRun-Uber Talks series in which we will feature strangers that inspire us along our journey. Let's make an effort to be conscious of the people we meet throughout our journeys, spreading the spirit of curiosity, promoting empathy to the journey of others and sharing a bit of ourselves with those around us. Meet Devin! Devin has been driving #Uber for 6 months in Philadelphia, PA. Through the hustle and bustle of traveling through the train station to my hotel (and a pit stop in between) I had the opportunity to learn that he is an avid music lover of all genres. A self-proclaimed "Hip-Hop era" child, he also enjoys Jazz, Electronic, Classical and R&B. As I continued to inquire further about his music interests he quickly began to rattle off a list of musical artist from the coast of California to the deep South and back up to the most popular open mic night on the East Coast. Artists way beyond trending on the top ten. This quickly revealed to me that he was more than a fan. Turns out Devin worked in the the music industry for over a decade. He went to college for his true passion: film making. Subsequently as life naturally progressed, he settled for filming music videos instead, until he gained enough courage to take the leap into film. “Driving Uber can be hard. You just never know the energy of people who you allow in your personal vehicle.” -Devin In a few short weeks Devin will be leaving Philadelphia for California to work on an indie film he was hired to produce...as the feature! Can we say "Hello, big break!"? Well Devin, it was very nice to meet you. You remind us all that we should never give up on our dreams though we must be flexible to the twists, turns and pit stops of life (thank you for stopping so I could grab a much needed decaf, almond milk macchiato with no judgement). Devin we wish you much success and hope to see you in the rolling credits at our next visit to the the movie theater. Keep inspiring those around you. Five star ride! xoxoxoxo, readontherun Thank you for reading this feature. Who has inspired you today? *Names and photos may have been changed to protect the identity of those featured. All stories are actual events.

Covenant House Florida serves runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth under 21 including teen parents and their babies. Each year, they reach hundreds of kids in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando via street outreach, crisis shelters, transitional housing projects, and aftercare, making Covenant House Florida one of the largest private agencies serving runaway and homeless youth in the state of Florida. Since 1985, Covenant House Florida has served over 33,000 youth in the state of Florida. The 5k on A1A (road) is a signature event to raise funds for the care and services offered to homeless youth at Covenant House Florida. Location: The 5k run/walk starts and end at the World Famous Parrot Lounge, located at 911 Sunrise Lane, next to Sunrise Boulevard and A1A. Options: 5K Only Organizational Effectiveness: The volunteers were very accommodating as we arrived a bit late to the race. They registered us quickly with a smile subsequently directing us to the starting line. There were a small group of vendors at the location after the run giving away goodies and fun prizes. It was a very fun affair! Trail/Course info: Runners/walkers head south on A1A to International Swimming Hall Of Fame where they turn around and head north on A1A, passing the finish line on NE 9th. The course features a special loop in front of the Covenant House Florida shelter where residents are outside with signs cheering on the participants. It's a very flat course with officers directing traffic for a smooth, uninterrupted run. WOW factor: The run as an amazing view of the ocean line guaranteed to threaten your best run time so be prepared! Either completely ignore it and make your best finishing time or remember to bring your camera for once in a lifetime views of the sun rise. Would I run it again? So close to Miami, of course! How to register: https://www.covenanthousefl.org/special-events

Grab your green for one of Baltimore's largest and most festive 5Ks! Run through the city and finish at Power Plant Live! for an epic after-party. I did forget my green but I still had a blast! Location: Charles and Mulberry Baltimore, MD US 21201 Options: 5k Only Organizational Effectiveness: It was tough finding the starting line at first. Many runners walked up and down the street socializing until enough of a crows gathered and announcements were being made. There is no registration available on race day. Trail/Course info: The course is flat and narrow. Expect over crowding at pinch points which is going to slow down your finishing time. The views are of refurbished factories and storefronts with artistic character. There was tons of fun at the starting line! Start Line location: Charles and Mulberry Streets, Baltimore, MD. Finish Line location: Power Plant Live!, Baltimore, MD. The USATF-certified 5K course is a point-to-point course. It starts at Charles and Franklin Streets and proceeds south along the parade route to Conway Street, east to Light Street, south to Key Highway to a turnaround point near Jackson Street. Return on Key Highway to go north on Light Street to Pratt Street then to Market Place (left turn). Finish on Market Place between Pratt and Lombard Streets at Power Plant Live. The race course is closed to bikes, skaters and baby joggers/strollers. WOW factor: Under Armour T-shirts! Would I run it again? If I am ever in Baltimore for St. Patrick's day, count me in! How to register: https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/Baltimore/UnderArmourStPatricksDaySha mrock5K?aflt_token=vkmwDmweQ4iCYn8otSOOnKQ3vCO8buOw

Pack efficiently and effectively for a #CrazySexyCool weekend on the go. Those that know me well, know that one of the most tortuous moments of traveling for me is waiting for my bag at the airport baggage claim. It's a whole 45 minutes of my trip that I cannot get back. Secondly, rushing from the plane to the bathroom, then to the carousel is, in my opinion, not the way to begin a relaxing, fun, carefree journey. Also, I like to have my hands free, in other words, not involved in pushing, pulling, rolling or carrying anything. As a result during this #12runsof2018 tour I currently center my packing routine around avoiding such"terrible things". Below you will find what I pack in a nutshell, how I manage to carry it all and how I stay organized between trips. Enjoy! Kiosk Attendant: “Will you be checking any bags today?” Me: "Not in this lifetime." What I pack 1 pair of Nike running shoes 1 pair of flats (usually wearing them to the airport) 1 pair of heels 2 pair of running pants/shorts and tops 1 versatile dress/skirt and jacket 2 pair of jeans and casual tops 1 set of sleepwear 2 pair of socks 1 40 oz Hydro Flask 1 laptop computer and Ipad Beats headphones Why I pack it During this #12runsof2018 tour I an always packing for a race so why I pack the running gear is obvious. While I am in the city I usually spend time sight seeing or meeting up with friends. Depending on the type of establishments we visit jeans and/or a versatile dress will have to do. Those two items are a part of a uniform that you cal pretty much wear anywhere. How I pack it I use a North Face hiking backpack to carry all of the above. If you are not careful the shoes will take up most of the space in the back pack. Therefore I pack my heels, wear the flats to the airport and tie my running shoes to the outside of the bag. Also, my headphones clip to the back of the backpack so I don't have to loose precious space inside the bag for these either. Same goes for my Hydro Flask. How I stay organized As soon as I return home from my trip, I unpack, wash the items then repack for the next trip. I use a checklist to make sure I didn't forget anything. I keep this checklist and goal results for races and trips in my Bestself Journal. It helps me keep all of my many goal organized, tracks my progress and helps me to adjust of I am not meeting my desired results. It's awesome! How do you pack for an active weekend getaway?

Read my review of the Uptown Classic Run in New Orleans, LA benefiting the New Orleans Jewish Community Center. Location: Audubon Park, New Orleans Options: 5k, 1/2 Mile Same day registration available?: Yes Organizational Effectiveness: This race was organized fairly well. This is a timed race with bib chips. All registered participants are timed. The free parking was limited to a space across the street from the event tent, otherwise cars would be towed. Therefore it was hard to see the tent from the parking lot, or even when driving up to the park. We almost thought we had the wrong day the calendar! Once we found the tent, registration was smooth and seamless. The sound system wasn't very clear during announcements so it was hard to hear the race director once all the runners arrived. Trail/Course info: The course is a large (one time) loop around half of the lake located in the park. It's completely flat and paved. The scenery was very pretty and serene with the Fall like foliage on the ground. Large trees shade the rays from the sun and there are no shortage of geese (and poop!) along the trail-your nose will notice them before your eyes see them. There were water stations at mile 1 and 2. Experience: Overall this was a good experience. A downside for me is that the wearing of headphones (or anything that would limit your hearing) is largely discouraged during this run. I love my wireless lightweight Beats headphones and use them to play my race playlist with optimal sound quality which allows be to better pace myself. Therefore, like most of the participants, I wore headphones and just turned down the volume so I could hear what was going on around me. Everyone was nice and friendly. There was a much larger turnout than I expected since this was a park run which was a pleasant surprise. After the run there were unlimited nachos, popcorn, water, soda and other delightful snacks. There were no vendors per se, though the food was sponsored. The race coordinators and volunteers handled giving away all of the food. WOW factor: The peaceful experience of running through the park with fellow runners was the stand-out for me at this race. Most race days are hectic, harsh and jolting but the aura of this run was the exact opposite. Maybe it was the location, the organizers, the participants or all of the above. Whatever it was, worked! Would I run it again? I would run this event again. I assume it's purposely schedule for the week after #mardigras in anticipation of the large crowds throughout the city however I would suggest moving the date to #mardigras weekend. Since the location is well away from Bourbon Street, there may be large increase in participation with little negative impact as a result!! How to register: https://raceroster.com/events/2018/15147/uptown-classic-runwalk Check out @readontherun Instagram for more pics!

Check out photos and information on my #UrbanUltraRun in Dallas, Tx! Location: Trinity River-Green Belt Park (less than a 30 minute walk from Downtown Dallas) Options: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon and 500K Organizational Effectiveness: This race was well organized. The race bib numbers contained timing chips so all runners had the option of published times. The organizers offered same day registration however those that registered on race day did not receive a t-shirt or medal. There were a sufficient number of porta-potties for the crowd. However, in my experience, unlike other races of this size there were no vendor tents/sponsors on site giving out free stuff. There may have been a few food trucks however they weren't very prominent. The organizers did offer water to the runners during and after the race. Trail/Course info: The 5K is a 2x loop around the Trinity River pond. The course is predominantly flat paved road, excluding a 75 meter long hill about 1.5 miles into the run from the starting line. Keep in mind that this means, as a participant, climbing that hill both half way into the run and at the end of the run just before the .1 mile trek to the finish line. There is also a short portion of the trail made of gravel. A down side is that there were no mile markers on the trail. I am assuming this is because the total distance was a repeated loop. Experience: Overall, in my opinion, I had a great experience. This race begins a 5:30pm in the evening so losing the traditional early start time was a great call by the organizers. Most of the runners were Dallas natives, very welcoming and excited to be there. Almost all participants attempted to run a portion of the race; In other words, there were very few walkers. The weather was incredibly comfortable for a run this time of year. There was a cool breeze so spectators will need a jacket however runners will quickly warm up once the race begins. An upside to this event taking place in a park is that there is no need to block off streets therefore dodging unruly vehicles aren't a distraction. WOW factor: Free glow sticks were given to all registered guests. The race starting time is set so the runners can enjoy the scenery of the park/lake as the sun goes down over the Dallas skyline. Once the sun goes down, the glow sticks light up the night. Would I run it again? I would definitely run this race again if I am ever in the Dallas area around this time of year again. How to register: https://www.ultraexpeditions.com/theurbanultradallas Pictures from the run: Check out @readontherun Instagram for more pics!

Those of us that have traveled anywhere by plane, car, boat or bike (just about any way possible) are familiar with the slow creep of dehydration due to a busy itinerary. Here is how I handle that beast. Staying hydrated is important for general health, and affects performance if you plan to participate in any activities while traveling (like running a race!). Throughout my travels I have managed to accumulate a few tips that help me stay hydrated and perform at my peak (which in no way is at "climbing Mount Everest" levels, just sayin'). 1.) Avoiding Caffeine I am a coffee drinker, not because I need the caffeine but because I love the "experience" of drinking coffee (more on that in another post). Therefore I can go without the caffeine with no qualms. Since caffeine is a mild diuretric (increasing the passing of urine), when I travel I replace my morning cup of Joe with herbal tea; Peppermint usually. Though some academic studies show that moderate amounts of caffeine may not contribute to dehydration, most studies advocate for the opposite therefore I don't want to take any chances. 2.) Making my morning hot drink a Venti When drinking herbal tea I always request the largest cup available. This allows me to get as much water in my body as possible while enjoying my daily hot drink. A #Starbucks Venti cup is 20 oz (perfect, only 44 more ounces to go and it's only 7am!). 3.) Carrying a Canteen (or a flask-no judgement) Obviously if you choose to carry a Flask, I would suggest to fill it with water. I carry a 40 oz Hydro Flask along with me almost daily. I set a goal of managing to fill and drink water from it twice a day (80 oz). Carrying this along when traveling makes it easier to have access to water without having to purchase a plastic bottle whenever I get thirsty. 4.) Eating foods high in water content Watermelon, cucumber, celery, tomato, green peppers, strawberries, broccoli, grapefruit and cantaloupe are all high in water content. Go #HAM!

Read my review of the annual charity run, honoring Sgt. Keith Ferguson, across the Brooklyn Bridge. Proceeds provide three endowments at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and award scholarships to children of NYPD officers. Location: Begins at the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge, City Hall Park-Broadway & Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007 Options: 5k Same day registration: Yes Organizational Effectiveness: This race was impressively organized though a bit hard to find. Since we were from out of town and our Uber driver didn't know the area too well we arrived a bit late to registration. There is no actual address on the website so the Uber driver couldn't put an exact location in his GPS. We were dropped off at the park and then asked other runners (with bib numbers) for the direction toward the registration table. Once we arrived the organizers/volunteers were pleasant and helped us along the way. Trail/Course info: This run was an "out-and-back" race over the Brooklyn Bridge. There is a climb uphill (long slow low incline) at both ends of the bridge. Please prepare for these long slow inclines. Since you are reading this it won't completely catch you off guard like myself. The trial is a mix of paved cement and "boardwalk-like" planks. Experience: Before the race began, there was a moment of silence where we honored Sgt. Keith Ferguson followed by an impressive display of officers in uniform. Some mounted on horses and others standing in formation at the starting line. Both the United States National Anthem and the Black/African-American National Anthem was sang before runners took their marks. As with most runs of this size, it begins a bit cramped so expect to loose a few minutes off of your best time navigating through the crowd until you can open your stride. Unless, of course, you begin at the front of the line with the professionals- in that case you can run free and wild! Once on the bridge the views were some of the most breathtaking and spectacular that I have seen, in person, of New York City. I also lost a few minutes of my time by stopping on the bridge just to take in the scenery. Participants were very cheerful and friendly. There were a considerable amount of walkers. WOW factor: A rare chance to race over the Brooklyn Bridge, one of New York's most popular tourist sites. Would I run it again? I actually will run this race again! It's a stop on the #12runof2018 tour. Can't wait! Will I see you there? How to register: http://www.keithsrace.org Check out @readontherun Instagram for more pics!

This post is a part of the ReadOnTheRun-Uber Talks series in which we will feature strangers that inspire us along our journey. Let's make an effort to be conscious of the people we meet throughout our journeys, spreading the spirit of curiosity, promoting empathy to the journey of others and sharing a bit of ourselves with those around us. Meet Sarawut! Sarawut and I met during our travels in Thailand three years ago. He obviously does not drive an Uber but close. He is a boat captain of sorts. Sarawut is not his real name (yes this is a real picture of him). I've taken the liberty of naming him Sarawut for two reasons: one, I don't speak Thai therefore I didn't catch his real name upon entering his boat; Secondly, Sarawut is a really popular name in Thailand and I figured there was at least a 25% chance (stat may be a bit high) that it's actually his real name. I have featured Sarawut here because though I don't speak Thai, I believe the spirit speaks a common language. Being in his presence was inspiring and fulfilling to the soul. To be clear Sarawut wasn't the tour guide, he drove the boat. Once in the boat I just knew I had to meet him. He took us on a tour of "old Bangkok" through the Chao Phraya River (If you are ever in #Thailand #Bangkok I would highly suggest this tour). As we sailed along the river past broken down homes, destroyed ports, and dilapidated business, Sarawut's spirit was calm, serene and grateful. Along the way we stopped in order to wave to families living on the river in this abandoned part of Bangkok. Some were eating dinner in a dining area completely exposed to the elements due to entire walls crumbling, others waved to us with bare feet walking along the muddy banks as they soothed the crying baby in their arms. Everyone offering a smile and open welcoming arms. Despite there being a natural beauty to the scenery and a pleasant nostalgic aura, Sarawut added food to the soul. A piece of humble pie, if you will. And a peace sign for all of his "friends back in America" (per the tour guide's translation). Sarawut thank you for reminding us that our circumstance does not have to dictate our peace; For subtly resurrecting our learnings of gratitude, as well as evoking the spirit of joy, appreciation and contentment. Lastly, for again showing us that ones spirit reflects their inner-self to the outside world. Yours, my friend, is very beautiful. xoxoxox, readontherun Thank you for reading this feature. Who has inspired you today? *Names and photos may have been changed to protect the identity of those featured. All stories are actual events.