what is foot notes?
Hate to break it to you sweetheart, but if you’re here thinking you might get some sensual snaps of my feet…well, message me privately and name your price, sir! I jest, I jest. But for those wondering what Foot Notes is, I can tell you that running is a constant. You can do it anywhere, but certain routes map onto your life and, if you’re lucky to run them a dozen times, you start to accumulate memory upon memory, overtaking ghosts of your past on street corners, bridges, and at traffic lights.
You’re either running from or running to something, looking for solace or escape and, if it’s not your profession, grappling with just how much a priority running is in your life. How much time do you give it? From whom or what does it take away?
I couldn’t care less about Strava followings, PBs, or how many marathons you have under your belt. But I do care about those places you return to, those parts of the world you’ve explored on foot, those routes that, to you at least, are sacred; the people they remind you of, and the identities you’ve built or shed along the way.
If you know what I mean when I say there are some routes that bleed memories with each footfall when visited, hello! hi! come out to the party! we’ll get together! have a few laughs!
ok, so when do i receive the good stuff?
Every Sunday - huzzah! Every week, you’ll be treated to a new post, which will typically be a personal essay about a specific run, route, or race, and the larger story connected to it. That said, Foot Notes is for anyone who runs at whatever pace that might be and so there will be interviews, profiles, and podcasts, too. Sometimes, I’ll also speak to experts to share advice, tips, or informed reviews.
how much is a subscription and what do i get?
I know that circumstances change and sometimes that newsletter subscription just isn’t feasible anymore. Trust me, I get it. That’s why I want you to know that there will always be something for you to read on Foot Notes - even as a free subscriber. Once a month, you’ll get a newsletter directly to your inbox. They are normally a long read, so I hope they feel valuable to you. As well as that, you’ll be able to preview my other newsletters when they drop so you can decide if you want to become a paid subscriber when the timing suits.
PAID SUBSCRIBERS $8 A MONTH/$80 A YEAR
Writing is hard. It takes time, and it’s also pretty lonely. Most of my days are spent wrestling with ideas and then staring down a blank word document in fear as I wonder how the heck paragraphs are meant to form, let alone coherent sentences. Not surprisingly, this substack is a labour of love. It is the very antithesis of “content”, and I hope that’s evident in each newsletter.
With that in mind, I really can’t do any of this without your support. All of the writing is done in my own downtime, on top of jobs that pay the bills. Financial support means the world to me, as it grants me that little bit of breathing room to spend a bit more time on the writing rather than all the other admin and jobs I need to do to stay afloat in a world of increasing expenses.
It’s hard to put a value to your work, particularly when you’ve come up in a field that’s increasingly sought to undermine you. But in putting this value to a monthly subscription, know that I also am doing all I can to go above and beyond to make it worthwhile for you. That means organising virtual and in-person meet ups, running events, and various other fun things I hope to bring to you in the future.
As well as that, you’ll get a newsletter every single week, from personal essays and reflections to interviews, expert recommendations, advice, and playlists for that next run. The best part? You’ll be a member of the Foot Notes community, where you can comment on all my pieces, engage with others in conversation, and share what’s on your mind. Think of this as a safe space…like the female club toilets where everyone is crowding around the one stall and someone says, ‘does anyone have any lip balm?’ and a hand extends with a lip balm that is hydrating but not at all sticky and wow, you’ve just become best friends and everyone is talking and listening and giving their opinion but the opinions are solicited and not just thrown at you like the advances of those waiting on the other side of this safe haven. So, yeah. Foot Notes! It’s a good time, I promise!
FOUNDING SUBSCRIBERS $150/year
I also have a limited number of founding memberships available for those incredible people who are too good for this life and want to really root for me and let me worship at your feet (or a shrine, I can definitely build you a shrine). As a founding member you get:
Emails: You’ll be able to email me and I’ll write back with any answers you might have, stories to tell, or advice to impart.
Exclusive invites: For any of the fun stuff like in-person or virtual hangs that have limited capacity, you’ll be the first to know and have first dibs.
Collaboration: If you have ideas for the Substack or want to tell me what you’d like to see more of, you can message me and let me know. I’ll do everything in my power to bring it to life.
My sincere thanks: Just as I couldn’t do this without paid subscribers, the generosity of founding members is truly beyond belief. Know that for your incredible contribution, I am eternally grateful.
Ok, I’m wrapping up now. Any support means the world, and for those with a paid subscription, know that you’re actively supporting me in pursuing this writing thing I love so much. But regardless of which subscription you choose or can afford, know that’s totally fine - I appreciate you reading. And, if you know someone who might benefit from being here, I’d love if you could share Foot Notes with them.
So, now that’s out of the way…
Let me take you on a run.
