Jessica Reed is the sort of woman who inspires me to become a better person. She’s a dietician, a mom of five kids, a community advocate and a marathon runner.

She’s also the sort of woman who will stand in my kitchen and teach me how to evenly brown ground beef without giggling at my ineptitude.

Jessica took on a major challenge for her 40th birthday: she ran 40 miles in one day while giving out 40 gifts.

In Episode 12 of The Kindness Podcast, Jessica talks about the mindset needed to be kind to ourselves and also the gift she was given when she slipped on her running shoes, determined to connect with her community.

You can listen to Jessica’s story on itunes, google play or NPR.