calla kessler

My cup runneth…and so do I! NYC Marathon FINISHER✅ first marathon, my first World Major, my longest run ever… Umm I was told it would be hard but nobody warned me it was going to be THAT hard, like wtf? Harder than any of my long runs in training, the most painful physical act of my life. I feel like I just gave birth to a new me 👩‍🍼 The gestation of this feat changed my life. The amount of discipline it took to never miss a long run, even if I was exhausted, even if I was alone, even if I was out of town… I showed up. I hammered it out. I learned how to feed myself. This sounds ridiculous but I was once president of the girl dinner association. That came to a screeching halt. I had to get my nutrition and calorie intake right to feed this sexy machine. And did!!! The outpouring of support has been so moving. My mom, her bestie and sister flew here to spectate. My friends hosted a sign-making brunch and gave me much needed energy at mile 23. @recessrunclubnyc inspired me to not only run consistently, but to undertake this challenge in community. @lila_katherine , my ‘coach’ and friend, carried me emotionally through my self-doubt and accompanied me through endless miles this summer when she wasn’t even training. Thank you @newbalancerunning for the opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you @sayskycph for a race fit nobody else was wearing and everyone could easily spot me in. THANK YOU ALL. Back to the run. Don’t be mad at me but I’m a little disappointed in my time. I know I have a faster race in me, I trained so hard for that. Some days you feel strong out the gate and sometimes you don’t. I had faster long runs in my training. Yesterday was a struggle before I hit the halfway point. It’s a privilege to be disappointed in something like this, but just keeping it real. This shit humbled my soul and slaughtered my ego. But it motivates me to chase that PR I know I have in me. Thank you for the love!!! And the attention. I loved that part. GRATEFUL!!!!! photos by @dshif and @itsamechelsie

My creative allegiance is to myself. 🫡

My second Met Gala in the books, photographed for @espn . 💕🌸 Last night was such a moment for me. It was proof I can get to where I want to be without compromising my values or my personality. Proof I can excel at my job dressed to the nines and make it look easy. Proof nothing will stop me from getting into the rooms meant for me. I need to give love to the creative team that brought my look to life. I texted stylist @aliassemakula with 4 days’ notice I needed a gown for the freaking MET. She instantly got down to business and recruited the incredible talent @sho_konishi to create this custom look for me. It was a vision I feel honored to embody. dress: @sho_konishi stylist: @aliassemakula makeup: @okigaljuju hair: @kumi_hair_nyc jewelry: @alexisbittar @jevela bag: @roomshop moral support: @yocyndieee

My love letter to this ancient city. So glad I got to see Athens in this lifetime. 🇬🇷 🍯

To swim in this storied sea was a dream come true. Since the 5th grade, I’ve been a major Greek mythology nerd — so the lore entrenched within these waves drew me in like a strong current. I thought of Poseidon, god of the sea; the Sirens, enchanting sailors with their song; Jason and the Argonauts in pursuit of the Golden Fleece. This cold (it’s early in the season), clear blue water truly renewed my spirit and reminded me the power of storytelling.

High priestess of Athena: goddess of wisdom, enforcer of justice, wielder of righteous fury — born fully realized from the forehead of her father Zeus. 🕊️🦉

I’M SPRUNG ✨🐇🌷

🌸 A very cherry homecoming 🍒 DC was my first big city, where a lil Nebraska girl like me landed her first college internship at the The Washington Post. This city is full of memories for me, both good and bad. But I hold them all closely because they shaped me. It was beautiful to reconnect with this personal history, my lore runs deep. And to do that with my @recessrunclubnyc family by my side (in the shirts I designed!!) — priceless!

Easter Bonnet Parade 2026 👒🐰💖

What choice do we have but to keep Marching on 💐🚶‍♀️🐥

NYC United, my 3rd official half marathon race competed, all within a span of one year. ✅ Running is good for someone like me who has gotten perhaps a little too used to meeting most of my goals with relative ease. It’s called having a Virgo placement in its home planet. But I “fail” over and over in this sport. Runners’ goals are personal, and even though it’s a strong effort objectively — it wasn’t what I set out to do. I’m new to racing, and it turns out not everything can be a PR. I felt this same disappointment after my first marathon, and I was feeling a little down in the dumps about taking two perceived Ls in a row. I understand how ridiculous I sound, btw. Despite the smiling pics, I wasn’t having fun either. And that’s actually a big problem. If it’s not fun, what am I doing this for? You’re not going to the Olympics, babe. Why suffer without pleasure? I’m going back to the drawing board. Not just for physical training, but for an attitude readjustment. Fun has always been a priority for me and it’s time to get back to basics. And then maybe the rest will fall into place. Thanks to my @recessrunclubnyc family for always supporting me and encouraging me throughout this journey — it’s more than the miles. ♥️ Photos by @dshif video by @lexdecoded

How did I do all this in 28 days? Dog show, Norway, Toy Fair, 100 miles running, a handful of social engagements… This definitely has shaped up to be one of my favorite Februarys of my life! I’m tired!!!!