Be Present, Not Perfect: How Anna Sitar Completed a Long-Distance Triathlon While Planning Her Wedding

What do you do after you've swum 2.4 miles, biked 112 miles, and run a full marathon — all in one day, and in under 13 hours? If you're Anna Sitar, you dive right into wedding planning.

Anna, a content creator and influencer with over 13 million followers on TikTok and Instagram, tackled her first long-distance triathlon in Copenhagen on August 17, 2026. Months prior, in April, her fiancé Josh "Bru" Brubaker had proposed. So, while logging those hefty training miles together, she was also answering calls from venues and coordinating with vendors.

Many of us struggle just to manage a regular week. So how does she pull it off? The answer lies in a piece of advice she received at her race bib pickup — a philosophy that transformed her approach entirely.

The One Piece of Advice That Changed Everything

While collecting her race number before the triathlon, Anna encountered a dad and his daughter, who recognized her. Upon learning that he had completed four long-distance triathlons, she eagerly asked for last-minute wisdom. His advice was refreshingly simple.

"At no point during the day should you be thinking about what's coming next. You should be focusing on what you're doing at this moment."

That's it. No complicated strategies. Just: be here, right now. For Anna, this advice resonated deeply. "Now that the race is over, I'm trying to embrace that more in my everyday life," she shares. This shift from obsessively planning ahead to simply being present has positively influenced her training, content creation, and the delightful chaos of planning her wedding.

This perspective stands out in a wellness culture that often values relentless productivity over balance.

Why Presence Beats Performance Metrics

Running culture often feels dominated by numbers: pace per mile, heart rate zones, and finish times. For many beginners, this intense focus on metrics can make running seem unattainable. Anna rejects that mindset entirely.

"I think the greatest accomplishment is finishing a race at all," she emphasizes. This isn't just a consolation prize mentality — it's a refreshing reframe. When your primary aim is to show up and finish, it diminishes the psychological barriers that often prevent many from even starting. You stop waiting to be "fast enough" and begin moving in the present.

This philosophy inspired her to create the Happy Pace Run Club on Substack in January 2026: a community focused on genuinely enjoying running rather than stressing over times. The goal is simple — connect with fellow runners who share your joy, not just your pace.

During races, Anna often forgoes headphones. Even on long-distance triathlon courses where headphones are banned, she's found that racing without them allows her to engage more with others. "I can cheer, talk, and encourage other people," she explains. This approach turns running into a collaborative experience rather than isolating it within her playlist.

The Playlist That Makes Her Feel Unstoppable

When it comes to motivational tunes, Anna doesn't stick to the standard hip-hop or EDM. She boldly embraces Disney classics. "Go The Distance" from Hercules and "I'll Make a Man Out of You" from Mulan are some of her favorites.

The Mulan track has become a viral sensation on TikTok, appearing in uplifting reels that celebrate talented women in sports. "It makes me feel so strong and powerful," Anna shares. This playful spirit is more than just entertaining — it enhances performance. When your warm-up playlist feels joyful rather than obligatory, you're more likely to get moving. Sitar's unique choices aren't quirky; they are smart strategies for sustainability in training.

Marathon Training Through Life's Biggest Transitions

Since December 2024, Anna has completed four marathons, including the Los Angeles Marathon in March 2026. She's currently prepping for the Long Beach Half Marathon in October — all while managing wedding plans. Anna sees a clear connection between racing and wedding planning.

"When you're running a race, everyone is cheering for you and excited for your accomplishment. It feels the same while planning my wedding, which truly is a blessing."

Both endeavors require extensive planning, attention to detail, and a support network lifting you toward one significant day. The community that makes racing manageable — friends at the finish line and training partners — reflects the same energy needed for major life changes. It's a valuable insight for anyone navigating a big transition: you don't have to earn support before you ask for it. Your friends want to cheer for you. Let them.

Practical Strategies: Fueling, Recovery, and Breaking Out of Slumps

Anna's no-fuss approach to race prep is refreshingly straightforward. The evening prior to a long event calls for a substantial spaghetti dinner. Race day starts with toast and oatmeal. "Got to get those carbs in!" she exclaims, radiating the enthusiasm you'd expect from someone who has accomplished this multiple times.

What surprised her most was the recovery process. After finishing a long-distance triathlon — a true test of endurance — she was back on her feet the following day, enjoying a family stroll and shopping outing. Her analogy is memorable: "You know how people say you forget how tough childbirth is? That's how I felt after the race." For recovery, Anna relies on magnesium citrate supplements, which help alleviate inflammation and improve circulation after intense training.

Getting Out of a Running Slump

Even at her level, Anna faces slumps. Here's how she pulls through:

• Walk the planned distance instead of running. This eases the pressure while keeping the habit alive.
• Switch modalities. Try Pilates or swimming. Movement is movement.
• Remember why it works. "Whenever I hit a slump, whether creatively or otherwise, movement helps clear my mind," she notes.

You don't need to stick rigidly to running; movement alone can help you break mental barriers. If you're feeling stuck, don't force a specific activity — just move. Anna encourages beginners to start with comfort rather than performance. "Running can feel intimidating, especially when asking questions like, 'What do I wear? What if I'm not fast enough?'" Begin with what makes your body feel good so you'll come back for more.

Managing Overwhelm Without Losing Yourself

Anna is open about her tendency to plan ahead. "I'm someone who's always five steps ahead to feel in control," she admits. Her morning ritual serves as her foundation. After coffee and breakfast, she enjoys a chat with her fiancé before the day begins. "It feels like my morning journal, where I share my thoughts and feelings and he shares his before we start the day." No fancy apps or productivity hacks needed — just intentional conversation to center herself.

The Power of Private Processing

Anna insightfully discusses her relationship with content. When feeling overwhelmed, she often creates a video to sort through her emotions — but she doesn't always post it. "Once you share it, others may feel entitled to comment on your thoughts," she explains, "and sometimes, I just don't need that." There's immense value in processing your feelings without the immediate need to share them. Some moments are sacred and should remain just yours.

Joy as a North Star

When asked what brings her the most joy these days, Anna's response isn't tied to a race time or a follower milestone. It's about being present. "The moments I feel most connected to myself are when I'm focused on what's happening right now." And if she could give advice to her younger self? Two key reminders:

1. "You're doing a good job. Don't worry so much."
2. "Create what brings you joy."

This second piece has become her guiding principle. Sharing what genuinely delights her — whether it's Disney songs, running clubs, or finisher medals — connects her with people who feel the same. The community built around authentic joy is far more resilient than one based solely on performance.

Key Takeaways

• Presence over planning. The most impactful mindset change is committing to the current moment.
• Comfort enables consistency. Whether it's shoes or pace, prioritizing how your body feels keeps you coming back.
• Joy is a legitimate measure. Finishing matters. Showing up counts. Enjoyment is essential.
• Movement solves more than fitness issues. It can also alleviate creative slumps, emotional strife, and stress.
• Community amplifies everything. Whether it's races or weddings, big goals are better with support and encouragement.

Your Move

You don't need to be training for a long-distance triathlon to embrace this approach. Start small. This week: do one movement session without tracking your pace or using an app — just focus on how your body feels. This month: find one community, online or in-person, that celebrates joy over competition. Ongoing: incorporate one grounding ritual into your mornings, even if it's simply enjoying five minutes of coffee and conversation before diving into your day.

And the next time your to-do list feels overwhelming — from wedding plans to training schedules — remember that wise stranger's advice from the triathlon bib pickup line:

Don't worry about what's coming next. Focus on what you're doing right now. That's enough.

Source: Bustle — Anna Sitar Wellness Routine