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Presented by Bandit:
Over the last few years, I’ve navigated my fair share of injuries. It started with a strained psoas in 2021, which caused me to pull out of the London Marathon with about a month to go. That experience was utterly devastating, as the injury occurred during my final long run. On Sunday after the run, I woke up and felt like I’d done a gazillion crunches. When I went for a shakeout the following Monday, I felt an odd strain in my lower abdomen. That strain got worse as I ran. So, I stopped, went to see my physical therapist at Motiv, and within a few days knew that I was down for the count.
Was it easy to call an audible on the marathon? Hell no. It was completely disheartening. I had put in so much work. Do I understand why folks want to push through discomfort? Sure. But, I knew that doing so could put me in a bad place in the long term. It was this experience that taught my my golden rule: If running makes something hurt more, then it’s a no.
Over time, that injury healed. Instead of running the marathon, I decided to travel to Italy (not a bad alternative). I gave myself grace, and within a few months I was back to running. And then, 2022 hit, and so did plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis was something I struggled with while training for London in 2022. It wasn’t ideal, but running didn’t necessarily make it feel worse. Still, at times the foot pain was debilitating, and I remember laying in my bed the night before the race wondering if it would be the thing that took me off the course the following day.
Fast forward: I completed the marathon, had a blast, and spent a majority of the rest of 2022 rehabbing my plantar through physical therapy, working with a podiatrist, and acupuncture. Because of that dedication to my own recovery, I ran Berlin in September 2023, recovered well, and ultimately conquered my first ultra a month or so later.
Which brings us to the now: Knee tendonitis. Caused by a compensation from navigating foot pain on the opposite side of my body, I’m grateful that I’ve been able to work through it over the past 16 weeks with the help of my team. Nine days out from the Tokyo Marathon, I’m feeling mostly unfazed. I’ve had moments during this training cycle where my knee really acted up, encouraging me to hit the bike instead of the streets.
TLDR: Throughout all of these injuries, I’ve learned a lot. The biggest two lessons:
You have to think long term. I know what I want. I want to be able to move freely for the rest of my life. Period. That means that I may have to change my plans from time to time to work with my body. That doesn’t mean that the unanticipated isn’t frustrating. However, I know that I have the strength to handle it.
There’s opportunity in every setback. Again. I know it’s hard to embrace a growth mindset when a situation isn’t how you’d hoped. But, what could happen if you reframe a less-than-ideal moment into working for you. My injuries have opened up unexpected doors for me, empowered me to try new things, and ultimately have made me a stronger, more resilient person (and athlete). And for that? I’m grateful.
TELL ME: Have you ever dealt with injury? What did you learn in the process?
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: Mel Robbins on Making Space with Hoda Kotb
Listened to this while I was getting my nails done yesterday (well, during part of that experience. If only a manicure/pedicure took 47 minutes instead of 2 hours). Really love Mel’s sentiments on her 5-minute rule that helps with productivity and purpose. Her POV: We all have the exact same purpose — to share our authentic story. Makes the whole world feel a bit more in community.
I’m Watching: Love is Blind on Netflix
Did I download the newest three episodes moments before hopping on a 16-hour flight? Yes, yes I did.
Gear I’m Loving: Garmin Forerunner 165
This new watch from Garmin is perfect for an entry-level user. With 11 hours of battery life and 20+ different sport modes, it’s a really great option for anyone that’s been thinking of taking the leap into a GPS watch.
Prompt I’m Loving: What’s one thing you’d like to thank your younger self for?
Quote I’m Loving: “Self-care is how you take your power back.” — Lalah Delia
Thanks to Bandit — a Brooklyn-based apparel brand — for supporting Hurdle.
Bandit’s new Spring Collection was just released last week and it’s … insane. The colors are stunning (the deep cherry is my favorite), their new ribbed compression tops and bottoms are stunners, and they came out with a brand new perforated short fabric that has to be the lightest pair I own.
Go check out the collection now, as things on Bandit tend to go very quick. Also while you’re at it, follow their Instagram for updates on re-stocks and events they have coming up this Spring. Use code HURDLER15 for 15% off your first Bandit order — in store and online at BanditRunning.com through April 16.
Last week, I had the opportunity to go to San Francisco to offer a keynote at Athleta's corporate conference, Athleta Quest. During that week, I had the chance to sit down with WNBA star and member of Athleta’s Power of She Collective Monique Billings. We got to chat about her exciting news about coming home to play for the LA Sparks (previously with the Atlanta Dream), how she stepped into basketball at young age, and how she has made a very international effort to not let sport define her. Monique shares what keeps her grounded and offers up solid advice on how to cultivate a positive inner dialogue.
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.