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Presented by LMNT:
A few days ago this mantra came to me as I was sitting at my desk. I was fresh off of a 7:20 a.m. interview with Allyson Felix for my second (!!) item for Marie Claire, and the day already felt heavy. My anxiety was brewing. I felt my pulse quickening and the sweat forming at the base of my low bun. I closed my eyes, and these words bubbled up.
I’m made for this moment.
I’ve never used this particular mantra before, but it felt (and still feels) so right as I’m navigating a hectic schedule before taking off for Paris early next week. There, things are going to be a lot of both. Busy and exciting. Hectic and fun. Both can feel overwhelming, but also manageable.
After repeating it a few times, I went into my “I am” statements. The “I am” statements are things I know to be true that help to fight back against the “oh my gosh I’m so overwhelmed” gremlin. On this day, my statements looked like this:
I am good at executing my to-do list.
I am organized.
I am ready for the next I have at 11 a.m.
I am confident in my ability to write this article.
I am safe.
… and so on. I lean into the “I am” statements tool whenever I need to combat overwhelm, whether it involves me standing on a stage in front of a large group of people or simply garnering the courage to tackle the next thing on my to-do list.
Is it natural to feel overwhelmed when stress adds up and the to-do list gets long? Of course. But in these instances, I remind myself that I have the tools necessary to come back to calm, respond instead of react, and move forward.
So tell me: What tools do you use when you’re feeling overwhelmed?
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: The Happiness Lab With Dr. Laurie Santos
Found this on my discover page earlier this week, and really enjoyed the latest episode on “The Happiness of a Long Distance Runner” featuring Georgia Bell.
I’m Watching: Opening Ceremonies on Peacock
Over a billion people across the globe are expected to tune in today as Olympic athletes sail down the Seine in Paris, according to NBC. The network will have 40 cameras capturing the action in Paris, and live coverage begins at noon ET — broadcast on TV and streamed in digital format on NBC, Peacock, and NBC Olympics. A complete schedule of the events over the next two weeks can be found here.
I’ll Be: Hosting a Group Run In Paris On August 1
Come join me, heading out from Athleta’s Marais District hub! Shoot me a message by clicking the button below if you’ll be local, would love to send over details.
I’m Reading: Write Yourself Out of a Corner by Alice LaPlante
OK, so I’m reading this and writing to go along with it. I wanted to start doing some writing beyond journaling, and stumbled upon this book at my local Books Are Magic. Featuring 100 different writing exercises, I find doing one of them a nice way to unwind at the end of the day while flexing my creative muscles.
Prompt I’m loving: What’s a mantra that you keep coming back to?
Quote I’m Loving: “Look at me first as a person, and try to see my chair second.” — Dana Mathewson, current No. 1 ranked wheelchair tennis player in the U.S. and soon-to-be three-time Paralympian, coming to Hurdle in August
Thanks to LMNT — an electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don't — for supporting Hurdle.
Gotta give some love to LMNT, zero-sugar hydration to support your active lifestyle. I’m a salty sweater (cute, I know). These electrolytes are my go-to to perform better. I like them not just because they taste great (the watermelon salt is my favorite as of late), but they’re also without artificial ingredients, sugar, and coloring. With LMNT, you can:
☀️ Kickstart your mornings
💪 Fuel workouts and improve recovery
They’ve got a flavor for every taste (my personal go-tos are grapefruit and watermelon). Head to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle to get a FREE LMNT sample pack with drink mix purchase. To claim this deal you must go to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle — no code necessary. While you’re there, check out new LMNT sparkling!
NEW PODCAST EPISODES 🎧
This week on Hurdle, we showcased a special series called GOING FOR IT, featuring women that will be involved in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. The show will be on a season break until August 12, so in the meantime, catch up on the great conversations below:
GOING FOR IT: Becs Gentry On Working With NBC & Running A Once-In-A-Lifetime Marathon
GOING FOR IT: Olympian Regan Smith On Setting World Records In the Pool & Fueling For Gold
HOW CAN I SUPPORT HURDLE?
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.
I love the idea of using more "I am" statements. I need to start doing more of that in my day to day. Something i like to do is employ floor time. I get down onto the ground in my home library and just lay on the rug and focus on my breath. If im feeling overwhelmed when im not at home, i will find the quietest place possible and close my eyes for a few minutes kind of doing a mini brain reset