Do Me a Favor?
Plus: Three things I wish I knew before my first marathon.
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Presented by Bandit:
Before I get into the ~intended~ topic of this week’s newsletter, I have a question for you: What do you want? What is it that you like about the Weekly Hurdle, and what do you seek more of? Week after week as I sit down to pen (tap?) the newsletter, my goals are two-fold: Two be authentic for you, the reader, and also be useful. It would mean the world to me, as a regular reader, if you could tap the little button below this blurb and let me know that you’re digging the content + what we can bring you in the future!
OK! Thank you! So, I’m writing this on the plane over to Los Angeles, where I’m heading to support the team of hurdlers we have running the marathon this coming Sunday. Team Hurdle started out in LA last year, and this year’s squad consists mostly of first-time marathoners. Special, for sure, because you never forget your first. Plus, candidly, running my first marathon forever changed my outlook on what I’m capable of and fostered a confidence in me that's critical to all aspects of my life. For this week’s newsletter, three things I wish I knew before running my inaugural 26.2:
Walking is allowed: The mantra that got me through my 13th marathon two weeks ago is really relevant here — forward is a pace. Just because you’re running a marathon doesn’t mean that you can’t walk — period. I remember feeling like I was doing something “wrong” when I felt like I needed to walk (and have felt that way during many, many runs since). That’s just not true. Walk whenever you need to, you’re not alone in that.
It’s meant to be hard: Yes, I think it’s obvious that a marathon is a hard thing. But, we’re so inundated with the good things about running on social media — successful workouts, new personal bests — that oftentimes it’s not top-of-mind that the act in itself can be super challenging. There’s a reason why less than 1 percent of the global population has done this thing: It’s not easy! So be proud of yourself for showing up and remind yourself that MOST people will never even begin. When it feels like you can’t go any farther, know that you are in charge of how you respond to your thoughts, and everyone around you is thinking to same thing. Forward is a pace.
Your life will never be the same: I meant what I wrote above. Holistically, running has changed me for the better and empowered me to do things and enter spaces that I never dreamed. So soak it in, and know that this hurdle is going to be the beginning of something special.
TELL THEM: What’s one thing you want to say to the women running this weekend?
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: Gratitude on Apple Music
Got served this playlist last week, and it was a vibe yesterday driving around Los Angeles.
I’m Watching: Love Is Blind Reunion
The amount of times I had to turn away because I felt entirely awkward were too many to count TBH.
Gear I’m Loving: Nike Go Short
I’ll be the first one to say that I slept on these for a long time because the inseam was “too long.” Candidly, I tried them on for the first time this week, and was surprised at not only how comfortable they are but also that the 8-inch inseam doesn’t ~feel~ like an 8-inch inseam (if that makes sense). Not only do they have SIX POCKETS (seriously, one even has a zipper), but they’re figure flattering, no-budge, and definitely going to be in my warm weather rotation. They’re also currently 38% off, so.
Prompt I’m Loving: What’s one thing you want to thank yourself for today?
Quote I’m Loving: “Some people are so much sunshine to the square inch.” — Walt Whitman
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.
Another hurdle, conquered. Last week, I laced up and ran the 2024 Tokyo Marathon — and what a time it was. So many emotions come hand in hand with finishing this major goal, and I'm diving into all of them in today's recap. From how I felt going into the race, to the ins and outs of the course, how I managed to score a bib, and how I felt after my 4:16:00 finish. Plus: The two biggest lessons I walked away with after running all six world marathon majors, and answering the ever-lovely question: "What's next?"
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.
To the hurdlers, I was where you are now a year ago and I can truly say, it was such an incredible experience. As hard as it may be just soak in each moment of this time; before the marathon, during, and after. LA was undeniably harder than I anticipated that said it also taught me the most about myself. This race will transform you in unexpected ways so have an open heart & open mind, and stick to a mantra while on course that pulls you step by step closer to the finish and in case you need one, mine has been “Yes, you can”.
You got this Hurdlers!!!
To the Hurdlers running this weekend: When things get hard (and they will), break it up. Don't think about getting to that finish line, but rather pick out something smaller, more short term. Maybe it's 'get to that next water station' or 'get to the next mile marker' and when you do, SMILE! Physically smiling will help you stay loose and remain proud of what you are accomplishing. At my last marathon, I made an effort to just get to the next mile marker and smile, which felt so much less daunting than the last 6-7 miles I had left in the race. YOU'VE GOT THIS!