Don't Let Anyone Tell You 'A Lot' Is a Bad Thing
To put it eloquently, 'ef that.
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One of my favorite learnings in my adult life has been embracing being “a lot.” For a long, long time — I felt as though I had to dull my shine a bit because it made others uncomfortable. By nature, I’m enthusiastic. Easily excited. I feel just as hard as I work. I remember thinking that, when it came to dating, I was supposed to end up with someone who was a little “less” so that I could “balance out.” In the office — back when I had regular coworkers — I refrained from sharing ideas at times because I didn’t want to come off as overly eager or trump conversations.
And then, one day I woke up and said, f@!k that.
Now, I think a lot is great. Being a lot is an opportunity, and it’s a lot better (IMO) than being a little. By embracing who I really am, I’ve come into some of the most beautiful relationships. I’ve learned a ton about myself. And perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned how to work with my strengths and bold nature to help others.
Whether or not you personally identify with this sentiment, there is one takeaway I want you to walk away with: There is only one you. And when you accept and celebrate all that it is that you are, that’s when you have an opportunity to truly be happy. That work isn’t always something that’s easy. But, it’s worthwhile. Don’t ever let someone make you feel like you have to taper down who you are to fit inside ~their~ box. Trust that the right people in your life will come and stay. And the ones who don’t? It wasn’t meant for you anyway.
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
What I’m Watching: Learning to Drown
I went into a rabbit hole of extreme sports documentaries the other day on YouTube, and stumbled onto this one about accomplished snowboarder Jess Kimura. The 2021 film directed by Ben Knight, is an intimate, touching portrait of her life before and after tragedy. In 2014, Kimura's partner Mark Dickson died unexpectedly in an accident. Watching her strength and determination — it’s truly touching.
What I’m Listening To: How to Take Care of Your Energy in Times of Crisis from Dear Gabby
Dear Gabby, from Gabby Bernstein, offers up real-time coaching and straight talk. In this helpful episode, Gabby talks about how we can stay present with the constant pounding of difficult news cycles and still feel okay.
Gear I’m Loving: New Balance X District Vision FuelCell RC Elite v2
There’s no two-ways about it: This sneaker is fire. I got my hands on an early pair last week, and love both the way it looks (both the all-white and all-black color options are so sleek) and the way it feels. Without a doubt, I’ll be logging a lot of mileage in this one this summer as training ramps up (and dare I say it — wearing it when I run London in October).
What I’m Doing: PQ reps
My life coach introduced this to me a couple weeks ago, and I’ve been really trying to get in a groove of doing them at least three times a day. Essentially, PQ reps are a practice geared toward bettering mental fitness, similar to meditation. During the rep, the goal is to shift as much of your attention as you can to your body and any of your five senses for at least ten seconds.
The one I’ve been focusing in on is touch. I’ll gently rub two fingers together for 1 to 2 minutes, putting my concentration on that feeling sensation (like, down to the ridges in my fingertips) and only that sensation. The goal, by introducing these into my regular routine, is to ultimately find it easier to fend off your inner gremlin (negative self-talk and sabotage) before it can do damage. To read more, check out this helpful Medium article.
Quote I’m Loving: “Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.” - Robin Sharma
Thanks to LMNT — an electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don't — for supporting Hurdle.
Meet LMNT, zero-sugar hydration to support your active lifestyle. I’m the saltiest sweater (cute, I know). These electrolytes have been my go-to recently to perform better. I like them not just because they taste great (the orange salt is my favorite), but they’re also without artificial ingredients, sugar, and coloring. With LMNT, you can:
☀️ Kickstart your mornings
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Head to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle to get a FREE LMNT sample pack, including two citrus, two raspberry, two orange, and two raw unflavored. You only pay $5 for shipping! To claim this deal you must go to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle — no code necessary.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: An Expert Talks Training Based on Menstrual Cycle
Dr. Stacy Sims — a leading researcher and author who specializes in female physiology — joins me this week to talk about training (and performance) and our menstrual cycle. We answer questions like: How does your menstrual cycle impact your training? Why are recoveries typically better during your period? Best-practice for training mid-flow? And — we talk about cycle-syncing workouts and nutrition.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: 199. Kendall Toole, Peloton Instructor
Now THIS is a conversation that’s been a long-time requested from the hurdlers! Welcome Kendall Toole to the Hurdle fam! Of note: We do talk about sensitive topics within this episode including self-harm and depression, as Kendall opens up about her struggles with both OCD and depression through her teenage years.
We talk about the life-changing #hurdlemoment that involved suicidal thoughts, and her choice to moved home from college and seek therapy. She offers a lot of great advice for anyone who is navigating negative self talk, as well as some helpful tips for any ~fellow~ single 30-something woman who may be having a hard time finding happiness single. Overall, this conversation is filled with so much vulnerability and joy — it was definitely worth the wait.
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.
Amen to all of this