Giveaway Winners, A New Newsletter Format & A Few Updates
You're going to want to open this one.
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Presented by CamelBak:
Today, you’ll notice a new format to the newsletter. Every Friday morning, I’m going to add a gear review and round-up of my “favorite things” here. These articles in full will drop in full earlier in the week on the Hurdle blog. Comment below if you’re into the new format, and also feel free to let me know what round-ups/gear spotlights you’d like to see in the future.
GEAR REVIEW OF THE WEEK
Core by Hyperice Meditation Trainer (Buy it for $179)
I’ve never felt like I was stellar at meditating. I know. There is no way to "meditate wrong,” — right Andy Puddicombe? (Listen to the Headspace founder’s top meditation tips, here.) But trying to do it first thing in the day was always a big hurdle for me — as I almost immediately sat down on my cushion and began to-do listing every time. Needless to say, I was excited to get my hands on a tool that can help me stick with my practice.
The way that it works: This small sphere device vibrates to cue the holder to inhale and exhale in harmony with a meditation that plays from the accompanying app on your device. While doing this, Core also takes in information on your biomarkers, gathered by your hands holding the device sensors. Once your session is done, you can see what was going on with your heart rate and HRV, plus it gives you a helpful calm and focus score.
EMILY’S FAVORITE THINGS: Super Shoes
Before I give some insight into my go-to kicks, I want to outline what makes a shoe a “super shoe.” Introduced first in 2016, the archetype of a super shoe is a high stack height with a carbon plate in the midsole. The plate’s often crafted in a scoop shape, which helps to enhance performance and propel the wearer forward, assisting with energy return every time their foot makes contact with the ground. Because they help runners pick up the pace, these shoes are often used for racing and some have a shorter shelf life than your typical sneaker. (Read about how to know when to replace your sneakers here.)
One more question to tackle before I highlight a few of my favorites: If I adore the feeling of super shoes, can I just wear them all the time? Well, not exactly. Even if you did have the cash to throw regularly at super shoes (costing on average between $200 and $250), wearing them day-in and day-out can lead you to injury. The fast whipping that comes with each stride has potential to stress tendons and ligaments beyond what they’re used. In fact, wearing any shoe too often can result in some ouch. Research published in 2013 found that runners who split their mileage among at least two different pairs of sneakers had 39 percent fewer injuries than those who did most of their running in the same pair.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: “No More Bad Days” from Radio Headspace
Lately, I’ve really been working to accept things as they are — not how they wish they could be. This podcast presents a smart question for those struggling to do the same: Did you really have a bad day, or did you have a bad moment that clouded everything else? Fact is: If we’re not careful, that bad “day” can creep into a bad week, or month, or year. This is a helpful listen to shift perspective.
I’m Reading: The Brooklyn Nobody Knows
A little hyperlocal, sure, but I’m learning so much about my new neighborhood thanks to this pick I grabbed a couple weeks back at McNally Jackson. If you’re a New Yorker, it’s a good one to keep around. (Whether or not you actually live in BK, it’ll inspire you to go do a little exploring.)
I’m Watching: Untold Breaking Point on Netflix
Untold is a documentary collection of five “story behind the story” looks at compelling chapters from the world of sports. This one piqued my interest after watching Naomi Osaka’s. It’s about tennis player Mardy Fish, and the mental health challenges that changed his life on and off the court.
A Quote That Resonated With Me: “Enthusiasm is more important than innate ability, it turns out, because the single more important element in developing an expertise is your willingness to practice.” — Gretchen Rubin, The Happiness Project (Gretchen will be Monday’s episode of Hurdle. I cannot *wait* to bring you this special conversation.)
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: #HURDLEMOMENT: How to Set Boundaries (& Keep Them) With Self-Healing Expert Yasmine Cheyenne
I needed this conversation. My hope is that maybe you do, too. This week I chatted with Yasmine Cheyenne, a teacher and advocate for mental health and spiritual wellness as well as host of The Sugar Jar Podcast. We're connecting on all things boundaries: what are they, how to set them, how to not feel guilty about having them, and how to have productive conversations about them.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: 175. Adrian Williams, Peloton Instructor
I was beyond excited to kickstart a new season of the show with Adrian Williams, Peloton instructor and all-around wonderful human. For episode 175, we learn all about his backstory. Born and raised in the Bronx, Adrian tells me about the two distinct #hurdlemoments that shaped him into the man he is today, dealing with devastating loss. We rap about the importance of family, movement, and therapy — all critical tools in his toolbox so that he can regularly show up for millions of members in the Peloton community.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: BONUS EPISODE: Emily Answers Your Listener Questions
What do I do to manage burnout? How do I know whether to keep pushing or take a rest from my weekly workout routine? What do you see when ~you~ look in the mirror? So many great questions have been coming in recently from the Hurdle community, and I answered them in a special season premiere week bonus episode! Want to ask me a new question? Leave a voice message, and I'll tackle it in an upcoming episode!
SOME LOVE FOR THE SHOW’S SPONSORS
WELCOME CAMELBAK!
CamelBak recently came on as the newest sponsor of the show, and I’m so excited to share my excitement for the brand with all of you. I live every single day with their Eddy bottle right by my side. I’m obsessed with its bite valve, which makes me ~feel~ as though it’s easier to get in my H20 during the day. They’ve got a ton of different styles for every occasion — from the Carry Cap 64-ounce bottle to the Horizon 16-ounce tumbler (perfect for my morning coffee walk). CamelBak is offering Hurdle listeners 25 percent off of a custom order. Simply use “HURDLE25” at CamelBak.com/Custom.
LMNT
LMNT has been — without a doubt — one of my favorite things that I’ve added into my marathon training within the last couple years. As a salty sweater, the salty sip is the perfect compliment to my sweatiest activities. And it’s great — not just because it tastes good — but because it helps me replace essential electrolytes that are lost during my favorite activities that are critical for optimal performance. Their deal for the Hurdle audience? Snag a free LMNT sample pack at DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle, and pay just $5 shipping. (Veteran tip: The watermelon salt is also great for margaritas.)
INSIDETRACKER
Through their patented analysis of your blood, DNA, and lifestyle, InsideTracker has created a science-backed action plan to help you reach your potential for better-than-ever performance and a longer, healthier life. Paired with the helpful app, one-of-a-kind insights have helped me make smarter choices for my body — from how I fuel to the way I move. Get 25 percent off the entire InsideTracker store by going to InsideTracker.com/Hurdle.
BARONFIG
I have Baronfig notebooks in every single room in my house, which I use at different points of each and every day. Maybe this reveals my true nerdiness, but I adore their lay-flat, clothbound style. They’ve got different sizes depending on your preference, as well as a slew of different go-to “tools for thinkers” (they’re wording!) including sleek pens, desk organizers, and travel cases. Head on over to Baronfig.com/Hurdle and use “HURDLE21” to get 20 percent off your order of $25 or more.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEWLY ANNOUNCED: THE HURDLE MEMBERSHIP
For all details, click here. (Feel free to comment below with any questions!)
SUBSCRIBE to the Hurdle SMS by texting "WELCOME" to 732-HURDLER, or (732) 487-3537!
JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP
GIVEAWAY WINNERS!
Thanks so all who entered the season 7 giveaway! The winners are:
Inside Tracker Ultimate Plan: @kmcnally12
Athletic Greens: @littlerunnerkat
Tracksmith gift card: @ginamchi
Goodr sunglasses: @tayloredfitness, @alexakinney
Revtown denim: @db_meganremy
30-minute one-on-one chat: @smithson_chelsea
Make sure to email hello@hurdle.us to claim your prize!