Good Morning, September
Stopping to pause and appreciate the simple, small moments on the brink of a new season.
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Yesterday, I looked out the window of my hotel room in Chamonix, and saw these three individual green trees twinkling in the sun. They looked like they were doused with tinsel — the kind that we used to use on our Christmas tree when we were kids (and then, find strands around the house until the following December). It was such a small thing to notice, especially amidst the massive landscape, large snow-capped mountains, and streets splattered with runners from around the globe — all in town for a week of UTMB. I watched the branches dance for something like 15 minutes, almost in a meditative state, breathing slowly and listening to the rippling water of The Arve flow below my balcony.
Lately, taking some time to appreciate the small things has felt like a really big thing. A text that comes in from a friend thousands of miles away wishing me luck in a big moment. A snail mail card from another with a photo of her 4-month old. Making time for a quick call to Dad just to say “I love you,” or to connect two people I know that could do great things together.
Especially when life feels extra busy. Especially when my thoughts are scrambled. Especially now that it feels like everyone is returning back to work after a summer of travel and missed emails. It doesn’t take much to come back to self, but it is a conscious effort. In this effort, I’ve realized that there’s more positivity and beauty around me than I took time to seek before; knowing that my energy attracts like energy. That’s the energy I’m starting September with.
A few seconds can change your entire day for the better — if you only slow down and do yourself a favor: Pay attention.
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Gear I’m Loving: Hoka Stinson 7
I’ve been running trails in these this week, and wow. They’re a max cushion option that easily transitions from dirt to road without feeling too clunky — think of it as the Swiss army knife of shoes.
I’m Reading: Should You Be Going to Preventive Physical Therapy? by Natalie for Outside
Just like taking the time to warm-up before a workout, going to physical therapy before you need it (i.e. injury strikes) can feel like a hard routine to adopt. But is it worthwhile? Loved this read from Natalie Arroyo Camacho for Outside.
I’m Watching: The U.S. Open
So excited to get to the courts once I’m back in New York. Can’t make it IRL? I recently interviewed World No. 10 Francis Tiafoe for GQ about his diet and workout habits. Read it, here.
Quote I’m Loving: “You couldn't relive your life, skipping the awful parts, without losing what made it worthwhile.” — Stewart O'Nan
Thanks to Future — a new workout experience that pairs you one-on-one with your own fitness coach — for supporting Hurdle.
What’s the best workout program? One that is custom built just for you. With Future, you’re paired with a coach who will map out a plan based on your goals, with workouts delivered to your phone each week.
Future, your Apple Watch, and the app all pair seamlessly so you and your coach can track your progress, celebrate achievements, and keep you accountable every day. I just started back up with my new coach Brandon, and I really love knowing he’s got my best interest in mind — planning workouts specifically for me (and my body/injury history). He’s so good at following up with me post-sweat, asking how the different movements felt, and communicating to help me get to where I want to be.
Get started right now with your first month absolutely free with the special Hurdle offer. Head on over to TryFuture.com/Hurdle to get the deal today!
NEW PODCAST EPISODE🎧: 264. Jessamyn Stanley, Yoga Teacher & Author
Go to the YouTube comments on yoga instructor Jessamyn Stanley's most recent Gatorade commercial, and there are people from all over the world having a conversation on whether or not she should be moving the way that she does, critiquing her size and clothing options. It's nothing new to Stanley, who — as a "queer, fat, yogi" (her words, not mine) has learned to overlook the hate from others in pursuit of helping individuals everywhere feel more comfortable moving their body.
For episode 264, she talks about the hilarious way she first experienced yoga, and why she decided to start an OnlyFans account to do it naked not all that long ago. Plus: A special conversation on accepting what is, commiserating about our experiences on WW as teenagers, and what it's like to be at the forefront of the body liberation movement.
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.