How Can You Embrace More Stillness?

Rain delay, #FTW

Welcome back to the Weekly Hurdle! This newsletter is free and will stay free thanks to sponsors and the individuals that opt-in to give. Your support is really appreciated.

Presented by Open:

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Thursday morning was pretty gloomy in New York. I woke up and sauntered over into the living room and toward my Nespresso machine, like I do most days. I turned on the air conditioning, looked toward the window, and saw a gray fog hovering over the tops of the nearest buildings from my apartment in the sky. I walked back into the bedroom, placed my pillows just right then folded my top sheet, and proceeded to tuck the curtains behind their holders to reveal the same dismal view. After checking the weather, I decided to put off my a.m. run for at least an hour. I made a second cup of coffee. I paid bills. I did breath work. 

… And then, I sat in stillness. 

By the time I looked at the clock, 20 minutes had passed. The thought that resonated the loudest from the time sans movement was how content I was to be doing just that. To be entirely present without going anywhere at all. And also: To be motionless in my space. 

Last week, I was filling out a questionnaire that asked me about my biggest accomplishments. There was a point in my life when I would’ve said something like being featured in The New York Times, but — part of that was luck, right? The reality is — it’s this place. This home. This apartment that I call mine that I’ve truly worked tirelessly to maintain, fill with joy, and create a safe space within the I’m-not-entirely-sure-how-many square feet. It’s symbolic of effort. The relentless way that I’ve shown up for myself over the last few years, both personally and ~especially~ professionally, on both the good and bad days.

I resonated some more in that stillness. And then, I smiled.

Something tells me I need more mornings like that.

My thought for you this week: How can you find some more calm? Embrace a little bit more of … nothing at all? And — what are you most proud of? 

Keep hurdling,

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK

I’m Watching: This Video from Duke Coach Kara Lawson
Take a few minutes to watch this today. The takeaways: We are all capable of handling hard well. 

I’m Reading: State Change by Robin Berzin
From Chelsey: “Robin was on the show not all that long ago, and I just got around to reading her book State Change while at my family cabin in northern Minnesota. Wow. Robin breaks each chapter into digestible components of what we can do for our health both physically and mentally to accomplish a state change, or — in other words — a transformation to higher levels of mental focus, emotional stability, and flow. For anyone that's looking to elevate a new baseline of energy, focus, and calm — this one is for you.”

I’m Listening To: Are You Happy Now? by Jensen McRae
I found Jensen this week when one of her songs was on a show I was watching. This album, which is her debut, is a whole vibe.

I’m Eating: Plumcots
I know, not our usual category here, but I discovered Plumcots at my Trader Joe’s last week and I’m kind of geeked. They’re a stone fruit, kind of with a more firm plum texture, and come in a few different styles: red-skinned/red-fleshed, green-skin/yellow-fleshed, or purple-skinned/orange-fleshed.

Quote I’m Loving: “I hope you trust the timing of your life, and that you follow your own path without worrying so much about what everyone else is doing or how fast you think they are moving.” — Colleen George

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Thanks to my friends at Open for sponsoring this week’s newsletter.

Open is a digital mindfulness platform combining breathwork, meditation, and movement. It’s the first platform I’ve ever used that I’ve stuck with consistently, and trust me — I’ve tried many. Now, I do a breathwork class every single morning to clear my head before I reach for my journal. (If you told me I’d be saying that sentence a year ago, I wouldn’t have believed you.)

With Open, I feel more in tune with my body, a little more awake, and capable to handle whatever the day throws my way. They offer unlimited live and on-demand breathwork, meditation, yoga, pilates, and more for all levels, and unlike other platforms, you can connect directly with your teachers during in-class live streams.

Head over to WithOpen.com/Hurdle to get 30 days absolutely free, no strings attached. Come join me! Looking forward to us taking class together, ASAP.

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🎧  NEW PODCAST EPISODE: 216. Case Kenny, Mindfulness Expert & Podcast Host
This week on the show, we're welcoming Case Kenny! He’s a writer, host of the New Mindset, Who Dis? podcast, and a mindfulness expert. You may recognize him from his inspirational "post-it" notes and coffee cup sleeves seen reposted all over social media. I wanted to have him on the show because I love his no-B.S. take on all things mindfulness, it’s super relatable and empowering.
This week, we talk about his journey to getting to this place, leaving a job as a senior sales director at a tech firm in 2021 to pursue his passion project, with the goal to help others live happier, more fulfilling lives by changing their mindsets in all areas of life. From self worth and empowerment to dating and relationships, career advice — this episode is full of gems that had me nodding my head in agreement basically the entire time.

🎧  NEW PODCAST EPISODE: #HURDLEMOMENT: A Run Coach Answers Your Marathon Training Questions
Well, two coaches, technically! Welcome my coach for the London Marathon, Rebeka Stowe, to the show! We're chatting about all things marathon training from choosing the right sneakers and socks to mixing up a training plan and finding balance, we're getting into every single aspect of prepping for 26.2. Questions we answer:

Can I do two long runs close together?
How often should I be hydrating during a marathon or training run?
Do I need different sneakers for different runs?
How do you find motivation when it's waning?
Is there such thing as balance for social and personal life during training?
How often should I strength training during marathon training?
+ more!

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HURDLER SPOTLIGHT

Want to be featured in an upcoming Weekly Hurdle? Submit your info (or a friend’s!) in this Google Form.

This week’s Hurdler of the week: Danielle Leroux

Location: Vancouver, BC

Occupation: Co-Founder of the She Summits Forum, a hybrid community uniting ambitious women of all ages who want to beat burnout and be inspired in work and life

What’s going on in your life that excites you right now? “Getting the She Summits Forum business out into the world, as we expand across British Columbia, and work towards our goal of being across Canada and igniting the untapped potential within 1 million self-identifying women by 2025. It's also summer in BC — the best time to get out into the mountains and onto the trails! I'm excited about an upcoming summer hiking trip in Whistler and a multi-day kayaking trip on Vancouver Island.”

What’s one thing you love about Hurdle? “The variety of conversations! I love that I can go to Hurdle when I want business advice, running tips, wellness inspiration, or just some everyday real talk. I also appreciate the honesty and transparency of guests, when asked about the hurdles they've conquered in their own life. It helps remind us we're not alone!”

How can we support you? “Check out the She Summits Forum community on Instagram and join the She Summits Forum membership for 6 months free. Our members find inspiration through group coaching, live panel discussions, monthly meetups in nature, powerful female-centric short films, and support from a community of like-minded women reaching incredible life summits.”

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HOW CAN I SUPPORT HURDLE?

I’m so, so glad you asked!

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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.