How I Come Back to Calm When Things Feel Overwhelming
It's a simple strategy that makes a big difference.
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Presented by CamelBak:
One of my most-used marathon mantras for when things feel like they’re getting a little intense or out of control on the course is “come back to calm.” My friend Jess mentioned it to me in a pep talk leading up to the Chicago Marathon in 2019, and it’s stuck with me ever since. This week, my to-do lists have felt endless as I’ve been trying to get ahead to take a little bit of time off. At least three or four times each day, I find myself repeating this phrase. When I do? I close my eyes and take three conscious, deep inhales and long exhales. When that’s done, I feel like I can handle it. I remind myself that I am the one in control.
It’s definitely not in the context that I thought I would be using right about now, that’s for sure. No marathon on deck this weekend. Not anymore. But, it’s been useful; a reminder that the lessons we learn on the move are beyond applicable to the rest of our days. This morning, I encourage you to take a deep breath, find your calm, and keep going. It may just be your superpower, too.
GEAR REVIEW OF THE WEEK
At the beginning of summer I feel as though most athletes have that moment when they reevaluate everything. Why does running feel so hard all of a sudden? Why is my pace sloth-like? Oftentimes, it’s an undesirable reminder that yes, humidity can play a factor in performance and make us feel less-than-stellar. For me, though, the sub-par workouts had me a little extra concerned as they persisted. So, I decided to do something about it. And that something, was lean into InsideTracker.
EMILY’S FAVORITE THINGS: Fuel
When it comes to endurance training, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. Finding the gear that makes you comfortable, first and foremost. Chaffing solutions, if that’s something you deal with (raises hand). And of course: Nailing a nutrition strategy. My nutrition and fueling shift depending on sport and time on feet. However, after nine marathons and picking up a cycling habit last year — I’ve tried and tested a slew of different options. This week, I’m talking about my three go-tos. First up: LMNT, in all of its salty deliciousness.
A huge thanks to CamelBak for supporting Hurdle!
CamelBak recently came on as a 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! It makes an excellent gift, and now is the perfect time to get ahead for the holidays.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: Mel Robbins On Why Confidence Is a Habit On Rich Roll
Rich Roll is a self-help skeptic, which I appreciate. He has a really productive conversation this week on the show with Mel Robbins, bestselling author and talk show host (she’s known widely for her book The 5-Second Rule). Her energy is pretty infectious, and she has a lot of practical, applicable insights on how to operate in your day to day feeling more empowered.
I’m Reading: The Art of Community by Charles Vogl
Sat down to dinner with this book last night and I already have a lengthy note with my takeaways in my Apple Notes app. Super relevant, as this month’s theme for the Hurdle Membership is community. Happy to host a lunchtime chat about this book at the end of the month. Comment below if you want to read and join in!
I’m Watching: The Playbook: A Coach’s Rules for Life on Netflix
This documentary is packed with so much goodness. The quick synopsis: Coaches with championship resumes share their personal rules for success.
I’m Eating: Kreatures of Habit The PrOATagonist
Recently, past Hurdler and friend of mine Michael Chernow launched Kreatures of Habit, a wellness and lifestyle brand focused on bringing cravable and convenient healthy habits into your life on daily basis. Along with this launch, Chernow released “The PrOATagonist” — an allergen-free and plant-based instant oatmeal loaded with 30 grams of plant based protein, 7000 IU's of vitamin D3, 300 mg of Omega 3 fatty acids, probiotics, and digestive enzymes (AKA, a lot of good stuff). It comes in three delicious flavors including vanilla, chocolate, and blueberry banana. Plus! It can be made hot, as overnight oats (my go-to), or in a smoothie.
Chernow is offering Hurdlers an exclusive deal: Use “HURDLE” at checkout to get a free box when you buy one or more! Just make sure you put at least two boxes in your cart. Click here to snag yours.
A Quote That Resonated With Me: “Calmness is the cradle of power.” — Josiah Gilbert Holland
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: #HURDLEMOMENT: How to Have a More Compassionate Relationship With Your Body
Ask your friend or even the person next to you on the street: Everyone’s a little bit confused and stressed about their bodies from time to time. But which thoughts are worth paying attention to and which are just causing extra stress? This episode’s full of helpful insights, tips, and tricks from my friend, writer, editor, and new author Casey Gueren. We talk about why we feel stressed about our bodies, the weird fluctuations that happen on a weekly basis (FYI: they are usually nothing to worry about!) and how to "come back to calm" (sensing a theme here?) when a new bodily worry arises and threatens to derail your day.
Bonus: Casey’s new book It’s Probably Nothing: The Stress-less Guide to Dealing with Health Anxiety, Wellness Fads, and Overhyped Headlines is out October 5th!
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: 177: Aly Orady, Founder & CEO of Tonal
On the morning after Christmas in 2013, Aly Orady decided to change his life. Prior to this #hurdlemoment, the then-child prodigy had graduated high school at 15 and college at 19, then worked at a series of tech companies including Hewlett-Packard and computer startup Pano Logic where physical fitness was the last thing on his priority list. In episode 177, he details this turning point which lead him to losing 70 pounds and creating Tonal.
Of course, we get into all of the brand specifics today: what Tonal is, how it’s evolved, and how it works. But what I find so inspiring about this conversation is learning about Aly as a leader and the hard work that went into building this company from the ground up, including relentless self-belief and loads of lessons along the way.
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!
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