I Have An Emotional Hangover
I'll take a hug now.
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Presented by Hyperice:
Well, I did it! 3:42:53! It’s always … interesting … the comedown from a marathon. You spend months prepping for this thing only for it to be over in a flash. I imagine this to be what it feels like after someone gets married, all those months (sometimes years) preparing, and then it’s just — done. I read an Instagram post earlier on this, how it’s so ironic that runners spend so much time working to get faster and faster — yet we all wish we could spend of it out there the day of the big dance doing what we love.
I was out with a girlfriend last night grabbing dinner, and I told her that I wanted to be proactive about what happens in the next couple weeks as far as this emotional hangover. I’ve been here before. I’ve drifted into the funk (post-marathon blues are a real thing). On my short list: Come up with what my new fitness routine will look like, set another goal or something to work toward, talk one-on-one with a nutritionist about my regular diet, and get a trip (or two) on the books to look forward to.
All of these, small steps. But small steps are still steps in the right direction, after all.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Watching: The Speed Cubers
Yo. YO. This was absolutely insane. Imagine being able to solve a Rubik’s Cube in four seconds!? This Netflix documentary follows Rubik’s pro Max Park. He has autism and is one of the best “Cubers” in the world. Park competes against friend Feliks Zemdegs for top honors, and the whole thing is just so well done.
I’m Listening To: Paul Bloom on Armchair Expert
Paul Bloom’s a psychologist and professor at Yale — and one of Dax's idols — which doesn’t surprise me when I think about the way he interviews. They cover some fascinating topics, including empathy, suffering in order to find pleasure, and toxic positivity to name a few.
I’m Reading: The Lifesaving Power of Embracing Failure from Runner’s World
I received the newest issue of Runner's World in the mail yesterday, and this story sent me on an emotional roller coaster. Reading about Christian Hampshire's upbringing, challenges with depression, and ridding himself from the at-times, all-consuming fear of failure was super inspiring.
Gear I'm Loving: Normatec 2.0 Boots
Honestly, I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through this week without them. Yes, this newsletter is brought to you by Hyperice. But, these have been such an integral component of my recovery routine for some time — long before the partnership came to be. It’s no secret that I need to get better at slowing down. My time in the boots, which helps to east these post-26.2 sore muscles, is something I really look forward to.
Quote I’m Loving: “The future rewards those who press on. I don't have time to feel sorry for myself. I don't have time to complain. I'm going to press on.” - Barack Obama
This week’s newsletter is brought to you by Hyperice.
There are few things more critical in my life at the moment than my favorites from Hyperice, the maker of recovery and performance tech that’s important (and necessary, IMO). There’s so many great products to love, but I’ve gotta start with one of my go-tos: The Normatec 2.0 boots. There’s nothing better than snuggling up in them on the couch after a run. They’re like an on-call personal massage therapist that helps to accelerate post-workout recovery and reduce pain and soreness. Plus, I always have my Hypervolt 2.0 at the ready. The handheld percussive massage device comes with five different attachment heads, and is the perfect way to accelerate my pre-run warm-up and give my muscles a little TLC whenever I feel stiff.
Do what you love more and discover a collection of Hyperice products at Hyperice.com, and use the exclusive discount code “HURDLE10” for 10 percent off of your purchase of Hyperice tech including Normatec and Hypervolt! Note: The discount code does not apply to Hyperice X and Core.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: 183. Shalane Flanagan, Live at the New York City Marathon
As a runner, to get advice from 4-time Olympian (and silver medalist!) Shalane Flanagan the day before running the New York City Marathon is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But as the host of this show? It was unbelievable to sit down with her LIVE and in-person at the culmination of Project Eclipse, a 6-marathon journey over 42 days in which Shalane taught us all that sport is for life. We chat about it all: From how she got started with running (fun fact: her mom once held the world record in the marathon!) and what it was like being a collegiate athlete to the sacrifices she made along the way to make a name for herself. We laugh over stories from her world travels and marathons past (Boston 2018, anyone), and she tells me what it means to her to be the 2017 New York City Marathon champion.
We also chat big, hairy, audacious goals, why she decided to go after the back-to-back six world marathon majors this year, and what it's like for to wear the Coach hat with the Bowerman Track Club. Plus: Advice for new runners, how to get out of your own way when anxiety takes over, and fueling and nutrition tips in the wake of the release of her new New York Times bestselling cookbook, Rise and Run (which is on sale right now!).
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: #HURDLEMOMENT: The New York City Marathon, A Recap
3:42:53, what a time. For this week’s #hurdlemoment, I'm diving into the play-by-play. What happened mile-by-mile, how I feel about my time, the moments that meant the world, and how I managed everything from my nutrition to my attitude. The biggest thank you to everyone who showed up for me, both in-person and via texts, DMs, comments, and emails. Your support means the world to me.
PLEASE LEAVE ME A VOICE MESSAGE! Whether you just want to say hi or have a question you want to ask, I’d love to hear from you! Bonus: Your listener question could be answered in an upcoming episode of the show!
HUGS. xx