I Wish I Could Tell My Younger Self There Would Be Days Like Yesterday
After getting laid off in 2016, I thought life was "over." The truth? It was just beginning.
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I want to tell you about my day yesterday.
I love so many of the different things I do as a part of my work, from hosting and facilitating to idea generation, interviewing, collaborating, and content creation.
Yesterday, I did all of that.
Yesterday morning, I hosted 25 podcast listeners at Nike's NYHQ for an event celebrating our community and the release of the new Pegasus 41. As a part of this, I facilitated ice breakers and team building exercises, giving members of the Hurdle community an opportunity to get to know each other better, network, and do some self-inquiry.
I asked my dear friends and Nike Running coaches Rebeka and Kim to join us and lead the run. I also asked two more buddies — Lauren and Shawn of Flow State Creative Agency — to capture the event. Bringing together community, strengthening brand relationships, and doing it with friends (while getting them paid) — all a "yes" in my book.
Then, Lauren, Shawn, and I went down to SoHo to create a social video about the new Pegasus, commissioned by Nike's social agency Commission Junction. Getting the chance to be creative and — again — work with friends, check.
I came home after lunch and jumped right into an interview with a sport psychologist for a Marie Claire article I’m working on, in which she talked to me about the importance of doing a values assessment and leaning into social circles as female athletes phase out of competition with age and shift in their relationship with sport. Learning and writing, awesome parts of my career. Check and check. Also, my first-ever commissioned article for Marie Claire gives me all the feels.
Then, I sent out two pitch decks to brand contacts detailing collaboration ideas I have for huge moments in women's sports come August and September. Because when got build with HER, you’re better for it, amirite?
Candidly — I feel like over the last couple years, I've been diligently working a DIY version of a masters in sports marketing — concepting fun, outside-the-box ways that I can create special moments combining my skill set with larger goals and initiatives of brands I admire to target and engage with consumers, media, and influencers. I'll let you in on a secret: I find it enthralling.
I finished the day off with an interview with Olympian Rachel Smith for the show, in which I told her that if I had to give this chapter of her life a title — it would be "tenacity." Holding space for a woman I admire on her quest toward her second Olympic Games and the opportunity to geek out about track & field? Another win.
... I then poured myself a glass of rosé before I buttoned up some social deliverables, due EOD. I don't know what I imagined I'd be doing at 36, but I do remember being frightened when I got let go after SELF Magazine folded at 27 and thrust into freelance life.
Yesterday was one of those days that I wish I could've told my scared 27-year-old self would come eventually.
Yesterday was one of the good ones.
So tell me: What was one good thing that happened to you this week?
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: Born in the Wild by Tems
OK I know. I know! last week I told you about Tems Tiny Desk, but then on Friday her album came out so now — do yourself a favor and play it on repeat.
I’m Reading: A Gentle Reminder by Bianca Sparacino
I found this book on the street at 5:40 a.m. before running a 10K last weekend. Scene: I woke up early, was walking back home from going to the bodega to buy jelly and bread, and saw her there. Brand new, little-to-no creasing. I feel like this book found me, full of so many passages that really resonate deeply — touching on love, self-worth, and hope (among other themes).
Prompt I’m loving: What’s one thing you’re most proud of yourself for this week?
Quote I’m Loving: “Listen to the part of yourself that knows there’s more out there for you.” — Bianca Sparacino
Thanks to LMNT — an electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don't — for supporting Hurdle.
Gotta give some love to LMNT, zero-sugar hydration to support your active lifestyle. I’m the saltiest sweater (cute, I know). These electrolytes are my go-to to perform better. I like them not just because they taste great (the orange salt is my favorite), but they’re also without artificial ingredients, sugar, and coloring. With LMNT, you can:
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They’ve got a flavor for every taste (my personal go-tos are grapefruit and watermelon). Head to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle to get a FREE LMNT sample pack with drink mix purchase. To claim this deal you must go to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle — no code necessary. While you’re there, check out new LMNT sparkling!
It’s one thing to get back up after a single fall, it’s another to fall repeatedly and get back up with more tenacity each time. Pro skateboarder Mariah Duran is one of the best in the game, and I had the chance to sit down with her in Paris earlier this year to chat about her unshakable persistence. Mariah takes us back to her early years skating, how she fell in love with the sport and what her why is for getting up despite the many falls and spills that come with both the sport and a professional career. We talk about her hopes for this year’s Olympic games and her conscious choice to take time off after Tokyo to renew her love for the sport.
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.