Is It Impossible, Or Just Hard?
Just because something's difficult, doesn't mean you can't handle it.
Welcome back to the Weekly Hurdle! This newsletter is free, but consider becoming a paying subscriber for $7/month to support the work that I’m doing.
Also, don’t forget to tap on the “heart” button, while you’re at it. Your likes (and comments) are also another ~great~ form of support. For partnership inquiries, please email hello@hurdle.us.
Presented by InsideTracker:
I ran the Boston Marathon in 2018. That day, it was frigid and a total downpour for the entire race. There were intense winds. At points, there was most definitely hail. Up until that training cycle, I had never run in the rain. As in, I’d avoid it at all costs. But there was one weekend that I had an 18-miler on deck, there was a heavy amount of precipitation in the forecast for four consecutive days, and I said—screw it, I’m just gonna get it done. I distinctly remember looping Central Park, running up the iconic incline that is Harlem Hill, listening to an episode of How I Built This.
Little did I know how much that one run would prepare me for what was ultimately one of the most difficult 4-hour time periods of my life (read: that drenched April marathon). It reminded me that I was capable of moving forward despite an undesirable situation over the course of the soaking wet 26.2-mile journey.
Yesterday, I had a similar experience. I’m in Tokyo now for the World Athletics Championships. I had a 20-mile run on deck Thursday, and I knew that it would be difficult. It was the morning after an 18-hour travel day. I was on five hours of sleep. Oh, and it was a real-feel temperature of 97 degrees with super high humidity. I went in with realistic expectations. I promised myself I’d slow my pace to manage my heart rate. And if it became too much, I would have grace with myself and stop.
There were definitely difficult moments. Mainly, the 1.5-mile stretch in direct sun around mile 13.5. There were also moments where I felt better than anticipated. As the miles clicked on, I thought if I can do this, I can handle whatever comes next. On one specific stretch, I plodded along in direct sunlight. You didn’t come this far to only come this far, I thought.
Days like yesterday remind me of the important lesson:
Something can be hard, and it can still be doable.
You don’t have to enjoy running to get where I’m going with this. How lucky are we to have the opportunity to do hard things? The opportunity to show up when things feel challenging, and get that special reminder of who we are at our core?
Another hard day, done. Now, it’s onto the next challenge.
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Gear I’m Loving: On Cloudboom Max
This is one of the best shoes I’ve put on in years. It’s super sturdy and supportive while also feeling cushioned and comfortable . A super shoe complete glass fiber-infused Speedboard, the Cloudboom Max was perfect on that long run and definitely going to be a staple in my rotation.
I’m Listening To: Swag II by Justin Bieber
Anyone else?
I’m Watching: The WNBA Play-Offs
Starting on Monday, it’s New York Liberty or bust for me.
NEW ON THE SHOW
🎧 371. Dedication Makes The Difference: What It’s Like To Go All In & The Importance Of Running Your Own Race With Josette Andrews
Living in Boulder and training with the On Athletics Club is better than pro runner Josette Andrews ever anticipated. These days, she lives and breathes life as an elite, and in today's conversation she talks about the hurdles she's conquered (including an awful dog bite, bone injury, and transferring schools) and powerful decisions she's made to make it to the top of her game. Plus: Her excitement over making her first U.S. Outdoors team, and how she's preparing for the big competition.
372. Don't Call It A Comeback: Keira D’Amato On Becoming An Author & Stepping Into Her Power On The Run & In Life
SPECIAL EPISODE! Guys! Keira’s book, Don't Call It A Comeback, is officially out! Had a moment to catch up with friend of the show and former American record holder in both the half- and full marathon on how she got here. She talks about what the book-writing process was like, how she felt working with co-author Evelyn Spence, and the feelings that came up reflecting on her impressive career thus-far. Plus: All things motherhood and the guilt that came with prioritizing herself with young kids, what it was like when “no one from the running world” expected her to reach this type of of success, and what she's looking forward to this fall marathon season and beyond.
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is
the quiet voice at the end of the day saying I will try
again tomorrow.”
- Mary Anne Radmacher
Other thoughts and links: Lots of health and fitness-friendly updates in the Apple universe after this week’s Apple Event. Really digging the hypertension notifications and sleep score coming to Apple Watch. Are you an errand friend? If you haven’t seen it yet, Sue Bird’s Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement speech is worth a watch. Super interested to see Life Time’s latest announcement: LT Games. Would you compete? If you happen to also be in Tokyo, come join us at the Brooks Hyperion House on Monday when I sit down with Team USA’s marathoners Erika Kemp, Jess McClain, and Susanna Sullivan! Register here. And! If you want to watch the World Champs coverage at home, get all the information on how to do that from Citius Mag.
Have something you want me to nod to in an upcoming Weekly Hurdle? Or, just want to say hi? Let me know, and slam the button below.
Thanks to InsideTracker—the only healthspan analytics program that integrates data from your blood work, DNA, fitness trackers, and nutrition to give you a comprehensive picture of your health—for sponsoring Hurdle.
Your body’s constantly sending you signals through your biomarkers, your DNA, and your fitness data. The problem is, most of us don't know how to listen to our body or interpret these signals. That's where InsideTracker comes in. This summer, I’m gearing up for my 16th marathon with the help of InsideTracker—guiding me on a personal path to my very best self.
Shortly after a quick blood draw, my results appeared in my InsideTracker dashboard within a few days. It was easy for me to understand the ranges and readings; Their biomarker scores show the optimal zone for my body, not generic ranges that treat everyone the same. When I saw that my ferritin was borderline low (super common in women), the app showed me a slew of recommendations on foods that I can incorporate into my diet to increase my levels, including beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, seafood, and lean meats.
I did my first InsideTracker panel years ago, and it gives me super helpful insight each and every time. New to me this time around using the app: Terra, their AI health coach. Terra has access to over 10 billion curated data points and more than 7,000 peer-reviewed studies. So when you have a question like "Why do I feel tired every afternoon?" Terra doesn't just give you generic advice—it analyzes your specific biomarkers and creates personalized recommendations you can actually follow.
Try it for yourself today. Bonus! We’ve got an offer for you. You can get 20% off everything at InsideTracker when you use the code “ITHURDLE” at checkout!
HOW CAN I SUPPORT HURDLE?
I’m so, so glad you asked!
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, AND REVIEW HURDLE:
We’re now over 1,500 ratings and reviews in Apple Podcasts! Go on, get after it.
iTunes | Spotify
JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP
Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered.
Do me a quick favor? Click the “heart” below before you graduate onto the next thing of your day, yeah? Your likes, comments, and support mean the world to me.
Enjoy the run❤️