It's OK To Think A Little Crazy
We've got a big weekend on deck, and crazy feels good.
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. If you love reading this week after week, consider doing so by clicking the button below. Your support is truly, really appreciated!
Presented by LMNT:
I’ve been running since I was about 20. I started back in 2008, and I originally leaned into it as a weight-loss tool. I never anticipated that the sport would become such a massive part of my life. And damn, my younger self would think it’s “crazy” to run a marathon — nevertheless 14 of them. Come Sunday, I’ll join the pool of 50,000+ runners to run my seventh 26.2 in New York City. Come Sunday, I’ll cap off what has been — transparently — one of my most rewarding training cycles to date.
I’ve been asking myself why that is: What is it about how I feel right now that feels different than the dozen+ times I’ve done this before? The answer: I really came into the past 16 weeks without any expectations. I came in thinking “I just want the opportunity to run.”
I went for my first run of this block after taking about a month off on July 25. I ran Hood to Coast in late August after spending two weeks in Paris — where I strung together my first 5K in six+ weeks. As the mileage started to accumulate, every step of the way, I had anxiety that I’d experience another setback. But, I persisted — and as a result after back-to-back 45-mile weeks, I’ll arrive at this starting line healthier, and fitter, than I’ve been in a long, long time.
Which brings me to the now. The now in which I have this giddiness over my own potential. Excitement over how I want to feel as I make my way through the five boroughs. How awesome is that? The opportunity to exceed even your own expectations?
Walking into No. 14, I’d like to offer you one piece of advice — albeit a bit corny — that you can implement both on and off the run: Don’t limit yourself. Think big. Dream bigger. Get “crazy.”
Embrace the unknown. You’ve navigated all of the unknown up until this point, and you’re still standing.
There are so many moments in the every day where we intentionally or unintentionally limit our own greatness — whether the result of an individual act or of external factors. But what if you chose to stop worrying so much? To think, “why not me?” To choose to believe in the power of possibility instead of the fear of rejection, “failure,” or the hurdles that may arise?
Yeah, that’s the good stuff.
Bib no. 20655 — track me. It’s go time.
PROMPT: What’s one big thing you’re excited about right now? What’s the last goal you set for yourself?
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Gear I’m Loving: Nike AlphaFly 3
First I’ll say this: I know this is a pricey shoe. However, as far as super shoes (ones with a carbon plate) go — it’s pretty par for the course, cost-wise. This is what I’ll be running in this weekend, and I chose it primarily because I love the way I feel in the shoe — and the sleek aesthetics help, too. With two Air Zoom units and a full-length carbon fiber plate to propel you forward, this is without-a-doubt my favorite iteration of the AlphaFly to date.
I’m Listening To: Rod Wave
That’s it. That’s the recommendation.
Prompt I’m Loving: What’s one of your happy places? Describe how you feel when you’re there.
Quote I’m Loving: “This time in your life will not last forever. Life is always changing. Always keep that truth in mind. In good times. And in difficult times. Stay brave, curious, and hopeful. Keep going. Do your best. And find joy in the here & now.”
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ME THIS WEEKEND IN NYC
Saturday, 11/2, 10:00 a.m.
Live With Shalane Flanagan
Citizen’s Stage at the NYCM Expo, Javits Center
No RSVP required — come join us for a live podcast and good vibes!
Saturday, 11/2, 5 p.m.
Live Podcast With Chari Hawkins and Josh Kerr
Brooks Hyperion House, Lafayette & Broome
RSVP list is full, but waitlist is an option! Click here to join.
Pop-Up Picks:
Old Man Run Club Pop-Up [info here]
346 Broome Street
Thursday, Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Merch, custom heat press, Long Distance Gallery Exhibit, special guest appearance from Emily Sisson on Friday, and Petit Dough Pastries
Bandit x ASICS Pop-Up [info here]
21 Greene Street
Thursday: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tracksmith Pop-Up [info here]
341 Columbus Avenue
Oct 31 to Nov. 4
Thursday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Nike On Lafayette
216 Lafayette Street
Get a sneak peak of the new space, here.
Hosting a ton of Nike x Hyperice recovery sessions, open to the public, over the next few days! You can click to sign up here.
NEW ON THE SHOW 🎧
On the heels of the New York Liberty's championship win, amped to have Adidas athlete Betnijah Laney on the show! We chat through how it feels to be a champion, the parade in downtown Manhattan, and how Barclays Center felt on that epic winning night. Betnijah lets us in on her backstory, the hurdles she’s overcome to get to this point, and just how monumental her friends and family’s support means in pursuing her dreams.
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. Throughout this marathon training cycle, it has been absolutely clutch for me to make sure I’m giving my body what it needs. That’s where LMNT comes in. Without any artificial ingredients, sugar, and coloring — LMNT is perfect for anyone who wants to:
☀️ Kickstart their mornings
💪 Fuel workouts and improve recovery
They’ve got a flavor for every taste (my personal go-tos are grapefruit and watermelon). And! Their chocolate favorites just hit the website, perfectly timed for the cooler months.
Head to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle to get a FREE LMNT sample pack with any purchase. To claim this deal you must go to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle — no code necessary. While you’re there, check out LMNT sparkling; my favorite flavor is hands-down the grapefruit!
HOW CAN I SUPPORT HURDLE?
I’m so, so glad you asked!
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, AND REVIEW HURDLE:
We’re now over 1,200 ratings and reviews in the iTunes store! Go on, get after it.
iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Anchor
JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP
Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.