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Presented by LMNT:
Hey, hey!
If this is your first time reading the newsletter, thanks for stumbling by. Today, I’m a wellness coach, journalist, and podcast host focused on women’s sports. But when I started to prioritize my health back in college, I never anticipated diving into a career that revolved around health and fitness.
I thought that my post-college shiny hobbies of running, cooking good-for-me recipes, and all of the other frilly things like trying new boutique classes would just be for funsies. When I graduated from UConn with a journalism degree, all I wanted to be was a modern day Carrie Bradshaw. I was at my first job in New York, as an associate editor at CafeMom, for just over three years when I got an email from someone at Rodale (the publishing company that used to own Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Runner’s World, Prevention, etc.) about an opening as a fitness editor. At the time I was writing in a slew of different verticals; entertainment, health, news, food, home. Rodale had my resume from dozens of jobs I’d applied to previously, but this was a new opening.
Ironically, my first-ever internship was at Fitness Magazine in 2008. Despite regularly working on health-related articles as a part of my weekly rotation at my first job out of college, I thought that choosing one thing, a niche, to focus on would get boring. Fast forward to July 2025: Everything I do surrounds wellness in some way. And! Taking that job changed my life for the better. Homing in on one topic ended up being a great decision. It enabled me to become an expert—not just because I’m immersed in this field, but also because it gave me the confidence to really dial in. These days, I’m constantly working to acquire new education. I studied and became a certified trainer. Then, a certified run coach. A certified nutrition coach. Finally: A certified professional coach (which you can liken to a life coach).
Why am I telling you this story? Well, it’s totally normal to want to do it all. Be the highest performer possible. Want to satisfy everyone. But, my days of being everywhere all at once are long behind me. I’ve never regretted dialing in. Like, focusing in on wellness within my career, for starters. It brought me more opportunities. Ultimately dialing it up on women’s sports? Lead to a trip to the Olympics and my first cover story. An example on the personal front: Less friends, more quality relationships. When I own my “no,” when it comes to my third “let’s grab a drink!” conversation of the week that makes me feel overwhelmed, I’m really saying “yes” to me. Yes to my calm.
Plain and simple: Less is not a lid for abundance. In my eyes, it’s actually the key. Intentionality is an opportunity.
Less is more, if only you choose to see it that way.
Let go of trying to do it all or be it all. Trust me, it’ll start to feel lighter.
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Gear I’m Loving: Saucony Fortify Bra
Saucony is partnering with a race called Take the Bridge here in New York tonight, and in celebration sent me some custom gear to prep for the festivities. The bra was included in the race kit, and I’m really enjoying it. It’s got great support, the fabric’s excellent at wicking sweat, and at $44 it’s a great price point. I’d size down (I usually go medium, but opted for a small here).
“Peak shape in that show is not maintainable unless you are living the strictest, most rigid lifestyle with your nutrition and with your fitness, which I cannot do.”
— Jessica Biel talking about her slender, toned build for her role in The Better Sister (via PS)
Other thoughts and links: Faith Kipyegon is lookin’ cute in her T-shirt. Also looking good: Simone Biles in her custom Athleta x Zac Posen dress at last week’s ESPY’s. UConn’s Azzi Fudd announced a new podcast with iHeart Media called Fudd Around And Fund Out; the first episode drops on August 7. Fan favorite lululemon opened their first store in Italy this week, part of their growth plan that aims to quadruple international revenue from 2021 levels by year-end 2026. Venus Williams made history this week as the oldest player to win a WTA singles match since 2004 (she also confirmed her engagement, making this a pretty rad week). Katie Ledecky is swimming this weekend at the World Aquatics Championships, where she’ll be competing in the 800-meter freestyle. The SKIMS x League One Volleyball partnership is looking goooood.
I really enjoy compiling links to share with you week after week. Are you digging it? Have something you want me to nod to in an upcoming Weekly Hurdle? Or, just want to say hi? Let me know by clicking here:
Thanks to LMNT — an electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don't — for supporting Hurdle.
If you haven’t had an LMNT on a hot summer day yet, it will blow your mind. Not only is it zero-sugar hydration to support your active lifestyle, but it’s also absolutely delicious. These electrolytes are my go-to to perform better, and they’re also without artificial ingredients, sugar, and coloring. With LMNT, you can:
☀️ Kickstart your mornings
💪 Fuel workouts and improve recovery
They’ve got a flavor for every taste, but the new lemonade and the watermelon are my go-to picks right now. A girlfriend of mine has me hooked on the half-and-half approach: Half a packet of each. Head to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle to get a FREE LMNT sample pack of their most popular flavors with any purchase, including LMNT Sparkling. To claim this deal you must go to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle — no code necessary!
🎧 365. Testing Your Limits: Ash Pryor Talks Owning Your Sexy, Healthy Selfishness & Rowing Her Way To Peloton
Sitting down with Ash Pryor is like sitting down with burst of good energy. Brought the Peloton rowing instructor into the studio this week to talk about how she maintains a positive mindset, feels like her most strong and confident self, and the importance of staying true to your gut. She opens up about what it's like for her to teach and live as a (her words) “bigger-bodied” instructor, and what she hopes her presence teaches those that take her classes.
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"Less friends, more quality relationships." There is SO much truth in this, especially as lives get busier & kids sports take over the majority of free time. Quality over quantity!