My Biggest Takeaway From 14 Days In Paris
There's a lot to be grateful for, but this? This takes the cake.
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 spent two hours writing on the plane ride home from Paris this past Monday. I don’t know if I’ve ever sat still and written for that long — outside of working on an assignment. There’s so much I’m still reflecting on from two weeks in Paris: The work that I did, people that I met, meetings that I took, podcasts that I recorded, meals I delighted in, sports I watched, glasses of champagne I sipped.
Truthfully, I keep coming back to just how capable that I felt. For most of the time I was there, the days began early and ended late. For instance, on July 31:
7:15 a.m. Alarm
7:45 a.m. Run
8:45 a.m. Meet Lauren to shoot content
9:30 a.m. Breakfast
10 a.m. Work call
11 a.m. Female Quotient x Athleta brunch event
1:30 p.m. Hop a bike up to interview Anna Hall 20 minutes away
3:00 Take a remote interview with Clayton Young for an Outside article
3:30 Bike back to the hotel
4 p.m. Podcast recording at the Athleta Power of She hub
6 p.m. Write up Anna’s article for Women’s Health
7 p.m. Tickets to see Nike’s Art of Victory Exhibit at the Pompidou
8:15 p.m. Dinner at one of my favorite Paris spots with close friends
11 p.m. Crash into bed
I found myself literally doing it all — all of the things that I’ve added to the mix over the past few years, from hosting and writing to recording and content creation. In between the work moments, I made it a priority to make time for myself through movement, journaling, and taking deep breaths.
I can’t help but reflect on a time when I felt a lot less capable, navigating depression not all that long ago. Thinking of where I am now versus where I was back at the beginning of 2022, I feel so proud. Of the work that I’ve done. The help that I sought. The hurdles I conquered that lead me to being capable of showing up entirely as myself to a moment that I felt as though I was made for.
To anyone who may be in a season of struggle now, I want to encourage you to keep pushing forward. There’s light for you, I promise, even when it may not feel like it. The work won’t be easy, but it’s so worth it.
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: Nick Green on How I Built This
I really adore Nick Green’s story of starting Thrive Market. Loved talking to him in 2020, and giggled hearing him explain to NPR’s Guy Raz what it was like to ask a bunch of health bloggers for his first investments.
I’m Listening To: “Sun and Moon” by Anees
You know when you hear a song, look it up, and then somehow it follows you everywhere you go? That’s what’s happening with this for me RN.
I’m Reading: “Life Will Never Be The Same For These Female Olympians. And That's A Good Thing.” by Amanda Lucci for Women’s Health
There’s some really phenomenal writing that came out of the Olympics from peers of mine in the industry that I consider friends. Watching Amanda, WH’s Director of Special Projects, work tirelessly on the ground was inspiring — and this article is a must-read.
Prompt I’m loving: When’s the last time you felt proud of yourself?
Quote I’m Loving: “If you want to feel pretty and still punch a guy in the face, it’s amazing.”- Boxer Caitlin Parker (AUS) on wearing make-up while competing
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 a salty sweater (cute, I know). These electrolytes are my go-to to perform better. I like them not just because they taste great (the watermelon salt is my favorite as of late), but 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 (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!
NEW PODCAST EPISODES 🎧
Season 18 is HERE! We’re kicking things off with Natalie Coughlin, 12-time Olympic medalist and the first female swimmer to bring home six medals in a single olympiad.
We cover so much in this conversation — of course hitting on all of Natalie's experiences at The Games; also how she first found the pool, her unwavering positive perspective amidst struggle, and how she navigated the transition from full-time athlete to her next chapter — which includes owning Gaderian Wines.
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.