No Men Showed Up To Speed Dating

And honestly, it was for the best.

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Presented by Sequel:

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Last week, I wrote that my new thing for week seven of 2025 was speed dating. Well. That didn’t happen. In true comical fashion — no (okay, two) men showed up to the event. So, there we were. A room full of women, many wearing red in celebration of Valentine’s Day eve, whom listened to a few folks speak on a panel, drank a couple free glasses of wine, and then mostly decided to continue on their merry way — rather than sit through the expected a flurry of spontaneous conversations with potential suitors.

I can’t say that I was particularly bummed about it. After all, I only agreed to go to the event because a girlfriend invited me. I thought it would be good for “the plot.” A couple of us grabbed martinis down the street before I rode the subway back home. Silver lining: I got to bed at a much earlier hour than speed dating would’ve allowed. My morning routine was grateful. It was a good night.

It did make me think, though: How often do we do something and expect it to go one way, and it turns out another? And when that happens, are you the kind of person who makes the best out of the situation? Or are you gripping on a little too tightly into how it should or could’ve been?

A different example: On Tuesday of last week, I had an interval running workout I was set to do at the gym. Transparently, I didn’t expect to be able to hit the paces as prescribed. My left side (glute, hamstring, hip) has been feeling all sorts of tight and wonky, and excessive physical therapy just isn’t in the budget at the moment.

I digress. I got on the treadmill for said workout. I chose to modify slightly from the get-go, and was pleasantly surprised by what transpired. Rather than feel some kind of way, holding onto what was “supposed” to happen, I let my best on the day be enough. In doing that, I was able to enjoy myself.

I wasn’t concerned with what I could’ve done.

I wasn’t concerned that it wasn’t my “best.”

Flexibility, it’s one of my words for 2025, and I’m putting it into practice constantly. Speed dating: Who needs it, anyway?

Keep hurdling,

P.S. I’m debating switching up the time at this newsletter goes out, shifting it back ever-so-slightly to 8:30 a.m. on Fridays (strictly for the purpose of being more top-of-inbox when folks sit down at their desks — if you do that sort of thing). Do you have any strong thoughts or opinions on this? If so, drop a comment below.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK

I’m Listening To: “Rushmere” from Mumford & Sons
I really wanted to snag tickets to their gig in Brooklyn next month, but at $500 a pop — I’ll just listen to this single on repeat, instead.

I’m Watching: Apple Cider Vinegar on Netflix
I have so many thoughts on this, mostly that it’s beyond heartbreaking that Belle Gibson mislead so many people. I’m also in shock that I hadn’t heard of her until watching this series. If you haven’t watched Belle Gibson’s 60 Minutes interview, do that here. I also listened to some of Jordan Younger’s podcast Soul On Fire about being impersonated on the show.

I’m Reading: Beach Read by Emily Henry
What can I say? When I find an author that I enjoy, I like to just go through everything they’ve ever done. Also, this paperback is only $8, which is a win. BUT! I’ve been loving my new Amazon Kindle! (I thought I’d hate it, FWIW.)

Gear I Love: Hoka Bondi 9
I opened these two weeks ago, and I’ve been wearing them constantly. I’m appreciative of the extra cushioning and plush feel. I’ve only used this sneaker for easy, base mileage. It’s probably a little too much shoe for faster reps, and because of the stack height it’s not something I’d lift in — ever. If you want a great lifting/strength-based sneaker, this Nike Free Metcon is my everyday pick.

Quote I Love: “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” — Theodore Roosevelt

Other thoughts and links: My heart broke watching the video of Emma Raducanu breaking down on the court after spotting a potential stalker in the crowd at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, but I have to praise the way that the WTA handled it. The women’s elite field at March’s United Airlines NYC Half Marathon here in New York is stacked, and I’m geeked to cheer them on. My friend Nikki Ogunnaike is featured in Feed Me this week. Super interesting article from The Wall Street Journal on why we’re “getting worse” at grieving. Do you agree? Also, peep my latest on Unrivaled and why it’s good for women’s basketball for Well+Good.

Also, I’d love to get involved in some more International Women’s Month events — whether they’re here in New York or not. If you’re coordinating something next month on behalf of a brand, click “email me” below and let’s talk collaborating — whether it’s attending, moderating, facilitating, whatever!

And, of course, anyone who’s reading this can always just message to say hi, too.

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MY SOMETHING NEW

As I touched on above, one of my goals for 2025 is to do something new every single week. I wrote about this a few weeks back. So, I thought that it could be fun to write a bit about what I’m doing here weekly, too. Dig it? Let me know in the comments below ⬇️

Wednesday, February 19: Dumpling Making Class
You know, I thought I’d be better at this than I was. The class, a gift from some friends for my birthday last year, was super beginner-friendly. We made about a dozen chicken dumplings, and the experience lasted about two hours. Admittedly my technique on the sealing of the dumpling could use some work, but it was a super fun experience and certainly a recipe that I’ll be able to replicate at home.

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Meet Sequel — a friend of the show.

I’m going to be honest, because we’re mostly women here: That time of the month is typically such a headache for me. I know, it’s a headache for all of us. But, as long as I can remember — I’ve leaked on a long run or bike ride. That was, until I was introduced to Sequel tampons earlier this year.

Created by two female athletes (listen to Amanda’s story, here) with us active women in mind, Sequel's signature spiral channel creates a longer flow path, re-designing the tampon for the first time in 80 years. In other words: I experienced improved absorption and less leaks. Tested for up to 8 hours of wear, I feel so much more comfortable and at peace knowing that sequel’s got me and my on-the-go lifestyle covered.

Grab some for yourself today! Head to trysequel.com and use the code HURDLE for 15% off a single 32-count box of supers at checkout.

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🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: 243. How To Practice Self-Love: The Power Of Affirmations & Benefits Of Positive Self-Talk With Dr. Nina Polyné

The way that you talk to yourself (and treat yourself) is important; as you've likely heard before — self-love isn't selfish. Put this one in the love file: Finishing off a couple weeks of loving here on Hurdle with Dr. Nina Polyné, a licensed clinical psychologist. We cover:

- Why is self-love important?
- What are self-love habits?
- Can affirmations be helpful in the adoption of a positive self-love practice?
- Can you have a positive association with self but still experience negative self-talk? How do you shake that?
- What is self celebration and why is it important?
- How to rid yourself of the shame that comes with prioritizing self

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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.