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Presented by LMNT:
That first beautiful week back home after a vacation: Things feel hectic and exciting and certainly overwhelming. The silver lining? I feel really grateful that I get to come home to do work that excites me, and after last weekend’s live event in Chicago — I feel more connected to this community than ever. Thanks to all of those local to the area that came out (and the ones not-so-local that made the trip). It was surreal to see strangers-turned-friends wearing Hurdle merch IRL!
The past four days have been all about focusing on one thing at a time and letting myself be realistic about where my head’s at. When I’ve been flustered, I’ve consciously made the decision to take a walk around the block or do a different task, rather than sit here and stare at my computer. Examples in practice: I wasn’t making progress on an article I wanted to get done Tuesday morning, so I decided to take a break, get up, unpack my suitcase, and then come back to it. I needed to brainstorm some upcoming episode content on Wednesday, but felt like I couldn’t give that my total focus. So! I stepped away from my computer and sat in the living room with a notebook away from my screens.
My takeaway: Don’t get caught up in the “ugh, I can’t focus” storyline — or frustrated by how things “should” be going. Simply ask yourself: What can I do to make the most of the situation I am in, without judgement?
Happy weekend, y’all —
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: How to Reframe Jealousy in Relationships from Life Kit
I've really been digging the short episodes from NPR's Life Kit lately. Each 20-minute episode is packed with expert advice on all sorts of topics related to — well — life. I loved this episode as it really broke down why we get jealous, how to reflect in jealous situations, and what we can do to combat our negative thoughts with jealousy triggers arise in our relationships.
I’m Watching: Sex Education
I watched three seasons of this on my trip, and I’m not at all ashamed. Series follows single mother, Jean, and her son, Otis. Otis a tad on the socially awkward side, and may not have much experience in the lovemaking department — but he gets good guidance on the topic from Mom. Great binge, if you ask me.
I’m Reading: The Art of Community by Charles H. Vogl
I also read this on my trip, and I loved it. The gist: Strong communities aren’t happy accidents, and if you foster one in the right way — magical things can happen. I’m going to host a book club chat about it this coming October 28 at 2 p.m. if you want to join! As always with book club — reading it is suggested, but not required. Sign up via this link.
A Quote That Resonated With Me: “It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.” – Leonardo da Vinci
Thanks to LMNT — an electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don't — for supporting Hurdle.
Meet LMNT, zero-sugar hydration to support your active lifestyle. I’m the saltiest sweater (cute, I know). These electrolytes have been my go-to recently to perform better. I like them not just because they taste great (the orange salt is my favorite), but they’re also without artificial ingredients, sugar, and coloring. With LMNT, you can:
☀️ Kickstart your mornings
💪 Fuel workouts and improve recovery
Head to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle to get a FREE LMNT sample pack, including two citrus, two raspberry, two orange, and two raw unflavored. You only pay $5 for shipping! To claim this deal you must go to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle — no code necessary.
Also, thanks to CamelBak!
CamelBak recently came on as a sponsor of the show, and I’m so excited to share my excitement for the brand with all of you. I live every single day with their Eddy bottle right by my side. I’m obsessed with its bite valve, which makes me ~feel~ as though it’s easier to get in my H20 during the day. They’ve got a ton of different styles for every occasion — from the Carry Cap 64-ounce bottle to the Horizon 16-ounce tumbler (perfect for my morning coffee walk).
CamelBak is offering Hurdle listeners 25 percent off of a custom order. Simply use “HURDLE25” at CamelBak.com/Custom! It makes an excellent gift, and now is the perfect time to get ahead for the holidays.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: HURDLE LIVE! Answering All Of Your Running Questions
Loved this conversation from last weekend in Chicago at the Tracksmith pop-up, leading up to Sunday's marathon. I chat with trainers and nutrition experts Ciara Lucas and Phoenix Alazam to answer all of your running questions, from how to start to what to eat, wear, and think before you lace up. Plus: We laugh about some of our biggest running fails and swap stories about what it was like to be true beginners.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: 179. Jordan Larson, Pro Volleyball Player & 3-Time Olympic Medalist
This week I’m chatting with Jordan Larson, a professional volleyball player and 3-time Olympic medalist including a gold from this year’s games in Tokyo. For episode 179, she gives me the rundown of how she got here, growing up in a super small town guided by both of her parents to pursue and love sport. She talks to me about going overseas for volleyball, playing in Puerto Rico, Russia, Turkey and China, and what it was like to land on her first Olympic team.
We also talk about the hurdles she’s faced along the way including divorce, and — in all of that international travel —navigating loneliness and learning how to be comfortable spending more time alone while pursuing her passions. We also chat about what’s next, and she actually takes over the interviewing role for a bit and asks me a few questions.
Don’t Forget to Check Out: HURDLE SESSIONS!
How to Start (and Stay!) Running
How to Take Your Running to the Next Level
Intro to Freelance Writing
Intro to Podcasting
How to Turn Your Side Hustle Into Your Main Gig
Finding Your Power Alone
How to Build a Social Media Presence
PLEASE LEAVE ME A VOICE MESSAGE! Whether you just want to say hi or have a question you want to ask, I’d love to hear from you! Bonus: Your listener question could be answered in an upcoming episode of the show! No topics are off limits.