On Spending Time Alone
... and the amount of work (and time) it took to be OK with that.
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Presented by LMNT:
By the time you read this, I’ll be on a flight to Mexico for a long weekend. I’m heading solo to Cabo for a few days for a wellness retreat. I’ve had this trip on my calendar since mid-summer, and I’m really looking forward to being in the sunshine since the winds in New York have been on another level as of late.
I remember when I first moved out on my own. I was so scared. As ~exciting~ as it was to be able to afford my own place uptown, a studio with exposed brick and a closet long enough to fit my bicycle on East 89th, I was concerned about feeling lonely. Up until that point, I always had roommates (or parents). I was worried about how it would feel to come home to no one, cook for just one, watch TV only with me, myself, and I.
I adjusted to that pretty quickly. Over the years I’ve taken many more big steps, embracing my independence. I’ve done countless activities on my own that once made me nervous. It started with living, then working for myself, then going to solo dinners and concerts. In 2018, came the travel. Just last year, I was frightened to do Christmas Eve by myself during the pandemic, and honestly, it was one of the best, most special nights I had in the last 365.
When it comes to choosing to do things on my own, sometimes there's simply no one around. A lot of my most favorite people don’t live in New York (of course, some do). Other times, I feel like it’s a need. Spending time alone gives me the space to process and just be. I’ve come to learn that finding calm on my own is important for me getting to where I want to be and continuing on this journey toward who I want to become.
Also — that getting better at spending time alone is truly an exercise. Just like building muscle, you have to get uncomfortable if you want to grow. I’ve grown into a woman who feels comfortable alone (with a few exceptions). And while that doesn’t mean that I don’t look forward to the day when I’ll have someone to share my life with, it does mean that once I find him — I’m still going to book solo weekends to Cabo.
… or the Catskills.
… or Italy.
You get the idea.
Talk soon,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
What I’m Reading: Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown
Just got this in yesterday. Can’t wait to start it. I also may or may not have DM’d Brene this week. She’s the one who’s been telling me to choose courage over comfort Sandlot-style for-ev-er. So that’s step one to having her on the show, right?
What I’m (Also) Reading: Strava’s Year In Sport
A lot of interesting statistics in here from Strava, the exercise tracking app favorited by runners and cyclists everywhere. Of note: Athletes who set a goal for the New Year were 2 hours more active last January than those who didn’t. The question arises: Do you have a movement-based goal to strive for in January 2022? (If not — or you want to make sure you go for it — sign up for one of the Hurdle Goal Setting Workshops).
What I’m Listening To: Pod Save America: Offline: Megan Rapinoe on Social Media and Mental Health
Speaking of women on my interview bucket list, this episode with Megan Rapinoe is dynamite.
Gear I’m Loving: New Balance FuelCell Rebel v2
I’m on a New Balance kick in the newsletter lately. I wore these for speed work twice in the last two weeks. Every time I do I feel super quick on my feet. It’s a really lightweight sneaker which feels extra springy and a regular in my rotation that comes in six different colorways.
Quote I’m Loving: "The best way out is always through.” — Robert Frost
Thanks to LMNT — an electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don't — for supporting Hurdle.
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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.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: 186. Emma Coburn, 3X Olympian & Pro Runner
Kicked off season eight with Emma Coburn, three-time Olympian & 2017 steeplechase World Champion. We had the chance to catch up when she was in town recently over NYC Marathon Weekend, and got into it all from her backstory to her recent trip to the Tokyo games. Emma tells me that she didn’t truly love running at first, what changed her attitude toward the sport, and the impact that team has had on her training and life. We also unpack what it’s like to train with all of her best friends in Colorado on Team Boss and be married to your coach. Plus, we talk about some tough stuff: Despite being favorited to come back home with a medal this year at the Olympics, Emma came up short. We talk about the ~why~ plus how she navigated the emotions of that. Emma also opens up about how she’s been doing since her mom was diagnosed with cancer in December 2019, and shares a beautiful perspective about consciously choosing optimism and happiness even when life’s hurdles get you down.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: An Expert On How to Say No Without Shame Or Guilt
No can be one of the most powerful words in your vocabulary. But! It's not always easy to say it. This week, I'm connecting with Dr. Jeff Gardere, a medical advisor for Ro Mind, board-certified clinical psychologist, and Associate Professor and Course Director at Touro College. We talk about how to say no and protect your boundaries, plus the right versus wrong way to turn something (or someone) down.
Don’t Forget to Check Out: HURDLE SESSIONS!
Interested in setting some goals for 2022 (and beyond)? I’ll be hosting two goal setting Hurdle Sessions in December. Click here for all of the details, I’d love to have you there.
Also take a look at past on-demand Sessions, including:
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
Last but not least: 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.
Enjoy Cabo!