On Strengthening Your Self-Belief Muscle
It takes work, just like everything else.
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. Your support is really appreciated.
Presented by InsideTracker:
Yesterday I sat down with marathoner Emma Bates, and we had a discussion about confidence. The following is a fact: Emma is one of the best American marathon runners right now. It’s a statement that her friend Emma Coburn said to me earlier this week, and I passed along the message during our recording. I asked Bates how hearing that makes her feel, and she said that it doesn’t feel real sometimes. Despite all of those hours of training, the paces and times to prove it, the press — she still feels like a woman who just loves the sport of running.
About 30 minutes later, she said “I believe that I can break an American marathon record one day.” I smiled. Then, I repeated that sentence back to her. She smiled. “I hear it, and I believe it, and I will be relentless in my pursuit of it.”
We all go through moments of doubt. Sometimes, we may be less aware of that lingering uncertainty than others. But there’s a difference between fact and feeling. Don’t be afraid to give yourself praise when it’s due. And just like your real ones, self-belief is a muscle you’ve gotta strengthen. Exercise. Test.
Trust: You’ll never regret being your own biggest hype man. Your potential is yours and yours alone.
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: NPR Pop Culture Happy Hour
Just stumbled on this pop-culture roundtable podcast this week, and dove in with their Lizzo special episode. The show regularly serves up recommendations and commentary on the buzziest movies, TV, music, books, video games, and more.
I’m Watching: World Athletic Championships on NBC Sports & Peacock
I’m already having FOMO on the flight home from my time at the World Athletic Championships. Excited to stay tuned in from New York as the events go through Sunday, finishing off with the 4 x 100-meter relay.
Gear I’m Loving: Asics NovaBlast
I used to obsess over an Asics sneaker called the DynaFlyte. They’ve since retired that style, but I can confidently say after spending some time in the NovaBlast this week that this pick is a great swap. A neutral sneaker that’s fairly lightweight, I can see it being a work horse for me over my training cycle. Interested in getting yourself a pair? Use the code “HURDLE15” at Asics.com to save $15 on orders over $100.
Quote I’m Loving: “The best lightning rod for your protection is your own spine.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Thanks to my friends at InsideTracker for sponsoring this week’s newsletter.
When you do what you love — like running, racing, and enjoying the great outdoors — you want to do it for life. InsideTracker can help.
InsideTracker was founded in 2009 by leading scientists in aging, genetics, and biometrics. Using their patented algorithm, InsideTracker analyzes your body’s data to provide you with a clear picture of what's going on inside you and to offer you science-backed recommendations for positive diet and lifestyle changes.
It’s been really helpful for me. Last summer I was feeling super sluggish on my runs. I did an InsideTracker panel — including mobile blood draw and DNA swab — and was able to get important insight as to what was going on with me and my body (TLDR; My iron and ferritin levels were low). Then, I adjusted my diet and training so that I could better go after my health and wellness goals. I’ve got another Ultimate Test scheduled for this coming Monday morning; perfect timing as my training picks up for marathon No. 12 in the fall, and I want to go in feeling my best.
You can get 20% off the entire InsideTracker store. Simply click here, and use “HURDLE20” at checkout.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: 213. Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton, Founder of Chillhouse
The constant hustle and sacrifice of being an entrepreneur wasn't a surprise to Cyndi when she started Chillhouse. Her mom was an entrepreneur herself in the spa industry and Cyndi saw first-hand what it took to run your own business. After spending most of her 20s in the hospitality industry, Cyndi hit burnout and she was faced with a major roadblock in her life of what to do next. In episode 213, we talk about what how she moved forward, which eventually evolved into starting the new-age spa that is known as Chillhouse today. Cyndi shares how the company has pivoted, evolved, and grown since its conception, and she also gets real on how she approaches her own self-care as a social figure, entrepreneur, and new mom.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: #HURDLEMOMENT: Are Your Hormones Out of Whack? An Expert on Hormone Imbalance & What You Need To Know
Welcome Candace Burch, a Holistic Hormone Health Coach and founder of Your Hormone Balance to the show! In her practice, Candace helps women advocate for their hormonal health and get to the root of hidden imbalances behind their symptoms. For this week’s #hurdlemoment, we're talking about what symptoms of potential hormone imbalance might be, as well as what you can do to navigate PCOS, and how anxiety and stress can wreak havoc on our bodies. Want to do some testing? Use code HURDLE50 for $50 off any of their hormone testing and rebalancing packages, HERE.
HURDLER SPOTLIGHT
Want to be featured in an upcoming Weekly Hurdle? Submit your info (or a friend’s!) in this Google Form.
This week’s Hurdler of the week: Tamanna
Location: Cleveland
Occupation: Sports Cardiologist (Co-Director of the Sports Cardiology Center at the Cleveland Clinic)
What’s going on in your life that excites you right now? “Working on my speed to hopefully knock out a sub-4 marathon at Berlin Marathon this year with my mom at my side!”
What’s one thing you love about Hurdle? “Every episode, every newsletter, every prompt is an opportunity to grow, an opportunity to challenge yourself to reframe your mindset, your intention in whatever way you need for that moment of life you’re in. And it does not have to be huge! Oftentimes we get bogged down thinking we need to make major life changes to feel good or do ‘better’ or make change but that’s not the case. Hurdle — whether you’re listening to it or reading the newsletter — gives us a means to figure out what we need and in what capacity. Manageable intention, manageable change, which over time leads to exceptional growth, pushing past barriers, and positivity in a supportive community.”
How can we support you? “I went into sports cardiology to advocate for athletes of all ages, disciplines, professional, recreational. We’re slowly starting to see more media (like Steph Bruce, Aisha Praught-Leer) regarding the importance of seeing a dedicated sports cardiologist for symptoms that other docs may deem reason to not participate in sport. I’d love to opportunity to educate other Hurdlers regarding signs/symptoms that require evaluation and more so, educate about not needing to quit exercising and competitive sport!”
[Em’s note: Tamanna, shoot me an email!"]
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.