Reflecting This Mother's Day
A guest share on 365 days of a new chapter.
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 so really appreciated.
Presented by Hyperice:
(This week’s newsletter is written by Chelsey Fulton, who I’ve had the honor of working with since she joined as my assistant in 2020. Now a year into motherhood, I asked Chels to share some sentiments from her past 365 days of being a mom. I know that Mother’s Day can bring a mountain of emotions — joy, grief, gratitude, loss, heartbreak — all of which are completely valid. If this message doesn’t serve you, go ahead and skip this week’s newsletter. I look forward to jumping in your inbox next week!)
I always knew I wanted to be a mom, but that title took on an entirely new meaning the moment I heard the cry and felt the doctors place my son on my chest one short year ago. And although it feels like your life changes in an instant, I’ve learned that motherhood is an evolution — a beautiful, messy, wildly emotional journey that feels fleeting yet gradual all at once. Science shows that pregnancy and motherhood causes significant structural and functional changes in the brain. You are quite literally a different person once you become a mom, and I feel that in my core. Although there are many parts of me that have stayed constant in the past year, I also find myself looking at photos before Micah and think “that is an entirely different person.” So on this Mother’s Day and coming off of my son’s first birthday, I wanted to share a few shifts I’ve noticed over the past year:
I’ve Learned To Accept Help
I didn’t realize just how much pressure I put on myself to “do it all” until I came home with our little boy and was faced with a tidal wave of new responsibility. Not only did I need to learn everything about this tiny human that completely relied on us for all his needs, I also needed to physically heal my own body from birthing our son, all while trying to stay in an emotionally positive and safe space. I was so laser focused on learning it all in those early days that I struggled to ask for help and allow those around me to help carry the weight of the “newness” of this season of life. Once I allowed myself to accept and ask for help, I felt pounds lighter and emotionally recharged. I am a better mom, wife, and advocate for my family. I don’t hesitate anymore to reach out to mom friends for advice, ask my husband to grab the groceries on the way home, or opt for Target drive up. You don’t need to do it all to be a good mom, sometimes asking for help is what makes you a good mom.
There’s New Meaning in the Monotonous Moments
I’m a creature of habit and constantly on the go. If I have a goal in mind, I’m really good at focusing in and minimizing any external obstacles. This reality can be productive, but it also meant I didn’t take time in my day to appreciate the simple things in life. As I watch Micah experience the world, it’s forced me to slow down and just be. He’s opened my eyes to the “extra” in the ordinary, and I too, am experiencing the world with a new, more vibrant view.
I Have So Much Damn Appreciation For My Body
Our bodies are nothing short of remarkable. For me, a lot of pregnancy and postpartum felt like an out-of-body experience of sorts. Experiencing the transformation of carrying and birthing a small human felt surreal. Then came postpartum, and I again watched my body go through a major transformation of healing while keeping up with the physical and emotional demand of feeding a baby. It’s true when they say your body will never go back to how it was pre-baby, but the transformation isn’t a bad thing. Sure, my hips and rib cage are a little wider, but those changes helped me bring a human into the world. This feeling of total acceptance is new for me (and something I am still working on). There are still days where I find myself comparing what I see in the mirror to others or a past version of myself. More often than not, those thoughts are quickly replaced with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude when I look at my healthy, active toddler (queue tears) and remember what my body did to get here.
Your Support System Is Everything; Make Sure Your People Know That
What you put your energy into and how you prioritize your day shifts after baby. Suddenly there feels like less time in a week. Your focus shifts from dinner plans with friends to bedtime routines. It might sound like tough love, but ther'e’s less space for relationships that don’t serve you; there isn’t time to put your energy toward something you don’t feel a strong connection to. People will naturally fall out of your daily life, and that’s ok. Trust me: That space is replaced with even deeper, more personal connections with those who stay.
I’ve put a focus on letting these people know how much I appreciate them, because without their support, I wouldn’t be able to be the best mom for our son. What may seem like a small gesture — a “checking in” text, a weekend walk, a happy hour at home so you can also be with your child — really do mean the world. It’s one thing to know the love your people give you, it’s another to feel the love for your little human and the new version of you.
… This is for all of the moms or those thinking of starting a family. For the friend of a new mom or those looking to strengthen their relationship with their own mom. For those in the thick of it and those watching a loved one go through the wildly challenging yet rewarding transformation that is motherhood. I see you. May we celebrate each other each and every day.
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: Juke Ross
You know when an artist comes on shuffle that you haven’t heard in a while, and then that person becomes the only thing you listen to until your ears bleed (not really, but you know what I’m saying)? Yeah, that’s where I am right now with Juke.
I’m Reading: All You Need is Rhythm & Grit: How to Run Now―for Health, Joy, and a Body That Loves You Back by Cory Wharton-Malcolm
Think running isn’t for you? Cory Wharton-Malcolm, an Apple Fitness Plus trainer and a friend of mine, wants you to reconsider. Amped for him at the release of his book this week, and really appreciate his fun approach to celebrating the mind-body connection that happens when you lace up — featuring feel-good stories and actionable tips to get you moving.
Gear I’m Loving: Nike Zegama 2
I’ve been a mostly a HOKA Speedgoat and Nike Pegasus loyalist on the trails for years now, but I recently took the new Nike Zegama 2 for a spin and we have a new contender! Not only does this shoe look WAY cool, but it also has loads of technical features to keep you safe and supported. Personal favorite components: The Vibram outsole with lugs for optimal traction, and the ankle gaitor which limits rocks and other debris from getting inside and ruining my vibe.
Prompt I’m Loving: At the end of the day today, ask yourself: What was one thing I saw that I’m grateful for? One thing I heard? One thing I tasted? One thing I touched?
Quote I’m Loving: “If you have to tell them to help carry the bricks, they’re aren’t the ones to build with.” — unknown
Thanks to Hyperice for supporting Hurdle.
I take recovery very seriously, and a integral part of my toolkit is the lineup of Hyperice products, including Hypervolt percussion massage, Normatec air compression technology, and Venom heat and massage wearables. I use all of their products throughout my training, but my favorite are the Normatec Go sleeves, which are portable compression sleeves small enough to fit in any travel bag so I can recover while on the road. They were an absolute game changer while I trained for Tokyo.
Head to hyperice.com and use code HURDLESPRING for 15% off non-sale items and an extra 5% off the Normatec and Hypervolt lines
We are back with season 17 and almost 300 episodes of Hurdle! Kicking off this season is Lindsey Horan, captain of the U.S. women’s national soccer team. She shares her insane story as the first American player to sign a professional contract straight out of high school and travel overseas to play for France. We dive into her early days as a professional athlete, her experience with body shaming and feelings of body acceptance, the moment she got the call to be on the U.S. soccer team, and so much more. We talk about her feelings for the upcoming Olympics in Paris and how a supportive sponsor like Adidas really helps athletes like her make a career playing the sport they love. This conversation is full of gems and there may even be a giveaway in the intro — trust me, you don’t want to miss it.
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.