Repeat After Me: "Different is OK"

In fact, different can be pretty great.

Welcome back to the Weekly Hurdle! Every Friday, I’ll share a blog post, follow it up with a thought-provoking prompt to take you into the weekend, and finish things off with some content picks. Please, tag or DM me on social @hurdlepodcast and @emilyabbate with your thoughts. This newsletter is free and will stay free thanks to sponsors and the individuals that opt-in to give. Consider signing up as a paid subscriber.

Also: Today is September 11. My heart and thoughts are with those who lost loved ones on this day in 2001. Stronger together; here for the Hurdle community always.

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Yesterday morning I was folding laundry in my bedroom, thinking about this time last year. Life was so different. Different feels like an understatement, really. 

Shortly after I put my sports bras in their designated drawer and miraculously finagled my comforter back inside its duvet, I sat down at my laptop and snuck a look at my 2019 Google calendar. Highlights from this specific week 365 days ago include a hot yoga class at Lyons Den, introducing a friend at their book release party, a 22-mile Saturday long run prepping for Chicago, signing a big contract, a ramen date with a guy that I was seeing at the time, a solo trip to the movies to see Brittany Runs a Marathon, and giving a talk to an amphitheater filled with 500 women. In between all of those to-dos, there were early morning workouts, too many trips to the Rent the Runway flagship store near Union Square, and tons of deadlines.

Life was a lot. 
But life was good.

I’ve always been good at a lot. I’ve prided myself on it, really. I was good at finding some semblance of balance when it felt impossible, and always managed to make time for the people and things that I cared about despite the chaos. For a while over the past six months, I craved this old way.

I craved the hectic days that kicked off with my 5:30 a.m. alarm. 
I craved treadmill sprints.
I craved the slightly disheveled scene the night before an early flight, packing my Away bigger carry-on at 10:45 p.m., then sitting on it to make it zip.
I craved exciting meetings that required me to wear my best athleisure and skirt combo.
I craved in-person recording sessions and slightly uncomfortable amounts of eye contact.
I craved using the Delta app.
I craved hugs and handshakes.

More recently, though, I’ve come to realize that life without the “a lot,” isn’t bad. This year, albeit not being what I had planned, has been big — both personally and professionally. Some of the things that are happening, they wouldn’t be without the shift. 

Connections made. 
Connections lost. 
Work wins.
Work losses.
Boundaries established.
Small wins.
A few large victories. 

Is it all different?
Yeah.
But different isn’t bad.
It’s just that, different.
And lately, different makes me feel pretty lucky. 

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PROMPT: What’s one thing that happened in this month you didn’t expect — but are better for?

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK

LISTEN: Ali on the Run 279. Justin Grunewald
I adore Ali (we’ve been on each other’s shows before) — and really loved her interview with Justin Grunewald — doctor, ultra runner, and avid chaser of FKTs. He is perhaps best known as husband to the late Gabe Grunewald, who passed away last year after a lengthy battle with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare cancer. Ali asks difficult questions with grace, the conversation is vulnerable, and I really appreciate Justin’s honesty.

SIGN UP: One Million Miles for Justice
The One Million Miles for Justice Virtual Walk, Run, and Bike Ride event is back, hosted by the Civil Rights Race Series, and team “Hurdlers” is back, too. This time around, a portion of the race proceeds will support the Children's Defense Fund, a national child advocacy organization that works to uplift all children — especially poor children and children of color.
Click the link above to join team “Hurdlers” (or — make sure to enter the team name at checkout). First time joining in the fun? Use the code “HURDLERS5” for $5 off registration. If you participated previously, use “RETURNPHASE2” for a discount.

LISTEN: “Dynamite” by BTS
OK I’ll be real here: I’ve never really understood all of this BTS hype. If you’ve never heard of BTS, they’re a K-pop band with a lot of fans, and their newest song (their first with full English lyrics) already has 57+ million views on YouTube. It’s pretty energetic, positive, and IDK — I think we could all use a little bit of that these days. 

BUY: Let’s Talk Leggings: Lululemon All the Right Places Crop ($118), Lululemon Align Pant II 25’’ ($98), Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II ⅞ Tight ($79.99 to $98), New Balance Impact Heat Tight ($44.21)
I did sweatshirts a few weeks ago, which meant leggings and tights were coming down the pipe. Admittedly, I probably have about 22 different pairs of Lululemon tights in my dresser, and at least six pairs each of the All the Right Places crop and the Align pant. I know they’re a bit on the pricey side, but I’ve yet to find anything that lasts as long or feels as good. That’s probably why I’ve worn the All the Right Places crop for essentially every race over the past three years; I can’t imagine life without them come fall. With pockets on both sides and in the back (same goes for the Athleta and New Balance options above), there’s adequate storage for all the goods (keys, phone, sanitizer, mask). As for the Align, you can’t go wrong with the buttery, soft fabric.

HOW CAN I SUPPORT HURDLE?

I’m so glad you asked! Start by telling your friends, sharing this edition of the Weekly Hurdle, and/or leaving a comment below!

SUBSCRIBE, RATE, AND REVIEW HURDLE: We’re now over 875 reviews in the iTunes store! Go on, get after it.
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SUPPORT THE SPONSORS: For a complete list of Hurdle’s sponsors, their respective vanity URLs, and discount codes — click here.

CHECK OUT: HURDLE SESSIONS
All past Sessions are now available on the Hurdle website. I’ll be releasing some information on new, upcoming Sessions very, very soon!

HURDLE BOOK CLUB 
Now taking all suggestions for the next Hurdle book club! Drop your recs in an email to me at emily@hurdle.us.

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

Disclosure: Some of the items above are hyperlinked to an affiliate program. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.