Rolling With the Punches
Scary headlines coming out of New York, but it's not all bad — you know.
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It’s kind of a wild week to be a woman living in New York. ICYMI: Social media is erupting over viral videos on TikTok of women claiming they were randomly punched on the streets. For more on that, read this helpful article from The Cut. Every time crime makes headlines in the city, there’s an inevitable call from a family member checking in. Conversations with girlfriends who also live here, chatting about what we’re each doing to stay safe. This morning, I reached for my AirPods Pro for my commute, then opted for my generation 2 Pods instead — out of concern for my safety (hearing things around me) and also grabbed my small pink pepper spray that looks like a tube of lipstick.
It’s natural to be a little scared. The Cut’s article highlights a valuable point: This type of violence isn’t new to the nation’s largest city. Back in November, a man was arrested after punching at least four women on the New York subway. However, the TikTok algorithm is built to serve up similar stories in succession. So! Users feel like there’s an even bigger crime wave in the streets.
But, it also makes me reflect on the good that’s here. I remember one day in particular almost seven years ago. It was probably 8:15 or so on a weeknight. I was dating someone at the time on and off, and on the subway after leaving his place coming to terms with the fact that we should probably be off — for good. Now, crying on the subway is definitely a rite of passage for any New Yorker. This was one of the (many) times that I have. With tears streaming down my face, I looked up and out the window across the car at the Freedom Tower as the Q Train crossed the Manhattan Bridge. Moments later, my eyes caught eyes with an older woman across from me. We were two of perhaps eight people in the entire car. She reached in her purse, looked back at me, and handed me a tissue.
You know when someone asks you if you’re OK when you’re not OK, and that triggers an almost unavoidable wave of emotions? Well, that’s exactly how I felt in that moment. I cracked a small smile, accepted the tissue she offered me, and pulled the hood of my sweatshirt over my brown curls pretending it operated like an invisibility cloak. In that moment, I was sad, sure. But I reflect on it now as one of the most beautiful interactions I’ve had here. Two strangers, sharing a moment, making one feel a whole lot less alone.
There’s good out there, if you choose to see it. Stay safe out there, friends.
TELL ME: What was an interaction you had with a stranger that brought you light?
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: Heavy by SiR
A friend sent me the track “Poetry In Motion” earlier this week, and I’ve been on a listening rampage to this album ever since.
I’m Watching: March Madness
Media coverage of women’s sports has essentially tripled in the last five years. Tuning in regularly can help further increase coverage, so — you know I’m on it. UConn, my alma mater, is playing tomorrow night at 8 p.m.
I’m Reading: Chrissy King’s new Substack, The Liberation Collective
Past Hurdle guest (peep her episode here) Chrissy King launched a newsletter this week, covering a myriad of topics ranging from body liberation and anti-diet talk to divorce, grief, breaking up with religion — and more. Check it out, and subscribe!
Gear I’m Loving: Fabletics No-Bounce High Impact Sports Bra
Fabletics recently came our with a run collection, and I’m really digging some of the items. For the price (this bra sells for $20.98 for new VIPs) — it’s great quality. I adore the fun cut-outs on the back, and appreciate the wider bottom band for a more secure fit and coverage. Also, a huge fan of this Perfect Storm Cropped Jacket.
Prompt I’m Loving: What’s a smell that brings you joy?
Quote I’m Loving: “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.” — Brene Brown
Thanks to Bandit — a Brooklyn-based apparel brand — for supporting Hurdle.
Bandit Running has quietly been putting together the most value-packed Membership in running all aimed at providing resources at every step of your running journey. They’re adding partner benefits left and right, including 20% off all ASICS footwear and Therabody Reset, 15% off CitizenM Hotels and AutoCamp with 40+ locations near starting lines around the globe, and so much more.
Not to mention, you get a 10% standing discount on all their amazing performance running apparel and accessories, free shipping on every Bandit order, a $50 digital gift card, and two pairs of Member socks. Go to BanditRunning.com and use code HURDLER15 for 15% off The Membership, making it just $100 bucks for the year. Use the same code for 15% off your first order now — in store and online through April 16.
Welcome Peloton instructor Camila Ramon (and fellow hurdler!) to the podcast, and boy does she have some wisdom to share. We have such a beautiful dialogue about embracing the body that you have and appreciating all it can do regardless of what it looks like. We talk about Camila’s experience with body image, movement, and what ultimately brought her to Peloton. She speaks so much wisdom on how to combat the comparison trap and advice for anyone starting (and sticking to) a journey of their own.
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.
Thank you for sharing the vibe in NYC at the moment. It’s been heavy 🥺