Self-Belief Is Really Something Special
It only took a 196-mile relay race to remind me of that.
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Presented by LMNT:
Last weekend, my team finished Hood to Coast in 26:28:57. I’ve wanted to do the race — a 196-mile, 12-person relay from Mount Hood to the Oregon coast — forever, so it was a no-brainer when the team at Nike asked me if I wanted to join a group that they were putting together to check the race off of my bucket list.
I have a confession, though. I was anxious as all hell going into it.
One month ago, I was still in the run-walk phase of my return to running — having taken a month off to nurse some injury stuff. I was worried, ridden with questions: What if I have to walk-run my legs? What if it hurts? What if I have to tap out? And if I tap out, what does this mean for New York? Was I foolish to think I’d be able to do all of this? Am I going to let people down? Am I going to let myself down?
I got to Oregon, and those worries slowly dissipated. By the time I finished my first of three legs on the Springwater Corridor Trail, my concerns were behind me. That first run felt easier than I anticipated. I was faster than I thought currently possible. My feet, which have been problematic to say the least as of late — were a non-issue.
I felt good.
I felt grateful.
I felt like … me.
Big theme in my life lately: Doubt doesn’t serve you. All that time I spent worrying what could go wrong — it didn’t do me any favors. And so, I move forward and choose relentless self-belief, knowing that 99.9% of the time, the worst-case scenario isn’t all that bad, anyway.
I choose to focus on what could go right.
When was the last time you really believed in yourself? How did that feel?
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Loving: Nike Pegasus Plus
I ran all three of my relay legs wearing this sneaker, which is essentially the Pegasus Turbo reincarnated (IYKYK). Beforehand, I’d done a handful of shorter runs wearing the new release, but not more than 4 miles in one shot. Happy to report that not only did the sneaker feel excellent for 6+ miles at a time, but they also had enough cushion and spring that I felt secure in my stride. Highlight: The forefoot (in my opinion) is definitely wider than that of the Turbo, and gave my feet the room they so desperately crave in the toe box.
I’m Listening To: Chappell Roan
Isn’t everyone?
I’m Watching: The U.S. Open
So geeked to go to The Open this weekend. Team Coco, reporting for duty! Also, in cased you missed it, TOGETHXR launched a special tennis edition of their beloved “Everyone Watches Women’s Sports” T-shirt.
I’m Watching: The Paralympics
Bring on the fun! Encompassing eleven more days of sports from Paris, I’m already back to taking work breaks to catch competition.
Prompt I’m Loving: List five highlights from your summer. Even better if you can tie one to each of your senses.
Quote I’m Loving: “All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me.” — Walt Disney
Thanks to LMNT — an electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don't — for supporting Hurdle.
Gotta give some love to LMNT, zero-sugar hydration to support your active lifestyle. I’m a salty sweater (cute, I know). These electrolytes are my go-to to perform better. I like them not just because they taste great (the watermelon salt is my favorite as of late), but they’re also without artificial ingredients, sugar, and coloring. With LMNT, you can:
☀️ Kickstart your mornings
💪 Fuel workouts and improve recovery
They’ve got a flavor for every taste (my personal go-tos are grapefruit and watermelon). Head to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle to get a FREE LMNT sample pack with drink mix purchase. To claim this deal you must go to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle — no code necessary. While you’re there, check out new LMNT sparkling!
NEW ON THE SHOW 🎧
Meet Dana Mathewson: One of the most prominent wheelchair tennis players in U.S. history. Currently ranked No. 1 in the United States, Dana is the first American woman to win a grand slam title in wheelchair tennis and is gearing up for this year’s Paralympics. Dana shares her remarkable story when she was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition at the age of 9, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. When her mom introduced her to wheelchair tennis at the age of 13, Dana quickly fell in love with the sport and never looked back.
We talk about how tennis became a quick passion for her as a way to reclaim her independence, her opportunity to attend the University of Arizona on an athletic scholarship, and why she chose to put her academics on hold to chase her Paralympic dream. Dana shares valuable advice around the mental side of training for performance, and sheds light on how she puts her mental skills training into practice on a daily basis, both on and off the court.
Katie Hoff Anderson has a lot of exciting projects on deck. But that doesn’t mean she didn’t have her reservations about returning to this year’s Games in a different capacity. Embracing being a spectator instead of a competitor, Katie talks about the tools she used to get to a grateful place — and her feelings on gratitude as a whole. Plus: what it’s like to be a Team USA creator, the excitement she has about her new podcast, and the way she feels about calling Nashville home.
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.
thank you for this message today. As a person who cannot have kids, I am trying very hard to view that as an opportunity rather than a loss. I can plan trips, spend my time painting or sleeping (rehabbing old injuries) and exploring new passions.