A Starting Line Unlike Any Other

Virtual marathon, here I come.

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.

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Tomorrow morning, I’m going to lace up and run 26.2 miles. There are a lot of thoughts that go through a person’s head in the days and hours leading up to lacing up and tackling a full marathon. Those thoughts, for me, are slightly different today than they have been before starting lines past.

I need to do laundry.
Don’t forget to buy a bagel.
What’s my face mask/bandana situation?
I’m out of peanut butter.
Should I wear a race bib?
Is 45 degrees too cold for shorts?
Do I know the route?
What pace am I working with here?
What’s the deal with this tracking app?
Where should I drink beer after?

Unlike every other marathon I’ve ever run, I haven’t talked to my parents about whether or not they’re coming. We’re still in a pandemic. They’re not. I’m not going to a marathon expo to snag myself some swag, hype, and a few last-minute gels. I don’t have to worry about starting at a specific time or even navigate transportation to a designated start, because the start (as I’ve decided) is … 5 minutes from my apartment.

According to me.
My race. My rules.

Today, however, a new thought popped into my head: I’m going to start this thing by myself. That’s bizarre.

Typically, when you visualize the beginning of a marathon, the moments before you take off after your own potential, you get excited.
The big crowds.
The fanfare.
The adrenaline.
The race posters.

This Saturday doesn’t feel like that. When I think about Saturday, I focus on persistence. I think about finishing what I’ve started. As odd as it feels to lace up alone in my apartment and kick things off with only the company of my Garmin and my thoughts, it also seems appropriate. So much of this year has been about showing up when no one is watching. Doing things that make me feel uncomfortable and braving unfamiliar territory. Homing in on the things I can control and throwing my hands up in the air when it comes to everything else, bracing for whatever might happen next.

I have no goal, aside to finish. No expectation, aside from the forecast. The only time you can’t trust your training is when you haven’t done it. I’ve certainly done a fair amount.

Really, this Saturday is just another Saturday when I get up and do something that makes me feel like me.

No big crowds.
Very little fanfare.
A little less adrenaline.
No race posters.
Just me.
My thoughts.
My pace.
My race.
The race that will officially make me a nine-time marathoner.
That’s good enough for me.

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PROMPT: What’s one goal you have for the remainder of 2020?

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Thanks to Goodr — maker of fun, fashionable, and functional sunglasses that everyone can afford — for sponsoring today’s newsletter.

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This deal is a no-brainer. Head to goodr.com/hurdle and use “HURDLE10” at checkout for $10 off your purchase!

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK

BUY: Tracksmith’s New York Pioneer Club Collection
Inspired by the legacy of New York Pioneer Club athlete Ted Corbitt and in celebration of 50 years of New York's marathon — the course for which Corbitt helped plan — this collection is a collaboration between Tracksmith and past Hurdler, writer, coach, and Black Roses NYC founder Knox Robinson. It’s got racing kits, tees, and sweatshirts with the club's signature varsity lettering and colors. Five percent of all Collection sales will go to support the Jeuness Track Club, a community-based girl’s track club founded thanks to the lasting legacy of the Pioneers.

LEARN: Nutrition for Runners Workshop
My two friends Lindsey and Amber, the ladies behind Brave Body Project, are collaborating with Kara Griffin of Feel This for a workshop on Thursday, November 5, at 6 p.m. ET. Whether you're a marathoner or a 5K-er, a competitive racer or a hobby jogger, they’ve got the tips and tricks you need to better fuel your body before, during, and after runs for optimal success.

TAKE: Virtual Cycling and Sculpt Classes with Nichelle
Ya’ll know how insanely motivating past Hurdler Nichelle Hines is. Well, she’s ready to give you a dose of inspiration this weekend (and a stellar workout) with her ZOOM classes. She’s got cycle, for anyone who has access to a Spin bike, as well as a sculpt option that requires minimal equipment. No weights around? No worries. She’s got modifications for all.

READ: I Thought It Was Just Me” (But It Isn’t) by Brené Brown
The choice has been made! Our next book club gathering will be Wednesday, December 9, at 8 p.m. ET. We’re going to be discussing this pick from Brené Brown. To sign up for the book club email list, click here. In a few weeks, I’ll share the Zoom registration link. Please, only register at that time if you can definitely make our session!

RACE DAY ESSENTIALS: Wolaco Women’s Bike Short ($50), Lululemon Wunder Train cropped long sleeve ($88), Bombas Performance Running calf socks ($92), New Balance Select hoodie ($79.99), Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% ($250), Lululemon Cross Chill run gloves ($38), Old Man Run Club hat (N/A), LMNT Recharge electrolyes ($20)
So, this is the kit. From the socks and shoes to the pre-game hoodie and fuel of choice, these are some of my most-worn items that I trust for race day. If you have any questions, comment below, but some quick highlights here: The Lululemon Wunder Train long sleeve is great because it’s got thumb holes. Gloves are important when it is cold outside and these are tech-friendly. The New Balance hoodie is my go-to apartment uniform at the moment. Oh and of course, I can’t get enough of the orange salt flavor of LMNT, which is zero-sugar hydration to support your active lifestyle. To find your flavor, snag the LMNT Recharge variety pack.

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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.