Starting Is the Hardest Part
You can. You just have to stop telling yourself otherwise.
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Presented by Goodr:
I’ve been traveling for a better part of the last three weeks. I went from Oregon to Colorado and California, then back to New York and finally over to Cabo. It’s been fulfilling and exciting to be on the move again, but with changes in location come some sacrifices in routine. Also: All the food (and drinks). Cue piña coladas, breakfast pastries, fun dinners out, airport pickings, copious amounts of vino … you get the picture. When I arrived back in New York on Monday night, I was more than ready to get back my usual schtick.
I was a little hesitant, though, TBH.
Did I know that moving my body and getting back into my ~usual~ eating patterns would make me feel better? For sure. I’d be remiss if I didn’t admit that feeling like I’m “starting over” can definitely be a little intimidating. Sure, it was only a few weeks. But, I felt like a blob. I felt like I was back at square one. Sometimes, being in that place makes starting fresh feel scary — or downright impossible.
The good news? No matter what you’ve been through on your journey, you can choose to start fresh right now. The secret: Remove the judgement. Stop overthinking. Stop telling yourself things “should” be one way or another. Meet yourself where you’re at. Oftentimes that first step can be the hardest. But once you make it? I’m not gonna tell you there won’t be hurdles along the way, but you’ve already conquered the toughest one.
Come Wednesday morning, I laced up. Got out. Ran. Didn’t look at my watch. I saw friends crossing the Manhattan Bridge. We cheered for one-another. When I crossed the 5-mile mark, I was proud of me for beginning again.
Remember: We’re in charge of our story. Stop making excuses for picking up your own damn pen and write yours starting right now.
PROMPT: What have you been putting off starting? What can you take action on next week?
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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
LISTEN: Toxic: The Britney Spears Story
Saw this posted on the Apple Podcasts Twitter page, and found the episode super interesting. The whole Britney Spears conservatorship situation really blows my mind. For anyone who isn’t up to speed, this pod really sheds some light on the sitch.
WATCH: Without Limits
After going to Eugene for the Trials a few weeks back, running on Pre’s Trail, and stopping by Pre’s Rock — I was excited to see this movie on my flight back from Cabo last week. Steve Prefontaine was the holder of every American distance running from 2,000 to 10,000 meters. The movie, starring Billy Crudup, tells his story. I don’t know how in the world I’ve never seen it (I believe it came out in 1998) — but definitely worth the watch.
LISTEN: Ali on the Run: Kara Goucher, Olympic Track and Field Trials
Really loved Kara’s openness about her entire commentating experience, from the auditioning process (which she wasn’t even sure she wanted to do in the first place) and sweaty outfits to the prep that goes into each and every broadcast and her on-camera mistakes.
READ: Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Reminder! Hurdle book club is meeting this coming Monday night, July 19, at 8 p.m. ET! Click here to register.
OBSESSING OVER: These Nike Offcourt Slides
When I was cleaning out my last apartment, I counted 12 different pairs of slides going through my closet. AKA, I have owned my fair share of ‘em. I’d be remiss if I didn’t say that these are the most comfortable slides I’ve ever owned. The bottom is made out of a dual-layered foam and soft jersey lining, and I may never take them off.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: #HURDLEMOMENT: Expert-Backed Tips To Deal With Burnout That Really Work
I'm talking about burnout with Victoria Albina, a Certified Life Coach, UCSF-trained family nurse practitioner and breath work meditation guide. We define it, address how to know you're struggling with it, and then offer up some actionable things that you can do to handle it and come out stronger for it.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: 167. Katrina Scott, Co-Founder of Tone It Up
Welcome Katrina Scott to the Hurdle fam! For episode 167, I'm chatting with the Tone It Up co-founder about everything from how she got into fitness to her recent fertility struggles. Katrina shares the funny way she first approached her co-founder Karena Dawn, and talks about how the brand had to pivot during the COVID pandemic (read: There was a lot of IG live to go around). Plus: What she's excited for in the coming months, the details surrounding her new program 6:40, and the interesting backstory as to why butterflies have such a strong, symbolic meaning in her life.
Also, it’s not too late to become a paid subscriber and get in on our journaling challenge! Not a bad gift to give someone you care about, either.
Don’t Forget to Check Out: HURDLE SESSIONS!
How to Start (and Stay!) Running
How to Take Your Running to the Next Level
Intro to Freelance Writing
Intro to Podcasting
How to Turn Your Side Hustle Into Your Main Gig
Finding Your Power Alone
How to Build a Social Media Presence
Media Strategy for Fitness Professionals
AND *30-Minute One-On-One Consulting Call*
PLEASE LEAVE ME A VOICE MESSAGE! Whether you just want to say hi or have a question you want to ask, I’d love to hear from you! Bonus: Your listener question could be answered in an upcoming episode of the show! No topics are off limits.
This is awesome! Yes. The famous start over. I think this is why I’m a bit over obsessed with my routine which is why I don’t change it if I can help it but I need to learn to be more flexible.
I started to include more speed work into my runs. Speedwork is so very intimidating. It's also very hard. I'm a Zen Runner so when i do speedwork it's like a job and it makes me anxious. I'm just taking it one day at a time and trying to just do a little each week. I also returned to my Pilates reformer classes this week ( the shaking that happens is crazy). I am telling myself to embrace the shake. Don't fight it. It always seems impossible until it's done. The Mantras work for me.