Take a Step Back & Do Some Inventory, Will You?
Go on, you earned it.
Welcome back to the Weekly Hurdle! This newsletter is free and will stay free thanks to sponsors and the individuals that opt-in to give. Your support is really appreciated.
Presented by Open:
Greetings from Hurdle’s first-ever two-week season break! In all honesty: It feels completely bizarre to have given myself this sort of grace to actually take some time off. This week, I’ve been reminded of how important it is to take a step back every now and again to do an honest audit of how things are. Sometimes, that’s the only way to identify what is (and isn’t!) working for you. I’m used to firing on all cylinders all of the time. I’m used to trying to navigate ambient anxiety. I’m “good” at it, even. But it wasn’t until I took a step back that I realized how how exhausted I was from being so non-stop.
I’d be lying if I said I “wasn’t working,” though. I’m working. For sure. Just a little differently than usual. I’m still recording. Still writing. But I’m also finding some more breathing room for other stuff. For instance, I now have a decent sun tan. I’ve been able to spend some more time with friends. Also: Getting back into the groove of both physical therapy and some workouts. And! Snagged a few big guest confirms (more on that, later). Perhaps my favorite thing: Time for a little self-care.
Yesterday, I went to get pedicures with my friend Willy before he headed out of town to tackle his first ultramarathon (send him good luck over on IG!). We had a conversation about the importance of taking that step away and appreciating the little things. Also: About how the smallest inconvenience to one person could be an absolute dream scenario for someone else.
For instance: Having a little bit of foot pain? (Here’s looking at you, plantar fasciitis — episode with a podiatrist coming soon.) Well, there’s someone out there without a foot that wouldn’t mind dealing with that problem. Need to clean your apartment but can’t find the motivation? Well, someone else would kill for your apartment.
I could come up with these sorts of examples for a while, but you get the gist. All of this to say: Don’t forget to take time for you. To find silver linings. Take deep breaths. Appreciate the small stuff.
Most of it’s just small stuff, after all.
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: Keira D’Amato: Finding the Courage to Try Again
I loved having Keira on the show, and I adored this conversation she had with another past Hurdle guest Michael Gervais for his podcast Finding Mastery.
I’m Watching: Physical on Apple TV+
Apparently this show is in its second season, but I just discovered it last night. Starring Rose Byrne as housewife Sheila Rubin, it’s a comedy about what happens when she discovers aerobics.
Gear I’m Loving: Under Armour Synchronicity
This is without-a-doubt the best running shoe that I’ve ever tried from Under Armour, and it’s made specifically for a women’s foot. Called the Synchronicity, it’s obscenely comfortable and feels like a second skin, thanks to the shoe’s knit ankle collar and heel design which creates a streamlined fit. I’d rock these for distances shy of 8 miles myself, but know women who have been wearing them to go longer.
Note on these: I usually size up a half-size in my running shoes, but this shoe is specifically made with that thought process in mind. So, buy true to size. For instance: I’m a women’s size 10 and typically run in a 10.5, but own these in a 10 and they feel great.
Quote I’m Loving: “Slowing down is an act of love” — Manoj Dias
Thanks to my friends at Open for sponsoring this week’s newsletter.
Open is a digital mindfulness platform combining breathwork, meditation, and movement. It’s the first platform I’ve ever used that I’ve stuck with consistently, and trust me — I’ve tried many. Now, I do a breathwork class every single morning to clear my head before I reach for my journal. (If you told me I’d be saying that sentence a year ago, I wouldn’t have believed you.)
With Open, I feel more in tune with my body, a little more awake, and capable to handle whatever the day throws my way. They offer unlimited live and on-demand breathwork, meditation, yoga, pilates, and more for all levels, and unlike other platforms, you can connect directly with your teachers during in-class live streams.
Head over to WithOpen.com/Hurdle to get 30 days absolutely free, no strings attached. Come join me! Looking forward to us taking class together, ASAP.
HURDLER SPOTLIGHT
NEW newsletter section, let’s go! I wanted to take some time to highlight the awesome Hurdlers of the Hurdle community. Want to be featured in an upcoming Weekly Hurdle? Submit your info (or a friend’s!) in this Google Form.
This week’s Hurdler of the week: Regina
Location: Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Occupation: Licensed clinical social worker
What’s going on in your life that excites you right now?
I am training for my first half marathon for Philly. I am running under the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). My mom passed from triple negative breast cancer. When she was sick, there was not a lot of research and very limited options for treatment. Finding out that AACR is funding research for triple negative breast cancer is so exciting!
I kept a journal with my mom and the last thing she wrote to me was asking me to find an organization that takes research for triple negative breast cancer seriously. That was the motivation I needed to sign up for my first half. It’s been a great process for grieving as well. My family and friends all said they feel relieved to hear there is research being done for both treatment and prevention of triple negative breast cancer!
What’s one thing you love about Hurdle?
I love hearing how fitness helps people move through challenges. I’ve definitely leaned on Hurdle in many ways during my grieving process.
How can we support you? I really just want everyone to know that not all breast cancer is the same. And if you want to contribute to the fundraising I’m doing for AACR, here is the link to do so.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT HURDLE?
I’m so, so glad you asked!
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, AND REVIEW HURDLE:
We’re now over 1,000 ratings and reviews in the iTunes store! Go on, get after it.
iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Anchor
JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP
Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.