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 Bandit:
I’ve written here about struggling with plantar fasciitis before. Over the last 20-or-so days, I’ve diligently been treating it. Finally taking a much-needed break from one of my go-to ways to sweat — running. As a result, I’m investing in myself. Emotionally and also, literally. Twice-weekly physical therapy. Four laser therapy treatments at a podiatrist over 16 days. Acupuncture once a week. And the good news: Week over week, it’s gotten much better. I’m no longer limping at 4 p.m. every day. My range of motion has drastically improved.
I’ve been getting more and more optimistic.
And then last night: It happened. My PT told me that on Tuesday of next week, I can run “supervised” 1-minute on, 1-minute off … for 10 whole minutes.
Ten. Freakin’. Minutes.
!!!
You should’ve seen my reaction. Giddy as a golden retriever puppy, I jumped up and down (responsibly). It was as if someone told me that I just won the 5th grade talent show or like I just walked by my crush on the college quad.
For some, you may think it’s only 10 minutes. For me, that’s five more running minutes (intermixed with walking ones) than I had last week. And for that? I am elated.
The opportunity to begin again gives me butterflies. The opportunity to stay smart. I’ve missed the way things used to be — the opportunity to feel capable, striding on a treadmill faster than it feels as though my legs can take me. I’ve managed the (brief) loss with grace. Kept perspective. And now, in this moment this small win feels good.
I didn’t come this far to only come this far.
Ten minutes. I can do that. And I can’t wait.
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: Timothy Goodman on Courtside Conversation with Ally Love
I’ve been following artist Timothy Goodman for a while now, and it’s been really awesome to see him thrive recently. The New York-based artist recently collaborated with Nike on a sneaker, illustrated the cover of Time, and authored his first book I Always Think It’s Forever — out January 31. Really loved learning more about the man behind the art in this episode.
I’m Watching: You People
I finally got to watch this last night and it’s so, so good.
Product I’m Digging: Self Journal by BestSelf
If you follow me on Instagram then you know I’ve been obsessed with the BestSelf Self Journal that my mom got me for the holidays. It’s got daily, weekly, and monthly planning — but beyond that — it helps me get really intentional about how I’m feeling and the goals I’m after. With sections to track habits, reflect on your week, and find gratitude at the top of each day, I legitimately look forward to opening this when I sit down at my desk. And yes, I also used to geek out about going back-to-school shopping at Staples.
Quote I’m Loving: “A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery while on a detour.” — Anonymous
Thanks to my friends at Bandit for sponsoring this week’s newsletter.
If you haven’t tried out Bandit yet, allow me to get you over the line. The Brooklyn-based company makes some of my running staple picks that I’ve been wearing since they launched last year — long before this sponsorship. (A special shout-out to their SoftSpeed leggings, currently getting me through the winter.) Plus! The brand’s really focused on investing in the running community — here in New York and beyond — and they have an all-female design team and co-founder (bonus points from me).
Good news! Bandit is giving Hurdlers 15% off their first order with code “HURDLE15” at checkout. Simply enter that code over on BanditRunning.com, and also keep up with them over @banditrunning on Instagram.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: 236: Branden Collinsworth, Human Performance Coach
Branden Collinsworth grew up on the streets of Las Vegas. Finding movement at a young age, he used that as a lifeline to get away from bad habits and dangerous situations. It was through perseverance that he went on to open up a highly successful chain of gyms and get his master's in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania (he admits in today's episode that he worked on the application for two full years). But still in pursuit of his ultimate purpose of love, he decided to travel to Bali to practice yoga and find himself.
In episode 236, Collinsworth talks extensively about how to home in on your purpose, offers up some of his favorite takeaways from the people who inspire him, touches on how the skills he's learned through his beloved yoga practice have helped him become a better human, and beams with excitement over his next chapter with CorePower Yoga and their new strength offering CorePower Strength X.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: #HURDLEMOMENT: Chef Dan Churchill On Simple Tips For Healthy Eating
Looking to make some smarter nutrition choices in the new year? That's where Dan Churchill, performance-based chef located in New York City, comes in. This is Dan's third time back on Hurdle, and he's offering up some thoughts on how to eat healthier — and adopt all-around better-for-you nutrition habits. We talk what staples should be in your pantry, fridge, and freezer, as well as how to prep smart, what should really be on your plate, and our thoughts on Dry (or Damp) January.
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.