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Presented by LMNT:
Lately I’ve been going through phases of feeling super unmotivated to move my body. On Wednesday morning, after a later-than-usual night, I woke up with a mission of getting outside on my bike. Alas, 90 degree temperatures in New York weren’t exactly beckoning to me, and I thought about forgoing sweat altogether. Then I walked into the office, looked at the Peloton live schedule (follow me @eabbate!), and realized I had 6 minutes to change, get my act together, and get back to the bike.
“Just get it done,” I told myself.
Not only did I get it done, but after the 30:00 ride was over, I decided to hop into another :20. When all was said and done, I was proud of me for sticking it out. I felt better, too.
Then came Thursday. I’m still, for the most part, not setting a regular alarm (it’s been one of the best blessings for my morning routine over the past 16-or-so months). I woke up at 6:40, drowsy. The temperature outside was already 74. On autopilot, I walked into the kitchen and made myself a Nespresso. Then, I started getting dressed.
New shorts.
A never-worn sports bra.
Socks.
Sneakers.
Garmin.
I walked back into my living room. Standing there, I sipped my coffee and started to go through the motions of hyping myself up for the six miles I knew I wanted to do but felt so much meh about beginning.
I am strong.
I am capable.
I am caffeinated.
Mile one felt heavy, but was faster than I expected. By mile three, I was passing other runners on Kent Avenue in Williamsburg. After a brief stop to gawk over the Manhattan skyline, I turned around and ran the route back home. Once that watch crossed the 6-mile mark, I slowed down to a walk and felt victorious. I felt proud.
Starting can feel like the hardest part. I totally get it. But I can guarantee that you’ll never regret conquering that hurdle. Plus, it opens up a world of opportunity. Don’t judge your beginnings too harshly, especially when it comes to self-care and movement. Everyone’s gotta kick things off somewhere (and every beginning will look different).
Maybe, today’s your chance to do just that.
PROMPT: What’s one thing you can do to make the days where you need a little extra motivation a little easier? My hot tip: Only KEEP workout clothes that you like to wear (read: maybe it’s time for a Goodwill run). This way, you’ll open your drawer and won’t have a hesitation about picking out whatever’s on top. One less hurdle to conquer on your way.
Thanks to LMNT — an electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don't — for supporting Hurdle.
Meet LMNT, zero-sugar hydration to support your active lifestyle. I’m the saltiest sweater (cute, I know). These electrolytes have been my go-to recently to perform better. I like them not just because they taste great (the orange salt is my favorite), but they’re also without artificial ingredients, sugar, and coloring. With LMNT, you can:
☀️ Kickstart your mornings
💪 Fuel workouts and improve recovery
Head to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle to get a FREE LMNT sample pack, including two citrus, two raspberry, two orange, and two raw unflavored. You only pay $5 for shipping! To claim this deal you must go to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle — no code necessary.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
LISTEN UP: Summer of Gold, a new podcast from TOGETHXR
Premiering August 17, this podcast will empower listeners to relive the revolutionary Summer of '96 through the eyes of the women Olympians who dominated those Games, and discover how that summer in Atlanta transformed women athletes into cultural icons, revolutionized women in sports, and created the foundation for today's modern fight for gender equality.
READ UP: Sidecountry: Tales of Death and Life from the Backroads of Sports
This is a stellar collection of The New York Times reporter John Branch's most inspiring and riveting pieces. The stories cover everything from downhill skiers, rock climbers, hunters, and racers alike all doing extraordinary things in the sports world.
GEAR UP: Adidas Adizero Boston
I’ve been looking forward to putting these on for a long time. The sneaker wasn’t what I expected (read: they’re not springy like super shoes a la the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 or Nike Vaporfly NEXT%), but I could see them sitting in my regular rotation as a base pace sneaker. The lightweight upper is super comfortable, and I think they look cute, too.
Doing something cool? Working with a charity? Want to be featured in the Weekly Hurdle? OR! Have you watched, read, or consumed something you love that you think would be a good fit here? Feel free to email hello@hurdle.us!
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: How to Eat for Better Brain Function
If I were to tell you that the things you consume could help you think more clearly and function at a higher level, would you make some changes to your diet? Enter Dr. Uma Naidoo, a Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef and nutrition specialist who penned the recent book, This is Your Brain on Food. She gives us the lowdown on how to eat smarter to scratch brain fog, including what should be in your morning mug (hint: it's not coffee) and how spices can make a major difference. Also: We chat strategies to beat emotional eating and the importance of removing the judgement from one small "slip up."
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: 171. Molly Seidel, 2020 Olympic Medalist in the Marathon
I STILL HAVE CHILLS. It was a no-brainer for me to bring my 2020 conversation with Molly Seidel back to the feed this week, mostly because WOW listening to this interview now gives me so many feels. This was originally episode 100 of the show, and the last episode I recorded with a guest before the pandemic. Molly earned the third-ever medal in the Olympic marathon for an American woman over the weekend in an unbelievable performance of grit, showcasing so much hard work.
Fun facts: It was the third-ever full marathon for the Notre Dame graduate, and she qualified for the Olympics in her first-ever marathon back at the 2020 Olympic Trials. In episode 171, she tells me all about the hurdles she faced to get here (and there were many). From detailing her battles with obsessive compulsive disorder and injury to seeking treatment for disordered eating — Molly's perspective is both special and enlightening. So many takeaways here, and certainly a few tears — too. So excited for you, Molly. Thanks for being a part of the Hurdle community.
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.