Sending Love To LA + The Power Of Doing Something New
There's beauty in investing in both each other — and yourself.
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Presented by ASICS:
Before I get into this week’s newsletter, I want to share some resources for those impacted by the awful fires in Los Angeles. Of course, there are loads of other brands and websites that have created round-ups of organizations you can donate to as the fires rage in Los Angeles (see: Vogue, Los Angeles Times, People, USA Today). Here are some other ways to support relief efforts in the wake of mass devastation:
Begin by checking out the American Red Cross’s Wildfire Relief program
For anyone that’s local, Canine Rescue Club is accepting sign-ups if you can offer temporary foster care to dogs that were displaced by the fires
The California Fire Foundation is supporting some of the 7,500 firefighting and emergency personnel on the ground right now
Direct Relief’s California Fire Relief provides medicine, N-95 masks, and resources to healthcare agencies and first responders in affected areas.
And lastly, the California Community Foundation has a recovery fund dedicated to helping victims
A friend Liz Beecroft Ridgway, LCSW, shared a post that I also found quite helpful, for those that want to support friends, family, and others faraway:
Last night I hosted a goal-setting workshop here in New York. One of mine for 2025 is to do one new thing (at least) every week. I forget where I saw this concept at one point or another, but I began the same goal back in 2023 — and let it fall by the wayside. I realize now, in retrospect, that I didn’t have a super strong “why” for doing it the first time, aside from that I thought it could be fun. In goal setting, your “why” is going to be the thing that helps your prioritize your goals when life gets hectic.
This time feels different, though. Because when I look back at 2024, I have so many fantastic, beautiful memories. But many of them have the same thing in common:
Work.
It’s absolutely not lost on me that I’m in the selective group of humans who love what they do. But in reflecting on the highlights from the past 365, I made the conscious decision: I want to have more experiences that have nothing to do with work this year. Whether I’m home in Brooklyn or traveling somewhere else, I want to have fresh moments that remind me that every day can be by design — if you choose.
And so, how does this work? Great question.
On Sunday mornings, I take a look at the upcoming week and ask myself: Where are the holes? When is there time for me to do something fun or different? Then: I get to planning. I could randomly meander into a new cafe or restaurant or book store at any point of any day. That’s not the point. The point is to be intentional about making it an experience. Creating a memory. I’m also making an effort not to consistently choose things that require a big financial investment. So for instance, week one I decided to take the DC Metro for the first time. Week two, I went to a new Art Café in Greenpoint called Happy Medium and made some candlesticks. Next week, I’m trying a new fitness studio and then I have an alert to make a reservation for week four.
As much as this is an opportunity to have new experiences, it’s also really an important lesson in prioritizing myself. Putting my oxygen mask on so that I can then show up for the people I care about, too. When you prioritize yourself, you're more likely to engage in activities that promote better physical health, like exercise, proper nutrition, and sufficient rest. And when you do that, there are better outcomes on the horizon.
Anyway. That’s where I’m at. It feels good, to feel excited by something I’m set out to do in 2025. Especially right now, when my heart otherwise feels heavy with what’s happening on the west coast. This morning, I’m reminded of the importance of finding the pockets of light in the dark.
TELL ME: What’s one new thing you want to do in 2025?
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Hosting: A FREE Hurdler Yoga Class on Wednesday, January 15
Something I feel passionately about is gathering in community in times of frustration or challenge. So, I touched base with my favorite yoga studio, and they’re allowing me to host a yoga class for New York-based hurdlers — for free! First come, first serve: Join me at Lyons Den Power Yoga next Wednesday, January 15, at 8:15am. Use the above link and click “Sign Up Now. “Then, make a single reservation, select the Walk-In option, and then use code HURDLE.
I’m Listening To: A Touch More With Sue Bird & Megan Rapinoe
If you don’t want to set goals of your own, you may as well listen to what Sue and Meg’s are for 2025 and enjoy a few giggles in this week’s episode.
Prompt I’m Loving: What does your ideal life look like for you in 365 days if nothing was holding you back?
Quote I’m Loving: “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”― Dalai Lama
Thanks to ASICS for sponsoring this week’s newsletter and last week’s Turning the Page series!
Whether your New Years goals consist of more positive mindsets, more movement or more miles, ASICS is here to make every step, a step in comfort. Launching TODAY, a Hurdle favorite, the GEL-Nimbus 27 — a shoe that creates a softer and smoother running experience for all the miles ahead. ASICS is providing Hurdle listeners an exclusive deal to purchase a GEL-Nimbus 27 or your ASICS favorite, now through 1/30. Use the code HURDLE10 at checkout on Asics.com for $10 off orders of $100 or more.
Also! Last week I snuck a sneaker giveaway into Nikki’s Turning the Page episode, and I’m excited to report the winner is Laura Anderson Galeazz (@losingrace)! Laura, email us over at hello@hurdle.us (OR, comment below) with your information so we can get you your kicks.
I'm in awe of Elise Cranny. After a difficult year filled with unexpected challenges like injury and relocation, she's emerged more passionate about sport and sure of herself than ever. In today's episode, which we recorded in Austin this past December, Elise opens up about where she's at and how she's landed on a more empowered mindset headed into 2025. Plus: How she feels about her recent (ish) coaching change, how she slows down and identifies what works for her, and learning from the hurdles as they arise.
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.
Many new things on tap for this year that I may need to pinch myself! One is competing in HYROX DC in March! Another is snow skiing in the French Alps in Feb!! and the last is hiking the Grand Canyon R2R2R in October with other amazing ladies! Whew it's gonna be a year! And I plan to bring my HURDLE crew neck with me everywhere!
Would have totally loved to make it to your goal setting workshop!! Hope it went well!