The Simple Mantra I Use To Come Back To Calm
Currently on repeat and working wonders.
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Presented by Future:
Grace.
I’ve been repeating that word to myself a lot lately. It started — well, I noticed it firstly — the Sunday after Thanksgiving. I had just returned to the city from a few days back in Connecticut where I grew up. I knew I wanted to move my body, so I went downstairs to the gym. As the elevator descended, I remember the run I took on this Sunday last year. I went out without a plan, and I did about 10 miles. I (unfortunately) returned home with hives (I actually looked like Will Smith in Hitch).
… I didn’t long for those hives again, but I did long for the ability to go out and freely run 10 miles without pain caused by still-nagging plantar fasciitis.
Grace, I whispered to myself as the elevator doors opened.
I stepped foot into the empty room, a drizzle outside the windows with three treadmills in front of me. I didn’t feel like I had the attention span to do move this particular day without guidance. And since it was an off day from Future, I looked to the Peloton app for a simple guided run.
Grace, I whispered to myself.
The effort felt hard. Physically and mentally. As time went on and the belt below me kept cycling, I thought less about the lingering pain in my foot and more about how grateful I felt for the opportunity to move at all. Forty-five sweat-drenched minutes later, I was proud.
The mantra followed me, still. Burnt toast on Monday morning. Grace. A short week in the office that felt all-too-crazy before heading to Portland for work. Grace. Scheduling conflicts. Grace. Molly Seidel (episode coming Monday) needing to hop off of our recording for unexpected drug testing. (Part of being a pro; I couldn’t make that up if I tried.) Grace.
Each time it echoed — and continues to— in my mind, I take a deep breath. Each time, that breath helps me to release the things I cannot control and focus on what I can. Sometimes, that feels easier said than done.
Then, I remember:
I’m doing the best I can with what I have.
My intentions are good.
I am good.
And in knowing that, I keep moving forward. Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: How I Built This: Chobani: Hamdi Ulukaya
As a newly arrived immigrant from Turkey, Hamdi Ulukaya learned to be resourceful, determined, and even stubborn when he needed to be. All those traits would serve him well as he began to navigate the hairpin turns of building a yogurt business from the ground up. Today, Chobani is one of the most popular yogurt brands in the U.S. The story behind one of the biggest brands in the yogurt aisle is nothing short of epic.
Gear I’m Loving: Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX
I was so excited to test these out in Portland, and they did not disappoint. Two things worth highlighting: The excellent traction, thanks to a sturdy rubber outsole with strategically placed nubs, and also the higher ankle gaiter. The gaiter gives you extra coverage so you stay dry, and really makes the shoe feel like a second skin. They’re a perfect sneaker for hitting the trails, or a super stylish option for a slushy commute.
I’m Watching: Love, Lizzo on HBO
This documentary is so good. Like many, I’m a huge fan of Lizzo’s music. But I love how this really gives insight into how humble she’s been on her journey and the feelings she’s navigated throughout. We get to see into her process and an inside look at her ~real~ life, including the small apartment she chose to live in despite finding success and a relationship that both has its ups and downs and inspired a lot of her songs we know and love today.
Quote I’m Loving: “Grace means that all of your mistakes serve a purpose instead of serving shame.” — Brene Brown
Thanks to Future — a new workout experience that pairs you one-on-one with your own fitness coach — for supporting Hurdle.
What’s the best workout program? The one that is custom built just for you. With Future, you’re paired with a coach who will map out a plan based on your goals, with workouts delivered to your phone each week.
Future, your Apple Watch, and the app all pair seamlessly so you and your coach can track your progress, celebrate achievements, and keep you accountable every day. I just started back up with my new coach Brandon, and I really love knowing he’s got my best interest in mind — planning workouts specifically for me (and my body/injury history). He’s so good at following up with me post-sweat, asking how the different movements felt, and communicating to help me get to where I want to be.
Get started right now with your first month on Future for just $19 with the special Hurdle offer. Your first 30-days are risk free, and you can cancel at any time for a full refund. Head on over to TryFuture.com/Hurdle to get the deal today!
🎧 NEW EPISODE: 231. Betina Gozo Shimonek, Nike Global Trainer
Welcoming Betina back to the show this week for her second appearance. So much has changed since we first connected, from where she lives (Betina moved to Texas from Los Angeles earlier this year) to being a mom. The now-mother of one with another on the way has so much insight into maternal health and fitness, which is where a big part of our conversation in this episode sits today. She shares her biggest takeaways for pre- and post-natal fitness, and offers up advice to anyone making a big career shift. Plus: Talks about what it was like to help launch Apple Fitness+, the hilarious way she told her partner about her second pregnancy, and fills us in on the exciting new program she's launching with her husband.
🎧 NEW EPISODE: #HURDLEMOMENT: Why You Need To Stop Performing To Fit In, ASAP, with Yasmine Cheyanne
Are you a performer, consciously or unconsciously? This week, I'm bringing back self-help expert and soon-to-be author Yasmine Cheyenne to talk about what it means to perform, why we do it, and what it could look like. From making decisions in our relationships based on what we wish they could be instead of what they are to ignoring red flags and not speaking up when something doesn't feel good — performing rarely works to our benefit. Yasmine tells us how we can stop performing, and the hard truths we may have to come to terms with in order to do so.
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.