We Have A Lot To Be Thankful For
+ awesome Black Friday deals including sneakers at more than 30 percent off.
Welcome back to the Weekly Hurdle! Every Friday, I’ll share a blog post, follow it up with a thought-provoking prompt to take you into the weekend, and finish things off with some content picks. Please, tag or DM me on social @hurdlepodcast and @emilyabbate with your thoughts. This newsletter is free and will stay free thanks to sponsors and the individuals that opt-in to give. Consider signing up as a paid subscriber.
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Good morning, all —
I hope everyone found a special way to enjoy Thanksgiving yesterday. I type that with an understanding that many of us didn’t go about the holiday as we may have in years passed. 2020 has proven to be a true test of my spirit, that’s for sure. Yesterday, I spent the day first with appetizers at my father’s, and then I did dinner with my mother. I enjoyed turkey and sweet potatoes and eggplant parm (that’s the Italian in us). I dabbled in a little taste of egg nog (not my thing) and then some red wine. I Zoom’ed with my 90-year-old grandmother, who was enjoying her dinner alone as a precaution, my aunt and uncle in Florida, and my cousin and his wife in eastern Long Island. One of my oldest friends joined me for the day as my +1, who in just a few short weeks will be moving away from New York, ending an 18-year chapter of our friendship as he takes on a new one.
On our short drive between the two homes yesterday, we stopped at a small beach down the street from Mom’s. He said something to me that I wanted to share with you:
“These days, I notice that I wake up with more gratitude. I don’t know if it has something to do with me getting older, but every morning I put my feet on the ground next to my bed and I consciously think — how lucky am I that I get to do another day? Sure, there are things I’d change in a perfect world. But every morning, I wake up and think ‘I get to.’ It feels good.”
… I get to.
This year, I got to do a lot. I got to wake up 99.9 percent of days in my own bed, safe, in an apartment that I work hard to pay for. I got to run, often. I got to enjoy my New York City rooftop on sunny days and sit sipping beers with friends (in a socially distant way). I got to continue a search for love, which hasn’t exactly worked out yet, but it’s had some fun moments despite doing so in the middle of a pandemic. I got to build a better relationship with my family, something that I feel immensely grateful for, coming off of a year of non-stop travel to one without any.
I got to interview people. Oh man, did I. From Molly Siedel inside her small Boston living room to Nike trainer Ash Wilking snuggled up on my floor. From Lo Bosworth of The Hills fame to Matt Taylor of Tracksmith (if you recall, during this interview I discovered a mouse in my kitchen). Coach Bennett. Jess Sims. Des Linden. Mirna Valerio. Tim Brown. Aliphine Tuliamuk. Allyson Felix. Emily Harrington.
Man, I got to do a lot.
I got to test my entrepreneurial side, building out a new series of at-home workshops called Hurdle Sessions, and connect with this community in a way that means more to me than I’ll maybe ever be able to appropriately put into words. Through those sessions, I’ve found new purpose. Seeing some of the same faces week after week coming together with hopes to be better humans, it feels rewarding, exciting, and gives me the motivation I need to push forward on the days that I — even if just for a second — wonder if what I’m doing is making an impact.
I get to do a lot. All of that, that’s just a snippet. I understand that — especially this year — “a lot” looks different than in the past, and at times that’s frustrating. There’s no denying that. But today, I encourage you to think of the things that fill you up. The moments from this year that you got to enjoy through a new lens, in a new chapter.
I, for one, look forward to finishing it off on a high note.
PROMPT: What’s one thing you got to do this year?
Thanks to Goodr — maker of fun, fashionable, and functional sunglasses that everyone can afford — for sponsoring today’s newsletter.
Ya’ll know how much I love Goodr. They make awesome no-bounce, polarized sunglasses that are a rad gift and super affordable, starting at just $25. They’re offering a bunch of cool free gifts with purchase right now. You can get $10 off of yours by using the code “HURDLE10” at checkout. That means that yes, you can snag yourself (and Mom, Dad, your best friend …) a great holiday gift for just $15. Head on over to goodr.com/hurdle and use “HURDLE10” at checkout for $10 off your purchase.
I’m forgoing “HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK” to toss in some really stellar Black Friday deals.
Top Sneaker Deals
All of these are in my regular rotation!
Nike Vomero 14 ($78 down from $140) * base mileage + long run
Adidas Ultraboost DNA ($130 down from $180) * base mileage
New Balance FuelCell 890v8 ($110 down from $120) * speed shoe
Brooks Ghost ($85 down from $130) * base mileage - also, WOW.
Reebok Nano ($97 down from $130) * strength training - use “BLACKFRI” at check out
Theragun Everything
They’re offering up to $150 off their devices.
Theragun Mini ($174 down from $199)
Theragun Prime ($224 down from $299)
Theragun Elite ($299 down from $399)
Athleta Everything
They’re offering 20 percent off your purchase in addition to $20 off some tights. My top few picks are:
Conscious Crop ($47 down from $59) * I wear this a lot with skirts and pants, too.
Salutation Stash Pocket Tight ($71 down from $89)
Cozy Sherpa Reversible Jacket ($111 down from $138)
Lululemon Everything
Ya’ll know I’m a huge Lululemon fan. Below are some of the best picks I’ve found on their site, which is filled with intense discounts at the moment. Considering some of these items never go on sale, it’s definitely worth taking a look:
Fast and Free Tight ($69 down from $128)
All Yours Hoodie ($59 down from $108)
For him: Welterweight Zip Hoodie ($89 down from $148)
Keep Moving High Rise Pant ($69 down from $118 — P.S. I LIVE in these for WFH)
Wunder Under High Rise Tight ($69 down from $98)
For him: Surge Short 6’’ ($44 down from $88)
Beam Everything
They’re offering 30 percent off of the entire site, which is huge. If you’ve ever been curious about CBD, now is the time to get on the bandwagon. They’re a sponsor of the show, and I religiously use three of their products: The Focus capsules, the Dream blends, and the Revive Capsules.
Dagne Dover Everything
Offering 20 percent off site wide, my absolute go-to is their Ace Fanny Pack ($68 from $85), and it makes an awesome gift.
Athletic Greens
Another show sponsor, they’ve expanded their intro offer to include five free travel packs as well as a year’s supply of vitamin D with your first purchase. Who doesn’t love free stuff? This greens blend, which I drink every day post-workout, includes the antioxidant equivalent of 12 servings of fruits and vegetables, prebiotics, probiotics, adaptogens, and superfoods. It’s my “immunity secret” (that you’re in on, now) and to be totally honest, I don’t think I’ve been sick once since adding this into my routine over 2 years ago.
Wolaco Everything
My good friends at this New York-based brand are offering at least 25 percent off site wide. My go-to picks:
Fulton Full Legging ($64 down from $85)
North Moore Biker Short ($37.50 down from $50)
For him: Two-in-One Grand Short ($66 from $88)
Hurdle Everything
Through the weekend, all Hurdle Sessions on the site are 15 percent off! These include:
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 *
Also, use code “THANKYOU” at checkout for $10 off this Wednesday night’s Handling #Hurdlemoments Session. Some background: I get emails every single day from podcast listeners navigating their own tough stuff, whether it’s injuries, break-ups, a job shift, family troubles, and so much more. If there's one thing that building this community has taught me and reminded me time and time again, it's that you are NEVER alone in whatever challenge you may be going through.
Fact: It is possible to emerge from challenges and life’s hiccups stronger. You just need the right tips in your toolbox. And perhaps, a little reminder of your own power.
In this limited attendance Hurdle Session, we’ll chat about:
The different phases of showing up to challenge
Letting go of the things you cannot control
The power of grace and forgiveness
How to rewire your inner critic
Tips and tricks to working through challenge alone
How to talk about challenge with loved ones and friends
Moving forward, only stronger
Shop Small
I also put a call out on Twitter for small businesses to toss me some of their Black Friday deals. A few highlights:
WhitePaws Run Mits ($35 down from $40)
Erica Sara Designs (10 percent off using “JOY10”)
Finesse Fitness (BOGO 50 percent off)
HOW CAN I SUPPORT HURDLE?
I’m so, so glad you asked!
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, AND REVIEW HURDLE: We’re now over 920 ratings and reviews in the iTunes store! Go on, get after it.
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HURDLE BOOK CLUB
Our next book club gathering will be Wednesday, December 9 at 8 p.m. ET. and we’re going to read I Thought It Was Just Me” (But It Isn’t) by Brené Brown. To sign up for the book club email list, click here. Next week, I’ll share the Zoom registration link. Please, only register at that time if you can definitely make our session!
Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.
Disclosure: Some of the items above are hyperlinked to an affiliate program. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.