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Presented by AG1:
I booked a trip to Paris yesterday that happens to coincide with the last two weeks of the Olympics. For the past year — well, more than that — I’ve been having conversations with folks from brands I often collaborate with about potential ways we can do something fun at summer’s Games. Originally, I had this thought that I’d go to Paris and host events — conversations, panels, firesides — on behalf of another brand. Then, I learned all about the restrictions that go with that. I started to craft elaborate ideas and pitches that “followed the rules,” but nothing clicked. Soon, I found out that less and less brands were even bringing media, and others who originally had elaborate plans to have houses and activations were simply … not, anymore.
I started to do a lot of journaling on the why. Why did I want to be in Paris for this moment? What does success look like for me in this situation? And one morning, I wrote down the following:
Just because this looks different than I anticipated or hoped, doesn’t mean that it can’t still be great.
This is entirely in my control, I thought. I need to stop playing the victim.
Cue, the “bet on yourself” era.
The premise: If you don’t bet on yourself, then you cannot have a reasonable expectation that others will, too. In this era, I choose to think big and try things that feel less safe. Adventure across the blurred boundaries of my comfort zone to try new things. Take a damn risk (or seven).
And so, I decided — why not go, anyway? Why not go and network, and grab a couple of tickets? Why not see what happens when you tell folks you’ll be on the ground, and let life happen for you how it will? Who knows who I will meet, what life-changing croissants I may try, glasses of champagne I’ll clank, what I may do, what I might see. The only way to know is to go for it. To bet on myself.
… if the worst thing that happens come August is that I used Delta reward miles and money I made from selling my road bike (girl math, that means this trip is “free”) at 36 — when I’m unattached, with no kids, and no one to answer to aside from myself — for a good time in Paris? Well, that’s not such a bad outcome, after all.
As with a lot of life lately, I’m rolling with the punches as they come, trusting my gut, and embracing what happens next. The “Bet On Yourself” era: I think I like it here.
TELL ME: When was the last time you bet on yourself? What did that look like, and what was the ultimate pay-off?
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Watching: Bridgerton
Finished the new season last night, and I absolutely loved it. Also: Nicola Couglan AKA Penelope for SKIMS. Wow.
Gear I’m Loving: Tracksmith Allston Adjustable Bra
Wore this for the first time last week, and really liked the look and fit. Definitely an investment piece, but I felt supported for all eight miles of my run and appreciate the adjustable straps and longer line cut.
Prompt I’m Loving: What’s one thing you want to make sure that you do this summer? Can you plan ahead and figure out when you can make it happen?
I’m Checking Out: The 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Track & Field
I’m out in Eugene this weekend for the Trials, and I couldn’t be more amped. The races and events will be streaming on Peacock and televised on NBC and USA Network this weekend, so tune in! Also: Follow Citius Mag for all of the updates, and tune in to their Citius Mag Live from Eugene daily at 12 p.m. PT. For more info, peep here.
Quote I’m Loving: “When you can step out of your comfort zone and be uncomfortable, you see what you're made of and who you are.” — Sue Bird
Thanks to AG1 — the daily foundational nutrition supplement that supports whole-body health — for supporting Hurdle.
I originally gave AG1 a try years ago because I was tired of taking so many supplements and wanted a single solution that supports my entire body and covers my nutritional bases. I wanted better gut health, a boost (or similar) in energy, immune system support, and also wanted a supplement that actually tastes great. And I can tell you — it checks all of those boxes.
In a recent study, AG1 revealed that participants had the same feelings of energy, focus, and supported digestion that I’ve had using AG1. For example, after 60 days, 91% of participants in a research study noticed they needed less coffee; after 90 days, 97% of study participants felt their digestion improved.
I shake up AG1 every morning after my workout, and truly it makes me feel energized and confident knowing that I’m doing something good for my body by giving it the nutrition I deserve — including 75 whole food-sourced ingredients, prebiotics, probiotics, adaptogens, and superfoods.
If you want to take ownership of your health, it starts with AG1. Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3/K2 AND five free AG1 travel packs with your first purchase. Go to drinkAG1.com/hurdle.
NEW PODCAST EPISODE🎧: 305. Here To Climb: Sasha DiGiulian On How She Sets Goals, Riding The Injury Rollercoaster & Her New Documentary
I couldn’t be more excited to share my conversion with professional climber Sasha DiGiulian on the show this week to celebrate the premiere of her documentary “Here to Climb” on HBO Max. We talk about what it’s like to look back on the last 4 years of Sasha’s story and the journey toward a career that’s been nothing short of stellar. She talks about her goal setting process, what it looks like to go after something that scares you, and how to recognize when goals don’t serve you anymore. Sasha also shares what excites her right now, which includes her nutrition bar business, Send Bars.
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.
Thank you so, so much for always inspiring, always opening doors, always sharing fresh perspectives. Your words always hit for me, never failing to get my wheels turning. I am (finally) taking the risk of interviewing for a new role, at a new company, in an entirely different wheelhouse than I’m currently in - just the process alone is bringing me back to life! Very eager to see where this opportunity leads, regardless of the outcome. We can do it! Happy Sunday ❤️🥂
I loved this Emily - I’ve been throwing myself head first into the ‘Bet on yourself’ era for the last couple of years too…I booked a ticket half way across the world for a three month solo travel trip when my life imploded kind of spectacularly 🤣 At the time I thought it would only be for a few months but I decided to take the bet on being able to figure it out, and ended up coming home and giving up my apartment and all my belongings, and leaving the city I’d lived in for 14 years to keep travelling. At 35 with no official responsibilities I figured when will there ever be a better time?? I’ve now been travelling solo for over two years rebuilding my life and recently started my Substack and podcast to share the journey and all the lessons along the way. The greatest risks and the greatest rewards I’ve ever experienced! Wishing you an amazing trip to Paris!