When Karma Comes Back Around
'Tis the season for do good-ness.
Welcome back to the Weekly Hurdle! This newsletter is free and will stay free thanks to sponsors and the individuals that opt-in to give. Please, consider giving the gift of a paid subscription to a friend, family member, or colleague you think might enjoy it. It’s a thoughtful way to share the writing you enjoy with someone close to you. Plus, it helps to support the ongoing work that I do! Your support is really appreciated!
Also: Lots of reach out from those who couldn’t make one of the goal setting sessions. Good news! I have an on-demand session that you can take on your own time. Get 10% off using the word “GRATEFUL” at checkout, here.
Presented by LMNT:
I recently started walking around the neighborhood post-workout for at least 15 minutes every morning. Especially on the days when my sweat doesn’t take me outside, it’s a good opportunity to get some fresh air before I dive in head-first inside the studio. On yesterday’s walk, I grabbed a cup of coffee from a small truck I discovered a few blocks over. As I talked to the bearded, mask-wearing barista about his favorite bakeries nearby, I noticed a small sign encouraging patrons to pay it forward for the next customer. And so, I did. I bought an extra cup of coffee for whomever would stop by next.
It felt like nice gestures and good karma ran rampant for the next hour or so. Before I could walk away from the truck, a vendor handed me a free breakfast taco. A crossing guard yelled across the street and told me to have a happy holiday. The woman at the bakery where I stopped to pick up four types of bread (tell me you’re Italian without telling me you’re Italian) let me give her the single $20 bill I had for a $23 order. Upon walking back into my apartment, I miraculously snagged a rapid PCR appointment a block away — which meant I no longer had to run the 5.5 miles I had planned to get one in south Brooklyn.
I’m not saying that buying a stranger a cup of coffee made all that happen.
But I am saying do some good for others, and you may be surprised when things start to work out for you, too.
Merry Christmas to all those celebrating. Sending love and gratitude to you, wherever you may be.
Talk soon,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
What I’m Watching: Emily In Paris
I watched all of season 2 of Emily In Paris on Wednesday between 5:30 and 10 p.m., and I’m not sure if that’s embarrassing or impressive. Also, an honorable mention here for the mindless Netflix pick reminiscent of The Real World — Twentysomethings: Austin —which I’m almost done with as well.
What I’m Listening To: The Year In Sound from The Daily
My love affair with The Daily has ebbed and flowed over the past few years. At times, I find myself listening regularly. Then, there will be months at a time where I don’t tune in. However, this episode every year has me reflecting on all of the big events in moments. Especially hearing excerpts from Amanda' Gorman’s inaugural poem; it still gives me the chills.
What I’m Reading: Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman
Speaking of Amanda, I just picked up her book of poems. So far, I’m really enjoying it — especially the variety of styles and structures she uses through her writing, crafting each poem in a different way.
What I’m Wearing: Down for It All Jacket by Lululemon
From Chelsey: “I've been waiting to get this jacket for some time, and let's just say I waited one winter too long. It's the perfect combination of warmth and breathability as it provides sections of both insulated down material and tech fleece. My last few runs have been in the single digits, and this jacket keeps me perfectly warm with just a light long sleeve base layer underneath: A total win for Minnesota winters. I also love that it provides 5 different pockets as well as a removable hood!”
Quote I’m Loving: “True belonging doesn’t require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are.” — Brene Brown, in her new book Atlas of the Heart
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: 2022’s Health & Fitness Trends, Revealed
This week I'm connected with Kate Spies! She’s the general manager at Well+Good, and she’s here to talk to me all about their 2022 wellness trends. To find them, their editorial team asked experts, dug into the data, and scoured the market. And now, they've called it: These are the biggest trends and most groundbreaking innovations that will dominate the wellness conversation — and your well-being — in 2022.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: 188. Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy, ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Pro
For Season 30 of Dancing With the Stars, Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy made history with partner Jojo Siwa as the first same sex couple in the show’s history. This week, I’m chatting with the DWTS vet about that and so much more, including how she got to be a pro on the show in the first place — growing up dancing competitively and winning international titles — plus her gateway to TV competing on So You Think You Can Dance.
We also talk about her decision to move to LA at 18 and the difficulties she faced as she gained a following on social media — especially how troubling it was when other people started to vocalize how THEY felt about her body. Cue conversations around body dysmorphia, weight loss, and the creative outlet aside from dance that helped her come into her own and cope with various mental health battles. Plus, we rap about her husband Val and what’s on deck for her now that season 30 is over.
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.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT HURDLE?
I’m so, so glad you asked!
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, AND REVIEW HURDLE:
We’re now over 1,000 ratings and reviews in the iTunes store! Go on, get after it.
iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Anchor
JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP
Also take a look at past on-demand Sessions, including:
Check out one of the Hurdle Sessions, now available on the Hurdle website:
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
Goal Setting Workshop
Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.