Why I'm Grateful for 'Failure'
The #hurdlemoments are tough — but essential.
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Presented by AG1 by Athletic Greens:
I cried sitting in the dark holding a glass of chilled red wine on my flight home last Monday. I won’t get into much detail about the particulars, but I had to make a difficult decision over the weekend. One that made me feel as though I had failed at something.
It’s been a long time since I’ve felt that way. (This particular “fail” was business-related. I’d say my last big professional setback was last March.) As I sat there watching Our Friend (sad, but good) with the dim light from my laptop beaming up at my wet cheeks, it hit me — as it always does.
“This is a teachable moment.”
Think about the last time you really learned something. It probably wasn’t when you were at your highest high, living your most joyous life. Oftentimes, it’s during the #hurdlemoments where we grow. It’s during the #hurdlemoments that we realize the right or wrong way to move forward.
It’s because of a rock bottom, tear-filled moment in college that I made the decision to start moving my body and lose weight, which changed my life and my career path. It’s because of getting laid off (for the second time) that I became my own boss and earned double my previous salary within a year. It’s because of a crappy breakup that I pulled the trigger to start this podcast. I can thank another ex for my bullheaded sense of self-worth when it comes to dating.
The summary: Hard stuff happens to all of us. But we have the opportunity to do good with it.
Chin up.
Move forward.
We’ve got this.
Talk soon,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
What I’m Watching: 14 Peaks on Netflix
This documentary follows mountaineer Nimsdai Purja, who set out to summit all 14 of the world's 8,000-meter peaks in seven months. Complete with explanations and studies around the training Purja endured to prepare for such a feat, it’s insane to learn about how his body was uniquely gifted to undergo such brutal terrain.
What I’m Reading: There and Back: Photographs from the Edge by Jimmy Chin
I had the opportunity to interview Jimmy Chin for GQ earlier this year, and I’ve kind of been on a Chin kick ever since — rewatching his movies (Free Solo, anyone?) and admiring his other works. Chin just released this book, and the photos in it are absolutely breathtaking.
What I’m Listening to: Tommy Rivs on Rich Roll
I’d be really curious to know if this ends up being one of Rich Roll’s most-listened to episodes ever. It was captivating really, to hear all about Tommy’s experience from the summer of 2020, when he fell gravely ill with an extremely rare and advanced form of lung cancer that very nearly killed him. The episode was recorded a few weeks before Rivs conquered the NYC Marathon in 7 hours (for context, his old personal best was 2:18). If you want to be inspired, this is the listen for you.
Gear I’m Loving: Hybrid Weather Glove by Craft
From Chelsey, the Hurdle assistant: These are my go-to gloves for all winter running. They are warm, waterproof, and touchscreen compatible. Even better, you can tuck your fingers inside the windproof mitt for frigid days or untuck for “warmish” winter runs.
Quote I’m Loving: “You have value as you are right this millisecond. You’re fundamentally worth taking care of. Ask yourself: What are the ways that I want to treat my body with reverence and respect?” - Dr. Gary Foster, Chief Science Officer at WW in our chat earlier this week (link below)
Thank you to my sponsor, AG1 from Athletic Greens, for supporting this week’s newsletter!
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🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: An Expert On How to Maintain Weight Loss
This week I connected with Dr. Gary Foster, Chief Science Officer at WW, a psychologist and obesity investigator. Statistics show that weight loss maintenance is extremely difficult, so much so that a majority of people who lose weight gain some (or all) of it back. After losing 70 pounds in college and keeping a majority of it off myself, I was excited about the opportunity to offer up what worked for me with some expert feedback in today's episode. Of note: This is NOT me suggesting that anyone needs to lose weight. Rather, having Dr. Foster weigh in on how to upkeep weight loss for those that are interested
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: 187. Courtney Dauwalter, Ultra Runner
I was so honored to chat with arguably the best female ultra runner in the world, Courtney Dauwalter. You may recognize her name from her most recent dominant performance at Ultra-Trail Cape Town, finishing in first place with a time of 11:20:04, and for those who don’t know, that's a 100K (62+ -mile!) trail race. Superwoman is an understatement here. She has a slew of other medals under her belt, which we talk about in this episode, but we also dig into so much more. From the ins and outs of all things trail running, to Courtney’s journey into the sport, to how it’s never too late to pivot and follow your passion. (Courtney’s professional running career started at 32-years-old.) Plus: Her advice for anyone going through a tough hurdle of their own and her go-to pre- and post-run eats (hint: pancakes are involved).
HOW CAN I SUPPORT HURDLE?
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SUBSCRIBE, RATE, AND REVIEW HURDLE:
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JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP
Interested in setting some goals for 2022 (and beyond)? I’ll be hosting another goal setting Hurdle Session this coming Tuesday. Click here for all of the details, I’d love to have you there.
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
AND * 30-Minute One-On-One Consulting Call *
Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.