Hurdle with Emily Abbate

There is no better way to describe Rich Froning than a CrossFit legend, even though he gives me some flack for using that term in today’s episode. Whether or not you’re a CrossFit fan, there’s no denying that the sport takes some outrageous athleticism, grit, strength, smarts — and Rich has all of that. He won the CrossFit Games, which is the sport’s annual test to find the “Fittest on Earth,” in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 as an individual, and then came back on the team side to take first place in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019. So, basically he’s a big deal. In episode 108, he tells me all the things, from how he got into the sport — going to his first ever competition on his way to spring break in college — to how he leaned into CrossFit to deal with loss in his family. We talk about the stressful adoption journey he went on with his wife Hillary, and he raves about their beautiful children Lakelyn, Trice, and Violet. We also chat about his go-to recovery techniques, and I’ll let you in on one right off the bat — this guy puts sleep at a premium. SOCIAL @richfroning @thecrossfitmayhem @reebok @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast CHECK OUT CROSSFIT MAYHEM ON YOUTUBE OFFERS Reebok | Go to reebok.com for 40% off sale and full price items with code “HURDLE” Note: global exclusions apply, including but not limited to Nano X, Zig, and Club C. Item will be marked as excluded on the product description page. PowerDot | Go to powerdot.com and use the code “HURDLE” at checkout for 20% off. Athletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary. Four Sigmatic | Go to foursigmatic.com/HURDLE or enter code “HURDLE” at checkout to receive 15% off your order.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In college, I was in a serious relationship with someone In the army who deployed to Afghanistan. During that relationship, I started writing letters on flights home. Wherever I would travel, whether it was for work or personal, my self-imposed rule was that I would write my significant other a little something on the trip back to New York. The relationship didn’t last, but the practice did. Now, to this day, whenever I’m on a plane — I take the time to write someone a letter. A friend, a love interest, a family member, you name it. Often times, these letters are filled with things I may not be ready to say IRL. Things that I really need to get off my chest. Over the past couple months, life has shifted. These letters are something I miss, and something I’m starting to integrate back into my routine — no flight necessary — starting this weekend. PROMPT: Who would you write a letter to, and what would it say? Then, when you’re done, take the time to read it out loud. Ask yourself: How does this make you feel, hearing it? Does it inspire you to change something? Reach out to someone? I’m curious - let me know via DM or email. SOCIAL @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Wave Remind Me What Matters: A postcard in the future Lululemon, #FTW Podcasts on podcasts: I’ll Have Another, Crime Junkie, The Happiness Lab, Unlocking Us, Bad on Paper, Armchair Expert, the Ezra Klein Show Too Hot to Handle on Netflix Journey to the HeartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever been tired of your own BS? Yeah, I got there a couple weeks ago, prompting this special installment of #HURDLEMOMENT. Today, I’m chatting you through my simple strategies on how to stop making excuses and then, go after what you want. It may not feel easy, and perhaps it isn’t, but that doesn’t mean you’re not capable of making a change. I chat about where excuses come from in the first place, and how to brave that #hurdlemoment and get past the tipping point. Also: Setting SMART goals and a special suggestion for propelling you toward your biggest aspirations. SOCIAL @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate OFFERS Daily Harvest | Go to DailyHarvest.com and enter promo code “HURDLE25” at checkout to get $25 dollars off your first box.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s no debating: Ash Wilking is a force. Today, she’s inspiring so many as a Rumble instructor and Nike trainer, but in episode 107, we talk about her humble beginnings. Movement has always been her medicine, helping her work through a slew of hurdles from a young age — from the loss of her sister at age 12 to — years later — disordered eating in college. Ash talks to me about her involvement in the pageant system and the influence that has had over her life, and we also chat about her big move from Louisiana to New York City, trading in her job in corporate America to take on the fitness industry — full steam ahead. Her vulnerability in our conversation is beautiful, her attitude is refreshing, and her honest advice on everything from following your gut to asking for help when you’re scared may be exactly what you want to hear.  SOCIAL @ashwilking @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate OFFERS Beam | Head to beamtlc.com to get 15 percent off your purchase using the code “HURDLE” at checkout. Athletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 22. Joey Gonzalez: CEO of Barry’s BootcampSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I’m sharing one of my favorite NYC stories (and reflecting on a time when riding the subway was something I did regularly. You may have a tough time believing this one, involving a man and I exchanging glances in the subway and "re-connecting" in a super unexpected way.  PROMPT: What is one connection you’re super grateful for right now? SOCIAL @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Amanda Kloots on Instagram @amandakloots Amanda Kloots Go Fund Me Nick Dio on Born or Made HowSweetEats Buffalo Cauliflower Nike Pegasus 37See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week I was laying in bed thinking about how lucky I feel to have such an outrageous community, and I realized that some of the Hurdlers may not be entirely familiar with my story. So, this week for #TBT I'm re-releasing episode 1 (!!), where I detail my personal #hurdlemoment, how I lost weight in my teen years, and grew to love running. It's a little scary, to be honest, revisiting something I recorded over 2 years ago. But, I'm feeling nostalgic and really humbled this week when I think about how far the show (and I) have come. So, here it is! As always, reach out over social if you have any Qs or a #hurdlemoment of your own to share.  ORIGINAL EPISODE SUMMARY Today I’m a wellness writer and editor, certified personal trainer, run and Spin coach. But 10 years ago as a college freshman, I was drastically overweight. In April 2007, my #hurdlemoment had me in tears confronting the scale, staring obesity in the face. By learning how to reshape my relationship with food and exercise—and believing that I was worthy of my own investment—I was able to lose 70 pounds. In Episode One, I share my story and the lessons I learned to help me live a healthier, happier, more motivated life. SOCIAL @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Change is hard. Right now, we're dealing with a lot of it. A great way to boost your mood and handle tough stuff? Work out! Not exactly the easiest thing when you may not have a lot of space and you're struggling to find the motivation. Today, I'm talking you through the approach to at-home workouts that's working for me, and offering you some best-practice tips that can make the whole thing a lot more enjoyable. SOCIAL @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From a young age, Eric Glader had the entrepreneurship bug. Today, he’s the co-founder and CEO of PowerDot, a connected muscle stimulator that you can operate at home to relieve pain, recover faster, and build muscle. For me, it’s been a piece to my full-body recovery puzzle for a while, up there with my Normatec boots and Theragun — both founders have also been on the show. In episode 105, we dive into what electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) really is. Glader also shares the biggest lessons he’s learned running his own business, the importance of hiring good people and fostering community in the workplace, and a smarter way to tackle challenges that pop up — both personally and professionally. SOCIAL @mypowerdot @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Episode 18. Dr. Jason Wersland, Creator of the Theragun Episode 80. Gilad Jacobs, CEO NormaTec OFFERS Athletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary. Four Sigmatic | Go to foursigmatic.com/HURDLE or enter code “HURDLE” at checkout to receive 15% off your order. PowerDot | Go to powerdot.com and use the code “HURDLE” at checkout for 20% off.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re doing this whole quarantine thing solo, you think you want company — until that company is a mouse. For 5-Minute Friday this week, I’m telling you the story about my run-in with an unwanted four-legged guest, and the important reminder it gave me about letting go of the things I can’t control. PROMPT: What is something, aside from this pandemic, that you have zero control over that you need to let go of? What is giving you stress that you could release? What is your “mouse,” per say? SOCIAL @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Tom Hanks at Home, NPR’s Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me! Whalebone Magazine Afternoon Delight One World: Together At Home The Power of HabitSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Injuries. They suck. Sometimes, it's hard to look past the this-is-so-not-what-I-want feeling of the now, past this hiccup, and think about what's next. Well, today for #HURDLEMOMENT, I've got your back. It's pep talk time. Today, I'm popping into your feed to give you a perhaps-necessary kick in the butt, get out of your own way, and motivate you to keep your chin up. I've been getting more messages than ever asking about how to cope with injury setbacks. Take this as your necessary reminder that we can get through this hurdle, and so many others — together. SOCIAL @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate  MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE #HURDLEMOMENT: How to Deal With Injury OFFERS Beam | Head to beamtlc.com to get 15 percent off your purchase using the code “HURDLE” at checkout. Athletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary. Daily Harvest | Go to DailyHarvest.com and enter promo code “HURDLE25” at checkout to get $25 dollars off your first box. LinkedIn Jobs | Find the right person for your business TODAY with LinkedIn Jobs. Get $50 off your first job post by visiting linkedin.com/hurdle, no code necessary. Power Dot | Go to PowerDot.com and use the code “HURDLE” at checkout for 20% off. Beet Elite | My new muscular endurance secret sauce. Exclusive offer for Hurdle listeners! Go to livehuman.com/hurdle and get 20% off your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.