As a 43-year-old dad, husband, and business owner my main priority is showing up, being present, and continuing to use my health to enjoy life with the people I love for as long as possible.
Last week was Valentine’s Day. This day- whether you participate or not- is about celebrating and spending time with those we love. With this logic, the greatest gift and investment we can give our partners isn’t found in a box or wrapped in ribbon—it’s the ability to keep showing up.
This is a huge reason I prioritize strength training, trail running and protein in my day to day. These habits aren’t just about looking good in the mirror; they’re about maintaining function, independence, and capability. This investment, like my 401k, starts long before I draw on it.
However, what I’ve found the most difficult year over year is managing my nutrition. Many of you have heard me say or seen me write about how much better my body feels when I:
- Hydrate
- Eat enough
- Limit my alcohol consumption- especially after 6 pm
Yet, when my body isn’t feeling great and I do my retrospective 10 day audit, I ALWAYS find one or all of these habits have slipped, oftentimes coinciding with decreased quality and quantity of sleep. The great thing about this method is I know what I need to do to feel better. But I didn’t always.
Three years ago, I was training for long, hilly miles and struggling with energy and restless sleep. I tried a few things on my own, but ultimately, I pivoted to what I knew would work—I hired both a nutrition coach and a running coach.
Not because I couldn’t write a nutrition or running plan—that part is easy—but for the same reason I have a business mentor. I needed someone to guide me through the challenges, help me problem-solve, and most importantly, call me out on the bullsh*t excuses I kept telling myself.The real value wasn’t in the plan—it was in the accountability, perspective, and honest feedback that kept me moving forward.
If you have someone like this in your life I bet you’re WINNING!
If you need someone like this I’m a quick and painless goal review away. Just do it. You won’t regret it.