Inspired

Finding salvation through breath on the treadmill is a quiet, internal battle where each inhale becomes a source of strength and every exhale a release of tension. Breathing deeply in and out allows me to endure the heat beating down, the sharp edges of pain, the unexpected hurdles, and the uncontrollable forces that threaten to break my focus. I learn to accept the fear that surfaces, welcoming it as part of the process rather than resisting it. This rhythm of breath becomes a lifeline, steadying me when my body wants to give up.

Similarly, listening to a recording of my pastor’s recent sermon with his unique energy and profound insights on interpreting the Bible lifts me in profound ways. His words blanket the noise in my mind, realigning my spirit with calm assurance. The teachings inspiring me to face the day with renewed courage, reminding me that endurance through struggle is not just physical, but spiritual.

Stick hits deep

Watching the first episode of "Stick" last night was a profound experience, especially as it coincided with Father's Day. The scene in the final moments, where the father grapples with the heartbreaking revelation that he has lost a son, hit me with an intensity I hadn’t anticipated. As I sat there, a rush of emotion washed over me, bringing forth memories long buried beneath layers of resignation and acceptance. The portrayal of grief was so raw, so real, that it felt as though my own sense of loss had been pried open like a shovel digging up those feelings I thought I had managed to contain one scoop at a time, layering themselves in a heap before me.

In those fleeting minutes of the episode, I was drawn back to the graveyard where my own son rests. The weight of those memories pressed heavily on my chest, pulling sickly at the pit of my stomach, forcing me to confront an ache that had felt subdued. Each heartbeat echoed with the emptiness left behind, leaving me feeling exposed and vulnerable. The deep-seated empathy I felt for the character became intertwined with my own grief, pulling me down into a familiar yet painful well of sorrow. It was a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring nature of loss, an experience that lingered long after the credits rolled and I slipped into dream.

This morning there has been a shade of grief making me trudge through my coffee walk. I step through it anyway, then slowly pick up the pace to zone 2. And when I’m done with an hour, I still feel the inckiness in my gut and put the weights on. Today is leg day, and I grunt through the reps to reclaim myself…. One day at a time. Fueled with coffee breath, sweat mixes with tears that leak out this morning to help get my head on straight for the day. Drip by drip is how I get fit.

Cold Awakening

The chill of the May Lake Tahoe waters seeped through my skin, an icy reminder of the late spring that clung stubbornly to the mountains’ frosted tips. Yet laughter echoed across the shore as my children danced through the surf, their small figures darting in and out of the still crystal like water. The way my son, his cheeks flushed with excitement, would jump to his sister as she placed him on an intertwine and played his feet was a sight that chased away their shivers. My daughter, with her long sandy blonde hair flowing behind her like seaweed caught in a gentle current, would then race to the beach together to dig tirelessly in the sand. Their small hands sculpting mounds which became towers in their mind only to be soon offered as a sacrifice to the tide. It was pure, untamed joy — the kind that felt slightly less foreign as of late amidst the weight of this past year.

Each splash and squeal felt like a memory inscribed against the somber backdrop of a year marked by absence. As my wife stood nearby, watching the children with a soft smile, I could see that her belly was growing, each day bringing us closer to the moment we once celebrated but now approached with a complex tapestry of anticipation and fear. The closer we got to that date, the more the feeling of dread mingled with the joy I fight to maintain. I hovered in a strange in-between, where the beauty of our family’s laughter was shadowed by the weight of what we had lost.

Despite the heavy heart that has anchored me, I turned towards the warmth of these glimmers of lightness and let my body relax. With each grain of sand my fingers touched as I helped my daughter dust off before reapplying sunscreen, I felt a flicker of hope in her moan to continue playing and the smile of joy when she was free to return to the sand tent and those ice-like waters. Memories crafted here, amidst the sparkling backdrop of mountaintops in the distance echoing laughter, were moments against the tide of uncertainty. I wasn’t sure what the following months might hold, but I am determined to hold this day in my heart as a bridge between what once was and what may come next.

The exhaustion nestled deep in my bones was a reminder of the tumultuous path that had led me here, a pathway carved through grief yet punctuated by these fleeting moments of joy. It felt like training for a race I’d never signed up for. Yet this evening, as the sun dipps lower, banding the sky with hues of orange and pink, I embrace the rhythm of breath — an inhale of fresh mountain air, an exhale laced with long-held fears. Perhaps if I can lean into this, I can find my flow, just like in my best training sessions this last week amidst the mountains.

The day was a fragile gift blessed with family, but it was also a declaration: we were here, we were together, and we will continue to craft our story, one precious moment at a time.

Up, Up and Away

The stillness of the early morning hours wrapped me like a soft blanket, a stark contrast to the vivid dream that had pulled me from sleep. In that fleeting moment, shadows from a past long gone intertwined with the surreal imagery of my subconscious. I had scarcely begun to shake off the remnants of that dream, laden with feelings I thought had settled years ago, when a voice broke the silence. My toddler needed me, the unmistakable cue of urgency that reminded me of my responsibilities. For a moment, I lived in two worlds, reminded of a person I had once been while paradoxically being thrust into the person I am now. There was no time for thought. Instinct took over.

I sat upright, rushed down the hall, careful to tread lightly, hoping to navigate the delicate balance of caring for my son while keeping my wife undisturbed. Last night, she had supported my need for an evening workout, a commitment I had promised myself to combat the exhaustion that had come to define my days. With muscle memory, I comforted my boy, went through the motions of washing the sheets and getting him snuggled back down.

Her encouragement last night fueled my determination, and now, as I brewed a steaming cup of coffee, I felt a renewed sense of energy coursing through me. The warmth of the mug cradled in my hands contrasted sharply with the chill of the early morning, welcoming me back to the wakeful world.

Again, relying on muscle memory as I drove to the gym, a surprising realization met me: it would not open until 5 a.m. Time had moved with such stealth, and while I had expected to be among the early birds, I found myself nearly alone in the parking lot. The mist hung on my windshield, a soft veil reminding me that dawn was still a distant promise.

As I waited, I sipped my coffee, its warmth a comfort against the brisk air, and I couldn’t help but picture the refreshing plunge into the cold pool that would simulate the shock that awaited me just two months from now in Utah. Excitement fluttered in my chest as I envisioned the race, my legs feeling strong after a fulfilling 3.5-hour run just days before.

With the steam from my drink rising against the mist outside, the possibilities ahead shimmered with a tantalizing glimpse of what lay just over the horizon.

Spring Blossoms

The warm spring sun is pouring onto the patio, setting a scene for the day ahead. With a fresh cup of coffee in hand, the rich smell mixes perfectly with the blooming flowers nearby. The soft sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling fill the air, inviting a moment to think things over before the day kicks off. Sitting here in this peaceful spot, there's a buzz of excitement for tackling another great day, all thanks to the caffeine boost and the lively spring vibe. Each sip of coffee is like a little ritual, helping to clear the mind and set intentions as the world gradually comes to life.

One small step…

Sticking to a daily schedule helps keep things organized and boosts productivity, but it's easy to forget the importance of actually taking a lunch break. Taking a moment to step away from screens and enjoy a quick stretch can really give your eyes a break from all that screen time. Some good old vitamin D from the sun can also do wonders for both your mind and body, helping you unwind and feel better overall.

In the evening, there's something really satisfying about cooking and enjoying a healthy dinner while hitting my protein goals. It adds a nice sense of accomplishment to the day. Every meal made with care not only fuels the body but also feels like a little treat for all the hard work you put in throughout the day, helping you keep that balance going.

The Art of Release

Grit

Embracing New Energy

As the sun dipped below the horizon on May 11, 2025, a whisper of breeze ruffled the leaves, echoing the gentle promise of renewal. Days spent untethered from the expectations of the routine were a reminder that freedom is found in the lightness of being. With each moment I surrendered to the soft embrace of time away, I felt the weight of past failures dissolve—a release, akin to spring buds forcing dead leaves to let go of their branches, dancing towards the earth in a graceful farewell.

In those precious days, I discovered that resting was not a retreat but rather a bold step toward my own success. The unrealized progress of yesterday lay quiet, their shadows fading as new energy flowed from rested eyes and a quieted mind. The anticipation of using a new habit tracker brings a sense of clarity and focus as I approach the final stretch before my race. As I downloaded a new app called Grit, I was excited as it invites reflection and encourages a more realistic assessment of one’s goals. By defining and detailing daily activities, it helps uncover unseen gaps in your training regimen that might have otherwise gone unnoticed with its intuitive dashboard and notifications build in...

With less than 100 days left, the tracker will serve as a better compass, guiding me to identify areas needing adjustment. I have seen success in my speed, strength, and endurance, but now I must meet my starvation head-on if I am to concur the mountain. It’s time to dig in.

Emptying the tank

Eliminating food to the bare essentials brings about a stark change in the body's sensations and emotions. The skin feels taut, with each nerve more heightened in awareness. This tightness is coupled with a building undercurrent of energy, one that feels both exhilarating and precariously close to overwhelming. The body, sensing a lack of sustenance, sharpens its instincts, ramping up a primal fight-or-flight response. Waking becomes charged with the urgency of survival, the mind racing as it grapples with an instinctual hunger that is hard to ignore.

In this state, each decision regarding food becomes crucial. Just one or two unplanned items can tip the balance between maintaining focus and succumbing to distraction. A single snack could be the difference between feeling empowered by the restraint or being overwhelmed by cravings. The tension within builds, creating a fragile tightrope walk of discipline and desire, where the stakes feel incredibly high. It’s a complex interplay of mental clarity shackled to the raw edges of hunger, where success is measured not just in physical endurance, but in the steadfastness of will.

I’m at a point where I feel like I’ve regained the strength and if I can only lose the extra pounds to relieve the pressure on my joints, I’ll be able to cross the finish line in August. It’s a razor thin margin, but I’m feeling confident that if I focus on my morning routine alone, I’ll set myself up for success and be able to repeat what I’ve begun to make a habit. It has taken years to put the pieces back into place, and now it’s right in front of me if I can keep it steady.

One more thing…

This morning marked another day dedicated to my Norwegian practice. Each session adds 5 more minutes of constancy as a layer of familiarity and comfort is slowly solidifying my skills. It’s a rewarding challenge, one that kicks off my other daily rituals.

Later, I immersed myself in scripture as I wake with a warm cup of coffee, finding solace and reflection in the words. The messages resonated deeply, especially as I wrestled with my emotions. Easter Sunday had recently passed, and visiting Aiden’s grave brought back a rush of memories. I found myself overwhelmed, shedding raw tears this morning that felt both cathartic and foreign as I’ve been doing so well in recent months.

I capped off the morning with leg day, focusing on strength. Squatting 405 pounds was a testament to my methodical drips of persistence. Each rep demanded my full attention, serving as a reminder of my capacity to push limits.

Yet, amidst this dedication to my body and spirit, I've set an intention for the coming months. I’ve resolved to manage my nutrition more strictly, aiming to align my weight with my goals before August 2nd. It’s a delicate balance between discipline and self-care, but I’m determined to make it work.

Today’s the day. Renewed and refocused.

Pancetta Carbinara

Dinner time often brings with it a tide of cravings, especially after a day filled with activity. After a good morning workout, the body seeks to replenish itself, sending signals for something satisfying and indulgent. The urge to devour everything in sight can become overwhelming, as the mind races towards thoughts of a hearty meal that combines salty and sweet flavors.

The contrast between these tastes can be particularly enticing after burning energy, creating an irresistible pull. Saltiness invites the palate to revel in the crispy crunch of roasted vegetables or the savory depth of meats, while the sweetness tempts with the allure of caramelized sauces or a rich dessert. Every element in the kitchen suddenly seems to call out, challenging discipline and decision-making in the moment.

Resisting the urge to surrender to these cravings demands focus. It's a balancing act of listening to the body's needs while remaining mindful of portion sizes and nutritional balance. Crafting a dinner that satisfies cravings without crossing into excess requires creativity. Perhaps a well-seasoned quinoa bowl with sweet and salty dressings, or a carefully measured dessert to cap the meal, can bridge that gap, allowing for satisfaction without regret.

Sometimes it’s out of your control. Your mother in law makes a huge pasta dish and home made cheese danishes and then it’s a matter of pacing and portion control. Every day doesn’t have to be only veggies and protein, but it does require discipline.

75 Hard

Restarting the 75 Hard challenge means committing to a rigorous routine that tests both physical and mental resilience. One of the most demanding aspects is surprisingly the daily requirement to drink a full gallon of water. At the outset, it feels overwhelming, particularly for those unaccustomed to such an intake. The constant reminder to stay hydrated can become a chore, as it requires strategic planning throughout the day. Frequent trips to the restroom quickly become part of the routine, especially when squeezing in a quick workout during a lunch break.
Balancing up to three workouts each day adds an additional layer of complexity. Juggling these commitments while managing a typical workday can leave little room for rest. However, there’s a sense of accomplishment that comes from fitting it all in. Each completed session fosters a sense of discipline and reinforces the commitment to the challenge.

Sticking to the planned meals is another aspect that can prove challenging yet rewarding. Preparing and adhering to a specific meal plan requires focus and organization. It teaches essential skills in meal prep and encourages healthier eating habits while instilling a sense of control and empowerment.

One perfect day checking all the boxes is great, but it only matters if one can sustain the effort. 74 more to go.

Sick Streak

Slowly getting off track can feel like a gradual erosion of progress, where each small setback chips away at the hard work you've put in. Losing 12 pounds is no small feat, and it's disheartening to find that illness has interrupted my momentum, making it difficult to maintain healthy habits. In times like these, family obligations often take precedence, drawing your attention and energy away from personal goals.

Duty becomes a priority, and while that is commendable, it can leave little room for self-care. As I aim to refocus this week, the commitment to nourish yourself becomes essential—not just for your own sake, but also to fulfill your role within the family. Ironically, to do so, I have to have the resilience and mental fortitude to starve. It’s that mental willpower that will make me fly in August.

Rising, Falling, and Rising Again

I clipped in, ready to push hard, ready to chase the numbers on my screen. My heart was steady. My legs, eager. But my lungs are a question mark ready to be tested.

It wasn’t supposed to be like this. The effort was moderate—something I should have powered through without thinking. Throw on a show or audiobook and settle in aero, and let the trainer hum. Yet sweat poured off me, far more than expected, pooling. My body, still shaking off the last remnants of sickness, wasn’t ready to rise to the challenge this morning.

I wanted to fight through it, to ignore the rasp in my breath, to let my willpower outrun my failing endurance. But there’s no negotiating with oxygen debt. There’s no gutting it out when the fire in your chest drowns out everything else, like I was on a mountain stage. Though I thought I could empty myself and settle in, I faded. I had to unclip. I had to let go.

And that’s the hardest part—knowing that my heart and my legs were willing, but my body still carried the weight of what came before. It’s frustrating, humbling, infuriating. But it’s also a reminder. Fire isn’t just destruction. It clears the way for something new.

Today, I fell. But it was better than yesterday, and tomorrow I’ll rise again.

https://music.apple.com/us/album/from-the-ashes/1642030744?i=1642030746

Creeping Strength: From “No” to “Go”

Some days, the body says no. Heavy limbs, foggy mind, lungs that feel half their size. The morning is slow—meds, coffee, waiting. Then, a whisper of strength. A chance.

By early afternoon, there’s an opening. No time for shoes. jump on the treadmill. A cautious first mile, testing the ground, lungs still tight. The second mile moves a little easier, breath deepens, legs find rhythm. Then, in the third, something shifts. The air feels lighter, space opens up in my chest, and suddenly I’m running faster than I started. Lungs still ache after, but it’s a huge improvement from yesterday

Negative splits weren’t the goal, but they happened. Strength, creeping in, showing up when I least expected it. Not all at once, not overnight. But today, just enough to move from no to go.

When the Body Says “Go” but the Lungs Say “No”

It started with a restless feeling—the kind that creeps in when you’ve been sick too long. My legs ached for movement, my muscles twitched with unused energy. I took that as a signal. Time to get back on the treadmill. Time to shake off the remnants of this nasty upper respiratory infection.

The first few steps felt good. Too good. Like my body had been waiting for this, like it knew before I did that I needed to move. But then, the deep inhale. A mistake. My lungs, still raw and angry, seized in protest, and suddenly I was hacking up what felt like a lifetime supply of phlegm. My pace slowed, my chest burned, and for a moment, I questioned whether I’d returned too soon.

But I kept going. Despite the coughing fits and moments where my breath felt ragged, I felt a slight lift. Each footstrike was a reminder—I’m still here. I’m still rebuilding. And even if my lungs aren’t ready today, they’ll be a little stronger tomorrow.

So I coughed, I gasped, I jogged. It wasn’t pretty, but it was movement. And for today, that was enough.

Crinkled Bits

In the quiet drum of evening chatter,
After I gather dirty plates, glasses and platters.
With a gentle arm, I guide you to rest,
Your weary head on pillow is best.

Valentine's wrappers strewn on the floor,
Sweet memories linger, but the day asks for more.
With able hands, I gather the cheer,
Each crinkled remnant, a joy held dear.
The kids are restless, their chocolate giggles abound,
With patience, I usher them softly to ground.

Whispers of stories, a lullaby's grace,
As they nestle close in their cozy embrace.
With a quick detour, I find my own way,
An hour on the treadmill, my solace today.
A light workout, a breath for the soul,
In caring for me, I’m better for all.

The night lingers on, a familiar refrain,
I sneak back to their rooms, where dreams may be lain.
A final snuggle as eyelids grow thick,
Ensuring their comfort, my heart beats a tick.

With tasks all complete, I pause to reflect,
The moments that matter, the love we protect.
In small acts of kindness, our treasures we lay,
And with this simple joy, I know I’ve won the day.

Success comes in many colors…

Monday is a red day, but my red mug was already dirty despite the rest of my gear being prepped for the week. I don’t have OCD, but I could tell this was foreshadowing for how the day might play out.

Mondays can often be a lot, especially when the intensity of the day doesn’t align with your workout goals. If the morning routine doesn’t allow for that high-energy session you were aiming for, it can be disheartening. Take the win for what you accomplished, and trust that once the day winds down and everyone is settled into bed, there's an opportunity to pivot. That quiet time becomes a chance to engage in a different kind of exercise—perhaps a calming yoga session or a cleansing jog that heats you up just enough to help you cool down before sleep. This flexibility not only helps maintain your fitness routine but also allows for a moment of self-care amidst the chaos of the week.

And sometimes, you can’t always get hung up on every detail. Make sure to balance your determination and commitment to your goals to those around you. Whether it’s your family or friends that’s excited to see you after a big day, be open to those moments where they feed off your energy and just know that your smile can make all their difference.

Tonight as the tightness of the day was creeping in as I started to count up all the things still on my plate at home, I suddenly melted when my youngest jumped into my arms after school. Nothing else mattered but that pure bliss. Instead of the normal script for the evening, I read stories and just played with the kiddos. It wasn’t planned, but it was perfect. A welcome relief that made bedtime easier after a fun night and was also the reason I could squeeze out a second workout tonight. Nothing crazy, but it was progress. And what matters more is that I did it while being flexible. To an outsider, this day might have seemed underwhelming, but it was a great day for growth in my adaptability. Though I’m proud of today, tomorrow I’m ready to get back to my orange mug that’s ready for coffee followed by Watts on the bike.

Finding Stillness

Yesterday, the snow flew again and blanketed the barren ground, making today’s cold morning perfect for a warm fireplace to attend church from home.

The concept of Sabbath, traditionally observed as a day of rest, can be a struggle for many. In a world that prioritizes productivity and constant activity, the challenge lies in resisting the urge to jump into ongoing projects or new ideas. As one attempts to embrace a period of relaxation, the mind is frequently flooded with thoughts about unfinished tasks, looming deadlines, or the allure of initiating something to get ahead. This internal conflict can turn a day intended for rejuvenation into an exercise in restraint.

Even in moments of physical stillness, the mind continues to race with a never-ending list of responsibilities. The temptation to "just do a little" can be persistent, leading individuals to rationalize cutting short their rest for the sake of productivity. This inclination not only undermines the purpose of the Sabbath but also complicates the ability to genuinely unwind. Finding true peace amidst a cacophony of thoughts can feel almost impossible.

Moreover, the societal expectation to be perpetually busy weighs heavily, making it difficult to embrace stillness without guilt or anxiety. Engaging in moments of quiet reflection becomes challenging when the pressure to be efficient looms large. The contrast between the desire for rest and the compulsion to be active highlights the ongoing struggle many face in reclaiming their time for rejuvenation. Especially when the consequences of not capitalizing on this time seems so palpable. Embracing the Sabbath requires conscious effort and a deep commitment to prioritize well-being over unrelenting busyness.

Most Sundays I end up doing light busywork that leaves me still feeling depleted, so today I recommit. We want to make today a family day with active play for natural exercise, cooking from scratch, playing games, reconnecting, and having faith that the rest of the world’s commitments will fall into place.

Emerging from my Pain Cave

My garage is my chrysalis, my pain cave, and where I go to heal. Spinning on the bike for over three hours, I covered 44 miles while meticulously practicing my nutrition strategy, timing my eating and drinking to ensure my body adapts to a high cadence and long duration expected of the 100-mile ride next August. It wasn’t the speed or distance I was going for, but sustaining a heart rate that would burn a higher percentage of fat than other sources.

The sweat dripped from my brow, soaking a towel draped over the handlebars, a reminder of the effort involved in maintaining an aero-position on my triathlon bike, where even a slight shift in form can impact my speed. The room was dim, with blue mood lights illuminating the space behind the monitor that tracks my workout with an app fueled by AI to keep my workouts aligned with my Functional Threshold Power (FTP), allowing me to build strength without risking burnout.

The goal to shed extra pounds looms large in my mind, a necessary sacrifice to ease the climb up 10,000 feet of elevation next August; every bead of sweat now promises a blessing later. Despite fueling appropriately, I felt a paradoxical emptiness accompanied by waves of nausea, a reminder that hunger will be a constant companion on this journey to the Starvation Xtri named after one of the reservoirs used to swim in for the event. How apropos. To endure this state, I have to continually remind myself of the need to temper my desires, honing my body into a form capable of tackling the challenges ahead. As I simplify the variables, and perfect each part of my day, my goal is to see this repeatable success by simply beating myself each day. Drip by drip.

From Jar to Summit: Psychology of Prepping for the Long Game

Preparing for the week ahead involves meticulously organizing pre-workout strawberry protein shakes in graduated ball jars, ensuring that each portion is perfectly measured for convenience. Almond milk is stored separately, ready to be mixed with a cordless immersion blender for a smooth and refreshing start to the day. It makes it very easy to clean as compared to a large blender or inconsistency of a metal shaker ball.

Alongside, a variety of flavors of overnight oats are prepped to serve as a nourishing post-workout meal, packed with a generous dose of protein to kickstart recovery. As each day has a color associated with it, I also get these in random flavors that span the ROYGBIV theme as not to allow myself to get attached to the flavor. The sweat treat post workout is the reward for a job well earned, but I am careful not to get these just because they taste good. They are balanced to top off my stomach and provide even and sustained blood sugar levels in the morning. It’s the intentionality and thoughtful preparation sets a solid foundation for maintaining energy and focus throughout the week, while allowing my muscle memory to take over so I have reduced cognitive load going through the motions of the morning.

There’s also just something so satisfying about having a system and seeing the progress throughout the week as I knock off each day, killing the cups one by one as I imagine myself in 175 days summiting Mt. Solitude.