Some people peak in high school athletics. For me, I peaked in grade school. Our basketball team got third place in the city. While in high school I quickly learned that my basketball skills were nowhere close to what I came across in high school. I could run and ran cross country four years, track two years and and two years of baseball (again, where I realized there was natural ability and there was me). But throughout it all I’ve continued to be active my whole life. Running and lifting with some biking and swimming. I completed my first triathlon in 2009 while I lived in Florida and could train outside. I had run several marathons but I didn’t really go nuts running until 2016 when I decided to do some marathon training. I had some issues along the way, but realized I could run longer than I thought. I’d run 3 miles a few times a week which turned into 4 and now 5-6. Running 10-15 miles is hard but it’s not that big a deal anymore.

Working from home more allowed me to really do some interesting new activities. And although I’m not especially fast or talented, I’m extremely dedicated. In a typical year, I miss a workout less than 10 days. I’ve realized that strength training is THE KEY activity that keeps me going and keep me from being injured. I haven’t had an injury that has stopped me from exercising in forever. This despite pounding more miles and lifting heavier. I set personal records for Bench Press, Deadlift and pull-ups all well into my 50’s. I know Father Time will catch up to me. But not yet.

I love to travel and explore the places I go. No better way to do that going for a run in a new town or country. I also like going for hikes, bikes or long walks. Whatever it takes to go see new stuff.

In 2024 I ran more miles than I ever had in a year (close to 1,400) and most miles in a month (over 200 in September). I also knocked out a 50K in a brutally warm day in October. The ultra is fascinating for me. It’s hard. It’s a bit nuts. I love it all.

95% of what I read about fitness is completely wrong. And all the articles that say what you shouldn’t do at my age, I do them all. I don’t understand a world where we tell people to do less and be unhealthy. Likewise, personal trainers are full of it. All these complex training programs with whacky routines are stupid and are done to justify their fee. All you need is squats, bench press, deadlifts, should press, pull-ups and pull ups. Simple basic stuff that has been around forever. That with some multivitamins, plenty of protein and a daily dosage of creatine. Avoid alcohol and drugs and get your sleep. Just do it.