Embracing the Journey - From Reluctant Jogger to Lifelong Fitness Advocate

Adjusting to My New Normal

I got what I asked for, but at what cost? The thought of giving up my precious Saturday morning sleep-ins, cereal, and cartoons sent shivers down my spine. But my dad had other plans.

He believed in seeing things through once they started, and that meant lacing up our sneakers and hitting the pavement every Saturday morning. At first, I resisted. The idea of sacrificing my lazy weekends for fitness filled me with anxiety. Was this what growing up meant—giving up the simple joys in life for the sake of staying healthy?

As weeks turned into months, something surprising happened. What began as dread slowly transformed into anticipation. I started looking forward to our weekly runs, relishing the time spent with my dad. What once felt like a chore became a cherished tradition, a time for us to connect and embrace the joy of physical activity.

One weekend, when my dad was away on a business trip, I laced up my sneakers and went for a run on my own. At just 10 years old, I had taken control of my fitness journey, and from that moment on, there was no turning back.

That decision became a defining moment. It wasn’t just about running; it was about embracing new challenges and stepping outside my comfort zone. That single act of persistence became the foundation of my lifelong passion for health and fitness.


I know how overwhelming it can feel to think about sacrificing the little joys in life for fitness. You’re balancing your career, family, and the weight of a dad bod that seems harder and harder to shake off. But here’s what I learned: sometimes, the greatest transformations come when we push past that initial resistance. When we make fitness part of our routine, it stops feeling like a burden and becomes a source of strength.

Wherever you are in your journey—whether you’re just starting or struggling to find time—every step forward is a victory. Keep pushing, and one day, you’ll look back and realize the journey itself has become your greatest reward.

Feeling like you need that extra push? Let’s work together to make fitness fit into your life.

Saturday, March 16, 2024