As I look back over my life, there’s one thing I’ve realized that stands above all else—my family is everything. After 27 years together, 25 years of marriage with my incredible wife Brandi, and raising our three amazing kids, Kyle, Katelyn, and Aidan, I’ve come to understand the importance of making the most of the time we have together. Sure, fitness is a huge part of my life—always has been—but it’s not just about lifting weights or hitting personal records. It’s about building something bigger, something lasting. Now, at 50, that “something” is ensuring the legacy I have always wanted to create, not just for me, but for my family and the generations that come after us.
The Balance Between Fitness and Family
I’m not interested in sitting around the house, glued to the TV. My goal is to create experiences that are about more than just the daily grind—experiences that are active, meaningful, and long-lasting. Whether it’s nature walks, hikes, or beach days, I want to combine health and fitness with time spent together. We don’t need expensive vacations to create memories. The best experiences are the ones where we can bond through activity and enjoy what life has to offer in its simplest forms.
The idea is simple: staying active together, doing things we love, and making memories that will last. For Brandi and me, that might mean finally taking that trip to Hawaii we’ve talked about for years. But it also means exploring new places and activities. Brandi is always ready to relax on the beach. I know my kids are also on board to travel—Kyle’s ready for any adventure, Katelyn will want to explore museums and libraries, and Aidan will likely have an interest in sports venues. But no matter where we go, the point is to stay active, engaged, and connected as a family.
Preparing for Future Adventures
To make the most of these experiences, I need to be prepared, both physically and mentally. Walking has become a big part of that preparation. Right now, I’m averaging about 7,000 steps a day, mostly on flat terrain. But for the types of adventures I want to have—whether it’s walking 20,000 steps in a day or hiking through mountainous regions—I know I need to up my game. It’s not just about covering more ground; it’s about building the stamina to handle the variety of challenges that come with different terrains, inclines, and stairs. And the key to all of this? Recovery. I want to have the ability to meet the challenges and still enjoy the rest of the trip.
This process is gradual, and I’m fine with that. I’m not in a rush. There’s no deadline, no pressure to meet a certain goal by a certain time. It’s about consistent progress. For example, one of my long-term goals is to walk 50 miles with a 50-pound pack. That might take years to achieve, and that’s okay. Along the way, I’ll reach other milestones, whether it’s walking 10 miles with a pack or handling new terrain with ease.
The Impact of Endurance Training
Incorporating more walking and endurance work into my routine has already made a noticeable difference. I feel less winded between sets during my lifts, and my recovery has improved significantly. I’m performing better at arm wrestling, recovering between matches, and maintaining my strength and explosiveness—all as a result of improved stamina. I’ve noticed this improvement in many other activities, both in the gym and in everyday life. It feels great to do more without getting gassed out, and I know that’s a direct result of the work I’ve been putting in. My fitness is not just about the strength I build; it’s about having the endurance and recovery to keep doing the things that bring me joy.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to take on new challenges like rowing, which will add a different dimension to my training. It’s a lower-impact activity that helps me build cardiorespiratory endurance without putting too much strain on my joints or exacerbating my chronic exertional compartment syndrome. The goal is to stay strong, mobile, and fit without feeling overly tight or sore—a balance I’m always mindful of.
A Blueprint for the Future
What really drives me, though, isn’t just about what I can do—it’s about what I can pass down. I want to lead by example, showing my kids and, one day, my grandkids, what it means to live an active, fulfilling life. As parents, we don’t have to tell them to be active; they’ll naturally want to mimic what we do. Kids watch what you do far more than they listen to what you say. When they see me walking, lifting, or swimming, they’ll naturally want to do it too. This is because they enjoy time with family as much as I do. And that’s how I know we will create a lasting legacy of health and fitness in our family.
It’s not just about me staying strong. It’s about setting a blueprint for how my children and their children can experience life—through movement, through connection, and through shared experiences that bring us closer together. I’m looking forward to the future, not just for what I can achieve, but for the memories I can create with the people I care about most. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a trip to the pool, or a big family adventure, I know that these experiences will build a foundation that my family will carry forward, long after I’m gone.