From Missed Moments to Marathon: 3 Lessons That Made Running Enjoyable
What Missing Out Taught Me About Health, Running, and Showing Up for My Family
I wouldn’t call myself a runner.
Just over a year ago, I was just a dad trying to keep up with my kids on a cruise. We were on Odyssey of the Seas, ready for iFly, the skydiving simulator at sea. I’d lost 30 pounds and thought I was good. Then came the scale: 245+ pounds. The limit was 240.
I had to watch my kids fly while I sat out.
That moment hurt, and it was the wake-up call I needed.
Since then, I’ve logged 250+ hours walk-running, dropped to 190 pounds (just 5 pounds above my high school football weight), and now run 5–8 miles regularly. And I actually enjoy it.
Here are 3 lessons that changed running from a punishment into a gift:
Start Slow and Stay Curious
Born to Run by Christopher McDougall reminded me we are built for this, but it doesn’t mean we need to race from day one. I started with walk-run intervals, focusing on enjoying the movement instead of chasing a pace I wasn’t ready for.
Let Your Body Catch Up
In A Runner’s High, Dean Karnazes shares how even seasoned ultramarathoners respect the body’s limits. I learned that while my cardio improved quickly, my joints and tendons needed more time. Ignoring that would’ve meant injury, not progress.
Progress, Not Perfection
Darren Lake’s The 1% Better Runner podcast helped me see that improvement is about small, consistent gains, not sprinting until I puke. Using a heart rate monitor taught me to find my comfort zone and build from there, sustainably.
These lessons transformed running from something I had to do into something I get to do. They’ve helped me reclaim my wellness, and I’ve signed up for my first marathon in January 2026.
Next time my kids take flight, I’ll be ready.
Ever had a moment that made you take your health seriously? I’d love to hear your story.