This past weekend, I had the incredible experience of completing the David Goggins 4x4x48 Challenge — running 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours straight. It was physically demanding, mentally exhausting, and emotionally powerful. But more than anything, it was deeply meaningful.
And it wasn’t just about personal endurance. It was about something far bigger: honoring my late mother, supporting an important cause, and finding strength in community. Because of the incredible generosity of so many, we raised over $7,000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation to support Parkinson’s research.
I want to take a moment to share what this journey taught me, the emotions that carried me through, and why I believe this weekend changed me forever.
Why the 4x4x48 Challenge?
The 4x4x48 Challenge was created by David Goggins, a former Navy SEAL and endurance athlete, as a test of physical stamina and mental toughness. It pushes you to find out what you’re really made of — not just in the first few runs, but in the early morning hours when your body is tired, your mind is questioning you, and your heart has to carry you.
When I decided to take this on, I knew it needed to mean something more. Almost 11 years ago, I lost my mom to a neurodegenerative disease called Multiple System Atrophy. Watching her strength through her illness changed me. Her fight, her perseverance, and her spirit inspire me daily. This challenge was my way of honoring her memory — and giving back to a cause close to my heart.
The Power of Purpose
Every single mile had meaning. Every step reminded me why I was out there. Raising money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation gave this challenge a higher purpose. It wasn’t about me. It was about the fight against Parkinson’s disease. It was about hope, research, and the families who are facing this battle every single day.
When fatigue set in, when my legs were heavy, and my mind tried to convince me to stop, I remembered who I was running for. I pictured my mom’s smile. I thought about all the families hoping for better treatments and one day, a cure. That’s what kept me moving.
No One Does It Alone
One of the most powerful parts of this experience was the support system around me. I’m incredibly grateful for my wife, my kids, my family, and my friends. Their encouragement, their belief in me, and their messages of support were fuel for my spirit.
I’m especially grateful to my friend Ed Ricci, who took on this challenge alongside me. Doing this together made it even more meaningful. We carried the memories of our loved ones with us during every run. Having someone beside me who understood the emotional weight of this journey made every step a little lighter and every mile a little stronger.
Knowing we weren’t alone made all the difference. At 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. runs, when the world felt silent, that connection gave me energy.
The Emotional Journey
Physically, the 4x4x48 is brutal. Your legs stiffen, your joints ache, your body begs for rest. But the real battle is mental.
You have to face yourself in those quiet, dark hours. You have to find discipline when motivation fades. You have to choose to get up — again and again — even when every fiber of your being wants to quit.
There were runs where I felt great, where my body found a rhythm and the miles seemed to fly by. But there were also runs where doubt crept in. Where the thought of running yet again seemed almost unbearable.
It was in those moments that I leaned on something greater. I believe my mom was watching down on me this weekend. I could feel her with me — in the sunrise after a long night, in the quiet strength that surfaced when I needed it most.
Grief is a strange thing. It can break you, but it can also build you. This challenge reminded me that love endures. That even after loss, connection remains. That carrying forward with purpose is one of the best ways to honor those we’ve lost.
What I Learned
There are lessons that only come through pushing past your limits. Here are a few that stood out to me:
- You are capable of far more than you think. We are often our own biggest obstacle. When you break through the walls your mind puts up, you find reserves of strength you didn’t know existed.
- Purpose is powerful. When you have a “why” that’s bigger than yourself, you’ll go farther than you ever thought possible.
- Community matters. Having people who believe in you — and running alongside people who share your mission — makes even the toughest journeys bearable.
- Gratitude is fuel. Every message, every prayer, every encouraging word made a difference. Gratitude kept my heart full even when my tank felt empty.
- The finish line is just the beginning. Completing the 4x4x48 isn’t the end. It’s a reminder that when we set bold goals, commit with our whole heart, and lean into discomfort, we become better — not just for ourselves, but for the people around us.
Moving Forward
This challenge was more than a physical test. It was a spiritual journey, a tribute to my mom, a rallying cry for those fighting Parkinson’s, and a testament to the power of community.
I’m humbled and grateful for the opportunity to have been part of something bigger than myself. I’m honored to have raised over $7,000 that will make a difference. And I’m excited to carry forward the lessons and the spirit of this weekend into everything I do.
If you’re thinking about taking on a challenge like this — whether it’s a race, a fundraiser, or a personal goal — I encourage you to go for it. Find your “why.” Lean into the hard moments. Surround yourself with people who lift you up. And never underestimate what’s possible when you lead with heart.
Thank you to everyone who believed in me, who supported this cause, and who reminded me that no journey is ever truly walked alone.
We did this together — and I’m forever grateful.
