This morning, as I laced up my running shoes and stepped out the door, the world around me was cloaked in darkness. It was quiet, still, and cold—the kind of early morning that makes you question why you’re out there at all. But as I began running, step after step, something familiar happened. The dark gave way to light. By the time I finished my 13.1-mile run, my final long run of the year, the sun was shining.
That moment—finishing in the light—wasn’t just a metaphor for this morning’s run. It was a reflection of my journey over the past two years.
In 2024, I logged over 800 miles, completed my first full marathon, my first half Ironman, multiple sprint triathlons, an Olympic duathlon, and yet another half marathon. It was a record-breaking year for me, not just in terms of races or miles but in the transformation I’ve experienced in every area of my life.
When I started this journey, I was in a dark place. I felt stuck, unsure of who I was or where I was going. Life felt overwhelming, and I knew I wasn’t living up to my potential—as a husband, a father, a business owner, or as a human being. But one day, I made a choice. I decided that life wasn’t going to happen to me anymore. I would take control and create the life I wanted to live.
The Power of a Single Step
That first step wasn’t easy. It rarely is. When you’re in a dark place, even the idea of change can feel daunting. But here’s the truth: transformation doesn’t happen all at once. It happens one step at a time.
For me, it started with a simple commitment. I decided to get up earlier, inspired by Hal Elrod’s The Miracle Morning. That decision led to consistent routines, which led to journaling, then running, then swimming, cycling, and eventually competing in races I never thought possible.
I started to see the power of small, intentional steps. Every run taught me something about myself. Every mile strengthened not just my body but my mind. And as I grew stronger, I began to see that I wasn’t just running on the pavement—I was running toward a better version of myself.
2024: A Year for the Record Books
This year wasn’t just about races and medals. It was about redefining what success means to me. In March, I completed my first full marathon. That experience was transformative—not because of the distance but because of what it symbolized. I learned that I am capable of so much more than I ever gave myself credit for.
The same was true for my first half Ironman. Training for and completing that race was one of the most physically and mentally demanding things I’ve ever done. But crossing that finish line reminded me that growth comes from pushing through discomfort. It’s in those moments when you want to quit but choose to keep going that real transformation happens.
By the end of the year, I’d competed in multiple races, logged over 800 miles, and set my sights on 2025, where I’ll tackle another half Ironman and my first full Ironman. If my training continues as planned, I’ll surpass 1,000 miles next year—a milestone I never imagined when I first laced up my running shoes.
From Darkness to Light
Much like this morning’s run, my journey over the past two years has been a journey from darkness to light. When I think back to where I was in early 2023, I barely recognize that version of myself. I was going through the motions, but I wasn’t truly living.
The shift didn’t happen overnight. It began with a decision, followed by consistent action. And over time, I started to see the light. I found joy in the process, pride in the progress, and gratitude for the lessons along the way.
Running has been my light. It’s where I’ve found clarity, strength, and peace. It’s where I’ve learned that the hardest parts of the journey are also the most rewarding. And it’s where I’ve discovered that transformation is possible—for anyone, at any time.
The Choice Is Yours
Here’s the thing: life will happen to you if you let it. But you don’t have to. You have the power to choose.
You can choose to stay where you are, or you can choose to rise and transform. You can choose to let the challenges of life define you, or you can choose to define your own path. You can choose to wait for the “right” time, or you can choose to start now.
I know how hard it is to take that first step. I know how overwhelming it can feel to even think about change. But I also know that the only way to see the light is to move through the darkness.
What Will Your 2025 Look Like?
As we approach the end of the year, I want to challenge you to reflect on where you are and where you want to be. What do you want your 2025 to look like? What kind of life do you want to create?
You don’t have to run a marathon or complete an Ironman. Your journey will look different from mine, and that’s okay. The important thing is to start.
Start small. Set one goal. Take one step. And then another.
Maybe it’s waking up 30 minutes earlier to journal or meditate. Maybe it’s committing to a weekly workout or signing up for your first 5k. Maybe it’s having that tough conversation you’ve been avoiding or finally pursuing a dream you’ve put on hold.
Whatever it is, choose to rise. Choose to take that first step.
Transformation Is Possible
I’m not here to tell you it will be easy. It won’t. Change is hard. Growth is uncomfortable. But I promise you, it’s worth it.
Looking back on 2024, I can say without a doubt that it’s been the most transformative year of my life. Not because of the miles or the races but because of the person I’ve become. I’m stronger, healthier, and more present for my family. I’m more intentional in my work, more confident in my decisions, and more grateful for the life I’m creating.
And if I can do it, so can you.
A Call to Action
As you think about your goals for 2025, I want to leave you with this: Transformation doesn’t just happen. It requires a decision, followed by consistent action.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Don’t wait for January 1st. Start today.
Write down one thing you want to achieve in 2025. Then write down the first step you can take to move toward that goal. And then take it.
The light is waiting for you. All you have to do is start moving.
2025 can be your year. The year you rise. The year you transform. The year you take control of your life and create the future you’ve always dreamed of.
The choice is yours. What will you choose?
Here’s to a brighter, bolder, and more intentional 2025. Let’s rise together.
#KeepShiningYourLight
