I used to hit the pavement every morning, chasing after faster times and tougher challenges. Back then, running was all about proving something, maybe to myself, maybe to others. It was rough, you know? Every step was a push against some invisible force, and I'd finish each run more relieved it was over than happy I did it. 

But things change. I got older, a bit wiser, and started seeing running through a different lens. It wasn't about the grind anymore, or how much I could push my limits before my body pushed back with injuries or burnout. Now, it's about taking it easy, soaking in the quiet of the morning, and actually enjoying the run. Weird, right? These days, running's turned into my thinking time. Planning my day, mulling over stuff that's been bugging me, or just clearing the clutter in my head. It's a total 180 from how it used to be, where all I could focus on was how much I wanted it to be over. 

But here are my why’s: the biggest reasons I keep lacing up isn't for the here and now. It's to be here for the long haul with my family.  I've got this pact with Lindsey, my better half who's a bit younger than me. I promised her I'd outlast her, not just in years, but in good, quality years. I'm talking about being able to chase after grandkids, stroll on the beach without gasping for air, and living life on my feet, not from a chair. 

It's also about being there for my kids, Melania and Orlando, for as long as I possibly can. Melania's 4 and Orlando's just 2, and they're at that age where they're watching my every move. When I go for a run, whether they are watching me leave or get back from a run, or if they're right there with me in the running stroller, they are learning. It's more than just exercise; it's setting an example, showing them what it means to live a healthy, active life.

I want them to grow up knowing the value of staying fit, of pushing through when things get tough, and of taking care of the body you're given. It's about building that confidence in them, that sense of resilience. And the best way I can think of to teach them? By living it out loud, every day, right in front of their eyes. Kids have this amazing knack for wanting to mimic their parents. If I can show them what it means to live without limits, to embrace life fully, then maybe they'll carry that with them as they grow. It's all about laying down a path for Melania and Orlando to follow, one where they're strong, confident, and healthy. And if I can stick around as long as possible, free from the kind of restrictions that hold you back, then hopefully, they'll want the same for themselves. That's the legacy I'm aiming for, one run at a time.

So, what's your "why" when it comes to health and fitness? It's something worth thinking about. It's not just about the muscles or the miles; it's about the moments you're fighting for down the line. For me, it's about being there, really being there, for the people I love and the life I want to live. How about you?