I began running as a sophomore in high school. Not as a part of the track or cross country teams, but I wasn’t running alone. If you asked me then why I ran, I’d just say I was following in the footsteps of my dad. I grew up wearing his heavy finisher medals, hearing his name called across finish lines, and being inspired by his determination that made the impossible possible. So if you picture a kid getting his outstretched arm high-fived by his hero on the home stretch of an Ironman, you can imagine how the rest of the story goes.

Now the kid has a medal collection of his own. Still training and racing with Dad, I now think of the endurance sport lifestyle less as a way to be like him and more as a way to be with him. Our experience across thousands of miles together has established a special relationship built on shared struggle, support, and perseverance. Countless hours spent training in tandem often generate introspective conversations and expressions of gratitude, leading to the revival of Join the Race, through which I’m excited to share our unique experience as a father-son endurance duo. I hope our journey together inspires and motivates others, just as I was, and continue to be, inspired by Dad.

Several years into this lifestyle, just like several miles into a race, you don’t survive without a few good reasons to press on. I’ve found several along the way. Exercise is therapeutic, and it’s a cheap fix for a busy mind. Training is routine; a good fix (and reason) for a busy life. Racing is uncomfortable; a good disruption from a life too routine. Most of all, in addition to keeping both my mind and body in good shape, I have found that endurance sports serve as a great reminder to appreciate my health. Everyone knows the dreadful feeling of waking up in the morning with a sore throat, maybe congestion, or a bad headache. Usually, it’s only after those symptoms strike that you realize how well you felt during the days, weeks, or months before. Health is the easiest thing to take for granted, because you only notice it when it worsens. But a lifestyle in endurance sports brings good health into the spotlight, as each day is approached with a sharp awareness of your condition and an earned confidence in your ability. Endurance sports don’t save me from a common cold. But when I wake up sick, it feels good to know that I didn’t take the good days for granted.

The example of a common cold feels pretty weak in light of the obstacles I’ve seen others face, but that’s about as bad as I’ve had it. I’ve been very fortunate in my lifetime to avoid serious injuries or illnesses. Above all, I race out of gratitude for the life and ability that I have, as long as I have it. Beyond endurance sports, Join the Race reminds me to exercise that appreciation for life in everything I do. If you follow along, I hope you feel compelled to forge a complete and fulfilling life of your own.

When I’m not racing or training, I love spending time with my support crew, Haley (wife) and Riley (daughter), playing mediocre golf, writing songs, and hopelessly rooting for Minnesota sports teams.