One of the most common questions I get asked is why I train so hard all the time and dedicate my life to fitness and sports. Many think it's because I'm a meathead, or I never grew up from being a high school jock... but to be honest with everyone is that I do it for the simple excitement of that moment when things come together.

When things come together is when all of the hard work I put in week in and week out gets put to the test and I perform. When I was in college this was making it on the "A" relay team for the 4x400m as a freshman, being able to contribute for the win as a team at conference championships not once, but twice, and overcoming my own abilities in grand fashion being among some of the top sprinters. When things come together it makes all the effort and pain worth it.

This moment can be different for anyone. For some of my clients it's being able to touch their toes after years of not being able to. Others it's fitting into those old jeans, or being able to keep up with their kids on outside activities. When things come together isn't just a performance of body, but an achievement of the person. This is why the goals you place when beginning your fitness journey are so important. a goal that has no bearing on the outcome of your life will not keep you motivated or interested in pursuing this feeling of accomplishment. I found this out with myself, that after college I was training irregularly for a while just trying to "stay fit." I knew it was important. I knew that being fit was something essential to who I am, but it wasn't enough to keep me regular on my workouts and pushing myself to be better. The mindset of my goal at that time was completely inadequate. Within yourself, you know what is enough and necessary to push yourself and make your health and strength a priority. You know this because the idea of when things come together excites you to push yourself to fulfill your goal, a driving force!

For me these past few months have been an exciting challenge to myself. Ironman triathlon is giving me a direction that excites me to accomplish something great. Not just the opportunity to compete at a high level, but being able to push myself more and more as my training and fitness progresses. The same should happen for anyone pursuing a health and fitness program. It should leave you no place to go, but up. Always progressing. This weekend I am going to see how Things Come Together, Ironman has a new aspiring pro rising in it's midst in me. From here, it's only forward and no excuses! I challenge all of you out there to find out what you want to see come together in your life and train for it. Your only limitations are those that you impose on yourself!

Every Day... A Little Stronger