Forging the Way

What happens when ordinary people commit to extraordinary goals

It’s been a big few weeks for Forge Performance, the incredible team of athletes I have the honor of coaching. Here are some highlights:

Emmett became an Ironman. Emmett is a former college football player and currently works as a construction project manager. He had no background in endurance, but because of his strong athletic background, he had the mindset. He raced his first triathlon in June at 70.3 Eagleman—I always suggest those interested in full distance start with a 70.3. After nine months of consistent work, he ran down the iconic red carpet to those unforgettable words: “Emmett, YOU are an IRONMAN!” I was just getting into the sport of triathlon at 24 and was years away from doing my first Ironman, so big kudos to Emmett.

Shelby became a marathoner. Like Emmett, Shelby had no background in endurance, but after witnessing her friend Joe cross his first 70.3 finish line in June, she was inspired. She wanted that feeling for herself, so she signed up for Boulderthon that day. Having no idea where to begin, she committed to and trusted my process. We incorporated her love for lagree into her weekly plan and prioritized time on feet with easy miles. This summer, not only did she summit Mt Kilimanjaro with my buddy Dr. Jon, but she finished her first marathon in under five hours! Shelby had a health scare the week of the race, but after testing and being cleared by her cardiologist, she was excited to finally let it rip on race day. While we’d all love a perfect training block, it doesn’t exist. Frustrating as they may be, obstacles tend to make those finish lines even sweeter.

Dee became the first Forge athlete to ever complete a kayakathlon. Yes, you read that right! A 1.5 mile kayak, followed by a 10.5 mile bike and a 5 km run. Not only did she complete a unique race, but she won first overall female and stood atop another podium! More meaningful to both her and me, is that she did the race with a friend—a friend that was inspired by Dee’s decision to live a bolder, more adventurous life through endurance sports. And her friend isn’t the only one who’s felt the ripples. Her family has changed their lifestyles as a result too. Over the past two years, she’s completed the Atlantic City Triathlon with her father. And this summer, I had the opportunity to guide Dee, her parents, and her sister on Pikes Peak, a 14,000’ peak here in Colorado. Dee is forging the way, leading by example, and being a lighthouse for others in her life. Keep it up, Dee!

Last but certainly not least, Joe finished his second 70.3 in Waco this past weekend to celebrate his 32nd birthday. This June at 70.3 Boulder, he went 5:09 with a 1:54 (8:41 min/mi) half marathon off the bike. In Waco, like Boulder, he swam 0:38 and rode a blistering 2:28 on a road bike with attached aero bars and stock wheels; however, this time, he ran 1:35 (7:16 min/mi), finishing in 4:50. Taking 20 minutes off a 70.3 in just three months, entirely in the run leg, is significant. Joe finished 7th in his age group, a wonderful accomplishment, yet fell just five minutes short of his ambitious goal of 4:45 and the podium (places 3-7 all finished within five minutes of each other). While we were bummed that he didn’t punch his ticket to 70.3 World Champs in Nice next summer, it’s a huge step in the right direction and a promising sign of things to come.

One note—notice how I said “became an Ironman,” and “became a marathoner”? Identity is powerful. It’s the basis of habit formation and change. If you move, you’re an athlete. If you run, you’re a runner. In the wise words of James Clear, “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” Choose wisely.

In the next few weeks, we have Louis running the Chicago Marathon, Noel taking on the Las Vegas Half Marathon, and Dee swimming, biking, and running at 70.3 North Carolina. Let’s go, team!

Being called “coach” never gets old. It’s an honor to support these high-performing athletes and I can’t wait to continue to watch them and others shine.

Want to level up? I’m opening two roster spots for 1-1 endurance and mindset coaching. If you’re interested in joining the Forge Performance team and surrounding yourself with a group of like-minded men and women, shoot me a message here or on Instagram.

“Awaken through adversity” is the Forge way. See you inside.