Becoming a Disciplined Father, Athlete, and Leader: My Journey Back to Balance
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here. If you’re a father looking to establish more discipline in your life while balancing the demands of family, work, and personal wellness, you’re in the right place. This blog is about my journey to reclaim discipline, integrate endurance sports back into my life, and improve how I show up in every role I play—father, husband, athlete, and leader.
A Little About Me
In early 2017, I moved to Boston for a new job, leaving behind my roots in the Philadelphia area. At that point, I had already dabbled in endurance sports. Since 2013, I’d been progressing from running 5Ks to trail ultramarathons, with the 50K distance becoming my preferred race. I wasn’t the fastest, but I found immense joy in the mental challenge and escape of long-distance trail running. Around the same time, I completed my first triathlon and my first ‘true’ marathon—though I’ll admit, a road race was a painful experience in comparison to the relaxed trail events I had become accustomed to.
When I arrived in Boston, I leaned more heavily into cycling, especially through Zwift, which transformed how I trained. In 2018, I had the unique opportunity to attend a Zwift-based training camp in California, racing alongside talented amateur and professional athletes, including Lionel Sanders (proof). It was a pivotal moment that fueled my passion for cycling and triathlon.
From there, I transitioned into Olympic and half-Ironman triathlons, achieving some strong age-group results. By 2020, I was primed for a breakout season when the pandemic halted racing. That period shifted my focus away from racing and into other areas of life, including a new role at work, buying a home, and getting married in a small ceremony during COVID.
Fatherhood and Priorities
In 2022, everything changed when my wife and I welcomed our first child. Training and racing took a backseat to the responsibilities of being a father. Strength training in my garage became my go-to workout, as it allowed me to stay active without compromising family time. In late 2024, we welcomed our second child, a beautiful daughter, and I’ve been on parental leave since her birth.
This time away from work has allowed me to reflect on the kind of father, husband, leader, and individual I want to be. I’ve realized how much endurance sports gave me in terms of mental clarity, balance, and resilience—and how neglecting that part of my life has impacted my performance in other areas.
Why I’m Here
My journey now is about rebuilding. I want to bring endurance sports and exercise back into my life, not as a hobby, but as a tool to be a better father, spouse, and leader. My goal isn’t just to train harder or compete at a high level (though I do love competition); it’s to create systems and habits that allow me to balance the four key roles I play:
A Caring and Attentive Spouse
An Active and Present Father
A Strong Leader and Professional
A Competitive Endurance Athlete
I know many of you are navigating similar challenges. Time is limited, and priorities are often competing. But I believe endurance sports—or any form of consistent exercise—can be a cornerstone for discipline, mental clarity, and overall well-being. That’s why I’m sharing this journey with you.
What to Expect
This blog will document my progress, struggles, and lessons as I work toward long-term goals that align with my priorities. Whether it’s rediscovering the joy of training, setting up systems to make life more manageable, or tackling races with limited time to train, I’ll share it all. My aim isn’t to provide all the answers but to offer insights and inspiration for fellow fathers looking to balance their lives while staying active.
So, if you’re ready to explore how endurance sports can help you become more disciplined, balanced, and present in your life, follow along. Together, we can navigate the challenges of fatherhood, career, and fitness—and find ways to thrive in all of them. Thanks for joining me on this journey.
