Find reflections, strategies, and insights on setting meaningful goals, staying motivated, and embracing the journey toward personal growth and success.
The run was hosted by Run In Greenville and fueled by some of the best caffeine in town from Due South Coffee Roasters. But the real heart behind the event? Supporting the next generation of creatives by collecting art supplies for local schools.
I laced up the new Nike Vomero 18s for the first time, and they did not disappoint. Super cushioned and responsive—the perfect combo of comfort and speed. They felt so good, I couldn’t help but lean in and let it rip:
24:45 for a new 5K PR. 🔥
Not mad about walking away with a free hat from the Greenville Uptempo Sports raffle and a limited-edition tee featuring custom art by the one and only @tjeisenhart (seriously—such a cool collab). Every detail of the event felt thoughtful, from the gear to the coffee to the art. And the vibes? Immaculate.
It was one of those runs that reminds me why I do this—fast miles, good people, and purpose behind the pace. The end result is pure joy.
Last year, I left my full-time agency job. Let’s be honest… it drained me more than it grew me. Without anything lined up, letting go was scary… but necessary. I didn’t know what would fill the space.
Today, that space is filled with things that light me up. I’ve been able to challenge myself in ways I never thought possible. This morning, the challenge was on the pickleball court. And the joy was found in the journey.
It wasn’t easy. It was a grind.
There were some tough losses. Horrendous points.
There was even a moment I lost my cool out of frustration and threw my paddle into the net (I later apologized to my opponent—it was completely uncalled for).
But that’s why you keep fighting.
You don’t let one bad point—or one bad call—dictate the whole game. Or in my case, the whole day.
Sometimes you have to take the L on the chin and come back swinging.
Sometimes… you pickle the next game. 🙂↕️
Today, I found a way to come back and win the bronze medal.
Most people celebrate Cinco de Mayo with tacos and tequila. I celebrated mine with a free group run and a surprise PR.
The 5K run was hosted by Run In Greenville and New Balance, held at the always lively Double Stamp Brewery. It was one of those perfect spring evenings where the vibes were light and the energy was high. The kind of night where you show up expecting a social jog, and somehow end up racing the clock.
The real wildcard? New Balance brought some demos, and I couldn’t resist trying out the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4s. The moment I laced them up, my legs said “¡Vámonos!”
I wasn’t planning to push the pace, but the bounce in those carbon-plated super shoes said otherwise. Whether it was the shoe technology, the vibes from the crowd, or the Cinco magic—I found myself cruising faster than I’ve ever run a 5K.
Previous 5K PR: 26:13
Cinco de Mayo: Sub-26, baby.
Yeah, yeah, my Apple Watch says 3.09 miles. Haters can take it up with the GPS gods. The real takeaway? My pace was 7 seconds per mile faster than my previous PR, and I felt smooth the entire way.
Was it the shoes? The placebo? The CINCO magic?
Don’t know. Don’t care.
All I know is: FAST is FUN.
Big thanks to Run In Greenville, New Balance, and Double Stamp Brewery for putting on a great event. I’ll definitely be back for more group runs—and maybe another PR or two. 🌮✨
“How many years can some people exist before they’re allowed to be free?” – Dylan
55:08 | 10K | New PR
12 minutes faster than December.
I didn’t just run. I broke loose. From the weight I used to carry. From the me that thought this wasn’t possible.
With every step, I remembered: I’m allowed to fly. The cage was never locked.
Freedom in motion. Not just a mantra— a reckoning.
I’m not finding myself. I’m freeing myself.
I’m free to move without asking for permission. I’m free to chase what lights me up instead of what weighs me down. I’m free to live within my own cadence, not someone else’s expectation. I’m free to take up space. Fully. Unapologetically. I’m free to run toward myself, not away from doubt. I’m free to speak my truth. Stand in my fire. Never shrinking back. I’m free to become more me with every step forward. I’m free to define my own finish line and to crush it on my own terms.
“How many roads must a man walk down?” “How many years must a mountain exist?” “How many deaths will it take till he knows?” The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.
Existence can be fleeting. But it doesn’t have to be.
Nothing changes if nothing changes. Change is the key to unlock destiny.
A fork in the road. Rain on the mountain. Sudden and unexpected loss.
Some bring bliss. Some bring heartache. All bring change.
And it’s up to the traveler to decide the road. It’s up to the climber to choose the path. It’s up to the survivor to keep moving forward.
It’s up to the soul to rise on the zephyr, embracing what was always within reach.
Pickleball has a way of testing you—not just your skills, but your mindset. It rewards patience, resilience, and the ability to adapt under pressure. In February, I put that to the test in a four-week 3.5 Men’s Doubles Ladder League, and let me tell you, it was a ride.
Rising & Sliding Down The Ladder
When I signed up for this league, I knew it was going to push me. I came out strong in the opening week winning almost 90% of possible points. But I slid down the ladder in week 2 only winning two out of four games. Week 3 was even worse, not capitalizing on the points I needed to set myself up for a push for the podium. Heading into the final week, I found myself sitting three places from last. Not exactly where you want to be when medals are on the line.
But that’s the thing about competition—it’s not over until it’s over.
Flipping the Switch
Going into the final week, I knew I had to play differently. Not just better, but smarter. More intentional. This wasn’t about coasting or hoping for a lucky break. If I wanted a shot at medaling, I had to lock in. 🔐
Trust the work. Trust the instincts.
I focused on my footwork, my shot selection, and most importantly, my mental game. Instead of playing not to lose, I played to win. No hesitation. No second-guessing.
And when it mattered most? I swept the field.
Every game. Every rally. Every point. I played with a level of confidence and intensity I hadn’t fully tapped into before. By the end of the day, I went from sitting near the bottom of the rankings to standing on the podium with a silver medal around my neck.
Doug, Gold medalist (on left) alongside Brent, Silver medalist (on right); Not pictured: Steve, Bronze medalist.
The Takeaway: Trust & Adjust
This wasn’t just about winning matches. It was about proving something to myself—that when the pressure is high and the odds are against me, I have another gear. I can adjust. I can fight.
Sure, I’ve had good games before. But this was different. This was a breakthrough.
Shoutouts & What’s Next
Silver medal and the Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated pickleball paddle
The fire is lit, and I’m already thinking about the next challenge. More tournaments. More leagues. More chances to level up. I’ve already booked a Spring outdoor ladder league coming up at the end of April.
In pickleball—just like in life—you grind, you come back, and you medal. 🥈
Love the feel!!!
55:08 | 10K | New PR
