Real David H.

One-third of the way into the year and this is the point that I either:

a) Quit making goals and repeat the circle I’ve been in since 2020

or

b) Push forward and be serious about changing things.

My current health and fitness remind me of a phase that I was in back in 2018. I used an injury as motivation back then to finally do the Blue Ridge Marathon in 2019, and then used that experience to get back into the best shape I had been in since 2012 and 2013.

So it makes sense that I’m in a 6-year(ish) cycle determined to make changes.

2026 hasn’t really been that great of a year. Sure I’ve hit most of the goals I’ve put out, but I move past them quickly. I’m ready for May to be different.

First, though, a look back at the April goals:

✅ Finish the Blue Ridge Half Marathon

Truly getting to the start line was a victory, but “Sometimes the worst moments are actually the best.” Finishing that day was the best in so many ways.

✅ Keep the 100+ miles streak going

Four straight months of biking and running at least 100 miles!

🤷 Refocus on the other things

I joined a gym, which leads me to …

MAY GOALS

Lift weights at least twice a week

This week was the first time going to the gym to lift weights twice in a week since March 2020. It was not easy, and it is not easy to make this change.

Keep the 100+ mile streak going

Copy/paste because YES, I want to get to 5 months straight of 100 combined miles.

Finish my “year” plan

Before, during and now after the Blue Ridge Half, I’ve been thinking about and jotting down ideas for a year-long plan to get back to next year’s event in much better shape, with a big goal. It’s not really going to be a full year because it takes a month just to get my ideas together.