I train full-time, work full-time, and raise two kids — and somewhere in there, I chase big race goals too. So when I coach, I'm not coaching from a fantasy schedule. I'm coaching from real life.

Here's what I believe: your training should make your life better, not smaller. If you're hitting your paces but running on empty, skipping meals, and snapping at the people you love — is it worth it? If your race times are climbing but your friendships and family time are shrinking — is it worth it?

I don't think so. Grit and Grow is built on the idea that fueling well and training smart should give you more joy, not less — more energy for your kids, more patience for your partner, more presence in your life outside of training. (My own kids are basically honorary training partners at this point — bike rides, kids' fun runs, cheering me on at the finish line, all of it.)

You can chase a Boston Qualifier or your first Ironman and still show up fully for your people. That balance is the whole point.