Before the Heat
When I lace up my shoes and step into the Texas heat, the sun hasn't come up yet. I love starting my day with a run through that stillness before the world wakes up. Running is part of my everyday life, but it’s always been more than just logging miles. The presence you get from putting one foot in front of the other is like nothing else, and that ritual helps me carry focus into the rest of my day. That early clarity stays with me whether I’m chasing my goals or guiding the athletes I coach.
The Miles That Shape My Day
My morning always starts with a run. Sometimes it’s a steady recovery jog; other times I’ll work on intervals or a long tempo session. Either way, those miles set the tone for the day ahead. The Texas heat keeps me honest along the way, it builds fast, without mercy. The wide-open skies don’t let you shy away from showing effort.
Life gets stripped down when I’m out there, my legs pumping, checking my breath, stride, and cadence. Suddenly, I notice the small details surrounding me: the rivets in the ground, the swaying of trees, the wind across my skin. That simplicity grounds me and brings the clarity I don’t get anywhere else. I finish each run feeling like I’ve already earned the day.
From Runner to Coach
Before I even sit down to work, I’ve already done the most focused hour of my day. After training, I switch gears into coach mode. The runner’s high from the morning powers me through each task as I pore over athlete logs, analyze data, and send feedback when needed.
I understand what it feels like when fatigue builds up or when motivation dips. I help my athletes fine-tune their training plans, troubleshoot recovery issues, and stay accountable with their goals. I know the grind, and that shared experience helps me connect with clients and meet them where they are.
Between the Miles
After a busy morning filled with running and coaching, I make time to reset. Most days, I listen to what my body needs. That might mean mobility work, stretching, or a lift to stay strong and durable. Nutrition is key throughout the day, especially in Texas heat, so eating and hydrating properly are non-negotiables.
Whether in my daily routines or guiding athletes I train, recovery is just as important as the workout. It’s not downtime you lose; it’s the investment that lets you keep showing up stronger. I try to live the same balance I coach by respecting the work, the rest, and everything in between.
Evening Reset
Most evenings, I like to get outside one more time before the sun sets, even if it’s just for a quick walk. Movement gives me time to reflect and mentally wind down from all the day’s events.
It’s not about steps or mileage, it’s just a calming way to end my day. The evening light in Texas has a way of making you pause and take it in.
The Rhythm That Grounds Me
At the end of the day, everything in my life returns to one rhythm: running. It grounds me as an athlete and steadies me as a coach. Training reminds me of the discipline required to grow, while coaching reminds me that there’s a person behind every set of numbers, workouts, and goals.
So, while a running day in Texas might seem straightforward, presence and discipline power each part of my day. It’s about finding clarity in each step, staying grounded in the process, and showing up with purpose for myself and every athlete I coach. Tomorrow, I’ll lace up again, not because I have to, but because this rhythm is home.
