I’ve never considered myself athletic. Sure, I’ve played a bunch of sports, but calling me an athlete would be like calling a cat a dog just because it chases things occasionally. That said, sports have been a huge part of my life, and I’ve learned more from them than I ever could have imagined.
Karate: Confidence and Showing Up
My first real foray into sports was karate in high school. I stuck with it long enough to earn my black belt, and it taught me two critical things: confidence and the importance of showing up. There’s something about repeatedly getting punched (and punching back) that builds resilience. Plus, I learned that if you show up consistently, even when you don’t feel like it, you improve. Who knew?
Track and Field: The Art of Coming Last
I badly wanted a high school varsity letter, so I signed up for the track and field team. Tryouts were brutal. I ran as fast as I could, but I always came in last. Always. My coach had no choice but to make me a long-distance runner because, let’s be honest, sprinting wasn’t in my DNA. I ended up running the one-mile and two-mile events, and to this day, I still hold the unofficial state record for most times getting lapped during competitions. It was humiliating—but also oddly rewarding. I learned how to push through discomfort, embrace being terrible at something, and find pride in finishing, even if I was last.
Wrestling: When Karate Moves Are Illegal
To earn my varsity bar, I needed another sport. Wrestling seemed like a logical choice—until I realized that my karate instincts were a liability. Apparently, sweeping the leg is frowned upon. I lost count of how many times I got penalized for using moves that were, let’s say, “outside the rulebook.” That being said, wrestling taught me an important lesson: every sport has its own rules, and you can’t always rely on what you know. Adaptability is key.
Karate, Again: Paying for University with Kicks and Punches
In university, I had a chance to put my karate skills to good use by teaching it to pay for school. Shortly after, I earned my second-degree black belt. Teaching karate not only helped financially, but it also gave me a new appreciation for patience, discipline, and the ability to explain complex things in simple ways. Turns out, breaking down techniques for someone else forces you to truly understand them.
Marathons: Because Running for Hours Is Fun?
Despite my legendary last-place finishes in high school track, I eventually completed four marathons. They were grueling, but they taught me discipline, determination, and how to listen to my body. Training for a marathon isn’t just about running; it’s about nutrition, hydration, and mental toughness. You learn to keep going even when every part of your body is screaming at you to stop.
Half-Ironman: Why Not Suffer More?
Since running 26.2 miles apparently wasn’t enough pain, I pushed myself further by completing a half-Ironman triathlon. That meant swimming 1.2 miles, biking 56 miles, and running 13.1 miles. It was brutal, but finishing it proved that we are often capable of more than we think. It’s all about mental endurance and smart training.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Hugging Gone Wrong
At some point, I dabbled in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), but let’s be honest—rolling on the mat with a sweaty stranger and calling it “training” felt questionable. However, I did have an unforgettable experience when Clark Rouson Gracie, the 2013 Pan American black belt champion, visited our dojo and taught a seminar. He introduced me to the clarkoplata, a move that simultaneously chokes, twists your arm, and cranks your leg. It was both terrifying and fascinating. Despite my skepticism about BJJ’s closeness, I have to admit—it’s an incredibly technical and effective martial art.
Surfing: The Ocean’s Way of Humbling You
I attempted surfing in Lima, Waikiki, Nazaré, and San Carlos. The waves had a great time tossing me around like a ragdoll. Surfing requires balance, patience, and the ability to get back up after being wiped out—all valuable life lessons. But honestly? I much prefer staying underwater as a PADI Master Scuba Diver, where the ocean isn’t trying to slam me face-first into the sand.
Staying Active: Lifting, Climbing, and Exploring
Beyond formal sports, I’ve always found ways to stay active. I’ve lifted weights, climbed mountains, chased waterfalls, and gone on backpacking trips. The important thing isn’t being great at any of these—it’s just about moving, staying in shape, and having fun. Plus, these activities have led to some of the best friendships and adventures of my life.
The Big Takeaway: Keep Moving, Keep Trying
Looking back, I may not have been a star athlete, but sports and physical challenges have given me some of the best lessons in life:
- Show up – Half the battle is just getting there, whether it’s training, competition, or life.
- You don’t have to be the best to benefit – You learn and grow just by participating.
- Adapt and keep going – Things won’t always go your way, but resilience is everything.
- Find what you enjoy – Sports, hiking, diving—whatever keeps you moving is worth it.
- Failure is part of the process – You’ll lose, you’ll struggle, but you’ll also improve and gain confidence.
At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to win medals or break records (unless, of course, it’s for most times lapped—which I have covered). The goal is to stay active, challenge yourself, and have fun along the way. Whether you’re running, rolling, climbing, or swimming, just keep moving. You might surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.
And if all else fails—karate chops are always an option. (As long as they’re legal.)