Still Peaking: August 2025

The last few weeks have been crazy.

I completed my first-ever Ironman. Three days later, I flew to Africa and summited Mount Kilimanjaro.

Two life-defining moments. Back-to-back.

People keep asking me, “What were you thinking?”

Truth is: I was meant for this.

This is what I imagined adulthood would be like when I was a kid. Taking on challenges, living with purpose, and pushing limits.

But for decades, I got sidelined chasing what I thought I was supposed to chase: a white-collar career, behind a computer, climbing the ladder.

Thankfully, I exchanged that life for another...one that aligns with who I am.

So yeah… Ironman + Kilimanjaro in two weeks might sound crazy.

But for me? It makes perfect sense.

In fact, this is exactly what my new book, Explore Again, is about...breaking free from the traditional path, reconnecting with who you are, and building a life that excites you.

More details below, but here is a short video about the journey.

This Month: Just One Focus

This month, I’m breaking away from the usual “Still Peaking” format.

Just one focus: what I learned from the Ironman.

There was a lot. And it’s worth sharing.

Here are my top lessons:

Dream big. I used to think an Ironman was out of my league. Too elite. Too hard. Too late. Now I know: nothing is out of my league. You just have to start.

You can do way more than you think. When I look back, I’m still stunned. If I can do this… what else have I been underestimating?

Daily goals. Just execute. Each day was planned with defined goals and workouts. And, I had one mission: Do the workouts. No negotiation or debate. Just execute. That made things easier.

The journey is the win. Getting to the start line was the victory. The 7 months of discipline, grit, and growth...that’s what changed me. The finish line was just icing on the cake.

Gratitude changes everything. I get to do this. I’m healthy. I have support. I have time. I’m incredibly lucky, and I know it.

Accountability matters. Having a coach and weekly check-ins with my accountability team kept me consistent. So did texting friends what I planned to do. Sometimes, all it takes is one other person knowing what you said you’d do.

Ask for help. I asked friends to join parts of my runs. Found a weekly ride group. Hired a swim coach. My son would spend weekend mornings paddleboarding across the lake with me. That made all the difference.

Warning...Triathlons are lonely. Training is long and a lot of times solo. 15-mile runs. 50+ mile bike rides. 90-minute swims. That’s a lot of time alone with your thoughts. Learn to enjoy your own company.

Find mentors. Shoutout to Sharon. Didn't even know her until January when a friend introduced us. I never asked her to be my mentor, but she was. Having someone in your corner who’s done it before and can share gems? Game-changing.

There’s always a new mountain. A friend warned me: “There’ll be a letdown after the Ironman.” He was right. It didn’t hit until after Kilimanjaro, but it’s here. I’m already asking, What’s next?

I am chasing never-ending growth. It's how I am wired and why we can still peak.

Alignment feels like magic. Before race weekend, I stayed with my friend Carol. We paddle boarded on Lake Champlain, did beach yoga, and trained on the Lake Placid Ironman course. I said, “This is what I thought adulthood would feel like.” She replied, “This is what life feels like when your actions align with your values.” Exactly.

That’s the life I’m after.

Family support is everything. Ironman training consumed me...2 workouts a day, weekends wiped. My wife carried the load at home and never made me feel guilty. I couldn’t have done it without her.

It’s never too late. There’s an 80-year-old nun who does Ironmans. (They call her the Iron Nun.) Age doesn’t stop us. Beliefs do. “I’m too old.” “Too busy.” “Too late.” That’s nonsense.

We should never stop training. Stopping is when we start declining.

Mindset tools work. I have a master’s in sport psych, but I haven’t used those tools in years. This time, I brought back: Visualization, positive self-talk, and meditation.

They work. And I’m keeping them in my toolkit.

If this resonated, if you’re craving a shift, a reset, or a new challenge, you will love my new book, Explore Again.

I wrote it for people like us...those who want to still peak.

The presale is live for a limited time (only 24 more days left). You can grab a copy here: Explore Again – Books – Manuscripts​

If we reach our pre-sale goals, I’ll be releasing Explore Again in multiple formats: E-book, paperback, hardcover, audiobook.

Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

Mike