The Backstory
If you had told me a few years ago that I'd be building a health and fitness platform, I probably would have laughed. For most of my life, I was a tall and lanky hardgainer who couldn't pack on weight or muscle to save my life. It wasn't until I joined the U.S. Army that I found the driving force to change that narrative. Surrounded by inspiring leaders—and fueled by a healthy dose of internet fitness culture—I realized that athleticism wasn't just a genetic lottery; it was a daily choice.
My time in the service has dragged me all over the map, exposing me to entirely different fitness ecosystems. My own training reflects that global mix: I thrive on gritty, military-style workouts, and I am slowly (and stubbornly) learning to love the run.
My Training Ecosystems
Stateside
Pavement-pounding 5Ks, half marathons, and the relentless heat. The American culture of grinding miles taught me discipline through distance.
Overseas
A firsthand look at the European fitness scene — different methodologies, different recovery philosophies, and a whole new way of thinking about movement.
The Comeback Build
This log isn't just a highlight reel. In March, I wrecked my knee during a unit basketball game. It was a massive physical and mental roadblock, but the rehab process has forced me to look at human performance from a completely new angle. I'm not just recovering—I'm rebuilding the foundation to come back stronger and smarter than before.
The Mission
That brings us to The Stride Project. The fitness industry is deafeningly loud, packed with overcomplicated science and questionable fads. This platform is my lab to cut through that noise.
I am acting as the test subject—experimenting with European and stateside trends, researching obvious (and not-so-obvious) lifestyle choices, and breaking down complex workout plans into simplified, actionable intel. I want to uncover the fun, weird, and effective facts that people usually scroll right past.
Selfishly, this project is a tool to keep myself disciplined and a hobby to sharpen my own writing and comprehension. But the ultimate goal is much larger. I want to build a community. I want to encourage you to start your own journey alongside me.