October 31st. That's when our first child is expected to arrive. October 19th is my half marathon date.

I keep thinking about this timing. It can't be coincidental that I chose this race, this moment.

What I'm Really Training For

I tell people I'm training for 13.1 miles, but that's not the whole truth.

I'm training for the person I need to become two weeks after that race. The one who shows up consistently even when everything feels chaotic. The one who follows through on commitments when motivation disappears.

Every morning when that alarm goes off and I don't want to run - that's the real training. Not the miles. The choice to keep going.

I read somewhere that we can actually rewire our self-discipline in just two weeks of consistent practice. Maybe that's what I'm doing here. Testing that theory on myself.

Why I Need the Technology

I set up Garmin Coach on my phone. Connected it to my Epix Gen2.

Not because I love gadgets (though I do), but because I know myself. I know I'll overthink the training plan. I'll second-guess the workouts. I'll find reasons to skip.

The watch just tells me what to do. I show up and do it. Simple.

Three to four runs a week. That's it. The program handles everything else.

I need that structure right now. Decision fatigue is real, and I'm about to have a lot more decisions to make.

What I'm Learning About Myself

Each training run teaches me something new about commitment.

Yesterday, the watch buzzed for my workout. I was tired. It was later in the evening. I went anyway.

That small moment choosing to go when I didn't feel like it, that's what I'm really building here.

I keep thinking about what kind of example I want to set. Someone who follows through. Someone who keeps promises, especially the ones made to himself.

The Real Race Starts After

October 19th is just the warm-up.

The real test begins October 31st. Sleepless nights. Crying at 3 AM. A complete unknown routine.

By then, I want to have proven to myself that I can show up consistently. That I can be intentional with my time even when everything feels scattered.

These aren't just running skills I'm developing. They're life skills. Dad skills.

A Note to Future Me

When you're reading this later maybe during one of those 3 AM feedings remember this feeling.

Remember that you chose this challenge not because you love running (you're still figuring that out), but because you wanted to build something in yourself.

You wanted to know you could commit to something difficult when it mattered.

The finish line in Durham is just proof of concept. The real marathon starts two weeks later.

But you'll be ready. Because you showed up for this.