I’m at the end of my thirties, and I am in the best shape of my life. I’m still progressing—becoming a faster runner, a stronger all-around athlete, and building the most athletic version of my body yet.

Partly, this is because I didn’t participate in high-level sports as a kid. I was active—playing football, cycling, and running around—but instead of organized sports, I went to music school and played the piano. I eventually got into flat water canoe rowing (C1) at the end of high school and the beginning of university. I gave my all to it, but I was never naturally great at it. Still, it built a solid foundation of strength, endurance, and aerobic capacity.

For the next decade, sports took a back seat to life. There were occasional runs and gym sessions, but nothing consistent. Looking back, periods of higher physical activity often lined up with calmer chapters, while busier times meant just managing life and getting through with fitness more as an afterthought.

Since becoming a parent, sports have become my anchor. While I don’t have the peak recovery capabilities or raw potential of a 20-year-old, I am also now much wiser about my training, nutrition, and overall effort. That wisdom makes a massive difference.

Here is what keeps everything running:

Routine

My routine is largely shaped by parenthood. It can feel restrictive, but it forces a predictable schedule for when training happens, when meals are eaten, and when bedtime is. It creates a rhythm of consistency—something my 38-year-old self is far better at maintaining than my 18, 20, or 24-year-old self ever was.

Nutrition

My body at 38 is much more opinionated than it was in my 20s. It lets me know when I drink alcohol, eat fast food, or skip proper meals. It simply doesn’t let me get away with poor choices anymore. Honestly, that’s not a bad thing—it forces me to be mindful, make conscious food choices, and ensure I get a diverse range of nutrients. If I don’t, my body quickly reminds me that the days of decisions without consequences are over.

Sleep & Recovery

I am in bed by 10 PM. My younger self would call that boring, but when you have kids who wake up early, paired with work and training, an early bedtime is the most sustainable choice. Getting to bed by 10 PM to be ready for a 6 AM workout is essential; I couldn’t handle the workload, family life, and training if I approached sleep any differently.

Mobility & Stretching

I was never heavily into mobility or stretching, and truth be told, I’m still not as consistent as I should be. I do very little to warm up before my runs or gym sessions. I’m fortunate to have a relatively robust, injury-resilient body, but I try to incorporate more regular yoga, Pilates, or dedicated stretching during the week. My body is becoming less forgiving, and maintaining it becomes more and more important as I prepare for the next chapters of life.

Long-Term Mindset

I still care about performance. I want faster times, heavier weights, and continued progress. And I want it all now. But I also recognize that progress will not be infinite, and sooner rather than later a plateau and then decline will start. The goal is to see how far I can go in my fitness while enjoying the journey.

And when I put my competitive side apart, I know that I am doing this for the future. To still be active and capable when my son is in their 20s, 30s, or 40s. And to enjoy life together rather than watching from the sidelines. That long-term vision or wish keeps me focused, consistent, and committed.