Make Your Goals A Road Trip.

Life is like a road trip. Sometimes we know our destination when setting out. At other times, we simply set out and figure out the destination as we go.  There are times we set out because we want to leave where we are. And there are also times when we leave because we know where we are going and can’t wait to get there.

Midlife is often a mix of the two. Sometimes a smouldering discontent informs us that it’s time to move on, even when we don’t know where to. Then there are times when—after some soul searching—we have an idea of where we need to be, and just need help getting there.

That has been my physical fitness journey, which made it to the top of my priority list this year. Maybe I make it sound more dramatic than it is because I’ve been a fairly fit guy thanks to my running, hiking and golf. Plus, I did a form of weight lifting for many years when setting up tents for events, when I was still in that business. Lifting those chumas kept us fit and on our feet for most of the day. I love the outdoors, and I find any physical activity outside enjoyable.

Then in comes gym—this boring thing that folks do in a building. I was not motivated and wished there were a hiking or running version of it. But I needed to build muscle and do some strength training. That was the goal, and none of my preferred exercise regimens would help me achieve that. We’re halfway through the year, and bado, I’m suffering and sweating, doing all sorts of reps at the gym. I’m getting close to liking it pole pole. Meanwhile, good self-talk is keeping me going, plus the words of a good friend ring in my mind constantly, “Do this and your body will thank you later.” Folks, we can play now and pay later, or we can pay now and play later. Choose (almost said vote) wisely, hehe. Me (kenyanese) I’ll pay now.

The Universe supports us when we commit to something. Just this week, I took part in a podcast on our Chill and Connect platform. It was about men being strong in their minds and was on Monday, June 30, the last day of celebrating Men’s Mental Health Month. So the topic was aligned, but with a twist—we dwelt mostly on the physical health of men. “Strong mind, strong body” was the theme. Funny how I found myself in a podcast talking about strong bodies after I started strength training.

The plot thickens. Just the day before, onJune 29, I’d taken part in my first gym-related competition called Hyrox. I go to the gym mid-morning on most days—housewives’ hour, they call it hehe. It’s not crowded, and that means I feel less pressure to match those guys with bulging muscles huko. That’s also the time our trainers do their workouts. So one day last month, my coach invited me to join their workouts, and I agreed. It had different activities, and so the variety attracted me. Also, I was told it would help with my strength training goals. We got into a rhythm and even signed up for the Hyrox Challenge 2025. It’s a series of 8 exercises with an 800-meter run in between each rep. Like PE on steroids, although I didn’t know this at the time. I just got in blindly without asking many questions.

I entered the competition with my Gen Z partner, Brayo. It was a chilly morning when we got to the venue that Sunday. There were these big guys with bodies that looked like wooden carvings in vests, and some were even bare-chested. I started questioning my life choices and feeling out of place, but soon, my gym mates arrived and calmed my nerves. Knowing someone in a new space helps one to settle down.

Brayo and I divided the exercises, each of us taking four of the ones we felt we could do well. In some instances, our bodies would refuse, but the mind would take over and push us. It took a strong mind to get through the challenge, so we could say that I went into the podcast fresh with first-hand experience (and aches) on building a strong body. Now you see how the Universe has conspired to come alongside me in this physical fitness goal? I’m getting deeper into this fitness thing, and the window for exit is fast closing. That’s a good thing, ama?

In hindsight, and after a very painful physio session earlier this week, I’m glad I didn’t ask for too much detail about it. I think I would have reconsidered. Still, I had gone into this as an adventure to see what this new world of gym and physical fitness looks like. So I didn’t have a personal best time to break or achieve, but we did set one (one hour, one minute). We were happy with our time. And maybe that’s a good approach to life, especially while in midlife. Approach new interests as an adventure and see where they take you. You might arrive at a place that has deep meaning and fulfilment for you, and if not, at least you’ll have discovered one more thing that doesn’t work for you. Plus, you’ll have enjoyed the trip there so much that you rate it five stars.

This new month, I begin another set of activities, the weights and all. My wonderful coaches remain by my side to ensure I don’t fall by the wayside. Will it be hard? For sure. But I can’t give up now because I feel like I’ve also made pals at the gym that I can’t disappoint. Having a tribe in a new venture helps us stay the course. It’s an accountability system of sorts. So, wacha I continue with this gym life that often feels like being in an approved school hehe. Soon we shall graduate with strong bodies and minds too.

These are the only bodies we have, folks, and we have to prioritise them. That’s the only way we can live lives of joy, impact and balance. Plus, remember my buddy’s advice when it gets hard and you are tempted to quit, your body will thank you huko mbele.

Ohh, and here’s the link to the podcast I mentioned earlier. Enjoy, share and feel free to subscribe.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7AO9e0bUpg&t=42s