4/20/20 Calendar Club Challenge
The Spark That Ignited the Fire
465 miles of running, biking, and split-boarding, with a combined total of 38.4k vertical feet..
In April of 2020, I took on the Calendar Club Challenge, hosted by Colin O’Brady and designed by Jesse Itzler. But let me explain something—I accomplished this challenge during the first month of a worldwide pandemic. COVID-19 had skyrocketed my workload, almost doubling it overnight. Balancing a full-time job and pushing myself physically and mentally was a true test of time management. Although my professional work struggled initially, I ultimately bounced back, becoming a top performer year over year.
As the challenge began, I became consumed with finding ways to fit everything into a single day. I soon discovered that a one-hour lunchtime bike ride, combined with evening runs, yielded the most effective results.
My mornings were fueled by coffee and packed with high-calorie foods, allowing my brain to slip into autopilot mode while I tackled the day's tasks from 9 to 5. By the afternoon, I was ready to push myself to the limit.
At the halfway point, I recorded a video explaining my progress and the thoughts running through my mind. Looking back, I'm not sure if my words still hold true today, but in that moment, they felt empowering and inspiring. I was 24.
Keeping with the times, as the month transitioned into the 20s, my body grew increasingly fatigued. Yet, I refused to relent. My afternoon bike rides extended a little longer, allowing me to squeeze in the necessary running time and, hopefully, find respite in sleep. Unfortunately, it didn't always work out that way. And when the day of the marathon arrived, I found myself engulfed in a whirlwind of struggles.
It's important to note that during this period, I kept this chapter of my life to myself. I was enveloped in a lone wolf mentality, yet acutely aware that documenting this challenge was crucial for my future growth.
Today, on June 14th 2023, I still firmly believe that this challenge unlocked a door in my mind, paving the way for greater endeavors.
Below, you will find a video from April 26th, 2020—marathon day—an embodiment of the triumphs and tribulations I faced along this journey.
On the thirtieth day, I brought the grind to an emphatic close with a full day dedicated to all the activities that had defined this challenge—running, split boarding, and biking. Over the course of the day, I covered the 30 miles with a smile on my face.
Throughout this journey, I came to realize how effortlessly we can surpass our mental limits, yet how elusive that breaking point can be to reach. My previous experiences of hauling a heavy pack uphill paled in comparison to the intensity of this endeavor. This intertwining physical and mental expedition has since become the driving force behind my current goals and direction.
This challenge will forever be synonymous with the pandemic, serving as a reminder of the resilience and determination it took to overcome the obstacles presented by COVID-19.
