The Accidental Athlete: Trading Happy Hours for Healthy Miles
My healthy-lifestyle journey has unfolded like a gradual awakening over the past eight years.
Around 2018, I joined Hash House Harries, humorously known as A Drinking Club With A Running Problem. What started as casual social runs with beer stops evolved into a genuine passion for running, leading me to complete several 10Ks and a half marathon. (That full marathon training plan still sits on my nightstand, a reminder of adventures yet to come.)
The pandemic became an unexpected catalyst for change. I went back to my true love, cycling. I discovered the freedom of gravel biking and joined a training group. Two years later, I found myself completing an epic 545 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Since then, I’ve logged many thousands of miles in the saddle. It is great physical and mental exercise.
My commitment to fitness deepened last year when I joined a gym within running distance from home. Now, three to five times weekly, you’ll find me either pumping iron, gliding through lap lanes, or pushing through high-energy spin classes.
The evolution of my eating habits paralleled my fitness journey. I transitioned to a pescatarian diet, mastering the art of creating flavorful legume-based dishes. Beef, pork, and chicken have become distant memories, replaced by a vibrant array of pescatarian options that keep my palate excited and my body energized.
Inspired by Mark Suster’s weight loss journey, I embarked on what was supposed to be a one-month alcohol-free experiment last November. That month stretched into a 100-day challenge, which has now flourished into a full year without a single beer, wine, or cocktail.
One year sober — a milestone I never initially set out to achieve.
The journey continues, fueled by unexpected benefits: clearer thinking, abundant energy, and better sleep. Yes, I sometimes face puzzled looks, especially from my Belgian family, where beer is practically a cultural cornerstone.
It has been a fun ride with lots of new beverages. There are quite a few non-alcoholic “spirits”, and a vast selection of non-alcoholic beers. Non-alcoholic beers have been on the rise.
What started as curiosity has transformed into a lifestyle choice I’m not eager to abandon. Each step of this journey — from those first Hash House Harrier runs to my current alcohol-free path — has taught me something valuable. And perhaps that’s the most intoxicating discovery of all: the joy of continuous learning and growth.