09/01/2026
The match is won long before you step on the court.
After 20+ years as a competitive athlete, from D1 tennis, 5x IRONMAN competitor, to the pro pickle circuit, I’ve learned that longevity is not an accident. It’s a system.
And as I get ready for this next chapter, including HYROX Denver on my 59th birthday this fall, I’m more focused than ever on what happens before the competition starts.
The training.
The recovery.
The fuel.
The sleep.
The boring stuff that keeps you dangerous.
Because staying competitive as you approach 60 is not about chasing what you used to be. It’s about building the body, habits, and mindset that let you keep showing up at a high level. A few things I don’t skip:
🔹 Sleep and recovery: You cannot outplay a fatigued body. Rest is not the opposite of training. It is part of the training.
🔹 Fuel and hydration: I don’t wait until I’m depleted to start taking care of my body. I use Previnex to stay fueled and keep my mineral levels balanced before, during, and after competition.
🔹 Purposeful Reps: Whether I’m training for pickleball, fitness, or , I’m not just moving to move. I’m working the uncomfortable transitions, the explosive moments, addressing weaknesses, and the details that show up under pressure.
The older I get, the more I believe this: Performance does not expire. But you do have to prepare for it.
What’s one part of your training or recovery routine you never skip?
