We know exercise has physical and mental benefits, yet it remains a challenge for many of us to prioritize. Between assignments, appointments, and annoyances, it’s difficult to find time for working out. A 2022 study reports that 28% of adults in America meet the physical activity marks to support aerobic and anaerobic fitness. The lure of watching TV, scrolling on social media, drinking, eating fast food, or smoking to offset the responsibilities of home and work is strong.

A few weeks back, I ran a local 10K race. When I shared my plans with several people, they laughed. My family and friends know that my weekly distance runs often exceed 10 miles. 10Ks, 6.2 miles, are shorter than marathons, but the push from competing with others makes them worthwhile. They also offer speed work and an endurance test. On one curve of the race, it started to rain. The water hit my face like small acupuncture needles as I fought fatigue, trying to catch another

Have you ever experienced the feelings of being sick, naked, and afraid? Men often ignore their vulnerabilities, but the façade has limitations. Difficulties can teach you plenty when you embrace the fullness of your identity. So many of us project false images of ourselves as tactical tools to survive. We put up a front. We get wrapped in our public personas while losing touch with our inner selves to fragile and narrow definitions of masculinity. Check my usage of “we;” I’m