This past weekend, I spent my time at drill in Winchester. While it wasn’t physically taxing, being gone all weekend left me behind on housework and other responsibilities. It’s something I think we all face at some point—life’s demands pulling us away from our routines. But as with any setback, it’s all about how we bounce back.

Acknowledge the Disruptions

We all have those times when our schedule gets interrupted—whether it’s drill, work obligations, or family matters. After being away, you come home to the house needing attention, the laundry piling up, and that list of to-dos getting longer by the minute. It’s easy to feel like you’ve lost momentum.

But here’s the important thing: falling behind doesn’t mean you’ve failed. These disruptions are part of life, and they don’t erase the progress you’ve made. What matters most is how you refocus and get back to your routine without feeling discouraged.

Saying Goodbye and Welcoming New Leadership at Drill

At this drill, I had to say goodbye to my supervisor, who is heading to Division. It’s always tough to see leadership you respect move on, but it was a bittersweet moment. We had a nice farewell dinner at the historic Cork Street Tavern in Winchester. At the same time, we had a change of command, and now we’ve got a former Marine as the new Commander of HHC. There’s something about having a Marine in command that brings a certain energy and discipline, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this next chapter unfolds.

While drill itself wasn’t physically exhausting, these changes in leadership and the farewells reminded me of the constant shifts we deal with in both military and personal life. Adapting to those changes is part of staying focused and prepared for whatever comes next.

Prioritizing Yourself First

When life gets busy, one of the hardest lessons is realizing that taking care of yourself first is crucial. It’s not selfish—it’s necessary for keeping everything else in check. When you prioritize your health and well-being, you’ll be able to tackle everything else—work, family, house tasks—with more energy and focus.

So, after drill, my first step is getting back into my fitness routine. Preparing for the Battle Buddy Brawl is my next big challenge, and I need to make sure I’m ready for it. Fitness is as much about mental preparation as it is physical, and starting with small, manageable steps makes all the difference.

Getting Back into the Routine

After a weekend away, it’s tempting to want to dive into everything at once—workouts, housework, catching up on work. But instead of overwhelming yourself, try focusing on one thing at a time. Maybe that’s hitting the gym for a quick session or tackling the most pressing home tasks. Every step you take brings you closer to being back in full swing.

For me, that means making a plan to ease into training for the Battle Buddy Brawl. This event is not just about fitness; it’s about camaraderie, teamwork, and pushing yourself to be your best. And while I’m gearing up physically, it’s also time to start reaching out for support in the form of sponsorships. If you know anyone who might be interested in being part of this incredible event, we’re always looking for partners who share our values and mission.

Sara’s Grand Canyon Prep: Proud of Her Dedication

While I was away at drill, my wife Sara was out there crushing her own goals. She’s been preparing for her trip into the Grand Canyon, and I couldn’t be prouder of her dedication. This past Saturday, she got out there and completed a run to keep herself ready, and on Sunday, she hiked with the kids. Watching her balance everything—training, motherhood, and life—is inspiring. Her commitment to being prepared for her adventure is a reminder that taking care of ourselves, even in the midst of life’s chaos, is so important.

Don’t Be Discouraged

It’s normal to feel a bit behind when life gets busy, but remember that falling off your routine isn’t failure. It’s part of the process. What matters most is your resilience in getting back at it. Whether you’re training for a fitness event, handling work, or juggling family responsibilities, taking small, consistent steps will help you regain momentum.

And as we get closer to the Battle Buddy Brawl, I’m reminded of how important it is to have a strong community behind us. Events like this are about more than just competition—they’re about coming together to support one another, whether in the gym or out in the world.

Take Care of Yourself First

At the end of the day, the most important thing is taking care of yourself so that you can show up fully in all aspects of life. That might mean prioritizing a workout, making time for rest, or asking for help when you need it. You can’t give 100% if you’re running on empty, so make sure you’re filling your own cup first.

If you’ve had a busy weekend, fallen off your routine, or feel like you’re behind, don’t sweat it. Take a deep breath, start small, and get back on track. And if you’re as excited as I am for the Battle Buddy Brawl, I’d love to see you there—whether you’re competing, cheering us on, or supporting through sponsorship.

Let’s get back at it—together. See you at BattleGrounds Fitness!

Ready to Get Involved?

As we gear up for the Battle Buddy Brawl, this is your chance to get involved—whether by competing, supporting from the sidelines, or becoming a sponsor. This event is about more than just fitness; it’s about community, camaraderie, and honoring our veterans. If you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities, there are still spots available! You’ll get the chance to showcase your brand while supporting a great cause.

For more details, reach out to us at battlegroundsfit@gmail.com or call 571-327-6944. Let’s make this event one to remember—together!