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Linkin asked recently what I do with all these post workout pics I take.

This is what I do. I use them as a reminder of how far I've come. For some it's just progress pics but for me it is guidance.

I am reminded that without growth and effort I would still be easily fatigued, have low energy levels, trouble waking up, weakened immune response, and unable to move in the way I currently do. It is a reminder that it is not a given but an earned result.

I've entered my 40s in much better health than my late 20s which is when that first pic was taken. I'm thankful for that. I have been able to stave off aches and pains, overall anxiety, stress, loss of mobility and numerous health risks. Turns out many of the degenerative aspects of aging are not simply linked to basic age but rather to lifestyle decisions.

I'm grateful to have connected with so many "older" folks when I was in my 20s that were twice my age yet in much better health. Following those examples helped me avoid a great deal more stress than I would have had if I had believed my body and mind would simply break down because of time.

I'm stronger than I've ever been. I'm faster and my stamina is at its best. My blood work has been the best I've had and my mind remains sharp and focused. I don't have random aches, I sleep great, and range of motion is also at a high point.

Lean into developing the mindset and bolstering the heart. Mind and Soul build the Body.

That said, I've got tons of Videogames to play, mountains to hike, countries to travel, and folks to love...and I plan on doing so for decades to come.

Stay Healthy

Stay Nerdy

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#tbb #coach #bodi #birthday #goals #workout #mindset #grateful #gamer #gaming #hiking #travel #love #family #health #fitness #happy #dadbod #likedad #effort #family #shakeology

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2018 PAX East was the very first event @alixsparrow and I worked for SQEX. That event set the tone for relationships and adventures for years to come. 14 shows later and we were back where it all began repping the game we've played for the past 10 years now.

To say that we were in our element is an understatement. There is definitely something about connecting with folks sharing the same passion. Fellow gamers. There's an energy there that's tough to beat. And as a bonus we also reconnected with show crew from that very first 2018 PAX. Great eats, great drinks, and great workouts were had all weekend.

Very grateful for every opportunity to thrive in this nerd culture and especially for this #FFXIVxPUMA Collab. The drip is real.

Looking forward to this epic FF year with Fanfest, 7.0 announcements, and #FFXVI around the corner!

CANNOT wait for the crew reunion at Fanfest Las Vegas this year. Hope to see you all out there! Like ALL of you. Make it happen.

Until then, stay Healthy. Stay nerdy.

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#tbb #coach #FinalFantasy #gamer #paxeast #squareenix #FFXIV #Puma #active #workout #health #fitness #nerds #gaming #mmo #collab #athleisure #boston #FatCat #Meteor #Noms #LordHobo #Cheers

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I will celebrate all your days @alixsparrow but most especially your birthday. From Italy to Japan and back. Every year is a step forward, a new beginning, and yet also the same adventure we have always embraced. Can't wait to travel the roads ahead while remaining forever present in all of our moments Happy Birthday Love PS. I will always pop food and pots bc it's necessary when DPSing alongside you. See you at the top... . . . . . . . . #birthday #Family #italy #japan #travel #experience #ffxiv #explore #wander #samoyed #life #dps #gamer #gaming #tuscany #tokyo #cherryblossom #catskills #hiking #happy #love #wedding #gratitude #goals https://www.instagram.com/p/CpQVOlxucqU/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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In 2020 #LinkinGray watched one of his favorite streamers ( @coryxkenshin ) play through #Thelastofus and then played through Last of Us 2. It easily became one of his favorite games. I watched him in awe of the narrative and wrestle with his emotions the same way I did. We had alot of great discussions about science, relationships, family, society and the world at large stemming from this franchise. And now we are sitting here watching the premier of the show and it is absolutely fantastic. Casting is perfect. Time to download that PS5 remaster so we can both relive that first game. . . . . . . . #tbb #coach #gamer #gaming #LastofUs #HBO #playstation #PS5 #naughtydog #Family #dadlife #emotion #storytelling #likeadad #fungus #scifi #science #fireflies #games #nature #hiking https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnf_TRALmq5/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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1 - 8 - 23 Happy Birthday #LinkinGray Very proud of the young man you have become and appreciate the little tells that let me know you're doing alright. I'm paying attention. When you correct yourself when you say "hate" and shift to "strongly dislike" When you get frustrated in a game and blow off steam by doing pullups When you log in and check your own grades to make sure they're in line When you modestly select less inexpensive options when offered things When you give voice to your emotions When you exhibit your competitiveness with yourself When you constantly express your gratitude verbally and through frequent embraces When you recognize stress in others and adjust your behavior in order to help dissipate negativity When you lead with "can I have help" rather than "I can't" Keep on being you kid. I know that means continued growth and striving to give. Your strength comes from your kindness to others and moreso kindness to yourself. Love you Stay healthy, stay nerdy . . . . . . #tbb #coach #birthday #happy #gamer #fitness #health #active #americaneagle #gaming #growth #peace #hiking #samoyed #pets #dogs #birthday #goals #travel #italy #mindset #dadlife #proudparent https://www.instagram.com/p/CnL7IrDuB4E/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Last post of the year and I close as I opened 2022...with gratitude and a full heart. These boys (and girl) are truly a gift and I will always do my best to ensure they are happy, healthy, and thriving. In this house #Santa is very real. But rather than a jolly old man in red, Santa is a spirit that guides and manifests through various means and moments. He is a cozy tree for Nott to nap beneath. He is fresh snow on a morning walk for Nyx. He is a friend reaching out with an opportunity to acquire that dang #PS5 we've been searching for lol. He is the spirit that guides @alixsparrow home to share these little miracles. These moments of peace and joy are Santa and I know these boys appreciate them as much as I do. I know Linkin will always chose experience and memories over any frivolous nicknacks he may receive and I am very proud of how he expresses himself. Keep on believing kid. #MerryChristmas 🎄 . . . . . . #tbb #coach #gratitude #happy #healthy #dog #cat #pets #samoyed #dadlife #family #love #godofwarragnarok #playstation #prime #dragonballz #anime #nintendo #pokemon #tree #likeadad #gamer https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm25JXsMgr7/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Late Post #Japan has been on the ol bucket list for awhile but I never knew when I would actually make it there. In fact I didn't even know two weeks before the trip that I would be heading to the land of the rising sun. Funny how things work out sometimes. I hit some familiar tourist spots but what a treat it was to move about and explore without many tourists at all. I enjoyed the simple day to day flow commuting via rail and walking through various neighborhoods. It was a wonder to see so many familiarly unfamiliar things. Fun fact: I thought the crows cawing in anime was to add "mood" to various locations like Tokyo but found that it is quite an accurate depiction. Very distinct and sometimes sounding like voices. It's small details and observations that will linger on the wind for me. Hope to spend more time on the next round because there will most definitely be a next round. Mata ne . . . . . . . #travel #explore #tokyo #shrine #city #anime #nerd #foodie #ramen #shibuya #meijijingu #rail #crows #shinjuku #oldtokyo #grateful #flight #citylife #harajuku #akihabara #tattoo #goals #life https://www.instagram.com/p/CmzniB-P6sv/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Happy Birthday Nyx!!! 2 years old today and still the same baby floof at heart. Looking forward to another year of adventures and simply enjoying the ride my boy. Hope to see more for your siblings this rotation. Happiest of birthdays to you all - Izzy, Magic, and Hope!!! . . . . . . . . . . . . #samoyed #birthday #hiking #explore #outdoors #floof #dogsofinstagram #puppy #dogdad #petparent #happyboy #health #fitness #active #travel #sammie #samoyedsofinstagram #autumn #winter #handsome #pupper #doggo https://www.instagram.com/p/CkKD2ppDtwi/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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What a treat to experience Autumn in the North East with these handsome boys. First camping trip with Nyx and Nott was a success. There is something that fills you up when you are out experiencing the wild and I think the boys get it. 6 miles and some serious elevation was just what the doctor ordered. And the temps never rose above 60. Absolutely perfect. Until our next adventure boys! Make sure you thank your mom for planning this excursion. Stay healthy, stay wild. . . . . . . . . . . . #tbb #coach #hiking #active #healthy #pets #dogsofinstagram #catsofinstagram #samoyed #happy #outdoors #hike #autumn #catskills #lake #nature #travel #explore #wander #fitness #rucking #ocr #goals #camping https://www.instagram.com/p/CjyY_hqv8Z6/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Late post. #LinkinGray is now a 6th grader. But more importantly he is a kind heart and a curious soul. His self expression is becoming more refined and his thoughts more mature. Yet he still quite enjoys "playing with my imagination". A phrase he's used since he could speak. The Walter Mitty in me does the same. I cherish all of our memories together and look forward to those ahead but more than that I love seeing him grow in the moment. I'm proud of who he is right here and right now. Being in that present staves off the feeling that time flies by. I actually don't feel like it has. It has been the best journey to be his father and one I imagined even when I was his age. I'm that dude that always wanted to be a dad. Cannot wait to see the paths the universe lays ahead and the ones you ultimately choose for yourself. Your self esteem and empathy will be among your greatest guides.. See you at the top. Oh and stay healthy, stay nerdy kid Love you . . . . . . . . #tbb #coach #school #education #goals #motivation #likeadad #dadlife #parent #nationalsonday #positivevibes #gamer #nerd #waltermitty #healthy #selfesteem #smile #teamdimaya #dailysunshine #samoyed #portrait #imagination #growth https://www.instagram.com/p/CjFCTyHsK5a/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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#SDCC 2022... we're back! We said "See you at the next one" at PAX East 2020. That was 2.5 years ago. Seems like a lifetime ago and just yesterday at the same time. I gotta say the show rust wore off quickly if there was any at all. Felt great to have the team reunited once again (at least some us) for our first time back and what an experience it was. I had forgotten how enjoyable these shows can be.  It was a pleasure diving into our various nerdy passions and the folks who came by the booth shared the same high spirits throughout the show.  Even though some of our familiar homies didn't attend, the newer crew were some of the best I've worked and connected with. On a side note I've never seen so many puppos on the show floor or so much Goruck gear at any show (mostly non GRT oddly enough). Thanks for good vibes SDCC. Let's keep this party going and hope to "See you at the next one" Stay healthy, stay nerdy . . . . . . . . #FinalFantasy #FFVI #Octopath #SaGa #Mana #FFBE #WOTVFFBE #Mobile #gaming #nerds #comiccon #FF7R #travel #GRT #doggo #PS5 #playstation #mobilegaming #sandiego #happy #goodvibes #people https://www.instagram.com/p/CghFpWerfwh/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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L'Italia It's not just another stamp in his passport. These trips bring with them a wealth of memories, experience, and opportunity for growth. The world around us has a hand in shaping who we become and the more we are exposed to the wider world the more grounded we become. Our relationships are our tethers and those bonds grow through shared adventure. Whether we are traveling, hiking, or simply running through virtual gaming worlds, I love watching #linkingray navigate life and I will always have a hand in guiding him. It is my greatest honor. Some folks chase the bag. Some seek title or influence. "Dad" is my calling and I'm incredibly grateful that Linkin holds the title of my son. Love ya kiddo Looking forward to all the mountains we'll climb... figuratively and oh yes very literally as well... Andiamo . . . . . . . . #travel #family #dadlife #expore #Italy #health #fitness #gaming #ocr #growth #goals #gratitude #teamdimaya #rome #elnido #birkenstock #ffxiv #nerd #dailysunshine #shakeology #wander #happy #worldtraveler #gamer https://www.instagram.com/p/CemqjMtMlzA/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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It wasn't the style, the spread, or the execution. It never really is. It's the love driving these two together and we are all fortunate to have been swept up in it's wake. Almost a decade in the making and the day has arrived precisely when it should have, where it should have and how it should have. Families became family and I cannot congratulate or love these two enough. Auguri @m.dimaya @emilymontanez . . . . . . . #wedding #family #love #destinationwedding #italy #tuscany #style #fashion #photography #travel #health #happiness #fortune #goals #gratitude #teamdimaya #ootd #wine #vacation #life https://www.instagram.com/p/Cebo_jRri5h/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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39 I was fortunate in my late 20s to have been told that youth is wasted on the young and to have connected with peers and mentors much wiser than I. Many through social media as it turns out and is why I continue to post in a manner that drew my attention. I took their example and words to heart. I'm in the final year of what is typically the decade of physical prime and prepare to enter my Masters decade with the same energy and hunger for life. It is exciting and I do feel blessed. My energy levels have never been better. My focus is sharp. My heart is full. I am stronger, faster, and more mobile than I was in my twenties. Mental Health ✅ Emotional Health ✅ Physical Health ✅ So here we go. Another year of opportunity and growth. Another year to push and support others. Another year of family, health, and gaming til the break of dawn lol. Another year to look forward to. A familiar saying comes to mind... Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose. I love all y'all . . . . . . . . #tbb #coach #health #growth #goals #success #family #gamer #ffxiv #shakeology #fitness #motivation #dadlife #likeadad #tattoo #workout #sweat #mentalhealth #emotionalhealth #balance #ocr #birthday #fridaynightlights #aging #love https://www.instagram.com/p/CcBLXwhJt7M/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Yesterday was no one's birthday in particular but if it were, I would wish upon her the greatest of days to come and reflect on the absolute bounty of memories shared. I would imagine looking forward to a lifetime of moments and finding adventure wherever our path takes us. I love you person who may or may not have cause for celebration. We shall have one end. #lowkey #lowestofkeys #happybirthday https://www.instagram.com/p/CakMi2rL7Wi/?utm_medium=tumblr

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#LinkinGray Appreciation Post Starting off 22 strong. Birthday hike by request from Linkin as usual. This time with his fur bro Nyx. I asked him if he wanted to go easy or more challenging...ended up going down some cliffs to a frozen waterfall where Linkin slipped and got his shoe in the water lol. He thought he'd get in trouble but this is the hiking life my friend. Removed his wet sock and dried his foot then gave him my sock to finish off the hike. Good job kiddo especially since I def put it on him on the last leg and pressed harder to finish and tire both these boys out. It worked. Received word from his teacher that he is also killing it in school. Straight A's is one thing but he apparently gets along with everyone in class and works well in group settings. He also got bumped up to one of the lead roles in his school production of High School Musical. Guess he's officially a Chad lol And in the gaming front he's very deep into Halo and FFXIV now. He's played #FFXIV for years on and off but just doing quests in ARR etc. He recently unlocked those extremes and like a weirdo queued for Titan EX himself after watching a video and cleared a few times lol. Synced?! Who even does this. And then last night as I was playing he came down and asked how I queue us for undersized parties. 1.5 hours later he comes down and tells me he got Nightmare. Apparently put up a party in party finder and ran Garuda with someone 80 times or so LOL. That person is a legend. Thanks for sticking around with a sprout kiddo learning the ropes. Anyway, I could not be more pleased that this kid is a kind friendly soul who is not averse to challenge and enjoys pushing his body and imagination. Love ya kid. See you in Endwalker. Azem. . . . . . . . #tbb #coach #dadlife #proudparent #family #teamdimaya #samoyed #active #hiking #snowday #finalfantasy #endwalker #highschoolmusical #ocr #goals #likeadad #halo #gamer #gaming #health #kindness #dogsofinstagram #brothers https://www.instagram.com/p/CZj2vNVLrO-/?utm_medium=tumblr

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1.8.22 Happy Birthday #LinkinGray Another amazing trip around the sun Grateful for a wonderful year of memories and moments. Keep bringing those straight A's, landing those lead roles, completing those Spartan races, and being authentically yourself. I can't express how fulfilling it is to join you on your adventures. Love you kid . . . . . . . #tbb #coach #happybirthday #adventure #dadlife #likeadad #teamdimaya #dailysunshine #ocr #hiking #outdoors #gamer #samoyed #nationalpark #outdoors #happy #healthy #wander #travel #motivation #catskills #beach #spartanrace #hike https://www.instagram.com/flipsidemd/p/CYixlvcLJTs/?utm_medium=tumblr