Health is a long game - Part 1 - Meridian Passage Wellness

Health Is a Long Game: The Power of Personal Investment (Part 1)

I have been an endurance athlete pretty much my entire adult life. I did my first marathon at 19, my first triathlon at 21. This eventually led to iron distance triathlon. My first coach told me it would take about five years to get comfortable with training for and competing in an Ironman triathlon. At first, this seemed ridiculous considering my athletic resume at that point. Really? Five years?

Fast forward—it did. It took five years of time, effort, discipline, and consistency. That meant showing up every day in some way to achieve that goal—eating well, sleeping well, following the training plan, and balancing a full-time job. If you know someone who lives this lifestyle, you know it requires singular focus. (And aren’t people who do ironman race weird??) It’s a long game.

The Illusion of the Quick Fix

Modern society thrives on immediacy. From fad diets to miracle supplements, we’re bombarded with promises of effortless results. But the body operates on a different timeline—one built on cycles of healing, adaptation, and resilience. A crash diet may lead to rapid weight loss, but often results in metabolic disruption, nutritional deficiencies, and eventual weight regain. Similarly, a single acupuncture session or a short detox cleanse may offer temporary relief, but sustainable health arises from continued, mindful practices.

Health as a Personal Investment

Health and vitality aren’t achieved overnight or even within a few months. One of the biggest obstacles to success is that people aren’t prepared for the time and dedication real change requires. Using myself as an example, I’m 54 years in the making – it might take a few years to undo poor habits and heal damage created throughout the years

Think of your body as an asset requiring consistent contributions to yield lasting benefits. Every choice—what you eat, how you move, how you manage stress—is a deposit into your long-term wellness account. Just like financial investments, the earlier and more consistently you contribute, the greater the returns.

Concrete Steps to Start Investing in Your Health:

Commit to Daily Movement: Whether it’s walking, stretching, or structured exercise, move your body every day.
Prioritize Whole Foods: Eat more nutrient-dense foods—vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats—while reducing processed and sugary foods.
Hydration Matters: Start your day with a glass of water and aim for consistent hydration throughout the day.
Get Enough Sleep: Set a bedtime routine and prioritize rest as part of your health strategy. I can’t stress enough how important this investment is for your health.
Practice Mindfulness: Even five minutes of deep breathing, meditation, or gratitude journaling can help regulate stress and improve overall well-being.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive deeper into the long game mentality and how to take full responsibility for your health journey.