How I Found My Passion for Running and Improved My Life

By: Ryan DuBois and Jason Bahamundi, MBA

In 2021, I took a leap and signed up for a Spartan Race.

I’d stayed active most of my life, but running? I couldn’t stand it. The idea of running just for the sake of it seemed almost impossible for me. But something about that Spartan Race kept pulling at me—a challenge I couldn’t let go of.

At first, my only goal was to finish, and honestly, just to not come in last. Crossing that first finish line, I felt something I hadn’t expected:

"What else could I do?"

Each new challenge I took on, from a 5K to 10k to ? to 185+ miles per month, showed me the power of pushing through limits I’d once set for myself. Running had unlocked a whole new world!

“Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit.” —E.E. Cummings

Pushing Past Your Comfort Zone

"Starting was hard, but those first steps changed everything!"

• At the start, I could barely manage a quarter-mile. Each mile was a small victory. (and very painful)
• Running forced me to set small, daily goals, showing me the value of taking things one step at a time.
• By getting comfortable with discomfort, I saw that I was capable of more than I thought.

“If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.” —Fred DeVito

Finding Purpose in the Process

"Running didn’t just improve my fitness; it taught me about purpose and resilience."

• Morning runs became a time for me to recharge and get clarity for the day ahead.
• Each run was a lesson in setting goals and staying committed—qualities I applied everywhere in my life.
• I learned that endurance isn’t just physical. It’s a mindset I carry into my role as a husband, father, team/ community member, and a friend.

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” —Robert Collier

Leading by Example and Inspiring Others

"I wanted to show my kids—and myself—that growth is always possible."

• My goal became to show my kids that age isn’t a barrier; they saw firsthand that even adults can embrace new challenges.
• The running community became a source of inspiration for me, cheering me on and keeping me accountable to my goals. (met unbelievably awesome people along the way!)
• It reminded me that we’re all capable of more than we think, and sometimes the hardest step is just the first one.

“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” —Ronald Reagan

The Power of Taking the First Step

If you’re on the fence about starting something new, remember: I went from hating running to it becoming one of the best parts of my life. Each finish line became a reminder of how far I’d come.

It’s the same with anything in life—the hardest step is the first. But once you take it, you’ll see doors open that you didn’t even know existed.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” —Lao Tzu

Start small, keep going, and see where it leads. It might just change everything.

Committed to You, Committed to Excellence.

Your friend,

Ryan DuBois