Hybrid Athlete - A New Definition

This is probably gonna upset a few people...

If you follow me on IG, you’ve probably seen my stories with a cigar in hand, along with the hashtag #hybridathlete.

I’m obviously being ridiculous, but the more I think about it, the more I’m about it.

I’ve always been big on health and fitness. It’s been the foundation in my life that has kept me somewhat sane. I’m very much a working dog who would (mentally) start tearing up the furniture if I didn’t get my exercise in.

Social media hasn’t helped things as it continues to get more and more polarized. We’re fed stuff that we either agree with or gets us mad, and then we’re fed more and more extreme versions of that, which keep us engaged.

What’s funny is we’re all aware this is happening, and we’re still unable to fend off the effects.

For me, a Type A entrepreneur, and guy who likes to train, that meant I started getting fed personalities who present themselves as monks. They don’t drink, they don’t put food in their bodies unless it’s berries or steak, they get perfect sleep, they manipulate time...

A lot of these influencers are loosely throwing around the term “hybrid athlete,” which they use for someone who both runs and lifts.

I’m here to make the case for a NEW definition of Hybrid Athlete: You train, you’re healthy, but you’re still ornery sometimes.

I’m here to make the case for having your cake and eating it too and not getting fat.

I’ve Tested Both Methods

I should preface that I’ve tasted the other side, the monkish side.

I was really dialed in during college—to the point that, looking back, I kind of regret it. I wish I let loose a little more. I’m proud of what I achieved athletically, but it was no doubt at a social cost.

In my 20s, I ate well (still do for the most part), rarely drank, dialed in my sleep with a cooling pad under my sheets and an Oura Ring on my finger, lifted 5+ days a week (still do), cardio, the whole bit.

In my 30s, I finally started loosening the grip a little more, kind of out of a curiosity. Almost as an experiment. I wanted to see what would happen if I turned the dial a few notches toward toward Anthony Bourdain consumption and Hemingway adventure, but kept the fitness training going.

Turns out, less downside and more upside than I was expecting.

My Findings

Upsides:

• Way more fun times with friends (Note: who you choose here is critical - don’t party with deadbeats - You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with)

• Introduction to so many new, unique drinks, foods, bars, restaurants, people, experiences

• Generally more excitement and interest in trying new things and getting out of my shell

Downsides:

• Sometimes my sleep suffered

Unexpected Result:

• My fitness has stayed the same - Funnily, I’ve actually run farther and faster than I ever have in my life and put on muscle mass (the latter is probably more growing into my adult body/metabolism finally slowing)*

TL;DR - More fun, more connections, & my fitness has not changed

*I’m obviously not crazy enough to say that smoking more cigars and drinking more Negronis has increased my level of fitness; I have indeed changed how I train since college, which has been conducive to this growth… but still.

Post ocean swim in Oaxaca… fueled by 3 Coronas

“Everything in moderation, including moderation” - Oscar Wilde

Use Some Common Sense Here

We all know there are caveats here, so use your logic - I’m not making the case for becoming a carbon copy of Joe Walsh from The Eagles and going off the rails. If you’re wired to have issues with booze or binging or whatever, then this article obviously doesn’t apply—Play with the cards you’re dealt.

I am, however, making the case that it’s possible to loosen the grip a little, have a little more fun, AND stay in great shape.

There is a trick though…

Giacomo usually hangs with me when I train

You Still Have to Train Like an Athlete

Consistent exercise keeps everything in check for a number of reasons.

1. Consistent exercise makes you super in tune with your body. It’s a beautiful, deep connection where you can tell with precision what your body battery is at, how much more water you need to click off another mile, if you’re pushing a lift too hard, if you need a rest day, or if you’re just being a baby and need to put in the work (what is usually the case).

   Most of the population will say they already have that. No. There is a deeper connection attained when you’ve consistently pushed your body to its limit. It’s like the level-up of a relationship after successfully going through hard things with a loved one or a team. There is a new knowing. A new language.

2. Consistent training will also teach you how far you can push it with indulging, without wrecking your 5 mile run.

The rule: That run happens whether you feel good or not.

Keeping next day’s run in mind usually keeps things in check, but even if I’m feeling like a space cowboy some night, and pay the price with a headache in the morning, I’m still getting out there for an Italian Tune-Up.

You have to pay the toll regardless.

That’s the rule.

“Your body is not a temple, it’s an amusement park.” - Anthony Bourdain

Life in Stages

There are times when you just need to go monk-mode to make things happen.

You’re training for a competition, you’ve got young kiddos, you’re growing a business, you’re trying to get in shape, your life is kind of off the rails and you need something to fully focus on - In these situations, staying on the straight and narrow can be a great thing. And I really believe that getting out of your head and into your body through training is often then best medicine.

I respect and appreciate the dedication and restraint it takes to live a lifestyle that is so dialed in - it really is admirable.

BUT

I think, ultimately, I want to look back and be like, “Man, that was an adventure.”

And the older I get, the more I realize adventure is best shared.

And sometimes, the best adventures are a bit ornery. It’s the youth in us.

So if some of my lifts slightly suffer because of a great night out with friends, I’d make that transaction all over in a heartbeat.

Advice: Definitely set a limit on Spaghetts - they sneak up on ya fast

i.e. I don’t remember my max bench from 5 years ago, but I’ll always remember the time in Mexico where guides took my friend and me to the local joint in a sketchy area and we ate and drank everything.

Round 1 of food and beers

I guess what I’m trying to say is maybe a real “Hybrid Athlete” looks more like the Marlboro Man or James Bond than a juiced up IG influencer selling you a course.

Maybe a hybrid athlete is a hybrid of tasting the good and the forbidden :)

Keep it loose, keep it tight, Space Cowboys. I’ll play ya out with this:

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p.s. Are you subscribed to my YouTube Channel??? You should be.