Ah, Paris!

HYROX, Marathons, Monet, and the Art of Living Fully

France was more than a trip. It was a reminder of how I want to live my life.

This journey took me from the intensity of HYROX in Paris… to the coastline of Nice for the Nice Marathon… to the quiet beauty of Monet’s home in Giverny. And somewhere in between? A lot of croissants. A lot of cheese. And some of the best pastries on the planet.

Paris: Push Your Limits

Paris was electric.

Competing in HYROX there was an incredible experience — the energy, the athletes, the international atmosphere. There’s something powerful about stepping into an arena in a foreign country and testing yourself physically and mentally.

It doesn’t matter where you are in the world — effort translates. Discipline translates. Hard work translates.

And pushing your limits never gets old.

Nice: 26.2 Miles Along the Mediterranean

From Paris, I made my way to Nice for the Nice Marathon.

Running 26.2 miles along the Mediterranean coastline is something special. The sea to your right. Mountains in the distance. Palm trees lining parts of the course. It’s one of those races where you’re suffering… but also thinking, “This is unbelievable.”

There’s a unique clarity that comes during a marathon. You’re stripped down to your breath, your pace, your thoughts. No distractions. Just movement forward.

That’s life in many ways — one step at a time.

Giverny: Slowing Down with Monet

After the competition and racing, I headed to Giverny to visit Monet’s home and gardens.

Walking through the same gardens that inspired the water lilies. Standing on the Japanese bridge he painted. Seeing how light and nature shaped his art.

It was quiet. Intentional. Beautiful.

There’s something grounding about slowing down after pushing hard. About appreciating art, history, and stillness.

Performance and presence can coexist.

Yes… The Food

Let’s talk about the essentials.

Croissants.
Fresh baguettes.
French cheeses.
Pastries that look like artwork.

One of the biggest misconceptions about living healthy is that it means deprivation.

It doesn’t.

You can train hard and still enjoy incredible food. You can run a marathon and savor a croissant. You can live actively and fully at the same time.

Health isn’t about restriction. It’s about balance, movement, and intention.

Movement + Exploration = A Full Life

This trip reminded me why I care so much about movement.

Fitness gives you freedom.

Freedom to compete in Paris.
Freedom to run along the Mediterranean.
Freedom to explore new cities on foot.
Freedom to experience the world with energy.

At Kev’s Gym, our mission has always been about more than exercise. It’s about helping people live fully — whether that’s seniors in a chair yoga class or athletes racing overseas.

Movement is the foundation for adventure.

Get Out There

Travel.
Sign up for the race.
Try the new food.
Visit the museum.
Push your body.
Appreciate beauty.

The world is big. Your life is short.

Stay active. Stay curious. Stay disciplined. Stay hungry for more.