Four years ago, I was 255 pounds with a resting heart rate in an unhealthy 90s. I was diagnosed for a CPAP machine, couldn’t run a mile, couldn’t do a pull-up, had high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and was constantly stressed. Almost exactly four years ago, I made a decision to change. Fast forward to today—I’m 195 pounds, my resting heart rate is in the healthy 50s, I’ve completed a marathon this past Sunday, and I can knock out 3 sets of 10 pull-ups. My cholesterol is low, my stress levels are manageable, and I’ve learned how to live with faith, presence, gratitude and inner love. I’m a new person, and it all started with one step toward change.
Did I mention I finished a fucking Marathon this past Sunday?
Here’s what I’ve learned through this wild journey, and how these lessons changed my life.
1. Transformation is Possible—For Everyone
I’m living proof that no matter where you start, transformation is possible. Two and a half years ago, I couldn’t run a mile. Now, I’m part of the 0.01% who have run a marathon. If I can do it, so can you. I got the opportunity to show my kids that literally anything is possible. Stop waiting. Take the first step. Your transformation is on the other side of that decision.
2. You’re Stronger Than You Think
We always underestimate ourselves. I learned that we’re all capable of SO much more than we realize. Push yourself beyond what you think you can do. You’ll surprise yourself with your own strength, resilience, and ability to persevere when it matters most.
3. Unbecome the Old
What used to serve you might not anymore. For me, that meant letting go of old habits, false ego, and toxic behaviors. Sobriety was a huge part of my journey—it forced me to take full accountability for my life and rebuild myself from the ground up. I now practice gratitude, faith, love, and presence every day. The old me? I can’t live with that guy anymore. QUIT what no longer serves you or the people around you. It’s the only way to move forward.
4. Stop Relying on Motivation
Motivation is bullshit. It’s inconsistent and it will let you down. What works is discipline. Create goals, add them to your calendar, and execute. Day in, day out. Show up for yourself even when you don’t feel like it. That’s the secret. The most successful people aren’t more motivated—they’re just more consistent.
5. Get Off the Fence
Stop overthinking and start doing. What feels impossible today will be tomorrow’s warm-up. The longer you wait, the harder it gets. Take action. Set goals, start small, and build from there. Once you start moving, you’ll realize that you’re capable of more than you ever thought.
6. Surround Yourself with a Supportive Team
You can’t do this shit alone. My family, my running group, the Zero Doubt Club trainers, and the fuel from Zero Doubt Kitchen were critical to my success. When you surround yourself with people who believe in you, hold you accountable, and push you beyond what you think you can do, you realize just how capable you are. The right people will challenge you, motivate you, and most importantly, they won’t let you quit when things get tough.
7. It’s Okay to Have Bad Days
Not every day is going to feel amazing. Some runs were miserable—cold, wet, windy, and downright exhausting. I had days where I didn’t want to keep going. But the bad days are part of the process. They make the good days that much sweeter. The key? Keep pushing, especially when you don’t want to. That’s where growth happens.
8. The Journey is Better Than the Outcome
I used to envy the end result. The six-pack abs, the marathon medal, the low cholesterol. But I’ve learned that the process is where the magic happens. The daily grind, the struggles, the small wins along the way—that’s what it’s all about. The journey is where you grow, and that’s way better than the outcome.
9. Turn Doubt into Faith
I used to think marathon runners were insane. Who the hell wants to run for four hours straight? But I learned that the real magic happens when you turn doubt into faith. Through training, doubts get eliminated, and what once seemed impossible becomes possible. When you turn fear into belief, it’s fucking magic. That’s when you realize, “I can actually do this, this is possible.”
10. Authentic Happiness is the Byproduct of Struggle
Authentic happiness doesn’t come from things being easy. It comes from struggle, from overcoming challenges, from pushing through the tough times. Running a marathon isn’t easy, but it’s the struggle that makes it worth it. Your only competition is yourself—always run your race, and enjoy every damn step of your journey.
Training for a marathon was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it’s also been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’m proud of the miles I’ve put in, the commitment I’ve made, and the personal growth that’s come from it.
The finish line is waiting for you. Your best self is out there. You just need to take the first step.
Let’s fucking go!!
Grateful & Blessed,
-Eric Golubitsky