The Competitive Edge Podcast: Fatherhood | Fitness | Focus

Daniel Hickman

In today's society, the competitor within slowly fades when the transition into fatherhood begins. As a father, competing is no longer about winning and losing, it's all about leading by example by giving your best every chance and every day we are blessed with. Join Daniel Hickman (a competing dad athlete of 3 girls who has several podium appearances racing in OCR, Hyrox, DEKA, and road races) as he interviews the top dad athletes in the World for their advice on how to juggle parenting, time management, business success, race-specific fitness training, and mental focus synergistically. If you are a dad struggling to reconnect with your competitive edge -or- a current dad athlete looking to learn strategies from the best, tune in for the best insights and proven strategies shared by leading dad athletes in the world. read less

Julius Jeter | Spartan Stadion/DEKA Fit Podium Athlete | Be Better Every Day & Always Keep Learning
Mar 18 2023
Julius Jeter | Spartan Stadion/DEKA Fit Podium Athlete | Be Better Every Day & Always Keep Learning
Episode 13 Today we have a super-devoted dad athlete with us, Mr. Julius Jeter:  Father to his 11-year-old daughter  He is from the DC Metro Region 39 years old and works as an experienced Project Manager He earned a podium spot as 3rd place in his AG at the Fenway Stadion 2021 but most recently just got the AG Deka Fit podium in Knoxville  He recently got injured and his race schedule got derailed.. He will be sharing his journey getting back on track and also how he incorporates the MAMBA mentality from the great Kobe Bryant!  Key Episode Topics:  “Be better every day” Listen more than talking Purpose over aestheticsAvoid ankle injuries in ocr with keeping your feet under your hips when running trail Be a student at all times Importance of base building and zone 2 easy runs Cycling still hits zone 2 with less impact Importance of body self-care for the long term and getting warmed up Get the workout done when u can, no matter how early in am or late at night. Whatever it takesRead your body to prevent overtraining. Schedule workouts but also an audible workout to stay disciplined. Stay organized. Create a Task list before bed on what has to get done and what doesn’t have to be categorizing the tasks with lettering or numbering them Mental benefits of staying active: sleep, better patience, sleep better, a better listener, a better human being, and more 80/20 workout intensity  focus Don’t judge an athlete by what you see on social media. There is way more we don’t know. From not finishing an insanity DVD fitness test to winning races!!Be realistic with your goals, and gather your splits and data.Focusing on your weaknesses. What kind of time management hacks have you conquered? Training in am or pm etc?  I figured out there are 24 hours in a day for a reason. if I can sneak in a nap from 3 to 430pm, I do. Then I have the energy to go to the gym at 12 or 1am, when its empty, and I have access to everything, unbothered. I also will start work earlier or work later to free up precious training time. What advice would you have for those men out there that lost connection with their health when they finished competing as an athlete or as a first-time dads that lost touch with their competitive edge and respect for the man in the mirror?  Remember your why from your younger years. For me, my "why" is just the pure love of being active and feeling free. Whether that's on How can everyone find you and follow what you're doing (IG handle, website etc)?  IG: jeter_hybrid_racing
NBC TV Show Competitor | Crossfit Athlete & Father of 2 Girls | Kareem Brinson "Reemie B"
Feb 26 2023
NBC TV Show Competitor | Crossfit Athlete & Father of 2 Girls | Kareem Brinson "Reemie B"
Key Takeaways:  What can you do better to be sharper and better  When I am in the pain cave, I think of my kids at the finish line. Controlling the mind to get through it and out of it.  Importance of being there for your kid's sports events His parents always quoted, go out there and have fun. Fun mixed with effort = powerful results Bringing the kids to the gym while we train. Fitness rubs off naturally! “They are watching when we least expect it. Kids soak up What they see happening” Being in shape and fit, gives confidence to our kids Competitive edge surfaced in the last decade doing crossfit when he realized he was decent at the crossfit open moves.  Be coachable, learn from the best and put in the work. Training 4 hour days with a 2 year old. It’s possible and one the 3 person WODAPOLOOZA Crossfit event in Miami. Waking up at 3am and work out every day at 4am. Run the morning before it runs you.  Energy exchange in life. “You want to be a fountain, and you want to make sure it's flourishing before pouring into other people” Has tried Hyrox and thinking about attending an Olympic Lift Competition.  3:15am Wake up and bed at 9:05pm Crossfitters in Hyrox and typical running weekly mileage Crossfitters should target DEKA STRONG? NJ jas DEKA affiliates to compete at!  Competing with the best, Iron sharpens iron Start small to get consistency flowing when restarting your fitness journey after a break Figured out you're why!  Surround yourself with a strong tribe of supporters Experience being on a TV show with the ROCK on NBC. The Titan Games  What advice would you have for those men out there that lost connection with their health when they finished competing as an athlete or as a first-time dad that lost touch with their competitive edge and respect for the man in the mirror? Don’t feel down on yourself, there’s a community of fathers that are out here n ready to help you get your drive back! Be around these people, embrace em,  What is your spirit animal and why?   BEAR! - Bears are protective of their family… Grizzly // Can be soft cuddly and affectionate - Teddy // Adventurous always down to explore - Wild What big races, or events, coming up for you this year? Wodapalooza in MIAMI, HYROX in June, Spartan in Oct, Half Marathon in Oct, CrossFit Comp in May How can everyone find you and follow what you're doing (IG handle, website etc)? any sponsors or upcoming items you want to share? @Reemie.b on Instagram. Thank you to sponsors for always supporting me - LMNT, AIRWAAV, VIRUS, ASTROFLAV, NUTRITION KITCH, PLIABILITY, LIFTING CULTURE APPAREL
Motocross Racing Professional | Winning Hybrid Races, Owning Two Businesses, and the Importance of Getting Your Kids Involved~
Feb 19 2023
Motocross Racing Professional | Winning Hybrid Races, Owning Two Businesses, and the Importance of Getting Your Kids Involved~
A great pleasure to speak with BRANDON BONINE from Houston, TX.  Brandon is a stand-out spartan racer, stadion racer, and currently an elite hybrid athlete racing in Deka and Hyrox. Location and age. What do you do? (occupation/business etc) 37 years old Owns a seamless gutter business along with Bold fitness. How many kids do you have (please include ages)? 2- Brody is 5 and Baylor is 2 What was your biggest accomplishment as an athlete?  Probably Deka Worlds last year getting 2nd in Mile, 3rd in Fit, and 4th in Strong. I let strong for most of the race.    What is your biggest accomplishment as a father (non-athletic)? Just watching my kids grow and learn every day. Luckily with my jobs, I am able to be around them all the time and we get to do everything together and travel to most of the races together.   When did the competitive side of you begin? and please walk us through the sports you may have played as a kid into an adult I have always been competitive since day one. If I am going to do something I am all in or not gonna do it. I grew up racing motocross and playing basketball, football, and baseball. I turned professional in motocross when I was 18 and did that for a little bit but I was never good enough to make a living doing that haha.   What kind of competitive events did you compete in before kids as an adult? I didn’t really start running until 2016 or so. I did some 5k when I was younger but that’s it. Brittany signed me up for my first spartan super in Austin back in 2015 and I thought it was dumb to run 8 miles haha. After I did my first one I was hooked. I qualified for Spartan World champs a couple of years and then shifted my focus to short-course stadium and sprints in 2018,2019. Then covid hit and I didn’t really do anything but run for 2 years. I found Deka and Hyrox which is more my style. Hybrid Racing.   What did your training schedule look like before kids? I just mostly worked before kids. I didn’t really have a set schedule to train. We just kind of trained whenever we had time. I was busy building my business so that when we had kids we didn’t have to work as much. What kind of competitive events do you compete in now as a father??  My focus now is mostly on Deka and Hyrox   What does your training schedule look like now as a father? (hours per week est) I usually train 6 days a week. I mostly do our functional fitness classes and then mix in some specific training as well. I would say I train maybe 10 hours a week or so.   How have you adapted/adjusted and what changes have you made competing and/or training as a father? I take my kids everywhere, That’s one thing I said is whenever we have kids we are still going to travel and race and let them enjoy the experience as well. You just have to make it all work.   What are some things or ways you stay present as a father balancing training and fatherhood?  Bring the kids along, and include them in what you are doing. I used to push the stroller with them in it whenever I went to run. Now they are a little bigger so they will stay with Brittany if she doesn’t run or we switch off.   Why do you train and/or compete? What drives that bug in you to compete? I’m just competitive. I always want to get better and be the best version of myself that I can be. You either win or you learn. I put in a lot of work. I didn’t come from an athletic background or anything so that just makes me work that much harder.   What are the most notable improvements you’ve noticed from staying fit and/or competing in fitness events? What changes have you experienced that you would most likely brag about to a friend? Staying fit just makes you feel better overall inside and out. You just have to make time. 24 hours in a day. No excuses.   What benefits do you get out of training and competing?  Overall better health and fitness. Mentally is good for the body.   What kind of time management hacks have you conquered? Training in am or pm etc?  I mostly train in the morning after class or I jump in with a class. In the summertime, I like to train in the afternoon when it is the hottest. I will try to train when the kids are sleeping or whatnot that way I have more time to spend with them if they don’t come to the gym.    What advice would you have for those men out there that lost connection with their health when they finished competing as an athlete or as a first-time dads that lost touch with their competitive edge and respect for the man in the mirror? Everyone starts from somewhere. Just start back up again and get better every day.   What big races, or events, coming up for you this year?  Deka and Hyrox Events. Hyrax World championships in Europe. Deka World Champs   How can everyone find you and follow what you're doing (IG handle, website etc)? any sponsors or upcoming items you want to share? @brandon_bonine IG, @boldfitnesstx
DEKA AG World Champion |  Balancing Fatherhood & Fitness Training Efficiently | Guest: Mike Staley | Water Utilities Professional
Feb 12 2023
DEKA AG World Champion |  Balancing Fatherhood & Fitness Training Efficiently | Guest: Mike Staley | Water Utilities Professional
Mike Staley DEKA AG World Champion |  Balancing Fatherhood & Fitness Training Efficiently | w/ Mike Staley | Water Utilities Professional  1. Location and age.  A - Charleston WV – 40 years old in May.    2. What do you do? (occupation/business etc)  Work for a local water utility which serves 100K customers  3. How many kids do you have (please include ages)? A – Two kids, Oaklyn 13 & Gaige 15 4. What was your biggest accomplishment as an athlete?  A – 2022 Deka Strong A/G World Champion  5. What is your biggest accomplishment as a father (non-athletic)? A – Building trust through active listening - understanding their “issues” or successes, as well as watching two kids mature into respectful and considerate people.  6. When did the competitive side of you begin? and please walk us through the sports you may have played as a kid into an adult A – Started around 5 years old with Youth sports – Football, Basketball, Baseball.  My competitiveness grew when I began competing in individualized sports like wrestling - track (high school)  7. What kind of competitive events did you compete in before kids as an adult? A – Open wrestling tournaments, local races, semiprofessional and professional boxing bouts  8. What did your training schedule look like before kids? A – Morning & evening trainings – 15 – 16 hours per week 9. What kind of competitive events do you compete in now as a father??  A – Obstacle course racing, local fitness events, cross fit open, Deka * What does your training schedule look like now as a father? (hours per week est) A – Morning routine throughout winter – 5am to 630am.  Add outdoor trail / road running during spring and summer months – Train 10 to 12 hours per week   11. How have you adapted/adjusted and what changes have you made competing and/or training as a father? A – Better utilization of training time, scheduling / planning events 12. What are some things or ways you stay present as a father balancing training and fatherhood?  A – Leave and return from workouts while others are in bed.  Additionally, offer inclusion – joint activities with the kids 13. Why do you train and/or compete? What drives that bug in you to compete? A – Push and test myself -  not only for the competition, but all the work leading up to an event  14. What are the most notable improvements you’ve noticed from staying fit and/or competing in fitness events? What changes have you experienced that you would most likely brag about to a friend? A – Notable improvements – Increased motivation, positive mindset.  Putting a goal on the calendar and working towards that goal.         Changes to brag about – Sleeping habits and dietary consistency  15. What benefits do you get out of training and competing?  A – Stable routine, accountability, satisfaction of overcoming adversities 16. What kind of time management hacks have you conquered? Training in am or pm etc? A – Definitely early morning training.  Ability to complete a full training block and be back home before others are out of bed. Being in the bed early – first sign of being tired I jump into bed.  17. What advice would you have for those men out there that lost connection with their health when they finished competing as an athlete or as a first-time dads that lost touch with their competitive edge and respect for the man in the mirror? A – Identify that, “What” – What is it that you want. Sacrifice for the, “when” Set a schedule and make it your normal routine.  Exercise, eating, sleep, etc.  18. What is your spirit animal and why? Probably a Hawk .. they fly solo, they don’t let other birds negatively impact their them  19. What big races, or events, coming up for you this year? A – Qualifiers for Deka events – Deka World Championships .. Local events .. and building a Hyrox foundation  20. How can everyone find you and follow what you're doing (IG handle, website etc)? any sponsors or upcoming items you want to share? A – Follow me at mikestaley1 on Instagram
Accounting Professional | Finding Fitness After Injury & Modeling for your Kids | Guest: Daryl Moore
Feb 4 2023
Accounting Professional | Finding Fitness After Injury & Modeling for your Kids | Guest: Daryl Moore
About Daryl Moore: Bakersfield, CA , 38 years oldAccounting Manager – mostly in the Ag business, some banking  How many kids do you have (please include ages)? 2 Kids – Ages 8 and 6 What was your biggest accomplishment as an athlete?  Recovering from my recent knee injury.  What is your biggest accomplishment as a father (non-athletic)? My kids have assurance in my abilities as a father.   When did the competitive side of you begin? and please walk us through the sports you may have played as a kid into an adult Youth – played tee ball and baseball.Middle School – played flag football (RB, WR, CB) and basketball (PG).High School – played football (RB), basketball (PG), and ran track (100m, 200m, 4X100 relay, and long jump) What kind of competitive events did you compete in before kids as an adult? Running Events – 5K, 10K, Half MarathonSpartan Races – Trifecta (Sprint, Super, Beast)Indoor SoccerIntramural Sports During College - Basketball What did your training schedule look like before kids? Gym/home workouts 3-4 times a week (1 hr) – Lifting Run 3 times a week (30 mins-1hr)About 5-7 hours a week What kind of competitive events do you compete in now as a father?  Running Events – 5K, 10K, Half MarathonSpartan Races – Trifecta (Sprint, Super, Beast)Dekafit – Trifecta (Strong, Mile, Fit)Crossfit – Crossfit Open (In house competition)   What does your training schedule look like now as a father? (hours per week est) A mixture of crossfit and hybrid training – 5 to 6 six times a weekRun 3– 4 times a weekAbout 8-10 hours a week How have you adapted/adjusted and what changes have you made competing and/or training as a father? Time management (Still a work in progress) - Waking up and working out as early as 4am or starting after the kids have gone to bed. Ultimately, making sure I can fit it in within the day. What are some things or ways you stay present as a father balancing training and fatherhood?  I make sure I’m present and involved in the things that are important to my children. Asking them questions about their day, taking them to and picking them up from school, and getting to know them as individuals.Being involved with the academics and helping coach when they play sports.Celebrating their good grades and areas of improvement with specific school subjects. Joking, laugh, dance (horribly 😊) and play board games, build puzzles, etc. Also explain why I’m why and what I’m training for. Get them involved in a stretch/yoga session, run, or quick workout session. Participate in some of the workout drills/movements. I want them to be about of the process also. Take them to some of the events. Why do you train and/or compete? What drives that bug in you to compete? Internal drive for continuous improvement. Forward progression. Challenging myself, despite being uncomfortable.  Ultimately, maintain a me versus me mentality. What are the most notable improvements you’ve noticed from staying fit and/or competing in fitness events? What changes have you experienced that you would most likely brag about to a friend? I’m able to spend more time playing sports or running with my boys. Being about to pick them up without hurting/straining myself. Better mobility and reduced medical concerns (family history of high blood pressure and diabetes). I don’t brag much, but sometimes laugh when people say I’m crazy for doing spartan races, Dekafit competitions, and crossfit workouts. On the other hand, it’s also given me the opportunity to motivate others to push themselves out of their comfort zone and work towards being more disciplined with regards to their health. It even gets others interested in going to any of those types of events. What benefits do you get out of training and competing?  Pushing myself to new limitsMeeting new people Learning new techniques or ways of training for race efficiency   What kind of time management hacks have you conquered? Training in am or pm etc? I am a better athlete in the morning for sure. Haha I starts my day off right. Writing down a plan or list of things that need to be done the next day.Setting up the workout area ahead of time.Writing the workout on a small whiteboard. Meal Prep What advice would you have for those men out there that lost connection with their health when they finished competing as an athlete or as a first-time dads that lost touch with their competitive edge and respect for the man in the mirror? Start slow. Set specific goals. Be disciplined and build.  What is your spirit animal and why?  Wolf – I took a spirit animal quiz. 😊The power of the wolf brings forth instinct, intelligence, appetite for freedom, and awareness of the importance of social connections. When the wolf shows up in your life, pay attention to what your intuition is telling you. What big races, or events, coming up for you this year? Deka Mile – March 25Th Warrior Fitness in Fresno, CA Deka Fit & Hyrox - TBD  How can everyone find you and follow what you're doing (IG handle, website etc)? any sponsors or upcoming items you want to share? IG handle: d_moe1
US Army Veteran | Regaining Purpose and Focus | Oscar Moreno
Feb 4 2023
US Army Veteran | Regaining Purpose and Focus | Oscar Moreno
About OSCAR MORENO: North Hollywood, CA. / 37 years old / Retired US Army Veteran and full-time Operations Manager for a pharmaceutical company. How many kids do you have (please include ages)?  3 kids / 1 boy and 2 girls/ 13 yo boy, 6 yo girl, and my youngest 5 yo girl. What was your biggest accomplishment as an athlete?  My biggest accomplishment was winning my weight division powerlifting class and making it to the 2022 DEKA WC. What is your biggest accomplishment as a father (non-athletic)?  Being a dad.  When did the competitive side of you begin?  The real competitive side of me started when I was in high school. I tried out for the school's cross-country team. I also ran track & field while in high school. After a few years of competing, I joined the Army, where fitness was a must-have quality, so my competitive nature continued. It wasn't until I retired and a few years later, did I really get into a competitive edge. DEKA Fit LA 2022, is where it all began.  What kind of competitive events did you compete in before kids as an adult?  I didn't compete in anything when I was a kid. As an adult, I only competed in two spartan races, and several DEKA Strong and Mile Events. I did also compete in powerlifting for a short period in 2022. What did your training schedule look like before the kids?  My training schedule fluctuated a lot. Sometimes I was able to train early morning and other times late evening. Not a schedule, but I made it work.  What kind of competitive events do you compete in now as a father??  I have mainly competed in DEKA events, but plan to train for several other events this year. What does your training schedule look like now as a father? (hours per week est)  Now, after my divorce, I train Monday through Friday from 0600-0700, when I don't have my kids and when I have them, I train after I pick them up from daycare and school. My mother helps me watch over them while I train.  How have you adapted/adjusted and what changes have you made competing and/or training as a father?  Being a single father and sharing custody is a challenge on its own. Finding the time to train was a huge task. Late nights and early mornings became the norm to get the training I needed. Adapting to a full-time job, business, full-time school, father and partner has been amazing.  What are some things or ways you stay present as a father balancing training and fatherhood?  Gosh, this is a tough one. I not only work, go to school full-time, and train for events, but make all my time for my kids. My kids are my priority, but through my dedication, I try my very best to demonstrate that one can accomplish many things through dedication. What drives that bug in you to compete?  My competitive nature started in middle school, then further developed in HS, where I ran track and cross country. I had such amazing coaches that tested my will when I competed. Soon after HS, I joined the Army and further developed that fire of being the best. I train now to show others that through goal setting and consistency, you can achieve amazing fitness goals. My mother is my main driver. As a Single mother of 6 children, she did not let any adversity that came her way, take her away from providing for her children. A true reflection of a hero. I prepare with her in mind every single time.  What are your most notable improvements from staying fit and/or competing in fitness events?  My overall health has drastically improved. The most notable experience that I would drag to my friends is the overall mental stability fitness provides. Outside of the obvious changes in physic, the mental health aspect has started me in a direction of strength that becomes addicting. What benefits do you get out of training and competing?  A sense of purpose and focus. Constantly trying to do better, becomes the adrenaline needed to carry me forward. What kind of time management hacks have you conquered?  Training in am or pm etc? My hack has been to train early morning. There is something about the start of the day becoming how you set the tone for the day. Sleeping early is the ultimate hack to get the rest needed to train in the morning.  What advice would you have for those men out there that lost connection with their health when they finished competing as an athlete or as a first-time dads that lost touch with their competitive edge and respect for the man in the mirror?  Man, great question. In the simplest form, one day at a time. Regaining a connection with health and fitness is no easy journey, but when broken down in days, then weeks, easier. Looking in the mirror and telling yourself you got this! Is a simple affirmation that builds the slightest inner fire that will then become the flame needed to crush. What is your spirit animal and why?  My Chinese spirit animal is an Ox. Always hard-working, powerful, and providing a stable and loving home. What big races, or events, coming up for you this year?  This year my main focus is DEKA WC. All odds are against me. I am no pro athlete, and I have no endorsement, or any special fitness accolades, but I do have the grit in me to become that underdog.  How can everyone find you and follow what you're doing (IG handle, website, etc)? any sponsors or upcoming items you want to share?  People can find me through my personal IG page @jmoreno_0820 or my gym page @_fragoutfitness
Special Agent | From Insignificant to Indispensable| Kristofer Healey
Jan 27 2023
Special Agent | From Insignificant to Indispensable| Kristofer Healey
In This Episode, We Dive Deep Into: - The Importance of doing what's RIGHT! - Keeping that competitive edge for the unknown in law enforcement to get home safe every day - Importance of checking off that box with early morning workouts and Monday workouts!   - Run the day before it runs you! Take care of yourself first thing before dad duties - Utilizing values learned in endurance racing to excel in his businesses   - Adjusting his fitness as a father and how being a fit dad helps with kids   - No longer about the podium, it's about being the best servant to my family and begins with his personal fitness   - How he trains now versus when he was winning triathlons   - Tips and hacks for time management as a dad   - We are only as strong as our TRIBE. Do not have to do it alone. Resources + Links: Connect with your host, Daniel on Instagram | @DanielHickman26 https://linktr.ee/danielhickman  How can Daniel help you either reconnect with your competitive edge or keep that fire burning? https://linktr.ee/danielhickman is where you find hybrid fitness coaching and tons of discount codes from affiliates Connect with your host Daniel with ideas and /or feedback: Send me a quick email message @Daniel Hickman   -or- on Instagram with your biggest takeaway from this episode @danielhickman26 Show Notes: Today is our first guest Kristofor Healey, this is an unexpected, unedited and unplanned discussion and was a lot of fun! The best part about this recording is how authentic this discussion was. We got our signals crossed in communications where he invited me on his podcast as a guest to help spread the word to his men's leadership community. A week later I invited him to be a guest on my show, then he sent me his scheduling link. Unfortunately, I assumed he was interviewing me and but he was ready to be interviewed by me.  Kris was awesome to chat with and always a blessing to hear him speak. This was a great icebreaker for this podcast!  Kris is a father of two amazing kids and is a former award-winning Special Agent with the Department of Homeland Security who has more than 15 years of experience in federal law enforcement as a Top-Secret clearance holder directing large-scale, multi-defendant fraud investigations and high-risk tactical operations, domestically and overseas. Kris, began racing long-distance road, trail, and triathlon events in his early 30s, racing hundreds of races and hitting podiums.   After years of endurance racing, Kris took his competitive edge mentality to personal training, coaching, and consulting arenas.   Kri is heavily devoted to teaching self-discipline and commitment to other men, to help them reclaim their health and become more indispensable to their families, workplaces, and communities. In his podcast show the indispensable man and his first book, Indispensable: A Tactical Plan for the Modern Man, Healey shares his personal journey from insignificant to indispensable The competitive edge for Kris is really more than racing, it's all about being indispensable for his family. He shares a bunch of great tips and hacks that help us stay disciplined day-to-day as busy fathers, I took a lot out of this conversation, Hope you do too! Enjoy! His Podcast: The Indispensable Man Podcast   His Book: Indispensable: A Tactical Plan for the Modern Man   Instagram: @Team_Healey    Link to offerings and coaching: Until Next Time... Fellas, keep competing!