“All I strive for is a fit body, calm mind, and a house full of love.”
Those were the first words I heard from 29029 Co-Founder Marc Hodulich.
I nodded in agreement because that’s the foundation my wife Kate and I strive for, especially as we approach the next phase of our lives together.
We’re not just looking to grow old together; we want to keep finding that spark to stay children at heart. As Charles Bukowski said, “The problem is, we look for someone to grow old together, while the secret is to find someone to stay a child with.”
Kate and I aspire to live that way—through experiences that challenge us, push us, and remind us of what truly matters.
And to do it – simply and authentically our way.
I just completed my third @29029everesting challenge at Mont Tremblant, and this one was extra special. I climbed alongside Kate, who crushed her goal of 10 ascents before giving me a kiss and telling me to go finish the 15. Watching her determination and strength was inspiring—she propelled both of us forward.
What I love most about these experiences is the opportunity to bring people together.
Kate finally met friends I’ve worked with for years from across the country—my best friend since third grade, who climbed to honor his brother-in-law, and my publisher, who has been a friend for 20 years and through three businesses. And then there were newer friends who already feel like family, people who have made me a better man.
Everyone brought something special to the mountain, and everyone gave unconditional support. What a special crew we had.
Experiences are important, but who you share those experiences with is even more important.
We’re all better together. That’s why this challenge meant more than just getting to the top of a mountain—it was about connecting with the people who mean the most to me.
And the most rewarding part was that each of us had our own reasons for being there. Some of us were chasing physical goals, while others were after something deeper. What’s important is that we used those reasons as motivation to drive us up the mountain, over and over again, without quitting. Whether it’s one ascent, 10, or the full 15, you define your success.
For me, participating in 29029 this year wasn’t just about completing the challenge—it was about showing up for the people I care about. After months of juggling personal and professional challenges—growing a business, navigating cash flow issues, health struggles, moving Auden back into a new apartment in Boulder, Harper turning 18, and pulling together a group of 15 people for this challenge a year ago—I wanted everything to go smoothly. I wanted the experience to be positive for everyone.
Fact: It wasn’t perfect (the bus I booked turned out to be a 1980s stretch limo with no AC, leaving us packed shoulder to shoulder and hot for 2.5 hours), but those are the moments that remind you of what really matters – and often become the best memories.
Embrace the Suck
I love the darkness and exhaustion that comes with events like this. It strips away the distractions, leaving you with nothing but the present moment. You’re not thinking about money, politics, or anything else. You’re thinking about how you’ll choose to respond, how you answer this one question:
Will you quit or keep moving forward?
I saw incredible displays of grit and determination, whether it was someone pushing through visible suffering or others quietly smiling through the pain. Life’s like that—don’t bet on the obvious. The strongest person isn’t always the one you expect to succeed. I’ve seen the fittest guy get lapped by a housewife who just gave birth nine weeks ago. The truth is, success looks different for everyone.
There’s a reason I keep coming back to challenges like this. It’s not just the physical test, though that’s part of it. It’s about creating opportunities for deeper connection—with myself, with others, and with life.
At its core, this is what maximizing midlife is all about. It’s not about climbing the corporate ladder or striving for perfection. It’s about stepping outside your comfort zone, making real connections, and showing up for yourself and the people who matter. It’s about knowing what you stand for, living life on your terms, and constantly evolving into the kind of person you can be proud of.
Men aren’t meant to stop living when we hit a certain age. We don’t stop when things get hard, and we don’t stop because society says we should. Instead, we keep striving to live better, love deeper, and push our limits.
That’s how I see it. And that’s how I’m living it.
In Health,
Greg
