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In today’s edition, Joe shares:
- 5 life lessons
- Book of the month
- Holiday workout motivation
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Spartans,
Life is filled with challenges that test our limits, and some people meet them head-on with a strength that inspires everyone around them.
Today, I want to share the story of my cousin Julia—whom I called Aunt Julia—a true Spartan in every sense of the word. Julia passed away this Thanksgiving after a battle with cancer, but her life was a testament to resilience, community, and love.
Julia endured more loss and hardship than most could imagine. Her first husband was tragically killed when she was just 20. Her second husband succumbed to illness, followed by the loss of her daughter to the same disease. Her parents and sister passed away too.
Despite these unimaginable blows, Julia never let grief define her.
Instead of being angry, she chose joy. She kept making her famous pasta and meatballs, always with a smile.
Even as she fought cancer, she never complained.
When I reflect on why we do what we do—why obstacle racing even exists—it’s because of people like her. Aunt Julia’s indomitable spirit is what fuels our Spartan community.
Aunt Julia’s life was a lesson: Enjoy the life you have, keep smiling, and keep climbing the mountain no matter how steep it is. Keep feeding your community—literally and figuratively.
I spent some time with Aunt Julia a few days before she passed, and asked her for some life lessons. Here’s what she said:
1. Don’t push the kids too hard or they push in a different direction. Guide them without them knowing.
2. Do your best. That’s all any of us can do. When you go to bed at night, you'll rest easy knowing you tried your hardest.
3. When you cook meatballs, just brown them in oil and garlic. Don’t overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the sauce.
4. Don’t gamble. The house always wins. Aunt Julia would know, as her side of the family were some of the biggest bookies in New York over the decades.
5. Don’t talk. God gave us one mouth but two ears. Listen and you’ll hear and learn what you need to.
Here’s to Julia. And here’s to The Hard Way,
Joe
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| HOLIDAY READING |
Transitioning from military to civilian life is one of the hardest battles veterans face. Warrior to Civilian: The Field Manual for the Hero’s Journey tackles this head-on, offering real-life stories, expert advice, and a roadmap for veterans and their families to find purpose and balance.
Authored by Rob Sarver, a former Navy SEAL, and Alex Gendzier, a senior advisor to the VALOR Group, this book draws from over 200 veteran interviews and practical strategies from therapists and doctors. It’s a definitive guide to thriving beyond service.
Available now for pre-order, it releases January 28, 2025.
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| You Ask, Joe Answers
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Q: Hey Joe, I’ve been struggling with consistency in my workouts and it’s getting worse with the holidays. How can I stay motivated?
- Chris T.
A: Hey Chris, life will always throw punches—work, family, Netflix marathons—but the real fight is with your own excuses. Schedule your workouts like a meeting with a CEO. Would you cancel on your boss? Make your health non-negotiable.
Next, keep your workouts simple. Even 20 minutes of burpees or a quick jog can give you benefits and keep you consistent.
Aroo!
Question for Joe? Want to tell him what you think of The Hard Way? Email him at thehardway@spartan.com.
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| They Said It |
| "If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else."
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| – Booker T. Washington
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| The Hard Way Podcast |
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“You have to anticipate and prepare in advance. You have to train for it. It takes 12-24 months. The government can’t help with all this. It’s up to us. Something has to be done. We have to help more.”
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