There’s something oddly poetic about going down a rabbit hole in ChatGPT. One minute, you’re prompting it to roast your old high school, and the next, you’re reliving a decade-old half-marathon time you’d completely forgotten about. That’s exactly what happened to my twin sister, Hannah. What started as a harmless deep dive into roasting Lapeer East High School (which, by the way, doesn’t even exist anymore) somehow led to her stumbling upon an article written nearly ten years ago by journalist Lisa Paine. The piece covered my marriage and move to Nashville—a throwback I wasn’t expecting in a sports column.
Lisa Paine was a staple in Hannah’s high school career, covering her performances and milestones with the kind of detail that made local sports feel like national headlines. Rediscovering that article brought back a wave of nostalgia, a full-circle moment that reminded me just how much running had shaped our lives. It wasn’t just a distant memory—it was a reminder of the paths we took, the people who documented them, and how endurance sports continued to connect us in ways we didn’t expect. Lisa's article mentioned us both but specifically highlighted that I was getting married to another Hannah and moving to Nashville. I have to imagine Lisa had a good chuckle when she realized there would now be two Hannah Stones in the family. But beyond the nostalgia, rediscovering that article led me to reach out to Lisa and reflect on the shared experiences that endurance sports create. It was a reminder that sport isn’t just about performance; it’s about connection.
The Power of Goals and Shared Experiences
Before diving into all of this, let’s take a step back and talk about why I’m writing this in the first place. The discovery of that long-forgotten article did more than just send my sister and me down memory lane—it got Hannah thinking about racing again. And that got me thinking about the importance of goals, challenges, and finding purpose through sport.
We all need something beyond our careers. Something that pushes us, challenges us, and forces us to be a little uncomfortable. Whether it’s running, triathlon, learning a new skill, or diving into a creative pursuit, investing in ourselves is what keeps us moving forward. And let’s be real, self-improvement also gives us something to humblebrag about at social gatherings—because nothing spices up small talk like casually mentioning you’re training for a marathon or an Ironman.
But more than that, sport is about connection. Whether it’s lining up at a race, grinding through training with teammates, or just heading out for a Saturday long run with friends, these shared experiences make us better—not just as athletes, but as people. The camaraderie, accountability, and encouragement we get from training partners or club mates make the journey even more meaningful.
What’s even more fascinating is how witnessing others push their limits can inspire us to do the same. Maybe it's seeing a friend complete their first triathlon or watching a family member set a new personal best—these moments create a ripple effect. When we surround ourselves with those who embrace challenges, it becomes contagious. Sport is one of the few things in life where personal growth and community success go hand in hand. Encouragement from a training partner, a coach, or even a competitor can be the spark that fuels someone’s next big goal.
And honestly, if you’ve ever logged enough miles with someone, you’ll quickly realize that the script for a blockbuster comedy movie could 100% be written between two runners swapping their most intimate, wildly inappropriate, yet side-splitting home-life stories. It’s proof that running isn’t just about training—it’s a social connector, a space where friendships deepen, unfiltered conversations flow, and somehow, the miles fly by faster. If Judd Apatow ever needs material for a prequel to *This Is 40*, we’ve got enough long-run dialogue to keep audiences laughing (and maybe a little concerned).
But that’s exactly why these moments are so valuable. Training isn’t just about building fitness; it’s about having those unfiltered, real conversations, where friendships deepen, ideas flow, and suddenly, life feels a little lighter. It’s why we keep coming back.
From Rivalry to Lifelong Passion
Our journey to sport started the way most sibling rivalries do—with one of us setting the bar obnoxiously high while the other had no choice but to chase it. Hannah was the first to lace up and hit the track, and naturally, she had to go and be exceptional at it. She set records early, but beyond that, she sparked something bigger—she made running a part of our family’s identity. Well, at least for her and me. Meanwhile, the rest of our family remains baffled by our enthusiasm for voluntary suffering.
It’s amusing how, despite Hannah and me practically turning our lifestyle into a full-fledged fitness commercial, the rest of our family hasn’t quite caught the endurance bug. But hey, we all have our own paths to wellness, and who knows—maybe one day they’ll surprise us by signing up for a 5K out of nowhere. Most people understand the physical benefits, but the mental benefits? Those are the real game-changer. And let’s be real, it’s a lot easier to put up with life’s nonsense when you’ve spent the morning sweating it out on the trails.
Looking Ahead: A New Focus
So here I am, a year later, still chasing that competitive itch—except I didn't learn my lesson in 2023. I took another stab at a late-season Half Ironman in Florida, and, well, let’s just say it also didn’t go to plan. But despite the setbacks, each experience taught me something valuable. I’ve learned where my limits lie, but more importantly, I’ve gained a better understanding of where I truly fit in the endurance world. I’ve checked off major personal goals, but now, my focus is shifting toward developing others in sport and expanding *Working Endurance*—not just as an apparel brand, but as a way to connect and support fellow endurance athletes in their own journeys.
While it brings me absolute joy guiding athletes to the highest level—coaching national champions, developing athletes to pursue triathlon as a pro, and even having my first athlete transition to a high-performance pathway with USA Triathlon—I’m writing this to ignite the fire in others. This passion for elevating athletes has also fueled my vision for *Working Endurance*, an apparel brand designed to empower endurance athletes. Through coaching and high-quality gear, I want to create a community that supports athletes in every aspect of their journey, making sport not just a pursuit, but a lifestyle.
So, What’s Next?
After reflecting on all of this—the rediscovery of that old article, the constant pull of sport, and the realization that we all need goals to keep us moving forward—it seems only fitting that my sister is now toying with the idea of structured training again. And if she’s getting back into it, we might as well do it right. Twins, after all, are meant to run together. Wombmates, if you will. And while our competitive days may have taken different turns, the beauty of endurance sports is that they always bring people back together—whether it’s on race day, during training sessions, or simply sharing stories of past glory.
Hannah, if you’re reading this, you know what needs to happen. The only question is, which marathon should we race?