It’s a Saturday morning, the kind that lingers with tradition—a family ritual that has defined our weekends. The parkrun. The camaraderie, the fresh air, the rhythm of feet against the earth—it’s become part of who we are. But three Saturday ago, something happened that left me both humbled and inspired. It wasn’t just about the run/walk or the points for my Vitality goal. It was about a man, his journey, and the excuses we tell ourselves. Let me take you back to that moment.
The Man with the Numbers on His Back
The parkrun was unfolding as it always does. A steady pace, a smile exchanged with familiar faces, and the sound of determination all around me. And then, out of nowhere, a mature gentleman passed by—effortlessly, as though he was gliding through decades of discipline. What caught my eye was the T-shirt he wore. Boldly printed on the back was the number 300. Curiosity and admiration got the better of me, so I congratulated him. “Impressive!” I said, with sincerity, assuming it marked some sort of milestone. Little did I know, I was about to be schooled in what it means to truly commit to a goal. He turned to me, a warm smile on his face, and kept on with the brisk pace. Then his daughter turned towards me and casually mentioned that he was just three weeks away from earning his 400-streak Vitality T-shirt. Four hundred weeks of consistent effort. Four hundred weeks of showing up, no matter the weather, no matter the obstacles. Let that sink in: almost eight years of unbroken commitment. We made a deal right there—when the day came for him to collect his 400-shirt, Monique and I would join him. What a moment that would be. But for now, we had questions. Over coffee, we learned that his name was Bruce, and his story was nothing short of extraordinary.
Bruce’s Journey: From Decision to Discipline
Bruce’s journey began long before Vitality even existed. It was back in 1982 when he made a conscious decision to lead a healthier lifestyle. He wasn’t chasing medals or T-shirts back then; he was chasing something far more valuable—his health and vitality. Fast forward to today, and Bruce is a man already into his seventies. He’s run the Comrades Marathon 17 times, earning 12 medals. But what struck me most wasn’t the numbers or the accolades. It was his mindset. As he sipped his coffee, he explained something profound: “If your mind isn’t in line with your body, it becomes difficult.” Those simple words hit me like a thunderbolt. How often do we let our minds sabotage us before we even begin? How often do we let excuses outweigh action? For Bruce, it was never about perfection. It was about persistence. He didn’t just change his life; he inspired his entire family to join him, proving that the ripple effect of one decision can transform many lives.
Excuses vs. Inspiration
Now, here’s the truth that stings: I’ve heard countless people complain that Vitality goals are “unrealistic.” I’ve even caught myself muttering the same excuse on days when I couldn’t be bothered to lace up my shoes or hit the gym. But then I think of Bruce—a man in his seventies, who’s been running longer than some of us been alive. A man who could have retired into comfort and excuses but chose discipline and action instead. The reality is, the goals are only as unrealistic as the limits we place on ourselves. Yes, life gets busy. Yes, there are days when the rain pours, when the body aches, when the mind whispers, “Not today.” But then there’s Bruce, running past us all, reminding us that excuses are the enemy of progress.
Lessons from the T-Shirt
What struck us even more was Bruce’s humility. For him, the T-shirt wasn’t about showing off. It was a symbol of consistency, of showing up week after week, year after year, rain or shine. And while I often find myself justifying why I didn’t meet my weekly target, here’s a man who has redefined what it means to commit. I thought about the rain we’ve had since the 21st of December. How many of us used it as an excuse to stay indoors, to skip a workout, to put off our goals? And yet, Bruce shows up. He doesn’t let the weather, his age, or any other factor dictate his discipline. He’s proof that excuses are just stories we tell ourselves to feel better about not trying.
As I sat there, I glanced over at Monique and smiled. She was glowing with pride, here today to collect her own milestone T-shirt—her number 100. I must admit, she looked absolutely fantastic, which only reinforced my constant nickname for her: my very own Japanese racing snake. Moments like these reminded me that consistency doesn’t just transform your fitness; it transforms the way you see yourself—and how others see you too.
What’s Your Excuse?
Meeting Bruce was a wake-up call. It reminded me that motivation isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you create. Sure, we can tell ourselves that Vitality targets are too hard. We can complain about the rain, the time, the lack of energy. Or we can lace up our shoes, step out the door, and commit to the process. So, the next time you find yourself making excuses, remember Bruce. Remember the man who’s run the Comrades 19 times. Remember the man who’s about to earn his 400-streak T-shirt. And remember that the only thing standing between you and your goals is the story you tell yourself.
A Challenge to You
Let’s stop making excuses. Let’s start showing up—for ourselves, for our families, for the future we want to create. Maybe it’s not about chasing T-shirts or streaks. Maybe it’s about proving to yourself that you can do hard things. As for us, we were privilege to be there on the day Bruce collects his 400 T-shirt. And we’ll be running/walking alongside him, not just for the points, but for the lesson he’s taught me: persistence beats excuses every time. What about you? What’s stopping you from reaching your next milestone? Because if Bruce can do it, so can we. Let’s make no more excuses—only progress.