I had the idea for Dadthletics years before I became a dad.
But I never pursued it.
Not because I didn't believe in it, but because there was something I hadn't experienced yet.
Fatherhood.
You know that saying, IYKYK (if you know, you know)?
Well, I didn't know yet.
I could've talked about fitness, training, and what I thought dads needed to stay in shape. But I wanted to actually live it first. To understand what it feels like to balance fatherhood, family, sleep, work, and trying to take care of yourself.
Now that I have a son, I'm starting to understand.
And it's been humbling.
Before becoming a dad, I was an athlete. Training was a big part of my identity. I understood how to push myself, build strength, and stay physically capable.
But even before my son arrived, I noticed parts of that athleticism slowly slipping away.
And once he was born, those changes became even more noticeable.
Less sleep. Less recovery. A stiffer body. A sore neck from feeding him, holding him, and constantly looking down at this little human who has completely changed my world.
Things I once took for granted now require more intention.
And the biggest lesson so far?
I can't train like the athlete I used to be while ignoring the demands of being the dad I am today.
Right now, my priorities look a little different.
Mobility comes first. My body needs to move and feel good before anything else.
Isometrics come second. Simple, controlled movements that help me rebuild stability and strength without exhausting myself.
Cardio is third. More walking, treadmill sessions, and cycling. Not necessarily to chase performance, but to keep my heart, lungs, and overall well-being in a good place.
And strength training?
That's fourth.
Not because it isn't important, but because I've learned that lifting on very little sleep can sometimes leave me feeling worse rather than better.
I still do basic bodyweight exercises and some light kettlebell work. But for now, I'm okay with losing a little muscle if it means I can recover better, have more energy, and actually show up for my family.
Especially during these first six months when my son is growing, fussiness comes and goes, and consistent sleep feels like a luxury.
This season isn't about chasing personal records.
It's about rebuilding a foundation.
And that's really why I started Dadthletics.
Not because I've figured out how to balance fatherhood and fitness.
Quite the opposite.
I'm figuring it out as I go.
I want to document what works, what doesn't, and what I'm learning along the way. Hopefully, it helps another dad who misses feeling athletic but doesn't know where to start.
I don't know exactly where Dadthletics will lead.
But I do know why I'm starting:
I want my son to grow up seeing a dad who takes care of himself. Not because he's obsessed with fitness, but because being healthy, capable, and present matters.
I want to be able to keep up with him. Play with him. Eventually train alongside him, if that's something he wants to do.
And hopefully show him that taking care of yourself is something worth making time for, even when life gets busy.
I may not be the athlete I once was.
And that's okay.
Right now, I'm learning how to become a different kind of athlete.
One who happens to be a dad.
That's Dadthletics.
And this is just the beginning.
Until the next one dads,
John Guevara