Justin Levine's Blog

Marathon 2 Recap: Finding Strength in Every Step I like to write these recaps the morning after a marathon, when my body feels every mile and my thoughts are raw. The soreness and fatigue serve as powerful reminders of why I’m doing this:  to InspireKidz . Every mile, every climb, every moment of discomfort has a purpose—helping kids in our community overcome financial barriers and get active through sports. That deeper "why" is what keeps me going. Yesterday’s run was a gnarly one, starting at 7:05 a.m. on my doorstep in the dark. The plan was straightforward: run the Boise Greenbelt for a few miles, head downtown, and then tackle the foothills. After six miles in the dark, along the Boise River, I made my way into the quiet streets of downtown Boise. The sunrise greeting me was breathtaking, a reminder to pause and appreciate the moment. By mile 9, I entered Camel’s Back trails, my favorite meditative space. The plan was to cover 10-13 miles in the foothills before exiting...

3 Simple Nutrition Tips to Stay Healthy and Perform at Your Best In a world full of diet trends and extreme nutrition advice, it can be overwhelming to figure out what actually works. The truth? Nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few foundational principles, you can create a sustainable plan that supports your health, performance, and longevity.  Here are three practical tips to guide you: 1. Stick to Balance Balanced nutrition is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. While it’s tempting to follow the latest extreme diet trends, most of these aren’t realistic or sustainable for the majority of people. Instead, focus on a plan that includes: Protein: Supports muscle growth, repair, and overall strength. Healthy fats: Provide lasting energy and support brain and hormonal health. Carbohydrates: Fuel endurance, muscular performance, and cognitive function. Rather than cutting out entire food groups, aim to include a variety of nutrient-dense options on your plate. Balan...

Marathon 1 Recap: Starting the Journey Yesterday marked the first of my 25 marathons in 2025, and I couldn’t feel more motivated to see this journey through. Physically, I went into this run feeling strong and rested. However, the reality of running a marathon every other weekend for a year can feel daunting. My strategy to combat that? Focus on the present, one mile, one step, one breath at a time. It’s about patience and consistency, knowing that progress doesn’t happen overnight. Pre-Run: Getting up and going I like to get up early enough before the run to allow the body to progressively wake up and get the system going.  Coffee?  Definitely!  Sitting by the fire for a few minutes and sipping on some coffee calms my mind and spirit, all while allowing myself to wake up and mentally prepare for the long run ahead.  I also drank plenty of fluids leading up to the start of the run.  My breakfast: a simple PB and J sandwich with a banana.  This adds some ext...

THE JOURNEY BACK TO YOUR TRUE SELF Earlier in my life, I chased the version of success I thought I “should” be. I built a persona based on what I thought others expected, leaning into titles, achievements, and the image of someone who had it all together. But in the process, I became a stranger to myself and realized I didn’t have it all together. My identity wasn’t rooted in who I was at my core but in how I thought I should be seen.   It’s tempting to live for the approval of others. We pile on layers of labels, accomplishments, and ego to feel validated. But the farther we stray from our true selves, the more disconnected we become. I learned this the hard way, and returning back to my true identity has been a difficult road, still a work in progress. It meant peeling back the layers, letting go of expectations, and reconnecting with what truly matters to me.  True identity isn’t about what we achieve or the labels we wear—it’s about living in alignment with our values, sta...

I once got some advice from a good friend that stuck with me, "Justin, 90% of what we do as fathers will go unnoticed, but don’t let that frustrate you. Keep doing it all. It matters." I didn’t fully grasp the weight of those words, but now, I live by them.  Over the years, my goals have changed. It used to be about accolades, performance, or building a bigger business. I was always chasing the next milestone—whether it was running another marathon or getting another win in my professional life. But somewhere along the way, I realized none of that really mattered if I wasn’t truly present for my kids.   My focus now is simple: build a meaningful and positive relationship with each of my four kids. I don’t need to run faster, make more money, or achieve something that looks good on paper. My biggest success comes from being there for my kids, supporting them, guiding them, and teaching them. It sounds simple, but it’s the hardest and most important job I’ve ever taken on. ...

Endurance athletes dedicate immense time and effort to training, pushing their bodies to new limits and pursing audacious goals. However, one aspect often overlooked in that pursuit of athletic performance is recovery. Recovery goes beyond mere rest; it is a critical component that not only restores the body but also enhances performance and reduces the risk of injuries.  Recovery is the process by which the body repairs and adapts following intense physical activity. While exercise creates stress on muscles, joints, and the cardiovascular system, proper recovery allows the body to rebuild, grow stronger, and prepare for future challenges. For endurance athletes like runners and triathletes, who frequently subject their bodies to prolonged and high-intensity training sessions, recovery becomes even more vital. Neglecting recovery can lead to overtraining, burnout, and an increased susceptibility to injuries. Why you should focus on recovery? Muscle Repair and Growth : Intense endur...