How Fitness Helped Me Process My Emotions as a Dad

Why did Jeremy start running? What began as a challenge inspired by David Goggins eventually became something much bigger. In this episode of Why I Started Running, Jeremy shares how running and fitness became tools for improving his mental health, processing emotions, and showing up as a better father, husband, and man. Our conversation explores the connection between physical fitness and emotional well-being, why so many men struggle to talk about what they're feeling, and how bottling up emotions can affect every area of life. Jeremy also discusses his "How Are You, Man?" series, where he encourages men to move beyond automatic responses and have more honest conversations about what's really going on beneath the surface. We also talk about fatherhood, breaking generational cycles, emotional intelligence, and the importance of teaching the next generation of boys that it's okay to feel, communicate, and work through difficult emotions in healthy ways. Whether you're a runner, someone working on your mental health, or simply trying to become a better version of yourself, this conversation offers practical perspective and a powerful reminder that growth often starts with being honest about where you are. In This Episode • Why Jeremy started running after years of avoiding it • The influence of David Goggins and embracing discomfort • How running helps process thoughts and emotions • The connection between fitness and mental health • Why many men struggle to communicate their feelings • The dangers of bottling up emotions • Breaking unhealthy cycles through fatherhood • Teaching emotional intelligence to children • The importance of asking, "How are you, man?" and meaning it • Building healthier ways to deal with life's challenges Connect With Jeremy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremygrap22 If this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who could benefit from hearing it. Sometimes the most important conversations are the ones we avoid having.