GreatLIFE Community,
PATH! There’s something about this time of year.
The mornings get warmer.
The sun rises a little earlier each day.
And for me, it means getting back out on the trails.
I’ve never considered myself a “runner,” but over the last 10 years, I’ve grown to love it—especially being outside. There’s something different about running in nature. It slows you down while pushing you forward at the same time.
I’ll admit—I’m a bit of a fair-weather runner. So when spring hits, one of the things I look forward to most is that first early morning trail run.
A couple of weeks ago, I had my first one of the year.
I like to start before sunrise and finish just as the sun is coming up. But early in the season, that creates a challenge—you can’t always see the path clearly. The ground is uneven. The trail isn’t worn in yet. You’re relying on limited light, trying to find your way.
That morning, I remember looking up at the hill in front of me, struggling to see a clear path. Using only the moonlight, my eyes adjusted just enough to pick a general direction—and I went.
Loop after loop, I began to recognize where I had been. The path slowly became clearer. The sun started to rise. What once felt uncertain began to feel familiar.
And by the end of the run, I couldn’t help but think… this is a lot like life.
So often, we find ourselves on a routine path—moving from point A to point B, back and forth, comfortable in what we know. But then something changes. And suddenly, we’re at the bottom of a hill, looking up, trying to figure out which way to go.
We don’t always have full clarity.
We don’t always have perfect footing.
And sometimes, it feels a little scary.
But that’s also where the beauty is.
That morning started with uncertainty—unsure footing, unknown obstacles, things I couldn’t see. But with each step, the light grew. The path became clearer. And eventually, I could see not just where I was going, but the beauty all around me.
Here are a few lessons that stuck with me from that run:
1. Know your “why.”
It would be easier to take the most defined, well-worn path. But that’s not why I trail run. I do it to be outside, to challenge myself, to gain elevation. The easier path doesn’t always lead to the outcome you’re pursuing.
2. Choose your path intentionally.
Before you start climbing, take a step back and assess the hill. Have a direction. Because once you’re in the middle of it, it’s easy to drift off course if you’re not intentional with each step.
3. The most challenging paths are often the most rewarding.
Let’s be honest—hills aren’t fun. But what is fun is reaching the top. Finishing something hard. Standing there as the sun rises, knowing you did something that challenged you before most people even started their day.
There’s just something special about that.
As we head into the spring and summer months, my encouragement is this:
Don’t be afraid of the hill.
Don’t wait for perfect clarity.
Take the step.
The path will become clearer as you go.
GreatLIFE UPDATE:
- Recovery Lounge — Now Open at the Performance Center
Our new Recovery Lounge is officially open. Designed to support performance, restoration, and overall well-being, this space is built to help you feel and perform your best. Make sure to check it out during your next visit. - Move Better with Kinotek Technology
Now available at the Performance Center and Avera Fitness, Kinotek provides a 3D movement analysis to help you better understand how your body moves. Whether you’re looking to improve performance, reduce pain, or take your golf game to the next level, this is a great place to start. - Course & Facility Improvements
From new cart fleets and course enhancements to continued upgrades across our fitness locations, we’re committed to investing in your experience. We’re excited for you to see and feel the difference this season. - Member Benefits — More Value Added
We continue to expand our Member Benefits program with local and regional partners. If you have a business you’d love to see included, let us know—we’re always looking for ways to add more value to your membership.
- Avera Race for the Cure — May 9th
We’re proud to once again be part of the Avera Race for the Cure. If you don’t already have a team, we’d love to have you join the GreatLIFE team as we support an incredible cause together. - May Moves Month
All month long, we’re encouraging our members and team to stay active, build momentum, and prioritize movement. Whether it’s in the gym, on the course, or outside on the trails—let’s make May a month of movement. - Continuing to Impact Our Communities
Through programs like PLAYEverything and GreatLIFE Cares, along with local events and partnerships, we’re committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve.
- Leadership Development
One of the things we’re most proud of at GreatLIFE is seeing our team members grow and step into new leadership roles. Please join us in congratulating the following individuals on their recent promotions:
· Josh Knoll – General Manager, Woodlake Athletic Club
· Derrick Kruetzfeldt – General Manager, Harrisburg Fitness Center
· Abby Burnette – Assistant General Manager, Woodlake Athletic Club
· Rony Ramirez – Facility Lead, Willow Run Fitness Center
· Cody Sebring – Superintendent, Worthington Golf Course
· Adam Knigge – Assistant Golf Professional, Bakker Crossing Golf Course
· Bryce Frank – Assistant Golf Professional, Rocky Run Golf Course
· Matt Drake – Director of Player Development, Willow Run Golf Course Golf Academy
· Gage Watson– Assistant Golf Professional, Willow Run Golf Course
· Mariah Little– Assistant Manager, The Willows Restaurant
We’re excited to see the impact each of these leaders will have in their new roles and grateful for the way they continue to grow within GreatLIFE!
BOOK CLUB:
This month’s book was written by Sahil Bloom entitled The 5 Types of Wealth. Bloom challenges the traditional definition of success. Instead of focusing only on financial wealth, he outlines five types of wealth that contribute to a truly fulfilling life: Time, Social, Mental, Physical, and Financial. Here were some of the main things I took from reading the book.
Three Big Takeaways:
- Time is Your Most Valuable Asset
Wealth isn’t just about money—it’s about having control over your time. The goal isn’t to be busy; it’s to build a life where you can spend time on what matters most. - Invest in Relationships Early and Often
Social wealth—your relationships with family, friends, and community—has one of the greatest long-term impacts on happiness and fulfillment. These don’t happen by accident—they require intentional investment. - True Wealth is About Alignment, Not Accumulation
It’s easy to chase more—more money, more success, more recognition. But real wealth comes from aligning your daily actions with what you truly value across all areas of life.
NEXT MONTH’S BOOK:
Who Not How by Dan Sullivan
POSITIVE THOUGHT:
You don’t need to see the whole path to move forward.
Just take the next step….the light will meet you there!