My Epic Journey Across Canada

I’ve driven to all three oceans surrounding my home country of Canada—including the Arctic Ocean. Each mile taught me lessons that I now apply to my health and fitness journey. Here are the top five insights I gained from the adventure of a lifetime.

Hell Is Part of Heaven

There I was, riding my dream motorcycle on a dream trip with my dad. I expected to feel nothing but excitement and joy—and I did. But I also felt bone-chilling cold, endured relentless mosquito bites, experienced moments of frustration, and even fear.

What I learned is that heaven isn’t the absence of discomfort—it’s the commitment to something you value deeply. Just like my fitness journey, the reward isn’t in avoiding hardship but in putting my heart and soul into something that truly matters.

Nothing Beats a Good Night’s Sleep

Each day, we rode for 10 to 12 hours, navigating unpredictable weather and rugged terrain. Riding a motorcycle demands full focus because even a brief lapse in attention could be catastrophic.

After those long days, sleep was non-negotiable. I crashed (pun intended) into my hammock and had some of the best sleep of my life. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to maintain the pace.

Now, in my career, I work long hours in business and sales. Proper sleep is still essential—not only for my work but also for sustaining my fitness routine. Without it, my performance suffers on all fronts.

Plan for Things Not Going to Plan

We spent two years meticulously planning this trip—prepping, training, and reviewing every detail. And still, things went wrong:

• A hip injury
• A chain flying off on the highway
• A blown fork seal
• Fully booked campsites
• Three motorcycle drops (all mine, by the way)
• Charging bison, a close call with a wild dog, flooded roads, and even a river crossing in a fishing boat
• Riding through a forest fire, a snowstorm, torrential rain, and a road that claimed two lives the same day we drove it

The lesson? Perfection is a myth. I now plan for things not going perfectly. This mindset shift eliminates disappointment and keeps me moving forward in my fitness journey—no excuses.

The Journey Is Better Shared

Every day, I felt grateful to have my dad by my side. Together, we celebrated the victories, like walking into each ocean in our biker boots. We also leaned on each other during the tough moments.

In fitness—and in life—having someone to share the journey with makes all the difference. I’ve seen it firsthand: clients who have a support system consistently outperform those who go it alone.

The Challenge Makes the Destination Sweeter

Nothing worth having comes easy. Just like my motorcycle trip, I work hard on my nutrition, exercise, and recovery. And when I look in the mirror, I’m proud of what I see because I’ve earned it.

That’s the feeling I want for everyone who reads this. Embrace the challenge, knowing that it will make the destination that much sweeter.

Embrace the Bumps

Whether it’s a cross-country adventure or a personal fitness journey, the road won’t always be smooth. But it’s those challenges that shape us, push us, and ultimately lead us to our best selves.

Join Josh in your journey to health and wellness with his courses on Sales Gravy University.