Newsletter
Function Over Form
2/12/26
A buddy of mine, he's about 60, told me something a few weeks ago that stuck.
"You can't let the old man creep in."
He wasn't talking about gray hair or reading glasses. He was talking about the slow surrender. The way you stop doing things one at a time until you wake up and realize you've become someone who used to do stuff.
I think about that a lot during these February mornings.
The 90-Day Runway (Week 2)
Last week I introduced the concept: 90 days from now, the season starts for real. What you do between now and then determines how you show up for it.
This week I want to talk about how I train. Not because my approach is the only way. But because the philosophy behind it might be useful.
I don't train for aesthetics. I train for function.
Power to weight ratio. That's the metric that matters to me. If I can maintain my strength while carrying fewer pounds, everything gets easier. Paddling out. Hiking up. Riding longer. My joints thank me. My lungs thank me. The activities I love become more accessible, not less.
Here's something most people don't realize: muscle mass decline doesn't start at 50 or 60. It starts at 30. The erosion is slow, almost invisible, until one day you notice you can't do what you used to do. The only way to fight it is to build before you need it.
The Honest Part
I'll be straight with you. I'm not always motivated. Some mornings I'd rather stay in bed than get on the incline treadmill at 12% for 45 minutes. The voice in my head has a lot of good excuses.
But here's what I've learned: motivation follows action, not the other way around. You don't wait until you feel like it. You start, and somewhere around minute 15, you remember why you do this.
And yes, you'll probably end up looking better too. Not because you chased it. Because you're doing something hard that matters to you. That shows up in how you carry yourself.
Function creates form. Not the other way around.
Or share on our socials:
Did You Catch This?
Podcast Drop: We've got a podcast with Cindy Skalicky. Topics include communication, leadership, and building startups. We're so excited for you to hear their conversation!
Links Here:
Adventures on the site:
We're continuing to share the trip calendar for 2026…
The response has been great! People reaching out about Jackson Hole, Maui, Chicama, Costa Rica. Some of you are already making plans.
If you've been thinking about it but haven't reached out yet, now's the time. Some trips have limited spots. Some dates are still coming together. Hit the button below and let me know what you're interested in and we'll figure out if there's a fit.
Here's the list again:
- La Ventana: 2/8 to 2/16 ( and Wing Foil) 2/10 to 2/12 (Free Dive Class)
- Jackson Hole: dates TBD (Ski)
- Maui, Spring: dates TBD (Tow/Prone/Wing Foil and Pickleball)
- Gorge: dates TBD (Wing Foil, Mountain Bike, Golf)
- Chicama: Oct 2026 (Tow Foil)
- Costa Rica: dates TBD (Tow Foil)
- Maui: dates TBD
More details coming on which trips have open spots. But if you've been waiting for a sign to block your own calendar, this is it.
Shop HALF/LIFE
Shop the Half-Life store online and find the best equipment, accessories, hats, hoodies, tumblers… and much more!
You can even book a lesson or guided session with Tim!
What's Happening on the Channels
HALF / LIFE on YouTube:
In this video, get a chance to have a closer look at the newest Armstrong Foils Travel Bag! We'll talk about its cover design details, build quality, materials, compartments, padding, storage capacity, fit for foil components, and how it performs for frequent travelers and water sports enthusiasts.
Perfect for riders into foil surfing, wing foiling, kite foiling, and hydrofoiling who want reliable gear protection.
Whether you're upgrading your foil gear setup or searching for the best foil travel bag, this hands-on review gives you a practical look before you buy.
HALF / LIFE on Instagram
Follow @halflifet.5 to stay in the loop.
Tag us in your next session and we'll repost the stoke.
Closing It Out
The old man is always creeping. The question is whether you're going to let him in.
Seventy-Eight days left on the runway. Keep building.
See you next Thursday.
All the best,
-Tim
HALF / LIFE
A buddy of mine, he's about 60, told me something a few weeks ago that stuck.
"You can't let the old man creep in."
He wasn't talking about gray hair or reading glasses. He was talking about the slow surrender. The way you stop doing things one at a time until you wake up and realize you've become someone who used to do stuff.
I think about that a lot during these February mornings.
The 90-Day Runway (Week 2)
Last week I introduced the concept: 90 days from now, the season starts for real. What you do between now and then determines how you show up for it.
This week I want to talk about how I train. Not because my approach is the only way. But because the philosophy behind it might be useful.
I don't train for aesthetics. I train for function.
Power to weight ratio. That's the metric that matters to me. If I can maintain my strength while carrying fewer pounds, everything gets easier. Paddling out. Hiking up. Riding longer. My joints thank me. My lungs thank me. The activities I love become more accessible, not less.
Here's something most people don't realize: muscle mass decline doesn't start at 50 or 60. It starts at 30. The erosion is slow, almost invisible, until one day you notice you can't do what you used to do. The only way to fight it is to build before you need it.
The Honest Part
I'll be straight with you. I'm not always motivated. Some mornings I'd rather stay in bed than get on the incline treadmill at 12% for 45 minutes. The voice in my head has a lot of good excuses.
But here's what I've learned: motivation follows action, not the other way around. You don't wait until you feel like it. You start, and somewhere around minute 15, you remember why you do this.
And yes, you'll probably end up looking better too. Not because you chased it. Because you're doing something hard that matters to you. That shows up in how you carry yourself.
Function creates form. Not the other way around.
Or share on our socials:
Did You Catch This?
Podcast Drop: We've got a podcast with Cindy Skalicky. Topics include communication, leadership, and building startups. We're so excited for you to hear their conversation!
Links Here:
Adventures on the site:
We're continuing to share the trip calendar for 2026…
The response has been great! People reaching out about Jackson Hole, Maui, Chicama, Costa Rica. Some of you are already making plans.
If you've been thinking about it but haven't reached out yet, now's the time. Some trips have limited spots. Some dates are still coming together. Hit the button below and let me know what you're interested in and we'll figure out if there's a fit.
Here's the list again:
- La Ventana: 2/8 to 2/16 ( and Wing Foil) 2/10 to 2/12 (Free Dive Class)
- Jackson Hole: dates TBD (Ski)
- Maui, Spring: dates TBD (Tow/Prone/Wing Foil and Pickleball)
- Gorge: dates TBD (Wing Foil, Mountain Bike, Golf)
- Chicama: Oct 2026 (Tow Foil)
- Costa Rica: dates TBD (Tow Foil)
- Maui: dates TBD
More details coming on which trips have open spots. But if you've been waiting for a sign to block your own calendar, this is it.
Shop HALF/LIFE
Shop the Half-Life store online and find the best equipment, accessories, hats, hoodies, tumblers… and much more!
You can even book a lesson or guided session with Tim!
What's Happening on the Channels
HALF / LIFE on YouTube:
In this video, get a chance to have a closer look at the newest Armstrong Foils Travel Bag! We'll talk about its cover design details, build quality, materials, compartments, padding, storage capacity, fit for foil components, and how it performs for frequent travelers and water sports enthusiasts.
Perfect for riders into foil surfing, wing foiling, kite foiling, and hydrofoiling who want reliable gear protection.
Whether you're upgrading your foil gear setup or searching for the best foil travel bag, this hands-on review gives you a practical look before you buy.
HALF / LIFE on Instagram
Follow @halflifet.5 to stay in the loop.
Tag us in your next session and we'll repost the stoke.
Closing It Out
The old man is always creeping. The question is whether you're going to let him in.
Seventy-Eight days left on the runway. Keep building.
See you next Thursday.
All the best,
-Tim
HALF / LIFE
