This past weekend approximately 59,226 people finished the NYC marathon, making it the largest marathon ever recorded.

Inspiring runners from nearly 150 countries traversed the five boroughs and crossed the iconic finish in Central Park.

Some running as advocates in support of charities for health and well-being such as AIDS, cancer research and more.
Some using wheels instead of feet with their hearts carrying them farther than their bodies ever could.

→ This is not just a spectator sport.
→ It is the most inclusive and accessible sporting event that connects people from all walks of life based on shared interest and lifestyle goals.

As onlookers, we see a thickened crowd of runners that disperses into smaller chunks.
As it gets smaller and smaller, we see the true meaning of never giving up…

When fatigue or pain sets in, and the intensity takes over, some begin to slow or stop completely, grasping their head in between their palms succumbing to failure…

And then, something truly remarkable happens —
Others stop, pull them up and continue side by side.

You see, the strongest keep pushing, and pulling others along in their wake.
They carry the rhythm forward.

In that unique moment, the race shifts from an individual to a collective pursuit.

It becomes about humanity in motion.
Less about competition and more a testament to endurance shared.

Careers, relationships, health, leadership and the quiet moments of self-belief that keep us moving forward.

That person that shows up everyday even on days they don’t feel like?
That’s an entirely different breed of person.
Maybe they run, or play tennis, dance, practice jiu jitsu or something else?
The point is, they keep learning, failing and moving.

Nobody is witness to this background noise.
And nobody gives them a medal for that either.

The finish line for them is an everyday moving goal post.
As they become better, stronger and wiser, it moves inches further away.
The chase is never finished because striving for “the best” morphs into something new along the way.

The same focus that keeps a fitness aficionado steady through exhaustion translates into…
→ Patience to build a career or business
→ Commitment to nurture relationships
→ Consistency to maintain health
→ Integrity to lead with purpose

To a select few of these highly motivated, disciplined, grounded and empowered individuals, there is no vacation from their lifestyle.

But often, as designers of our realities, spaces, products and services (no matter what profession you’re in) , we forget the needs of our customers and instead produce mediocre programs that fit the majority instead of focusing on a very specific subset….

The Niche Consumer.

Years prior to Covid, I had already designed and delivered several niche health, fitness and business-inspired retreats around the world and proposed elevated offerings to my consulting clients, from program reformations to an entirely new service delivery.

Most providers fear the idea of quality vs quantity. Their equation of quantity being more and quality being less is a huge red flag. The truth is: seekers of quality will always expect more and pay a premium.

But for most fitness buffs whose health is woven through them, fitness is a daily ritual. We catch glimpses of these individuals during our travels, meetings, and such. They’re the ones running laps around hotels that lack on-site workout equipment and the experience that lifts them. They find a way to make it happen, either way.

But really what they’re seeking is belonging and connection of their own.
Spaces dedicated to their needs and interests.
An acknowledgment of existence and acceptance as they are.
A place where individual and collective pursuits collide.

From specialized gyms and health programs, to longevity centers in exotic destinations, the healthcare industry is moving quickly and blending with fitness, travel and more.

Ask yourself:
- What special interest groups or activities am I part of?
- What health related challenges would I like to solve?

- And, why aren’t we building more spaces to serve unique customer groups?


(Read The State of Longevity, Health & Fitness from The Five-Course Tasting 👇 )

Some resorts like The BodyHoliday in St Lucia are exploring the idea of fitness, wellness and health together. In fact, they’re taking it a step further and merging it with not only a fitness expert, but an olympic medalist to prepare your body and mind for the festive time of year when, typically, indulgence is on everyone’s mind.

What It Includes:
⚫ Weekly classes hosted by Donna Fraser, a 4x Olympian and former 400m sprinter
⚫ Weekly champions dinner
⚫ Weekly group excursions hosted by Donna Fraser
⚫ Weekly meditation, goal setting, breathwork
⚫ Beauty & wellness experiences preparing for the festive season ahead

This is what happens when you stop choosing between worlds 😋