Investing in More Than Retirement Accounts
This past Friday, I took a reprieve from my desk, my phone, and the constant buzz of responsibility to go run in one of my favorite parts of Virginia. I headed to Salem to revisit a trail that has some history for me. The Virginia Triple Crown.
The Triple Crown links three iconic peaks: Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs. Together, the full route runs about 35 miles with over 8,000 feet of climbing.
I first attempted it in 2024, right after turning 40. Earlier that month, I’d celebrated the milestone by running 40 miles southbound on the Appalachian Trail from Pennsylvania to Harpers Ferry. That run was magic. Everything clicked, the weather was perfect, including the rain, and I finished feeling strong. A few months later, I set my sights on the Triple Crown for my second big “turning 40” feat. My body had other plans. That day ended in my first DNF (Did Not Finish).
This time, I wasn’t chasing the whole loop, just two peaks and the sunrise view from McAfee Knob.
At least, that was the plan.
I started early, climbing toward McAfee Knob in the pre-dawn quiet. Just before the top, I met a gentleman and his dog, Speckles. He told me he hikes McAfee twice a week, rain or shine, sunrise or not. He retired earlier this year, and these hikes have become one of his favorite parts of this new chapter. When I asked how retirement was going, he said:
“It’s great. I have more time to be out in nature and stay active. But I have less money, so I’m adjusting to that part. Still, it’s worth it.”
We kept talking. He’s 63 and shared something he’s heard over and over: retire earlier if you can. His reasoning was simple; while people may be living longer, too many of those years are spent in poor health. The earlier you retire, the more time you have to enjoy the healthy years you do get.
It made me think of my own dad, who’s nervous about retirement. He’s worked hard his entire life. Long hours on oil pipelines and as a heavy machinery mechanic. It’s demanding work, but it’s kept him moving. He worries that slowing down will speed up his decline.
Working in the financial industry, I hear conversations like this often. We focus so much on building retirement accounts, but we forget another kind of investment: our health. If we don’t invest there too, all the money in the world won’t let us enjoy our later years to the fullest.
McAfee Knob, Sunrise in the clouds
The morning at McAfee Knob didn’t deliver the postcard sunrise I had in mind — the clouds rolled in, and we were standing in the mist. But it was still beautiful, still meaningful, and still a reminder of why I do what I do. I’m in my 40s, building strong bones, strong muscles, and strong mental acuity, not just to hit big running goals, but for longevity.
I had my daughter later in life, and I want to be here for her. For grandkids, maybe. For as many future adventures as I can pack in.
So here’s my question for you:
What investments are you making today? In your health, your habits, your mindset… so you can truly enjoy the years you’ve worked so hard for?
Because the climb is worth it, even when the view is hidden in the clouds.
