I started Wake Up out of my own desire to be more active, more productive throughout the day — but waking up at 5 AM every day was a challenge. I’ve always liked running, but once the distances became longer and longer, I needed more time in the day to reach my goals. 5 K turned into 10 K, then 21, a full marathon, and eventually my first ultra — 71 K.

Hydration, recovery, and energy became more important — not only for running but also for functioning at full capacity while traveling, to be there for my family, for the community and still be able to chase my goals.

Wake Up is not just a message to get people out of bed. It’s a call to snap out of the comfort zone and get things done — especially when you don’t feel like it. It’s a message to stand up, act, and make a difference — no excuses.

Being involved in sports taught me discipline. Running helped me push my limits even in my 40s and CrossFit gave me the chance to become stronger and realize that the only limits are the ones we set ourselves.

But it’s faith that gave all of this meaning. I’ve learned to cancel the noise, to stop worrying about opinions, and to run every decision through the filter of my faith in Jesus Christ.

That’s how I know I’m moving in the right direction. I don’t believe we were designed to face life alone — but to put our faith in Christ and dare to make a move. I used to work for a company that controlled my every move — until one day I realized I’d lost control of my own life. That was my Wake Up moment. Through sport, I found freedom, and that same freedom became the foundation for creating the Wake Up brands:

Wake Up Energy, Wake Up Ultra, and Wake Up NOW — all built to inspire others to rise, push, and believe they can do more.

What would I say to someone who’s struggling to “wake up”? I often hear people speak in excuses — as if excuses is a language of its own. The only way to break free is to do something. Just start. You may be able to fake words but actions are real.

That’s how I started running: one day I just put on my shoes and went for a run. I haven't stopped since. One day I wanted help staying fresh, focused, and energized — so I built Wake Up Energy. Then I wanted to share that feeling — so I created Wake Up Ultra, a challenge that pushes people to do “one more" and reach new limits. And finally, I started Wake Up NOW, a podcast that brings this attitude to the world.

Since I was a kid, I’ve always pushed limits. Back then it was jumping fences, climbing rooftops, racing downhill on my bike and breaking bones; today it’s life itself. The lesson never changed — the pain of regret of not doing something will always be greater than the pain of failing but knowing that you tried.

You don’t need more time. You just need to Wake Up.