Episode 20 - Let's Fucking Go

OverviewViviana Morales Kolb is a 12-year Army veteran, mom of four boys, and self-described semi-professional manager of chaos who has made a second career out of dragging people back to life. This episode covers community, purpose, endurance challenges nobody asked for, range games, and the one question every veteran needs to answer — not who they used to be, but who they are now.About Viviana Morales KolbViviana Morales Kolb is an old crusty U.S. Army veteran, mom of four boys, community builder with a slightly unhinged relationship with endurance challenges, and believes that every person has value and a reason to keep showing up.After serving 12 years in the military, she found a new mission in helping veterans and others reconnect with purpose, community, and themselves. Through fitness, mentorship, and authentic conversations, she works to remind people that they are stronger than they realize and that their story is far from over.Known for her mix of grit, compassion, humor (her love language is making people laugh); Viviana has a passion for bringing people together and helping them see the value in their existence — especially during seasons when they may struggle to see it themselves. If you have a bad idea that involves miles, minimal sleep, or "just one more rep," she is probably signing up with you.As a semi-professional manager of chaos, who enjoys volunteering in her community, supporting fellow veterans, and raising energetic boys, she believes the greatest measure of success is the impact we have on others while we're still here. When she's not chasing endurance goals or organizing the next community fitness challenge, she's usually running on large doses of caffeine, embracing motherhood, answering approximately 47 questions from her children before 8 a.m., and doing her best to make the most of the time she's been given earthside while helping others do the same.Episode TakeawaysFind the community that speaks to you — there's a VSO, a run club, a range day, or a fly fishing crew for everyone. Find yours and stick to it.Start small and rev up slow — the veteran who's been on the couch for three months doesn't sign up for a marathon on day one. One walk around the block. That's it.Stop asking who you used to be — "I used to be a 14-minute two-miler" is not a plan. What are you now? What's going to make you proud now?Your story is not over — the best chapter doesn't have to be the one in uniformThe greatest measure of success is the impact you have on others while you're still hereTraining to say yes — Viv's whole approach to fitness is staying capable enough to say yes to the next stupid idea someone invites her toCommunity is the prescription — not a supplement, not a nice-to-have. The antidote to isolation is finding people who get it and showing up consistentlyRunning the Marine Corps Marathon with Stop Soldier Suicide — because keeping people alive is the mission that doesn't end at ETSEpisode LinksTeam RWB - teamrwb.org Wounded Warrior Project - woundedwarriorproject.org Marine Corps Marathon — marinemarathon.com Atomic Habits - jamesclear.com