Unleash Your Inner Wolf

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 I'm just an ordinary guy over 50 who is committed to living a healthier, more mindful, and more purposeful life. Today, I'm in better shape than I was in my 30s—and honestly, probably better than I was in my 20s. That didn't happen by accident. It happened because I made a decision to change my life.

For more than 30 years, I dedicated my career to serving others as a firefighter, paramedic, EMS educator, and volunteer. I eventually served as a Deputy Fire Chief before transitioning to teaching the next generation of EMTs and paramedics. Looking back, I now recognize the physical, mental, and emotional toll that a career in emergency services can take. Like many first responders, I spent years taking care of everyone else while neglecting my own health.

My journey wasn't easy. I was born with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a hereditary neurological condition that affects the muscles in my arms and legs. As a child, I was often told to avoid strenuous activity because it might make my condition worse. Later, as a teenager, I was diagnosed with scoliosis and spent a year wearing a back brace. Because of those experiences, I never considered myself athletic. I didn't play sports, I didn't run, and I often used my diagnoses as reasons not to push myself.

As I got older, I gained weight, reaching nearly 200 pounds at just 5'7". I developed severe acid reflux that caused chest pain and constant discomfort. In 2010, after undergoing an endoscopy and several medical tests, my doctor told me they had taken a biopsy because they were concerned I might have cancer.

Thankfully, I didn't.

But that appointment changed my life.

My doctor looked me in the eye and told me something I desperately needed to hear. He didn't sugarcoat it. He said, "You're not overweight—you are fat. If you don't make changes now, you're setting yourself up for much bigger health problems."

Those words were difficult to hear, but they became the turning point in my life. Instead of making excuses, I made a commitment.

I started by simply walking on an old treadmill in my basement. One mile became two. Two became five. I spent so much time on that worn-out treadmill that I earned the nickname "Dreadmill Phil."

As my confidence grew, so did my goals. I completed Relay for Life events, charity walks, 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, and eventually a full marathon. Along the way, I completed 19 half marathons, proving something to myself that I had never believed possible.

More importantly, I learned that true transformation isn't about medals or finish lines.

It's about becoming the person you were capable of being all along.

One of the biggest lessons I learned is that I approached health in the wrong order. I focused on exercise first, then nutrition, and ignored my mental well-being. Today, I believe lasting change begins with the mind. Mindfulness creates awareness. Awareness improves choices. Better choices lead to better nutrition, better movement, and ultimately, a healthier life.

That's the philosophy behind Aware Wolf Life.

Why "Aware Wolf"?

I've always loved wolves and often encouraged others to "Be the Wolf." The name is also a play on words—Aware Wolf instead of Werewolf—because awareness and mindfulness are at the heart of everything I teach. I chose the word Life because wellness isn't about a diet or a workout program. It's about creating a better life through intentional daily choices.

Today, I am a certified paramedic, hold a Bachelor's Degree in Fire Science from Anna Maria College, maintain multiple EMS instructor credentials, and am a certified personal trainer and health coach.

After spending decades helping people during some of the worst moments of their lives, my purpose has evolved. I no longer want to simply help people survive illness—I want to help them build healthier, stronger, and more meaningful lives before illness ever has the chance to take hold.

My hope is that my story reminds you that it's never too late to change. Whether you're taking your first walk around the block or training for your first race, your journey is your own. Progress doesn't require perfection—it only requires a willingness to begin.

Be DETERMINED.
Stay MOTIVATED.
Remain PASSIONATE.
BE THE WOLF!

Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about me. I hope to have the opportunity to walk alongside you on your own journey toward better health, greater resilience, and a more fulfilling life.