Embracing the Misogi: How One Dad Pushes Past His Limits ft Chris Plentus

Introduction

Welcome to the Misogi Mission—a journey dedicated to helping dads reclaim their drive through epic challenges. In our inaugural podcast episode, I sat down with Chris Plentus, a gym owner, husband, and father of two who’s taken on multiple misogis. From his first marathon to a 50-mile ultra, Chris shares how these challenges have reshaped his mindset, improved his family life, and propelled him to keep pushing his limits.

Discovering the Misogi Concept

Chris first heard the term “misogi” about five or six years ago, but he’d already been naturally seeking big physical and mental challenges. Once he understood that a misogi is essentially a test so daunting it forces you to grow, he made it a yearly tradition. Every challenge—whether a marathon, ultramarathon, or 24-hour team row—has become his “gut check” to see what he’s truly capable of.

“I don’t foresee myself not doing them,” says Chris. “It’s a way to check myself physically and mentally.”

From “Never Again” to 50 Miles

Chris’s first big challenge—before he even knew the term “misogi”—was running a marathon with his wife. Up to that point, he’d never run farther than a half marathon. The last few miles were torture; Chris vividly recalls cramps, pain, and that classic post-race vow: “I’m never running this far again!”

Fast-forward several years, and Chris found himself training for a 50-mile ultramarathon. What changed? Hearing stories from others who’d tackled extreme distances, he realized these feats weren’t out of reach—if he was willing to train, learn, and push through mental barriers. With structured coaching, he built a gradual plan: a 25K trail race, then a 50K, and finally the 50-miler. By reframing what he believed was possible, Chris learned that once you cross a finish line you once thought was insurmountable, the next challenge seems far more doable.

Balancing Fatherhood, Fitness, and Business

Like many dads, Chris juggles multiple priorities—running two gyms in Southeast Pennsylvania while raising a five-year-old and a nine-year-old. He admits that planning and communication are key. He schedules workouts during the day when possible and coordinates with his wife for longer training runs. Though owning a gym does grant some flexibility, Chris emphasizes that it still takes deliberate effort to avoid burnout and remain fully present for his family.

“One of the most rewarding parts is having my kids see me struggle, train, and finally cross a finish line. They learn that challenging yourself is normal—it’s how you grow.”

The Power of Incremental Goals

When tackling tough challenges, Chris likes to focus on smaller milestones. If he’s on a trail run, he sets his sights on a nearby tree, reaches it, and then picks another target. This simple approach keeps him motivated mile by mile, rather than getting overwhelmed by the total distance.

He also learned the importance of pacing and nutrition—lessons that often surprise new endurance athletes. There’s a science to fueling your body, and Chris discovered that sticking to heart-rate-based training, eating properly, and respecting rest days all contribute to a more successful (and less painful) misogi.

Lessons Learned

• Preparation is Everything: Having a coach to prescribe zone-based training kept Chris from overdoing it and helped him recover faster.
• Mindset Matters: Breaking challenges into smaller pieces—“just get to the next tree”—is crucial for overcoming moments of doubt.
• Your Family Learns from You: By sharing these experiences with his children, Chris teaches them that overcoming adversity is normal, achievable, and deeply rewarding.
• Push the Envelope: Every misogi forces you outside your comfort zone. Once you see what’s possible, the next goal becomes less intimidating.

Advice for Dads on the Fence

If the idea of a marathon (or any epic challenge) feels intimidating, Chris has one main suggestion: sign up anyway. Facing a challenge that scares you is exactly the point; it’s where growth happens. Training for a misogi sets off a chain reaction of positive habits—better sleep, consistent workouts, structured nutrition—that permeates every area of life.

“Even if you fail to finish, you’ve still gained the benefit of all that preparation. It’s a win either way.”

Final Thoughts

For Chris, misogi challenges are more than physical feats; they’re catalysts for self-discovery, discipline, and a deeper connection with family. By pushing himself to the brink once a year, he’s continually redefining what’s possible—both in his own life and for those around him.

Ready to plan your own misogi? Embrace the fear, map out your training, and commit. Whether you finish handily or hobble across the finish line, you’ll emerge stronger, more resilient, and more present for the people who matter most. As Chris puts it, “There’s no downside—just do it.”

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories, tips on training, and real-world insights on how to overcome mediocrity and reclaim your drive. This is the Misogi Mission—because every dad deserves the chance to do epic things.

To watch the podcast on Youtube, click here

https://youtu.be/ct3HTkVYGz0

Ready to break free from the daily grind and do something epic? Download my free eBook, From Stuck to Savage: The Dad’s Guide to Epic Challenges, and discover a simple, powerful roadmap to reignite your drive, conquer bold goals, and lead your family by example.

Grab it here: https://www.misogimission.com/ebook