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From the Founder | March 2026
From the Founder - Building The Garage Gym (& pursuing my 100%)
*This post was adapted from our monthly newsletter. If you want the complete version delivered to your inbox, along with other educational and inspiring content, subscribe here.*
I started this newsletter to document two journeys:
- the building of The Garage Gym as a business
- my personal journey pursuing 100%
We believe there's a 100% version of you inside of you, desperate to get out… so the goal of this newsletter is to document our journey towards 100% - and to encourage you to pursue yours.
BUILDING THE BRAND 001 - CATCHING YOU UP
We've been documenting the build of The Garage Gym on Instagram for a while now, but if you're new here, let's get you up to speed:
-In 2019, I moved home from Raleigh, NC and found The Garage Gym as a member.
-I fell in love with it immediately. Started training there 3 times a day.
-Then founder and owner, Sam, and I became friends and training partners.
-In late 2021, Sam approached me to partner with him on The Garage Gym. I sent him every dollar I had in my bank account, and became Co-Founder of The Garage Gym.
You can watch Episode 001 here.
THE GARAGE GYM - MARCH 2026 (we're posting this a month late on the blog!)
For the first edition I can't possibly expect to bring everyone up to speed fully… so let's pick it up from January 2026.
January and February we saw no dramatic surge of new members as most gyms do. Which is a great thing.
We don't run any New Years, Christmas, or promotions of any kind - because we want a facility that is clean and not crowded, always.
We're here to be a magnet for good people who want a high quality place to train surrounded by high quality people. So while we did welcome new members into The Garage Gym, all members should continue to expect a clean and not crowded facility to pursue the best version of themselves in.
February down in Little Silver we hosted our first ever Valentine's Day event. Flower bar, breakfast from Eat Clean Bro, and a ripper of a workout for all our friends.
A couple things to keep on your radar:
-Our annual MDW MURPH event will be held this May. A ripper of a morning including MURPH, ice pops, DJ, bouncy house for kids, and more.
-Little Silver Sauna and Plunge almost has permits in hand. Excited to bring this facility to life.
PURSUING MY 100% - BADWATER 135
Beyond The Garage Gym, fitness has been one of the most powerful catalysts in my life for living into the best version of myself. I've always sought out extreme challenges because on the other side of them is a version of you you can't yet recognize.
Right now, that challenge is Badwater 135.
Badwater 135 is widely referred to as the world's toughest foot race. It covers 135 miles non-stop from Badwater Basin in Death Valley. The lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level, to Whitney Portal at 8,360 feet elevation, crossing three mountain ranges in the process. It takes place in July, when temperatures in Death Valley can reach 130°F.
In addition to the difficulty of the race, it is incredibly difficult to get into.
You can't just sign up - 100 runners are selected from applicants across the globe.
If you’re curious about the rigorous application process - read here.
I've been pursuing this race for 7 years. Running ultras across the country, building my resume, and was finally eligible to apply for the 2026 run.
The odds of a first time applicant getting in, especially with the bare bones qualifications I had, are so so so small. Even moreso when 2026 had a record number of applicants.
Somehow though… in February I was announced as accepted to the race.
See my live reaction here. Nuts.
As much conviction I had to be accepted, I could not believe I actually got it.
I've been documenting my training ahead of the big day on my Instagram, here, if you're interested in following along.
Stoked to see this dream become a reality.
THIS MONTH'S THOUGHT
You don't have to be who you've always been.
Many people get stuck because they think that who they've always been is who they will always be.
At any time - you can commit to completely changing the trajectory of your life.
I sat down on the first episode of The Feels Good Show with my fiancé, Taylor, who discussed her journey to entrepreneurship and how she had to reinvent herself to be the person she wanted to be.
Watch Episode 001 with Taylor on YouTube here.
PURSUING YOUR 100%
Our mission with this newsletter (turned blog) is to document our pursuit of 100% and inspire you to do the same.
If we can ever help you on your pursuit of your 100%, email me: kieran@thegaragegym.co
I'd love to help.
Rooting for you,
Kieran Williams | Co-Founder & CEO, The Garage Gym
The Garage Gym has locations in Westfield, NJ and Little Silver, NJ. Open 24/7 in Westfield and 4am to 11pm in Little Silver, 365 days a year.
