Chasing Daylight: A Tale of Determination and Fitness
The sun had not yet risen over the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the city of Chicago. It was 5:30 a.m. on a Friday morning, and Andre Davis was already up and about, ready to take on the day. In fact, he was stretching under the light of a South Michigan Avenue streetlamp at the south end of Grant Park, one of only a handful of people outside that early.
"What I do is called ‘chasing daylight,’" Davis said, his voice steady and determined. "It’s about living in the moment and running toward the sun."
With a weighted vest strapped around his chest and an anguished expression on his face, Davis embarked on a punishing workout. He knows the gift of another sunrise is never guaranteed, and he takes every opportunity to make the most of it.
Growing up, Davis was heavily influenced by his family history of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Tragedy struck when his father died of heart disease at 39 and his mother died of cancer at 52. Determined to take control of his health, Davis views exercise as a critical defense against disease – a sort of medicine for the body and mind.
"I don’t feel 59," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "I feel like I’m 25. Age is just a number. Just go out and do something."
Over the years, Davis has honed his fitness regime, pushing himself to the limits of human endurance. He ran more than a mile to the Art Institute, stopping to perform pushups, jumping jacks, bear crawls, and burpees under the watchful eyes of the lion statues.
"I like the lions," Davis said, "because it’s ‘heart of a lion,’ you know?"
But his fitness journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Just as he began planking, the skies opened, and he was pummeled with rain. Soaking wet, he ran sprints under the L tracks on Wabash, a testament to his unwavering dedication to his fitness regime.
The Fitness Regime of a Leader
Davis’s workouts may be solitary, but his social media following is extensive. He shares videos of his exercises, providing a measure of accountability and a forum to spread his faith in fitness.
"It keeps me on top of my game as far as work," Davis said. "So, it’s basically a habit. I do it seven days a week."
As a result, his Instagram posts have gone viral, garnering millions of views. A post from a lakefront run on the Fourth of July has been viewed more than 3.7 million times so far.
His social media followers call him ‘Chicago’s David Goggins’ – for his resemblance to the retired Navy Seal, best-selling author, and ultra-athlete known for preaching that hard work is its own reward. Davis is flattered by the comparison.
"People compare me to David Goggins and I’m impressed," he said.
Through his fitness regime, Davis is pulling others toward a healthier lifestyle.
"I have a lot of friends that aren’t in the best of health," he said. "I try to motivate people as best as I can. I seek perfection every day in what I do. It’s not so much how you look. It’s how you feel."
FAQs
Q: What inspired Andre Davis’s fitness regime?
A: Davis’s family history of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer influenced his decision to prioritize his health. He views exercise as a critical defense against disease and a way to take control of his well-being.
Q: What are some of Andre Davis’s favorite workout spots in Chicago?
A: Davis has worked out at various iconic Chicago landmarks, including the Art Institute, Soldier Field, Chinatown, and Grant Park. His favorite location is the Art Institute under the lion statues.
Q: How has Andre Davis’s fitness regime impacted his daily life?
A: Davis’s regime has become a habit. He works out seven days a week and credits it with keeping him on top of his game at work.
Q: Can anyone replicate Andre Davis’s fitness regime?
A: While Davis’s regime is demanding, he encourages everyone to find a workout routine that suits their lifestyle. The key is to push yourself and strive for perfection every day.
Q: How does Andre Davis stay motivated?
A: Davis is driven by the desire to improve his own health and the health of those around him. He also draws motivation from the support of his social media followers and the sense of accomplishment that comes with a challenging workout.
