Why I Track Every Step Toward 100
How discovering 4 simple metrics changed my path to becoming the world's fastest centenarian. How they can transform your health too.
Six years ago, I made a decision that changed everything. I decided wanting to be the world's fastest centenarian (the fastest person over 100 years old to run 100 meters) was enough.
But here's the thing: I couldn't just wish my way there. I needed a plan. A real plan built on real data.
The Problem With Guessing
For years, I thought I understood my body. I exercised regularly. I tried to eat well. I felt pretty healthy.
But I was guessing. And guessing doesn't get you to 100 years old, let alone running fast at 100.
I started studying fitness science seriously. Not just reading articles, but diving deep into research. I earned my certifications as a Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, and Corrective Exercise Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. I spent over six years learning how the body really works.
And one truth became crystal clear: your body is constantly sending you messages through data.
Want to learn the complete system I built for tracking health data?
I created a 5-week course that teaches everything I learned about turning your body's data into daily health decisions.
Get Early Access →The 4 Numbers That Changed My Life
After all that studying, I discovered something surprising. You don't need to track dozens of metrics. You just need one. Here are four essential ones to choose from:
Your Body's Dashboard
1. Resting Heart Rate
Your heart's baseline speed. Lower is usually better. It shows how efficiently your heart works.
2. Daily Steps
Simple but powerful. Movement keeps your body working well. Aim for at least 7,000 steps daily.
3. Intensity Minutes
Time spent exercising at moderate to vigorous intensity. This is the most important metric for living longer.
*My Favorite*.
4. Sleep Quality
How well you sleep affects everything else. Good sleep helps your body recover and stay healthy.
Why This Matters For You
I didn't build this system just for myself. I built it because I want the people I love to be there when I break that centenarian record.
My friends. My family. My community. I want them healthy, active, and present for decades to come. I'm challenging them to break the record after me!
That's why I'm sharing everything I learned. Because tracking these four simple numbers can completely change how you think about your health.
What Tracking Actually Looks Like
Here's the good news: you probably already own the tools you need. A basic fitness tracker or smartwatch can measure all four of these metrics.
You don't need expensive equipment. You don't need a medical degree. You just need to pay attention to what your body is already telling you.
Once you start tracking, patterns emerge. You notice things like:
- Your resting heart rate drops when you exercise regularly
- You sleep better on days you hit your step goals
- Your mood improves when you get enough intensity minutes
- Your energy levels connect directly to your sleep quality
These aren't random feelings. They're real connections you can measure and improve.
Ready to Start Your Own Health Transformation?
Join the waitlist for "Foundations of Fitness and Health Metrics" a 5-week course where you'll learn exactly how to track, analyze, and improve these four essential numbers.
Start Your Transformation →Part of the World's Fastest Centenarian specialization
The Simple Truth
Getting healthier doesn't have to be complicated. You don't need to count every calorie or run marathons. You don't need to become obsessed with fitness.
You just need to understand your body's language. Your body speaks through data.
These four metrics: resting heart rate, daily steps, intensity minutes, and sleep quality are the foundation. They tell you what's working and what needs to change.
In my next post, I'll dive deeper into the single most powerful metric I discovered: intensity minutes. This one number predicts longevity better than almost anything else scientists have found.
Start Today
If you have a fitness tracker, check those four numbers tonight. Choose ONE to track. Write it down. That's your baseline.
If you don't have a tracker yet, that's okay. Start by noticing how you feel. Notice your energy. Notice your sleep. Notice when you move more versus less.
Awareness is the first step. Tracking is the second. Improvement is inevitable once you're paying attention.
I'm tracking every step toward 100.
I want you there with me.
Don't Miss Part 2 of This Series
In two weeks, I'll reveal the intensity minutes breakthrough that changed how I train and how it can add decades to your life.
Join the Waitlist Now →Be the first to know when the course launches
Brand Anthony McDonald
NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Nutrition Coach, Corrective Exercise Specialist, MBA
After 6+ years studying fitness science and data analytics, Brand is on a mission to become the world's fastest centenarian. He's helping his community stay healthy and active for the journey. He combines evidence based training principles with practical data tracking to make health optimization accessible to everyone.
Coming Next in This Series
Part 2: The Intensity Minutes That Changed Everything
Discover the single metric that predicts 50% mortality reduction and how to optimize it for your body.
Coming January 10, 2026
Part 3: Building a Health Dashboard for the Next 70 Years
The complete system for transforming health data into daily decisions designed for decades of vitality.
Coming January 25, 2026
