Posted: June 10, 2007

Triathlon: CEOs And The Ironman Triathlon

The Ironman triathlon is widely considered the ultimate test of endurance, and the toughest one-day race in the world. It starts off with a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 112-mile bike ride, and finally a 26.2-mile marathon run! The average competitor trains 20 hours per week for up to six months to prepare themselves for the task, and the right to be called 'an Ironman' for the rest of their lives. It's very common to see athletes reduced to tears as they cross the finish line, overcome by the realization that they have finally accomplished a goal most consider impossible. There will be over 2,000 people taking part in Ford Ironman Coeur d'Alene on June 24, 2007, including 14 participants in the CEO Ironman Challenge - a 'race within the race' for 14 CEOs / Presidents / C-suite executives. There are currently over 200 people that have joined the ultra-exclusive club of CEO's / Presidents that have competed in CEO Ironman Challenge events around the world. The CEO Challenge is a program that was developed to recognize the unusual demands put on people that compete in Ironman triathlons while running major companies. It involves first class accommodations and meals, functions with Pro athletes and coaches, business sessions, full VIP access for friends and family, and many other special benefits. In addition, age group CEO winners earn the right to go to Hawaii to compete in the CEO Ironman World Championship, and compete for the title of 'Fittest CEO in the World ®'. Ted Kennedy, President of CEO Challenges, the company that hosts the event, states, "These CEOs are truly driven people - they have typically achieved every goal they have ever set for themselves, and there is no greater athletic goal than completing an Ironman. I am constantly amazed at how they can juggle so much to show up at that starting line ready to race." The CEO's that will be competing in Coeur d'Alene don't usually have 20 hours a week to spare for training, so they do whatever they can (and wherever they are) to make sure they train almost every day in preparation for the event. Virtually every CEO who has completed an Ironman says the only way they can prepare is by getting up at 4:30 in the morning, and complete their training by 8:00, when most 'normal' people arrive at work. But, why would anyone who already has the stress of running a business in this tough environment, combined with social and family responsibilities, want to take on the added stress of a fitness regime, let alone doing an Ironman? There are really two reasons – because of the immense challenge (and the fact that someone once probably told them 'they couldn't do it'), and because they work and live better when they are fit. These are people who believe that exercise and regular training is the only way they are able to possibly cope with everyday stresses. If they miss training for more than two days they will tell you they can't make decisions as easily, they become short tempered, and struggle to find creative solutions to critical issues. They will tell you that the time spent swimming laps in the pool, biking throughout the countryside, or running on a trail gives them the time to think, to create, and to spend time on a problem without intrusions. These CEO's are very aware of the example they are setting to their managers and employees, and they feel that you have to 'walk the talk' when it comes to stepping out of your comfort zone, and doing what you feel is right, despite the difficulty. Mike Zafirovski took part in the CEO Challenge at Ironman USA Lake Placid the day after he was promoted to President of Motorola in 2002. When asked why he took on the added stress of competing in an Ironman he said, "When discussing leadership in business, I often say that the two most important leadership traits are leading by example, and creating a culture of 'forceful optimism'. On the latter, it's the ability to envision and expect great things to happen COMBINED with the desire to work hard to make them happen." "In other words, don't naively wait and hope for good things to happen, but proactively work to make them happen. The Ironman accomplishment, and the work that preceded it, was a fitting example. I know that many Motorola employees from all over the world were thrilled with my participation in the event. Partially as a result of it, many employees started exercising more frequently, including several signing up for local triathlon events. And of course, the benefits of exercising on health, productivity and accomplishment are well documented." Michael Fisch, CEO of American Securities Capital Partners, competed in two CEO Ironman Challenge events, and was fast enough to qualify for the CEO division of the Hawaii Ironman World Championship in Kona both times. Fisch had the added challenge of living and working in Manhattan, making long distance cycling training extremely difficult. Fisch agrees with Zafirovski about setting the appropriate example for employees. "I train in the morning to be energized for my work-day, to delay age related aches and pains, and to set a good example for those around me to take care of themselves", he said. "American Securities Capital Partners is a private investment firm - all we have is capital and people. That means my colleagues are ASCP's critical asset. Setting a good example for them to take care of their health through regular exercise is the best thing I can do for them as people and for the firm." Fisch continues, "Training is a big anchor in my life. The phone does not ring, no one bursts into my office, and my Blackberry does not vibrate. Neither a hectic schedule, frequent business travel, nor family vacation stops me from training. Six days a week I get an hour or more of quiet time for personal reflection, peaceful strategic thinking, and/or work prioritization. And it shows in my personal happiness, relationships with family and work colleagues, and work productivity." And how does it feel to accomplish something like finishing an Ironman? As Zafirovski said, "The Ironman experience was incredible, in a class of its own. The memory of thousands of fellow participants and ardent spectators always brings a warm smile to my face, AND a reminder that anything is possible. But, probably the best part is remembering the look on the faces of my three sons - the look that screamed 'I can't believe what the old man just did!'". Participants in the CEO Ironman Challenge range from CEO's of major corporations (e.g., Mike Holowesko of Templeton, Colin Grassie of Deutsche Bank, and Jamie Maguire of Philadelphia Insurance Cos.), to CEO's that are in the process of starting up new companies or taking their businesses public. In addition to the benefit of strong media coverage for participants, there is the added benefit of getting to know CEO's that have similar interests and challenges. As Robert Tuchman, CEO of TSE World Entertainment in New York put it, "Being part of this club gives me the opportunity to develop friendships and business contacts I could only dream of." About CEO Challenges(www.ceochallenges.com) CEO Challenges, based in Boulder, CO, is the world-leader in sport competitions for CEOs, including CEO Ironman, Tennis, Golf, Cycling, Driving, and Triathlon Challenge events (with more to come). Each event includes an actual competition between CEOs, and is designed as a first-class unique experience with numerous business networking opportunities. For more information please email ceochallenges@gmail.com, or call Ted Kennedy at 720-222-3043.