What biking has taught me about business

Sometimes people laugh when I say that I attribute much of my success in the workplace to my participation in running and cycling competitions. There are very few other factors I can point to that have had such a dramatic affect on my attitude towards not just work, but all of my pursuits.

At the most basic level, training and competing promote intense focus, dedication, perseverance, and hard work in general. Running my first marathon, I hit an enormous wall around the 20 mile mark, and all you can do is put your head down and keep grinding. Although it's not from physical strain, I get that same feeling during those super long days of work, when you're just totally exhausted and feel like you can't go any farther...and then you do.

Running or cycling are great for their health benefits alone, but if you get serious about either (or anything related), I think you'll start seeing a surprising number of parallels with your professional life as well. Even if you don't get serious about it, and dedicate only a handful of hours a week, it's still an amazing way to clear your mind.

Although not totally related to the article, I wonder if the writer sees a direct benefit of biking on his business. I started a fitness program a few years back and I've noticed several benefits: increased energy, clear thinking and team building.

While developing my first company physical fitness was a low priority. I told myself there wasn't time, I had to devote every minute to the startup. Worse I ate convenient foods (pizza, subs, fast food) to help save time. I put on body fat so fast that I got stretch marks on the side of my stomach. I'm not sure what my body fat percentage was back then but my body weight was 215lbs and I'm 6'0"/180cm tall.

To loose some weight, I started to get active, and I noticed benefits in my work. My mood was better, I could think clearer, and I had more energy. I began a weight program and started playing Ultimate Frisbee regularly.

My friend and I are in the midst of starting another company (http://igeejo.com) and I hope to build the cardio and weights right into our schedules. Getting the group out for a game of Ultimate, assuming there are no pressing needs for the startup of course, has a lot of upsides. It's great for team building, a great cardio workout, and a chance to socialize a bit with other friends and significant others.

Like anything in life, I think it has to be sustainable. I think setting aside 3 hours per week will pay huge dividends in the future.