At the onset of my athletic career I flew solo. Keeping to myself, I learned from magazines, the internet, occasional race advice, and experience. As a result I reinvented many wheels in pursuit of the perfect ride, run, or race. 

I took a fateful step by moving from the back of the peloton to the front as an indoor cycling instructor. I began leading indoor and outdoor rides, introducing people to cycling, triathlon, and running. I was giving advice, motivating, and getting a ton of inspiration in return. 

I joined Teambikeway.com, getting to know my teammates and the pros at Bikeway. I became a conduit for people’s passions while exploring my own. Instead of pursuer I was the pursued, gaining inside info, tips, and unique opportunities amidst a world of give and take. 

I authentically put myself out there and began reaping the benefits. 

During this time I found myself a few weeks into my first human resources job feeling very isolated. ‘Human’ was in my department’s title and I hadn’t seen one in a while. So I took a walk, coincidentally as first and second shift were changing. I was in the midst of fascinating conversations about what had transpired that day, where people were going after work, and what others had done prior to their shift. 

I was there again the next day and the next. Soon my tour became habit. Before I knew it, people began making appointments with me to talk about concerns, ideas, and ask questions. I learned fast that that sitting on my ass at my desk would ultimately get me nowhere…and nothing in return. 

Some tips for making this work:

• Make certain you visit everyone. Our tendency is to gravitate to the easier visits. If you give in, you’re showing favoritism plain and simple.
• If you’re getting out to staff in other departments, don’t neglect your own. Beware of becoming the parent who every kid in the neighborhood has a piece of, except your own.
• Take a colleague with you from time to time; perhaps you can jumpstart their effectiveness.
• Be genuine. This isn’t merely an exercise; it’s a meaningful encounter that will reap great benefits.
• Be consistent. Make these tours part of your week.

As I write this, I gaze on this beautiful piece of art commonly known as a Cervelo P5-6. This newest member of my fleet has the distinction of having found me as part of the karmic balance in my world. 

Sometimes you find the bike; sometimes the bike finds you…

There comes a time in your athletic career when you just have to do the miles. Perhaps you’re not feeling in top form, maybe it’s raining, could be cold or hot, whatever, pick your excuse.

But, you just have to do the miles, so you head out.

“Get off your ass,” as Coach Justin Harris is prone to say.

Same applies at the office. That comfy, 360 degree spinning cushion is your death sentence. Not only is sitting bad for your health, it also keeps you away from your peeps. Anything keeping you from your people must be looked at with a very critical eye.

But wait, there’s hope.

Become the pioneer of walking meetings in your office. Pick a destination or map a large out and back and walk the talk. Get the word out on what you’re doing and start a trend. If you get good at it you might even begin using your GPS and see if you can start a competition on Strava among fellow managers.

Aside from a healthy alternative to sitting, the walking meeting becomes a symbol of health, innovation, and transparency.

Check out this awesome TED Talk on the subject.

Try it out and let me know how it goes.

It all became clear on mile 18 of the run at Ironman Lake Placid.

My day began at 7 a.m. with a raucous swim with 2,600 colleagues, all determined to hear those words ‘you are an Ironman’ some 9 to 16 hours later. Then, on to a 112 mile bike ride through the majestic Adirondack mountains…emphasis on mountains.

It was with 18 of 26 miles behind me on the grand finale – a marathon – that I called an emergency meeting of my management team. It was do or die time. We needed to be on the same page or this thing faced the real risk of going south.

We entered the executive boardroom. At the table, my legs, lower back, and feet. Endurance and strength had checked in as had common sense and spirit, arguing as usual.

The meeting came to order and after a full systems check negotiations began. Body parts okayed a speed increase, but only to that electric pole. Endurance agreed to chill between poles, then strength chimed in – supplies were limited, but available. It would have to be strategically rationed.

Common sense appealed to stop and regroup. Spirit then gave a rousing speech about family (waiting at the finish line) and something about freedom and America.

Once again, common sense was voted down.

From that point to a triumphant finish I managed myself forward. Later, I would reflect on the incredible similarities between being an endurance athlete and a manager. The parallels are endless, so, here we are, about to explore management as sport and becoming a better manager by training like an athlete.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Let’s have some fun!

George