It’s Been 10 Years Since My First Ironman… What Now?

Last week, I sent a private note to friends and family about a bold challenge I’ve decided to take on in 2025. But as I thought more about it, I realized I wanted to share this more publicly—not just to raise awareness and increase the impact of my fundraising efforts but also to hold myself accountable.

For many of you reading this, whether you’re running your own company, or leading a team, you understand the constant grind. You’ve likely faced moments where you felt stuck or overwhelmed, where the sacrifices seemed endless, and the finish line nowhere in sight. As an entrepreneur myself, I’ve been there more times than I can count. And nearly 10 years ago, I found myself in that exact place.

Back then, I signed up for what many consider to be the toughest endurance events on the planet: an Ironman. For those unfamiliar, it’s a 2.4-mile swim, a 100-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon—all to be completed within 17 hours. After 16 hours and 45 minutes of relentless effort, I crossed the finish line of my first Ironman. That moment taught me what I was truly capable of when I committed fully to a challenge. Over the next two years, I took on two more Ironman races, improving my times but consistently crashing during the marathon segment. Despite the pain, I kept pushing—each race a reminder of the power of perseverance.

Fast forward to today, I needed a challenge to remind me of what’s possible. That’s why I’ve signed up for the Vermont 100, one of the oldest and toughest 100-mile ultra-marathons in the country.

This isn’t just about the personal challenge. It’s also about giving back. Not everyone has the opportunity to take on challenges like this. Some face obstacles every day that require even more resilience, which is why I’m using this race to raise money for Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports. This organization empowers individuals with disabilities by providing access to life-changing sports and recreational programs.

For many of us, it’s easy to play it safe—to avoid discomfort and stick to what we know. But I believe there’s value in stepping outside our comfort zones, and in inspiring others to do the same. If this resonates with you, I encourage you to take your own challenge—whether that’s physical, professional, or personal.

And if you’re inspired by the mission of Vermont Adaptive, I’d be grateful for your support. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps ensure that more individuals with disabilities can experience the joy, confidence, and empowerment that sports bring. Learn more or donate here.

I’d like to call out the obvious—I haven’t really posted on LinkedIn in over six months. While I’d originally committed to writing more consistently, I made a deliberate choice to step back. If I didn’t have something meaningful or inspiring to share, I felt it was better to remain quiet. Preparing for this race has reignited that spark, and I hope sharing this journey inspires you too.

Here’s to bold decisions, perseverance, and making an impact.