Lessons Learned While Building A Startup And Training For Ironman

Last weekend I completed my second Ironman 70.3. Ironman 70.3 (fancy name for half Ironman) is an endurance event consisting of a 1.2 mile (1.9 km) swim, a 56 mile (90 km) bike ride, and a 13.1 mile (21.1 km) run.

Embarking on a journey that involved both tech entrepreneurship (building RacketPal ) and training for an Ironman has provided me with invaluable insights. Over the past year, I discovered striking similarities between these two seemingly different worlds, realising that the skills gained in one area could be transferred to the other. In this post, I will share the most important lessons I learned during this challenging and transformative experience.

Consistency: Consistency is the bedrock of success, no matter what area you are in. Just as fixing a production bug late at night might not be enjoyable, waking up at 6 a.m. to run in the rain might not be either. However, maintaining consistency, especially during difficult times is essential to ensure progress.

Recovery: Rest and recovery are vital. Recognizing the need for 7-8 hours of sleep allowed me to recharge my mind and body so I can prepare for the next challenge.?

Also stepping away from work and taking holidays allowed me to gain perspective, foster creativity, and reset my mindset.

Soon It became clear that the mantra "it's not a sprint, it's a marathon" applies not only to business but also to personal well-being. Working or training non-stop will eventually lead to burnout or injury and subsequently prevent you from reaching your goals.

Seek Guidance: A coach or mentor can be a game-changer. In both training and business, having a knowledgeable guide helped me avoid numerous mistakes. Their expertise accelerated my growth and helped me make informed decisions.

Build a Strong Team: Building a stellar team should be a top priority. At RacketPal , my co-founder Robert Rizea and I dedicated years to assembling an exceptional team. The first thing I did when I decided to sign up for an Ironman was to look for a coach. I decided to go with ITR and it was a great decision. I also joined local communities and received invaluable assistance from my girlfriend in terms of nutrition. I am profoundly grateful for the individuals who are supporting me on this journey.

Goal Setting: Maintain laser focus on your goals while remaining adaptable. Whether your objective is to scale a business, get a new customer or take part in a sports event, having a clear goal is crucial. For instance, my long-term ambition was to qualify for the IM World Championship, with the short-term aim of finishing the race in 5 hours or less. I knew that to achieve my goal, I had to complete the bike ride in less than 2:30h.

However, during the race, bad weather led me to change my strategy. I realised that pushing myself too hard on the bike would jeopardise my chances of finishing the race at all. Therefore, I set a new goal: to conserve my energy and compensate with a stronger run. Even though I didn't finish the race in under 5 hours(short-term goal), my efforts paid off, as I qualified for the World Championship(long-term goal).

Time Management: Efficiently managing time is a crucial skill. Balancing the demands of a tech startup and rigorous training required meticulous time planning and prioritisation. By optimising my schedule and focusing on high-impact tasks, I maximised productivity and made significant strides in both areas.

Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate milestones along the way. In both entrepreneurship and sports, recognizing and appreciating the progress made is essential for motivation and continued success. Celebrating milestones fosters a sense of accomplishment and fuels the drive to reach greater heights.

Conclusion:

The convergence of tech entrepreneurship and Ironman training has been a transformative journey. The few lessons I've shared demonstrate the transferable skills and insights gained from these seemingly different worlds.