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.<p>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.<p>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.<p>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.<p>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.<p>My friend and I are in the midst of starting another company (<a href="http://igeejo.com" rel="nofollow">http://igeejo.com</a>) 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.<p>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.