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The Elite Endurance of Corporate Athletes
Celebrating Human Potential
The world of endurance never ceases to amaze me in so many ways. Endurance is not just "athletes" running marathons and the likes. Endurance spans far wider than that. The "corporate athlete" has always been one I have kept a close eye on. The outright "endurance" of the two may be far closer than we think.
The Endurance of Traditional Athletes
An athlete spends months preparing to summit Everest and on the final push can spend up to or over 12 hours just reaching the peak. They then have to do the route in reverse taking the "awake and under strain" time easily over 24 hours. Their result is celebrated as an incredible feat of human endurance. Along the way they have made huge sacrifices on many levels, two key ones, relationships and their health.
Other athletes complete ultra marathons or Ironman distance triathlons, ranging from 8 to 114 hours of physical labour solely on the event day. Before reaching the start line, they have made a number of choices which again may have some negative effects in other areas of their lives and on their health.
In 2022 I had the opportunity to coach an athlete to run 6.7km every hour for 89 consecutive hours. Forget about the training, the sleep deprivation and nutrition alone during those 89 hours took over 8 weeks to recover from.
Before reaching the start line the athlete made a number of choices, which again may have some negative effects in other areas of his life and on his health. We celebrated his feat of human endurance.
The Unsung Endurance of Corporate Athletes
When the world of athletic endurance meets that of social media, we see these achievements celebrated with only the cynical questioning the fall out. I do not recall such posts or celebrations for the corporate athlete that has worked a 90-hour week or pulled an "all-nighter" to get a business deal across the line or a court case prepared for a hearing. The athlete normally has recovery time away from their sport after big events. The corporate athlete normally is expected to be at the office at 9am on Monday morning ready to go again.
The Shared Challenges
The fall out is the same. For each athlete when it comes to sacrifices and negative impacts on their health. Some manage it others do not. In sport "longevity" is being spoken about more and more which is a huge positive. My primary goal for my athletes is that they are able to do these things that make them happy for a number of years. My primary goal for my corporate athletes is the same.
The considerations have to be the same. Perhaps heavier when it comes to the corporate athlete. It is very clear that they possess and continue to train and test a phenomenal level of endurance. Those who do not get help along the way, that do not periodize their work load and address their intensity, just like athlete who ignore the basics "burn out" early. They never really "make it". It does not need to be that way, with the right approach both athletes can continue to achieve great things in their chosen endeavours be it sport or business.
Every Human is an Athlete
I have long believed every human is an athlete, we just perform in different arenas. I feel that the sooner we are ready to accept this then the sooner we can deploy a high-performance mindset to the arena that we are performing in.
The Path Forward
With the right approach, both traditional and corporate athletes can continue to achieve great things in their chosen endeavours. This involves:
- Seeking help and guidance
- Periodizing workload
- Addressing intensity
- Focusing on the basics of health and recovery
By treating corporate performance with the same respect and strategic approach as athletic performance, we can celebrate and support the incredible endurance of all types of athletes.
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life - MENTAL TOUGHNESS - Hard Work
ENGINE
50 min AMRAP of Rowing, Ski Erg and Running!
GYMNASTICS
On Tuesday morning, we’ll dial in on toes-to-bar progressions, followed by capacity work. We’ll then round out the session with core and lat supersets to build strength and control.
Thursday evening, we’re going BIG on bar muscle-ups! Whether you're chasing your first rep or fine-tuning your technique for cleaner, stronger sets, we’ve got you covered with progressions, modifications, and strength drills to help you level up. As always, all abilities are welcome!
HYROX
There are two weeks left until Sharjah. This is a race simulation in which we will take on a full HYROX. It can be done individually or in pairs, and the run distance can be changed.
MOBILITY
PURE STRENGTH
In Pure Strength this week, we are kicking off the week with some strict press work followed by dumbbell flys and supinated barbell rows. On Wednesday, we are hitting a 20-rep max on the RDL, aiming to progress from last week before getting in some single-leg work and some core and pull accessory work.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week, we are working on the snatch in weightlifting. This is a technique-based session. We are getting used to squatting with the barbell overhead and finishing with some heavy front squats. Do not miss out!
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email rf@innerfight.com
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. This run is currently gearing run fitness towards the incoming half marathons. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
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Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Tempo
PM Session only: This evening we will be holding Tempo pace (7/10 RPE) for 4 mins blocks of work. Each block will have a 1 min recovery. 7x reps.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 1600m repeats that will gradually build in pace.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
If you didn't run track, today we have some speed work for you today. We will be running broken 400s. Where the first 100m will be hard (9/10 effort) into a 300m float recovery. Aim for 8 - 12 x reps.
Friday
Time: 5:29am & 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will have bridge repeats for everyone. Helping you build some strength in your legs. There will be to start times, to cater for thsoe wanting to run a bit longer.
Here we go, people! The start of a new block! The next 12 weeks are going to be loaded with strength, some nasty but epic short workouts, lots of strongman and, every now and again, some longer conditioning pieces! Fridays will be something special. Scroll down, and you know what we are talking about! Time to get stronger and fitter!
Monday:
We are kicking the week off with some knee flexion strength work, heavy back squats, step-ups, and cyclist goblet squats. Then we have a simple sprint workout of row wall balls row. How much do you want to hurt on the final row?
Strength:
A) Every 2mins x 5 - 5 Back Squats Tempo 30X1
B) Every 2:30mins x 4 - 8 Barbell Box Step-Ups
C) Every 90secs x 3 - 8 Reps 1 1/4 Cyclist Goblet Squats
Conditioning:
For Time:
500/400m row
50 Wall Balls
500/400m row
Tuesday:
Tuesday, we have an Earthquake bar bench press followed by a triset of dumbbell presses, isometric chin over ball holds and push-ups. You will need a partner for the workout as you get stuck into some kettlebell carries and assault bike efforts.
Strength:
A) Every 2mins x 5 - 8 Earthquake Bar Bench Press Tempo 20X1
B) Every 75secs Alt x 12 - 1) 10-12 Seated DB Press 2) 10-20 Second Chin Over Bar Hold 3) 30sec Push Ups
Conditioning:
10 rounds for time In Pairs YGIG
15/12 cal bike
2 lengths carpark dual KB front rack carry.
Wednesday:
Wednesday is all about power from the hips. Box jumps, power cleans and a frog stance deadlifts to build the posterior chain. Then we have a short, hard effort with the sandbags and dumbbells.
Strength:
A) 5 Mins to establish a Max height box jump
B) EMOM x 8 - 3 hang power cleans
c) Every 2 mins x 5 - 5 frog stance Deadlift
Conditioning:
For Time:
30-20-10
Sandbag Over Shoulder
DB Push Press
Thursday:
Thursday's strength is focused on some upper-body pulling with a Pendlay Row, and then we have a longer EMOM conditioning workout.
Strength:
Pendlay Row
Every 2 mins x 4 - 10/10/8/8 Pendlay Row
Conditioning:
EMOM 24
Min 1 - Assault bike
Min 2 - 25 ab mat sit-ups
Min 3 - Ski erg
Min 4 - 15/12/9 burpee
Friday:
Friday, we are finishing the week with some pull-ups and Olympic lifting in the strength piece before we cap off an epic week of training with a screamer of a workout!
Strength:
Conditioning: Bring everything, including the kitchen sink! FUF are here and here to stay!
The world of endurance never ceases to amaze me in so many ways. Endurance is not just "athletes" running marathons and the likes. Endurance spans far wider than that. The "corporate athlete" has always been one I have kept a close eye on. The outright "endurance" of the two may be far closer than we think.
The Endurance of Traditional Athletes
An athlete spends months preparing to summit Everest and on the final push can spend up to or over 12 hours just reaching the peak. They then have to do the route in reverse taking the "awake and under strain" time easily over 24 hours. Their result is celebrated as an incredible feat of human endurance. Along the way they have made huge sacrifices on many levels, two key ones, relationships and their health.
Other athletes complete ultra marathons or Ironman distance triathlons, ranging from 8 to 114 hours of physical labour solely on the event day. Before reaching the start line, they have made a number of choices which again may have some negative effects in other areas of their lives and on their health.
In 2022 I had the opportunity to coach an athlete to run 6.7km every hour for 89 consecutive hours. Forget about the training, the sleep deprivation and nutrition alone during those 89 hours took over 8 weeks to recover from.
Before reaching the start line the athlete made a number of choices, which again may have some negative effects in other areas of his life and on his health. We celebrated his feat of human endurance.
The Unsung Endurance of Corporate Athletes
When the world of athletic endurance meets that of social media, we see these achievements celebrated with only the cynical questioning the fall out. I do not recall such posts or celebrations for the corporate athlete that has worked a 90-hour week or pulled an "all-nighter" to get a business deal across the line or a court case prepared for a hearing. The athlete normally has recovery time away from their sport after big events. The corporate athlete normally is expected to be at the office at 9am on Monday morning ready to go again.
The Shared Challenges
The fall out is the same. For each athlete when it comes to sacrifices and negative impacts on their health. Some manage it others do not. In sport "longevity" is being spoken about more and more which is a huge positive. My primary goal for my athletes is that they are able to do these things that make them happy for a number of years. My primary goal for my corporate athletes is the same.
The considerations have to be the same. Perhaps heavier when it comes to the corporate athlete. It is very clear that they possess and continue to train and test a phenomenal level of endurance. Those who do not get help along the way, that do not periodize their work load and address their intensity, just like athlete who ignore the basics "burn out" early. They never really "make it". It does not need to be that way, with the right approach both athletes can continue to achieve great things in their chosen endeavours be it sport or business.
Every Human is an Athlete
I have long believed every human is an athlete, we just perform in different arenas. I feel that the sooner we are ready to accept this then the sooner we can deploy a high-performance mindset to the arena that we are performing in.
The Path Forward
With the right approach, both traditional and corporate athletes can continue to achieve great things in their chosen endeavours. This involves:
- Seeking help and guidance
- Periodizing workload
- Addressing intensity
- Focusing on the basics of health and recovery
By treating corporate performance with the same respect and strategic approach as athletic performance, we can celebrate and support the incredible endurance of all types of athletes.
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life - MENTAL TOUGHNESS - Hard Work
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email rf@innerfight.com
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. This run is currently gearing run fitness towards the incoming half marathons. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Tempo
PM Session only: This evening we will be holding Tempo pace (7/10 RPE) for 4 mins blocks of work. Each block will have a 1 min recovery. 7x reps.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 1600m repeats that will gradually build in pace.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
If you didn't run track, today we have some speed work for you today. We will be running broken 400s. Where the first 100m will be hard (9/10 effort) into a 300m float recovery. Aim for 8 - 12 x reps.
Friday
Time: 5:29am & 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will have bridge repeats for everyone. Helping you build some strength in your legs. There will be to start times, to cater for thsoe wanting to run a bit longer.
Here we go, people! The start of a new block! The next 12 weeks are going to be loaded with strength, some nasty but epic short workouts, lots of strongman and, every now and again, some longer conditioning pieces! Fridays will be something special. Scroll down, and you know what we are talking about! Time to get stronger and fitter!
Monday:
We are kicking the week off with some knee flexion strength work, heavy back squats, step-ups, and cyclist goblet squats. Then we have a simple sprint workout of row wall balls row. How much do you want to hurt on the final row?
Strength:
A) Every 2mins x 5 - 5 Back Squats Tempo 30X1
B) Every 2:30mins x 4 - 8 Barbell Box Step-Ups
C) Every 90secs x 3 - 8 Reps 1 1/4 Cyclist Goblet Squats
Conditioning:
For Time:
500/400m row
50 Wall Balls
500/400m row
Tuesday:
Tuesday, we have an Earthquake bar bench press followed by a triset of dumbbell presses, isometric chin over ball holds and push-ups. You will need a partner for the workout as you get stuck into some kettlebell carries and assault bike efforts.
Strength:
A) Every 2mins x 5 - 8 Earthquake Bar Bench Press Tempo 20X1
B) Every 75secs Alt x 12 - 1) 10-12 Seated DB Press 2) 10-20 Second Chin Over Bar Hold 3) 30sec Push Ups
Conditioning:
10 rounds for time In Pairs YGIG
15/12 cal bike
2 lengths carpark dual KB front rack carry.
Wednesday:
Wednesday is all about power from the hips. Box jumps, power cleans and a frog stance deadlifts to build the posterior chain. Then we have a short, hard effort with the sandbags and dumbbells.
Strength:
A) 5 Mins to establish a Max height box jump
B) EMOM x 8 - 3 hang power cleans
c) Every 2 mins x 5 - 5 frog stance Deadlift
Conditioning:
For Time:
30-20-10
Sandbag Over Shoulder
DB Push Press
Thursday:
Thursday's strength is focused on some upper-body pulling with a Pendlay Row, and then we have a longer EMOM conditioning workout.
Strength:
Pendlay Row
Every 2 mins x 4 - 10/10/8/8 Pendlay Row
Conditioning:
EMOM 24
Min 1 - Assault bike
Min 2 - 25 ab mat sit-ups
Min 3 - Ski erg
Min 4 - 15/12/9 burpee
Friday:
Friday, we are finishing the week with some pull-ups and Olympic lifting in the strength piece before we cap off an epic week of training with a screamer of a workout!
Strength:
Conditioning: Bring everything, including the kitchen sink! FUF are here and here to stay!
ENGINE
50 min AMRAP of Rowing, Ski Erg and Running!
GYMNASTICS
On Tuesday morning, we’ll dial in on toes-to-bar progressions, followed by capacity work. We’ll then round out the session with core and lat supersets to build strength and control.
Thursday evening, we’re going BIG on bar muscle-ups! Whether you're chasing your first rep or fine-tuning your technique for cleaner, stronger sets, we’ve got you covered with progressions, modifications, and strength drills to help you level up. As always, all abilities are welcome!
HYROX
There are two weeks left until Sharjah. This is a race simulation in which we will take on a full HYROX. It can be done individually or in pairs, and the run distance can be changed.
MOBILITY
PURE STRENGTH
In Pure Strength this week, we are kicking off the week with some strict press work followed by dumbbell flys and supinated barbell rows. On Wednesday, we are hitting a 20-rep max on the RDL, aiming to progress from last week before getting in some single-leg work and some core and pull accessory work.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week, we are working on the snatch in weightlifting. This is a technique-based session. We are getting used to squatting with the barbell overhead and finishing with some heavy front squats. Do not miss out!
The world of endurance never ceases to amaze me in so many ways. Endurance is not just "athletes" running marathons and the likes. Endurance spans far wider than that. The "corporate athlete" has always been one I have kept a close eye on. The outright "endurance" of the two may be far closer than we think.
The Endurance of Traditional Athletes
An athlete spends months preparing to summit Everest and on the final push can spend up to or over 12 hours just reaching the peak. They then have to do the route in reverse taking the "awake and under strain" time easily over 24 hours. Their result is celebrated as an incredible feat of human endurance. Along the way they have made huge sacrifices on many levels, two key ones, relationships and their health.
Other athletes complete ultra marathons or Ironman distance triathlons, ranging from 8 to 114 hours of physical labour solely on the event day. Before reaching the start line, they have made a number of choices which again may have some negative effects in other areas of their lives and on their health.
In 2022 I had the opportunity to coach an athlete to run 6.7km every hour for 89 consecutive hours. Forget about the training, the sleep deprivation and nutrition alone during those 89 hours took over 8 weeks to recover from.
Before reaching the start line the athlete made a number of choices, which again may have some negative effects in other areas of his life and on his health. We celebrated his feat of human endurance.
The Unsung Endurance of Corporate Athletes
When the world of athletic endurance meets that of social media, we see these achievements celebrated with only the cynical questioning the fall out. I do not recall such posts or celebrations for the corporate athlete that has worked a 90-hour week or pulled an "all-nighter" to get a business deal across the line or a court case prepared for a hearing. The athlete normally has recovery time away from their sport after big events. The corporate athlete normally is expected to be at the office at 9am on Monday morning ready to go again.
The Shared Challenges
The fall out is the same. For each athlete when it comes to sacrifices and negative impacts on their health. Some manage it others do not. In sport "longevity" is being spoken about more and more which is a huge positive. My primary goal for my athletes is that they are able to do these things that make them happy for a number of years. My primary goal for my corporate athletes is the same.
The considerations have to be the same. Perhaps heavier when it comes to the corporate athlete. It is very clear that they possess and continue to train and test a phenomenal level of endurance. Those who do not get help along the way, that do not periodize their work load and address their intensity, just like athlete who ignore the basics "burn out" early. They never really "make it". It does not need to be that way, with the right approach both athletes can continue to achieve great things in their chosen endeavours be it sport or business.
Every Human is an Athlete
I have long believed every human is an athlete, we just perform in different arenas. I feel that the sooner we are ready to accept this then the sooner we can deploy a high-performance mindset to the arena that we are performing in.
The Path Forward
With the right approach, both traditional and corporate athletes can continue to achieve great things in their chosen endeavours. This involves:
- Seeking help and guidance
- Periodizing workload
- Addressing intensity
- Focusing on the basics of health and recovery
By treating corporate performance with the same respect and strategic approach as athletic performance, we can celebrate and support the incredible endurance of all types of athletes.
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life - MENTAL TOUGHNESS - Hard Work
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Tempo
PM Session only: This evening we will be holding Tempo pace (7/10 RPE) for 4 mins blocks of work. Each block will have a 1 min recovery. 7x reps.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 1600m repeats that will gradually build in pace.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
If you didn't run track, today we have some speed work for you today. We will be running broken 400s. Where the first 100m will be hard (9/10 effort) into a 300m float recovery. Aim for 8 - 12 x reps.
Friday
Time: 5:29am & 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will have bridge repeats for everyone. Helping you build some strength in your legs. There will be to start times, to cater for thsoe wanting to run a bit longer.
Here we go, people! The start of a new block! The next 12 weeks are going to be loaded with strength, some nasty but epic short workouts, lots of strongman and, every now and again, some longer conditioning pieces! Fridays will be something special. Scroll down, and you know what we are talking about! Time to get stronger and fitter!
Monday:
We are kicking the week off with some knee flexion strength work, heavy back squats, step-ups, and cyclist goblet squats. Then we have a simple sprint workout of row wall balls row. How much do you want to hurt on the final row?
Strength:
A) Every 2mins x 5 - 5 Back Squats Tempo 30X1
B) Every 2:30mins x 4 - 8 Barbell Box Step-Ups
C) Every 90secs x 3 - 8 Reps 1 1/4 Cyclist Goblet Squats
Conditioning:
For Time:
500/400m row
50 Wall Balls
500/400m row
Tuesday:
Tuesday, we have an Earthquake bar bench press followed by a triset of dumbbell presses, isometric chin over ball holds and push-ups. You will need a partner for the workout as you get stuck into some kettlebell carries and assault bike efforts.
Strength:
A) Every 2mins x 5 - 8 Earthquake Bar Bench Press Tempo 20X1
B) Every 75secs Alt x 12 - 1) 10-12 Seated DB Press 2) 10-20 Second Chin Over Bar Hold 3) 30sec Push Ups
Conditioning:
10 rounds for time In Pairs YGIG
15/12 cal bike
2 lengths carpark dual KB front rack carry.
Wednesday:
Wednesday is all about power from the hips. Box jumps, power cleans and a frog stance deadlifts to build the posterior chain. Then we have a short, hard effort with the sandbags and dumbbells.
Strength:
A) 5 Mins to establish a Max height box jump
B) EMOM x 8 - 3 hang power cleans
c) Every 2 mins x 5 - 5 frog stance Deadlift
Conditioning:
For Time:
30-20-10
Sandbag Over Shoulder
DB Push Press
Thursday:
Thursday's strength is focused on some upper-body pulling with a Pendlay Row, and then we have a longer EMOM conditioning workout.
Strength:
Pendlay Row
Every 2 mins x 4 - 10/10/8/8 Pendlay Row
Conditioning:
EMOM 24
Min 1 - Assault bike
Min 2 - 25 ab mat sit-ups
Min 3 - Ski erg
Min 4 - 15/12/9 burpee
Friday:
Friday, we are finishing the week with some pull-ups and Olympic lifting in the strength piece before we cap off an epic week of training with a screamer of a workout!
Strength:
Conditioning: Bring everything, including the kitchen sink! FUF are here and here to stay!
ENGINE
50 min AMRAP of Rowing, Ski Erg and Running!
GYMNASTICS
On Tuesday morning, we’ll dial in on toes-to-bar progressions, followed by capacity work. We’ll then round out the session with core and lat supersets to build strength and control.
Thursday evening, we’re going BIG on bar muscle-ups! Whether you're chasing your first rep or fine-tuning your technique for cleaner, stronger sets, we’ve got you covered with progressions, modifications, and strength drills to help you level up. As always, all abilities are welcome!
HYROX
There are two weeks left until Sharjah. This is a race simulation in which we will take on a full HYROX. It can be done individually or in pairs, and the run distance can be changed.
MOBILITY
PURE STRENGTH
In Pure Strength this week, we are kicking off the week with some strict press work followed by dumbbell flys and supinated barbell rows. On Wednesday, we are hitting a 20-rep max on the RDL, aiming to progress from last week before getting in some single-leg work and some core and pull accessory work.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week, we are working on the snatch in weightlifting. This is a technique-based session. We are getting used to squatting with the barbell overhead and finishing with some heavy front squats. Do not miss out!
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email rf@innerfight.com
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. This run is currently gearing run fitness towards the incoming half marathons. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
The world of endurance never ceases to amaze me in so many ways. Endurance is not just "athletes" running marathons and the likes. Endurance spans far wider than that. The "corporate athlete" has always been one I have kept a close eye on. The outright "endurance" of the two may be far closer than we think.
The Endurance of Traditional Athletes
An athlete spends months preparing to summit Everest and on the final push can spend up to or over 12 hours just reaching the peak. They then have to do the route in reverse taking the "awake and under strain" time easily over 24 hours. Their result is celebrated as an incredible feat of human endurance. Along the way they have made huge sacrifices on many levels, two key ones, relationships and their health.
Other athletes complete ultra marathons or Ironman distance triathlons, ranging from 8 to 114 hours of physical labour solely on the event day. Before reaching the start line, they have made a number of choices which again may have some negative effects in other areas of their lives and on their health.
In 2022 I had the opportunity to coach an athlete to run 6.7km every hour for 89 consecutive hours. Forget about the training, the sleep deprivation and nutrition alone during those 89 hours took over 8 weeks to recover from.
Before reaching the start line the athlete made a number of choices, which again may have some negative effects in other areas of his life and on his health. We celebrated his feat of human endurance.
The Unsung Endurance of Corporate Athletes
When the world of athletic endurance meets that of social media, we see these achievements celebrated with only the cynical questioning the fall out. I do not recall such posts or celebrations for the corporate athlete that has worked a 90-hour week or pulled an "all-nighter" to get a business deal across the line or a court case prepared for a hearing. The athlete normally has recovery time away from their sport after big events. The corporate athlete normally is expected to be at the office at 9am on Monday morning ready to go again.
The Shared Challenges
The fall out is the same. For each athlete when it comes to sacrifices and negative impacts on their health. Some manage it others do not. In sport "longevity" is being spoken about more and more which is a huge positive. My primary goal for my athletes is that they are able to do these things that make them happy for a number of years. My primary goal for my corporate athletes is the same.
The considerations have to be the same. Perhaps heavier when it comes to the corporate athlete. It is very clear that they possess and continue to train and test a phenomenal level of endurance. Those who do not get help along the way, that do not periodize their work load and address their intensity, just like athlete who ignore the basics "burn out" early. They never really "make it". It does not need to be that way, with the right approach both athletes can continue to achieve great things in their chosen endeavours be it sport or business.
Every Human is an Athlete
I have long believed every human is an athlete, we just perform in different arenas. I feel that the sooner we are ready to accept this then the sooner we can deploy a high-performance mindset to the arena that we are performing in.
The Path Forward
With the right approach, both traditional and corporate athletes can continue to achieve great things in their chosen endeavours. This involves:
- Seeking help and guidance
- Periodizing workload
- Addressing intensity
- Focusing on the basics of health and recovery
By treating corporate performance with the same respect and strategic approach as athletic performance, we can celebrate and support the incredible endurance of all types of athletes.
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life - MENTAL TOUGHNESS - Hard Work
The world of endurance never ceases to amaze me in so many ways. Endurance is not just "athletes" running marathons and the likes. Endurance spans far wider than that. The "corporate athlete" has always been one I have kept a close eye on. The outright "endurance" of the two may be far closer than we think.
The Endurance of Traditional Athletes
An athlete spends months preparing to summit Everest and on the final push can spend up to or over 12 hours just reaching the peak. They then have to do the route in reverse taking the "awake and under strain" time easily over 24 hours. Their result is celebrated as an incredible feat of human endurance. Along the way they have made huge sacrifices on many levels, two key ones, relationships and their health.
Other athletes complete ultra marathons or Ironman distance triathlons, ranging from 8 to 114 hours of physical labour solely on the event day. Before reaching the start line, they have made a number of choices which again may have some negative effects in other areas of their lives and on their health.
In 2022 I had the opportunity to coach an athlete to run 6.7km every hour for 89 consecutive hours. Forget about the training, the sleep deprivation and nutrition alone during those 89 hours took over 8 weeks to recover from.
Before reaching the start line the athlete made a number of choices, which again may have some negative effects in other areas of his life and on his health. We celebrated his feat of human endurance.
The Unsung Endurance of Corporate Athletes
When the world of athletic endurance meets that of social media, we see these achievements celebrated with only the cynical questioning the fall out. I do not recall such posts or celebrations for the corporate athlete that has worked a 90-hour week or pulled an "all-nighter" to get a business deal across the line or a court case prepared for a hearing. The athlete normally has recovery time away from their sport after big events. The corporate athlete normally is expected to be at the office at 9am on Monday morning ready to go again.
The Shared Challenges
The fall out is the same. For each athlete when it comes to sacrifices and negative impacts on their health. Some manage it others do not. In sport "longevity" is being spoken about more and more which is a huge positive. My primary goal for my athletes is that they are able to do these things that make them happy for a number of years. My primary goal for my corporate athletes is the same.
The considerations have to be the same. Perhaps heavier when it comes to the corporate athlete. It is very clear that they possess and continue to train and test a phenomenal level of endurance. Those who do not get help along the way, that do not periodize their work load and address their intensity, just like athlete who ignore the basics "burn out" early. They never really "make it". It does not need to be that way, with the right approach both athletes can continue to achieve great things in their chosen endeavours be it sport or business.
Every Human is an Athlete
I have long believed every human is an athlete, we just perform in different arenas. I feel that the sooner we are ready to accept this then the sooner we can deploy a high-performance mindset to the arena that we are performing in.
The Path Forward
With the right approach, both traditional and corporate athletes can continue to achieve great things in their chosen endeavours. This involves:
- Seeking help and guidance
- Periodizing workload
- Addressing intensity
- Focusing on the basics of health and recovery
By treating corporate performance with the same respect and strategic approach as athletic performance, we can celebrate and support the incredible endurance of all types of athletes.
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life - MENTAL TOUGHNESS - Hard Work
One-Hour Workout: Revving Your Swim Engine
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