5 days of training, a weeks rest and I was ready to take on the challenge of my first half-Ironman in Oliver.
There I stood with over a 1000 competitors, nervous, overwhelmed but excited. Excited to walk into a situation where I know the only way I will finish is to dig deep within and challenge my mind and my heart.
That sounded all fancy and inspirational, in short I have no idea what possessed me to sign up for this race.
Click on my video to listen to my experience and the 4 unexpected lessons I learned about business along the way.
Here I am trying to figure out how to get into my new wetsuit that I will be using for the first time.
4 Lessons I learned during my half-Ironman in Oliver
LESSON 1: Run Your Own Race
Do not worry about others around you. What ever you do do it for yourself, build your business for yourself not for the sake of building a bigger business than the one next door.
LESSON 2: Be Authentic
How you play the game is a reflection of how you life your life. That lady I talk about in the above video is a great example of this. She was genuine in her kindness and that was one of the most refreshing things to experience.
LESSON 3: Create Your Ideal Culture
The culture you create in your office is a direct reflection of the level of success you will experience. Support and celebrate with your employees and clients. Not only when they have accomplished something but more so along the way.
LESSON 4: Cherish The Moment
It is important to chase your goals, but never at the expense of losing sight of your achievements and experiencing the moment.
We are capable of so much more than we give our self credit for. What ever your journey is never forget to smile through it all as it is a gift.
I look forward to hearing your experiences as well.
Fred Sarkari
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
I am a proud hombre
Congratulations Fred! I think this video should come with a “do not try this at home” disclaimer though hehe
Great lessons learned also. I have to say, that whether it’s running marathons, raising my children or running my business, the hardest thing for me is to cherish the moment. I’m sure my world is no different than anyone else’s going a million miles a minute but when I slow it down enough to appreciate “now” myself, my children and my business run smoother, more effective and more content in general. Thanks for that reminder.
Deanne, you are so right! Just by slowing down we can enjoy the moment so much more.
By slowing down during a stressful moment we are able to find the joy within it instead of reacting.
Fred, you are either an inspiration to us all, or simply crazy!! Congratulations on completing your first Half Iron Man!
Thank you for the reminder to live in the now, and cherish the present moment. After all, it is all we really have.
Appreciate you sharing great lessons for us to learn from.
You have great life lessons.I love their is pleasure in pain, my favorite passage. I taught my children some of these lessons because I live them.I had learning disabilities when I was younger and my mom always said “Its not that you win the race but that you tried.” She also told me with things that were simple to some but difficult for me to slow down and let it make sense in my mind.So I just wanted to say I appreciated you sharing this with me and I plan on applying this when I start my walking.I had been afraid of how I would look sense I have recovered from breaking my ankle and can not walk very well, but I will do it for me.Thanks again and God bless.
Hello Nedyne, your mother sounds like a very smart woman to teach to that.
I know if I saw you walking after a broken ankle – I would think there is a woman with courage as anyone can sit on the couch and complain but it takes a special person to get up and do it anyways.
Keep smiling and thanks for sharing
fred that is the best video i have ever seen
Zal, thank you so much buddy. You are the best Nephew anyone can ever have.
Love you lots! And go give your sister one of those big hugs and kisses from me.
i will love you
i will
Fred
It is always great to be reminded in our crazy busy lives to cherish the moment and enjoy the journey. Also it is wonderful that you put your mind to it and did it. As corny as it may sound “where there is a will there is a way”. Great going Fred. Keep enjoying n growing from all these experiences. Love Kash
It’s so easy to put my mind to things when I think of those 2 little munchkin niece and nephew you have given me. I am so so happy that they get so excited for triathlons.
I just want them to know that they are capable of doing anything their hearts desire, no matter what people say.
Love you and see you soon.
Brilliant Fred! I love how you tap into your experiences to recognize and acknowledge the life lessons that you so generously share. Congratulations on all counts!!
You know, what you say in the video is so true.
Being more focused on other people and not ‘running your own race’ is very toxic for career.
I was able to move my office from the front desk area to the other side of the building last year and I can’t believe how much happier I am in the workplace now. And I’m much more focused on the things that matter to advancing career success. Removing distractions and the temptation to obsess about what others are up to has made a big improvement.
Andrew, I laughed reading your comment. As I was reading it, I realized I was having one of those days, filled with distraction. Thanks for getting focus back in my day with a great reminder.
Hi Fred:
extremely motivational!!!!!!
A great story, inspiration for our youth and if ever you are in Houston, we would love for you to talk to our youth & adults as well!
what you do is phenomenal, insofar as you accomplish a difficult task and motivate others to focus and keep on track with their lives and surpass the difficulties that come your way!!!!!!!
congrats guy and my best wishes
Homi
Homi, thank you for connecting and the kind words. We call can inspire the youth around us by simply being a good person, not only to others but to ourselves.
Great talking with you, looking forward to Houston.
Fred , Thanks for sharing this will us.This is a wonderful lesson to learn from this amazing Experiment for our personal and business world.
Best wishes .
Bruce Kahkesh
Many congratulations and well done Fred, you never cease to amaze me. Why can’t more of us have your aspiration? Fred, have you ever thought of going into schools, colleges, universities. these institutions and it’s pupils could benefit so much from your wisdom!
My late father used to tell us “do good for others, especially those less fortunate than yourself, but never expect anything in return”.
Thanks for sharing these lovely thoughts with us. Love you and god bless.
Yasmin, thank you so much for the kind words. You always comment with such genuine love.
Fred,
WOW – You know that I think you are crazy for setting such an ambitious goal but I knew all along that you would finish the race and learn some important lessons along the way. You constantly challenge yourself to stretch outside of your comfort zone, reach for new heights, accomplish goals, and pass along your lessons in life to others – AND you live and love every moment to the fullest along the way! I’ve grown so much in my personal and business life, thanks to your unconditional support, encouragement and advice. Thank you for living your life in a way that is true and authentic – then sharing your experiences with others. You truly are an inspiration!
Sarah, what is the point of life if we are not stretching ourselves, testing what we are made of and most importantly having fun doing it along the way.
Thank you one of the kindest things you can say – living an authentic life.
Fred
I am facinated by your commitment to do this half ironman. What a great venue in Oliver BC. I canot agree with you more about run your own race, be authentic, creat your own ideal culture, live the moment and cherish the moment. The connection with others [relationship building and nuturing] is of paramount importance in every aspect of life; business, play and family. Congratulations the next one will be so much more. Thanks for sharing the video.
Jack Ireland
Truly, you are my hero… what an inspriration you are Fred. I loved your video and am so inspired by your strength of mind, body and spirit! There is no question that you were put on this earth to change the world in a positive way… fantastic achievement! pam:)
Pamela, its people like yourself with such great comments, how can I not want to do more.
Thank you for your belief and support
You did it! You survived! …
What an incredible experience. You inspire me.
Congrats, and good work!
Fred…..Man, you certainly walk the talk ! regards from London, Milt.
You go brosepho. come out to aus and do the full ironman!!!
Blast from Australia, love it.
I still need some surf lessons when I come to Australia.
Keep well
Congratulations Fred! Your lessons are inspiring. Keep up the great works. What is your next goal? Best Wishes.
Dr. George Grant.
http://www.drgrantwellness.com
Nice job freddie! well done!…great lessons that are timeless.
Thanks for sharing this, Fred. Tell me, will you do it again and why?
Rustom, I sure would do it again. Just hope I will have a little more wisdom and put some training time in the next time around.
Why would I do it again. There are so many reasons, but here are a few that pop into my mind right away.
1. The culture at these events are amazing. People are so excited, energized and supportive.
2. Everyone has their stories in life – some use them as why they cannot and then there are those that use it as why they can. Some of the competitors that have the courage to show up and keep moving forward is to inspiring. How can I not want to be part of that journey.
3. One of the greatest accomplishments is to be able to over power your body with the desire of the mind and heart. No matter what your athletic condition – this is the case for every competitor that show up, first place or last.
4. Most important – it a lot of fun.
Hello Fred;
Well done completeing your first triathlon, sounds a bit mad on five days of training but what would the world and our lives be like if we were not a bit mad!
I too am cherishing the moment, I have been doing some very good training and healthy living, sorting out my diet and discovering strength training and injury recovery training(old school stuff!) which has taken me to new levels.
I love this life, it never ceases to amaze how much is actually out there, especially when you look beyond conventional wisdom, and when you realise just what you are capable of!
Once again well done on the Iron man, what will your next adventure, and challenge be?
Cheers
Andy
Fred, Thank you for re-inspiring me this past week in Fernie to live my “authentic life” but most of all to appreciate the personalities and traits of others so they can live theirs! I sought out your website to share with a friend some of the “ah ha” momments from your talk and came upon your half ironman comments. Congrats on your accomplishment and the lessons learned are ones I will take to heart also. I hope you continue to do triathlons as they are truly are an amazing way to keep the mind,body and spirit engaged and challenged, however being a triathlete myself I know that the training is the lesson and the event is the reward. Maybe I will see you at an event one day! Cheers
Allison From Scotiabank
Allison, I am glad you enjoyed the session. You were all a phenomenal and for sure a fun group to speak for. You all made my day and re-inspired me.
I will for sure continue the triathlons. You are so right – it taps into all aspects of our being. No matter what shape you are in it will always test you and stretch you.
Which races do you have lined up this season?
Looking forward to seeing you at a race.
Hi Fred. Congratulations on completing the half ironman. And more importantly are the lessons you were reminded of. An important frame of thought for me every day is to run my own race and live my own life according to my own terms. I’m a true believer of setting my own goals and digging deep for myself. So glad you got so much pleasure from the ironman ‘pain’. I’m proud of you friend!
Dharshi, thanks for the comments
So simple but so true about about what you say – Set your own goals and just dig deep for them.
Fred, you blow my mind, just think how well you could do if you were ever to do any training – 5 days of training – is not training! Of course everyone that runs runs their own race, even if they are competing. So far I’ve seen you make a snap decision to run the marathon, another snap decision to do the 1/2 triathlon.
How does NOT training work for you? Because you can never fail – even if you drop out, because you aren’t reaching for a goal. “After all I never trained, what do you expect?” My challenge to you – run either of these events again and take 45 minutes off your time. Set a goal – train for it – meet it.
The road will teach you exactly what your limitations are, and what needs to be improved. Trust me, I just had a my worst result ever race result on the weekend, and I really want to throw in the towel – but – I’m going to learn to run better, longer, faster. If you decide to run the RVM again – maybe we can run the half together! And if you train – you can likely kick my butt!
Thanks for the comment, love what you wrote.
I see your point about having the scape goat to quit and say “well I never trained anyways” but that to me would have been failing. My goal was to finish one way or another. I truly do not know my limitations, every adventure reminds me how much more we are capable.
All that being said, I will take your challenge one day and train for these races and take a big chunk of my time. That will be a whole different race.
as always, thanks for commenting so honestly.