Business, Biking & the Beauty of Showing Up

Last weekend I crossed the finish line of my 4th Ironman 70.3 event in beautiful Mallorca.

That’s 2k of swimming, 90k of cycling—including a climb that I’m still trying to forget—and a 21k run that, let’s just say, turned into a walk/run/repeat situation. (Some things are best not dwelt on…)

But medal in hand, smile on face, and legs still slightly confused—I’m back at my desk at McCool Solutions with a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation. And yes, the medal now lives proudly on the lamp beside me. It’s my little reminder that consistent effort pays off—even when the road gets hilly (literally or metaphorically).

Iron(wo)man & the Entrepreneurial Mindset

For me, doing a race like this isn’t really about being superhuman. It’s about training, planning, showing up, and—importantly—doing it alongside good people. Which got me thinking… in so many ways, it mirrors how I run my business.

• Planning matters. You don’t wing an Ironman. You map the route, know the terrain, and break it into achievable chunks. Same goes for crafting a digital marketing strategy.
• Training isn’t glamorous. It’s early mornings, trial and error, testing what works, adjusting what doesn’t. That’s how I approach client campaigns too.
• You don’t always feel ready—but you start anyway. You trust the work you’ve done. Whether it’s launching a business, a website, or diving into cold open water.
• It’s better with a tribe. I trained with friends from South Coast Tri Club who kept me motivated through the months. That kind of camaraderie and support? I see it in the partnerships I’ve built with clients over the years.
• The privilege is in the doing. Whether you’re coming back from injury (me!) or taking a risk on a new product, there’s pride in showing up, doing your best, and learning from every step.

From Finish Line to Inbox

After the race, I celebrated with my training buddies, soaked up the Spanish sunshine, and reflected on how lucky I am—to be able to race, to work with fantastic clients, and to run a business that still inspires me every day.

So here I am, medal shining and inbox filling up. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.