Ethan Holmes: Running Hard Again

August 1, 2019

W680 ethan holmes track training The D10 Athlete Profile explores what brings competitors to The D10 playing field... and what they bring away from it. 

Ethan Holmes
Consultant / Newman & Newman, LLC
The D10 Chicago
Fundraising goal: Team Newman ($25,000)
Marquee Event: 400 Meter Run (Goal: 0:52)

What is your primary motivator for competing in The D10 events?
Much of this for me was a return to my college playing days conditioning and athletic form. That was the initial self-interest at least. I had gotten out of my routine of daily workouts and running and my body was suffering from that. It was after becoming involved with The D10 that I discovered the grander purpose beyond a regimented athletic training motivation.

How much of your motivation for participating in The D10 stems from its charitable mission?
I had the opportunity to visit the children's hospital charity in my first year competing in The D10 and it entirely changed my perspective. Or at least put a real face and presence on the mission behind The D10. That has become my mission as well now. Every part of my training and Game Day performance is now focused on maximizing results to maximize donations for children's cancer research. It's inspiring.
Donate to Ethan's pediatric cancer research efforts on Game Day
How did you first get involved in The D10?
My boss, Mike Newman, had been competing in The D10 Chicago and thought I'd be a solid addition to his company team the following year. I'm glad both that he thought highly enough of me to ask me to join and that I accepted. It's been an amazing run now going into my second D10, a commitment I expect to continue for many years to come.

Thumb ethan holmes hurdles iowa college
Ethan's a few years out of college, but this kind of intensity doesn't fade easily (photo credit: QCTimes)

How has The D10 been different from your collegiate or high school sports experiences in terms of training and motivation?
In many ways, running for me has always been me vs. myself type of motivation. Running in high school and college at Iowa, while on a team, was really more about personal goals and pushing yourself to train harder, run faster, achieve better scores. With The D10, I continue to train largely by myself, but I feel a higher purpose to the hard work. I think that's an incredibly important motivator to competing post-college. 

In what ways has your participation in The D10 affected or enhanced your performance at work? 
The D10 inspired me to resume running. For a long time after my college and a short professional running career ended, I had either grown tired or fatigued mentally and largely given up my passion. With the resumption of track training, I've felt an overall increased motivation for other aspects of my life, including work. Also, I'm competing on a team with my boss -- no pressure.

Have you made new lasting friendships, or strengthened your professional network, as a result of your D10 experience?
Definitely. While I'm only in my second year, I've met a bunch of amazing fellow Chicago athletes with great hearts and similar motivations. I workout at times with my D10 teammates and find Game Day to be one amazingly friendly experience.

Like many of our D10 athletes, Ethan Holmes is running hard for those who can't run right now. Please donate to his Game Day efforts and pediatric cancer research at MSK Kids.