Guy Cirincione: People Realize This Can't Be Easy
April 22, 2019
The D10 Athlete Profile explores what brings competitors to The D10 playing field...and what they bring away from it. Guy Cirincione
SVP, Siemens Financial
The D10 NYC
Fundraising goal: Team Undrafted ($30K)
2019 Marquee event: Bench Press
What were your expectations heading into your first D10 NYC in 2017, and how did the real experience compare?
My expectations were that this was a charity event, and as a result, the athletics component was going to be casually executed. I have to tell you, when I got out onto that field, it was quite the opposite. You don't just walk onto that field on that day. In my way, I had trained for it, but I quickly realized that people are prepping and training and going through holy hell to get ready for a D10. It can be intimidating, but it's also your calling card.
What's been your athletic background?
My athleticism has pretty much always been in a gym. I was not a ballplayer. In sixth grade, I bought my first set of weights, and I've been working out ever since. Arnold [Schwarzenegger] was an incredible inspiration to me. Even before him, a guy named Bill Pearl had what I considered the perfect physique. In the late '60s in the tri-state area, Tom Seaver was everybody's hero, but Pearl and Arnold were the guys I followed.
I play tennis every weekend. I dabbled in running, but I don't consider myself a natural-born runner.
Pearl and Arnie: the passing of an oily torchMy athleticism has pretty much always been in a gym. I was not a ballplayer. In sixth grade, I bought my first set of weights, and I've been working out ever since. Arnold [Schwarzenegger] was an incredible inspiration to me. Even before him, a guy named Bill Pearl had what I considered the perfect physique. In the late '60s in the tri-state area, Tom Seaver was everybody's hero, but Pearl and Arnold were the guys I followed.
I play tennis every weekend. I dabbled in running, but I don't consider myself a natural-born runner.
How does having one D10 under your belt allow you to train smarter this year?
One thing is realizing that I'm not gong to be the fastest or the strongest guy. I'm just proud to be there at all.
I am dieting religiously, trying to come in a little leaner than last time. I have posted up on the wall of my gym at home my 2017 results. That's the performance I've got to beat. Unfortunately, I did pretty well in the dips, and those are gone now.
At right: Joe Cirincione of J. Ciro Designs
What does it mean to you as a father to be able to compete alongside your sons, Joe and Steve?
In every respect, they're my inspiration. They cajoled me into getting out there at least one more time. I am proud to be on the track and watch their backs as they're running faster than me! If it weren't for them, I wouldn't be out there. I wouldn't find my motivation.
I was the guy in college who didn't drink, wasn't going to toke on the joint. I'm proud that my commitment to a healthy lifestyle rubbed off on my two kids, and I'm thrilled that they have this relationship with each other, competing as teammates. As a dad, I couldn't ask for more.
Joe and Steve have perennially ranked among the top fundraising teams. How have you approached that side of The D10 competition?
I put a lot of personal touch in my email, and it's going out to hundreds of people. I get responses ranging from, "Holy crap, really, you're doing that?" to, "You got this! Don't embarrass us old folks!"
People are even more willing to contribute because they realize this can't be easy for any 60-year-old. You could say I get a lot of sympathy dollars coming through the door.
I'm always astounded at the generosity of people, and if my efforts can motivate even one other 60-year-old to get involved, I would consider that a victory.
The D10 is honored to publish Guy's D10 athlete profile to coincide with his 60th birthday this week. Happy Birthday, Guy! Give him a little birthday love by donating to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Team Undrafted's name. All dollars donated go directly to Sloan Kettering and its fight against pediatric cancer.
People are even more willing to contribute because they realize this can't be easy for any 60-year-old. You could say I get a lot of sympathy dollars coming through the door.
I'm always astounded at the generosity of people, and if my efforts can motivate even one other 60-year-old to get involved, I would consider that a victory.
The D10 is honored to publish Guy's D10 athlete profile to coincide with his 60th birthday this week. Happy Birthday, Guy! Give him a little birthday love by donating to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Team Undrafted's name. All dollars donated go directly to Sloan Kettering and its fight against pediatric cancer.