Matthew Burton: I'm So Serious About D10 Training, I Built An App
July 22, 2019
(Photo above: Matt the day he signed up for The D10 Chicago 2018 and eight months later, the day he competed)The D10 Athlete Profile explores what brings competitors to The D10 playing field... and what they bring away from it.
Matt Burton
QA Lead / Pixel Press
The D10 Chicago
Fundraising goal: ($2,019)
Marquee Event: Broad Jump (Goal: 11 feet)
What is your primary motivator for competing in The D10 events?
The core motivation for me is doing what I love, training and competing while helping the fight to cure children's cancer. It's such a natural win-win. There's nothing quite like what The D10 has to offer.
How much of your motivation for participating in The D10 stems from its charitable mission?
Most of my motivation for participating in The D10 stems from its charitable mission. The fact that it gives me a reason to train hard and compete is super sweet icing on the cake. There's no better way to improve the body, mind, and spirit.
How did you first get involved in The D10?
Like many people, I saw that article about The D10 in Men’s Health magazine and thought “Wow, this is exactly what I’m looking for. A reason to get me into top-notch shape and a way to help a great cause where I would enjoy the process.” Chicago 2019 will be my second year, but consider me a lifer.
A software developer, Matt built his own app to track his training progress -- damn! (It's in the Apple Store)
How has The D10 been different from your collegiate or high school sports experiences in terms of training and motivation?
For The D10, I do much more raw strength and speed training rather than I did for team-based sports. Also, I'm not with a team or coach; it’s only me pushing myself, which is tough! I made myself a smartphone app to act as a personal trainer to make sure I get the most out of training. So, like a coach, but it can also order me takeout.
In what ways has your participation in The D10 affected or enhanced your performance at work?
I have more energy and a more positive attitude about everything as a result of getting into great shape and focusing on my health. The more energy you put in, the more energy you get out. Newton's Law of Fitness.
Have you made new lasting friendships, or strengthened your professional network, as a result of your D10 experience?
Everyone I met at last years Chicago D10 was awesome! Most of the participants had competed before so they were all giving me tips. I even met up with one of the competitors (John M) after the event to hang out before my drive back to St. Louis.
Matt Burton is a committed D10er with a mad passion for raising money to help cure children's cancer. Help him with a donation to his D10 Chicago performance, with all proceeds going to MSK Kids.