1. Please tell us the name of your firm, title, and describe your role in 1 sentence. I'm part of the Debt Capital Markets' Financial Institutions Group at Barclays.

2. What are your fundraising and athletic goals for The Decathlon, and what led you to choose them?  I have two goals this year: The first is to raise $10K, including matched funding. Last year, I was able to raise just under $10,000 dollars, this year I would like to break that mark. The second is to finish in the top 25 for the individual competition. 

3. What training techniques have worked best for you that you would recommend to first-time participants? I try and do a little bit of everything, including running, rowing, lifting and yoga.  The individual competition requires each athlete to be versed in a multitude of events.  This year I even added a half marathon to the training regime in May.

4. Most Decathletes have participated in mud runs, 5k’s, and triathlons.  What differentiates The Wall Street Decathlon experience from those other events? This will be my third year competing in the event.  It is an extremely worthy cause and a great avenue to raise awareness while building a network of people in finance who dedicate an equal amount of time to philanthropic events.   

5. What’s the one piece of advice about The Decathlon that you’d share with first-time participants? I would recommend dedicating at least one day to running through all 10 events.  It is easy to practice all 10 over the course of a week, but knowing what your body will feel like after eight or nine can help prepare you for the toll all 10 events will take on your body. 

Jake Stoller, pictured third from right