Market: New York

Athlete: Rob Stufano (Cushman & Wakefield)

As a rookie in 2015, I registered for The Decathlon having absolutely no idea what to expect. I knew I wanted to compete and have an impact on such a great cause, but there were many unknowns;  What’s the best way to train?  How do I focus my fundraising?  How well will I do? These questions raced through my mind throughout the training cycle, but from the minute I arrived at the stadium on game day and checked in, The Decathlon had me hooked.

Thanks to a year of experience under my belt, my training is efficient, focused and disciplined.  So is my fundraising game plan.  Using the experience to set higher goals and facilitate better preparation is great, but as with any competition, execution will be the true measure of success.

To quote Mike Tyson (surprisingly) "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”

I encourage 1st timers to plan and practice your warm-up, develop the right pacing in running and strength events -- how many reps before I pause, catch my breath and continue? -- but understand you cannot factor in the excitement and energy you’ll experience on game day.  It’s that excitement or 'game day jitters' that I remember (and cherish) most about The Decathlon.

I think athletes agree; there is no better feeling than pre-game jitters. The adrenaline, focus and nerves right before the start culminates into the best feeling in the world. Having played sports through college, I have chased that feeling since graduation. The day of a big pitch, big meeting, or even a summer lacrosse game all have shades of game day jitters, but fall short of the real thing.

The Decathlon completely filled that ‘game day’ void not once but ten times. 

Entering my lane for the 1st event -- the 400m -- I had to take a step back, settle down and reset so I could listen for instructions because I was hyped. Once the gun went off, the nerves disappeared, the months of training kicked in and by the time I hit the finish line, my adrenaline was through the roof.

With 9 more events to go, every succeeding event brought a new batch of ‘pre game” jitters, each a little different from the last but all rewarding.   The satisfaction from months of preparation had paid off.  Extra motivation from performance-based donations kept me focused and driven; not only for myself but for the inspiring community around me.

In the end, the goal is to maximize funds raised by out-performing your own expectations.  It will happen.  The energy is intoxicating.  Embrace it.  Best of all, it is simply fun competing against great athletes producing incredible results -- none better than the final fundraising tally.   

Bring it,

Rob