27 Feb Meet the Team: Brian Sharda
Life Outside Sport
How did growing up in your family shape your approach to athletics and competition?
We were outside a lot. Camping, hiking, playing tag, always running around with the neighbor kids. I have a brother 1.5 years older than me, so the competition was always present. We have hundreds of hours of playing against each other in soccer, basketball, tennis, ice hockey…we kept pushing each other trying to stay stronger and faster than the other. He usually got the best of me…but in the last few years, I’m finally a bit quicker on the bike and running. He still crushes me in ping pong though.
We still enjoy pushing each other to this day. This past summer my brother and I completed a 210 mile trip from his house near Chicago to our parents home in Holland, MI. It was a great day on the bike!
Who’s your biggest supporter in your training journey? How do they help keep you going?
Definitely my family. My wife and kids are supportive of me in all the time and energy it takes to stay consistent with training and racing. And I always love seeing them cheer me on at races. Their cheers, smiles, and silly signs have been an encouraging boost in the midst of some difficult moments during races.
It’s also been really fun to chase after athletes who are a little faster than me. It’s real fun for me to have that close competition. Someone who’s just out there pushing a little harder, it gives me that motivation to try and dig a little deeper.
What traditions or activities do you enjoy with your family when you’re not training?
We love to spend time outside: bike rides, hiking, playing/watching sports.
Balancing Act
What’s your strategy for balancing early morning workouts with family time?
Early to bed, early to rise. Several years ago, I realized how important physical movement was for me first thing in the morning. When I was younger, I could get away with less sleep. Now, my workout starts the night before, by getting myself to bed on time.
Have any of your family members caught the endurance sports bug from you?
My 15 year old daughter runs a few 5k races each year. She can also run back and forth on the basketball court or soccer pitch for nearly the whole game….so no official races in there, but she can go and go.
Personal Growth
How has being an endurance athlete influenced your role as a parent/spouse/family member?
I think training and racing is one of the best things for my overall wellbeing. As a mental health counselor, an adoptive parent, and in lots of other ways, I end up navigating and processing a lot of mental, physical, and emotional stress. We all encounter so much stress in our day-to-day life, I’m not alone in this. I’m very grateful to have a healthy enough body and a supportive family to be able to get out and move 5-6 days a week. The space to work stress through, let my mind wander, listen to a helpful podcast, or think through a difficult situation is essential to my health. I think I show up with more patience, curiosity, creativity, and compassion as a husband, father, grandfather, friend, counselor, neighbor, etcetera because of my time cycling, running, or swimming.
What life lessons from endurance sports do you try to pass on to your kids or loved ones?
You can do hard things.
Rhythms and routines matter.
It’s supposed to be fun. My father-in-law reminds me of this before every race. And I think this can be applied to a lot of life….we don’t have to just ‘get through’ life, we can live it well, and have some fun.
What’s a memorable moment where your family was there to support you during a race?
The very first race I won was the Saugatuck Dunes Du back in 2014. I came out of the sandy, hilly dune run and my wife, parents, and 4 year old daughter were near the end of the run cheering me on. My daughter was on the side of the trail ready to give me a high 5. They were so excited to see me in first place. High 5 delivered to my daughter, and I felt like I could win the race. On the bike, I just kept pounding those pedals watching the racer behind me. And I held him off, my family at the finish line cheering me on. It was so fun!
(I can send a picture of the High 5 – it’s one of my favorite photos)
Fun Facts
What’s your family’s reaction to your race-day nutrition choices?
My wife often calls me Fatboy Slim. It’s an apt nickname. I’m a pretty slim guy, and after races (and a lot of other times) I can eat some serious junk food….bring on the pizza, beer, cookies, peanut m&m’s, and so much more. Racing is fun in and of itself, but burning all those calories is a really nice outcome….more snacks!