A Spartan Race Was The Start: How Ryan DuBois Found His Passion for Running and Changed His Life

In 2021, Ryan DuBois found himself at a fork in the road. It is one that many of us encounter: the challenge of finding a new passion that not only drives us physically but also enriches our lives. For Ryan, this journey began with a Spartan race, a decision that would fire up his love for running and set him on a path of personal growth. His story is not just about overcoming the physical challenges of running. It is also about how endurance sports have transformed his life as a father, entrepreneur, and individual striving for continuous self-improvement.

“I started with a Spartan race. I’ve stayed somewhat physically fit my entire life,” Ryan recalls. “I played sports growing up, but I never really ran. Running was terrible. I hated it. I prided myself on never running more than a mile at a time.” Yet, the race lingered in his mind, representing a challenge he couldn’t shake. Finally, he committed, registered, and began his training. He, like many of us, started with a quarter mile, struggling to breathe, and pushing his body to its limits.

Overcoming the Initial Struggles

The journey to his first race was not an easy one. Ryan’s initial goal was simple: finish the race and not come last in his age division. This was no small feat for someone who had never enjoyed running. “It was just me versus myself the whole time,” Ryan says. “I had a goal, and I put it up on the board. That was my goal: to finish the race and not come in last. It was a complete transformation of my whole mindset.”

The Spartan race was a turning point. Despite the physical toll, Ryan completed the race, and instead of feeling relief, he was filled with a sense of accomplishment and a newfound desire to push himself further. “Man, what’s next?” he thought as he crossed the finish line. “We can do some harder things.” The race ignited a passion that led Ryan to set bigger and more challenging goals. His desire to finish races ranged  from a 5K to 10Ks, half marathons, and eventually ultra marathons.

The Impact on Personal and Professional Life

Ryan’s commitment to running didn’t just affect his physical health; it had a profound impact on his professional life and relationships as well. Running became a tool for mental clarity and energy management, enabling him to perform better at work and inspire healthier habits among his team. “Running in the morning completely changed my routine,” Ryan explains. “I started setting goals—weekly, monthly, quarterly—where I wanted to be in three months. It’s like the build-up to races, achieving milestones, and doing hard things in the morning that compelled me to keep improving.”

This discipline and focus spilled over into his work as an entrepreneur. The lessons learned from endurance sports—perseverance, goal-setting, and pushing beyond limits—translated into his business mindset. “That’s kind of like my mindset for business: continuously improving, learning, and growing,” Ryan says. “I just applied it to my morning routine and what I was doing with my running and working out.”

Running also strengthened Ryan’s role as a father, setting an example for his children that it’s never too late to take on new challenges and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. “I wanted to set an example for my kids by doing some hard things, even at an older age, showing them that you can keep a healthy and active lifestyle into your forties,” he shares.

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Embracing the Ultra Challenge

As Ryan’s love for running grew, so did his ambitions. The Spartan race was just the beginning. He soon found himself drawn to ultra running, a sport that tests not only physical endurance but also mental fortitude. “It’s mind over matter,” Ryan says. “It’s the mental challenge of achieving hard things, but it’s also about the training that goes into it—seeing what our bodies are capable of doing. Once you start unlocking these boxes—5K, 10K, half marathon—you realize, ‘What else is possible?'”

Ryan’s approach to ultra running mirrors his approach to life and business. He sets milestones, reaches them, and then pushes the boundaries further. “In life, in business, and in running, it’s about continuously unlocking new levels and seeing what you can achieve next,” he notes. “What you didn’t think was possible a year ago is now possible. That motivates me. It’s just a matter of how we get there and the training that leads up to it.”

The Support of the Running Community

One of the most surprising aspects of Ryan’s journey has been the support and camaraderie he found within the running community. “The community of people I’ve met along the way is just amazing,” Ryan says. “Whether you’re competing against them or with them, everyone has such a positive outlook. They’re rooting you on, pulling you up, giving you encouragement. Throughout every race, I’ve encountered people who boost your energy, whether it’s with a word of encouragement or just running alongside you.”

This sense of community has been a crucial part of Ryan’s journey, providing motivation and support during races and in training. It’s a reminder that while running can be a solitary pursuit, it is also a collective experience that brings people together in pursuit of common goals.

Balancing Life, Work, and Running

For Ryan, one of the biggest challenges has been balancing his training with the demands of his professional and personal life. As a father and entrepreneur, finding the time to train is no easy task. But for Ryan, it’s about setting priorities and making time for what matters most. “It’s all about time management and setting priorities,” he says. “I schedule my training like I schedule my work meetings. It’s important to me, so I make it a priority.”

Running has also become a form of self-care for Ryan, a way to recharge and refocus amidst the demands of life. “Running is my time to clear my head and recharge,” he explains. “It’s not just about the physical benefits; it’s about mental clarity and finding balance in my life.”

Inspiring Others to Take the First Step

Ryan’s journey shows us the power of setting goals, pushing beyond your comfort zone, and finding a passion that enriches every aspect of your life. His story is an inspiration for anyone thinking about starting their own journey into endurance sports, whether it’s running, cycling, or any other challenge that calls to you.

“If there’s one thing I want people to take away from my story, it’s that you can start anywhere,” Ryan says. “I hated running. I never thought I would be running ultra marathons. But I took that first step, and it changed my life. It’s never too late to start something new, to set a goal, and to see where it takes you.”

The Power of Endurance

Ryan DuBois’ journey from a Spartan race to ultra marathons is a terrific example of how endurance sports can transform your life. It’s not just about the physical challenges, but about the mental growth. It is also about the community you build, and the lessons you learn along the way. For Ryan, running has become more than a sport; it’s a way of life that has brought balance, clarity, and a sense of purpose.

So, if you’re thinking about starting your own endurance journey, take a page from Ryan’s book: Set a goal, take that first step, and see where it leads. The journey may be tough, but the rewards are immeasurable.

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