CEO of Iris North America, Ian Sohn, Finds Relief in Long-Distance Running as a Method to Disconnect from Work
In the early days of his leadership journey, Ian Sohn, now the CEO of North America at creative agency Iris, found solace in running after battling stress and anxiety. What started as a casual five-day-a-week routine morphed into half marathons of 13 miles, and ultimately full marathons spanning 26 miles. To date, he has completed seven full marathons, including the Chicago Marathon and Minnesota's Grandma's Marathon in 2022.
With his sights set on new challenges, Ian is now gearing up for his first 40-mile ultramarathon in June. This epic adventure will take him through the stunning landscapes of West Virginia, traversing the Monongahela National Forest, Timberline Mountain ski resort, and Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge before concluding at Canaan Valley Resort State Park.
Sharing his thoughts on the importance of an outlet, Ian said, "If you don't have an outlet - even watching comedy specials on Netflix - it can eat you up inside." He usually prepares for his runs at the crack of dawn.
As he stands on the threshold of this challenging ultramarathon, the need for an outlet resonates more profoundly. Preparing for such an endeavor involves both physical and mental fortitude. Diligent training, strength conditioning, and a well-crafted nutrition plan are crucial elements in a successful ultramarathon journey. Additionally, trail running in West Virginia offers breathtaking scenery, from the challenging New River Gorge Trail System to the iconic Appalachian Trail.
With the ultramarathon fast approaching, Ian is no stranger to long hours of training and intense preparation. Armed with his running shoes, determination, and a touch of humor, he's ready to face the upcoming challenge head-on. Keep an eye out for updates on his preparations, and who knows, you might even stumble upon him on one of West Virginia's scenic trails.
- Ian, preparing for his first 40-mile ultramarathon, has decided to invest part of his retirement savings into exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to support his fitness-and-exercise endeavors, using an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) as the investment vehicle.
- As he embarks on this challenging journey through West Virginia's wilderness, Ian believes that his love for science and health-and-wellness will help him excel in this ultramarathon and other potential sports-related activities.
- Once the ultramarathon concludes, Ian intends to focus on integrating science, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and sports into his life as a means of maintaining mental well-being, bringing together his personal and professional passions.
