Way of the Warrior
Entrepreneur, endurance athlete and Club Member Joe De Sena explains why he enjoys pushing people to their limits.
Joe De Sena is no ordinary fitness enthusiast. Extreme is a more apt description. Seemingly obsessed with testing himself both physically and mentally, he has completed scores of endurance races, including 14 Ironman triathlon events in a single year.
One particular race, a grueling 560-kilometer winter challenge in frigid northern Quebec in 2000, proved to be transformative. Seven years later, De Sena and a friend launched their own brand of endurance obstacle race. Named the Death Race, the punishing multiday event saw few competitors cross the finish line.
In 2010, he staged the first Spartan Race, a more accessible obstacle challenge. Thousands of people in dozens of countries have since tested their mettle over a Spartan course.
The author of Spartan Up! and Spartan Fit!, De Sena, 48, shares his fitness passion and philosophy at two events at the Club this month. Before then, INTOUCH attempts to break through his steely exterior to learn a little more about the boy from Queens, New York.
How did fitness come to play such a central role in your life?
My mother taught yoga, became a vegan and introduced me to ultra-endurance events and the benefits of healthy living.
How did your upbringing in Queens shape you?
Growing up in a place that respects the “hustle” and drives people to just push through daily obstacles prepared me for life. I believe adversity is the road to success.
What was the trigger for the Spartan Race idea?
I’m an entrepreneur at heart and just wanted to create a business that was purposeful, badass and would get people motivated to become healthy.
What is the appeal of the Spartan Race concept?
People want to get back to basics in life, especially in first-world countries where we have it too easy and, in many respects, live in a bubble. We provide an outlet to really experience what life was for most of our existence on this planet.
What do you enjoy about running the events?
I love seeing people push themselves and go through a Spartan transformative process.
You’ve been called “the most punishing man in fitness.” Is that a fair description?
I have a knack for pushing people to their breaking point and helping them get over it.
You’ve competed in many endurance events. What is the draw?
Too many that I can remember. Einstein said when you face adversity, a man is introduced to himself.
What have you learned about yourself from such events?
I have learned that a human being is a lot more capable than we think.
How much of competing in endurance races is mental?
Eighty percent mental.
What advice would you give somebody thinking of joining an endurance event?
Commitment in life is what it is all about. Take the plunge—it’s a lot more fun than being a spectator in life.
Spartan Workout
April 9 | 2–3:30pm
Words: Nick Jones