Fitness is a family affair for the Griessmeyers. As president of Race Day Events, Ryan produces running and multisport events for adults and kids across Wisconsin and the Midwest. And the rest of the Verona family — wife Lauren, four-year-old Jace and year-old Luella — get in on the action too.
In advance of race season kicking off in May, Ryan shared what it’s like to put fitness first at work and at home.
Why did you start Race Day Events? What was the idea behind it?
Race Day Events started in 2006 as a hobby after helping Fleet Feet Sports produce the first New Year’s Day Dash. With a full-time job in construction, RDE was something fun to do on the side that played off my passion for endurance events. RDE slowly grew year over year and in 2011 I decided to make my hobby a full-time job. We are now a thriving business with fifteen full time employees and forty-plus part-time weekend warriors.
What is your background with running, racing and triathlons?
I grew up running and doing triathlons from about age eight — my father got me into them early. I dabbled in bike racing for a while but really enjoy triathlons and now obstacle course racing. I enjoy the friendliness of the participants as well as the fun competition all being part of something healthy.
How involved is your family in running and racing?
My family is very involved. Lauren has completed four Ironman races and we train a lot with the kiddos. Whether pushing them in the stroller or having Jace run or ride his bike next to us, they are involved one way or another. Jace did his first kids’ run at age three and gets better each day. Working out together is something we all enjoy.
In what other ways do you stay active as a family and why is this important to you?
We try to stay active and do outdoor things as often as possible. Most of our vacations and weekend plans are based around fitness and an active lifestyle. We try to eat healthy and make sure the kids understand the importance of eating healthy and staying fit. It is an important part of our life and we want the kids to know and understand why it is good to make healthy choices.
What are your favorite events that you produce?
My favorites are the Lake Monona 20K and the Pleasant Prairie Triathlon. I like the Lake Monona 20K because of its history and the great post-race party. Pleasant Prairie Triathlon is also a favorite because of the amazing venue. Both events continue to grow and get better year over year.
What are your favorite memories from running Race Day Events?
They usually revolve around travelling to out-of-state events and producing the events with a great crew from RDE. When we travel we grow bonds and truly work like a close-knit family. This is part of what makes RDE and our events so amazing.
Any advice for parents who want to try a family race?
I think it is easiest to try a small event and see where it takes you. Start with a 5K, then try something a little longer. If you are enjoying it and can make it work for the family, keep pushing it to the next level. Soon you will be doing an Ironman or even a twenty-four-hour endurance race — anything is possible if you are enjoying it.
What have you learned through Race Day Events? What do you hope your kids learn from seeing you do this work?
I have learned that making your hobby a career is very fun and rewarding. Even though the work is hard and days are long, it never feels like work. It is not uncommon to work an eighteen-hour day and know you are going right back to another event the next day. We get up at early hours in the morning and smile because we enjoy it.
I hope my kids grow up to learn that while the work is very hard it is rewarding. We are making thousands of people’s dreams come true with every race we produce. I want my kids to be able to take away the feeling of being able to help someone by sacrificing with hard work and long rewarding days.
Photos by Focal Flame Photography.