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Greg Ho: A New York VC’s Ambitious Marathon Goal

At the age of 72, Greg Ho is not just the president of a bustling New York venture capital firm, Spring Mountain Capital; he is also a passionate marathon runner. With an impressive track record of completing 43 marathons, Ho aims to reach a remarkable milestone of 100 marathons by his century mark.

Ho’s fitness journey had a rocky start due to various injuries sustained from judo and skiing when he was younger. By the time he was 54, his physical condition was less than ideal, compounded by a demanding career that left him little time for exercise. His high-pressure role at Spring Mountain Capital made it even more challenging to prioritize physical fitness.

It was his wife who recognized the need for change and motivated him to enroll in a cross-training program in 2008. Simultaneously, the Robin Hood Foundation invited him to run a marathon to raise funds for their cause. Although an orthopedist had advised him against running due to health concerns—including a torn meniscus and osteoarthritis—Ho felt optimistic. Encouraged by doctors who believed he could manage one marathon, he set out to tackle the challenge. His efforts resulted in raising over $20,000 for the charity, surpassing his expectations.

Reflecting on the initial training, Ho described it as challenging and uncomfortable. Despite the physical pain, the support from raised funds and the increasing interest from colleagues kept him motivated. At 56, he crossed the finish line of his first marathon, an emotional experience that left him in tears. It was a moment of realization that propelled him to set his sights on future races.

Since that first marathon, he has not looked back. In fact, he ran two more marathons within the following year and continued to participate in races with friends and colleagues while fundraising for various causes. The physical benefits of running became evident: his cholesterol levels and blood pressure improved significantly, and he found that a nutritious, anti-inflammatory diet complemented his training routine. Ho was surprised to discover the gap between his perceived health limitations and the reality of what he could accomplish with dedication.

The Plan Ahead

With 15 years of experience under his belt, Ho has a detailed plan for achieving his marathon goal. He aims to complete 66 more marathons by the time he turns 100, exploring various training strategies that align with his busy lifestyle. His personal best stands at five hours and 15 minutes, and his game plan includes running three marathons each year until age 80, followed by a gradual reduction to one marathon annually from ages 91 to 100.

Structured Training

Currently, Ho commits to a rigorous training schedule that encompasses eight hours of running weekly. He engages in various running styles, including interval training, long slow runs, and fartleks, which involve alternating paces. This approach aligns with his tight schedule, where early mornings and late evenings are dedicated to both training and spending quality time with his loved ones.

His daily routine starts at 4:30 a.m. and concludes around 11 p.m. Even with a packed schedule in finance, Ho finds moments for exercise, sometimes squeezing in gym sessions or quick runs before work. He also favors high-intensity interval training for days when time is of the essence, recognizing that shorter workouts can still deliver significant benefits.

Running as a Catalyst for Well-Being

Ho attributes much of his physical and mental performance to running, stating that it provides him with the energy needed to thrive on little sleep. During his runs, he often listens to audiobooks to combine leisure with productivity, thereby nurturing his passion for reading and making the most of his time. His commitment to running has also fostered connections with others who share similar interests in health and purpose.

Moreover, Ho’s personal journey has deepened his understanding of the importance of healthy aging, especially within communities of color. His firm actively supports the West Harlem Innovation Network, which focuses on entrepreneurship and community development in under-resourced areas of New York City.

Striving for Longevity

Despite his ambitious physical endeavors, Ho acknowledges challenges in maintaining an ideal sleep schedule. Currently averaging only 4.5 hours of sleep, he is aware of the potential health risks associated with insufficient rest, particularly for adults over 50. Research published in PLoS Medicine indicates that sleep deprivation in older adults can heighten the risk of chronic diseases.

Ho is determined to increase his nightly rest to five hours. In the meantime, he focuses on other habits that promote longevity, such as maintaining a balanced diet and managing stress levels. He adheres to fundamental dietary principles, avoiding junk and processed foods and keeping a close eye on caloric intake, although managing stress within the high-stakes environment of finance remains a challenge.

In a world where work and health often compete for priority, Greg Ho’s journey exemplifies the power of determination and adaptability in pursuing a fulfilling and healthy life, both personally and professionally.

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