Meet Sarah Piampiano | Elite Athlete & REALTOR

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Piampiano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Generally speaking I am a big risk taker. I have always said that if something has a 100% chance of failure, then of course I am not going to do it. But if something has a 99% chance of failure, and a 1% chance of success, I love those odds. I love betting on myself, and I love the challenge of being that 1% that succeeds. I find such inspiration in that, and I love the idea of inspiring others to take chances, believe in themselves and be willing to go for something (and potentially even fail). I believe strongly that we have one life to live, and that we need to live that life every day in a way where, if (god forbid) something happens, we feel like we pursued everything we dreamed of. I would rather try and fail, then not try and wonder.

I think I have always approached life that way. When I was younger I would see great runners and say “I want to be a great runner”. And I would throw myself into being the best. Same with ski racing – I wanted to make the US Ski Team. And sometimes I succeeded (running) and other times I failed (ski racing). When I graduated from college I was working in Investment Banking when I did my first triathlon. I was immediately hooked and I knew that I was meant to race triathlon professionally. EVERYONE advised me not to do it. The risk of injury was too high. It was too hard to make a living. Most people don’t succeed. But everyone’s warnings just fueled my fire to prove them all wrong and to show that I could and I WOULD succeed. I knew if I failed, I was smart and capable and could always go back to finance, but what an amazing opportunity to go out and be a professional athlete. I wasn’t going to pass that up just because it was too risky. And…10 years later, I made a wonderful career out of it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would say that my entire life is characterized by sheer determination. I was a great student, but I was never the brightest – I just worked REALLY hard. I was a great athlete, but rarely the most talented, I just worked REALLY hard. When I graduated from school and began a career in investment banking, I never felt that I was the most skilled, but I ranked at the top of my class because I was willing to outwork everyone. As a professional athlete I knew I did not have the most talent, but I believed in myself and I never gave up – not in training and not in races. I feel like I am coachable, I am willing to take feedback – even the harshest of criticism, and I am always looking for ways to improve. And that determination and grit has gotten me a long way. Now, as a REALTOR I think the same principals will apply. I am not easily deterred, I love a great challenge, and I’m willing to work harder than most people.

I think my main message would be – Talent only gets you so far. It is consistency, determination, willingness to learn and evolve, willingness to fail, and a refusal to every give up or quit – THAT is what champions and the best in the business are made of.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Eat: Pizzaria Locale in Boulder – that place is AMAZING. Also Nosu Ramen in Golden – Some of the best ramen I’ve ever had, Moxie Bread Company – Louisville

Trail Running: South Table Mountain in Golden, Shanahan Ridge Trail in South Boulder, or Boulder Reservoir for a great tempo run

To Do: Definitely head up to Estes Park, Go for a hike at White Ranch Park East Trailhead, Check out any live music events in Jamestown, go to a concert at Red Rocks, Go to a game at Empower field, hit up one of the local weekend Farmer’s markets

Visit: Pearl Street, Downtown Longmont (highly underrated in my opinion), have a drink at Five Point and/or River North Art District in downtown Denver,
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow! This is a great question and such a loaded question. When I was training full time as an athlete, there was a HUGE team of people behind the scenes who were there to help me train and race at my best. People don’t realize how much of a team effort it is for one person to excel in an individual sport like triathlon. I had my main coach, my open water swim coach, a swim technique coach, a cycling coach, several massage therapists, a strength coach, a nutritionist, an acupuncturist, a chiropractor, not to mention my amazing teammates and training partners, sponsors, mechanics, and supporters. It was a huge operation, and so many people worked behind the scenes to make sure my body was properly trained, maintained, recovered and healthy and that my equipment was in the best condition possible.

But I think the person I need to give my biggest shout out has to go to my husband. I was on the road sometimes over 35 weeks per year. And when I was home, it was all about when and what I needed to eat, when I needed to sleep, train, get massages, etc. I missed so many social events and family outings. And he always supported and was so invested in my success – it was so selfless. I see how much he gave, and was committed to me and supporting my career, and he deserves a HUGE shout out!

Website: https://sarahpiampiano.8z.com/ AND www.sarahpiampiano.com

Instagram: @spiampiano

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-piampiano-a9b3a42/

Twitter: @SarahPiampiano