Stephen J. Boyd

Stephen J. Boyd: Mission Accomplished

August 22, 2019 rbudd Leave a Comment

“Mission accomplished! My kayaker and I safely made the crossing from NB to PEI, in 5 hour and 40 minutes, in which I swam approximately 16 KMs. My kayaker plotted a near perfect arc/trajectory and weather/sea conditions were ideal, other than higher swells near the midpoint!”

Stephen J. Boyd MBA(FS) Class of 2018

Mission Accomplished Stephen J. Boyd

Stephen Boyd accepted the challenge of the BIG SWIM held on August 18, 2019. Over the past months, Stephen focused on training for this “epic” swim. CEGE Connection has been following Stephen on his journey: The Big Swim – A Give to Live Project.

The BIG SWIM

“I reminded myself that I had taken on an epic feat of endurance. If it were easy, everyone would do it. Going beyond takes a person to the next level of personal fulfillment. It builds resilience to seek out the next challenge. I am certain that I will do other marathon swimming events.”

Stephen J. Boyd MBA(FS) Class of 2018

The BIG SWIM charity event, held in August each year, combines a feat of endurance, swimming from New Brunswick to PEI, with the opportunity to raise funds for an awesome charity. The BIG SWIM is not a race and supports swimmers of all abilities to get out into the Northumberland Strait and achieve the unimaginable. For normal people who cross the Northumberland Strait by bridge or ferry, the distance is roughly 13 kilometers. Due to currents, and other unknowns, we are told that the average swimmer will cover 15+ kilometers. It is a truly an epic undertaking.

The BIG SWIM

Michelle Hunter and I want to thank Stephen for sharing his remarkable journey over the past months on CEGE Connection. Well done! Congratulations!

Rebecca Budd,
CEGE Connection Blog Coordinator

Mission Accomplished

Check out the news link on CTV Atlantic Canada for more detail of the August 18, 2019 event.

CTV Atlantic on The BIG SWIM

Stephen J. Boyd: Willing to Go Beyond

July 11, 2019 rbudd 2 Comments

“One of our friends asked me how I manage to incorporate endurance sporting events within a busy lifestyle. I had to think for a moment, before offering the only reasonable response that came to me – that I am willing to go beyond what others would do.”

Stephen J. Boyd MBA(FS) Class of 2018

Stephen Boyd Surfing The Point at Lawrencetown, Photo Credit, Stephen Boyd

Stephen Boyd is taking on the challenge of the Big Swim to be held August 18, 2019. Over the past months, Stephen has focused on training for this “epic” swim. CEGE Connection has been following Stephen on his journey. This is the second in the series of The Big Swim – A Give to Live Project.

Stephen J. Boyd MBA(FS) Class of 2018: Update July 2019

My wife, Sarah and I met up with friends a few weeks ago to celebrate the recent purchase of our new house. Over an animated dinner conversation, the topic of swimming came up. Our friends were interested in Sarah’s upcoming national synchronized swimming competition in Quebec City, including hearing about the sacrifices that had to be made to participate in this physical activity (her team did very well- proud husband). The discussion soon shifted to my participation in the BIG SWIM charity event, held in August each year. The event combines an epic feat of endurance, swimming from New Brunswick to PEI, with the opportunity to raise funds for an awesome charity. The BIG SWIM is not a race and supports swimmers of all abilities to get out into the Northumberland Strait and achieve the unimaginable. For normal people who cross the Northumberland Strait by bridge or ferry, the distance is roughly 13 kilometers. Due to currents, and other unknowns, I am told that the average swimmer will cover 15+ kilometers. It is a truly an epic undertaking.

One of our friends asked me how I manage to incorporate endurance sporting events within a busy lifestyle. I had to think for a moment, before offering the only reasonable response that came to me – that I am willing to go beyond what others would do.

If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.

Since that dinner, I have reflected on my response regarding my willingness to commit to a physical challenge that demands a lot of dedication. Taking on the BIG SWIM will test my courage and resolve. As I mentioned in my previous blog, I do not have extraordinary athletic abilities, but I am prepared to make sacrifices such as getting up at 3:15 AM to train for an Ironman triathlon. This past Saturday, I swam approximately 8 KMs at the Dalplex. Although it does not appear to be a daunting task, Sarah, my greatest supporter, reminded me that distance equated to 160 + laps of an Olympic long-course pool.

Overall, training is going as planned. On those 5:30a.m. drives to the pool, I stay motivated by thinking about the exhilaration of participating in an endurance event. The charity swim is scheduled for August 18^th, and I still have a lot of hard training ahead. I remind myself that I have taken on an epic feat of endurance. If it were easy, everyone would do it. Going beyond takes a person to the next level of personal fulfillment. It builds resilience to seek out the next challenge. I am certain that I will do other marathon swimming events.

While driving to our new home this weekend, a local school had a billboard that read: “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.” I am uncertain who originally came up with this thought, but I think it is brilliant.

Steve
July 2019

Big Swim

Stephen J. Boyd: Taking the Challenge of The Big Swim

May 7, 2019 rbudd Leave a Comment

Big Swim

Have you ever considered swimming across the Northumberland Strait? Most haven’t. But for those who have there is the BIG SWIM, your chance to do something truly epic. The BIG SWIM is a supported event held in August each year that combines an epic feat of endurance with the opportunity to raise funds for an awesome charity. The BIG SWIM is not a race and supports swimmers of all abilities to get out into the Northumberland Strait and achieve the unimaginable.” The Big Swim

Stephen Boyd is taking on the challenge of the Big Swim to be held August 18, 2019. In the coming months, Stephen will be focused on training for this “epic” swim. CEGE Connection is pleased to advise that we will be covering this event over the months, following Stephen on his journey. This is the first in the series of The Big Swim – A Give to Live Project.

Big Swim

Stephen J. Boyd (Class of 2018):

Life has so many wonderful opportunities to offer

As mentioned in a previous post, I am recovering from an injury that will prevent me from competing this summer in my first 100-mile ultramarathon. During my period of self-pity, Sarah (my best support and spouse), suggested I consider the BIG SWIM event, where athletes of all abilities swim from New Brunswick to Prince-Edward-Island. For normal people who cross the Northumberland Strait by bridge or ferry, the distance is roughly 13 Kms. Due to currents, and other unknowns, I am told that the average swimmer will cover 15+ Kms.

The Big Swim – Give to Live gives participants the opportunity to accomplish a feat that few have, while raising funds for a charity that supports children. It is a great opportunity to give back to my community. Without any hesitation, or putting any thought into logistics, I registered the moment the portal opened.

For the last month or so, I have been swimming at Dalhousie’s recreation and athletic center, where I log miles in the pool. Since there are not too many of us who show up for 5:45 am (other than the varsity teams), I have had the opportunity to speak with one of the “regulars”. One on occasion, he asked me if I was training for anything in particular; I went on to explain that I was intending on swimming across the Northumberland Strait. As is the case with most people, his question to me was: “why?”

My immediate response was: “why not?” I further elaborated on the importance of my two kids embracing that life is about going beyond the ordinary, and welcoming the unknown.

Recently, during an exchange of correspondence, Rebecca Budd (CEGE Editor) reminded me that on occasion we have re-evaluate our priorities, and that success in life goes further beyond our careers. Don’t misunderstand me; I appreciate my professional career, but it is only a small part of who I am. Later in the spring, Sarah will be competing with her synchronized swimming team in Quebec City. Despite working full-time and being an exemplary mother of two, she has the tenacity to train hard during the week; that is success I admire.

Some years ago, I had the opportunity to speak with someone that had reached the summit of the world’s highest mountains. His advice to me was to never forget that we really only compete against ourselves, and to keep winning; perhaps, that was some of the best advice I’ve ever received. Besides, ordinary is exactly as it sounds. As Mark Twain once wrote:

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.”

I look forward to sharing my thoughts as I embark on the exciting journey.

Stephen J. Boyd: The Importance of Disconnecting

March 12, 2019 rbudd 2 Comments

“The mind is powerful, and I would argue that everybody can benefit from truly disconnecting (i.e. do yourself a favour and toss the technology aside once in awhile). The world appears to be getting more complex and stressful, with people dealing with increased pressures.”

Stephen J. Boyd, MBA(FS) Class of 2018

Stephen Boyd Surfing The Point at Lawrencetown, Photo Credit, Stephen Boyd

Recently, I was loading my winter surfing gear into the car, with the intention of catching waves at one of my favorite local spots. Someone walking by asked me why I was loading a surfboard into my car this time of year; she truly seemed confused. I went on to explain that proper equipment allows those with a sense of adventure to access the ocean all year, and that winter surfing is completely normal (at least in my mind). The passerby insisted that there must be something compelling about surfing, to justify voluntarily entering water that hovers around zero degrees Celsius. Without putting too much thought into it, I stated the typical reasons as to why surfing is fascinating; the adrenaline rush of riding a wave, being out in the sea, the salt air, the smell of fresh surfboard wax (the brand I use is coconut scented), interpreting surf reports etc. With the car packed, I set off to the ocean.

Surfing The Point at Lawrencetown, Photo Credit, Stephen Boyd

When I finally entered the water, I put more thought into the passerby’s earlier question; namely, the reason(s) as to why I am so passionate about surfing. Despite the fact that I have surfed for a number of years, I never really considered why I was so drawn to it. However, I do know that while living out-of-province, surfing is one of things I missed the most about Nova Scotia. About an hour into my surf session, with a clear mind and a relaxed disposition, the answer to the passerby’s question finally came to me. For me personally, surfing is more than a sport; it is one of the few ways that I truly disconnect from the real world. It is me, my surfboard, the sea (and occasionally a friend), with my smart phone turned off and buried in the dash of my car.

This is not a sales pitch on surfing; besides, we don’t want the beaches to get too crowded, after all. However, I am advocating the importance of regularly or occasionally disconnecting from our regular lives/routines and the world that surrounds us. The mind is powerful, and I would argue that everybody can benefit from truly disconnecting (i.e. do yourself a favour and toss the technology aside once in awhile). The world appears to be getting more complex and stressful, with people dealing with increased pressures. These may include (but not limited to): constant negative news (e.g., stock markets, global political issues, etc.), professional vs. personal commitments, health problems and social media. Those who take the time to disconnect benefit in so many ways; time away is truly worth it in the long run. Consider it an investment in yourself.

Stephen J. Boyd MBA(FS) Class of 2018

Stephen J. Boyd, MBA(FS) Class of 2018, was the recipient of the prestigious Rowe School of Business Award for Highest Academic Achievement. Stephen is a repeat contributor on CEGE Connection. We invite you to read Stephen’s first post, Beyond Limits.

Stephen Boyd: Beyond Limits

January 17, 2019 rbudd Leave a Comment

With the arrival of the new year, it is important to remind ourselves that hesitation is one of the highest forms of opportunity cost. No matter what we may think our constraints or limitations are, we can generally push ourselves further.”

Stephen Boyd MBA(FS) Class of 2018

Crossing the Finish Line Lake Placid Ironman

“All limits are self imposed.” Icarus

In 2010, I decided to start running, inspired by a family member, who began competing in ultramarathons at age 50. The following year, it was no surprise to family when I casually announced that it was my intention to complete in an Ironman triathlon (4 Km swim, 180 Km bike, and 42.2 Km run- all within a 17-hour time limit). Despite my relative inexperience in running and cycling, I took on the challenge of training 20+ hours a week, which often included waking up at 3:15 AM. I recall that on one occasion, a police officer asked me why I was cycling at such an absurd time of the day. On July 22, 2012, at 11:43 PM, I crossed the finish line at the Lake Placid Ironman. It was an affirmation to continue striving for goals that seemed beyond my limits. The honours of that day belonged to a 75-year old triathlete, who successfully completed the race.

I went on to pursue the Ironman Muskoka in 2015, welcoming the challenges and obstacles of training for an endurance event. Mission accomplished! My personal circumstances during this time period changed; my son was born, my career became more demanding, and I was now studying for an MBA at Dalhousie University. I set some onerous goals for my studies, since I have in mind to some day pursue a PhD. Despite personal challenges and the time restrictions that accompany a robust academic journey, I graduated with distinction as the 2018 Director’s Award recipient for highest academic achievement.

To be clear, I have never been a gifted athlete (average at best), nor do I claim to have above-average intelligence. However, I am a firm believer that our personal frame of mind is often the largest obstacle in achieving personal objectives. Many years ago, I was involved a bad car accident. It was a pivotal moment. It was then that I resolved that I would no longer hesitate to pursue ambitious goals, no matter what life chose to throw at me. For instance, at present I am working through an injury which will prevent me from competing in a 100-mile ultramarathon this summer. Admittedly, I found myself expressing negativity about my injury; but I have since shifted my frame of mind and re-directed my energy to other ventures, which may include swimming from New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island in August.

Stephen J. Boyd MBA(FS) Class of 2018

Stephen J. Boyd, MBA(FS) Class of 2018, was the recipient of the prestigious Rowe School of Business Award for Highest Academic Achievement. CEGE Connection is pleased to advise that Stephen has graciously agreed to be a repeat contributor on CEGE Connection.

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