On Saturday, Team Evans & Co took part in a charity erg marathon, raising funds for Cambridge Community House. While the physical challenge was very real (and left us a little worse for wear!), it also delivered some powerful reminders about the similarities between endurance events and business.
As accountants and business advisors, we’re always looking for lessons that translate into realworld value for our clients — and this experience delivered plenty.
Start With a Clear Goal
Our goal was simple: 42.2 kilometres on an erg — rowing, biking, skiing… or all three.
In business, clarity matters. Whether it’s growth, succession, profitability or lifestyle balance, knowing what you’re working towards shapes every decision that follows.
Build the Right Team
Four of us initially committed to the challenge. Each brought different strengths, preferences, and limits:
Some were very happy to row
Others absolutely were not getting on a bike erg
A few bravely took on all three disciplines
Just like in business, success doesn’t come from doing everything yourself — it comes from knowing your strengths, trusting others, and working together.
Expect the Unexpected (and Pivot Anyway)
Before the event even began, we encountered obstacles entirely outside our control:
Team members unable to be on location
Family priorities taking precedence
A torn MCL (yes, really)
Sound familiar?
Life and business rarely go exactly to plan. But while our path changed, our goal did not.
We adapted:
A Zoom link meant geography wasn’t an issue
New team members stepped up
We learned that if you’re committed enough… you can row an erg with one leg
The journey took a different shape — but forward momentum remained.
Progress Beats Perfection
Jane and Simon kicked things off in Kinloch, aiming for 10km on the row erg. Once they got into the rhythm, they powered through 22km before handing the baton to the rest of the team at F45 Cambridge.
Working remotely but together, we achieved:
Row Erg: 42,200 metres (plus a cheeky extra 5,000 metres for another team)
Bike & Ski Erg Combo: 43,000 metres
Total: Two full marathons plus an extra 5km
Was it tidy? No.
Was it perfect? Definitely not.
Did we achieve the goal — and more? Absolutely.
Business Is an Endurance Event Too
This experience reinforced something we see every day with our clients: You don’t have to be the best to start — you just have to start.
You need:
Clear objectives
A supportive team
Flexibility when circumstances change
Consistent effort, even when it’s uncomfortable
That’s exactly how we support our clients at Evans & Co — staying goalfocused, helping you pivot when needed, and backing you every step of the way.
Supporting Our Community
If you’d like to support Cambridge Community House, donations are still open:
👉 Donate here:
https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/marathon-row-2026
We’re big believers that every dollar counts and every dollar helps. Thank you to everyone who has already supported this cause — and yes, we’ll be back next year (and you’re welcome to join us!).
An erg (short for “ergometer”) is an indoor machine designed to replicate rowing, cycling, or skiing while measuring power output — a great training tool and an even better mindset builder when things get tough.
