Florida fitness fanatics

Anthony Smith, 42
Manager / CSX
Jacksonville

Florida native Anthony Smith went into the Marine Corps after graduating from high school, retiring 20 years later as a chief warrant officer. One of the things he took from his military career: Strict discipline when it comes to physical training, which he often does twice a day for several hours.

Goal: "I focus on cardio and weight training to stay healthy. I still play softball, too. I try to stay active because I have two kids, and I coach both my son and daughter at soccer."

Discipline: "Since the holidays, I've been hitting it hard. I know what I need to do to trim down."

Ricky Arriola, 45
CEO / Inktel
Miami Beach

Drawing on the same drive that motivates him in his professional life, Ricky Arriola stays in nearly continuous motion. The fitness fanatic has been doing triathlons for three years. This year, Arriola's agenda includes nine competitions, including Ironman races, half-marathons and triathlons. "In 2014, the first 10 months of the year are already completely booked with races."

Sharing the love: Arriola created the "Inktel Olympics," comprising competitive games and athletic events, so his staff could get in on the action and bond while doing a "half-dozen or dozen 5Ks," walkathons and other corporate outings that support local charities.

Favorite contest: The annual Ironman Brazil competition

Body fuel: Arriola eschews soft drinks and processed foods but admits he has a sweet tooth.

Amrei Smit, 27
Flight Instructor / ADF Airways
Miami

Amrei Smit, who has always enjoyed cycling, started running about 10 years ago. Then, while perusing the web one day, she was inspired to go further. "I found a YouTube video about Ironman triathlons and was so fascinated and inspired by it that I wanted to take on the challenge myself." The pilot taught herself how to swim freestyle by watching videos, and upon moving from Amsterdam to Miami five years ago, she joined a triathlon team. "I've competed in more than 10 triathlons since 2009."

On her wish list: "A full Ironman, Ironman Kona Hawaii, a cycling tour through the Alps or Europe in general, and an adventure race that includes hiking or kayaking."

An escape to remember: "One of the most memorable experiences was the Escape to Miami triathlon. A ferry takes you to an island during the early morning hours. When the gun goes off, you have to jump off the ferry and swim 1,900 meters to shore. I also really enjoyed Nationals because of the competitive field, and Ironman 70.3 Florida, which was the first race that my husband and I competed in together."

Her training secrets: "I try to maintain a healthy diet, get adequate sleep and not obsess about my training. Even though I am very competitive, I remind myself that I do triathlons for fun."

Gavin Macphail, 41
Vice President / JLL Americas
Miami

After a friend mentioned he was planning to do a triathlon, Gavin Macphail decided to join him. He bought a bicycle and began going on weekends to Virginia Key to swim a mile at sunrise, then bike for 90 minutes followed by a run across the Rickenbacker Causeway. He completed a triathlon in 2012 and one last year.

Training: Macphail, who plans to participate in another triathlon this year, continues to swim twice weekly at a practice led by former Olympic swimmer Noemi Zaharia.

Motivation: "I enjoy the challenge as well as the calm that a long run or ocean swim provides. The training is pretty meditative.I see a lot of beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and it helps me stay calm."

Tags: Lifestyle