Tough one

Executive: Brian Ehrlich, owner and founder of HoneyDo. The Sarasota-based firm, with six employees, does carpet and tile cleaning, maintenance and handyman and janitorial services. Ehrlich also held executive positions at several technology firms before he launched his own business.

Diversion: Tough Mudder is an obstacle course race of about 10-12 miles held in cities and towns worldwide. The obstacles play on people's fears, such as heights, fire, water and getting shocked with electricity. One obstacle is the aptly named arctic enema — participants swim through a dumpster filled with ice, go under a wooden plank and come out on the other end. Some call Tough Mudder a Woodstock for sports. “It's like an obstacle course on steroids,” says Ehrlich. “Their idea is to keep you wet and muddy the entire race.”

Get ready: Ehrlich has competed in Tough Mudder events in Sarasota the past two years. He trains for the events by enhancing his regular workouts, doing a little more cross training, weightlifting and running. A Tough Mudder, says Ehrlich, is challenging, “but there are elements of fun.”