Find Your Finish Line with Mike Reilly

Mike Erwin on Leadership, Service, and Building Team RWB

In this episode, I speak with Mike Erwin, CEO of Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB). A West Point graduate and veteran, Mike shares insights from his military service, founding Team RWB in 2010 to support veterans through social and physical connections, and the growth of the organization to 214 chapters and 181,000 members. We explore his leadership journey, life on his 42-acre farm, and his training for the JFK 50 Miler, emphasizing the importance of community and servant leadership.

We discuss the power of social connection, lessons from West Point, and how Team RWB fosters camaraderie similar to military life. Mike’s passion for supporting veterans is clear as he reflects on inspiring stories and the value of physical activity for mental and emotional health. Join us for this conversation highlighting resilience, community, and the pursuit to uplift veteran heroes.

 

Follow Mike Erwin on social media:

X: @MikeIrwin

Instagram: @IrwinLeadership

Team RWB: https://teamrwb.org

Kona Preview: Inside the Men’s IRONMAN World Championship with Mark Allen

In this special episode of Find Your Finish Line, I sit down with six-time IRONMAN World Champion Mark Allen to dive deep into the upcoming 2024 Vinfast IRONMAN World Championship in Kona. Together, we discuss the top contenders, including past champions like Gustav Iden and Christian Blumenfeldt, rising stars like Magnus Ditlev, and seasoned veterans like Lionel Sanders. Mark shares his insights into the unique challenges of the Kona course, how athletes prepare mentally and physically, and what it takes to come out on top. Tune in as we explore the behind-the-scenes preparation and race strategy for this year’s men’s event.

 

Follow Mark:

Website:  markallencoaching.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markallengrip

Facebook: https://facebook.com/MarkAllenCoaching

X: https://twitter.com/markallengrip

Laura Philipp’s Road to IRONMAN World Champion

In this episode, we welcome the 2024 IRONMAN World Champion, Laura Philipp, fresh off her remarkable win in Nice, France. With five IRONMAN victories and nearly 20 IRONMAN 70.3 titles under her belt, Laura shares the strategy, mental strength, and adaptability that led her to the finish line. She dives into the nuances of race day, overcoming unexpected challenges, and embracing the joy of her achievements. Discover her mantra—“train smart, have fun, and kick ass”—and how it fuels her passion both in and out of competition.

 

Learn more about Laura’s inspiring journey, her love for cake, and her unique perspective on balancing health, sport, and life.

 

For more on Laura, visit her website and follow her on social media:

🌐 Website: laura-philipp.com

📷 Instagram: @laura_philipp_tri

🐦 Twitter: @lauraphilipptri

Previewing the Women's World Championship with Dede Griesbauer

Join me, Mike Reilly, on a special edition of "Find Your Finish Line" as we dive into the upcoming Women’s World Championship at the Ironman event in Nice, France, on September 22nd, 2024. Together with triathlon expert Dede Griesbauer, we explore the unique challenges of the Nice course, which contrasts sharply with the iconic Kona course, and discuss which athletes might have an edge.

We'll analyze the top competitors, including Lucy Charles Barclay, and ponder the evolving landscape of women’s triathlon post-Daniela Reef's retirement. Our discussion also covers potential dark horses and strategic plays that could define this year’s race. To add to the excitement, we give a shout-out to our sponsor, Pillar Performance, offering a special discount to our North American listeners.

I encourage everyone to join the conversation by sending in your predictions in the comments. Tune in for an episode filled with anticipation, strategies, and a celebration of triathlon.

Follow Dede:

https://dedegriesbauer.com https://www.facebook.com/dedegriesbauer https://www.instagram.com/dedegriesbauer https://www.twitter.com/dedegriesbauer

Chára & McGillivray: Pushing Beyond the Finish Line

In this episode of Find Your Finish Line, I’m joined by two remarkable endurance athletes: NHL legend Zdeno Chára and iconic Boston Marathon race director Dave McGillivray. Zdeno shares his inspiring journey from dominating the ice with the Boston Bruins to running marathons and taking on Ironman challenges. Dave, a true endurance veteran, opens up about directing over a thousand races, running 52 consecutive Boston Marathons, and balancing his passion for sport with his role as a dedicated family man.

Together, we dive into what it means to push limits, face fears, and find your finish line—whether on the marathon course or in life. Tune in for a powerful conversation filled with personal stories, expert insights, and the unwavering spirit of endurance that unites us all.

 

Follow Dave

https://davemcgillivray.com

https://www.facebook.com/dmsedave

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-mcgillivray/

https://www.instagram.com/dmsedave

 

Follow Zdeno

https://www.instagram.com/zeechara33

 

From Business to Endurance: Steven Pivnik on Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Big Goals

In our conversation, Steven discusses his training regimen, the lessons he learned from his family’s immigrant experience, and his relentless pursuit of big goals. He offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and endurance athletes, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and surrounding yourself with experienced mentors.

Tune in for a deeply motivating episode as we explore Steven’s story of grit and determination, and get ready to be inspired to find your own finish line.

Thank you for joining us, and remember, you’re the cause of your own experience. Keep your attitude strong, and you’ll always find your finish line.

Hydration, Training, and Giving Back - Audra Tassone

In this episode, I sit down with Audra Tassone, the Executive Director of the IRONMAN Foundation. We discuss the importance of hydration and nutrition during summer training, the incredible impact of the IRONMAN Foundation, and Audra’s inspiring career journey. Audra shares touching stories about the foundation’s work, including providing swim lessons and bikes to children, and her own path from athlete to executive director. Tune in for a dose of motivation, expert advice, and heartwarming stories from the world of IRONMAN.

From Deathbed to Ironman: Brian Boyle's Miraculous Journey

In this gripping episode of "Find Your Finish Line," I sit down with Brian Boyle, whose journey from a devastating car accident to becoming an Ironman athlete is nothing short of miraculous. Brian shares his harrowing experience of being crushed by a garbage truck, dying eight times on the operating table, and enduring 14 major surgeries. His resilience and determination led him from the brink of death to crossing the finish line at the Ironman World Championship in Kona. This episode is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the incredible support of family and medical professionals.

Brian also opens up about the challenges faced by his son Liam, who was born with severe congenital heart defects. Despite the parallels between their medical struggles, Brian remains hopeful and inspired by Liam's strength and vitality. Our discussion highlights Brian's ongoing advocacy work with the American Red Cross, where he has donated over four gallons of blood. This episode is a profound exploration of overcoming adversity, the importance of blood donation, and the unbreakable bonds of family.

 

Resilience on the Racecourse with Skye Moench

On this week's episode of "Find Your Finish Line," I sit down with one of the most consistent American triathletes, Skye Moench. Coming off a strong performance in Miami, Skye shares her rigorous training routines and the mental toughness needed to compete at the highest levels. We dive deep into the life of a professional athlete, exploring how she balances intense training with her personal life.

Skye also opens up about her journey from a secure career in accounting to chasing her passion in triathlon, the challenges she’s faced, including a major bike crash right before her first Kona race, and how she bounced back with resilience and determination. Her insights are a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of community in the world of sports.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that not only sheds light on Skye's incredible career but also offers motivation and advice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking to push their boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, there's something in this episode for everyone looking to find their finish line.

 

Follow Skye:

https://www.instagram.com/skyemoench

https://skyemoench.com

https://www.facebook.com/skyemoenchtri

https://twitter.com/skyemoench

Mindfulness Meets Muscle: Jess Gumkowski's Journey

In this episode, I chat with Jess Gumkowski, four-time Ironman competitor and co-founder of Yogi Triathlete, who shares how integrating mindfulness with physical training can lead to faster and safer results.

Jess discusses the transformative power of mindfulness practices and offers valuable insights into tr. training — a program designed to optimize performance with minimal injuries. Whether you're an athlete, a coach, or simply curious about extending your potential, this episode is packed with actionable advice and heartfelt stories.

Discover how to harness the mental strength required to find your true finish line and learn how you can get involved with Jess's training programs and resources.

 

Follow Jess

https://www.instagram.com/yogitriathlete

https://www.yogitriathlete.com/shop/yogitriathlete-5-panel-flatbill-technical-trucker/

https://twitter.com/yogitriathlete

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaNrfmjFwgYa7xJKWgZtWzw