Find Your Finish Line with Mike Reilly

Alistair Brownlee: From Olympic Gold to Giving Back

In this episode of Find Your Finish Line, I sit down with the legendary Alistair Brownlee, one of the greatest triathletes of all time and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. Alistair opens up about his training routines, his transition into retirement, and what it’s like shifting from elite competition to a new phase of giving back. We dive into his relationship with his brother Johnny, their iconic racing moments, and the emotional weight of helping each other push to the finish—literally.

 

Alistair shares the heart behind the Brownlee Foundation, which has introduced nearly 90,000 kids to triathlon, and talks about his passion project: the Brownlee Racing Team, part of the SuperTri league. He also touches on his upcoming endurance adventures, including the seven-day Gravel Burn stage race in South Africa, and reflects on how he’s redefining competition and purpose in this next chapter of life.

 

Whether you’re an age grouper, pro, or someone just chasing personal growth, Alistair’s story is packed with insight, humility, and inspiration.

 

Follow Alistair:

Website: https://www.thebrownleefoundation.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alistair.brownlee/

Melanie McQuaid: Redefining Limits

In this episode of Find Your Finish Line, I sit down with the remarkable Melanie McQuaid, three-time XTERRA World Champion and the oldest professional to qualify for Kona at age 50. Melanie’s story is nothing short of inspiring. From her beginnings as a professional cyclist navigating a tough and, at times, toxic environment, to becoming a dominant force in triathlon, Melanie has consistently broken barriers and redefined what’s possible.

 

We talk about the highs and lows of her athletic journey, how she transitioned into triathlon, and the deep sense of community she found along the way. Melanie shares powerful insights into her coaching philosophy at MelRad Coaching and how she helps athletes of all ages train smarter, race better, and believe in themselves more deeply. She even clocked her fastest IRONMAN marathon at age 50, proving that age really is just a number.

 

If you’re an age-group athlete looking for motivation or just someone who loves a good comeback story, this conversation will fire you up. Melanie’s wisdom, grit, and love for the sport shine through every word.

 

Learn more at: melrad.com

Marathon Milestones After Double Hip Surgery - Carrie Bradshaw

In this inspiring episode of "Find Your Finish Line," I sit down with the incredible Carrie Bradshaw, a determined marathon runner and the first person to complete the Boston Marathon with a double hip replacement. Despite suffering from congenital hip dysplasia and enduring severe pain, Carrie never gave up on her passion for running. She shares the journey of her diagnosis, the challenging treatments, and ultimately her decision to undergo not one, but two hip replacement surgeries.

Through her story, Carrie shares how she overcame mental and physical hurdles, highlighting the importance of setting mini-goals and remaining resilient in the face of adversity. We delve into her recovery process, the adjustments in her running gait, and the emotional moments that kept her going.

Catch this episode and more on "Find Your Finish Line." For more support and resources, don’t forget to check out the TriDot and RunDot platforms for your training needs.

Follow Carrie:

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

Innovating Triathlon: The Birth and Growth of Supertri

In this episode of Find Your Finish Line, I chat with Michael D’hulst, CEO and co-founder of Supertri, a global leader in short course triathlon. We dive into how Supertri is transforming the sport with its innovative formats and tech-forward approach — all while making triathlon more exciting, inclusive, and accessible.

 

Michael shares the company’s mission to inspire growth among both fans of the professional sport and participants of all age abilities. He breaks down Supertri’s three brand pillars — Supertri League, Supertri E, and By Supertri — and how each plays a role in reimagining the triathlon experience.

 

Tune in for an inspiring convo about the future of triathlon and how Supertri is shaping it.

 

Social Media Handles and Website:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdhulst/

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

Website: https://supertri.com/e/

From Diagnosis to Finish Line: Paul Weigel

In this episode of "Find Your Finish Line," I sit down with Paul Weigel, a six-time IRONMAN finisher and author of the inspiring book "Iron Dad: A Cancer Survivor's Story of Discovering Strength, Life, and Love Through Fatherhood." Paul shares his incredible journey of being diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at the age of 43 and how he continued to compete in triathlons, even completing a half IRONMAN with a chemotherapy backpack. His story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of love, especially the bond between a father and his daughter.

Paul opens up about the emotional and physical challenges he faced, from the initial shock of his diagnosis to the grueling treatments and surgeries. He emphasizes the importance of early detection and regular screenings, sharing how his athletic mindset helped him push through the toughest times. Paul also discusses the evolution of his book's title from "Cancer Blinked" to "Iron Dad," reflecting his journey from battling cancer to building a lasting legacy for his daughter, Natalie.

This episode is not just about overcoming cancer; it's about finding strength in the face of adversity and the importance of having a plan. Paul’s story is a powerful reminder to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles. For more information on Paul and his book, visit irondadbook.com and follow him on social media @IronDadBook.

 

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

Greg Welch on Life, Racing, and Resilience

In this episode of "Find Your Finish Line," I had the pleasure of chatting with the legendary Greg Welch, a former professional triathlete who has achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Grand Slam in the sport. Greg shared his incredible journey, from his early days in Australia to his triumphant victories at the ITU Triathlon World Championships, the IRONMAN World Championship, and more. We delved into his experiences, including the harrowing moments during the LA fires and his inspiring comeback stories.

 

Greg also opened up about his health challenges, including a life-threatening heart condition that forced him to retire from professional racing. Despite these setbacks, Greg's passion for the sport remains undiminished. He continues to contribute to the triathlon community through his work as a commentator and his involvement with Oakley. We discussed the current state of triathlon, the importance of equality in the sport, and the camaraderie that binds the triathlon family together.

 

For those looking to follow Greg's journey and insights, you can find him on instagram at @welchygram and on Facebook @GregWelchTri

From Tragedy to Triumph: Matt Long's IRONMAN Comeback

In this inspiring episode of "Find Your Finish Line," I sit down with Matt Long, a man whose story of resilience and determination is nothing short of extraordinary. Matt shares his journey from being a competitive IRONMAN athlete to surviving a catastrophic accident with a New York City transit bus in 2005.

Despite being given a slim chance of survival, Matt's indomitable spirit saw him not only recover but also return to the IRONMAN Lake Placid finish line in 2009. His story is a testament to the power of setting big goals, embracing adversity, and the unwavering support of family and community.

Matt opens up about the mental and physical challenges he faced during his recovery, including moments of deep despair and thoughts of giving up. He credits his comeback to the support from his family, the FDNY brotherhood, and the triathlon community. Matt's journey didn't end at the IRONMAN finish line; he went on to become a motivational speaker, author of the bestseller "The Long Run," and a world record holder in indoor rowing. His message is clear: adversity is a part of life, but it's how we embrace and challenge it that defines our path forward.

Follow Matt

Website: http://mattlongspeaker.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Matt-Long-Speaker/

Mike’s Year-End Review and Motivational Message for You in 2025

In this special year-end episode of Find Your Finish Line, host Mike Reilly reflects on an incredible 2024 filled with inspiring moments, unforgettable races, and personal lessons. From the triumphs of athletes like Patrick Lange and Taylor Knibb to heartfelt stories of perseverance, Mike shares insights to motivate you through the holidays and into the new year. Tune in for wisdom on controlling your attitude, working your happiness muscle, and becoming the cause of your own experiences. Whether you’re a triathlete, runner, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is a powerful reminder to always strive for your finish line.

Champion Mindset: Lessons from 15-Time IRONMAN Winner Belinda Granger

In this episode of Find Your Finish Line, I sit down with the incredible Belinda Granger, a 15-time IRONMAN champion, Challenge Roth winner, and IRONMAN Australia Hall of Famer. With over 35 years in triathlon as a professional athlete, commentator, and mentor, Belinda shares her inspiring journey through the highs and lows of her career. We discuss her transition from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast, the camaraderie within her tight-knit triathlon community, and her legendary rivalry with Lisa Bentley that shaped her as an athlete. Belinda also offers a behind-the-scenes look at her role as a pro liaison for Challenge Family and her meticulous preparation as a race commentator.

This episode is packed with heartfelt stories, valuable lessons, and a deep love for the sport of triathlon. Whether you’re an athlete, a fan, or simply someone seeking motivation, Belinda’s story will resonate with you.

Follow Belinda on her journey and connect with her on social media to stay inspired:

📸 Instagram: @BelindaGranger

🐦 Twitter: @BelindaGranger

From Punk Rock to IRONMAN with John Joseph

Join me for an extraordinary conversation with John Joseph, a punk rock legend, Ironman athlete, and author who has lived through incredible highs and lows to find redemption and purpose. From his tumultuous upbringing in foster care and running drugs on the streets of New York to becoming the frontman of the Cro-Mags and a 23-year sober endurance athlete, John shares his raw, unfiltered journey of transformation.

We dive into his battles with addiction, his spiritual awakening, and how Ironman racing became his new addiction—one that keeps him thriving. John’s story is a testament to resilience, discipline, and the power of the human spirit. Tune in to be inspired and discover how, no matter the odds, you can always find your finish line.

Follow John:

Instagram: @johnjosephdiscipline

Website: https://www.johnjosephdiscipline.com

X: @jjcromag