Find Your Finish Line with Mike Reilly

Chasing the Finish Line: Dan Jaworski’s Journey Through MCI

On this episode of the Find Your Finish Line podcast, I'm joined by Dan Jaworski. A hero in his own right, Dan shared his life-altering journey that began with a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a precursor to Alzheimer's disease, after he found himself forgetting things during a family trip and struggling to remember familiar routes. But far from being a story of defeat, Dan's narrative is one of courage, resilience, and an unwavering determination to live life on his own terms, beginning with fulfilling his dream of qualifying for the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.

His passion extends beyond personal goals, combining his love for IRONMAN with fundraising and connecting with the Alzheimer's community through the Alzheimer's Association's The Longest Day event. He has already raised over $30,000 to support Alzheimer's care, research, and awareness. Dan's story is a testament to the human spirit, a reminder that we can choose to be "long and strong," no matter what hurdles we face. June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, so we encourage you to support and join the Fight here: https://www.alz.org/abam/overview.asp

 

Follow Dan:

https://www.instagram.com/dan_jaworski/

Join the Fight: https://www.alz.org/abam/overview.asp

Bob Gitsham’s Remarkable Journey from Crash to Finish Line

Our exceptional guest today is Bob Gitsham. A man who embodies the tenacity, determination, and resilience that we often talk about in our journey to the finish line. Now Bob's story isn't your regular triumph over trials tale; it is an extraordinary testament to the human spirit's power to overcome life-altering adversities. Four years ago, Bob was involved in a devastating car crash, which resulted in injuries so severe that they threatened his ability to walk, let alone race. But true to his athletic spirit, Bob refused to let these physical setbacks define him.

Bob has survived and thrived through multiple surgeries, weeks in the hospital, and long, grueling months of recovery. Throughout it all, his relentless spirit, bolstered by an incredible support system of family, friends, doctors, and nurses, has kept him going. From his first outdoor bike ride since the crash to completing a 140.6-mile race, Bob has truly found his finish line time and time again. Listen in as we dive into this inspiring journey. 

From Combat to Podium - Melissa Stockwell

As a First Lieutenant, Melissa made history as the first female American soldier to lose a limb in active combat during her deployment to Iraq in 2004. Despite this harrowing experience, she was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star and made a promise to herself to not let losing a leg slow her down.

Four years later, Melissa made history once again as the first Iraq War veteran to qualify for the Paralympic Games, competing in swimming at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics where she was selected as the flag bearer for Team USA. She then transitioned to triathlon and went on to become a bronze medalist at the 2016 Paralympic Games and compete again in Tokyo 2021. Currently, she is training towards Paris 2024 in the hopes of competing in her fourth Paralympics.

Melissa is also a business owner and co-founder of Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club with her husband. But what she is most proud of is being a mom to her two children, Dallas and Millie. Melissa is a true patriot, and we are honored to have her on our show.

 

Follow Melissa

Website: https://www.melissastockwell.com/programs-1
Her Book - The Power of Choice: https://amzn.to/44a0CIx
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MStockwell01/
Facebook: khttps://www.facebook.com/MStockwell01
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MStockwell01

The Pursuit of Excellence with Ben Hoffman

In this episode of the Find Your Finish Line Podcast, I am thrilled to have professional triathlete Ben Hoffman join me for an in-depth conversation about his incredible sports career. Originally from Grand Junction, Colorado, Ben has become one of the most decorated US professional triathletes in the last 15 years. Ben has 8 IRONMAN  Champion titles to his name, and has achieved both 2nd and 4th place finishes in the IRONMAN World Championships held in Kona.

But Ben's story isn't just about his athletic achievements. We'll also explore his life outside of triathlon as a devoted husband, father of two children, and his reputation as one of the classiest and most humble professionals in the world of triathlon. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Ben's experiences, insights, and wisdom as he shares his journey with us on the Find Your Finish Line Podcast.

Follow Ben:
https://benhoffmanracing.com
https://www.instagram.com/bhoffmanracing
https://www.facebook.com/bhoffmanracing
https://twitter.com/bhoffmanracing

From Double Above-Knee Amputee to Everest - Hari Budha Magar

In this Find Your Finish Line episode, I'm joined by an extraordinary individual, Hari Budha Magar. Hailing from Nepal in South Asia, Hari is a mountaineer and adventurer who has broken multiple records in his career. But what sets Hari apart is his incredible resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

 

In 2010, Hari was serving as a British soldier in Afghanistan when he lost both his legs above the knee to an IED. Many people might have been discouraged by such a life-changing event, but Hari refused to be held back by his physical limitations. He went on to become the first ever double above-knee amputee to summit a mountain over 6,000 meters or 19,000 feet. And now, he's gearing up for his most ambitious challenge yet – to become the first DAK to summit Mount Everest in late April, 2023. Join us as we dive into Hari's remarkable story and learn about his journey to the top of the world's highest peak.

 

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/harieverest

Lesley Paterson - Athlete, Screenwriter, Producer, and Visionary

Lesley Paterson was born and raised in Scotland and is a three-time Xterra World Champion, actor, screenwriter, executive producer, and author. Lesley joins the show to discuss co-writing and producing the movie All Quiet on the Western Front. All Quiet on the Western Front tells the gripping story of a young German soldier on the Western Front of World War I. The movie has been nominated for nine Oscars, including Best Adaptive Screenplay. All Quiet on the Western Front releases March 28, 2023, via MPI Media.

 

Follow Lesley

Website: http://www.lesleypaterson.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lesleydoestri

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lesleypatersonic

#AllQuietOnTheWesternFront 

 

 

Triathlons Ultimate Storyteller - Bob Babbitt

Bob Babbitt is widely known as one of the most influential people in the sport of Triathlon. Bob is the co-founder of Competitor Magazine and the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Bob has been inducted into the Carlsbad 5000 Hall of Fame, the LA Marathon Hall of Fame, the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame, and the Ironman Triathlon Hall of Fame. 

As the ultimate storyteller of Triathlon, Babbitt has authored six books on endurance sports and conducted thousands of interviews with athletes and icons of the sport. Bob's contributions to Triathlon continue to this day through his interviews and articles featured on babbitville.com. The sport of Triathlon would simply not be what it is today, without Bob Babbitt. 

Bob is also a great friend with whom I have shared many experiences. In this episode, you'll hear great stories, laugh a lot, and hear our perspectives on where our sport is headed. Listen in to the entire show on mikereilly.net/podcast

 

 

Follow Bob:

Website: babbittville.com

Facebook: facebook.com/BobBabbittPublic

Instagram: instagram.com/babbittville

Leading by Example with Professional Triathlete Linsey Corbin

On this episode, I'm joined by professional Triathle Linsey Corbin. Linsey had a successful 17-year career in the sport of Triathlon. Linsey was a multi-top 10 IRONMAN finisher and eight-time IRONMAN champion. 

As she was going for her 16th year at the World Championships in Kona (the most for a pro), she injured herself and was unable to participate.

But that's not the whole story. 

Linsey shares:

• How she built successful relationships with brands along the way.
• How she marketed herself to add value to brands and partners.
• How she dealt with success and failure.
• What she's looking forward to moving forward.

 

Listen to the full show on mikereilly.net/podcast

 

Follow Linsey:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/linseycorbin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LinseyCorbinProTriathlete/

Website: https://www.linseycorbin.com/

World Champion Endurance Athlete & Performance Coach Mike Trees

Mike Trees is a seven-time masters world champion, has the British Masters Mile record, and was part of a 4x800M European record-breaking team in the M50 category in 2015. 

Mike understands what is involved to succeed at many distances, which led him to his next passion - coaching beginner, age group, and novice runners and triathletes.

Mike discusses several training topics that runners can benefit from, including: 

• The one common mistake most runners make.
• Should you train based on heart rate, distance, and total volume?
• Is cross-training beneficial?
• How age and experience changes your training program.

This episode is packed with valuable training and racing information from which runners and triathletes can benefit. 

Listen to the full show on mikereilly.net/podcast

 

Follow Mike:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/run.nrg

Website: www.miketrees.com

Training Plans: nrg-coaching.com/training-plans

Hope & Healing Through Sport with Tad Weiss & Maggie Swanson

In this episode, I speak with the father-daughter triathlon duo Tad Weiss and Maggie Swanson. Maggie's story is an incredible journey of hope, healing, and recovery.

After her sophomore year in college, Maggie went overseas to study abroad and train for her upcoming cross-country season. While training, Maggie was hit by a bus that ran a red light going nearly 40 miles per hour. Maggie shattered her pelvis, broke an elbow, and suffered a traumatic brain injury. The physical and mental healing process was an arduous journey. Maggie started by learning how to walk again, then progressing to swim, and eventually, she'd start running again. 

Maggie built up her confidence through physical activity and was ready for a new challenge. Fourteen months after the accident, Tad and Maggie signed up for a triathlon and successfully completed it together. Find out how a Father & Daughter bond helped heal Maggie and her entire family. Follow her amazing story from weeks in intensive care to finishing an IRONMAN with her Dad. Plus, raising over $344,000 for the IRONMAN Foundation.