In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, Wayne Forward returns from Australia fresh off racing Ironman New Zealand—and this time, he shares the full story behind his first DNF. From the highs of race build-up to the unexpected challenges on course, Wayne opens up about the physical and mental hurdles he faced.

He dives into how being on holiday leading into race week impacted his preparation and mindset, and the tough decision to step off the course. Most importantly, Wayne shares powerful lessons learned about listening to your body, managing expectations, and redefining success as an Age Group athlete.

This honest conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating setbacks and striving to grow stronger through adversity.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, Mike is joined by friend, co-worker, and first-time 70.3 finisher Christopher Sprowl. From staying at Mike’s house race week to toeing the line at the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Dallas-Little Elm, Chris shares his journey from college high jumper and high school swimmer to triathlete.

They dive into wetsuit struggles, heart rate zones (including a max HR of 209), and the reality of balancing training with family life. Race day brought unexpected challenges, including a canceled swim and brutal winds on the bike and run. Chris reflects on pushing through adversity, crossing the finish line, and becoming a healthier version of himself for his wife and two young boys.

What’s next for Chris? Mike makes sure to ask.

#EverydayIronman #Ironman703 #AgeGroupAthlete #TriathlonJourney #EnduranceSports

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast with Ashley Raines and Chris Curtis, Naveen Mysore shares an incredible story of resilience, patience, and perseverance. After facing temporary paralysis, Naveen began his comeback with just a few minutes of walking each day, simply looking for a way to move forward during recovery. What started as a small step turned into a marathon goal—and ultimately a journey toward becoming an Ironman in 2025. Naveen opens up about rebuilding both physically and mentally, the power of consistency, and how progress compounds over time. His story is a powerful reminder to Age Group Athletes that no starting point is too small and no obstacle is too big. If you’re facing setbacks or need renewed motivation, this episode will inspire you to keep going—one step, one session, one mile at a time.

#IronmanJourney #TriathlonLife #AgeGroupAthlete #EnduranceMindset #Resilience #ComebackStory #SwimBikeRun

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

Amanda Duling joins The Everyday Ironman Podcast to share an inspiring journey that proves it’s never too late to transform your life. A Kansas-based athlete, wife of 20+ years, and mom to a high schooler, Amanda found endurance sports six years ago following gastric bypass surgery—and has since lost over 110 pounds. She opens up about how the triathlon community embraced her and why she’s passionate about helping female athletes navigate challenges often left unspoken.

We also dive into triathlon relays, race goals, recovery hygiene, and yes… Mike finally learns how to properly apply chamois cream. Amanda discusses her books Butt Stuff and Sh*t I Wish People Told Me, while Ashley teases a big upcoming goal. It’s honest, practical, and empowering.

#EverydayIronman #TriathlonLife #AgeGroupAthlete #EnduranceJourney #WomenInTriathlon #IronmanTraining #FitnessTransformation

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, Ashley Raines and Chris Curtis are joined by Jes Palatka, a true example of what it means to pursue big goals alongside real life. Jes lives in Ohio, is the proud mom of three adult children, works full time at a university, runs a nonprofit, and is actively working toward her PhD—all while training for Ironman.

Jes’s endurance journey started early. She ran her first marathon at just 18 years old and has since completed an incredible 30 marathons. Since 2022, she has taken on the ultimate challenge, finishing six full Ironman races and proving that consistency and grit can unlock extraordinary results.

This conversation dives into balancing training with demanding schedules, staying mentally strong, and redefining what’s possible as an age-group athlete. Whether you’re chasing a PR or your first finish line, Jes’s story will inspire you to keep showing up.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

Tiffany and Caitlin Saunders—better known as Team Saunders Tri—return to The Everyday Ironman Podcast to preview the inaugural Ironman 70.3 in Little Elm, Texas. With a strong presence on social media and a reputation as accomplished triathletes, they were even featured in the race’s official announcement video.

In this episode, Tiffany and Caitlin share insights from their YouTube series Train Like a Pro and break down the course after previewing it while filming race content. We also discuss the unique challenge of hosting a 70.3 in North Texas this early in the season and the unpredictable weather athletes could face.

Race Director Nancy Goodnight has worked hard to make this event welcoming and supportive for women, and we highlight the thoughtful details that sets this race apart. Plus, we share our personal strategies for dealing with a cold swim exit and unpredictable race-day conditions.

#EverydayIronman #Ironman703 #TeamSaundersTri #AgeGroupAthletes #TriathlonLife #TrainLikeAPro #IronmanTraining

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, Mike and Ashley welcome Lars Mainer, a Denmark native now living in the U.S. and a teammate of Ashley on Team Zoot. Lars shares how his endurance journey began in the marathon world before evolving into long-course triathlon, including racing Ironman Cozumel.

The conversation goes beyond racing as Lars explains the science of wind propulsion through his experience as a kite surfer and how those lessons translate to endurance sports. He also discusses insights from his Master’s thesis and a powerful conversation with a business coach that helped him define his personal “why.”

Mike, Ashley, and Lars also dive into the role fear plays in performance and personal growth—especially how even irrational fears can quietly hold athletes back.

This episode blends endurance sport, mindset, and purpose in a way every Age Group Athlete will appreciate.

#EverydayIronman #TriathlonPodcast #AgeGroupAthlete #IronmanTraining #EnduranceSports #TeamZoot #TriathlonLife #FindYourWhy

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, we’re joined by Maiki Cofer, who lives just minutes from Ironman World Championship in Kona—aka the place every triathlete dreams of racing. A longtime volunteer at the World Championship, Maiki gives real insight into qualifying from Hawaii and why it’s still far from easy.

She shares her journey from a 2014 relay to her first Olympic-distance finish, racing Ironman 70.3 Hawaii multiple times, and we discuss the cost to race there when you don’t live on the island. We also talk Team Zoot, her role as a League of Garmin Captain, mental health, preventive surgery, and her powerful “Summer Joy Celebration” during recovery.

Oh—and Mike may or may not reveal his dolphin-powered swim strategy. 🐬

#EverydayIronman #IronmanTriathlon #AgeGroupAthlete #KonaDreaming #TriathlonLife

Support the show