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Izayah Campos was deep into marathon training when life took a sharp turn—he shipped out to U.S. Navy boot camp. In this episode, we dive into what it takes to pivot from personal goals to something greater, the discipline required to succeed in boot camp, and how fitness prepared him for the mental and physical challenges ahead.

We talk about unfinished goals, resilience, and what comes next as Izayah looks to pick up where he left off—both in his running journey and his new path in the Navy.

Whether you’re starting your fitness journey, chasing a goal, or navigating a major life transition, this episode will remind you: your first mile doesn’t disappear—it evolves.

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Starting a fitness journey isn’t about having the perfect plan.
It’s not about motivation.
And it’s definitely not about feeling ready.

It’s about taking that first step—when everything in you is telling you to wait.

In this episode of That First Mile, we sit down with Carianne Fernandez, who is just getting started on her fitness journey. No highlight reel. No “after” picture. Just the real, honest experience of what it feels like to begin from zero.

Carianne opens up about:
• The fear of starting
• Feeling out of place and unsure
• What day one actually looks like
• The mental battle nobody sees
• And why small steps matter more than perfect plans

This conversation isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.

If you’ve ever told yourself “I’ll start Monday”… this is your moment.

Because the truth is—nothing changes until you do.

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68 countries. 500+ cities. That First Mile Podcast reflects on its growing global reach and the message behind it—discipline, consistency, and taking action even when it’s uncomfortable. This episode is for everyday people building better habits, pushing through challenges, and taking their first mile one step at a time. Includes thanks to listeners, guests, and co-hosts, plus a call for questions, reviews, and ratings.

Keywords: motivation, discipline, running mindset, self-improvement, consistency, mindset coaching, fitness motivation, personal growth, mental toughness
Before you go, I ask you to do three things:
⭐ Leave a rating
💬 Drop a review
❓ Send your questions for future episodes

Because this isn’t just a podcast.

It’s a community.

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After 26 years in the United States Navy, retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer Mika Strange, lived a life built on discipline, leadership, and doing the hard things—day in and day out.

But this conversation isn’t just about military service. It’s about what happens after. It’s about identity, transition, and finding your next ‘First Mile’ when the structure you’ve known for decades is suddenly gone.

If you’ve ever had to start over, push through uncertainty, or redefine who you are—this one’s for you.

Let’s get into it.

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On this episode Randy welcomes back our resident therapist Ana. She welcomes Rossie Ballard owner of Fit Warriors in Visalia, CA who is a Personal Trainer and Health Coach. They discuss an often over looked issue.

Eating disorders are complicated and frequently misdiagnosed. In this episode, we examine the emotional and mental processes that underlie disordered eating, how it affects day-to-day functioning, and what recovery can truly entail. This discussion provides understanding, knowledge, and hope whether you're going through a difficult time yourself or helping someone else.

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In this episode of That First Mile Podcast, Randy brings back Ana (Therapist) and Paola for a conversation how the ideas in Atomic Habits can help you stop relying on motivation and start building systems that work—even on low-energy days.

We discuss what works, what is more difficult in real life, and how to form habits without becoming burned out or striving for perfection. This episode is ideal if you've ever had trouble staying motivated, being consistent, or "starting over."

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This week's podcast combines therapy and running/exercise. Randy talks to two therapists, Ana and Karina, who both enjoy running. Each has completed numerous 5 and 10 k races, marathons, and half marathons. They discuss with Randy that treatment doesn't always take place on a couch; it might occasionally occur in the middle of a run.

This is your space to move your body, clear your head, and get real about life, mental health, and everything in between. Ana and Karina are running along side you, sharing honest conversations about mental health, stress, growth, and being human. No pressure. No perfection. Just one step at a time. Lace up, breath deep - Let's go!

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Gaby Gonzales returns to the podcast this week to talk about her running journey. She talks about her experience running the 50th annual Marine Corps Marathon. We talked about her sources of motivation. What upcoming runs does she have? Hearing from her is always enjoyable. Enjoy, we hope.