In this episode, I’m reflecting on my journey from marathon enthusiast to Ironman finisher, with Ironman Chattanooga 2024 now in the books. It all started with a spark of inspiration from a friend and my passion for marathons, which led me into the world of triathlons. What began as a 'maybe someday' turned into a full-on commitment, and now, after crossing the finish line in Chattanooga, I’m taking a step back to share the highs, lows, and everything in between.

I’ll talk about the lessons I learned—how I built my training plan, embraced periodization, and mentally prepped for the big day. But just as important were the challenges, like learning to balance training demands with life’s curveballs and being okay with not always perfecting it. One thing that hit home was the need to listen to my body and know the difference between real fatigue and when I just needed a mental reset. And let’s not forget about nutrition—the 'fourth discipline' that played a huge role in keeping me fueled and ready to perform.

Looking back, this journey wasn’t just about completing a race. It was about growth. Pushing myself through the hard days, sticking to goals that mattered, and embracing the experience helped me evolve in ways that went far beyond race day. And speaking of race day, there’s just something unforgettable about the energy, the people, and the atmosphere that made it all worth it. Now, as I reflect on what’s next, I’m thinking about how triathlons have become a way for me to keep challenging myself, and I hope you’ll feel inspired to chase your own big goals, too."