In this powerful episode, Laura sits down with Mark Macy and his son Travis Macy to explore their incredible journey of resilience, adventure, and living with Alzheimer's. Mark, a former trial lawyer turned endurance athlete, shares how his life changed after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Together with his son Travis, a fellow endurance athlete, coach, and author, they discuss how endurance sports prepared them to face life’s toughest challenges, including Mark’s diagnosis.

From adventure racing in Fiji to creating a powerful memoir, Mark and Travis share their insights on staying active, keeping the faith, and finding purpose even in the face of adversity.

👤 Meet Mark and Travis Macy:

Mark Macy: A former lawyer and elite endurance athlete who has completed some of the world’s toughest races, including Ironman and Eco-Challenge. Mark continues to live a full life despite his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, sharing his story to inspire others.

Travis Macy: An ultra-endurance athlete, coach, author, and podcast host. Travis shares how his father’s diagnosis reshaped their relationship and strengthened their bond.

📌 Topics Discussed:

How Mark Macy transitioned from law to endurance sports

The pivotal moment that inspired Mark to become an athlete

Adventure racing and the world of ultra-endurance sports

How endurance sports taught them resilience and teamwork

Mark’s journey with Alzheimer’s and his decision to live life fully

The power of sharing your story to help others

Travis’s experience as a caregiver and son

Their new memoir A Mile at a Time and its impact

Staying connected, staying active, and keeping the faith

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Welcome and introduction of Mark and Travis Macy

03:30 – How Mark got into endurance sports

08:45 – Travis shares childhood memories of adventure racing

14:20 – The transformative power of endurance sports

21:00 – Mark’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis and how he responded

28:30 – How their family adapted and grew stronger together

34:15 – Facing challenges with resilience and mindset

42:00 – Their new book A Mile at a Time and what readers can expect

50:30 – Final thoughts on staying active, connected, and keeping the faith

💡 Key Takeaways:

Resilience is built one challenge at a time.

Sharing your story can bring hope to others.

Stay active and connected, even when facing hardship.

Alzheimer’s doesn’t define a person’s life.

Keep the faith, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

A Mile at a Time (Book) by Mark and Travis Macy – Available March 14, 2023.

Travis Macy’s Website: www.travismacy.com

Their Podcast: The Travis Macy Show

National Sleep Foundation: www.sleepfoundation.org

Being Mortal by Atul Gawande

🤝 Connect with Mark and Travis Macy:

Podcast: The Travis Macy Show

Book: A Mile at a Time

You can learn more and follow Travis here:

Facebook: @travis.macy.7

Twitter: @TravisMacy

Insta: @travismacy

www.travismacy.com

www.amileatatimebook.com

www.thetravismacyshow.com

Follow Mark here:

Instagram:  @mmacy146

Facebook: @mark.macy.5283

And check out Imagine Publishing:

Twitter: @Imagine_CB

Insta: @Imagine_cb

Facebook: @ImaginePublishing

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Website: https://lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/lifeonrepeatpodcast

Facebook: https://facebook.com/lifeonrepeatpodcast

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeonRepeatPodcast

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