In this episode, I share an update on my recovery and what it’s taken to stay mentally and physically in the game. While the injury hasn’t fully cleared, I’m gearing up for my first Olympic distance race in early August—a chance to test where I’m at and move forward with purpose. This isn’t about being 100%, it’s about showing up, adapting, and pushing through with intention. If you’ve ever had to pivot your goals but keep going anyway, this one’s for you.

In this episode, Geoff sits down with his triathlon coach Robin to talk about what it really means to stay engaged — in training, in life, and through the unexpected. From Robin’s journey as a synchronized swimmer to finding her voice in triathlon, this conversation dives into the mental and emotional layers of endurance sport.

They explore what it takes to recover from injury, adjust your identity when you're forced to slow down, and how having non-negotiables can keep you grounded even when motivation dips. Robin also reflects on the unique camaraderie among women in triathlon and why endurance sports can be a powerful tool for personal growth.

Whether you're gearing up for your next race, coming back from a setback, or just trying to stay consistent — this one’s for you.

Topics Include:
– Relearning technique in the water
– Injury, uncertainty, and mindset shifts
– Mental toughness and adjusting with grace
– Women in sport and building community
– Why gratitude is a performance tool
– The real power of having a race on the calendar

Key Quote:
“Missing one workout doesn’t ruin your fitness. The work is staying engaged.”

Keywords

swimming, triathlon, coaching, endurance, women in sports, injury recovery, motivation, time management, mental toughness, personal growth

Summary

In this conversation, Geoff McDonald and Robin discuss the intricacies of swimming and triathlon, emphasizing the importance of technique, the journey of transitioning into triathlon, and the role of coaching. They explore the challenges of time management, motivation, and the mental aspects of training, especially for women in the sport. Robin shares her personal experiences with injury and recovery, the empowerment of women in triathlon, and the significance of endurance. The discussion culminates in the importance of non-negotiables in racing and the value of gratitude and passion in sports.

Takeaways

Swimming requires consistent practice to maintain technique.

Triathlon should enhance life, not dominate it.

Women have unique strengths in endurance sports.

Coaching plays a vital role in athlete development.

Time management is crucial for busy athletes.

Missing workouts doesn't equate to losing fitness.

Mental resilience is key to overcoming challenges.

Community support is essential in triathlon.

Non-negotiables help maintain focus during races.

Gratitude for the sport fosters a positive mindset.

Titles

Mastering the Art of Swimming

From Synchronized Swimming to Triathlon

Sound bites

"Consistency over time is key."

"Triathlon is about racing."

"Focus is a form of endurance."

Chapters

00:00 Reconnecting with Swimming Technique

02:22 The Journey into Endurance Sports

04:39 Transitioning to Triathlons

07:39 Finding Balance in Training and Life

10:29 Overcoming Mental Barriers in Training

13:17 The Importance of Races in Training

16:03 Building Consistency and Motivation

33:18 The Importance of Racing in Triathlon

35:53 Overcoming Injuries: A Personal Journey

40:16 Adjusting Identity: From Athlete to Coach

44:59 Women in Triathlon: Breaking Barriers

49:36 Endurance: A Unique Relationship for Women

57:32 Finding Center: The Power of Gratitude

58:39 Embracing Passions: A Call to Action

01:00:13 Ivy_States_This_Is_My_Time_background_vocals_bridge_0_21-9.mp3

In this episode, Geoff McDonald sits down with physical therapist Mark Bouma to unpack what recovery really means—from both a physical and emotional perspective.

They dive into the evolving role of physical therapy, not just as a response to injury but as a proactive tool for optimizing movement, wellness, and longevity in sport and life.

The conversation explores how recovery is rarely linear, why building trust in your body is key, and how sleep, nutrition, and mindset are just as crucial as any rehab protocol.

Whether you're an athlete, a high-performer, or someone simply navigating your own setbacks, this episode will challenge the way you think about getting back—and moving forward.

Topics include:

• Recovery as a mindset, not just a process

• Why consistency and momentum matter

• The future of athletic training

• How PT is reshaping performance

• The mental health layer of injury rehab

• Fueling recovery through nutrition and sleep

In this raw and deeply personal episode, Geoff McDonald shares the reality of life after a traumatic biking accident that left him with a concussion and a herniated disc. From canceled races to unexpected mental health struggles, Geoff opens up about the physical pain, emotional toll, and slow process of recovery. He discusses the importance of physical therapy, the mental strain of concussion recovery, and why building the right support system has become more important than ever. Whether you're an athlete, recovering from injury, or just navigating personal adversity, this episode is a powerful reflection on resilience, identity, and healing.

In this episode, Geoff McDonald sits down with Ryan LaMirand—former CEO of PrizeLogic and a veteran in data, loyalty, and customer engagement—to unpack what truly matters as AI transforms modern business.

Together, they dive into how brands can deploy AI not just for automation, but to build authenticity, earn consumer trust, and create scalable feedback loops. As the economic environment shifts and growth becomes harder to chase, Geoff and Ryan explore why quality metrics, real-time insight, and meeting customers in the moment are now the edge.

This is a conversation for leaders who want to cut through the noise—and build smarter, more trusted, and more human companies with AI.

What does it take to lead a startup through economic uncertainty, shifting investor expectations, and the AI revolution—all without losing your north star?

In this episode, Geoff McDonald sits down with Ramy Mora, a respected product and growth advisor with over two decades of experience helping startups scale with clarity and intention. Ramy has held leadership roles at companies like Lattice (VP Product), VTS, Percolate (acquired by Seismic), and General Assembly, and now advises early-stage and VC-backed startups on product-market fit, retention, GTM strategy, and leadership dynamics.

Together, they unpack the most pressing challenges facing startups today:

• Why AI isn’t a silver bullet—and how to use it without breaking your customer experience

• How most companies miscalculate CAC and overlook retention

• The growing tension between short-term board pressure and long-term founder vision

• What startup CEOs should actually be doing right now to preserve cash, lead their teams, and plan for what’s next

Ramy brings battle-tested insights and frameworks, not buzzwords—delivering a grounded and strategic take on how to build resilience when the market gets rough.

🎧 Whether you're a founder, operator, or investor, this episode is your toolkit for navigating today’s startup environment with purpose and grit.

What does it take to chase Olympic dreams—and what happens after? In this inspiring conversation, Geoff sits down with Scott McCartney, former U.S. Ski Team member and Olympian turned financial advisor, to talk about the mindset behind elite performance.

Scott opens up about the sacrifices required for greatness, the role of confidence in competition, and why small wins matter more than you think.

From navigating setbacks to redefining success, this episode is packed with real-world insights for athletes, professionals, and anyone pursuing personal growth.

Topics include: goal setting, mental strength, performance under pressure, and finding motivation in unexpected places.

On April 30th, I was hit by a car while out on a ride. In this episode, I walk through exactly what happened, the injuries I’m facing, and what recovery might look like. It’s raw, it’s personal, and it’s just the beginning. This isn’t just a story about impact—it’s about resilience, perspective, and the road back. Thrown, broken, not beaten.

In this episode, I unpack the raw reality of my 50-mile ultra — a race that ended unexpectedly at mile 37. What started with hope, training, and grit turned into a battle against my own body: sciatic pain flaring, lactate flooding my system, and the inevitable decision to DNF.

This isn't just a story about not finishing. It's a story about listening — listening when the body says "enough," even when the mind begs for more. I talk about the emotional aftermath, the lessons buried in disappointment, and why sometimes not crossing the finish line is where the real growth happens.

If you've ever hit a wall — in running, in life, or in anything you fought like hell for — this one's for you.

A raw, personal look into race week as I prep for my upcoming 50-miler. I break down my offseason training, the mindset that’s carried me through the grind, and what I’m aiming for in 2025 — on and off the trail. This episode is about more than running. It’s about discipline, growth, and staying committed to the long game. Whether you're in endurance sports or just chasing something bigger, this one's for you.