Find Your Finish Line with Mike Reilly

The first athlete I ever called across an IRONMAN World Championship finish line was Mark Allen, and that day still feels like a Hollywood script to both of us. The six-time IRONMAN World Champion joined me from Nice to talk about a wide-open men's race in Kona. We got into why the Norwegians train together like a think tank, what happens when you draw on your deepest reserves, and why the athlete who wins is usually the one who adapts when the day stops going to plan.

Then six-time IRONMAN champion Laura Siddall, who will cover the women's race from the back of a motorbike, walks me through the deepest women's field Kona has seen, with four former world champions on the start line. She also has advice for every age grouper heading to the island, and it works for any big moment in life. Stay to the end and you'll hear Mark explain why the hard things we earn stay with us for good.

In this episode, I sit down with Tommy Struzzieri, runner, triathlete, race director, and the driving force behind AlphaWin and the new Big Apple Triathlon. Tommy grew up around endurance events, walked onto the Syracuse running team through pure persistence, and is now taking on one of the biggest challenges in the event world: producing a triathlon in New York City.

We talk about staying focused when people doubt you, creating opportunities for first-time athletes, and why committing to a goal can change the direction of your life. Tommy’s story is a reminder that sometimes you have to put your blinders on, keep moving forward, and trust the work you’ve put in.

I sat down with registered dietitian and endurance nutrition coach Alex Larson to talk about one of the most important parts of endurance sports that so many athletes overlook: nutrition. From fueling workouts and recovery to balancing family, work, stress, and training, Alex shares practical advice that every age grouper can relate to. We also talked about body image, race day mistakes, supplements, and how nutrition impacts not just performance, but long term health and quality of life.

What I loved most about this conversation is how real and approachable Alex makes all of it feel. Whether you’re training for your first race or your fiftieth, this episode is full of insights that can help you feel stronger, healthier, and more confident when you head toward your next finish line.

Follow Alex:

https://alexlarsonnutrition.com

IG: @alexlarsonnutrition

FB: https://www.facebook.com/alexlarsonnutrition

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC91swSNifC4d52AdDzrKkzA

In this episode of Find Your Finish Line, I sit down with Scott Lackey, an Army veteran, entrepreneur, IRONMAN athlete, and author, for a real and honest conversation about resilience, failure, and what it takes to rebuild your life. Scott opens up about the defining moments that shaped him, from his early decisions after high school to his time in the military and the setbacks he faced in business, including losing control of a company he built after raising millions in funding. What stands out is how he’s learned to see failure not as the end, but as the foundation for growth. 

We also dive into his new book, Wake Up to Die Again, and what that title really means. It’s about letting go of the parts of ourselves that no longer serve us so we can become who we’re meant to be. This conversation goes beyond racing and training. It’s about facing the truth, stopping the habit of outrunning our struggles, and realizing that what we’re searching for isn’t out there, it’s already within us. If you’re in a tough spot or just looking to grow, this one will meet you where you are.

Learn more about Scott at: https://scottlackey.com/

I had the absolute pleasure of welcoming back IRONMAN World Champion Lucy Charles-Barclay to Find Your Finish Line, and this conversation is one every athlete needs to hear. We talked about her recent surgery, the courage it takes to make tough decisions in pursuit of big goals, and the resilience required to rise again when setbacks show up uninvited. Lucy opened up about racing through pain, winning in Kona, learning to block out the noise, and why bravery is sometimes simply committing to a dream that still scares you. Her honesty about recovery, mindset, and staying patient while the world races ahead is powerful for pros and age groupers alike.

If you’re chasing something big this year, this episode will light a fire in you. Lucy shares what drives her, why she still believes her best days are ahead, and how she balances ambition with gratitude. She’s not just a champion on the course, she’s a champion in how she handles adversity.

Follow Lucy and stay connected to her journey here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucycharles93  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LucyCharlesBarclay 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucycharlesbarclay 

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/LucyAnneCharles

In this episode of Find Your Finish Line, I sat down with two incredible guys, eight-time IRONMAN champion Ben Hoffman and Dr. Tommy Martin, a physician at Boston's Chosin Hospital, who are teaming up to take on one of the toughest mountain bike races on the planet: the Cape Epic in South Africa. This eight-day, 400-mile race through some of the most unforgiving terrain in the world is no joke, and what makes their story even more compelling is that Tommy had never ridden a mountain bike until eight months ago. Together, they're racing with the IRONMAN Foundation to raise money to put kids on bikes in South Africa and fund swim lessons, proving that the best finish lines are the ones we chase for something bigger than ourselves.

We got into everything from the raw reality of preparing for a race this demanding, to the power of teamwork, to Tommy's deeply moving perspective as a father of a son with a rare genetic disorder called Lamb-Shaffer syndrome. His message that "a diagnosis doesn't define a child's potential" is one that will stick with you long after this episode ends.

This one's packed with heart, grit, and a whole lot of inspiration.

Follow the Guests:

In this episode of Find Your Finish Line, I’m joined by Paul Kaye, a longtime broadcaster whose career spans radio, live events, and announcing at IRONMAN races around the world.

Paul shares how commitment has been a steady force throughout his life and career, and why endurance sports have a way of bringing clarity during periods of change. We talk about setting goals, revisiting them over time, and how endurance challenges can help create focus, discipline, and forward momentum.

We also discuss how endurance sports often become more than just training or racing. For Paul, they became a framework for staying grounded, building resilience, and reconnecting with what matters most. His experience highlights how powerful a clear “why” can be when pursuing long-term goals.

The conversation also touches on Paul’s work as an IRONMAN announcer, the importance of honoring athletes’ stories, and how he manages the balance between travel, performance, and personal well-being. This episode is about consistency, perspective, and using endurance sports as a tool for growth both on and off the course.

Follow Paul:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulkaye101/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul.kaye/?hl=en

X: https://x.com/kayeman

In the latest episode of Find Your Finish Line, I had the pleasure of chatting with Shawn Sullivan, the newly appointed Executive Director of Running USA. As we kick off 2026 and our fifth year of the podcast, Shawn joins me to share his background as an on site announcer at major sporting events and how those experiences shaped his path to leading Running USA. We talk through his journey in collegiate sports and event management, and his vision to unite and elevate the running community across the country.

Shawn dives into the importance of connecting every level of the industry, from major marathons to small community races, and how Running USA can support both. We explore his strategic priorities, the role of empathy and listening in leadership, and how collaboration can strengthen the entire ecosystem. He also highlights the upcoming Running USA conference in February and why it matters for networking, learning, and moving the industry forward.

Throughout the conversation, Shawn’s passion for running and the people behind it really comes through. We touch on growth opportunities like trail running, partnerships across endurance sports, and the power of community in shaping the future of running. Shawn also extends an open invitation to the Running USA conference and encourages everyone to stay connected at runningusa.org.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnksullivan/

Running USA: runningusa.org

In this episode of Find Your Finish Line, I sit down with Scott DeRue, the CEO of the IRONMAN Group, as we wrap up the incredible year of 2025. We reflect on the whirlwind that is the triathlon world, the global journey it encompasses, and the impact it has had on both participants and the communities hosting these events. One of the highlights of Scott’s tenure so far includes witnessing firsthand the emotional and economic influence of IRONMAN and other endurance events across various countries. With 15 events attended in 2025 alone, Scott shares insights into what it takes to elevate the athlete experience and community engagement at every race.

Scott and I delve into the expansion of triathlons into emerging markets, such as the Middle East, and the collaborative efforts that bring new racing opportunities to different parts of the world. We also explore how the IRONMAN Group fosters strong relationships with host communities, ensuring each event delivers meaningful economic and social value. Scott recounts touching stories from world championship events and highlights the community spirit that defines IRONMAN culture.

We wrap up the conversation with Scott’s incredible tales from climbing Mount Everest and running across the Gobi Desert, illustrating the teamwork and resilience that parallel the IRONMAN journey.

To keep up with Scott DeRue and the IRONMAN Group, follow on their website at ironman.com, Instagram @ironmantri, and Twitter @IRONMANtri.

In the latest episode of "Find Your Finish Line," I sit down with Jeffrey Reynolds, a remarkable individual who has faced and triumphed over dual cancer diagnoses. Jeffrey's story is not just about surviving prostate and colorectal cancer, but about the resilience of the human spirit and how the mentality of an endurance athlete can apply to the most challenging of life’s races. We discuss his journey through diagnosis and treatment and how his background in public health and social welfare influenced his perspective on receiving help after being the helper for so long. His book, "Every Mile Matters: Turning Triathlon Training Into Cancer Triumph," becomes a central theme as he chronicles how athletics and the ethos of endurance sports have been pivotal in his recovery and outlook. As Jeffrey recounts his grueling treatment, including his participation in a clinical trial that involved 27 rounds of chemotherapy, he shares insights into how his past experiences as a triathlete prepared him mentally and physically for the battle he faced. We explore the concept of true health versus fitness and stress the importance of regular health screenings, a message particularly directed at our listeners who may overlook symptoms due to their lifestyle demands. Jeffrey's story is a powerful reminder that while physical fitness is crucial, being vigilant about one's health is equally important. Through his narrative, Jeffrey offers inspiration and practical advice to anyone who might find themselves in a similar situation—reminding us all of the power of positive thinking, the support of loved ones, and the will to fight. He also emphasizes the importance of oneness with our bodies, urging everyone in the endurance community to pay attention to subtle health changes. Connect with Jeffrey on social media via @JeffReynoldsPhD on Twitter and on his website familyandchildrens.org to follow his ongoing journey and advocacy work.