In this inspiring episode of "Find Your Finish Line," I sit down with Matt Long, a man whose story of resilience and determination is nothing short of extraordinary. Matt shares his journey from being a competitive IRONMAN athlete to surviving a catastrophic accident with a New York City transit bus in 2005.

Despite being given a slim chance of survival, Matt's indomitable spirit saw him not only recover but also return to the IRONMAN Lake Placid finish line in 2009. His story is a testament to the power of setting big goals, embracing adversity, and the unwavering support of family and community.

Matt opens up about the mental and physical challenges he faced during his recovery, including moments of deep despair and thoughts of giving up. He credits his comeback to the support from his family, the FDNY brotherhood, and the triathlon community. Matt's journey didn't end at the IRONMAN finish line; he went on to become a motivational speaker, author of the bestseller "The Long Run," and a world record holder in indoor rowing. His message is clear: adversity is a part of life, but it's how we embrace and challenge it that defines our path forward.

Follow Matt

Website: http://mattlongspeaker.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlongspeaker/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Matt-Long-Speaker/

In this special year-end episode of Find Your Finish Line, host Mike Reilly reflects on an incredible 2024 filled with inspiring moments, unforgettable races, and personal lessons. From the triumphs of athletes like Patrick Lange and Taylor Knibb to heartfelt stories of perseverance, Mike shares insights to motivate you through the holidays and into the new year. Tune in for wisdom on controlling your attitude, working your happiness muscle, and becoming the cause of your own experiences. Whether you’re a triathlete, runner, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is a powerful reminder to always strive for your finish line.

In this episode of Find Your Finish Line, I sit down with the incredible Belinda Granger, a 15-time IRONMAN champion, Challenge Roth winner, and IRONMAN Australia Hall of Famer. With over 35 years in triathlon as a professional athlete, commentator, and mentor, Belinda shares her inspiring journey through the highs and lows of her career. We discuss her transition from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast, the camaraderie within her tight-knit triathlon community, and her legendary rivalry with Lisa Bentley that shaped her as an athlete. Belinda also offers a behind-the-scenes look at her role as a pro liaison for Challenge Family and her meticulous preparation as a race commentator.

This episode is packed with heartfelt stories, valuable lessons, and a deep love for the sport of triathlon. Whether you’re an athlete, a fan, or simply someone seeking motivation, Belinda’s story will resonate with you.

Follow Belinda on her journey and connect with her on social media to stay inspired:

📸 Instagram: @BelindaGranger

🐦 Twitter: @BelindaGranger

Join me for an extraordinary conversation with John Joseph, a punk rock legend, Ironman athlete, and author who has lived through incredible highs and lows to find redemption and purpose. From his tumultuous upbringing in foster care and running drugs on the streets of New York to becoming the frontman of the Cro-Mags and a 23-year sober endurance athlete, John shares his raw, unfiltered journey of transformation.

We dive into his battles with addiction, his spiritual awakening, and how Ironman racing became his new addiction—one that keeps him thriving. John’s story is a testament to resilience, discipline, and the power of the human spirit. Tune in to be inspired and discover how, no matter the odds, you can always find your finish line.

Follow John:

Instagram: @johnjosephdiscipline

Website: https://www.johnjosephdiscipline.com

X: @jjcromag

In this episode, I speak with Mike Erwin, CEO of Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB). A West Point graduate and veteran, Mike shares insights from his military service, founding Team RWB in 2010 to support veterans through social and physical connections, and the growth of the organization to 214 chapters and 181,000 members. We explore his leadership journey, life on his 42-acre farm, and his training for the JFK 50 Miler, emphasizing the importance of community and servant leadership.

We discuss the power of social connection, lessons from West Point, and how Team RWB fosters camaraderie similar to military life. Mike’s passion for supporting veterans is clear as he reflects on inspiring stories and the value of physical activity for mental and emotional health. Join us for this conversation highlighting resilience, community, and the pursuit to uplift veteran heroes.

Follow Mike Erwin on social media:

X: @MikeIrwin

Instagram: @IrwinLeadership

Team RWB: https://teamrwb.org

In this special episode of Find Your Finish Line, I sit down with six-time IRONMAN World Champion Mark Allen to dive deep into the upcoming 2024 Vinfast IRONMAN World Championship in Kona. Together, we discuss the top contenders, including past champions like Gustav Iden and Christian Blumenfeldt, rising stars like Magnus Ditlev, and seasoned veterans like Lionel Sanders. Mark shares his insights into the unique challenges of the Kona course, how athletes prepare mentally and physically, and what it takes to come out on top. Tune in as we explore the behind-the-scenes preparation and race strategy for this year’s men’s event.

Follow Mark:

Website:  markallencoaching.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markallengrip

Facebook: https://facebook.com/MarkAllenCoaching

X: https://twitter.com/markallengrip

In this episode, we welcome the 2024 IRONMAN World Champion, Laura Philipp, fresh off her remarkable win in Nice, France. With five IRONMAN victories and nearly 20 IRONMAN 70.3 titles under her belt, Laura shares the strategy, mental strength, and adaptability that led her to the finish line. She dives into the nuances of race day, overcoming unexpected challenges, and embracing the joy of her achievements. Discover her mantra—“train smart, have fun, and kick ass”—and how it fuels her passion both in and out of competition.

Learn more about Laura’s inspiring journey, her love for cake, and her unique perspective on balancing health, sport, and life.

For more on Laura, visit her website and follow her on social media:

🌐 Website: laura-philipp.com

📷 Instagram: @laura_philipp_tri

🐦 Twitter: @lauraphilipptri

Join me, Mike Reilly, on a special edition of "Find Your Finish Line" as we dive into the upcoming Women’s World Championship at the Ironman event in Nice, France, on September 22nd, 2024. Together with triathlon expert Dede Griesbauer, we explore the unique challenges of the Nice course, which contrasts sharply with the iconic Kona course, and discuss which athletes might have an edge.

We'll analyze the top competitors, including Lucy Charles Barclay, and ponder the evolving landscape of women’s triathlon post-Daniela Reef's retirement. Our discussion also covers potential dark horses and strategic plays that could define this year’s race. To add to the excitement, we give a shout-out to our sponsor, Pillar Performance, offering a special discount to our North American listeners.

I encourage everyone to join the conversation by sending in your predictions in the comments. Tune in for an episode filled with anticipation, strategies, and a celebration of triathlon.

Follow Dede:

https://dedegriesbauer.com https://www.facebook.com/dedegriesbauer https://www.instagram.com/dedegriesbauer https://www.twitter.com/dedegriesbauer

In this episode of Find Your Finish Line, I’m joined by two remarkable endurance athletes: NHL legend Zdeno Chára and iconic Boston Marathon race director Dave McGillivray. Zdeno shares his inspiring journey from dominating the ice with the Boston Bruins to running marathons and taking on Ironman challenges. Dave, a true endurance veteran, opens up about directing over a thousand races, running 52 consecutive Boston Marathons, and balancing his passion for sport with his role as a dedicated family man.

Together, we dive into what it means to push limits, face fears, and find your finish line—whether on the marathon course or in life. Tune in for a powerful conversation filled with personal stories, expert insights, and the unwavering spirit of endurance that unites us all.

Follow Dave

https://davemcgillivray.com

https://www.facebook.com/dmsedave

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-mcgillivray/

https://www.instagram.com/dmsedave

Follow Zdeno

https://www.instagram.com/zeechara33

In our conversation, Steven discusses his training regimen, the lessons he learned from his family’s immigrant experience, and his relentless pursuit of big goals. He offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and endurance athletes, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and surrounding yourself with experienced mentors.

Tune in for a deeply motivating episode as we explore Steven’s story of grit and determination, and get ready to be inspired to find your own finish line.

Thank you for joining us, and remember, you’re the cause of your own experience. Keep your attitude strong, and you’ll always find your finish line.