This episode marks the next chapter for Aloha Athletics, one that’s been a long time coming.

In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing the full story: how Aloha Athletics began, what it’s become, and why I’m pivoting from paddle coaching into something so much bigger, a movement rooted in mindset, growth, and community.

You’ll hear about:

• The lessons endurance sports taught me about mindset and resilience
• Why I’m shifting focus to the community building, Endless Aloha Challenge, and mental performance tools.
• What inspired the rebrand from Training Chats to Glitter & Carbs
• The vision for the future: bringing athletes together to do hard things, grow, and celebrate the process

Aloha Athletics has always been about endurance, growth, and heart. Now, it’s becoming a place where athletes of all kinds can connect, build mental strength, and do hard things together, on and off the water.

If you’ve been part of this community from the start, thank you for being here as we grow and evolve. And if you’re new, welcome this is where grit meets gratitude, and endurance meets aloha.

• Endless Aloha Challenge – Join the 2026 Challenge
• Follow Aloha Athletics on Instagram for updates and mindset tools

Fresh off his solo victory at the Alabama 650, paddling legend Chris Thomas joins us to talk about building Fastest Known Paddle (FKP), the definitive database for paddling records and routes.

Chris is the founder of the Fastest Known Paddle website, which has become the go-to platform for documenting and celebrating paddling FKTs around the world. But he's not just building the platform he's out there setting records himself. From conquering the Yukon 1000 to his recent solo Alabama 650 win, Chris lives and breathes long-distance paddling. Chris is also the host of Dabbling in Paddlism, a podcast exploring all things paddling

In this conversation, we dive into:

• What inspired him to create Fastest Known Paddle and how it's changing the paddling community
• The physical and mental demands of ultra-distance paddling races
• The overlap between endurance running, paddling, and other adventure sports

Connect with show host and guest:

• Chris Thomas
• Dabbling In Paddlism
• FKP
• Lindsey Tilton
• Aloha Athletics

Join the Endless Aloha Challenge, a year-long paddling event where participants aim to paddle 2025 miles throughout 2025, with milestone goals and monthly raffles. This community-driven challenge keeps paddlers motivated through all four seasons while celebrating achievements with badges, prizes, and the supportive spirit of Aloha.

Saying Yes Before You Feel Ready: Maddi LeBlanc on Trust, Timing, and Chasing the M2O Dream

What happens when your dream opportunity shows up before you're “ready”?

When Canadian SUP champion Maddi LeBlanc got the chance to race Moloka’i 2 O’ahu, her dream event just two weeks before the start, she said yes.

In this episode, Maddi and I talk about what it means to trust your gut, embrace imperfect timing, and let sport ground you during life’s transitions. From journaling practices to mental training, this convo is for anyone navigating the space between readiness and risk.

In this episode:

• How Maddi ended up at M2O with two weeks notice
• How Maddi stayed grounded and adaptable in the face of uncertainty
• Why sport became her anchor through personal change
• Her mindset tools, including journaling and visualization
• Letting go of perfect timing and trusting your inner “yes”

This is a vulnerable, inspiring episode about trusting your gut, answering the call, and letting sport be more than performance.

📲 Follow along on Instagram: @aloha.athletics @earthgrownlindsey @Maddi3Leblanc

🧠 Want to go deeper?

• Join our free monthly Athlete Book Club for guided mindset work and journaling prompts
• Show notes with action items to apply the lessons form this conversation

In this episode of Training Chats with Aloha Athletics, Lindsey Tilton sits down with elite paddler and author Paolo Marconi to talk about the mental side of ultra endurance racing. Paolo shares powerful insights from his new book, Racing the Quit Monkey, which explores the inner voice that shows up when we’re deep in discomfort—and how to keep going anyway.

Lindsey and Paolo dive into the mindset tools that fuel high-performance athletes, including breathwork, yoga, and the mental strategies that help you overcome the urge to quit. They also reflect on their shared experience paddling 48 hours at Last Paddler Standing and how endurance sports teach lessons that extend far beyond the finish line.

Whether you're a stand-up paddleboarder, endurance athlete, or just someone looking to build more resilience, this episode will leave you with practical tools and a deeper understanding of how to train your mind like you train your body.

Topics covered:

• The Quit Monkey: what it is and how to outlast it
• Lessons from SUP ultras and mindset breakthroughs
• The role of breathwork and yoga in peak performance
• Training for mental toughness, not just physical strength
• Why purpose matters more than pace

Join the Aloha Athletics free community book club

In this episode of Training Chats with Aloha Athletics, Lindsey Tilton dives deep into the rarely discussed topic of DNFs (Did Not Finish). She shares her personal story of not finishing the Suwannee 230 due to a head and neck injury and discusses the emotional and mental challenges that come with making the decision to stop. Lindsey reframes the concept of failure, highlighting how DNFs can lead to growth, resilience, and alignment with long-term goals. She emphasizes that true mental toughness is knowing when to push forward and when to step back, and urges athletes to celebrate hidden wins and make decisions that align with their bigger purpose. This episode encourages listeners to view DNFs not as failures but as opportunities for learning and growth

Peak performance isn’t reserved for the pros — it’s for anyone bold enough to show up with heart, hustle, and intention.

In this episode of Training Chats with Aloha Athletics, Coach Casey sits down with Dr. Jose Antonio, a leading expert in sports nutrition and co-founder of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, to break down the science of fueling like an athlete — without overcomplicating it. This one’s for the grinders, the early risers, and the weekend warriors chasing their next breakthrough. Dr. Antonio's advice is applicable for all athletes no matter your sport of choice. 

• Dr. Jose Antonio
• The ISSN - Check out their upcoming sports nutrition conference coming June 2025
• Sports Science Dudes Podcast:
• @aloha.athletics
• @Earthgrownlindsey
• @Casey_Lynn_McCullough

In this episode of Training Chats with Aloha Athletics, hosts Lindsey Tilton and Casey McCullough sit down with John Meskauskas, the founder of Flying Fish Board Co. John shares his inspiring journey from shaping his first board in a Florida garage to building a world-class paddleboard brand. They dive into the art of board shaping, the power of community, and why continuous improvement is key—whether you’re chasing a big race goal or building a business from scratch.

You’ll also hear valuable tips on board selection, the importance of time on the water, and how Flying Fish has become a major player in events like the Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis. Whether you’re a paddler, entrepreneur, or simply someone with a big dream, this episode will leave you motivated to start before you’re ready—and keep pushing forward.

Show notes and journal prompts to take action

Connect with show host and guest

@flying_fish_board_co

@JohnMeskauskas

@aloha.athletics

@earthgrownlindsey

@casey_lynn_mccullough

Tammie Hampton set out to make history as part of the first all-female team to paddle across the 85-mile Oʻahu to Kauaʻi Channel—one of the most challenging and least-attempted interisland crossings in Hawaiʻi. In this episode, Lindsey Tilton and Casey McCullough dive into Tammie’s journey, from the relentless conditions that forced her to pull out at mile 65 to the mindset that’s pushing her to try again.

Tammie also shares her experience earning the Iron Crusader title during the Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis, where she battled extreme nausea for 16 straight hours but refused to quit. Her biggest lesson? We are all capable of more than we believe—the key is to take the first step.

Listen in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, overcoming self-doubt, and what it really takes to push your limits.

Show notes and journal prompts to take action

Connect with show host and guest

@mamas_feelin_salty

@aloha.athletics

@earthgrownlindsey

@casey_lynn_mccullough

If you enjoy this episode, the best way to support the podcast is to share it with a friend! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and tag us on Instagram @aloha.athletics with your biggest takeaway.

In this episode of Training Chats, Lindsey Tilton and mental health expert Trevor Hanson of The Art of Healing by Trevor discuss the mental health challenges athletes face, from performance pressure to identity struggles and anxiety. They explore how these emotional hurdles impact athletes’ well-being and offer actionable strategies for coping. If you’re an athlete or someone who supports athletes, this episode provides valuable insights into managing mental health in sports. Tune in for expert advice on overcoming mental health struggles, prioritizing well-being, and thriving beyond the competition.

Follow us on social:

• @Aloha.athletics
• @earthgrownlindsey
• @theartofhealingbytrevor
• Secure Self Club

Are you wondering what it takes to be a world champion? In this episode of Training Chats, we sit down with Katniss Paris, a standout athlete who recently made waves at the ICF Sprint Championship. From international training to navigating career-defining challenges, Katniss shares her inspiring journey, including her gold-medal victory in the sprints and the resilience it took to get there. We dive into her training strategies, the mental toughness needed to overcome setbacks, and how adaptability has shaped her career. Whether you’re an athlete or just looking for motivation, Katniss’ story is a must-listen!