January 15, 2025

Rick Evans: Personal and Physical Growth Through Mindset and Fitness

44 minutes

keywords

fitness, CrossFit, Spartan race, personal growth, resilience, self-talk, competition, coaching, mental health, family, self-improvement, mental health, masculinity, fitness, gratitude, emotional support, aging, personal growth, vulnerability, resilience

summary

In this episode of the Stronger Together podcast, host Kenny Markwardt interviews Rick Evans, co-owner of Evans Brothers Coffee and a long-time member of the gym. They discuss Rick's journey in fitness, starting from his early days in CrossFit to his transition into obstacle racing and Spartan races. The conversation delves into the mental challenges of competition, the importance of self-talk, and personal growth through sports. Rick shares his experiences of overcoming insecurities, the evolution of his self-perception, and how he learned to appreciate his journey and resilience. In this conversation, Kenny Markwardt discusses the importance of self-reflection, gratitude, and positive self-talk in personal growth. He emphasizes the need for support and vulnerability, particularly in redefining masculinity and emotional expression. The discussion also touches on fitness, aging, and the pursuit of longevity, highlighting the joy found in the journey rather than just the end goals.

takeaways

Rick's journey in fitness began with CrossFit, influenced by his sister.
He found a competitive spirit in CrossFit, which motivated him to improve.
Rick's first competition was a novice event where he excelled unexpectedly.
Family involvement in fitness, especially with his sister, has been significant.
Transitioning to Spartan races allowed Rick to focus on endurance and running.
He learned the importance of balancing high-intensity training with recovery.
Mental resilience has been a key theme in Rick's athletic journey.
Rick emphasizes the importance of self-talk and overcoming negative thoughts.
Joining a men's group helped Rick in his personal growth and self-acceptance.
Rick's experiences highlight the connection between fitness and mental health. Chasing external goals can lead to dissatisfaction.
Self-talk should be compassionate, not critical.
Practicing gratitude can shift your outlook on life.
Support systems are crucial for mental health.
Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
Redefining masculinity includes emotional expression.
Doing hard things builds resilience and character.
Fitness should focus on longevity and enjoyment.
It's important to listen to your body as you age.
Paying attention to long-term health can lead to better outcomes.

titles

From CrossFit to Spartan: Rick Evans' Fitness Journey
Overcoming Insecurities: The Mental Game of Fitness
Family, Fitness, and Competition: A Personal Story
The Evolution of Self-Perception in Athletics

Sound Bites

"I love just diving in."
"I was always doing it to win."
"I was super insecure kid."
"I was so hard on myself."
"I could still fight for myself."
"You're never going to catch it."
"We all need help in some way."
"It's okay to show emotion."

Chapters