The Competitive Edge Podcast: Fatherhood | Fitness | Focus

EP 23 Solo Cast | Celebrating Father's Day | Transforming Rough times into Opportunity | Hyrox NYC Recap

Welcome back to the competitive edge podcast, I'm your host, Daniel Hickman.. where fathers learn from fathers to sharpen their competitive edge as an athlete and in life!

This is Episode 22 today, with an amazing runner and dad athlete of 3 boys (ages 1, 6, and 9).

Mr. Mark Gaudet lives in Colorado Springs, CO, he is 37 years old and is in Active Duty as an Infantry Officer for US Army.

2021 Spartan Ultra World Champion, Dekafit Team Relay world record holder, and 2nd Place 2022 World's Toughest Mudder

What are your biggest accomplishments in business or in your professional career?

Serving in the 75th Ranger Regiment, competing/finishing the Best Ranger Competition 4 times.

What is your biggest accomplishment as a father (in regard to your family members)?

Seeing my boys become great humans, excel in school, and share my passion for fitness/sports.

How would you define "Competitive Edge"? I'll phrase it as a question - What am I willing to do that others won't, that will set me apart when the time comes to compete?

When did the competitive side of you begin?

My parents exposed me to just about every sport growing up. Played 5 sports in high school - all-conference in all 5 and all-state in 3. I've been hyper-competitive from the start.

What was the dynamic with your parents? who brought you to sports and etc?

Both parents were athletes and are still active to this day. They both encouraged me, practiced with me, and carted my ass around to practices and games day after day.

What is that quote or saying your parents always told you that sticks with you today?

"How bad do you want it?"

What kind of competitive athletic events did you compete in before kids as an adult?

Big into triathlon as a child growing up in S FL, mostly team sports through high school, but transitioned more toward individual and endurance events early in my Army career. OCR became an interest more recently. Fatherhood didn't necessarily impact my competitive interests.

What did your training schedule look like before your kids? Unstructured. Significantly more lifting.

What kind of competitive events do you compete in now as a father? OCR, trail running, ultra endurance events.

What does your training schedule look like now as a father? (hours per week est) I average about 6-8 hours on my feet running and a few more lifting/cross-training.

How have you adapted/adjusted and what changes have you made competing and/or training as a father?

I wake up earlier to get workouts in and I try to involve kids in my training as much as possible.

What are some things or ways you stay present as a father balancing training and fatherhood?

Program-protected family time (Friday movie night) bring kids on weekend race trips, spend time w/ kids immediately when you get home (before you power down).

Why do you train and/or compete? What drives that bug in you to compete?

Find my physical and mental ceiling.

What are the most notable improvements you've noticed from staying fit and/or competing in fitness events? What changes have you experienced that you would most likely brag about to a friend? What benefits do you get out of training and competing? The friendships it's given me, it's allowed me to excel in my career, and kept me young)

What kind of time management hacks have you conquered?

Training in am or pm etc? Earlier the better! Use lunchtime to squeeze activity in.

What advice would you have for those men out there that lost connection with their health when they finished competing as an athlete or as a first-time dad that lost touch with their competitive edge and respect for the man in the mirror? Improvements snowball FAST. All it takes is one good workout/meal to get started.

What big races, or events, coming up for you this year?

Colorado Marathon this weekend, Silver Rush 50, Leadville 100

How can everyone find you and follow what you're doing (IG handle, website, etc)? any sponsors or upcoming items you want to share? IG @markgaudet85 VJ Shoes, Firefly Recovery, Elevate Internal Fitness

This Episode we have a Mother's Day, special episode with an incredible Mom-Athlete of 3 kids that are 4, 6, and 8 with one a soon to be newborn on the way!

Bridget Brown, she is 35 years old and lives in Tampa, FL, also works fulltime as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Her biggest accomplishments 3rd place at the DEKA World Championship last November in Atlantic City

and 9th place at the most recent US North American Championship in Chicago while she was 8 weeks pregnant!

Bridget also placed first overall in the Michelob Challenge Gasparilla race in Tampa while being 10 weeks pregnant, which is 4 races in only 2 days.

Podcast Updates:

• Tom Hogans episode was just released today on Spotify and YouTube

• Mark Gaudet's episode is scheduled to be released next Thursday March 18th.

• Upcoming interviews with standout elite 15 athlete Dylan Scott and Joe Rivera, OCR legend who owns Gett itt core fitness.

• Top 3 most downloaded episode interviews are with Julius Jeter, David Magida and Erock

Events:

• Deka fit Anaheim just happened, and Lauren weeks and Veejay Jones won that one.

• Hyrox World Championship in a few weeks in Manchester UK

• Deka Fit Carolinas coming in June

• Hyrox NYC in June as well

Bridget Brown!. Happy Mothers Day to you and Thanks for taking the time to come on the show!

What are your biggest accomplishments in business or in your professional career?

Just to be where I am now. I have been a Nurse Practitioner for 3.5 years. If you do the math, that means I was still in school when I had my youngest two. Looking back, graduating with 3 little kids in tow was a huge accomplishment and something I am extremely proud of to this day. Now I am able to help change lives every single day which is very rewarding.

What is your biggest accomplishment as a mother (in regard to your family members)?

Raising kind, respectful and happy kids.

How would you define "Competitive Edge"?

putting in the work to be superior and above average.

When did the competitive side of you begin? and please walk us through the sports you may have played as a kid into an adult.

According to my mom, I have always been competitive. And being a mom myself, I see that same fiery competitive side in all 3 of my children too. I grew up playing all the sports, soccer, softball, basketball, volleyball, and track.

What was the dynamic with your parents? who brought you to sports and etc?

I grew up at softball fields with my mom. All my baby pictures are me sitting in dugouts or in the stands watching her games. As I got older, she started playing soccer too. She is still going too. She now plays in a competitive pickle ball league. She is the best.

What is that quote or saying your parents always told you that sticks with you today?

Have fun

What kind of competitive athletic events did you compete in before kids as an adult?

None, besides playing college soccer 😊

What did your training schedule look like before your kids?

Always worked out every day, mostly group training classes, HIIT, orange theory type stuff. I would jump into local 5k and 10ks occasionally. I ran a half marathon when I was in nursing school with a friend, but that was about the extent of my running.

What kind of competitive events do you compete in now as a mother?

I got into DEKA my first year and really enjoyed it. I think found HYROX and also enjoyed that. Because of both of these I started running more, and enjoying that as well.

What does your training schedule look like now as a mother? (hours per week est).

Pre pregnancy? I was training about 1-2 hours per day, 6 days a week. Averaging about 20-25 miles per weeks + strength training. During pregnancy, I am still training 6 days a week but a lot less running, just because it doesn't feel great. But going back to more of the group training classes. averaging closer to 45 mins – 1 hour per day. Also swimming more, which I really like. Swimming is so humbling for me. I am not good, but I love it.

How have you adapted/adjusted and what changes have you made competing and/or training as a mother?

I workout before my kids wake up. I have always been an early riser, but now that my kids are in school and have a lot of activities after school for their own sports, my window is limited. I also work full time and have to be at work by 8am, so 5am gym time is really my only option.

What are some things or ways you stay present as a mother balancing training and motherhood?

My husband and I walk them to school every morning at 7. And I attend every practice and game that I can, sometimes we have to divide and conquer but they know I will be there. I have had to miss a few of their games due to my own competitions, which I get a lot of FOMO about, but at the same time I am also showing them that you can still do the things you love as a parent as well. My kids are my number one fans and I love when they are able to show up to my events too. It's fun when the whole family is involved.

Why do you train and/or compete? What drives that bug in you to compete?

I train because it makes me feel good. I compete to continue to give myself something to push for. I have always been competitive in nature, and not sure that fire will ever go away.

What are the most notable improvements you've noticed from staying fit and/or competing in fitness events? What changes have you experienced that you would most likely brag about to a friend? What benefits do you get out of training and competing?

Always feeling prepared for life. I was running one time with a ruck, and somebody asked what I was training for… I said life 😊 You never know what type of situation you will be put in, or when your kids are going to need to you scale a fence to grab their favorite ball or help chase a neighbor's dog that got loose. You got to be ready for whatever.

What kind of time management hacks have you conquered? Training in am or pm etc?

AM is really my only time slot like I mentioned before. This works for me and the family though. My husband is super helpful with this as well, allowing me this time. He usually trains in the afternoons because his schedule is a little more flexible with work.

What advice would you have for those women out there that lost connection with their health when they finished competing as an athlete or as first-time moms that lost touch with their competitive edge and respect for the woman in the mirror?

Don't just do it for yourself but do it for your family. Little eyes are watching you. Be the person you want them to be. I think ultimately that's what drives me.

What big races, or events, coming up for you this year?

Labor 😊 and hopefully can squeeze into Deka Worlds post baby, but might be racing age group this year. Either way excited for the rest of this year!

How can everyone find you and follow what you're doing (IG handle, website, etc)? any sponsors or upcoming items you want to share?

@thebrownybunch – no sponsors. Just a regular mom doing life 😊

This is Episode 20 today, with a well-known fitness coach, father, and a qualified elite 15 Hyrox athlete, and also proud to be a fellow Team Myzone athlete with him.

Mr. Tom Hogan lives in Ireland, he is 41 years young, Father of 4 kids between the ages of 10-21 years of age. And his family is recognized as "Ireland's fittest family", and he has represented Ireland for over a decade as a mountain runner.

Tom also owns a Printing Business, he is an Online fitness Coach with his wife Dena and is the business partner with Hunter McIntrye for BLDR sports products.

Top 3 Episodes right now:

1st Julius Jeter | 2nd David Magida | 3rd. Bruce Jackson

Upcoming Events:

• The Hyrox World championship in Manchester UK is in one month

• New location in Dublin for Hyrox

• Deka Fit Anaheim coming up

Lastly, There is a new podcast donation link to help support the podcast listed in the episode show notes, to help keep this podcast continue growing.

Podcast Donation Link:

https://www.paypal.me/DanielHickman83?locale.x=en_US

How would you define "Competitive Edge"?

What were your biggest accomplishments as an athlete?

Represented Ireland for over a decade in mountain running,

What are your biggest accomplishments in business or in your professional career?

Starting and growing a family business which also now employs our kids

What is your biggest accomplishment as a father (in regard to your family members)?

Surviving :)

When did the competitive side of you begin? and please walk us through the sports you may have played as a kid into an adult: 12/13 years old. GAA, soccer, running, hyrox

What was the dynamic with your parents? who brought you to sports and etc?

Father played GAA to the highest level and was and is sports mad

What kind of competitive athletic events did you compete in before kids as an adult?

GAA and soccer

What kind of competitive events do you compete in now as a father??

Running/Hyrox

What does your training schedule look like now as a father? (hours per week est)

12-15hr

How have you adapted/adjusted and what changes have you made competing and/or training as a father?

Training is a little less structured, done at less-than-ideal times

What are some things or ways you stay present as a father balancing training and fatherhood? They train with me

Why do you train and/or compete? What drives that bug in you to compete?

To show the kids that in life no matter what you're doing if you work hard you can get to the top.

What kind of time management hacks have you conquered? Training in am or pm etc?

Train very early and very late to work around the kids,

What is your spirit animal and why? Optional quiz: https://www.spiritanimal.info/spirit-animal-quiz/ dog

Loyal, a true friend, see anyone they know as family, steady, reliable, protector

What big races, or events, coming up for you this year?

Hyrox worlds in May

How can everyone find you and follow what you're doing (IG handle, website, etc)? any sponsors or upcoming items you want to share? hogan.tom

Wanted to share something I got today in my IG inbox.

It's great to see direct messages coming from fellow dads, who are really enjoying this show.

The most recent message said:

"You and the people you have on the show are relatable to me. Fathers, blue-collar workers, and athletes. I started listening when you had David Magida on. We don't have enough platforms out there supporting us hard-working dads."

Podcast Donation Link:

https://www.paypal.me/DanielHickman83?locale.x=en_US

This is Episode 19 today, with my close friend, a former hybrid training partner, and a dad athlete I am proud to call a brother… he also is one of the kindest and most caring individuals I have ever known. Truly a role model in my eyes.

Mr. Mario Johnson, who lives in Cape Coral, FL on the West Coast of FL

He is a 61-year-old Father and has 6 kids that are between the ages of 17 and 34.

Mario has 5 girls, 1 boy

Works as a Highschool Teacher and teaches leadership management to Junior ROT Cadets.

As a teenager, he was the State Wrestling Champion

As an adult, he completed an Iron Man Triathlon Competition

Also, competed in the OCR world championships, ranked 2nd overall for his Age group

Lastly, he has been named the 2022 Hyrox AG world champion, and the Deka Age group world champion in all three events (Strong, Mile, and Fit)

We both thank Heidi Williams for getting us into hybrid racing and her pain cave workouts!

6. What are your biggest accomplishments in business or in your professional career?

My biggest accomplishment is serving my country for 24 years in the Army, and reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. As a special operator, I qualified as a Ranger, Airborne, Rigger, and Air Assault.

7. What is your biggest accomplishment as a father (in regard to your family members)?

Raising my children to have respect and love for God and Jesus Christ. To give them the guidance, motivation and confidence that they can accomplish anything in their life through dedication, discipline and hard work. Always associate themselves with positive people, those that have a "can do attitude

8. How would you define "Competitive Edge"?

To me "Competitive Edge" means who is willing to put in the work over his or her competitors during pre-season, in-season and cool down. It is being ready to suffer for what you want and doing it with wisdom and forethought. So when it is time to execute, you are ready to be the best.

9. When did the competitive side of you begin? and please walk us through the sports you may have played as a kid into an adult:

My competitive edge was something I had since a child, my father and mother sustained our motivation to play outside and be active. We were introduced to baseball, football, soccer, Judo, tennis and basketball. As a teen I played Football, ran track and Wrestled.

10. What was the dynamic with your parents? who brought you to sports and etc?

I had a great relationship with my parents and it was my Dad who pushed us toward sports and my mom was supper supportive.

11. What is that quote or saying your parents always told you that sticks with you today?

They really did not give me a quote but they raised me with this mindset "you can accomplish anything you put your mind too"

12. What kind of competitive athletic events did you compete in before kids as an adult?

I was totally involved in wrestling

13. What did your training schedule look like before kids?

Trained in the afternoons at the Wrestling club

14. What kind of competitive events do you compete in now as a father??

OCR races, and Hybrid Sports (Hyrox, Deka)

15. What does your training schedule look like now as a father? (hours per week est)

I train in the mornings before work and after my teaching job… I train about 8 to 10 hours a week

16. How have you adapted/adjusted and what changes have you made competing and/or training as a father?

I have adapted, I've been doing since my military career

17. What are some things or ways you stay present as a father balancing training and fatherhood?

I always attend any of my childrens events… We spend time during the week doing devotional studies and eating as a family everyday.

18. Why do you train and/or compete? What drives that bug in you to compete?

As of today I love Deka, and Hyrox training and competition! I do it because I love the challenge and the community, plus I use the sport platform to bring the Word of Salvation of Jesus Christ to the family of Hybrid athletes and it is my way of also thanking God for allowing me to stay healthy and do the things I do at my age.

19. What are the most notable improvements you've noticed from staying fit and/or competing in fitness events? What changes have you experienced that you would most likely brag about to a friend? What benefits do you get out of training and competing?

My most notable improvement is my high-intensity VO2 max capabilities, to be able to sustain an anaerobic event at a high heart rate level keeps me amazed.

The benefits for me are good health and meeting great people in all areas of life.

20. What kind of time management hacks have you conquered? Training in am or pm etc?

Training in am

21. What advice would you have for those men out there that lost connection with their health when they finished competing as an athlete or as a first-time dad that lost touch with their competitive edge and respect for the man in the mirror?

It is never too late to start again… Take that first step to recovering your health, change in diet and nutrition and they will be right back where you once were.

22. What is your spirit animal and why?

I consider myself an Eagle because I am steady in character, observant and deliberate in my approach to life situations, plus I love adventure and the outdoors… also, when it is time to perform, I'm ready to do what is needed to be successful.

23. What big races, or events, coming up for you this year?

Hyrox World Championships in Manchester, Spartan Trifecta World Championships in Greece

24. How can everyone find you and follow what you're doing (IG handle, website etc)?

You can find me on Instagram "mariojohnson9341" or on Facebook and I'm sponsored by MyZone and Mudgear

This is Episode 18, with a well-known spartan racer and dad athlete who experienced an unforeseen traumatic health emergency but found his way back to racing and inspiring the world with his mindset and actions!

• Mr. Josh Koehler, who lives in Richmond, VA.

• 42-year-old Father to his 3 kids that are older between 15 and 20

• Works in the Tech industry

• He as the most active spartan racer between 2019-2022 and then had a traumatic situation arise that led to becoming an open-heart surgery survivor and has earned way more medals for Spartan than anyone who has raced Spartan.

• How would you define "Competitive Edge"?

  • I would define it as a mindset, that you're going to decide in advance to adapt and persist regardless of the hurdles you may face.

• What kind of time management hacks have you conquered? Training in am or pm etc?

  • I've learned that there is always at least one body part that you can train no matter where you are... you just have to be willing to adapt to your situation and surroundings.

• What advice would you have for those men out there that lost connection with their health when they finished competing as an athlete or as a first-time dad that lost touch with their competitive edge and respect for the man in the mirror?

  • SIGN UP FOR SOMETHING. Take the leap NOW instead of waiting until you are "Ready". A looming race deadline is a great accountability partner.

• What big races, or events, are coming up for you this year?

  • My first TWO marathons (USMC and Richmond marathon) and 12-14 triathlons including several Ironman 70.3 events! I signed up for my first Ironman before I could even swim a single length of a pool!!

• How can everyone find you and follow what you're doing (IG handle, website etc)? any sponsors or upcoming items you want to share?

  • IG = @2C_OCR and @2C.RACING https://2cRacing.com We have a TON of great sponsors and partners this year - probably one of the most-heavily sponsored non-elite athletes you'll find!

  • Wild Pastures - Grassfed meat and Wildcaught Fish

  • Paleovalley - ultra clean supplements and grassfed meat sticks

  • Bonkbreaker - Amazing energy bars, protein recovery bars, and energy chews

  • Saltstick - electrolyte products

  • Powerstep - Shoe insoles that help me to still run despite foot surgeries

  • Icaro - Infrared "red light" therapy for faster healing and recovery

  • Mind Lab Pro by Performance Lab - Nootropic formula that I heavily rely on as a stroke survivor who can't have much caffeine

  • Enzymedica - Digestive Enzymes for better nutrient uptake and gut health

  • Inside Tracker - Advanced blood testing to help you intelligently adjust and dial in your exact nutritional needs

  • Purity Coffee - some of the cleanest and healthiest coffee on earth!!

  • See them all at https://tap.bio/@2c_ocr !!

Competing Hybrid at 56| Father of CEO of Mental Health Facility | Allow Kids to Fail| Handling Stepchildren Adjustments with Grace | Mr. Frank Fazzolari

• Celtic Highland Games
• Adopting children
• Supporting kids taking their own untraditional paths
• Running a mental health facility as CEO
• Failure is the best teacher for kids
• Knowing when to let out kids fall forward
• The blessing of your kids taking you out to lunch or dinner
• Self-sabotage is real
• When someone in your tribe hits a big goal, that means that opens the door for you and always celebrate the wins of the people in your tribe
• Train with someone better than you
• Miami Beach Hyrox thoughts
• Not racing for podiums, racing for great experiences
• First guys in the gym every day at 5am!
• Don't compare yourself, just start
• Limit your excuses in your life
• Model well for your kids
• Positive self-talk
• Using bad energy for fuel
• Don't blink, they grow up fast

Welcome back to the competitive edge podcast, I'm your host, Daniel Hickman.. where fathers learn from fathers to sharpen their competitive edge as an athlete and in life!

This is Episode 16 Tonight, we have a very well-known dad athlete | the voice and brand of a very challenging hybrid fitness race, called, HYROX.

• Mr. Eric Botsford, who also goes by "E-ROCK" lives in Denver, CO

• Father to his 2 daughters that are 17 and 15

• 43 years old and works as Director of Partnerships For Again Faster & the Director of Business Development for HYROX

• He has been a Nationally Ranked Waterskier and Wakboarder

• 7X CrossFit Games Regional Athlete

Before we get started, let's show some hybrid love to the groups who put these races together for us,

• Hyrox Anaheim April 22nd

• FL Deka events: Deka at Adrenaline april 15

• CO events deka events this month at Fit OCR and RedZone NOCO

• Virtual events: Battle Bunker online entry and Grit games

• Most importantly another virtual event called "Kriterion", is run by Erock.

• What are your biggest accomplishments in business or in your professional career?
  • I have built and grown multiple gym businesses, developed strong communities, and lead athletes to the highest potential. Defined the voice and brand for Tough Mudder and HYROX .

• How would you define "Competitive Edge"?
  • Discipline and Perseverance. Doing what others won't or don't want to.

• When did the competitive side of you begin?

  • I have always wanted to beat everyone at everything.

• What is your biggest accomplishment as a father (in regard to your family members)?

  • Sitting and talking with my kids and listening to how intelligent and conscious they are in a world of distractions.

• What kind of competitive athletic events did you compete in before kids as an adult?

  • Soccer, rugby

• What kind of competitive events do you compete in now as a father??

  • HYROX, CrossFit, MTB

• What does your training schedule look like now as a father? (hours per week est)

  • At least 18 hours/week

• How have you adapted/adjusted and what changes have you made competing and/or training as a father?

  • I love to skateboard with my daughter, climb mountains and learn to slow down on hikes.

• What are some things or ways you stay present as a father balancing training and fatherhood?
  • Every day is the last day that they will ever be this age. Embrace that. Never miss a moment.

• Why do you train and/or compete? What drives that bug in you to compete?

  • I am incredibly disciplined.

• • Through 14 years of CrossFit I have built a base of fitness that allows me to do literally any sport. A lifetime of daring myself has given me the confidence to approach any challenge.

• What kind of time management hacks have you conquered? Training in am or pm etc?

  • Get your butt up and go. Become habitual and keep moving at all times.

• What advice would you have for those men out there that lost connection with their health when they finished competing as an athlete or as a first-time dad that lost touch with their competitive edge and respect for the man in the mirror?

  • Discipline and habit will never come from another person. Just do one thing each morning that allows you to get a W, or WIN. The snowball effect will keep you wanting more.

• What is your spirit animal and why?

  • An Eagle. I wish I was a bird. I love flight

• What big races, or events, coming up for you this year?

  • I want to race HYROX competatively and want to do an age group CrossFit event. I have downhill MTB season starting so that will be fun.

• How can everyone find you and follow what you're doing (IG handle, website etc)? @erock_808

• A virtual fitness competition with $10,000 in prize money with big brands like PWRLIFT and VIRUS!

  • Competition name and website: Kriterion

    • The online age group competition from Again Faster. https://www.againfaster.com/pages/kriterion

    • PWRLIFT: https://pwrlift.com/
    • Virus: https://virusintl.com/

-Welcome back to the competitive edge podcast, I'm your host, Daniel Hickman.. where fathers learn from fathers to sharpen their competitive edge as an athlete and in life!

Episode 15 Today, we have a super-speedy | Spartan Ultra Racing | dad athlete, Mr. Joseph Izzi:

Joseph Izzi lives in St. Augustine Beach FL

Father to his 3 kids that are 12, 6, and 3

Trains at the infamous gett itt core fitness gym in Jacksonville FL 35 years old and works as an experienced Chef

He has completed the Killington Ultra 2x, and earned a Fayetteville ultra elite podium