The Midnight Club

I'm joined by the star athlete, coach and mentor, Kyle Keyes of I-Ball Sports Complex in Woodinville, Washington.  In this episode we discuss his journey through basketball, including playing for the University of Montana, the Seattle SuperSonics to the Harlem Globetrotters. 

Kyle discusses key attributes any athlete needs to have, such as passion and interest being more important that talent alone.  Talent can also only go so far and needs to be coupled with proper training. He also wants his athletes to think critically as a way to build confidence.  

We also discuss potential NBA expansion and key factors to expose sports such as triathlons and ultramarathons to people who may not have access to participate. 

I'm joined by fellow Violet alum Michael Villacarlos who found the joy of endurance sports like many of us do: heartache and trying to get over someone.  

Mike talks about his favorite Ironman courses, his favorite bike color as well as his goal to make Kona before his knees give out completely.  

Clint and Kelly (of Columbia Athletic Club fame) talk about their first attempt at a 200 mile plus marathon and what they'll need to do better next time to get past the first day.  A lot of good advice is given by the race director, Candice Burt. 

It was an incredibly humbling experience and it was awesome to see some of the best runners in the world perform their craft.  Shout out to Twisted Jeeps and Giliberto's Mexican Cuisine.  

Mac Jones of the Tar Heel State joins us to discuss how he's able to haul ass when running.  He tell us if Joey should have chosen Pacey or Dawson and also his favorite energy drink.  We also talk about dealing with cougar attacks, how Mac relates to Tony Soprano and if he finds the movie Deliverance as disturbing as the rest of us.  

Check him out on Instagram at macjonesiii.  He wouldn't give me his Only Fans info.  

Clint and Kelly (not this one) meet at Triplehorn Brewery to discuss strategies for ultra marathon training while also homeschooling children.  They are excited to see Bert Kreischer live as well as David Goggins, who will probably pass right by them on the during the Moab 240 (spoiler alert: he did!).  

They also mention way to donate to fire relief in southern Oregon.  Any little bit helps. 

Michelle Ohlson of Columbia Athletic Club talks about training athletes and coping with the 2020 race season.  She discusses nutrition and workout strategies as well as different trail and race systems.  She's also in the Betty Squad and is very different than Walter White. Drop her an email at [email protected] to find out how she can help you meet your fitness goals!

Kelly and Clint (not this one) attempt The Grand Traverse, but end up doing the Grin and Bear It 15k Challenge course and the West Maroon Trail.  They also discuss the Moab 240 as well as the Blue Ridge Relay.  Live from Haywire Brewery Company! Strike First. Strike Hard. No Mercy. 

Kelly and Clint (not this one) discuss how they balance tourism and racing when seeing new places and cultures.  Hint: poorly.  Sometimes a trip will be all about the event, other times it may be okay to live a little before race day.  As Clint and Kelly have found, perhaps put off the wild rager and tacos until you cross the finish line.  

The first attempt at the Tippleman ended up being a swim and bike combo due to technical and logistical issues on top of the typical performance issues.  Clint (not this one) developed a greater appreciation for road shoulders and wishes drivers could be more accepting of cyclists.  It was still a great attempt and he's ready to assault the mountain again, if anything to catch a glimpse of these guys.  

Chances are, you already are a member of The Midnight Club, or at least once were when you began your athletic adventures.  Even the tiniest of achievements can be great.  Listen to them here!