If you're familiar with Ironman, then you've surely heard the voice of Mike Reilly.  The four words, "You are an Ironman" are some of the most powerful words uttered at the finish line of endurance sports.  Mike has been announcing Ironman events since 1989 and is fondly known as "The Voice of Ironman."  He has been inducted into the IRONMAN Hall of Fame, the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame and the Running USA Hall of Champions, and is the only person to have been inducted into all three.  He has connected with hundreds of thousands of athletes, making each one feel individual and special as they cross the finish line, but also at the start line and throughout the grueling 19 hour day of announcing. 

Mike's book, Finding My Voice was published about one year ago and is an inspiring and fun read about some of the most incredible moments through Mike's career with Ironman.  You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll feel inspired when you read it.  It's about how Ironman changes people for the better.  

Throughout this episode, you'll immediately notice Mike's positivity and his passion for attitude.  He says, "You're the cause of your own experience."  He says that it has been his privilege to see people cross every Ironman finish line. It's always hard to pick just one quote for the intros of these episodes.  Here's one from the end that I loved and can't agree with more: "No matter what happens today, you've got control over one thing and one thing only- that's your attitude.  If you take care of it, it will get you to the finish line. You can't worry about all the external stuff that will come your way, and it will. It could be raining, it could be heat, it could be a perfect weather day and you get 3 flat tires. But if you control your attitude and keep it positive, it'll get you to the finish line. If you don't, it may fail getting you to the finish line." 

We talked about a lot in this show and thanks to those of you who sent in your questions too! 

Topics Discussed in the Podcast 

• how Mike got into announcing
• how he announces for 19 hours straight
• the life-changing importance of getting to the start line
• how goal setting in endurance sports forever changes you
• what a typical day of announcing looks like
• what it means to be an Ironman
• favorite finish line stories
• how he manages his energy with all the travel and long days announcing
• Ironman tattoos
• how make stays so positive 
• why Mike believes family and community are the most important thing
• Listener Qs
  • oldest ironman finisher?
  • does Mike like swim, bike, or run best?
  • how has the sport changed and how does he see it evolving?
  • does he go on vacation?
  • best advice to a 1st timer Ironman starter on race morning
  • favorite venue 
  • where would you like to go ride

 

 

Listen Now

 

Resources

• MikeReilly.net
• Get Mike's book: Finding My Voice

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The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.