YogiTriathlete Podcast

Finding Your Finish Line: Insights from Mike Reilly

Explore resilience, purpose, and the journey beyond the race.

In this episode, we dive deep with Mike Reilly, the legendary voice of Iron Man, who has spent decades inspiring athletes as they cross the finish line. His iconic call, "You are an Iron Man," resonates with countless competitors, but Mike's recent work goes far beyond these four words.

The Stories Behind the Finish Lines

Mike's book, *Finding Your Finish Line: Lessons on Discovering Hope, Heart, and Yourself in Life's Toughest Miles*, captures the essence of resilience, courage, and purpose. He emphasizes that not all finish lines are tied to races; rather, they symbolize personal milestones and transformations in life.

"Every finish line is the beginning of your next chapter."

This perspective aligns with the ethos of Yogi Triathlete, reminding us that the journey is just as significant as the destination.

Transformation Through Experience

Mike reflects on how his understanding of a finish line has evolved over decades. Initially focused on the technical aspects of calling races, he soon realized the emotional weight carried by each athlete. Their journeys to the finish line are often filled with personal struggles and triumphs.

"You're a champion for the rest of your life. That time will be forgotten."

He encourages athletes to detach from the times they achieve and instead celebrate the effort and growth that lead them to their finish lines.

Embracing Life's Challenges

The conversation also touches on the challenges faced in life beyond athletics. Mike shares stories of individuals overcoming profound loss and adversity, highlighting their journeys toward new beginnings.

"You have to remember, the finish line tells you what you've done but also shows you what's on the horizon."

By focusing on progress rather than perfection, we can find meaning in our experiences and continue to move forward.

Your Experience, Your Journey

One of Mike's key messages is that we are the architects of our experiences. By taking responsibility for our reactions to life's challenges, we can shape our narratives and pursue new finish lines.

"You're the cause of your own experience."

As we navigate the complexities of life, it's essential to recognize that our journeys are uniquely ours, filled with potential for growth and self-discovery.

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Join us as we reflect on these insights and consider what finish lines we are striving for in our own lives. To hear more from Mike and explore his inspiring stories, listen to the full episode.

Jess and BJ reconnect after back to back adventures: Jess leading an eight day yoga trip in Iceland and BJ racing an Ironman in Lake Placid before jumping straight into a half Ironman in Maine. This episode is part travel story, part endurance debrief, and part philosophy on how adventure, racing, and teaching all reveal who we are under pressure.We discuss the contrast between Iceland’s wild weather and Lake Placid’s race day conditions, the lessons BJ took from missing Kona and Chattanooga qualification spots, and why both of them keep building lives around service, coaching, and movement. Andy also appears as a first time guest presence, while Clark makes his usual background cameo.

Key topics

Timestamps

00:00 - Mic check, intro setup, and getting the conversation going

03:29 - Back from Iceland and Lake Placid, ready to debrief

05:03 - Why Iceland felt epic, alive, and unforgettable

07:57 - Weather, folklore, lava fields, waterfalls, and local Icelandic energy

09:43 - Geothermal pools, tough locals, and the robe standoff

11:48 - Why Iceland is a place you have to experience, not just hear about

13:00 - Low clouds, hidden views, and learning to notice what is in front of you

15:11 - Primal screaming behind the waterfalls and losing Jess’s voice

18:49 - The idea to race Lake Placid and then race Maine one week later

21:24 - Qualifying goals for Kona and 70.3 Worlds, and missing both

22:35 - What missing the slots revealed about love for the sport

23:21 - Teaching yoga at races and serving athletes before and after competition

26:23 - Using racing as a teaching platform about attachment and outcome

27:30 - Learning to let the finish line be a launchpad, not the whole story

30:10 - Why Ironman requires total commitment, no shortcuts

31:20 - Swim confidence, Lake Placid conditions, and the Keene descent

34:24 - Strong winds, bike instability, and why the descent felt risky

35:11 - Sunlight, confidence, lower back pain, and managing the bike all day

36:36 - The rear hub mechanical issue and the cost of lost minutes

37:29 - Run pacing, sodium, and the battle to stay moving

38:00 - Claire on the course, late-race motivation, and athlete support

39:22 - The biggest Lake Placid lesson: keep the fueling plan

40:08 - Why race-day decisions do not need to be overanalyzed after the fact

42:57 - The mind’s need for certainty and the pull toward control

44:44 - How retreats and race weekends create real transformation

45:38 - Being the social glue on trips and why groups bond fast

47:27 - Collecting the group in Reykjavik and the first airport reunions

50:41 - Fermented shark, staying awake, and the first group yoga class

53:28 - Yoga, travel, and how movement helps metabolize adventure

55:37 - Supporting fear on the bus and creating space for someone scared

56:35 - Shared meals, sleep deprivation, and the little moments nobody can script

57:17 - Mayonnaise on pancakes and the kind of joke that becomes trip lore

59:04 - Inga’s storytelling, Icelandic pop culture, and the Kirkjufell moment

61:22 - The cinematic drive, the mountain reveal, and saying yes to the trip

63:21 - Post-race recovery in Lake Placid: pickle juice, food, and hydration

64:59 - Swimming the next day, then recovering with rest and electrolytes

66:44 - No training after the race, just recovery, family time, and trust in the process

68:45 - Why BJ loves the Maine race and what makes the course so good

69:29 - Over 65 people at pre-race yoga and why the mindset work lands

70:25 - Interval training, pranayama, and building mental focus for race day

71:13 - Bike course and run course breakdown for Maine

73:27 - Wetsuit conditions, race logistics, and Santa Cruz coming up next

74:04 - Why the work matters for racers and non-racers alike

75:23 - The power couple label, divide and conquer, and doing what you love

76:11 - How the first Ironman yoga class in 2013 started the whole path

78:23 - Years of showing up, vulnerability, and building Yogi Tri Athlete

79:53 - Belief in the work, evidence over time, and community growth

80:23 - A race example showing how yoga can reconnect people to movement

81:38 - The three pillars: endurance coaching, mindset, and adventure

82:53 - Why waiting for the “perfect schedule” is backwards

84:08 - Put the deposit down, build your life around the trip, and dream away

85:45 - The trip team, route help, and how the support system works

87:15 - Fears about flying with the bike, travel, and being alone

88:12 - Moving through fear creates confidence and more information

89:42 - Costa Rica next May and why the retreat is a fast track

90:30 - Final night catamaran tradition and sealing the experience

92:09 - Taking risks in teaching, trusting the process, and growing the community

93:01 - Gratitude for the listeners, team, and travelers who make it all possible

In this episode of the Yogi Triathlete podcast, Aurora Leon shares her inspiring journey with YogiTriathlete from a guided meditation at the Mendocino 50K to conquering the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon. With a focus on mindfulness, personal growth, and the challenges of endurance sports, Aurora discusses her experiences in training, the mental strategies she employed, and the significance of community support. The conversation highlights the importance of embracing fear, trusting the process, and finding joy in the journey of endurance racing. In this conversation, Aurora Leon shares her experiences and insights from participating in endurance sports, particularly triathlons and trail running. She discusses the importance of mindfulness, preparation, and community in enhancing performance and enjoyment in these events. Aurora emphasizes the need to embrace fear and uncertainty while training and racing, and how these experiences contribute to personal growth and resilience. The conversation also touches on practical tips for aspiring athletes and the joy of exploring new challenges in the world of endurance sports.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Aurora's Journey

10:05 The Call to Adventure: Escape from Alcatraz

14:55 Preparing for the Swim: Mindset and Strategy

20:01 The Swim Experience: Embracing the Unknown

30:23 Transitioning to the Bike: Mindfulness in Motion

34:23 The Bike Course: Challenges and Triumphs

36:14 The Thrill of Trail Running

38:28 Tips for Aspiring Triathletes

41:08 Mindfulness in Endurance Training

44:09 Facing Fear in Endurance Events

52:13 Finding Joy in the Process

Most of us underestimate the power of stepping into new environments to transform our mental and physical resilience — Costa Rica's jungle and blue zones hold the secret.

When was the last time you truly disconnected from routine and stepped into a space designed to reset your nervous system, boost confidence, and reconnect with joy? Jess and BJ return from their latest Costa Rica retreat with stories of ancient jungles, vibrant communities, and adventures that shift perspectives — and they reveal how even a week in the jungle can create lasting change.

You'll discover how the immersive experience of Costa Rica’s blue zones fosters more than just relaxation — it cultivates profound contentment, strength, and clarity. They break down the science behind slowing down, breathing deeply, and embracing the present moment, showing how these tools can elevate your training, emotional resilience, and life perspective. Their insights cover the magic of Costa Rican lifestyle, how nature ignites joy, and why stepping out of our comfort zones is the key to growth.

Through vivid stories of snorkeling with turtles, witnessing how silence and community deepen self-awareness, and highlighting the impact of intentional retreat environments, this episode offers a blueprint for anyone seeking to cultivate more joy, less stress, and a stronger mind-body connection. It’s perfect for athletes craving balance, life explorers wanting more meaning, or anyone feeling the call to reset at the world’s most vibrant crossroads.

Join Jess and BJ as they reveal why Costa Rica's thriving biodiversity, laid-back Pura Vida rhythm, and pristine retreats could be your next transformational adventure. Learn how to harness the power of place to elevate your mental health, physical performance, and overall happiness. The best part? You don’t need to be an elite athlete — just willing to embrace the experience.

If you’re craving a reset, a boost of confidence, or a fresh perspective on life and training, this episode will inspire you to take that leap. It’s time to step into your power, find contentment in stillness, and discover how a journey to Costa Rica might just be the most impactful trip you’ll ever take.

Ready to let nature and community help you become the best version of yourself? Let’s go — your transformational retreat awaits.

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AWAKE ATHLETE RETREAT
where training meets awareness.
May 8–15, 2027 at Blue Spirit Retreat Center in Nosara, Costa Rica

The race isn’t just about finishing — it’s about discovering how resilient, curious, and capable you truly are. In this special celebration of a decade of Yogi Triathlete, top athletes share their raw, unfiltered insights from Ironman 70.3 Oceanside, revealing how they navigate setbacks, embrace uncertainty, and find joy in the chaos.

You’ll discover how powerful mental habits like breath work and patience can turn unforeseen challenges into breakthroughs. From Patrick’s breakthrough swim and Laura’s awe-inspiring ocean adventure to Claire’s serendipitous support moments and Valerie’s shift from doubt to confidence, this episode is packed with tangible strategies to unlock your best race and your best self.

We break down the real meaning of pushing through discomfort, managing racing moments with curiosity, and trusting the process — no matter how unpredictable the race day conditions. These athletes didn’t just finish their races; they rewired their minds for growth, demonstrating that the most profound breakthroughs happen when we lean into discomfort, stay curious, and keep showing up.

Why is this a must-listen?

Because every challenge on this journey is a chance to deepen self-trust and uncover new levels of strength. Whether you're chasing your first race or your next PR, this episode offers inspiring lessons on perseverance, presence, and the mindset shifts that transform setbacks into stepping stones.

Ready to unlock your own potential?

Press play and learn from athletes who remind us: the true race begins well before the finish line — in the way you approach every moment, regardless of conditions.

Discover practical insights on optimizing your training, from cadence work and course selection to mental resilience and self-care. Jess and BJ share their personal routines, coaching strategies, and the importance of mindset to elevate your performance in triathlon and endurance sports.

Key Topics:

* The significance of course variety in running and cycling to find where you excel
* How to implement neuromuscular cadence training for longer power sustainability
* The mental and physical benefits of intentional self-massage and mobility routines
* Developing muscular recruitment through lower cadence work to sustain power
* Strategies for managing emotions and fire when training intensely or feeling lethargic
* Rewriting your athletic story to unlock new potential and overcome limiting beliefs
* The role of present moment awareness and detachment in reducing stress and improving focus
* Upcoming training plans for speed, endurance, and first-time Ironman athletes
* How to incorporate mindset training into physical routines for holistic athletic growth
* Community opportunities and upcoming races for celebration and connection

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to personal training routines and upcoming races
00:26 - Importance of course variety in running and cycling
01:37 - Benefits of fluctuating courses and experience-driven performance
02:30 - Riding neuromuscular cadence for muscular recruitment
04:04 - Details of cadence cycling drills and their mental challenge
05:22 - Addressing post-race recovery and speed development in cycling
06:41 - The role of cadence in extending cycling and running performance
07:32 - How to develop consistent cadence feel without forcing numbers
09:38 - Optimizing bike and run transition through cadence work
10:56 - The importance of lower cadence training for long-term endurance
12:21 - Building power and muscle endurance at lower cadences
13:39 - The impact of training specificity on run performance post-cycling
14:32 - Balancing fitness development on bike for strong run performances
15:28 - Community updates, new training plans, and upcoming races
16:44 - Short-term speed plan for 10K runners
17:57 - The benefits of nasal breathing during speed work
19:06 - Ironman training plans and community growth opportunities
20:51 - Celebrating the year of the fire horse and embracing energetic transformation
22:03 - Managing fire energy through containment and expression
23:20 - Detachment, power control, and letting go of limiting stories
25:21 - Techniques for calming out-of-control fire and repressed power
26:41 - Creating neural pathways with discomfort and staying present
28:01 - The significance of sleep hygiene and nightly routines for recovery
30:21 - Processing daily impressions and cultivating present moment awareness
32:02 - Rewriting your story to unlock new athletic and life potential
33:45 - The power of belief and visualization in athletic achievement
35:22 - Integration and living in the present for sustained well-being
37:31 - Embracing the unknown and overcoming fears of future performance
38:21 - The importance of enjoyable early mornings for mental clarity
39:29 - Connecting with nature’s calming influence at dawn
40:16 - Coaching opportunities, community growth, and race invitations
42:11 - Upcoming adventures and final encouragement

Summary In this episode of the Yogi Triathlete podcast, Jess and BJ discuss the growth of their Endurance Squad community, emphasizing the importance of organic conversations and the distinction between isolation and solitude. They share insights on training strategies for upcoming races, the significance of mental cues, and the value of setting personal goals.

The conversation also touches on the importance of trusting the process, finding a rhythm in life, and understanding the difference between risk and recklessness in training. Ultimately, they reflect on how life's challenges can lead to personal growth and development. In this conversation, the participants explore the themes of risk-taking, personal growth, and the balance between risk and recklessness.

They share personal stories of leaving behind stable lives to pursue their passions, emphasizing the importance of community support and the power of trusting oneself during uncertain times. The discussion also delves into the process of returning from injury, the significance of discernment in decision-making, and the role of exposure therapy in overcoming fears.

Ultimately, they highlight the enriching experiences that come from embracing risk and trusting the journey.

In this episode of the Yogi Triathlete podcast, hosts Jess and BJ reflect on their journey over the past decade, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their podcast. They discuss the significance of 2026 as a year of new beginnings and intentionality, setting the trajectory for the next nine years. The conversation delves into personal growth, mindset shifts, and the importance of gratitude, as they recount past challenges and triumphs, including financial struggles and the evolution of their business. They also share plans for upcoming adventures and races, emphasizing the value of community, perseverance, and living in alignment with one's purpose.

El Cruce was a three-day initiation into a deeper way of meeting life.
An initiation rooted in willingness — to meet whatever arose without resistance.

After 27 weeks of training, El Cruce wasn’t something Jess needed to survive or conquer. She had earned her place on that starting line. Not because she knew how it would unfold — but because she trusted how she would meet it.

In this episode, she shares what it was like to step into Patagonia immersed in Argentinian culture, surrounded by energy, rhythm, and language she didn’t understand — and how that language barrier became a gift. A quiet. A witnessing. A rare inner stillness in the middle of so much movement.

We talk about fear — the kind that keeps you alive, and the kind that keeps you from living — and how willingness becomes the antidote to overwhelm. We walk through her race strategy across each stage, the mantras that anchored her, and the mindset that allowed the experience to stay fluid rather than forceful.

This conversation also goes into the practical pieces: nutrition, recovery, daily routines, and camp life — and why integration matters just as much as effort. Training doesn’t end at the finish line. It reveals who you’ve become.

This isn’t a hype episode.
It’s an honest look at what it means to meet the unknown without collapsing or controlling — and how that way of meeting life is available to all of us.

In this episode, we sit down with longtime YogiTriathlete athlete Claire Bruce, a quiet storm of determination who’s been part of our community since the earliest sparks of YT back in 2016. Claire has just returned from the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Marbella, Spain, where she delivered one of the most powerful races of her life. Nearly a run PR on a world stage, unshakable presence from start to finish, and a pocketful of lessons that will carry her straight into the 2026 season as she aims to qualify for Nice, France.

We rewind a decade to the moment Claire first crossed paths with us, and trace her evolution from strong athlete to steady force of mindset and resilience. She opens up about the art of long-term development, the way belief matures over years of consistent showing up, and the quiet inner work that builds champions.

We also dive into her race adventure in Spain, from the joys and jolts of international travel to the emotional tapestry of racing overseas. Claire offers a grounded, honest recap of her day, revealing the grit behind her near-PR run and the unwavering tenacity that has defined her entire athletic path.

Claire is a gem in the YT community, a mirror of what is possible when an athlete chooses presence over panic, consistency over chaos, and self-belief over doubt. This conversation is heart, fire, and fuel for anyone playing the long game in sport or life.