On October 5th, BJ faced a challenging bike crash, leaving him on crutches with painful and significant injuries. The odds of even making it to the Ironman World Championship start line seemed impossible—but BJ didn’t let the “evidence of now” define his future.

Instead, years of mental training and an unshakable belief in possibility fueled his comeback.

Fast forward to October 26th: BJ defied all expectations. From swimming just a minute shy of his best World Championship time to conquering the grueling marathon mile by mile, he crossed the finish line under the Kona night sky—a living testament to resilience and the strength of the human spirit.

Today, BJ shares how he rose above one of life’s biggest setbacks and how this journey is transforming his leadership, athleticism, and vision for YogiTriathlete.

✨ Ready to be inspired? Listen now and hear how BJ showed us all what’s possible when grit meets purpose. 

Since 2016, you’ve kept the YogiTriathlete Podcast commercial-free, and today, we’re showing our gratitude with an early release just for you! Join us as we check in with our incredible Ironman Arizona first-timers, Emma, Brendan, Melissa, Patrick, and Laura. Less than three weeks from race day, these athletes share their experiences, from excitement to nerves, as they prepare to cross the finish line. Tap in to witness their final strides of preparation and feel the powerful heartbeat of the YogiTriathlete community. 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Your support fuels these stories—let’s keep it going!

In the latest installment of our Ironman Arizona First Timers series, we're joined by Melissa Adams, a two-time Ironman finisher and proud member of Team YogiTriathlete, coached by Master Coach BJ Gumkowski.

Melissa's first Ironman was at IRONMAN Arizona, so who better to offer insight, inspiration, and raw honesty as our first-timers prepare for their big day?

This episode isn't just about crossing the finish line—it’s about what comes after. Melissa shares her unfiltered reflections on the unexpected challenges and moments that follow race day: from surprising chafing and sleepless nights to the best post-race shower of your life and that relentless fog of exhaustion that hits two days later.

Melissa reminds us that the journey doesn't end at the finish line. It's these lesser-discussed moments that define the full experience of an Ironman and show the strength needed to navigate the aftermath. If you're gearing up for your first race or have ever pushed yourself to the limit, this episode will resonate deeply.

We know this podcast has changed the lives of many, you are to thank for that as well. Become a podSQUAD member and support the podcast today.

-> Support the podcast

🎧 Tune in and let us know what you think.

We’re back with another incredible story from our Ironman Arizona First Timers series, and today, we’re honored to introduce Patrick Testoni—a true example of resilience, transformation, and the power of taking leaps of faith.

Patrick’s journey into triathlon began just last year, but his path to health and wellness has been nothing short of extraordinary. Once facing homelessness, Patrick has since rebuilt his life, fully committing to endurance sports, movement, and a plant-based lifestyle. His story is one of courage and reinvention, from overcoming personal hardship to now standing on the brink of his greatest athletic challenge—Ironman Arizona.

As an energy management professional, athlete, and performance mindset coach, Patrick’s holistic approach to training sets him apart from others and makes him a perfect match for Team YogiTriathlete. He’s integrated hypnotherapy and mental conditioning into his preparation, helping himself and others push through barriers to reach new levels of achievement.

From his first team meet-up at Ironman 70.3 Santa Cruz 2022 to the present day, Patrick’s journey has been marked by his commitment to taking risks, staying dedicated, and embracing the unknown. Join us as we explore how these leaps of faith have shaped his path and brought him to the start line of Ironman Arizona.

We know this podcast has changed the lives of many, you are to thank for that as well. Become a podSQUAD member and support the podcast today.

-> Support the podcast

🎧 Tune in and join us as we follow Patrick toward his Ironman finish line.

Today, we continue our journey toward IRONMAN Arizona with Coach Melissa Gansz—an endurance athlete, 70.3 World Championship Qualifier, master in Clinical Herbal Medicine and about to be a first-time IRONMAN.

In this episode, Melissa shares how Ironman training is not just about pushing through barriers, but also about releasing into your edges and holding an open mind. She knows that to succeed, athletes must learn to move through and with their training, allowing themselves the flexibility to adapt and grow.

As a YogiTriathlete coach, Melissa takes a holistic approach, blending traditional endurance training with herbal adaptogens and elixirs to help her athletes optimize recovery, reduce stress, and enhance their overall performance.

Melissa is an integral part of our 1:1 coaching community and during her weekly livestreams alongside Master Coach BJ, she provides invaluable insights to her fellow Ironman competitors, giving them a natural edge as they prepare for race day.

Tune in now to hear how Coach Melissa Gansz is preparing herself for the ultimate endurance challenge at IRONMAN Arizona next month.

We know this podcast has changed the lives of many, you are to thank for that as well. Become a podSQUAD member and support the podcast today.

-> Support the podcast

In this episode of the YogiTriathlete podcast, we continue our Ironman Arizona First-Timers series with a deep dive into the transformative journey of Brendan Hoehn, a committed member of Team YogiTriathlete.

Brendan’s path to endurance sport began after a life-changing moment at age 25, when he fell asleep at the wheel following years of heavy drinking. With the help of his dog Obi and a newfound dedication to running and yoga, Brendan embarked on a journey of personal growth that led him to the YogiTriathlete community.

From attending his first YogiTriathlete training camp to completing a 50k ultramarathon, Brendan has fully embraced the Awake and Ready life. Now, as he prepares for his first full Ironman at IMAZ.

Brendan reflects on the lessons and experiences that have shaped his path. Join us as we uncover how this powerful journey has redefined Brenden’s life and continues to propel him toward his biggest athletic challenge yet.

We know this podcast has changed the lives of many, you are to thank for that as well. Become a podSQUAD member and support the podcast today.

-> Support the podcast

🎧 Tune in and join us as we follow Brendan toward his Ironman finish line.

Our IMAZ First Timers series continues with another amazing athlete, Emma Santangelo, who is gearing up for her first full Ironman at IRONMAN Arizona! 🏊‍♀️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Coached by Master Coach BJ Gumkowski, Emma is no stranger to long-course racing. She’s already conquered three 70.3 races, and now she’s preparing for the ultimate endurance challenge—a full Ironman. 💪 From the start, Emma has embraced triathlon with fierce dedication, consistently pushing her limits and leaning into the transformative power of the sport.

Her journey is one of resilience, grit, and focus, balancing the challenges of racing with a drive to achieve something bigger than herself. In this episode, Emma shares her personal insights, lessons learned, and her mindset as she prepares to take on the iconic IRONMAN Arizona course. 🌟

Dive into Emma’s story and get inspired to reach new heights in your own endurance journey.

There's something so unique these days about having a listener supported show, it truly makes it feel like a community creation. We know this podcast has changed the lives of many, you are to thank for that as well. 🎧 Tune in and join us as we follow Emma toward her Ironman finish line.

The journey to IRONMAN Arizona continues with our next featured athlete in the IMAZ First Timers series: Laura DeGroot.

Laura is a powerhouse—an accomplished coach, business owner, and long-time athlete with 24 years of experience. She’s a Certified Sports Performance Coach, Yoga Coach, and CrossFit Level 1 Coach, who has competed in Olympic Weightlifting, Powerlifting, CrossFit, and Figure competitions.

Now, Laura’s aiming for her first full Ironman finish. Her journey hasn’t been easy—she’s overcome an eating disorder that nearly took her life, and this experience has fueled her passion for helping others achieve their health and life goals. As a proud vegan athlete, Laura shows that strength, confidence, and success are possible on a plant-based lifestyle.

In this episode, Laura reflects on the lessons learned from her recent Half Ironman, the celebrations along the way, and how her belief in something greater than herself fuels her journey. She’s a true inspiration, both on and off the racecourse.

JOIN podSQUAD: Tune in early before anyone gets a listen and hear from these athletes who embody the YogiTriathlete spirit in every way.
Sign up today: https://www.yogitriathlete.com/offers/a6JjALYF

🎧 Hit play and dive into Laura’s story today.

🔥 YOGITRIATHLETE PODCAST IS BACK and better than ever! 🔥
EXCLUSIVE: Full video version of this episode available now in podSQUAD

Introducing our brand-new series on the YogiTriathlete podcast: IRONMAN FIRST-TIMER SERIES!
Get ready to be uplifted, motivated, and inspired as we dive deep into the heart-pounding, soul-opening journeys of five YogiTriathlete athletes, all preparing for their first full-distance IRONMAN at #IMAZ.

From intense training sessions to the emotional highs and lows of race day, you’ll meet a fierce and diverse group of athletes, including our very own Coach Melissa and master-coached athletes Brendan, Laura, Patrick, and Emma.

Each of them is stepping into the biggest day of their lives, united by a bond that will never be broken as they pursue their dreams together. 

This series will reignite your passion for chasing greatness and push you beyond your limits as we document their powerful transformation from training to the starting line. If you’ve ever dreamed of conquering your own IRONMAN journey, this is your sign to take the leap!

Join Team YogiTriathlete and share the journey with these courageous athletes—registration for IRONMAN ARIZONA is still open!

Let these stories fuel your fire—anything is possible when we commit our minds, bodies, and spirits.

The YogiTriathlete and Awake Athlete podcasts are listener-supported offerings. Please consider joining podSQUAD to ensure a commercial-free stream and enjoy perks like early release and exclusive video podcasts.

Welcome to a very important episode of the OH Show - you don't want to miss it!

YogiTriathlete founders share some exciting news for athletes everywhere, as well as information surrounding the podcast and our podcast supporters. And it wouldn't be an OH Show if they were sharing some massive life lessons like not putting life on hold to wait for the "right time" but to act on opportunity as it arises.

Thank you so much for your continued listenership and support of this podcast. The YogiTriathlete podcast is proud to be 100% listener-supported and commercial-free; thank you for your monthly pledge, as it weighs in heavily for us to continue your uninterrupted stream.

In Gratitude - The YogiTriathlete Team

In this episode:

Episode 431 Show Notes:

Women's Wellness Adventure - TWO SPOTS LEFT - Sedona, AZ November 8-11, 2024

Patagonia Yoga Adventure - 50% FULL - February 15-22, 2025

Galapagos Yoga Adventure - THREE ROOMS LEFT - April 26-May 3, 2025

SQUAD - Sign Up 7-Day Free Trial 

Jess's New AeroRoad Canyon

Awake Athlete: When Mastery Is Your Only Option: https://amzn.to/3YoqFJM

YogiTriathlete Coaches:
Connect with Melissa | Set Up a Free 30-Minute Discovery Call
Connect with BJ | Jess | Set Up A Free 30-Minute Discovery Call

Awake and Ready - Carlsbad Retreat