In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, Jana Laughlin joins the conversation for a wide-ranging and honest discussion about endurance sport, resilience, and balance. Jana growing up swimming recreationally before discovering cycling later in life while recovering from breast cancer—a journey that ultimately led her to meet her husband through the cycling community. A spontaneous suggestion turned into her first triathlon just days later, and she’s been hooked ever since.

Jana shares insights on avoiding overuse injuries, training on limited sleep, and managing low blood pressure while still showing up consistently. We also dive into trail running versus road running, debating whether the challenge is more mental or physical, and talk strategy for her upcoming Death by 5K race. We didn’t agree on much… except that there was definitely enough room on that floating door for Jack Dawson.

#TheEverydayIronman #AgeGroupAthlete #TriathlonLife #EnduranceTraining #TrailRunning #CyclingLife #IronmanTraining

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In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, we’re joined by Adam Jones—recording remotely while stuck in the Atlanta airport—for a wide-ranging conversation that Age Group Athletes will truly relate to. Adam shares how his endurance journey began not with triathlon, but with RAGBRAI, the iconic 7-day bike ride across Iowa, sparking a lifelong passion for endurance sports.

Adam walks us through his progression into triathlon, starting with a Sprint distance race and a Top 5 Age Group finish, moving up to Olympic distance, a weather-shortened bike at Ironman 70.3 Des Moines, and ultimately tackling Ironman Wisconsin. He reveals his unique bike choice—a Salsa Cutthroat—and reflects on a “life-changing” Death by 5K event that reshaped his mindset.

Now racing in the 40–45 Age Group, Adam looks ahead to what’s next, including Ironman 70.3 Omaha this June.

#EverydayIronman #AgeGroupAthlete #TriathlonLife #IronmanTraining #RAGBRAI #EnduranceSports #70point3 #IronmanWisconsin

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In this powerful and honest episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, we sit down with Emma Tucker, an Age Group Athlete from Australia whose journey to Ironman is nothing short of remarkable. Emma opens up about living an unhealthy lifestyle before a serious health scare pushed her to make a change that would alter the course of her life. Over the span of a year, she lost nearly 80 kilos, openly sharing her decision to undergo weight loss surgery and documenting the entire process on Instagram to help educate and support others.

Emma walks us through relearning how to eat, exercise, and manage stress—including starting with just an hour a day on an elliptical in her garage and changing jobs to create a healthier lifestyle. She shares how her Ironman journey began by simply running from one road reflector to the next, her unique fueling strategy of eight small meals per day, lessons learned from her first major injury, and a hilarious moment when her physical therapist “ratted her out” to her coach. The conversation culminates with Emma qualifying for and racing the 2025 Ironman World Championships in Kona.

This episode is a must-listen for any Age Group Athlete chasing big goals, one small step at a time.

#TheEverydayIronman #AgeGroupAthlete #IronmanJourney #TriathlonLife #IronmanWorldChampionships #Kona2025 #TransformationStory

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In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, Ashley sits down with newly turned pro triathlete Sarah Spooner to talk about what it really takes to level up—without leaving life behind. Sarah isn’t just racing at the highest level; she’s doing it while working full-time as a teacher, supporting her family, and raising her 9-year-old son alongside her husband.

Sarah shares how she balances training, work, and family commitments, the realities of time management, and the mindset shifts required to chase big goals responsibly. She also reflects on her early days in the sport, including the bike she started on versus the bike she rides now, and how her equipment evolved with her ambitions. Living in North America, Sarah walks us through the process of qualifying for her pro card and offers insight into how she strategically selects races to minimize disruption at home and at work. She also previews the races she’s targeting to kick off her 2026 season.

This conversation is packed with perspective and inspiration for Age Group Athletes dreaming big—right where they are.

#TheEverydayIronman #ProTriathlete #AgeGroupAthlete #TriathlonLife #WorkingAthlete #TriathlonPodcast #WomenInTriathlon #IronmanJourney

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In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, Mike and Ashley are joined by Eric Hansen, the organizer of the iconic Mackinac Bridge Swim. Eric has led the event for the past five years, operating it as a non-profit and donating proceeds back to the communities on both sides of the bridge. Spanning 4.5 miles and separating Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, this swim is as meaningful as it is challenging.

Eric shares the story of first applying to be part of the event, explains why participant safety is his top priority, and details the requirement of a 40-minute mile swim to qualify. While it’s not officially timed, swimmers cross an unforgettable “I Did It” line. You’ll also hear about his handmade medals crafted from original bridge steel, the famous “slap them columns” mantra, wetsuit and fin rules, and why crystal-clear lake water and Hostess Cupcakes fuel the day. Naturally, Mike challenges Eric to a cupcake-eating showdown.

Click the link to see more about the Mackinac Bridge Swim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ith4tjPr8sg&t=185s

#EverydayIronman #AgeGroupAthlete #OpenWaterSwimming #MackinacBridgeSwim #TriathlonLife #EnduranceAthlete #SwimCommunity

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In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, we’re joined by professional triathlete David Guenthardt for an honest and insightful conversation about life in—and beyond—the pro field. David shares why he recently decided to step away from competing as a professional, while making it clear he’s not retiring from triathlon altogether.

David opens up about the realities of racing as a pro, including the fact that he never made a living solely from the sport and has always worked a full-time “regular” job. He gives Age Group Athletes a rare behind-the-scenes look at how pros handle race signups, fees, and logistics, and explains key differences in draft zones and slipstreaming between pro and Age Group racing.

We also dive into XTERRA, he answer our off-road triathlon questions, and talk about what’s next on David’s race calendar—including pacing duties at an upcoming half and full marathon.

#EverydayIronman #TriathlonPodcast #AgeGroupAthlete #ProTriathlete #XTERRA #SwimBikeRun

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In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, Mike and Ashley are joined by Dr. Iris Nafshi for a powerful conversation centered on her PhD dissertation focused on Ironmoms. Iris is a wife, a mom to four boys ranging from ages 12 to 26, a dog mom to four pups, and a multiple-time Ironman finisher with three Master’s degrees to her name.

Iris breaks down what a dissertation actually is, how she landed on her topic, and why studying the tension between athletic grit and maternal guilt matters for Age Group Athletes. She shares insights into the data she collected, how she analyzed it, and what the findings reveal about women balancing family, work, travel, and endurance sport. The conversation wraps with a powerful reminder of the importance of community, as Iris encourages athletes to invite a non-athlete female friend to join them in training for their next race.

#EverydayIronman #Ironmom #TriathlonLife #AgeGroupAthlete #IronmanTraining #WomenInTriathlon #EnduranceMindset #TriathlonCommunity

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In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, we’re joined by multiple-time Ironman finisher and certified triathlon coach Josh Venis for an in-depth conversation on the sport that changed his life. Josh shares how he found triathlon during a major personal transition and quickly discovered both a passion and a natural skillset for endurance racing. From earning his Ironman U Coaching Certification in 2019 to qualifying for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in 2021, Josh walks us through his evolution as both an athlete and a coach.

While continuing to train and race himself, Josh made the leap to full-time coaching in 2023 and opens up about taking time away in 2024 due to foot surgery. He also offers practical insight into how he helps Age Group Athletes prepare for race day with confidence.

Learn more at www.veniscoaching.com or DM @joshuavenis on Instagram.

#TheEverydayIronman #Triathlon #AgeGroupAthlete #Ironman #Ironman703 #TriathlonCoach #EnduranceSports #TriLife

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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