Find Your Finish Line with Mike Reilly

In the latest episode of Find Your Finish Line, I had the pleasure of chatting with Shawn Sullivan, the newly appointed Executive Director of Running USA. As we kick off 2026 and our fifth year of the podcast, Shawn joins me to share his background as an on site announcer at major sporting events and how those experiences shaped his path to leading Running USA. We talk through his journey in collegiate sports and event management, and his vision to unite and elevate the running community across the country.

Shawn dives into the importance of connecting every level of the industry, from major marathons to small community races, and how Running USA can support both. We explore his strategic priorities, the role of empathy and listening in leadership, and how collaboration can strengthen the entire ecosystem. He also highlights the upcoming Running USA conference in February and why it matters for networking, learning, and moving the industry forward.

Throughout the conversation, Shawn’s passion for running and the people behind it really comes through. We touch on growth opportunities like trail running, partnerships across endurance sports, and the power of community in shaping the future of running. Shawn also extends an open invitation to the Running USA conference and encourages everyone to stay connected at runningusa.org.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnksullivan/

Running USA: runningusa.org

In this episode of Find Your Finish Line, I sit down with Scott DeRue, the CEO of the IRONMAN Group, as we wrap up the incredible year of 2025. We reflect on the whirlwind that is the triathlon world, the global journey it encompasses, and the impact it has had on both participants and the communities hosting these events. One of the highlights of Scott’s tenure so far includes witnessing firsthand the emotional and economic influence of IRONMAN and other endurance events across various countries. With 15 events attended in 2025 alone, Scott shares insights into what it takes to elevate the athlete experience and community engagement at every race.

Scott and I delve into the expansion of triathlons into emerging markets, such as the Middle East, and the collaborative efforts that bring new racing opportunities to different parts of the world. We also explore how the IRONMAN Group fosters strong relationships with host communities, ensuring each event delivers meaningful economic and social value. Scott recounts touching stories from world championship events and highlights the community spirit that defines IRONMAN culture.

We wrap up the conversation with Scott’s incredible tales from climbing Mount Everest and running across the Gobi Desert, illustrating the teamwork and resilience that parallel the IRONMAN journey.

To keep up with Scott DeRue and the IRONMAN Group, follow on their website at ironman.com, Instagram @ironmantri, and Twitter @IRONMANtri.

In the latest episode of "Find Your Finish Line," I sit down with Jeffrey Reynolds, a remarkable individual who has faced and triumphed over dual cancer diagnoses. Jeffrey's story is not just about surviving prostate and colorectal cancer, but about the resilience of the human spirit and how the mentality of an endurance athlete can apply to the most challenging of life’s races. We discuss his journey through diagnosis and treatment and how his background in public health and social welfare influenced his perspective on receiving help after being the helper for so long. His book, "Every Mile Matters: Turning Triathlon Training Into Cancer Triumph," becomes a central theme as he chronicles how athletics and the ethos of endurance sports have been pivotal in his recovery and outlook. As Jeffrey recounts his grueling treatment, including his participation in a clinical trial that involved 27 rounds of chemotherapy, he shares insights into how his past experiences as a triathlete prepared him mentally and physically for the battle he faced. We explore the concept of true health versus fitness and stress the importance of regular health screenings, a message particularly directed at our listeners who may overlook symptoms due to their lifestyle demands. Jeffrey's story is a powerful reminder that while physical fitness is crucial, being vigilant about one's health is equally important. Through his narrative, Jeffrey offers inspiration and practical advice to anyone who might find themselves in a similar situation—reminding us all of the power of positive thinking, the support of loved ones, and the will to fight. He also emphasizes the importance of oneness with our bodies, urging everyone in the endurance community to pay attention to subtle health changes. Connect with Jeffrey on social media via @JeffReynoldsPhD on Twitter and on his website familyandchildrens.org to follow his ongoing journey and advocacy work.

In this episode of "Find Your Finish Line," I host the extraordinary Mirinda Carfrae, an athlete revered in the triathlon world for her many accomplishments, including being a three-time IRONMAN world champion. We dive into Mirinda's experiences as both a top-tier competitor and as a coach at Salty Bears, a coaching initiative she runs with her husband, Tim O'Donnell. Our conversation kicks off with insights into her current training regime and her reflections on the recent IRONMAN World Championships in Nice, where the Norwegian athletes dominated the podium.

As the women head to Kona for one of the most anticipated races, Mirinda offers her thoughts on the potential frontrunners, outlining the exciting dynamics at play. We discuss how athletes like Lucy Charles-Barclay and Kat Matthews are poised to tackle the course, while also considering the impact of new talents entering the field. Mirinda offers thoughtful analysis on how the courses between Nice and Kona differ and what that means for competitors, while also reflecting on the evolution of women’s participation and recognition in the sport.

Follow Mirinda

Visit Salty Bears at saltybearsracing.com out her Instagram @mirindacarfrae

Twitter @Mirindacarfrae

In this episode of Find Your Finish Line, I’m joined by six-time IRONMAN champion and exercise physiology expert, Dr. Matt Hanson. Matt shares his remarkable journey from college professor to professional triathlete, a transition sparked by his breakout victory at IRONMAN Texas in 2015.

I dive into what drives him, the mindset it takes to perform at the highest level, and how he turned triathlon from a passion into a profession. Matt opens up about the emotional and physical demands of racing three IRONMAN events within five weeks, and the critical role that mental toughness and self-belief play in pushing past perceived limits.

He also reflects on how his background in wrestling shaped his grit and determination, lessons that continue to influence his approach to racing. Matt emphasizes the importance of athletes at all levels knowing their “why”, a powerful motivator through early mornings and intense race conditions alike.

From his strong family ties and their shared love of sport, to his vision of blending his athletic pursuits with his coaching business, Matt’s story is full of insight and inspiration for triathletes and endurance fans everywhere.

Follow Matt

Website: https://matthansonracing.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthansontri
X: https://x.com/matthansontri

In this episode of Find Your Finish Line, I sit down with the legendary Alistair Brownlee, one of the greatest triathletes of all time and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. Alistair opens up about his training routines, his transition into retirement, and what it’s like shifting from elite competition to a new phase of giving back. We dive into his relationship with his brother Johnny, their iconic racing moments, and the emotional weight of helping each other push to the finish—literally.

Alistair shares the heart behind the Brownlee Foundation, which has introduced nearly 90,000 kids to triathlon, and talks about his passion project: the Brownlee Racing Team, part of the SuperTri league. He also touches on his upcoming endurance adventures, including the seven-day Gravel Burn stage race in South Africa, and reflects on how he’s redefining competition and purpose in this next chapter of life.

Whether you’re an age grouper, pro, or someone just chasing personal growth, Alistair’s story is packed with insight, humility, and inspiration.

Follow Alistair:

Website: https://www.thebrownleefoundation.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alistair.brownlee/

In this episode of Find Your Finish Line, I sit down with the remarkable Melanie McQuaid, three-time XTERRA World Champion and the oldest professional to qualify for Kona at age 50. Melanie’s story is nothing short of inspiring. From her beginnings as a professional cyclist navigating a tough and, at times, toxic environment, to becoming a dominant force in triathlon, Melanie has consistently broken barriers and redefined what’s possible.

We talk about the highs and lows of her athletic journey, how she transitioned into triathlon, and the deep sense of community she found along the way. Melanie shares powerful insights into her coaching philosophy at MelRad Coaching and how she helps athletes of all ages train smarter, race better, and believe in themselves more deeply. She even clocked her fastest IRONMAN marathon at age 50, proving that age really is just a number.

If you’re an age-group athlete looking for motivation or just someone who loves a good comeback story, this conversation will fire you up. Melanie’s wisdom, grit, and love for the sport shine through every word.

Learn more at: melrad.com

In this inspiring episode of "Find Your Finish Line," I sit down with the incredible Carrie Bradshaw, a determined marathon runner and the first person to complete the Boston Marathon with a double hip replacement. Despite suffering from congenital hip dysplasia and enduring severe pain, Carrie never gave up on her passion for running. She shares the journey of her diagnosis, the challenging treatments, and ultimately her decision to undergo not one, but two hip replacement surgeries.

Through her story, Carrie shares how she overcame mental and physical hurdles, highlighting the importance of setting mini-goals and remaining resilient in the face of adversity. We delve into her recovery process, the adjustments in her running gait, and the emotional moments that kept her going.

Catch this episode and more on "Find Your Finish Line." For more support and resources, don’t forget to check out the TriDot and RunDot platforms for your training needs.

Follow Carrie:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bionicrunnerbabe/

In this episode of Find Your Finish Line, I chat with Michael D’hulst, CEO and co-founder of Supertri, a global leader in short course triathlon. We dive into how Supertri is transforming the sport with its innovative formats and tech-forward approach — all while making triathlon more exciting, inclusive, and accessible.

Michael shares the company’s mission to inspire growth among both fans of the professional sport and participants of all age abilities. He breaks down Supertri’s three brand pillars — Supertri League, Supertri E, and By Supertri — and how each plays a role in reimagining the triathlon experience.

Tune in for an inspiring convo about the future of triathlon and how Supertri is shaping it.

Social Media Handles and Website:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdhulst/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supertri_/

Website: https://supertri.com/e/

In this episode of "Find Your Finish Line," I sit down with Paul Weigel, a six-time IRONMAN finisher and author of the inspiring book "Iron Dad: A Cancer Survivor's Story of Discovering Strength, Life, and Love Through Fatherhood." Paul shares his incredible journey of being diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at the age of 43 and how he continued to compete in triathlons, even completing a half IRONMAN with a chemotherapy backpack. His story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of love, especially the bond between a father and his daughter.

Paul opens up about the emotional and physical challenges he faced, from the initial shock of his diagnosis to the grueling treatments and surgeries. He emphasizes the importance of early detection and regular screenings, sharing how his athletic mindset helped him push through the toughest times. Paul also discusses the evolution of his book's title from "Cancer Blinked" to "Iron Dad," reflecting his journey from battling cancer to building a lasting legacy for his daughter, Natalie.

This episode is not just about overcoming cancer; it's about finding strength in the face of adversity and the importance of having a plan. Paul’s story is a powerful reminder to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles. For more information on Paul and his book, visit irondadbook.com and follow him on social media @IronDadBook.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulweigelirondad/