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