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
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Alistair Brownlee: From Olympic Gold to Giving Back
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/
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Melanie McQuaid: Redefining Limits
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
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Marathon Milestones After Double Hip Surgery - Carrie Bradshaw
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/
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Innovating Triathlon: The Birth and Growth of Supertri
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/
Mike Reilly, best known as the "Voice of IRONMAN Triathlon," is a world-renowned race announcer, commentator, and author, who has called millions of endurance athletes across a finish line. In this show, he talks with successful people from all backgrounds about their inspiring stories of struggle and achievement in sports and life. Join Mike as he relives their incredible journey from start to finish. Listen at mikereilly.net/podcast
South Africa