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

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In this reflective year-end episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, Mike Bosch and Ashley Raines look back on 2025 and the moments that defined their season as Age Group Athletes and podcasters. From personal highs to unexpected challenges, they share what they’re most proud of and how they pushed through adversity both in training and in life.

A big part of the conversation centers on the incredible support of The Everyday Ironman Facebook Group. Mike and Ashley talk about how meaningful it’s been to watch listeners connect, encourage one another, and build real community beyond race day.

They also celebrate some fun highlights from the year—including both hosts upgrading to new bikes—and are joined briefly by familiar voices Chris Curtis and JT Thomson, who stop by with a quick audio clip. It’s a grateful, honest, and forward-looking episode you won’t want to miss.

#TheEverydayIronman #AgeGroupAthlete #TriathlonLife #IronmanTraining #TriathlonCommunity #EnduranceAthlete #YearInReview

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In this special and light-hearted episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, Mike is joined by a very special guest—his wife, Diana. Together, Mike and Diana share the story of how they first met in high school, why they didn’t start dating until two years after graduation, and what their very first date was really like. Now married for 32 years, they reflect on building a life together while raising two sons who are now adults.

Diana, an Instructional Coach for 5th and 6th grade, offers a perspective far removed from finish lines and FTP tests—and she’s perfectly okay with that. While she has zero interest in triathlon, co-host Ashley puts her on the spot by testing her knowledge of the sport, leading to plenty of laughs and relatable moments for Age Group Athletes and their spouses.

This episode is a reminder that behind every triathlete is a life, a family, and a partner who helps make it all possible.

#EverydayIronman #AgeGroupAthlete #TriathlonLife #TriathlonPodcast #IronmanFamily

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In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, Mike and Ashley sit down with Kyle Axman for a wide-ranging conversation that blends endurance sport, fitness tech, and a little friendly chaos. Kyle and Ashley first crossed paths at the NYC Marathon Expo, and the conversation takes off from there. Kyle works with Technogym, makers of the Skill Run treadmill designed to deliver real-time biofeedback and advanced running metrics. That sparks Mike’s pitch for a future where form-fitting fabric provides muscle-engagement feedback during a run. Kyle also shares his unconventional path from pursuing an acting career to teaching spin classes, growing up with a dad who qualified for the Ironman World Championship, and why he and his wife proudly call themselves group fitness junkies. Plus, Ashley finally reveals the real reason she hates Pickleball.

#TheEverydayIronman #AgeGroupAthlete #TriathlonLife #EnduranceTraining #FitnessTechnology

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In this episode of The Everyday Ironman Podcast, we sit down with Hayden Renoux, a standout high school senior from Olathe, Kansas, and a founding member of his school’s triathlon club. Hayden shares his journey from traditional youth sports to discovering endurance athletics in 8th grade, where he transitioned into cross country, track, and competitive swimming. After completing his first triathlon between 7th and 8th grade, he helped lead his high school triathlon team—sponsored by former guests Chris Curtis and Kayla Barnes—to a Kansas High School State Championship.

Hayden also opens up about his future plans as he awaits college decisions. With aspirations to study Pre-Med and ultimately become a Sports Physician for a professional team in the Kansas City area, Hayden talks about balancing academics, racing, and stepping into longer-distance triathlon events.

#EverydayIronman #TriathlonLife #AgeGroupAthlete #HighSchoolTriathlon #FutureSportsDoc

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