Happy Holidays! The final episode of the season brings Tri Beginner’s Luck full circle with a conversation that is as grounding as it is inspiring. Mark Allen, six-time Ironman World Champion, coach, and lifelong student of the sport, joins the show for a story that reminds us why beginners matter and why mindset always wins. What unfolds is not just a highlight reel of victories, but a deeply human journey that began with fear in the water and curiosity sparked by watching Ironman on television.

Mark reflects on his earliest days in triathlon, when swimming felt familiar but the bike and run introduced uncertainty, discomfort, and growth. He shares how persistence, patience, and a willingness to learn carried him from beginner status to the professional ranks, emphasizing that fulfillment in triathlon is not reserved for the fastest athletes, but for those committed to discovering what they are capable of becoming.

The conversation dives into the power of mindset and learning, including lessons from Mark’s first races and his ability to manage negative thoughts mid-competition. He speaks candidly about how every race, whether successful or disappointing, offers valuable feedback. With the season’s reset theme as a backdrop, this episode encourages reflection, recalibration, and intentional goal-setting, whether the focus is racing fast, staying consistent, or simply continuing to show up.

Mark also revisits his legendary Kona journey, sharing stories of near-misses, mechanical setbacks, and years of frustration before finally claiming the Ironman World Championship title. His breakthrough came not from chasing comparison, but from embracing authenticity and racing as himself. That shift led to a historic performance and serves as a powerful reminder that progress often follows alignment rather than pressure.

As the conversation closes, Mark shares his evolution from athlete to coach and advocate, highlighting the importance of curiosity, balance, and consistency over time. He discusses the continued growth of the Limitless program, a free initiative designed to welcome more women into triathlon by removing barriers and building community. With plans to expand its reach and deepen its impact, his commitment to the grassroots of the sport reflects a legacy rooted in service, access, and long-term influence.

This season finale invites listeners to slow down, reflect, and begin again with intention. Whether you are brand new, starting over, or redefining your relationship with the sport, this episode offers perspective, wisdom, and a renewed belief that there is meaning to be found in every mile.

Let’s tri this and we will see you in the new year!

Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. And send any questions or feedback you have to tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com.

What began with time zone mix-ups, frozen screens, and a bit of Zoom chaos quickly turned into a conversation that felt meant to be. This episode introduces Three Sisters: Amelia Moses Hicks, Letitia Moses Roestoff, and Zarina Moses Jardine, a global triathlon trio connected by blood, grit, and an unshakable commitment to showing up for one another. Spanning continents and disciplines, one sister runs, one rides, one swims, and together they form a living relay of courage, care, and shared purpose.

Their story starts long before triathlon. Amelia and Letitia earned golf scholarships that carried them from South Africa to the United States, navigating elite competition, cultural shifts, and high expectations. Amelia would go on to turn professional, while Zarina developed into a powerful and confident swimmer. All three learned early how to perform under pressure, stay disciplined, and dig deep when it mattered most. Those formative years on the golf course and in the pool laid the foundation for the endurance mindset that would later carry them through long training days and demanding races.

Their triathlon journeys unfold across continents, shaped by late starts, early doubts, and bold decisions to try anyway. From overcoming fear in open water to completing Ironman races that once felt out of reach, each sister brings a different entry point into the sport, held together by constant encouragement and a deep belief in one another.

The conversation flows between laughter and reflection as they share what it means to race together, train apart yet stay deeply connected, and take up space as women of color in endurance sports. Along the way, there are dreams of future racecations, ocean swims still ahead, cultural moments, and honest advice for beginners. Start where you are. Be consistent. Let the journey change you. And never underestimate what becomes possible when you do not go alone.

Let’s Tri This.

Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. And send any questions or feedback you have to tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com.

This episode of Tri Beginner’s Luck invites listeners into a vibrant and deeply personal conversation with Pastor Mark Batterson, lead visionary of National Community Church and New York Times bestselling author. His journey from college basketball player to spiritual leader reveals a life shaped by courage, consistency, and the willingness to try again and again. With warmth and humility, Pastor Mark shares how endurance sports became a classroom for his soul, teaching him discipline through marathon miles, perseverance through ocean waves, and the quiet resilience that grows when no one is watching.

From running the Chicago Marathon with lungs that once held him back to taking on triathlons alongside his teenage son, Pastor Mark reflects on how movement has become both a metaphor and a mentor. He describes how training helped him push past self-doubt, lean into long-term goals, and understand the deep truth behind his current book, “Gradually Then Suddenly.” Progress rarely shows up as a single moment. It builds slowly, faithfully, almost silently, until the breakthrough appears.

Pastor Mark explores the power of relationships, the joy of shared miles, and the unexpected strength that emerges when you stay committed to the process. He shares openly about leadership, creativity, writing, family, and the spiritual confidence that grows when you embrace the work no one sees. It is a conversation filled with laughter, honesty, and a true celebration of what it means to live life with intention, gratitude, and heart.

Whether you are training for your first triathlon or stepping into a new season of life, this episode will encourage you to trust your pace, honor your progress, and remember that every meaningful journey starts with one small, courageous yes.

Let’s Tri This!

Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. And send any questions or feedback you have to tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com.