Show notes
Send us Fan MailThis week on Another Triathlon Podcast, Josh (@joshmvernon) and Fede (@fedemultisport) are joined by the voice of Ironman, Mike Reilly.Mike has called more than 200 Ironman races, announced more than half a million athletes across the finish line, and is the only person inducted into the Ironman Hall of Fame, USA Triathlon Hall of Fame, and Running USA Hall of Champions.In this special episode, Mike talks about his new book, Finding Your Finish Line: The Voice of Ironman Mike Reilly, and reflects on what it really means to reach a start line, cross a finish line, and carry those lessons into the rest of life.The conversation dives into why “You are an Ironman” was never about Mike, what it feels like hearing other announcers say those words, why he stepped away from the microphone, and how the athletes, stories, struggles and finish-line moments changed him along the way.Highlights• Mike Reilly joins the show• The meaning behind “You are an Ironman”• Why those four words belong to the athlete• What it feels like hearing other announcers carry the call forward• Why Mike stepped away from full-time announcing• The emotional weight of missing family moments over decades of races• His new book, Finding Your Finish Line• Writing with Sarah Wassner Flynn• Why this book focuses on lessons, not just race stories• The idea that we are the cause of our own experiences• Start lines, finish lines and the fear of beginning• Why finish lines show you where you’re going, not just where you’ve been• Mike’s early career as a special education teacher• The connection between helping kids into the ocean and helping athletes reach the start line• How athlete stories helped Mike through his own difficult seasons• What he says to athletes who miss the official cutoff• The names he has butchered, the calls he has missed, and the porta potty stories• Why triathlon’s future still looks strongEpisode BreakdownThe Voice Behind the Finish LineMike talks about what it feels like to hear other announcers say “You are an Ironman” now that he has stepped away from full-time race announcing.For him, those words were never about ownership. They were about the athlete, the sacrifice, and the moment their life changed at the finish line.Why He Stepped AwayAfter decades on the microphone, Mike explains why the decision to step away was the right one. It was not one single reason, but a mix of family, time, hearing challenges, long race days, and knowing when it was time to listen to the voice in the back of his head.Finding Your Finish LineMike’s new book looks beyond race-day stories. It explores the lessons he saw through thousands of athletes and endurance events: courage, fear, responsibility, positivity, people, and purpose.He talks about the idea that we are the cause of our own experiences, not because we control everything that happens to us, but because we control how we respond, how we act, and how we move forward.Start Lines and Life LessonsOne of the biggest themes in the conversation is that start lines are often just as hard as finish lines.Mike reflects on how his early work as a special education teacher shaped the way he later supported athletes, especially those standing at the edge of fear before the swim start.The Finish Line ImpactThe crew also talks about the emotional power of the Ironman finish line, including what happens when athletes miss the cutoff, how Mike handled those moments, and why sometimes the crowd said more than words ever could.Mike also shares the humour behind the job, from mispronounced names to being called an Ironman from inside a porta potty.Quickfire Q&AGuest of the week?Mike Reilly, the voice of Ironman.Biggest theme?Finish lines are not the end. They show you where you are and where you’re going next.Most powerful reminder?The words “You are an Ironman” belong to the athlete.Best life lesson?You are responsible for how you act, react, and move forward.Funniest moment?Mike calling athletes in from inside a porta potty so he didn’t miss their finish.Follow the show📸 @anothertriathlonpodcastHost, Jenna-Caer Seefried, @jennacaerJosh, @joshmvernonFede, @fedemultisportGuest, Mike ReillyPresented by @maunaapparelSupport the showStay connected with us! Follow us on social media - @anothertriathlonpodcast with hosts Jenna-Caer, Fede and Josh to keep up with the latest. And if you have any burning questions for the coaches, feel free to shoot them over to [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/anothertriathlonpodcast/