Today, Dr. Kevin Rindal sits down with Coach Mark “Coach P” Paulsen — founder of Wilderness Athlete, former NFL draft pick, and longtime Director of Athletic Performance at the University of New Mexico. With over 35 years shaping athletes—from Big Eight track champions to SEC football players to backcountry hunters and industrial athletes—Coach P brings a rare blend of world-class training, deep nutritional expertise, and real-world toughness.This conversation breaks down the science and habits behind staying strong, sharp, and durable across decades. Whether you’re climbing poles, working storms, running heavy equipment, or chasing grandkids, Coach P offers simple, sustainable ways to move better, fuel smarter, recover faster, and stay ready for whatever your job—or life—throws at you.TOP QUOTES“Your body is your weapon. You have to take time to sharpen the saw.”“Every human being should treat themselves with an athletic mindset.”“Consistency will always outperform intensity.”“Have a vision for how you want to finish your career — and train for that future.”THE LISTENER TAKEAWAYSThis episode gives frontline workers the tools to:Understand what their body needs to stay strong through long, demanding shiftsReduce daily wear and tear through better fueling, hydration, and recoveryBuild strength safely without increasing injury riskFeel better at home with more energy for family and lifeEstablish small, repeatable habits that protect long-term healthReconnect with purpose, identity, and the legacy they want to buildCHAPTERS00:00 — Welcome to WorkReady 01:00 — Coach P: From small-town Minnesota to NFL 08:00 — The early days of hydration science 11:00 — Industrial athletes vs. pro athletes 14:00 — What “readiness” really means 17:00 — Training smart after 40 21:00 — A decade-by-decade game plan 24:00 — Sleep, nutrition, recovery 33:00 — Mobility, balance & long-term function 40:00 — Fueling on long shifts 50:00 — Hydration: heat, cold, stress 1:05:00 — Creatine explained 1:10:00 — Purpose & legacy 1:21:00 — Final thoughts CONNECTConnect with Dr. Kevin RindalWorkReady Hub: https://www.kevinrindal.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workready_Kevin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinrindal/Subscribe to Field Notes: https://www.kevinrindal.com/podcast-pageConnect with Coach Phttps://wildernessathlete.com/ RESOURCES• WorkReady Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkReadyPodcast • Vimocity Workforce Readiness Platform: http://vimocity.com • WorkReady Community (FREE): https://vimocity.circle.so🎉 SPONSORSVimocity — The Workforce Readiness Platform http://vimocity.comVimocity Community (FREE for field pros) https://login.circle.so/sign_in?request_host=vimocity.circle.so

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