The Every Day Guy Podcast

Today I’m speaking with John Demandl and Paul Mc.Glynn who, in December 2016 crushed a long-standing Ironman record and ran across the line together in Western Australia to be the first to break the 11-hour mark as a visually impaired athlete.  Yup, that’s right, as if executing an Ironman race isn’t challenging enough already, John is a visually impaired athlete and Paul his pilot. Just imagine, swimming 3.8km, riding 180km and running 42.2km with your eyes closed… not to mention the countless training km’s being logged… I first met Paul a few years ago on a tri training camp in Australia’s Snowy Mountains. His training ethic, enthusiasm for all things racing and enduring sense of humor are infectious and we’ve made a habit of the January training camp ever since. As a seasoned Ironman athlete he was the most dedicated and focused guy I knew with his aspiration to qualify for the World Championships in Kona; a goal he would go on to achieve in 2016. As you listen to the podcast his attitude towards training, racing, and life, in general, is simply ‘on point’ and, if I’m honest, it’s an honor to call him my friend. It was through Paul that I was introduced to John, or as he’s nicknamed ‘Johnny Dangerous’. John is a highly decorated visually impaired athlete with some incredible accomplishments to his name. You’ll hear more about his conquests in our chat but being the first ever visually impaired athlete to complete the grueling three-day Ultraman race gives you a flavor for John’s approach to life. It was fascinating, if not a little humbling, to listen to these two guys talk through the planning and execution for their attack on the Ironman world record as Team Tandem. In many ways, it shined a whole new light and perspective onto the world of endurance sports for me.  Their raw candidness coupled with their combined sense of comedy proved so engaging that one sitting simply wasn’t enough so in the spirit of Team Tandem this is also a two part podcast.  Dive into Part 1 now and hear these two legends share everything!  Resources: http://www.nbnnews.com.au/2016/11/25/eleebana-paralympian-chasing-big-goals/ http://www.nbnnews.com.au/2016/12/27/john-domandl-posts-fastest-ever-visually-impaired-ironman/ http://ap.ironman.com/triathlon-news/articles/2014/11/blind-triathlete-knows-no-limits.aspx#axzz4HSjmNVSD  Sponsor: More than Sport  

Today I’m speaking with Mark Green, a top off-road ultra marathoner, former elite Ironman triathlete and a running technique expert. He’s also the owner of a physiotherapy practice called The Body Mechanic, based in Sydney. Mark and his team offer a range of services to everyday athletes, such as running gait assessments, bike fitting services, strength and stability classes, exercise physiology and physiotherapy. Mark has over 30 years experience as an ultra distance runner and is a regular contributor to the Ultra168 Blog. Join us as Mark shares his expertise and approach to training with a sense of life balance and harmony. Topics discussed this episode: Mark’s background and approach to training Physiology, athletic injuries and The Body Mechanic Common cycling injuries and investing in a bike fitting service Importance of recovery in sport Mark’s approach to nutrition in training and endurance events Running technique and running shoe choice Stretching tips and advice Resources: The Body Mechanic bookings@thebodymechanic.com.au The Body Mechanic - Twitter The Body Mechanic - Facebook Ultra168 Blog “Overuse injuries in ultrarunners – A ‘beer drinking’ analogy” - Ultra168 Blog

  On today’s episode I’m talking with Roland van Amstel, who was nominated to be on the podcast by a mutual mate. Roland had been participating in the Wimp 2 Warrior MMA professional fight camp, otherwise known as “The Ultimate Human Experiment”. Wimp 2 Warrior is a 6-month training program created by Sydney based Richie Cranny to transform participants with little or no MMA experience into true cage-fighting warriors. Interestingly though, contrary to the name the Wimp 2 Warrior program is not about who wins or loses. It isn’t Wimp 2 Winner, it’s Wimp 2 Warrior and the Warrior status comes from 6 months of training – which, as you’ll hear, can be pretty hellish at times – working through injuries and schedules and then stepping into the cage. Once you step into the cage, as far as Richie’s concerned, you become a Warrior win or lose. Roland is a 50+ year old husband, father, works full-time in IT and is the quintessential everyday guy turned MMA fighter. As you’ll hear; Roland approached this incredible and confronting challenge in a measured and considered way. His motivation and journey are fascinating to hear and it’ll be interesting how many listeners will find themselves contemplating giving it a go, as I did. Join us as we learn about MMA (mixed martial arts), the Wimp 2 Warrior training program, and Roland’s journey. Topics discussed this episode: The Wimp 2 Warrior training program and schedule Mixed Martial Arts sport and rules Roland’s background and motivations The Wimp 2 Warrior final cage matches Roland’s physical improvements in MMA training Nutrition component of MMA training Mental strength and dealing with injuries Financial costs of the program Resources: Wimp 2 Warrior Fighters Against Child Abuse Australia Roland van Amstel - Twitter  

  My guest today is described as the Athlete's Secret Weapon. His name is Stuart Walter and he’s a mind coach, an author of the bestselling book ‘The Dear Diary Process’ and he does a lot of speaking on the subject of performance mind-set to athletes of all levels, from the everyday guys and gals to elite and Olympians.   He is a professional hypnotherapist and Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner, and he uses his skills and passion to transform athletes of any sport. For those of you not familiar with NLP - it stands for Neuro Linguistic Programming; a name that encompasses the 3 most influential components involved in producing human experience; neurology, language and programming. In simple terms it's a pragmatic school of thought that addresses the many levels involved with being a human being.    Now, some of you may be thinking that it's all a bit voodoo or tree huggy but, I can assure you; it's a well-trodden path, highly effective and its powerful stuff! In fact, many of us [if not all of us] have at some stage been exposed to some form of NLP without even realising it. Now, like with all such mind related approaches; used for good it can be liberating. Unfortunately, it can also be used for manipulation in some settings such as sales environments; but that's not the case here.   Aside from Stuarts impressive credentials, he’s truly passionate about sport. He has therefore managed to blend his passions with his work and today provides incredible support and transformation for a massive group of professional athletes. From golf to football [that being Aussie Football, not soccer for those dialling in from overseas], from surfing to netball to motorsport and triathlon; for those searching for the best of themselves Stuart is considered a trusted partner. ??  Now, we’re all busy people right? Sure we are. And as a result, most everyday athletes tend to favour their physical training sessions over three really important areas; recovery, flexibility and mind-set. And it's that last one that we’ll discuss today with Stuart - I know through my own athletic evolution, mental fortitude is a hugely important part of the story and if we think of the brain as being a muscle; it too requires strength and conditioning work… Just stand at the back end of any endurance event and you’ll be able to spot those who have allowed themselves to be defeated mentally versus those who have really gone ‘all in’ and are genuinely spent.  I’m looking forward to sharing this chat with you - as you’ll hear, Stuart is full of life and his passion for his craft is evident. We were chatting after the recording ended and he said, “there's so much more I could share” so we agreed to revisit the microphone in the future and dive even deeper.   Join us as we discuss the importance of mental fortitude and the power of a peak performance mind-set.   Introducing the Athlete's Secret Weapon… how mind-set can transcend physiology...   Topics discussed this episode:  Clinical hypnosis as a performance tool  Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) in daily life  Mental preparation for victory and overcoming anxiety  The Dear Diary Process and visualization tools  Training for a peak performance mind-set  Self-belief and achievement   Resources:   The Dear Diary Process  The Dear Diary Process - Amazon  Athletes Secret Weapon  Stuart Walter website  Stuart Walter - Twitter  Stuart Walter - Facebook  Everyday Guy          

Today I’m talking with elite ultra-marathoner and coach, Paul Romero. It was hard to try and find a concise way to introduce Paul but his most recent accomplishments include back-to-back podium finishes at the Tahoe 200; a 200 mile [322km] single loop trail run around Lake Tahoe.    Big Picture. He’s been leading teams in the most environmentally challenging conditions for decades, including climbing the seven summits with his son and being one of less than 10 people to ever complete the Survival Run in Nicaragua; a brutal event that we discuss in this episode.    As if all of this wasn’t enough, Paul has achieved podium finishes at over 100 expedition adventure races around the world and runs his sports coaching and mentoring business, Uprise Performance, from British Columbia [and Hawaii].    Let me conclude by saying; He. Is. The. Real. Deal.   I’m proud to call this guy a friend and appreciate that I get the chance to shine a spotlight in his direction. There is so much in this conversation that is relevant to every single human being on the planet. Too much? Hyperbole? Find out. Join us in our unscripted conversation about his approach and passion for sport, coaching, and advice for aspiring athletes at any age.  Topics discussed this episode:   Paul’s background and Uprise Performance  Holistic approach to sport and coaching  CrossFit and strength training for speed and endurance  Finding the right kind of coaching program  Team training and camaraderie  The importance of sports nutrition and hormonal balance  Paul’s diet and shifting to plant-based nutrition  Recent challenges and survival runs    Resources:   Uprise Performance  Paul Romero - Facebook  Uprise Performance - Twitter  Uprise Performance - Instagram  CrossFit  CrossFit Documentary  PhD Vegan Protein  Regeneurex  ?Everyday Guy   Quotes:   “The true prerequisite is having the heart, pushing your mind and being driven” - Paul Romero    “For the ability to stay fuelled during incredibly long efforts, the focus on food and sports nutrition is paramount.” - Paul Romero    “One of my mantras is ‘no mistakes’ in these races.” - Paul Romero    Sponsor:     More than Sport  

  My guest today is PNBA professional figure athlete and Australian mother of three, Roz Alexander who I was introduced to when I was looking for a professional trainer in Singapore. Recommended by a mutual friend [and fellow figure athlete] I remain deeply grateful for the introduction. In fact, it was during my training sessions with Roz that I discovered a segment of the global sports world which I knew nothing about; that being natural body building. My cliché stigma’s did not extend beyond the media fuelled coverage of hugely over developed physiques which are only made possible by the use of chemicals. I was pleased to be shown a different side of the sport which, like any other, requires focus, hard work, discipline and commitment. Anyone who knows me will attest that I aspire to a clean, plant based diet devoid of processed ‘foods’ which was one of the fascinating aspects when chatting with Roz. PNBA is the Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association; a clean and holistic bodybuilding association, devoid of any chemical enhancement and Roz exemplifies this through the way she lives, trains and educates others. Roz is not only a devoted mother and wife, she is also the founder of a thriving training business, Beachfit and I was always impressed and inspired by her professionalism and knowledge when supporting her clients. I also gained a deeper understanding and respect for the sport of natural bodybuilding; something that Roz is, in my opinion, an ambassador they should be highly proud and appreciative of. Join us for our unscripted conversations about being a figure athlete, body image, the power of mind-set, the importance of quality nutrition, life balance and her personal goals of helping and inspiring others. Topics discussed this episode: Differences between figure athletes and bodybuilders Natural Bodybuilding competitions and Roz’s awards Health challenges, recovery and start in weight training Posing, dress and standards for competitions Advice from competition judges Transitioning from amateur to professional athlete Diet and nutrition advice Roz’s Beachfit, retreats and coaching programs Resources: Roz Alexander website Beachfit Beachfit Retreats Roz Alexander - Twitter Roz Alexander - Facebook Roz Alexander - Instagram Roz Alexander - Competition bikini blog post Pure Sports Nutrition TMarie Suits Layne Norton Coaching Everyday Guy    

On this episode I’m talking with triathlon legend Chris McCormack, also famously known as Macca. This was an illuminating conversation that naturally drifted to the subjects of mental attitude and the all-important (but often neglected) subject of recovery.    He was gracious enough to provide me with time for our chat as we took in the sites of the Thanyapura training facility in Phuket and filled our conversation with bite sized, easy to understand take away nuggets of advice for the everyday athletes!    For many listeners he will need no introduction but for those not familiar with Macca’s incredible athletic career… After massive success in short run triathlons, he went on to win Ironman Australia every year from 2002 to 2006. Chris is now a two-time winner of the Ironman World Championship in 2007 and  2010 and author of I’m Here to Win - A World Champion's Advice for Peak Performance.   He is not only an expert in professional sport, but also in the business of sport, and you won’t want to miss his valuable advice during our talk. Originally from Australia, he now lives in Phuket, Thailand with his family and is a major force behind the spectacular Thanyapura Training Facility.    Topics discussed this episode:   ‘Mental toughness’ and pain management  Advice for everyday athletes   Choosing and training a team   Meditation, the pursuit of happiness and performance  Handling defeat and returning to the Ironman World Championships in 2010  Transition to corporate business  Plans for future racing  Balancing family and moving to Thailand  Process of publishing a book   Resources:   I’m Here to Win - Amazon  Thanyapura Training Camps  Chris McCormack - Twitter  United World College  Everyday Guy   

Today my guest is Julie-Anne Hazlett, participant in the 2015 Race Across America. Julie-Anne was part of The Veloroos, the first all female Australian team to compete in Race Across America and they broke a 19 year record during their run. Originally from Ireland, she began competing in triathlons since 2010 including the ITU Olympic Distance Age Group World Championships and the Ironman 70.3 World Championships. Julie-Anne works full-time as Head of Customer Experience for a system's integrator that specializes in Workforce Optimization software. Oh, and she gracefully juggles her work and personal life with her athletic training. Topics discussed this episode: Race Across America and The Veloroos team Logistics and crew support during Race Across America At the start line of Race Across America Rotation of riders during the race Highs, lows and difficulties during the race Julie-Anne’s background, work-life balance and start in triathlons Training for Race Across America Julie-Anne’s charities and sponsor support during Race Across America Advice for aspiring athletes Julia-Anne’s future plans Resources: The Veloroos The Veloroos Documentary The Veloroos - Facebook Race Across America Precision Athletica Tour de Cure Amy Gillett Foundation Pearlizumi Swiftwick Pure Sports Nutrition Profile Design Cheeky Velosport VeloRoo Bike Tours